Live each day

Receving the swat Katie turns quickly and just looks at Carson grinning for a long moment. There was something new about him, yet his old self was there. It was nice to see the changse and nice to see he didnt lose himself in the process.

Stoping for a moment and looking twords the door Katie lets out a long sigh and shakes her head at she leans on the pool stick.

"Yeah they are. Kind of hard to believe though huh?"

Giving a shake of her head Katie trys to block out the emotions that were starting to build again threating to cause her more pain. She needed to let them go for Jason's sake but she also needed to have a distraction as well as to not let them get to her.

Turning back to Carson Katie squints just a little but and points her pool stick at Carson.

"I believe its your turn. I'll be solid."

Sitting at the top of the fairis wheel with Kyle Alice looks out over the whole city. You could see so far from here is was amazing and put her in aw everytime.

"Everything looks so small from up here. We are ontop of everything and everyone. It makes problems seem so small up here two ya know."

For a moment a small glint pass in Alice's eyes. A possable memories of a time long gone, but a memorie non the less.

"Got to live each day to the fullest, life is to short to try and please everyone. Sometimes there is a time, when make ourself happy is important. For everything that goes wrong in life we cant always blame ourself as the answer. We have to some times let go of the blame and just live."

Some might think Alice was talking about Kyle and his situation and though it would fit, she was in face talking about her own life and a misshap that had happend a short while ago that still followed her, but it was aparent that though it hurt to think about it Alice had move past it and was ok now.

Swat

Carson grins at Katie's shot. "What was good? Your kick or your shot?"

Rolling his eyes, he moves around to the side, giving Katie's backside a swat with his cue stick. "I gotta be more careful around you, Kat."

"No." Jason points a finger at Austin. "That's not true. No one minds change. It's your tyranny we despise."

Austin opens his mouth, but suddenly, he retreats. Slumping down in a chair, he runs a hand over his face. "What happened to us, Jase? We use to be a good team."

Jason starts to cool down, by Austin's retreat. "Used to be? Did we? Or was it all you? How often did you make an idiot out of me when I didn't know it? How often did you just use me because I was good?"

The continued shouting in the next room makes Carson stop for a moment and sigh. "Those two really are related, aren't they?"

Good

Giving a long laugh Katie cant help but shake her head and than give Carson a light playful kick to the shin.

"You better watch it bud or I'll have to sick your girlfriend on you."

Kaite cant help the humor in her own eyes.

"Ok lets see if I can do this."

Taking aim with her pool stick she lets Carson's hands guild her own. Taking the shot she strantens up and watchs as the balls bounce one way than the next scattering across the table. A solid goes in the left bottom pocket and a stip goes in the right. Turning and looking at Carson a smile is on her lips as she eyes sparkle.

"Thats good right?"

Best shot

Turning to Katie's face, then receiving the kiss to his cheek, his eyes widen. For a split second, he hopes he hasn't given her some kind of wrong impression, but with her thanks, he knows that's not the case.

Looking back to the table, he clears his throat, a crooked grin returning. "If I woulda known I'd get that, I woulda taught you how to play pool sooner." He gives her a teasing growl, lifting his eyebrows up and down. Returning his attention to the game, the humor dances in his eyes.

"Yes... I do believe we were here, and you were taking aim. Give 'er your best shot."

Kiss

As the argument and tension grows behind the door Katie can feel it bottling up inside her as well, through trying to keep the lid on it is hard as to not affect the others.

At Jason's little explosion Katie cant help but give a small yelp in pain. It hurt, it hurt to have Jason just let his emotions fly around without letting them go slowly.

Looking at Carson as he helps her up Katie is a little hesitant at first. She wasnt sure how to play but Carson was trying to distract her that much was for certin.

Going over to the pool table Katie grabs a pool stick of her own and than moves back to the table. Still feeling all the emotions being thrown around Katie closes her eyes to try and steady herself. Suddanly feeling Carson's arm around her and hearing his voice Katie's eyes opens startled for just a moment. But than relizeing he was just trying to help her she can feel herself calm just a little. But trying to consintrat on his words and what he said Katie can feel her mind going to easy...his soft gentil voice by her ear was almost like a sweet lullaby that had a calming wave.

Receving the comment about being a pool shark Katie cant help but give a small chuckle.

"I think I am far from a pool shark for now anyways."

Turning her head just a little her face is inches from Carson. Searching his eyes for a long moment Katie can see the long and comfort in his eyes he wanted her to have. He hated having to do this to her with Jason but it was the only way.

Leaning in just a little more Katie smiles and gives a soft kiss to Carson's cheek before withdrawing again.

"Thank you Carson."

Looking back at the pool table Katie can feel her emotions calm down enough to where she could pit a lid on them though she new, that they could again blow at anytime the distraction was gone, but for now she was ok.

"I do believe you were showing me how to play this game, and how to shoot."

Pool

Carson rolls his eyes at the muffled shouting in the locked room and gives Katie a nod. "Hang in there."


"What do you think you're doing, Jason?!"

"Me? I'm not the one walking around like I own the place!"

"What happened? Did you give up so early?"

"Yes." Jason's eyes blaze with anger, his tone raised. "I did give up. I gave up on you a long time ago, Austin. And don't you ever insult me like you did a few days ago. I'm glad now you gave me the chance to crash and burn because I chose not to. But you take advantage of me one more time and you'll be sorry."

"Are you threatening me?"

"What if I am?"

"You have no right!" Jason's anger boils over and suddenly a hinge on the door explodes, sending little bits of debris in and out of the room.


Carson whirls around, seeing a small hold in the side of the door. "Hey! Cut it out in there! We can't afford new doors around here!"

He turns back around and eyes Katie. He didn't understand her connection with Jason, but he knew good and well that Jason's outbursts of anger would not only be uncomfortable for her, but painful as well.

"Hey, Kat..." He wanders closer and reaches down to pull her up out of her chair. "How about a game of pool?"

Ambling to the table, he grabs a cue stick off the wall, trying to provide a distraction for Katie. "I'll show you how a real pro plays." Though his tone was bragging, the spark in his eye proved the teasing behind it. He knew Katie didn't know how to play pool, but he convinces her to come over anyway, and sets up the balls.

"This is how you hold the stick and you just aim and..." Carson glances to Katie again, seeing her rigid. He could feel his own nervousness growing, and knew it was from her tension. He could call Jason and Austin out, but he didn't want to. Not yet. He had to keep things together.

"... here... let me show you." Bringing Katie closer, he doesn't ask, but puts his strong arms around her, not hesitating, and placing the stick in her own hands. "Steady on, mate," he urges gently. "It'll be over soon."


"You helped put me in prison! You have torn apart the insides of TJY! You tortured a man who was half-dead because of your selfish pride and your stupid ideas of how people work and who keeps their loyalty where!"

"I didn't want to get you in prison!"

"But you did!"


Reese looks between the closed door and Carson. "For pete's sake, Carson, is this necessary?"

Carson pauses at the pool table. "You put me in charge," he answers calmly, but firmly. "I want my team to have their heads on straight, and if getting Jason's danged anger out is the way to do it, then so be it. We can't get out of here until late tonight anyway."

"But..."

"Leave it be," Carson warns. "Or do you want someone else?"

