Saprise

Giving a smile to Reese Angelica nods. Since they had gotten back from Cali things had been differnt with them. It wasnt a bad differnt, it was almost like a whole new world had opened up and the air that once had been stall and always the same was now new and fresh.

"I wont be gone long, maybe a day or two and thats about it. You know my cell number so if you need me for anything just call and as it stands TJY might be able to come in play but lets keep that as a last resort."

Stepping a little closer to Reese Angelica smile and places her hand on his shoulder. Looking down into his eyes her own give a small sparkle. Things were so differnt now, yet so much alike.

"Maybe when I get back we can do dinner or something nice."

Giving Reese a small squeeze Angelica turns and heads out of the room going to find Hal and get things set up before heading to meet the judge.

Katie cant help but laugh as she shakes her head. About to yell something else she stops for a moment and decides it was probably best not to before looking back to Scott as she sat next to him.

Giving him a gentile pat on the shoulder Katie smiles. She was proud of Scott. That he was here, that he was trying.

"That sounds good to me. Your doing good Scotty, your doing a good job and I am not more than steps away watching."

"Scott..Well I'll be I wasn't expecting to see you here."

Standing in a idle just a little Hope looks down at Scott as she smiles.

Her light green shirt moved a little in the breeze as it braught out the color in her eyes, and her jeans a little on the baggy side but still fit nicely where they needed too. This was deffinly differnt from what she normaly wair in the office. She was more casuel and layed back now. Tucking a small strand of hair behind her ear.

She had heard about this consert by an add she saw in the paper and for once she decied maybe she would come and try it out for a change of pase.

Seeing Scott as she found her own sceat was a nice saprise and made her feel good inside to see him out about about.

"Its good to see you here. How are you today?"

Giving another smile she ment her question to Scott and she did want to know how he was today more than just the normal how are you feeling. This time the question was deeper than his emotions but was to know how he was in an all.

Looking at Hope and than Scott Katie smiles. She new what Scott had told her about Hope but she had never actully seen her before even though something told her this lady was ok. But she wasnt about to just up and leave Scott untill she new for sure.

Lesson Learned

Carson hears his phone ring out in the other room, but he doesn't go for it right away. Instead, he stays seated on his bed, staring at the note in his hand. He'd just found it on the pillow. He hadn't looked over the room before leaving that morning.

He lets out a sigh. The short note was hand-written in sprawling letters, proving the twelve-year-old needed to improve her penmanship. But it didn't matter.

Dad,
Thank you for letting me stay with you.
I hope I can see you again.
Love, Mac

Carson bites his lip and fights tears that want to well in his eyes. Standing quickly, he lets the note fall to his nightstand, and he goes out to the other room, not wanting to think about any of this. It was too much... it was just too much.

Grabbing his phone, he checks his voicemail. Hearing he needs to stay out of trouble, he scoffs and hangs up. Of course he did. He always needed to stay out of trouble. But for some reason, he always got into it anyway.

Giving a growl of frustration, Carson swipes his keys from the counter and heads out again. He couldn't just sit around here with his own thoughts until Dani got home. He'd go crazy if he did.


Reese looks up quickly, unable to help a smile when he sees Angelica. Hearing her request, he leans back in his chair, cocking his head. "As if I could say no to doing you a favor."

His eyes have just a slightly sly glint to them before he shakes his head. "Get what you need. Have Hal make the arrangements at the airport for you. I trust if you're helping Carson, that means he hasn't gotten himself into too much trouble. Though it seems the guy just can't help it."

Reese sighs. "If TJY needs to get involved, let me know. Otherwise, I trust whatever it is, you can handle it. Just phone here so we know when you'll be back in the office."


Axel turns to Jess, grateful for her presence. Giving a light chuckle, he puts his arm around her to bring her close and kiss the top of her head. "I'm glad too." He looks around and takes a deep breath, nodding. "I'm glad too," he repeats. "Come on. We can sit down by Jen and keep her company at the sound board."

Hearing Katie's whistle and holler, Ryder comes skidding to a stop in the doorway. "Oh, sorry. Were were just um..."

"Well go on, tell her," Rocky prompts, coming up behind him.

"Um..." Ryder fishes lamely. "We were... discussing..."

"He was trying to demonstrate the art of taking down a crocodile," Rocky finishes. Though he rolls his eyes, the humor is evident.

Though Scott keeps his eyes down, he nods a little to acknowledge Kate's presence. "I'm... hanging in there."

He pauses his work on the camera and turns his head to her. "Kinda hard, ya know. But... I'm okay right now."

It was easier now to admit it when he didn't feel a hundred percent comfortable or confident. He had realized that to say he wasn't totally at ease was not admitting weakness, but on the contrary, it was helping him stay within the situation by exposing the fear so others could help him. It had been a humbling lesson to learn, but it was one that stuck with him, and one that no longer brought along any embarrassment.

"I think once people start coming... I'll just stay up near the front." He gives Katie a wry grin. "If I can't see everyone behind me, it won't seem quite so bad."

Plane

Continuing to listen Angelica is jotting down a few more things including a judges number to call next. She wasnt playing around weather Heather though she was or not. It was on thing to defent someone who was innocent, and than it was another to throw a child into the mix. No...Angelica wouldnt lay down, and she wouldnt go easy and someone the likes of Heather would not intimadate her.

"So be it Miss Jones, I will be in Arizona tomarrow afternoon with a court order to speak with Mackenzie. If you resist than Miss Jones than it will be you who will need to go to court. Thank you for your time and see you tomarrow afternoon."

Haning up the phone Angelica lets out a long breath as her mind starts to work faster moving from one thing to another. She had to work fast and she new it.

Quickly dialing the number for a judge she in on the phone a short time with him giving him a quick run down on everything. Decieding to set up a lunch date to go over more and work things out Angelica hangs up the phone.

Standing she pulls out her cell and dialing Carson's number she gets his voice mail.

"Carson, its Angelica. I am going to be going out of town for a day or two but I'll have my cell on me. Call me when your contact has anything ti find out about Heather and please...please you NEED to stay out of trouble or this can blow in our face."

Making her way across the door she heads to Reese's office and knocks on the door before entering with a smile.

"Hey you, I have a favor. I need a plane to get me to Arizona by tomorrow. It's not TJY related but it has to do with someone who worked for TJY...Carson. Is there any way you can help me?"

Staying close to Axel Jess gives him a smile. She new he was a little uncomfortable and awkward but she was happy he came non the less.

"I'm glad we got to come here tonight."