Reese sighs. He didn't like hearing the shouting. He didn't like seeing Katie hurting. But he didn't have much of a choice. "Call me when you need me back." Making an exit, he slips out into the hall.

Carson concentrates back on Katie again, trying to keep up the distraction. "Alright, pool shark, where were we?"


"I did it to save your life!" A new desperation fills Austin's voice. "Don't you know I care about you?"

Jason's wall wavers. "You do not."

"Yes I do!" Austin dares to step closer. "From the minute I saw you, Jason, I cared! You've been dealt a rough hand, I know, and I know that I haven't helped any! But you can't go around blaming people for everything, and you can't go around acting like an immature brat!"

"Who's the immature one, Austin?" Jason's voice rises again. "You're the one turning people away and treating us all like dirt!"

"I know how to run this place!"

"Well you certainly didn't show it! No one wants you here anymore! Or haven't you noticed?!"

"They just don't like change."

Deal

For a moment Katie is almost stunned as she finds out what there mission is for. Katie had hurd that Angel was here and was hoping to see her but this is not how she exspected it.

Angel is sick J...thats....

For a moment somthing clicks in Katie's mind that almost makes her wonder. Her emotions that was sent out was a strong one that perhaps she didnt mean to. The thought of her mother cross her mind as a sadness is attached.

We have to help her J we have to.

As the meeting continues Katie listens closely and cant help the small laugh that escapes her lips as Carson mentions Jason and her talking ability.

"I cant promise anything Carson but I will try my best to keep you in the loop on what is said."

As Katie goes to say more she in interrupted by Austin bursting into the room. Shocked for a moment Katie just sits there a listins till finally she cant take it any longer

"Austin, we are very capable of many things as you can see. You've shot everyone down long enough I think its about time you just see how capable we are."

As Katie's statment goes un noticed she just sits back in her chair and lets out a sigh as the fighting between the two men continue. The emotions of Jason over flowing mixed with her own.

Turning her head slightly as Carson ushers the two men into the other room a small smerk forms on her face as her eyes meet Carson's.

"I understand and untill they do shut up or straghten whatever out I'll just have to deal."

Sitting in the chair again Katie trys to consintrat on the peace of paper she was holding though it wasnt working to well prepairing herself for the explotion that was going to come. She new it would and she was feeling the affects already.

Shut door

Alice's comment about bears makes Kyle smile and he starts to relax. While being outgoing, he didn't normally spend time alone with someone he hardly knew, but for some reason, being with Alice, he didn't think much of it. She'd already seen him at his worst, even having only met him twice - he could only go up from there, so he didn't really mind just being himself. He knows he had been a grouch, and so he tries doubly hard to turn his attitude around, at least for Alice's sake. Leaving his truck behind for the afternoon felt as if he was leaving his bad morning behind as well, if only temporarily.


Those in the infirmary are glad for the coffee and thank Misty gratefully.

Rick shakes his head, but doesn't seem any more concerned than earlier. "No change. Which is good at this point. If we can keep her this stable until a breakthrough, we'll be doing well."

Luke takes a sip of his coffee and leans back in his chair. He'd dozed off for a little while, but now forced himself to stay awake again. At this point, the dull pain in his legs didn't compare to the worry in his heart.

Jeff paces in order to stretch his legs, and is the first done with his coffee. Taking the opportunity, he goes out into the hall to wander for a few minutes and take more of a look around than he'd had so far. TJY fascinated him.


In the basement room are Jason, Reese and Carson. All three look up as Katie enters, having just gotten started with their discussion.

Jason gives her half a smile and reaches an arm out to pull her in close, planting a kiss on her forehead.

Sorry about earlier. I'm okay now. Just had to cool off. Thanks for being patient. ...We just got started here.

Carson eyes Katie and Jason for a moment, a strange glint passing in his eye that matches the slight grin at the corner of his mouth, but he says nothing. "Hey, Kat. Glad you made it."

Reese stands near the table and folds his arms across his chest. "Alright, you two. We've got a delicate situation here. Upstairs is Angel Lachey. I know you both know her."

Jason's eyes widen as he lets his hand fall back to his side. "I didn't see her."

"That's because she's in the infirmary and is deathly ill."

Jason tenses.

I hadn't heard about that. I knew she'd been here, but sick?

"We think it's the Agency," Reese finishes grimly.

Jason eyes Carson then Reese again. "And... now what?"

"That's where Carson comes in."

Carson takes in a deep breath and tucks his hands partway in his jeans pockets. "I've chosen the both of you to go with me to locate and bring back the antidote."

Jason eyes him with slight suspicion. "And where is that?"

"Australia."

The location hits hard. Jason blinks and glances to Katie.

Australia? That's... wow. I think I trust Carson though so... I'm game if you are. Especially if it will save Angel.

Carson's eyes narrow at the silence. "First rule though - if you two have something to say, I'd appreciate it if I heard it too."

Jason can't help his grin. "Not fair."

Carson chuckles. "Hey, you two are the unfair ones here. I'm gonna need you though. I chose you specifically."

"You?"

"Carson will be in charge," Reese explains. "Civilian or not, while on this case, both of you will take orders from him. Can you do that?"

Jason quirks an eyebrow, but nods. "Yeah, as long as he isn't stupid."

Carson rolls his eyes. "Thanks for the confidence." He tosses a wink at Katie. "Hero trusts me."


Austin exits the hotel at a faster pace than when he'd entered. He'd received no phone calls. He had heard nothing. He had received no news from TJY or Jason, or anyone at the ranch. The sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach warned him that he may have just gotten what he'd asked for.

The drive to TJY seemed to take longer than it should have. He didn't want to think the worst, so he would go there first. The guy at the hotel had said that three men had come and taken Angel, one saying he was her husband. It could be true. It could have been Luke. Austin only hoped it was. Otherwise they were dealing with something much worse. He would go to TJY first. If no one there knew anything, he would start an immediate investigation.

Getting to the building, Austin is quick to get inside. He hadn't planned on being back until he heard he was needed, but he would have to set that agenda aside for now.

"Austin?"

He looks quickly to the hall, surprised to see Jeff. "Jeff... what are you doing here?"

"Luke and I came for Angel. We didn't know if you knew or not."

"Knew what?" Austin's worry increases.

Jeff remains grim. "We think she's been poisoned."

"Poisoned?" Panic hits Austin and he moves to go to the infirmary, but Jeff stops him.

"She's just sleeping now. Somebody is putting together a team to go look for the antidote."

"Where are they?"

"I don't know... downstairs I think. But I..." Jeff's sentence trails off as Austin heads to the stairs, not waiting for him to finish. Jeff sighs and shrugs. He didn't know the whole story here... maybe he didn't want to. For now he was just here for Luke until they could go home.

Austin heads downstairs two steps at a time. Hearing voices in the main room, he enters without knocking.

The others look up quickly. Jason immediately tenses.

Austin searches the faces. "I want to know what's going on now," he demands. He points to Carson. "And who is this?"

"You're not in charge anymore," Jason growls. "Back off."

"Hey," Reese intervenes. "Cool it. Austin, we're just forming a team to look for an antidote for Angel. We have what we need."

"Who asked you?" Austin snaps.

"Back off," Jason growls. "You're not in charge anymore, or have you not noticed."