Jess was excited for the consert, and even happyer to be here with Axel. She deffintly enjoying her new adventure with Axel.

Katie cant help but laugh as she hears Rocky and Ryder. Looking at Jen she gives a shrug.

"That would be me...I didnt think. Yes that must be the problem I didnt think."

Looking at Jason and than back twords the noise Kate lets out a wistle and gives a yell.

"You guys relize its hard to watch you all when you act like a loon right?"

Scanning the group again Katie spots Scott and walks over to him sinking down next to him in the empty chair. Giving a smile she leans over a little to see what he sees.

"How you holding up?"

Crazy Aussie

There is a bit of a pause on the other end of the line, as Heather seems to mull over Angelica's words. "Look, Miss Lockheart, if you haven't noticed, we're located in Arizona. It's not like we can just get anybody to Nevada immediately, not that it's our responsibility. We have a court date set. On that day, you will get to question anybody you like. I assume you will be preparing summons for witnesses to call onto the stand. If Mackenzie is on your list, I guarantee you that the judge will not allow a twelve-year-old to be a witness. First, she is only a child. And second, she is bias. You can bet that she will defend her father with lies if she feels it's necessary. Do you really want that to happen? It will only worsen your case."

Heather pauses again. "If I were you, I would concentrate on keeping your client out of trouble. From what I hear, he's an expert at getting himself into it."


"Yo, Jen, throw me that cord."

"Mike, I need the stand over there."

"Hey, Jase? You set?"

The room is in minimal chaos, as JetStream tries to get things set up. It was a small stage for the event, but it would do. Cryptic was filtering in, giving a hand where needed, but Jason, Mike and Phil had most of the work covered.

Axel leans back against the wall, watching from a distance and rubbing his sore hand. Though everyone acted fine around him, it was still a little hard, knowing that everyone knew about what had happened with him. But at least one thing was different this time. He turns his head to see Jess, a small smile creasing his lips.

Scott sits in one of the folding chairs, fiddling with a camera. His eyes down, he tries not to pay much attention to the activity going on around him. It made him nervous enough with just the group that was here, and the thought of the crowd coming soon made his stomach churn. But he'd agreed to come. He'd come with Katie, and had said he would stay.

Somewhere in the back, the sounds of Rocky and Ryder bantering filters through. One of them races past the doorway, the other follows. Taylor looks up quickly from her seat with Jen at the sound board. She blinks. "Okay, who let the crazy Aussie in here to rile up Rocky?"

Trust

Getting the returned call from Heather Angelica is pleased and happy she didnt have to go in around about way to get a hold of her.

Hearing Heather's response to her wanting to talk with Mackenzie Angelica soon turns around and her voice before more stern as she is deturmened to get what she needed.

"Personally Miss Jones I don't care what you think is good or not. I'm the lawyer here not you and I wish to speak with Mackenzie. Your refusal to let me will result also against you in court as well and will not look good. Understand, I understand exactly what is going on here and if you will not let me speak with the girl than I will go to the court and get a court order to speak with her and I assure you I WILL get it."

Angelica keeps her voice soft yet ferm at the same time showing she new and had confadince in what she was talking about holding her toung for saying much more to Heather but to keep the upper hand she new it was best not to give anything away for now.

Giving a smile to Scott Katie gives a nod. She new what Scott ment and she didnt mind watching him and letting him ride with her as long as he didnt mind getting there early.

"Even if you didnt ask me I'd keep my eye out on ya. Its just what I do. And as long as you dont mind getting there a little early, I'll be leaving work at 6 and you can meet up with me before I go. I'll swing by your place if you want so u can change and than take it from there."

Another smile flashes Katie was happy Scott said he would come. It made her feel good he still put so much trust in her.

Turning Katie heads to the door again and exits the office a small smile still on her face.

Scott said he would come.

Heading to the drinking foutain she wanted to fill her water bottle before starting on work again.

One less worry

Scott looks up quickly from his computer, looking pleasantly at Katie. Her presence never created any nervousness in him.

Hearing her question, Scott looks down for a moment, removing his hands from his keyboard. He thinks, weighing his options and the outcomes. There would be a lot of people... a lot of strangers. He hadn't been out in public like that since...

His eyes drift back up to Katie. "Um..." He hesitates. He knows that she knew this would be hard for him if he said yes. But he also trusted her and the security she offered for the band. If he went, she would be looking out for him too.

Scott swallows hard. He looks down at his hands, then back up at Katie again. "Okay. As... as long as I can ride with some of you guys. You know... kinda keep an eye on me."

He manages a little grin. He knew Katie would know what he meant... he needed to be kept out of the crowd right now, and would need an escape route if he got cornered before he panicked.


"Thank you for calling, Miss Lockheart. We've been notified of your case. A message will be sent to Heather Jones immediately."

It was several hours later that Susanne transfers a call to Angelica. A woman's voice is on the other end. "Miss Lockheart... this is Heather Jones from Social Services, stationed in Arizona. I received a message that you wished to speak to me, as defense for Carson Banks."

Her tone is cool and displays her authority. "I'm sure you realize that there is not much evidence on either side of this case. However, I must tell you that there really needn't be any. I'm sure we both have witnesses to prove that Mackenzie was in Mr. Bank's custody for almost twenty-four hours. I specifically told him to take the girl to local authorities to be picked up, and he deliberately did not. This will not be good for him in court, Miss Lockheart. As for the girl herself, she is now safe, and I think it would be in her best interests not to drag her into this mess any more than she already is. I'm sure you understand."


"..So, that's where I'm at with the restaurant..." Carson gives a grunt, and looks out from under the kitchen sink. "Hand me that other wrench, would you?"

Tim hands him the tool, seated on a chair while seeing if Carson could fix the leak. "Sounds like you got your hands full."

"Tell me about it."

"Discovered brother..."

"Half-brother."

"Discovered half-brother, gaining ownership of a restaurant... you're getting to be pretty busy."

"Yeah well..." Carson strains, trying to get a bolt loose. The rust finally gives way, and he lets out his breath as a bead of sweat runs down his face. "...lots of things to keep me busy, but not very much to keep me happy." Hearing himself say that, he pauses in his work. "I take that back. I'm happy."

"Just unfulfilled," Tim muses. "Wish you were back on the Elite still?"

"I suppose part of me is," Carson admits. He continues to fool with the pipe. "I worked so hard at figuring myself out... growing... finding who I was in God's eyes... finally realizing that I could be a soldier but didn't have to be who I used to be. And now... it doesn't matter."