"Well it looks like you're a bit over your head." Austin crosses his arms defiantly. "And I think I should be in on this."

"Jase isn't in charge either," Carson intervenes. "Reese is, and I have the team I want."

"You're Carson aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Great. Someone who was thrown off the force is now back in. Who decided this?"

Reese holds up his hands. "Hey, cut it out. Austin, I suggest you go back upstairs and I'll talk with you about it shortly."

Jason glares at his grandfather. "Better yet, why don't you keep on going and walk right on out of here? You don't deserve to be in on any of this."

"Hey, Angel is my friend," Austin snaps. "Don't talk to me like that."

"I'll talk to you however I want to!" Jason defies, raising his voice.

"You have yet to learn respect! You don't even deserve to be in the Elite, let alone on a mission like this!"

"If you have a problem with me, talk to the boss! At least he thinks I'm capable! It so happens that..."

"Hey!" Carson barks at the two taller men, making them stop. "Jason, you got a problem with your grandfather?"

Jason rolls his eyes. "What does it look like, genius?"

That was the wrong thing to say. Carson's eyes narrow. "You gonna be on my team, then let's get one thing straight - you will come with a clear head. He turns to Austin. And you will not interfere. Is that understood?"

His words don't help as the two start to bicker again. Carson turns to Katie and throws his arms in the air, frustrated. "What is it with these two? We need to go, and instead we're standing here witnessing a shouting match!"

Before anyone can react, Carson reaches up and grabs Jason's jacket collar. With the other hand, he twists Austin's arm behind his back, and he shoves both of them toward a side room door.

"What the..." Jason tries to fight him off, but stumbles to the door. "Carson!"

Austin glares at Carson. "What do you think you're doing? This is..."

Suddenly both men's loud voices are muffled behind a shut door that is being locked. Carson turns around, out of breath and leans against the door. "When it's quiet, we'll continue. Until then, sorry, Katie. I know this doesn't feel good for you either."

30 min

Pointing to her passanger side door Alice summone Kyle to get in.

"I dont think you were inapropret at all and as for being a bear thats ok I like bears they are cuddaly."

Once Kyle is in the jeep and buckled up Alice is off once again following closly the directions that Kyle was giving her. The talk was small and light as she tryed to just get to know Kyle more. The out bust in her mind being forgotten.

Once back at TJY Misty makes her way for the infermary but than takes a quick backtrack to the break rooms. Grabbing a few styrafome cups Misty pours some coffee into them not sure if everyone drinks it or not but it was worth a shot.

Finished she heads for the infermary again and enters giving everyone a cup she gives a small smile heading over to Ricks desk and handing him a cup too.

"How is she?"

Heading down the road Katie is not sure where she is going. She just felt like dirving. There was a rift between all her friends and it didnt feel good.

As Jason's emotion message break up her silence Katie mind goes from one thing to another. A case that would be out of town. They hadnt been on one of those in so long it sparked a bit of excitment inside Katie.

Alright, I'll go home and get some stuff together. I'll meet ya at TJY in 30 min.

Turning her car around Katie goes back the way she came taking some twists and turns till she reaches home. Getting inside Katie throws a few things into a bag she know she will need. Going into her closet she reaches for her extra ammo and throws it into her bag making sure the gun in her holster was set as well.

Going over everything once more Katie finally exits the house once again and before long is at TJY. Entering the building Katie stops for a moment trying to feel where Jason is before asking. Finding out the were down in the lower level Katie makes her way there. Entering she is saprised for a moment to see Carson but it was nice non the less. It had always was good to see him at TJY again.

"Ok, so whats up?"

Needed

Kyle's shoulders drop a little bit more, brought down from the height of his frustrations. He was glad neither woman seemed too put out by his little outburst, though his red face showed he was embarrassed anyway.

Looking to Katie as she touches his arm, he gives a little nod, a faint grin returning to the corner of his mouth. "Yeah, Hero. My phone drowned yesterday in a cloudburst, but... yeah, I'll call if I need you. Just..." He heaves a weary sigh. "...tell Jason I'm not upset with him, will ya? I'll get out of his hair soon enough."

Waving her off, he waits until she's gone to turn back to Alice. Cocking his head, the intense emotions slowly fade from his eyes. "I'm sorry, Alice," he apologizes quietly. "If I had any sense, I wouldn't have spouted off like that, least of all in front of somebody like you."

He leans an elbow on her door at the open window and just stares at her for a moment, trying to figure out her motives. "I just ruined band practice, I have no job, I have no where to go, I just behaved totally inappropriately, and I'm feeling like crap. But if you really don't care, then I suppose I really don't have a good excuse to say no."

He grimaces at himself and squints. "Yeah... I'm being a real bear, aren't I?" He wasn't normally like this... he hated feeling this way... he hated feeling uptight and upset like this, but he just couldn't seem to pull himself back up lately no matter what he tried.

"I'm grateful for your invitation, and maybe getting away for a couple hours would do me some good. So... if the offer still stands after I've made an idiot of myself... I can ride with you and swing back by later to pick up my truck... or... if that was just totally inappropriate of me even to suggest that, I'll lead the way."

Straightening, a sheepish laugh escapes. "Yeah... I'm doing real good today. Just tell me what to do, Alice. I can't get my brain untangled enough to keep me out of trouble."


Drawn into Misty's kiss, a smile comes to Carson's lips. "Mm... maybe we shoulda started stocking up a long time ago."

He cocks his head and returns again, closing his eyes as he feels Misty's fingers run through his hair. He holds her even closer, his arms easily wrapping around her slim waist.

When she pulls away, he just looks into her eyes, loving her hand running down his face. "I think I'd rather you not let me go," he muses. "Adventure on a mission or not... spending a day with a sassy sheila like you simply can't be beat."

Resting his forehead against hers, his crooked grin grows. "I told you once I was yours," he whispers. "No matter what happened... that never changed."

Turning to kiss her cheek and move down to her lips again, Carson simply doesn't want to leave. But the buzzing cellphone on his belt annoys him out of the moment. Drawing away, he sighs. "So much for that... You'll just have to save up while I'm gone."

Finally backing up a step, he ruffles Misty's hair. He opens his mouth to say something, but the phone persists. Smirking, he pulls it out and sees it's Reese. "Yeah, I'm on my way back."

He grabs his bag and gestures with his head to the door to have Misty follow him out, and shuts the door with his foot. "Yep, I got it," he keeps talking to Reese. "Not yet... see me when I get back and by then I'll know. Yeah. I still got a couple calls. Right. Okay. Bye."

By now, he and Misty are back outside, and he aims for her car, throwing his bag into the back seat. "Alright, Missy. Off we go."

It doesn't seem to take long enough to get back to TJY. Though the mission was exciting, and though time was of the essence if they were to save Angel, a feeling of danger lingered. And for once... Carson had something back home that he didn't want to lose.

Pushing the feelings aside though, he slings an arm around Misty's shoulder to walk inside. Once there, he's split up in order to go talk with Reese while she returns to the infirmary.


"Jason."

Jason holds his phone to his ear as he looks out he windshield of his parked truck. The lake had been his destination today and he wouldn't have answered the phone had he not seen it was Reese. "Yeah. I'm coming in."

"Good. I didn't want to break up your band practice, but you and Katie are needed on the double."