"Don't give up too soon," Tim chides lightly. "God doesn't give us those passions and talents for nothing. Of course you weren't meant to be an assassin. But there are definite skills there that you've already used for good. He won't let them rot if you won't."

"But..."

"Haven't you learned yet that there aren't any "buts" with God?"

Carson can't help his grin as he stares up at the sink's drain. "Yeah, okay." Working a few more minutes in silence, he finally admits the other issue as well. "Found out I have a daughter."

Silence. Carson moves to look out at the kitchen chair, waiting for a response.

"Well that certainly puts a different spin on things."

"No kidding."

"You obviously didn't know about her."

"Didn't have a clue."

"How old is she?"

"Twelve."

Tim gives a little chuckle.

"What?" Carson waves a wrench at him. "Something funny?"

"No...no. Just thinking about how our pasts can still bite us in the butt even when we've turned around."

"That's for sure."

"You've seen her then?"

"Yeah..." Carson fiddles with the pipes again. "I don't know what's gonna happen there. "She wants to spend time with me. The social worker hates my guts. She's got a couple that wants to adopt her, but she wound up coming to see me without permission and now I'm in trouble for kidnapping."

Tim lets out a low whistle. "You do have a lot on your plate right now."

"I think that would be a true statement." Carson makes a few adjustments, then slides out from under the sink. Getting up, he turns on the water, then looks underneath to see that nothing was leaking out. "There she is. No more keeping a bucket under here."

A smile comes to Tim's face, and he gets up to help put the tools away. "Thank you, Carson. Don't know what I'd do without you around."

Carson watches thoughtfully as Tim hobbles to the back with the toolbox. "My pleasure," he mentions quietly.

Coming back, Tim cocks his head and looks at Carson for a moment. "Be nice if you had once less worry, wouldn't it?"

"Sure." Carson shrugs. "Who would say no to that?"

Tim rubs his scruffy chin for a second or two, thinking hard as he studies Carson. "Follow me."

Carson lifts his eyebrows as Tim heads to the back of the house. "Tim, I gotta go... I gotta go check on the restaurant and make sure Aerith is okay."

"It'll keep," Tim hollers over his shoulder.

Carson sighs and follows the older man, preferring to respect him over being prompt for work. He walks with Tim through the house and out the back, through the rickety back porch that he'd been wanting to replace the screens on. Once outside, they go to the garage. Carson hadn't been out here but a time or two, hardly paying attention to what was inside. It had always just been to grab a tool or a garden hose or the like - but usually Tim came out himself to get whatever they needed.

Today though, Tim leads him inside, and fumbles with the large door. Carson helps him unstick the latch and pushes the door up on its rails. Sliding above their heads, the open door lets in the light.

Tim shuffles around, moving a few boxes away from what looked like a covered vehicle. Carson had never even noticed it before. Always there for a purpose, he hadn't bothered to realize that under the boxes, old blankets, paint cans and more, it wasn't just another pile - it was a car.

Tim grunts a little as he moves things around. "Here, help me with this," he directs.

Carson steps in to move things away, having no clue what Tim wanted him out here for. He knew that Tim hadn't driven for years, and he could only imagine what kind of shape a vehicle must be in out here, let alone the make or year of it. He had failed to notice the lack of dust on the items that had been strewn all over it.

Finally getting down to the cover, Tim motions Carson to help again, and they pull it back. Carson's eyes widen, his jaw dropping slightly.

Seeing his reaction, Tim grins. "She's a beauty isn't she?"

Carson blinks, totally surprised by what he saw. He couldn't remember a Firebird he'd seen in better condition. "What year is it?"

"Oh, I don't know... nineteen seventy-seven? Seventy-eight? Something like that."

"Wow." Carson runs his hand along the glistening black paint. The condition was incredible. "How did you..."

"Old man like me's got a lot of spare time." Tim chuckles. "I kept it covered up to keep anyone nosy out of here. Didn't want no kids in here messing with it."

"It's amazing."

"Spent enough time with it. I'd get bored and come out here to give it an extra polish... start her up and let her run for a while to make sure the engine still worked, that sort of thing." Tim shrugs. "Couldn't go anywhere, but it was nice just sitting behind the wheel."

Carson shakes his head, unable to help a laugh. He leans in the open window, looking at the immaculate interior. "How long have you had her?"

"Oh, about five years is all." Tim pauses, growing reflective. "She was my son's car, you know. When he died, I thought I'd hang onto her just because."

Carson knew that Tim's son had died in a freak skiing accident several winters prior. "Well you've kept her up well, that's for sure." He nods. "I'm sure your son would be proud."

"Yeah, but what good is this kind of car when she can't be driven? She's meant to be out on the road, put to use and showing off her stuff, not stuck in here under a tarp."

Carson gives a little sigh. He didn't know how it must feel to still be independent, but with a body that simply wouldn't allow for certain tasks anymore. Tim's eyesight wasn't what it used to be, his back was in bad shape, and his reflexes certainly weren't sharp anymore. Driving just wasn't an option. "Well... at least you give her attention. That's all you can do, right?"

"No... no it's not." Tim turns around and fishes in an old coffee can, pulling out a set of keys. They fly in Carson's direction.

Surprised, he catches them. "What are these for?"

"My tool shed." Tim rolls his eyes. "The car, dummy. They're for the car."

Carson's eyes grow a little wider as suddenly he was afraid he knew what was coming. "Well what..."

"I wouldn't drive her around too much without insurance, and we'll have to turn things over to your name, but if anyone asks in the meantime, you can just say you're borrowing it."

"But... you can't be serious."

"I am." Tim stands with stubbornness. "She's my car and I'll do with her what I want. And what I want is for you to have her."

"Aw, Tim." Carson swallows hard. "I could never afford to pay you for a car like this. Sure, I can afford the insurance and licensing and all that now, but she's worth a fortune."

"Did I ask for any money?" Tim smirks at him. "If you don't get going, you're gonna be running later than you already are."

"But..." Carson looks down at the keys, then the car, then the keys and back to Tim. "I can't."

"Yes you can." Tim nods in satisfaction. "From the first time you came and helped me, up until now, you've been nothing but help. You've given an old man company he was too proud to ask for, and help he was too proud to hire out for. You've never taken a dime for it either. Don't you think for a minute that I haven't been watching you... seeing you change... seeing your heart. You've had enough trouble thrown at you - it's time somebody helped you get back up on your feet again."

Carson is totally stunned, and for several moments he just stares at his older friend. "I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll take her and for pity sake, get to the restaurant. That poor little waitress needs to be checked on."

Carson's mouth slowly upturns into a grin and he steps forward to give Tim a warm handshake. "I'll never be able to replay you."

"You repay me? Son, I'm repaying you for what you've done for me."

The roaring engine was music to Carson's ears. The smooth steering was like silk. With windows down, the cool morning air whipped through his hair. It felt good. It felt really good. Getting to Mom and Pop's, he parks, locks the car and sprints for the back door.

Call

Searching Rocky's eyes for a moment Jess can still seance something and for a moment has a strange feeling that she felt sorry for Rocky even though she didn't know why.

"Ok, I'll see you tonight than."

Watching Rocky leave Jess just stands there for a moment not sure what just happened. The look on Rocky's face was one Jess hadn't seen before and his words just made something feel not right.

Trying to concentrate on her work again Jess siting down. She's go to lunch in a little bit and maybe call Axel.

Katie smile as she strange grabbing her water bottle. Maybe asking Scott tonight to come that would be nice. The fresh air would be good for him.

Thats a good idea, I think it would be good for him. I have a moment I'll go ask him now.

Slowly walking down the hall Katie comes to Scott and Dalton's office. Giving a knock on the door Katie pokes her head in.

"Scott?"

Seeing him sitting at his desk Katie smiles and enter father in coming over to his desk. It was nice seeing him at work more not and it made her happy to see a little color returning to his face.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything but I wanted to ask you...Jetstream has a concert tonight so one I wanted to see if you would like to come with me. The company would be nice and two, Jetstream was wondering if you could bring your camra and take some new pictures of them."

Leaning back in he chair Angelica looks at the number she had in front of her for the child agency. It wasnt the direct line to talk with Heather but it was the number for the agency that was here in Nevada. She'd would call there and have them get a hold of Heather for her and have her call back. That would be the best option to let this woman know Carson had a lawer and if she failed to call back, Angelica would just go to the judge herself to get an order for her to talk with Heather and Mackenzie.

"Yes this is Angelica Lockheart calling from the TJY Agency. I am representing Mr. Carson Banks on the matter of his saposive kidnapping of Mackenzie. I am trying to get ahold of Heather and if you could do me a favor and get a hold of her for me, that let her know to call me back I will give you my number."

Digging

Rocky's eyes drift down for a moment, a wry grin curling his lips. "Well... maybe Axel doesn't have a real reason to get upset, but let's not risk it, eh?" He shakes his head a little, but keeps the grin on his face. "I'll um... I'll see you tonight. Maybe sometime three or four of us can do lunch or something... break up the work day."

Turning around, he gives Jess a little wave before heading for the door. "Talk to ya later."


Good. While you're in the asking mood, Phil and I have been doing some talking...

Jason keeps up with his computer work as he communicates with Katie, glad that he'd learned to multi-task with this thing.

We want some new pictures of the band and stuff... If you think Scott might be up to it, you might see if he wants to come along with his camera. I don't know if he'd want to or not, but... couldn't hurt to ask, right?


Carson accepts Angelica's business card, and looks at it for a moment. Glancing back up, he gives a little forced laugh. "I'm not used to taking a back seat... especially when it's my neck on the line." He shakes his head. "But I know this time I'll do more harm than good if I involved myself too much, so... I'll do what you say."

It was evident by the look in his eyes that this was difficult for him. "I'll find somebody to snoop around Heather's story, and... guess that's it until next week in court. Let me know what she says on the phone about seeing Mackenzie, and I'll let you know if I find out anything new."

Wandering back down the hall, Carson can still feel himself on edge. Though Angelica seemed to think it would be easy to get out of this, he wasn't so sure. He didn't even know yet what they were really up against. But... who would help him dig? He really didn't want to ask Reese... he wanted to involve as few people as possible, so maybe he'd just grab somebody himself. His case was unofficial... Angelica was letting him call the shots on this angle, even if it wasn't by the rulebook. He was grateful for that, but even so, he wasn't sure which way to turn.

As he walks, Carson runs names through his mind. Everyone was so busy with TJY work. Anyone would help, sure, but if it was any main agent, Reese might not be too happy. Jason... Katie... Misty... Nate... Rick... Carson wasn't sure about asking any of them. Someone needed to be able to do research... dig deep... but without anyone else knowing.

He's so engrossed in his thoughts, that he doesn't see Scott coming out of his office. A collision couldn't be avoided. Carson puts on the brakes and skids to a halt, plowing into Scott. Scott jumps back with a bit of whiplash, reflexes causing him to brush Carson's hands away from him. His eyes widen with a brief but sudden terror.

"Whoa... I'm sorry, Scott," Carson apologizes. "I didn't even see you."

Scott calms his racing heart. "That's okay. I'm used to it."

Carson forces a small smile. He wasn't surprised. Anyone could miss Scott, as thin as he was. Carson is about to move on, but he stops, turning again. "Hey, Scott?"

"Yeah?"

"You busy?"

A short laugh surfaces. "No... haven't quite gotten back into the swing of things yet."

"I see. Well... how would you like to do a bit of research? Off TJY's time?"


...Scott sits at his desk once more, but this time with a plan. He wasn't involved in any TJY cases... he hadn't been for a long time. So he had time to do this... and if anyone could dig, it was him.


...Carson makes his way from TJY, deciding to walk. He'd go home, call Aerith to make sure everything was okay, then let things lie for today. Tomorrow was a new day. Tomorrow maybe things would look better.

15 Min

Angelica gives a nod to Carson thankful that he could cooperate with her and not make it any harder than it already would be.

"Maybe you can try talking to Reese one getting someone to do the research for you. He'll know better than I will on who is doing what at the moment."

Jotting down a few numbers and some more notes Angelica pulls out a business card and hands it to Carson.

"I'm going to call about meeting with Mackenzie later this afternoon than I will be in touch with you again. If you need me for anything there is my card and my cell number on it. Whoever you find to do this research for you tell them they need to come straght to me if they find anything out."

Getting Jason's message a smile forms on Katies lips. She never tired of how they could talk and it always give her a warm fuzzy feeling on the inside.

Thinking for a moment Katie gives a nod though Jason couldnt see her. She new Ryder had been pretty bored latly and maybe this would be good for him.

Hey I never thought of that. I think he'd like it and it would give him something to do. I'll have to ask him when I see him again.

Though things had been rough there for a day or two after the conversation they had ,had together things were starting to change a little. Jason and herself tryed to spend a little more time together and just do sper of the moment things. Though it wasnt 100% yet things were diffently better.