Jason straightens a little. Reese sounded tense. "What is it?"

"I don't want to talk about it over the phone. But pack a bag."

Jason knew this meant he was on a case that would take him out of town. "Right. Give me forty-five minutes. You called Katie?"

"Not yet."

"I'll tell her to come in too."

"Thanks. And Jase?"

"Yeah?"

"Find a sitter for your dog."

It was going to be a long case. Jason nods. "Will do." Hanging up, he turns his truck back on and pulls out of the parking lot. He hadn't talked with Katie since Mike's, and hadn't let her in on all his emotions either. But now he was glad for their communication.

Katie, we're on some kind of case. Don't know what or where, but it's out of town and might take a while. Pack a bag. Reese wants us in the office pronto.

Mood

Keeping the smile on her face Alice gives a nod to Katie as they are introduced and Katie gives a nod back.

"Nice to meet you."

"Like wise."

Katie replys.

After both ladys introduce themself the silence lingers for only a moment until Kyle's outburst is made know. Startling Katie she gives a tiny jump. Not exspecting something like that from Kyle.

Nothing seemingly shocked by Kyle's outburst Alice just turns her head to look at him the smile still playing on her lips. What ran through her mind was nothing bad about Kyle and her oppion of him was not changing at all. For all she saw now was a man who was confused and hurt, that needed a good time again.

" I can see you are in a fole mood, and might think you wouldnt be good company but if I really thought that I wouldnt have invited you to come with me. Your friend can come to if she like."

Alice gives a nod to Katie not really sure if that was just a friend or Kyle's girlfriend but eather way she didnt want to step on toes.

Giving a small smile Katie backs up a few steps. She wasnt sure who Alice was but she new Kyle and that was enough to say she was an ok person. She couldnt protect him from everything.

"Oh no...thank you for the invite but I probley should be going myself now. I only wanted to make sure Kyle was going to be ok."

Giving his arm a light tap Katie gives a smile to him.

"If you need anything Kyle please call ok?"

Misty looks up at Carson a grin playing on her face. She was going to miss him too but she new this was something though he didnt say it he was looking forward to and help me feel a certin sence of acceptince again.

Just stairing back into Carson eyes for a moment Misty closes her own as his lips touched hers. Like a million times before it always felt new and fresh when Carosn kissed her. Never had she tired of them as she held a new emotions and a new adventure. Pulling away for a moment an ever so familure sassy grin forms on on her lips.

"You can stock up on as many as you need I certinly wont mind, because I need to stock up on my own too."

Leaning in again Misty brings her lips to Carson's taking in the moment once more. Bringing her on arm to his back and the other to his head she runs her fingers slowly through his hair as her heart beat in her chest fastly. Moments like this Misty wished would never die though she new they had to.

Pulling away once again Misty smile up at him a glint in her eyes.

"If we dont get back now, I might not let you go back at all."

Bringing a hand to his face she runs a thumb down his cheek.

"I sure am gonna miss you."

Frustrations

Kyle continues to stand, his back to Katie. He knew he loved music... and his own grandmother's words hadn't left him. But right now, it didn't do much to boost his spirits. Anything that didn't help fix this didn't seem like anything to consider.

Katie's words ran through his mind, but before he can respond, he sees the strange vehicle. He hadn't noticed the other day what Alice had been driving, so he was a bit surprised to see her as she pulls up and rolls down the window. He knew his eyes were red. He knew the look on his face was not one of some happy rock star. But he didn't try to cover it up... not this time. A smile just wouldn't come.

Her invitation and dilemma are barely heard. All Kyle can remember are her words from the day before, mixing with Katie's now. Out of nowhere, his raised voice comes.

"A rift isn't inevitable! I don't care how danged important music is to me, it's not more important than my friends! And if music is tearing us apart then to heck with it!"

He throws his arms up in the air, his frustrations coming out. "I don't care what either of you say. If my dreams are more important than my friends and family, then it's me who's got the problem, not them."

The tears that had built up earlier threatened again, but didn't spill over. Kyle shakes his head in defeat. "Why can't anybody just tell me it really is me with the problem, when that's the truth? Maybe the others could be more understanding, but they're right... split loyalties will only make things worse. I should be able to make up my mind."

Kyle stops his rant and runs his hands over his face. Turning around, he leans back against Alice's jeep. His eyes lowered along with his tone, he gestures between the two women. "Alice, Katie. Katie, Alice." He sighs deeply, totally defeated.

Looking back up at Katie, he apologizes. "I'm sorry, Hero. Thanks for coming after me." Turning his head, he looks at Alice. "As for you... I'll tell you how to get where you're going, but I highly doubt you want someone like me to keep you company today."


"Knock knock."

"Mm-hmm..." Reese is busy looking over some paperwork and doesn't look up. "What is it?"

Gunner leans on the doorway and hooks his hands in his pockets. "Well that's a fine welcome."

Looking up quickly, Reese's eyes widen. "Brent?"

Gunner smiles. "Surprise."

"Well how did you...?"

"I figured somebody in the infirmary might fill you in. I'm the one that brought the two guys from Texas."

"Ohhh." Now Reese understood. "Well it's great to see you. Come in, sit down."

Gunner accepts the invitation and takes an empty chair. "So you're the big boss now, 'eh?"

Reese chuckles. "Guess so. What were you doing in Texas anyway? I thought you were in Arizona."

"Arizona?!" Gunner's eyes widen. "I've been in Texas since we first got sent there."

"What? I was told that you'd been moved around at least twice now. Nobody's supposed to be off base for that long."

"Well tell that to our dear friend Austin." Gunner cocks his head. "I just about grew roots in that shack called a cabin."

"For pity sake..." Reese grabs a piece of paper to scribble a note. "Why didn't you say anything. You want back here?"

Gunner leaned forward, not wanting to hope. "For real?"

"Sure. I can get someone else in Texas to replace you if you want. Why haven't you requested that?"

Gunner shrugs. "Figured I didn't have much say and I didn't want to lose my job. You're serious? About me coming back?"

"Your cubicle is still unoccupied."

A smile surfaces beneath Gunner's beard. "That's got to be the best invitation I've heard in a long time. You got stuff for me to do?"

Reese looks up as if Gunner was stupid. "You know better than to ask a question like that."


Carson throws a few things into his backpack, picking out only the bare essentials. Stepping back out into the hall, he gives one last look around, knowing he's got to be satisfied with what he's got. Anything else he could get through the Elite.

Back into the living room, he sighs and looks at Misty. "Guess that's it. I'll call Dani when I get back to TJY and Herb too, to let him know what's going on. I'm pretty sure he'll understand. And..." He shrugs. "That's that."

Moving towards her, he sets his backpack on the couch, then sets his hands on Misty's shoulders, giving them a little rub. "I hope I'm not gone too long... I'm gonna miss that smile of yours."

He tilts her chin up with a finger so he can stare down into her eyes. He was worried. Despite his excitement to be back on a case and back into some action, this would require getting very close to the Agency. And for someone like him, who had betrayed them, it was dangerous. He could only hope and pray that things went smoothly with the team he chose.

A sly grin curls the edge of his mouth, and his tone quiets. "I better stock up before I leave." Leaning in, he kisses her lips, his hands moving down to draw her in close.