And though some might call it strange that Ryder would be living with Katie and Laura now, Katie herself had no worrys. Ryder was a good friend, and thats where is layed. Nothing more and nothing less.

Jess smiles as Rocky talks though for a moment she is thrown by a small loop at his comment. There was something in his voice that was strange though Jess really couldnt pin point it.

"I am going on lunch in about 15 min if you would like to grab something to eat with me. I dont see why Axel would get upset I was eating lunch with a friend."

Gathering a few things on her desk Jess is silent for a moment as her mind wonders mulling over the comment Rocky made. Why did he think Axel would be mad? Did something alse happen she didnt know about?

"Yeah, I'll be at the consert tonight. I'll be with Axel he said he would pick me up."

Jess was looking forward to tonight. Another nice meal with Axel even if it was just something quick like burgers and than the consert what more could be asked for.

I'm asking

Hunter laughs and nods. "Yeah, you're probably right. I'll have to wait until Kyle's asleep or something so he doesn't realize I took over his job."

Still smiling, he stands up, setting his hands on his hips. "Well, I guess I better get back to the group or they'll be yelling for me too. I think we're going to pull out in about an hour and a half or so."


Con gives Aerith a grateful nod. "Thanks. I'll see you around."

Making his way from Mom and Pop's, Con takes his time driving. Instead of going home though, he aims in the other direction. He wanted to stop by TJY and see Jamie... maybe say hi to a few other people too. Reese had said he wanted to talk to him soon anyway, so as long as he was there, it might be a good a time as any.


Carson opens his mouth to argue with Angelica about the research, but then closes it again, knowing better. For once... for once, he'd have to take someone else's directions. If he wanted to get out of this thing on top anyway. "Alright. Though I don't know who to get to research Heather since this isn't a TJY case."

He thinks for a moment, going back over what Angelica had told him. "Good luck getting to talk to Mackenzie. If you want to though, you should be able to reach Heather by going through the Arizona social services. That's how I found a number for her. I didn't write it down though. Come to think of it, maybe you should call her anyway... if she knows I have a lawyer, she might not be quite so quick to keep pressing this issue." He shrugs. "At any rate, she'd be the one to talk to if you're intent on talking to Mackenzie."


Ryder wanders down the hall of TJY, looking for something to do. He'd helped Katie out a little bit, had said hi to a few of the guys, but once more had wound up bored. Ambling past Jason's open office, he pauses. After catching a glimpse of Carson earlier, but avoiding contact, the same question had risen in his mind as it had before. Jason didn't look too busy... he'd finally ask.

Jason looks up as his eye catches sight of someone in the doorway. Seeing Ryder, he lifts his eyebrows. He hoped that this wouldn't be like the last meeting. "Hey, Ryder."

"Hey." Ryder leans on the doorway. "Busy?"

"Kinda." Jason shrugs. "What's up?"

Trooper rises from where he'd been lying, and approaches Ryder curiously, but not aggressively. In less than a minute, he's sitting down enjoying a good scratching behind the ears. Jason quirks an eyebrow at his dog. It was highly unusual for Trooper to act so calmly around someone he didn't know.

Ryder pays attention to Trooper for a moment before looking back up at Jason. "Did a bit of research... found out about Carson, how he got here and all that."

Jason leans back in his chair, curious as to what the man was getting at. "Okay..."

"Saw he caused quite a bit of trouble for some folks around here... even you."

Jason's eyes narrow slightly. "Carson's caused a lot of trouble in a lot of places. What are you getting at?"

"Oh I dunno. I saw he roughed up Jamie pretty good... saw he was the one that bashed in your knee too."

"Ryder..." Jason looks straight at him. "What's your point?"

"How did you get over it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Would you say he's your friend now?"

Jason thinks for a moment. "Maybe. I mean, we're not buddies, but we're not enemies." He can't help a wry grin. "You might find us beating each other's brains out one minute, and the next we'd be fighting to protect each other."

Ryder gives a light dry laugh. "How did you do it... get over the past, I mean. He hurt so many people... hurt you in bad way... more than once. How can you even be close to friends now?"

Now Jason thinks he understands. Leaning forward, he rests his elbows on the desk. "You're trying to forgive him for your brother, aren't you?"

Ryder looks down and pets Trooper again. He was. He didn't like the hate he felt. But he didn't know how to get through it. "Maybe."

"Well, first off, I think that situation was different. You have to understand that Carson was looking out for his team. It was self-defense. He wasn't trying to get anybody killed or hurt somebody... I'm sure he didn't want to at all."

"I know..." Ryder heaves a sigh. He did know. He didn't like accepting it, but he knew Jason was right. "I just thought..." He lets his words trail off. He just thought that his brother wouldn't have drawn a gun... that his brother would have gone with them and gotten out. But it wasn't worth rehashing. He turns to leave. "Thanks, Jason."

"Yeah... sure..." Jason watches Ryder leave, a little bewildered, but not bothered.

You invite Ryder to the concert tonight? He could probably use something different to do before he goes stir crazy.

Jason was almost surprised that he didn't hold some of his own malice towards Ryder after what he'd said about him and Katie. But for some reason, Jason didn't. He blamed himself for that small mess, for not making Katie happy enough. And... for once, it wasn't hard just to view Ryder as a new friend, not a threat. Even with him staying with Laura and Katie, Jason thought it would have bothered him... but maybe it was simply trust in Katie that eased away any worry.


Rocky leans on the desk and gives a shrug as he talks to Jess. "Oh, I'm alright. Nothing too exciting happening." He takes back the clipboard, but lingers several moments instead of going right back out to the truck.

"Thought I might invite you to lunch, but sounds like that might make Axel mad."

A wry grin surfaces on Rocky's face. "JetStream concert tonight. Cryptic will be there as audience. See you there?"


"What?" Con stares Reese in the eye, wondering if he'd heard correctly.

Reese nods from his position behind his desk. "I want you back."

"Look, we went over this a long time ago." Con's voice becomes stern. "It wouldn't work. I don't want to be behind a desk all day."

"And what are you doing now?" Reese challenges. "I heard you've tried three different jobs in the last two months. Quit two, got fired from another. Is that what you have in mind to keep doing?"

Con grits his teeth. He didn't need to be reminded of his failures. The last few months had been murder. All his other buddies from Titan had found their places for the off-season... he was the one with the problem. "I couldn't get along with anybody at the mall security station, the head guy over at the supply shop had a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas, and this last job, because I couldn't hear some of the equipment in the machine room, I got fired."