Indoor Fair

Looking up at Carson Misty gives a smile. Bringing her own hand to his face she just runs a thumb over his cheek.

"I always new the end was no where near."

Leaning in Misty gives Carson a kiss on the lips before pulling away and just leaning her head on his head for a moment. So many things ran through her mind and so many options. Having Carson all the way across country she new would be a little nerve rattaling but she had to trust him and know he would be ok. Not to mention he was bringing a team with him.

"I know I cant go with you, even if I want to. This isnt a joy ride and I...can deal with staying behind. You just becarfel you hear me?"

Giving him another hug Misty finally backs away any smiles. She really did want to go but deep down she new that there was a greater reason there of why she was told to stay behind. And for the first time Misty felt at peace with it.

"Sure, I can drive ya back home and than here again not a problem at all."

Grabbing her keys from her desk she informs Rick she will be right back and than checks on Angel one more time before leaving. Smiling as she see the Luke had finally fallen asleep himself.

"Alright lets get goin."

Letting out a small sigh Katie just listens to Kyle. The pain in his voice was great and though she new he was not upset with her she couldnt help but feel the pain that was there. She hated seeing her friends hurt. She felt helpless not knowing exacly what was going on with him.

"Selfish or not you deserve to be happy and have what you want to Kyle. Some people might not understand but they would get use to the idea."

Closing the passanger side door Katie hurrys to catch up with Kyle and walk along side of him for a long moment before stoping and just looking out at the harizon.

"You love music more than anything Kyle, and as for rifts they are inavitable. they are gonna hap...."

Katie sentince is cut off by the sound of a horn as a car approches. Just looking at the red jeep for a long moment Katie dosnt reconise who it is.

Turning down the dirt road Alice figure maybe this would lead to where she wanted to go. Continuing down the road she spots two cars on the side and than two people. Drawing closer she notices one is Kyle. The look on his face is anything but happy and for a moment Alice's heart goes out to him.

Not knowing who the young lady was with him Alice remembers Kyle said he had no girlfriend so hat rules that out.

Laying on the horn as she draws closer Alice's smile remains on her face as she rolls her window down and leans out just a little. Giving a nod to Katie she looks to Kyle.

"Facny meeting you out here. I've seemed to actully gotten myself lost. I am trying to get to the next town over for the little indoor fair they are gaving. I wanted to take some pictures and what not."

Alice stops for a moment searching Kyle's face. How sad and tired his eyes looks. Much differnt from the day before.

"You could always use some comapny I am bad with direction. If you would like to come with and direct me there. Not to mention I hurd its alot of fun."

A mistake

Life had suddenly turned upside down once more. For Carson, it was a taste of what he used to love. He'd become satisfied with his everyday life... but he wasn't going to pass up this chance. The only catch was that the success of this mission was on his shoulders, not someone else's.

Standing back, he watches Misty work with Angel, his mind working overtime.

Jeff paces for a few minutes, then finally wanders out of the infirmary to find something to eat. Luke stays by Angel's side, his hand still in hers, though his eyelids grow heavier and heavier until he's finally fallen into a light sleep.

Carson still watches. It was quiet enough that the ticking clock on the wall seemed to be a loud gong. He had to figure out what he needed. He had to form a plan. He had to figure out where they needed to go in Australia and who they could meet up with once they were there. They would need an ally.

Sighing, he wanders over to Misty's desk where she was standing, and wraps his arms around her waste from behind, leaning so his chin rested on her shoulder. "Looks like this Aussie of yours still has an adventure or two left in him."

Moving around, he gives Misty's lips a kiss. "I'd take you with me, but you need to stay here and help Rick." In the back of his mind, he knew another reason too, but he would probably get into trouble for saying it.

A smile makes its way to Carson's face and he puts a hand to Misty's cheek, running a thumb over her lips. "Behave yourself while I'm gone, will you?"

He wants to stay. He wants this to just be a social call so he could hang around and spend some time with Misty. But he knows he can't. "I need a ride back home to get some things. Can you run me there and back really quick? Anything else I can do over the phone."


Kyle sees Katie's car in his side mirror, but doesn't make a move to leave. He wasn't surprised to see her... if anyone would have noticed his whereabouts, it would be her... she saw everything.

As she comes around to the passenger side of his truck, he doesn't look at her. His eyes remain fixed on the road ahead that led to nowhere. Part of him wanted to be left alone. And part of him didn't want to feel lonely.

"Whether or not I feel alone really isn't the issue here, is it?" he finally answers. His tone was cooler than normal, especially when talking to Katie. But much more was the hurt underneath the tone. "The issue is my selfish nature, getting me into a mess like this and risking friendships over something as silly as a dream."

Shaking his head, Kyle gets out on his side, shutting the door a little harder than need be. Stuffing his keys in his pocket, he trudges down the road, knowing that Katie will follow. Putting his hands in his jacket pockets, he takes in a deep breath. The air was crisp, but the sun was warm.

"I don't even know what I want anymore, Katie." His statement was quiet, but he knew she'd hear. "I know I'm not alone. I know my attitude sucks, and I know I'm taking things way too personally. But I just..."

His voice cracks. His emotions hit him unexpectedly, a sudden low that he hates. But the burning tears behind his eyes don't pay head to his will to hold them back. His attempts to subdue his plummeting emotions had only served to worsen them.

Stopping, he deliberately keeps his back to Katie, taking an angry swipe at his eyes. "Dang it," he mutters under his breath. This really was ridiculous. There was no call for a display like this. But never had he felt so out of control when it came to his feelings.

"All I'm doing is creating a rift between the bands," he mumbles. "It isn't worth it. I should just leave and let everyone be. It was a mistake to get wrapped up in Cryptic... maybe pursuing music was a mistake in the first place."

Not alone

Standing but still listing Misty heads to the cabinet to see what they had to allergy medication or if they had any benadryl left. Listing closly for a moment Misty's heart seems to race. Carson back in action under TJY. Memories of a time long past floor her mind as a small smile comes to her lips.

Turning around Misty readys a sarynge as her eyes meet Carson's for a moment and she can see the flame in them of something he thought was lost. Giving a nod and a smile she gives him the silent encuragment.

Drawing near Angel Misty leans over her giving her a soft smile as she spoke.

"Angel, I am just going to give you some Benadryl ok? We are gonna see if it cant help at all for you. You hang in there alright."

Once at Mike's Katie takes up her normal spot down stairs on the coutch. Just relaxing and listing to the music. but as the minutes drone on the tention can be felt till the emplotion happens.

To shocked by many things Katie is not sure what to say. Hearing that Kyle was drpressed was a shocker in itself. Just sitting almost frozen Katie isnt sure what to think as Kyle leaves. She felt bad for him, and she also felt back for Jason. So much was going on with him.

Following him up the steps Katie is about to say something but stops as she receves his message.

Ok, I'll be around just let me know if you wanna do anything later.

Heading to her own car and glancing up Katie takes note that Kyle didnt turn down the way he normaly did. Something didnt feel right and Katie didnt like the feeling of not knowing. Getting into her car she pull sout of Mike's parking lot and goes the same why Kyle did.

Thinking she lost him she is about to turn around when she see his truck up ahead stoped on the side of the road. Parking her car behind his Katie gets out and goes to the passanger side knocking on the window first and than opening the door.

"You know, they don't call me Hero just because I can talk to Jason. I'm a good listinger, a good friend, and I wont judge you. I can even sit here all day just dont you dont feel alone, Because your not Kyle."

Depression

Carson stands for a moment, unsure of what was going on. But he did know what Misty was implying. If they were going to save Angel's life, they needed the antidote. If they needed the antidote, someone would have to go to Australia to get it. And if someone had to go to Australia, Carson was first to come to mind.

His mind races as he tries to think of how something like that could be accomplished, while at the same time, trying to remember anything that would help them now.

"I don't know enough about this stuff." He shakes his head. "They didn't want anything else to be able to hold off the affects of the poison, so it's specifically engineered to not be thwarted by anything." He takes a deep breath and runs a hand over his face. "Benadryl."

Rick lifts his eyebrows. "What?"

"You know - something for allergies."

"Yes, so?"

Carson keeps racking his brain. "So the way two-sixty-seven works, part of it like, convinces the body that there's something foreign there in order to create an allergic reaction. It's not really, but that's the way the body reacts. Once the immune system targets the poison and tries to get rid of it, the next level of the poison gets through the back door."

He keeps thinking, not even sure if this was making sense, or if what he remembered really was accurate. "So if you give her something like Benadryl, it might trick the body into think it's got help, and leave that first-step dosage alone, allowing the immune system to start battling what's really affecting her. It might buy her some time."

Rick glances to Misty and gives a little shrug. "It's worth a try. In the meantime though..." He looks back to Carson. "What about Australia?"

"What about it? I got kicked off this team, remember?" Carson's eyes fall as he realizes that a small portion of bitterness over the past still remained. "You'll have to take it up with Austin I guess."

"Reese," Rick corrects.

"What?"

"Long story." Rick goes to the phone and picks it up, dialing Reese's office and requesting he come to the infirmary.

Within seconds, Reese is there, asking what's going on. A brief explanation brings him up to date quickly, after first finding out who these strangers are. Being told about the poison and the dire need for the antidote, all that was left was the silence after explaining where one would need to go.

Reese hooks his thumbs in his pockets and looks between everyone in the room. Those from the ranch... his physicians... and someone he wished had stayed on the straight and narrow to begin with. "What are you recommending?" he asks Rick.

Rick sighs deeply. "We need the antidote if we're going to save Angel's life. And... quite frankly, if they've gotten to her, they may get to someone else. If that's the case, then getting the antidote will not only help this case, but may help us prevent others. It's in TJY's best interest to go find it."

"And... who would be on the team to find it?"

"That's why you're here." There was no teasing in Rick's voice. He was serious. No one could decide that but Reese.

Reese purses his lips as he thinks. He knew time was crucial right now. But even so, no one would be able to leave until tomorrow at the earliest. Finally he looks over to Carson. "Mr. Banks?"

"Yes?"

"What say you?"

Carson glances to Misty, then back to Reese. "I say you need someone who knows where they're going."

"Are you volunteering?"

"Can I?" Carson cocks his head. "Wouldn't that be frowned upon?"

"Does my authority mean nothing to you?" Reese's eyes show a fiery glint. "I'm the boss here for a reason. Maybe some would complain because of your record, but we brought you here once when your record was quite colorful. I don't see why we can't now."

Despite the rush of adrenaline the mere thought of the mission stirred up, Carson withholds any plans in his mind. "I'm a civilian now, Reese."

"Are you saying you've forgotten how to do you your job?"

The question brings on the desired defense. "Of course not."

"Then what's your problem? Can you lead a team to Australia and bring us back the antidote?"

Carson looks to Misty one more time. "I'm the only man you got that can get you anywhere close."

"Then you make plans to leave," Reese states flatly. "But this case is confidential." He looks around the room. "Those of us here at TJY may know about it. But the public will be kept unaware, is that understood?" Receiving nods, he turns to Carson again. "How many men?"

"Give me an hour to tell you."

"You got it. Soon as you know what you need, see me. From now until you get back, you're mine."

Once Reese is gone, Carson is quiet for several moments. But in his eyes is an old fire... one that had been dying to be lit again. Turning, he just looks at Misty for a long minute. If only for a short time... it felt good to be back.


Jason grins as he backs out of the driveway. He loved Katie's sense of humor.

Oh, just meet me at Mike's I guess. That way if anything comes up or Reese calls me back in or something, we can be split up. Phil and Mike gotta quit about one o'clock, so I told Reese I'd be in after that. I might wind up playing hookie the whole day though, depending.

Humor laces his silent words.

The time is now. Race ya there.

It's not long before JetStream is in Mike's basement, talking and practicing. While laughter came though, something still wasn't right. Tension was there... one that no one wanted to talk about or admit to...

"...and I am not alone."

The music continues, then falls apart until everyone has stopped. Kyle's shoulders drop and he rubs his forehead tiredly. "Can we just skip over this one?"

Jason sighs in frustration. "Kyle, we've gone over this song five times already. Now what?"

"It's just not..." Kyle shakes his head. "I don't know. "It just doesn't feel right."

"Well do you want to do it?" Though Jason hadn't meant to snap, the tone of his voice showed his true feelings of annoyance that Kyle wasn't pleased, and that Jason was tired of pretending he was over the other night.

Kyle's face reddens. "Look, I told you when you got here that that's not what I want. I said we'd just keep going like always."

He had. As soon as the band had gathered in Mike's basement, Kyle had addressed the night of the concert and had apologized to everyone. Though Jason had accepted, the tension still ran thick.

Jason looks down at his guitar.

He said it alright, but did he mean it? You can't tell me that after the other night, he doesn't want to be in my place right now, in the spotlight. I can't even sing right for him anymore.

"Okay, guys," Phil intervenes before an argument starts. "Lets just take a breather, shall we?"

"A breather won't fix this," Jason retorts.

"Come on, Jase," Jen prompts gently from her seat at the bottom of the stairs. "We all need a break."

Receiving the reprimand, no matter how gentle it was, and no matter the kind intentions behind it, was not the thing to do. Jason grits his teeth, now embarrassment falling into the pot of mixed emotions. Not letting himself give up on the moment, he raises his eyes to look at Kyle, defying Jen's words. "What about Cryptic?"

His question creates a silence no one enjoyed. Kyle looks down at his keyboard, running a finger along the silent keys. "Logan's pulling out."

Mike's eyes widen. "What? Why?"

"Doctor warned him that his vocal chords are being strained too much. He opted to take an extended time-out before too much damage occurred."

Phil lets out a low whistle. "Yeah, he's been going at it pretty hard for a while now. What are they going to do?"

Kyle shrugs.

Jason's eyes narrow. "They asked you to take his place, didn't they?"

Finally Kyle looks up at him. "What if they did?"

"Then I'd say thanks alot for leaving us all behind."

"I wouldn't have to," Kyle argues. "I can still play for JetStream."

"And wear yourself out?" Jen asks, now equally concerned.

Kyle throws up his arms. "No one cared about what happened to me before, why start now? As long as I'm standing here behind my keyboard and filling in the cracks for y'all, everything is good and happy, right? As long as I don't question anything. As long as Kyle doesn't ever want to move up from where he is, everything is just hunky dory, is that it?"

An outburst from him is rare, and it is noted as such. No one knows what to say.