Reese sighs, looking up at his friend. "I know it hasn't been easy, Con. Someone like you can't fit into other people's molds. It just doesn't work. Why do you think I'm asking you back?"

"But for what?" Con throws his arms in the air. "I can't do it!"

"But you want to, don't you?" Reese's voice remains calm. He knew Con too well. He could see the look of desperate longing behind the big man's eyes. He recognized the hunger to return to what he'd been called to do.

Con's eyes finally look down as he rests his hands on the back of a chair. "I can't come back," he restates quietly. "I can't see the action going on around me every day and be forced to not be a part of it. It just wouldn't work with my hearing loss... I wouldn't be able to take it."

"That's not the real reason you haven't come back, and you know it."

Con glances up quickly. "What are you talking about?"

"You know good and well." Reese lowers himself into his chair, swiveling absentmindedly. "When are you going to admit it to yourself?"

An unwanted twinge pangs Con's heart. The memories still haunted his mind. He hadn't thought that anyone would know his real reasoning - he didn't ever even talk to Jamie about it. But it was obvious that Reese saw it. "I let the monster go," he responds quietly. "I can't risk it coming back again."

"Avoiding the situation is no way to win the battle," Reese counters.

Con gives a little groan and finally sinks down into a chair too, tired of standing. He sits back and just stares at the ceiling for several minutes. He remembered those days all too well. The fear. The anger. The hatred. When Jamie had been captured by the Agency, he'd almost gone mad with his anger. He'd done things he regretted, and had said things he regretted. Getting away to his aunt and uncle's had been a necessary retreat and he'd come to terms with himself, realizing that the monster in him didn't have to win... he could control it, and he wasn't a bad person. But he'd still decided that returning to TJY was not what he could do.

Reese just watches Con for several minutes, letting him think until he speaks again. "You can't use your hearing loss as an excuse, Con."

Con looks quickly to Reese, ironically not having heard him clearly. "What?"

"I said you can't use your hearing loss as an excuse," Reese repeats. "You know that you'd rather be around here behind a desk than not at all. You'd rather see the action going on and be able to help behind the scenes rather than not at all. But you're telling me that you wouldn't be allowed back on the field because of your hearing, and as a result, you're not willing to come back. But I know you better than that... Your real problem is that you're afraid of your anger cropping up again."

"I was at the doctor again the other day," Con admits, skirting the issue.

"And?"

Con looks up again, his eyes showing he didn't want to admit to Reese the results. "Everything's still a hundred percent gone in my left, and... there's some loss in the right now as well."

Reese purses his lips, feeling sorry, but unable to help. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know." Con shrugs. "I realized a couple weeks ago that when I talked to people, I was reading lips more than hearing them so I figured I better have it checked out."

"Would hearing aids help?"

Con sighs. "Not for the left ear - it's totally gone. For the right, yeah, and I'm already looking into that possibility."

"Did the doctor think it would get worse?"

"He said it was an obvious weakness, but he seemed to think that it would be a pretty slow progression as long as I didn't get any more injuries or infections."

Reese leans forward on his desk, resting his arms to fold his hands. "So. You gonna keep letting that be your excuse? Or are you going to admit your real reasoning and face it like a man?"

Con throws Reese a withering look. "Nicely put."

"Well? That's the bottom line, isn't it?"

"I don't know, Reese. If I said yes, where would you put me?"

"I'd put you to work on some research that's been sitting around. I'd get you to make some outside contacts I've wanted. And, I'd make sure you got the rust and kinks worked out since you've been gone so I can put you on the top of the list for lookout and sniper."

Con's eyes widen. "You can't put me back out there," he argues. "Even if I admitted that I was using my hearing loss as an excuse, you still can't put me back in the field. You said so yourself when you first found out."

Reese shrugs. "I don't think you should be a bodyguard again. And I don't necessarily think you should be in the thick of things if they get intense. But I don't have a problem with you being the eyes for everyone at a distance."

Con doesn't dare hope. "But even if I'm out on top of a building somewhere, keeping an eye on things, anyone could sneak right up behind me and I'd never know."

"Well I didn't say you'd be alone."

"Who would I team up with?"

"I don't know!" Reese sits back in his chair and shakes his head. "I don't have all the answers for you Con, because I don't know what's going to happen next week. We might not have a mission for two months. I doubt it, but who knows. But when the time comes, I got my sights on you and Jason. You always did make a good team, and both of you are qualified snipers."

"Jase is even better than I am with that."

"That doesn't mean you're poor," Reese states flatly. "I'd put you up against anyone on the police force any day."

"I thought you were teaming up Jason and Katie."

"Well I am. They make quite a pair, let me tell you. But I'm not going to box myself in with set teams all the time that I can't split up. Jason will have to be flexible as will Katie. Besides that, those two can talk to each other whether they're together or not."

Con sighs deeply. "So what are you saying, Reese?"

"I'm saying you have a place here if you want it. I'm asking you to come back."

Sparkle

"RUN WWCK RUN!"

Shaking her head as she watched Kyle run off a smile escapes her lips. Turning her head to look at Hunter as he talks Alice continues to smile. She hadnt talked much with the others except for a little here and there when they stoped to help her fit in but now it was nice to see Hunter making an effort to talk with her on a more personal level.

"Noise I think I rather like it."

Taking her last sip of coffee Alice throws it into the bin that was right next to the bench and closes her laptop for now. Looking down for a moment Alice holds her smile though for a second maybe her eyes said she was thinking about something.

"Well thank you very much for the offer. Something tells me though you would have to fight Kyle for the spot but maybe sometime if your lucky and he is in a good mood he'll let ya."

Looking around again Aerith sees a few things that still need to be done but its nothing big and she can take care of most of it herself.

"Nah I think I'm ok. Thanks Con for all your help."

Standing Aerith makes her way over to the sink to start finishing up the few dishes quick before leaving herself. Stoping half way there Aerith turns around and gives a smile to Con.

"Keep your chin up Con and keep faith in God He'll lead you down the path he wants."

Giving a nod at Carson's answers to her questions Angelica takes a few notes before drawing silent and look them over for a moment.

Drawing a picture in her head, and already forming words, reason, motives, and more questions her brain quickly works.

"Well from the looks of it they really cant have all that on you except for you past and to be honest I really dont think thats going to get them anywhere without proof. I'd like to speak with Mackenzie, I know they dont want to ask her themself any questions but they dont have a right to keep her from having me ask her a few things."

Writting a few more things down Angelica thinks for a moment. What could possable be the gane from this and why?