Kyle's own nerves get the best of him as his stomach starts to revolt. Leaving the room quickly, he heads down the hall to the basement bathroom before throwing up.

Phil sighs. "He was doing that last night too. I think it's those meds he's on."

Jen looks up quickly, surprised and confused. "What?"

Phil cringes. He hadn't meant to say anything. "Nothing."

"No, tell me."

"You want me to get on Kyle's bad side even more?"

Jen's eyes narrow. "Tell me, Phil. What's going on?"

"He's taking some sort of depression meds."

Surprise hits everyone. Jason even lifts his eyebrows, now almost feeling badly for his own pressure on Kyle tonight.

Depressed? Maybe he's been a bit down lately, but depressed? Kyle? That seems impossible.

Jen swallows hard. "Well what... I mean... did he talk to you about it?"

"No. I accidentally found out."

"How long has he been taking something?"

"He wouldn't tell me. I don't think it's been too long though." Phil unstraps his bass guitar and sets it on its stand. "I think we better call it a night."

Mike purses his lips grimly. "We got a concert coming up."

"I know."

"What do we do?"

Phil shakes his head. "Well if we keep on bickering, we're not going to get anywhere." He throws a look in Jason's direction. "If Kyle wants to help out Cryptic, then so be it. I'm not going to stop him."

"He should remain loyal to one band," Jason counters.

"Look I didn't say I was happy about it," Phil adds. "But I'm not going to be the first to ask him to leave JetStream. If his venture with Cryptic interferes, that's one thing. But if he can keep up and nothing changes here, then I don't see a problem. In the meantime, I say lay off of him. Something's going on with him and I don't know what it is. But harping on him isn't going to solve anything."

Kyle reemerging makes the room fall silent. He can feel everyone's eyes on him, and keeps his own gaze down as he trudges to the keyboard where he retrieves his jacket and truck keys.

Jen tries to stop him. "Kyle, you sure you feel up to driving home? Why don't you..."

"Just leave me alone," Kyle retorts quietly. He'd heard everything. "I'll see you guys later."

"But, wait, I..." Tears fill Jen's eyes as she watches her brother head upstairs alone. Having her twin hurting was almost bad as if she herself was.

Jason's eyes fall to the floor and he slowly stands up to put his own guitar away. "Give me a call for the next practice... I have to get to work."

Phil nods solemnly. "Alright."

Without saying any more, Jason goes upstairs and out, ready to drive to TJY for the rest of the day.

Sorry, Hero... I don't know if I'm really going back to work or not... give me a while to cool off, will ya?

He slips into his truck and pulls out, heading back towards town, but with no real destination in mind.

Few would notice that Kyle's truck had not headed back to town, but had been driven the opposite direction, pulling over on a deserted dirt road.

Help Aid

Looking up at Carson Misty's eyes show her worry. If the research on this was in Australia, that ment to see if there was a cure someone would have to go there as well. Misty could only think of one person who new the outback like the back of his hand and that was because he grew up there.

"If it means saving Angel's life, I think it would be worth a shot to see about an antidote. But I guess thats really up to whoever we can see will go if they want to or not."

Giving a glance to Carson and than to Rick a worry cross Misty's eyes. She didnt know how long Angel had but from her progression she didn't think she had long at all.

"I honestly dont know how much long she is gonna hold on, but if you can tell me anything you remember Hun that was in the formula I might be able to whip something up that can help her hold her on longer and put her in a little bit more of a comfort zone. Its not a promise but its a shot in the dark to help."

Giving a laugh as she continues to get read Katie cant help but agree.

Hey I asked a long time ago when I was gonna get a cape and be able to fly. If anyone gets it first its me.

Running a comb through her hair Katie thinks for a long moment before replying to Jason. A day off did sound kind of nice and spending the day with Jason was even better on top of it.

I think spending the day with you are the guys would be fun. Maybe we could hit up something to eat as well. When and should I just drive to your place and we will head up together?

Australia

Carson grows solemn as he hears what the problem is, and he approaches the bed to look down at Angel's still form. Though resting, it was apparent that her body was at war.

He glances over to Luke. "You her husband?"

"That's right."

"Is she away from you a lot?"

Luke shakes his head. "No." They'd been over this several times already. "She hardly ever leaves the ranch, she's hardly ever out on her own... I can't think of a think out of the ordinary. I've thought all night."

Carson gives a little sigh. "She around people on a regular basis? You're from the ranch, right?"

"Yeah. She's a doctor, so she's always around people in and out. We have visitors all the time - I don't keep track or anything."

"But so she's close to strangers then."

"Sure. I guess."

Carson wanders to Misty's desk to look down at all the paperwork. He was far from anything even close to a doctor, but some things he did recognize. He looks back to Angel, just watching quietly for several minutes. "You think it's the Agency, huh?"

Backing up, he leans against the counter, folding his arms across his chest. This was crucial. The woman lying sick in bed was dying - that much was clear. But even if it was the Agency's doing, how could he help? He didn't know anything.

Rick watches him closely. "We only think it's the Agency because it doesn't appear to be anything natural. Can you think of anything that would cause this? It's not the same as the poison they've passed around before."

Carson shakes his head slowly. "No..."

"If we don't get a handle on it, we're going to lose her," Rick replies grimly. "Is there any way we can find out more? Get feelers out there? I don't know - anything?"

Carson remains quiet, racking his brain. He'd been with the Agency for so long, but even so, trying to remember everything was sometimes difficult. He went out and killed people, he didn't ever know much about what went on in the lab. Or did he? "Lab rats."

Rick looks at him with question. "What?"

"Lab rats," Carson repeats. Maybe that was it. "Angel's been tired? Lethargic?"

Luke nods. "She told me a bit on the phone. She's been extremely tired, sore, dizzy... last night she was coughing up some blood."

Carson purses his lips grimly. "Number two-sixty-seven."

"What?"

"It's an agent... a chemical. The Agency was testing it a few years ago on rats. They were trying to create something that couldn't be traced... something that there was no natural cure for. I think they were using that other poison until they'd refined this other stuff."

"So..." Rick fishes for more information. "Do you know anything else? A cure?"

Carson shakes his head. "I was never involved with lab studies. I just remember being at one of the bases once and someone took me through the lab where Medridge kept a batch of rats for testing. Half of 'em looked about dead. But they were only testing two things there - the poison we've already encountered, and two-sixty-seven."

"What makes you think it's that one?"

"It's a shot in the dark," Carson admits. "It's the first thing I can think of though, that matches up. I have no idea how many things the Agency has tried out or what all they've developed. I've killed guys with poison they've had me inject. But those were the two main ones."

Rick looks to Misty, then back to Carson. "What about an antidote?"

"I'm sure that one exists. They never start using a substance on anyone unless they've already developed an antidote."

"Would it be the only way to cure Angel?"

"Probably." Carson doesn't think there's a more positive answer to that one. "They don't play games with this stuff. They want it to kill."

"Then..." Rick shrugs. "We have to find the antidote."

Carson quirks an eyebrow. "That easy, huh?"

"Well do you have any better suggestions?"

Carson shakes his head. "No, but the first place I'd look would be that lab I was in."

"Then let's figure out how to go in."

"No, you don't understand..." Carson hesitates. "It's in Australia."