"I think it would be a good idea to take a look into this Heather lady but I want you to get someone here to do it. I DO NOT under any ceromstances want you doing the research. You can answer the questions of anyone here but if you truly want to clear you name you will leave this up to them and not yourself because it will look bad and any information that can be found could be thrown out because your the main focus in this case understand?"

Angelica's eyes showed she ment what she said though there was a softness behind them. She did want to help Carson all she could because this time it really hadnt been his fault.

Looking up and seeing Rocky Jess gives a smile. It had been a while since she had seen him and it was a nice change and break in the day.

"Hey Hey I've been meanin to call you but I kept forgetting sorry about that."

Giving a smile and taking the package Jess sets it down before looking up at Rocky again and giving a smile.

Though there was much she was working though there was a new sparkle in her eye as she had over come alot, and found a new place in life with someone who made her feel worth something and good about herself.

"How have you been?"

Alibi

Both guys laugh,enjoying the humor they shared. Hunter nudges Alice teasingly. "A duel, huh? I think that sounds like a good idea."

"Hey..." Kyle grimaces at him. "Play nice."

"Oooh, a little scared of competition?"

"Never!" Kyle is jumps up, ready to defend his honor, but Chloe's shout from the bus stops him.

"Yo, Kyle - get over here, Jordan needs to talk to you!"

Kyle sighs dramatically. "I guess the duel will have to wait."

"Well, run along now." Hunter shoos him away. "Your party awaits."

Kyle laughs and shakes his head, turning to run back to the bus.

Hunter grins and leans back in the bench, quiet for a moment. "Noisy bunch, aren't we?" His amusement shows through his eyes. As if suddenly thinking of something, he turns his head back to Alice. "You ever want a driver and Kyle isn't available, just say so."


Con grins at the reference to Wyatt, and then shakes his head. "No... nothing job-wise yet. Few odd jobs that didn't work out. Then this morning I was called in by Titan to see about starting up with them again, but..."

He shrugs, trying to be casual about it. He hadn't even told Jamie yet. "...they found someone better suited for my position. Legally they had to offer me something because of our contract, but I released them - said it really wasn't worth it. So... still on the hunt I guess."

Con looks down a moment, trying his best not to let his disappointment show. He could still hear. He wasn't deaf. He still functioned like normal. But he'd lost just enough more of his hearing that it was a risk Titan didn't want to take. "Sounds like a buddy of mine will be back on the job though, so it's not a clean sweep. Though I'm not sure how much he'll be doing since he got started up at a racetrack again.... Anyway..."

He tosses his towel onto a rack and looks around the kitchen again. "Anything else you need?"


Carson sinks down into a chair, the stress starting to wear on him as he tries to think. "Um... two nights ago I was home... Dani got home late, so there's a few hours there where I was alone. But I was there in the morning because she gave me a ride to see Herb in the hospital. Then..." He tries to replay everything in his mind. "Mackenzie showed up at the restaurant. I immediately called the social worker in Arizona. I think it was around lunchtime. That's when she accused me of kidnapping, or at least sending someone to do the deed. Mackenzie stayed at the restaurant with me all day - Aerith can testify to that. Then she left after work and I was alone with the girl for about an hour and a half. Misty showed up and we went back to my place. She stuck around until Dani got home. So... there's just a few hours altogether that someone couldn't vouch for me."

His eyes show his desperation. He couldn't get into trouble for this... he just couldn't. It wasn't his fault. "I know they won't involve Mackenzie because of her history of wanting to be with me - they would just think she was lying to protect me. So her statement is out. All I know from her is that a strange man said he could bring her to me. But if the social worker denies knowing who the man was, then it's still going to look like I hired somebody. And tracing him would be impossible - I know he told Mackenzie a fake name."

Carson's mind works overtime and he stands again, starting to pace. "What about the social worker? I mean, I know it was a setup, but what could her motive be? Why is she so adimate about not letting Mackenzie see me? I mean, I don't care - this wasn't my idea and I woulda been fine never even knowing about her. So it's not like I'm fighting for my rights or something stupid like that. Heather was just so... spiteful... she hated me from the getgo. Maybe...." He quirks an eyebrow. "...maybe there's someway to prove she's got a personal agenda here... I wonder what her own past is."


Rocky pulls open the door to the small business and takes another look at the shipping label. Glancing up, he spots Jess behind her desk. He wa glad she was feeling up to being back to work, and the signs of her assault were less noticeable now too.

Wandering to the desk, he sets the box down, handing her the paper to sign. A small smile makes its way to his lips. "Hey stranger."

Whole story

Alice cant help but laugh at the display that Kyle and Hunter were putting on knowing it was all done in good fun. The joking really helped Alice feel at home like maybe she did belong here.

Looking at Kyle, than turning to look at Hunter, than back to Kyle Alice's smile grows a little bit bigger. A light laugh in her voice at the joking.

"Two men hungering for my affection what ever shall I do. Maybe it should be a duel."

Laughing again Alice just shakes her head before leaning back a little and giving a stretch.

Sitting down at the table in the back with some water Aerith takes a small sip. It hadnt been a hassle but it was more work than she would of thought of.

Looking up at Con Aerith smiles. It had been a while since she had seen Con. Mable and Herb has told her he was doing ok, but it was nothing like actully seeing him.

"Oh I am doing pretty good. I've been just consintrating on working and spending time with that boyfriend of mine. How about you? Any luck with finding a job?"

A bit saprised to see Carson Angelica smile as he comes in. Before to long she has the whole story and the whole low down on everything that was going on.

Once he is finished talking Angelica goes over everything in her own mind for a moment before looking to him and grabbing a new peace of paper.

"That morning that your daughter showed up at the restront where were you and the night before too? Where you with Misty that she can vouch for you that you had nothing to do with this?"

Continuing to think Angelica knows this is something very delicit that would need to be delt with. When a child is involved in anything its hard.

"Mmm...I am going to have to talk to the people who are taking the other side as well and see what they are going by. If the only have one person who says this is what happend the really dont have much to go on."

Fair Maiden

As the group jogs around the park on their last lap, Kyle spots Alice at the far end. "Later guys." He breaks off from the others, heading in her direction.

"Hey, not so fast." Hunter goes after him.

Kyle looks over his shoulder and grins. "Last one there has to ride on top of the bus!"

Within a moment, both men had gone from a slow jog to an all-out sprint across the park, cutting through the grass instead of staying on the path. Halfway there, both start to tire, but they remain side-by-side, neither letting the other gain ground. Getting closer though, Kyle takes the lead.