Hearing Angel's voice, Luke is quick to turn and take her hand. Though he was glad she was awake for a short time, she looked so pale... so weak. "Don't you worry about me," he chides gently. "I got enough other people keeping me in line."

He runs a palm down the side of her face, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "You're the one that needs to rest. You're going to get better... I know it."


Jason lets Trooper out ahead of him, then aims for his truck, fishing for his keys.

Why couldn't I get some gift like flying or something? These gas prices are eating me alive.

Getting in the truck, he turns on the engine.

Hey, Katie... JetStream's got an early morning practice today, since Phil and Mike both have to work tonight. Reese let me take the time off to do it. You gonna come down to Mike's with me, or go in to work?

Help

Working almost all night and checking Angel contently an hour sleep is all that found Misty. Dedicating her time to try and help Angel sleep was not an option for Misty. After running tests, beaking down formulas, and rechecking over again Misty still was coming up empty handed. Not giving up though she continues.

Looking up as Carson enters Misty give the best smile she can though she eyes show she is tired and has not slept at all.

"Thanks Carson for coming I know you have to get to work and all. Well Angel is real sick, she is..."

Misty looks to Jeff, and than Luke letting out a sigh. She didnt want to say it in front of them but she new she had to one way or another. She couldnt hide it from them.

"...fading fast. I am trying to do all I can to figure this out and I havent come up with anything yet. I found the fourn agents but I havent been able to identify them yet. This is like something I have never seen before. Anyways..We are pretty sure The Agency has had something to do with this and we were hoping maybe if you gave her a look over you might be able to help us out at all. If even a little bit that would be a great help."

Giving a soft moan Angel turns her head to the side to where Luke sat. Giving him a small smile as reachs to touch his hand. Her face pale, and she was weak but knowing Luke was here helped her stay stong.

"You should get some sleep you know we both dont need to be sick."

Questions

Laura hangs up the phone and lets out a contented sigh. But why was Nate getting off work so early tomorrow?

She shakes her head and shrugs to herself. It was late... she was getting tired. Henry jumps up into her lap and gives her hand a nudge with his head.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." Laura grins and strokes her cat's head.

Henry bounds off again, to trot down the hall. Reaching Katie's door, he pushes a paw against it until it opens just enough for him to squeeze in. Blinking in the dim light, he walks a few feet before jumping up onto Katie's bed as if checking to make sure she was tucked in before he headed back to Laura.


Luke lets Misty work, and finally he withdraws to rest his elbows on his knees, putting his face in his hands. He shakes his head at Misty's question.

"I can't think of anything out of the ordinary," he finally answers. "A lot of people come and go at the ranch... Angel hasn't gone anywhere but town every once in a while, and church on Sundays."

Jeff takes a couple steps to lay a hand on Luke's shoulder, giving him a firm pat. No words could really suffice at a time like this. What could he say?

"I don't know what to do either." Rick sighs. "All three of us are doctors, and we can't diagnose this, so it's got to be something foreign, or synthetic, or something... it's too far out of the ordinary to be a common disease that any of us could have recognized. I think you're right..."

He nods at Misty. "Carson's the last resort. I doubt he knows anything, but it's worth a try."

Jeff quirks an eyebrow, now having heard that name twice. "Who's Carson?"

"He's the guy that used to work for the Agency. Katie or Jason might have mentioned him. He was brought down a while back then changed sides. And, he's also Misty's boyfriend."

"Ohh yeah." Jeff nods. "I remember now."

"Yeah. Well..." Rick sets his hands on his hips. "Misty, you and I will stay the night here to monitor Angel's condition. Luke and Jeff... feel free to make yourself comfortable. There's a cot in here, and some blankets and... if you need anything else, ask."


The night is too long. The infirmary is kept at a steady vigil, Angel's vitals being constantly checked by both Rick and Misty. Her conditions remained about the same as she drifted in and out of a hazy consciousness. No better, no worse. But the ticking clock was the worst enemy. Every minute that passed as a minute lost in this battle, whose foe could not be seen or understood.


Susanne wanders into TJY, one of the first to arrive in the morning. Flipping on the lights, she keeps her eyes down as she puts her keys back in her purse while walking to her office.

Pushing the door open, she turns that light on as well, ready to toss her purse to the side and move to her desk. But the startling form in her chair made her shriek and she takes a step backward, putting a hand to her mouth.

Gunner's eyes fly open, his feet sliding off the desk as he quickly rights himself, springing to his feet. "Whoa, whoa, settle down!"

"What are you doing here?" Susanne demands, a glare in her eyes. "Who do you think you..."

Suddenly, her voice trails off and her eyes widen. "Brent Franklin. What in heaven's name are you doing here, let alone in my office?!"

"Well hi to you too." Gunner comes around the desk and spreads his arm, cocking his head. "Is that all I get?"

Susanne laughs sheepishly and moves to give him a hug. Backing off, she gives his scraggly beard a tug. "And what on earth have you done to yourself? You should be shot for coming in here like this, and scaring a poor old woman to death."

"Old woman?!" Gunner grins, a glint in his eye. "You? Oh, please."

Susanne gives his arm a whack. "What are you doing here?"

"Sleeping. Well... I was until you woke me up. Your chair was found to be the most comfortable."

Susanne rolls her eyes. "But what are you doing back here? I didn't think you were ever coming back."

"Neither did I. It's been about two years - glad you even knew who I was."

"As if anybody could forget you." Susanne smirks. "I usually know when the boss calls somebody back in though."

"Medical emergency," Gunner explains. "Angel Trahern from the Texas gang is down in the infirmary. Her husband and one of the others wanted to come, so I brought them."

"So who's watching the ranch?"

"Oh, one of the guys volunteered there. But I'll probably have to head back right away, leaving my post without permission and all. 'Course I'll have to ask the big boss. How's he doing anyway?"

"Reese?"

"No, Jason."

"Jason?" Susanne shakes her head. "You didn't hear about yesterday morning?"

Gunner throws up his arms. "I never hear anything. What happened now?"

"Reese is back in charge."

"Really?" Gunner thinks a moment, then smiles. "Good. He shoulda been in charge all along anyway."

"Agreed." Susanne moves to sit down at her desk and turn her computer on. "So is this a new fashion statement or what?"

Gunner runs a hand through his hair, then strokes his beard. "What? You don't like it?"

Susanne scrunches up her nose. "If I liked it, would I have screamed when I saw you?"

Gunner laughs. "Oh, but it's so much fun watching everyone's faces!"

"Well we'd like to see your face sometime too," Susanne chides. "Do you have anything for breakfast?"

"Thought you'd never ask."


Carson wanders onto the main floor of TJY, glancing around at the empty cubicles. He wasn't used to being here this early. But Rick's voicemail on his phone had given him the impression that he needed to be here as soon as possible. He hadn't hesitated in asking Dani to drop him off here on her way to work.

Getting to the infirmary, he knocks, then enters quietly. He sees Rick and Misty, then three other people that looked familiar, but he knew he'd never met. "Hey guys... what's up?"

Rick gives him a nod. "Carson. Thanks for coming. This is Luke and Jeff... and Angel."

Carson nods and shakes hands with the two men who looked as though they'd been up all night. "Hi." He looks to Misty with question. "What's going on? Why did you need me?"