Racing to Alice, he skids to a stop right as he gets to the bench, sliding in next to her, totally out of breath. "Good morning!"

But as he speaks, Hunter has reached them as well, and slides down on his stomach behind the bench, reaching under it to grab Kyle's ankles and pull.

Giving a wail, Kyle is yanked off his seat, falling forward, then pulled backward under the bench.

With his adversary out of the way, Hunter vaults over the bench to plop down next to Alice instead. "Hey babe!"

"Not fair!" Kyle hollers from the ground. Picking himself up, he scoots in on the other side of Alice, slinging an arm around her shoulders to claim her as his triumph, not Hunter's. "Don't let him scare you, my fairest maiden. I shall protect you!"


Con chuckles and shakes his head at Aerith. "Well, I think I remember a thing or two Herb's shown me. We'll get things shut down without burning the place up."

He puts his car keys in his pocket and comes all the way into the kitchen, ready to help. It doesn't take long, and the task of shutting everything off is complete. Con helps clean off the counter, then gives everything a glance again to make sure it looks okay. Leaning back against the sink, he cocks his head at Aerith. "How are things with you anyway? I haven't been around here much lately."


A slight smile forms on Carson's lips. "Thanks, Nate. I appreciate it. I'm just going around in so many circles right now, I don't know which way is up. I got Herb giving me a restaurant, I got Ryder who hates me for killing his brother, I got a brother in the TJY brig, and now this whole thing with a daughter showing up out of the blue..." He takes a deep breath. "Right now all I want to do is stay out of trouble."

Getting to TJY, Carson is able to see Angelica, and tells her the whole story, giving her all the details he could remember, and ending on asking her for help. He couldn't afford much, but he'd pay her when he could if they could work something out.

Pacing back and forth, Carson finally stops and looks at Angelica lamely. "So that's it. I gotta appear in court and I don't know what they're going to try. I'm just glad they didn't hold me."

Figure it out

Turning around to Con's voice Aerith gives a small smile as she walks over closer making sure she was closed enough he could hear her.

"Well its a big long story that I wont get into now but Carson had to leave, and I cant run this place at lunch time alone it get WAY WAY to busy. Well I can but not efficiently, so Carson told me to shut it down."

Aerith takes in a deep breath knowing she didnt leave to make space in her sentince.

"So I got everything but the kitchen done. I am not sure how to turn this stuff off and I dont want to mess anything up so I thought maybe you could help me figure it out."

Nate gives a nod as Carson as he gets into the car. Nate new Carson had been doing so well with staying on the right path and getting the feeling that maybe this time was not really his doing Nate didnt have a hard time agreeing to help.

"Yeah I am pretty sure she is in the office at the moment. If we are lucky we can catch her before she leaves for another case she was working on."

Pulling away from the curb again Nate is quiet as he listens to Carson and the reason for needing a lawyer. Not being able to help a bit of saprise that was more than likly plasted all over his face Nate gives a small shake of his head.

"You must have some kind of way to prove you didnt kiddnap her. I have no doubt that Lockheart will be able to help you. Let her know to if you need anyone to vouch for you about how you have changed I'll be the first one to say something."

Feeling bad for Carson Nate let out a small sigh. The guy couldnt get a brake for anything no matter what he did and it killed him to think things like this kept happing back to back.

Coming up to her Jeep with coffee in hand Alice unlocks the door and pulls out her laptop. Ambaling over to a park bench she sits down to just relax and wait knowing that the other were on there morning run. Her walk had been a little longer than planed as the coffee shop was a bit farther away than planed but it felt good and the strech was nice.

Watching as the group runs around one of the bends Alice gives a smile. Watching them train was nice and seeing there enthuseasm had its own pumping rush for her as well to continue.

Looking back down at her laptop Alice new they would be a little bit and didnt mind at all. Not being cramped in her jeep felt good and the air was nice too.

Routine

Con wanders in the front of Mom and Pop's, finding the atmosphere peculiar. He hadn't gotten to the phone in time earlier and he didn't know why Aerith wanted help closing up today. No one else had said anything to him... he knew it didn't have to do with Herb.

Ambling back to the kitchen, he pokes his head in the door, spying Aerith. "Hey." He enters, his eyebrows lifted with question. "So what's up?"


The wait isn't long. Carson spots Nate's car, and immediately heads out of the station, glad to leave that atmosphere behind. He rubs his wrist a little where a cop had gotten rough with the hand cuffs.

Getting to the car, he lets himself in the passenger side and shuts the door. Leaning back in the seat, he takes a deep breath before looking over to Nate. "Thank you." His eyes are so full of mixed emotions, it's hard to tell what he is thinking or feeling, or what is going on. "I need a ride to TJY, if Lockheart is around today."

Putting on his seatbelt, he knows he owes Nate some kind of explanation. Nate was one of the few trusted friends that he had. "I'm in trouble, Nate..." He stares out the window as they head down the road. The best way was to just say the whole thing, though he was stuff it in a very small nutshell. "Found out the other day I have a twelve-year-old daughter. Social worker doesn't want her to see me, but the girl does." He bypasses any of his own feelings on the subject. He didn't have time now to speculate how he felt. "She found a way to me yesterday, but couldn't get picked back up until this morning. Now I've been charged with kidnapping. The station wouldn't hold me, but I'm to appear in court, and I need a lawyer. I know I was set up, but I have no proof."


Outside of the town in a part, the Break Out bus comes alive. Up and going at a decent hour, everyone is out, ready to start the day. They would have a few more hours here, then would hit the road again to be to their next event that night.

Kyle does several routine stretches before wandering over to Alice's jeep, but realizes she isn't there.

"Hey, Kyle!"

He turns around to see Hunter. "Yeah?"

Hunter holds up Alice's not that had fallen to the ground. "She went for a walk."

"Oh, alright." Kyle ambles to the nearby restroom and water fountain provided for campers. Downing a couple pills, he splashes some water on his face, waking up for the day.

"Last one around the park is a rotten egg!"

Kyle spins around at Chloe's voice as the group takes off at a jog to follow the path around the park. "Sure, start without me!" he calls back. Running to catch up, he joins the others for their routine run. After that would be a short sparring session and going over their next event.

Walk and Coffee

Having everything but the kitchen shut down and cleaned Aerith just stands in the doorway for a moment. Continplating Aerith knows she could figure out how to shut everything down but isent sure she could do it with out breaking something or worse.

Figuring it would be better Aerith knows she can call Con and he could probley figure everything out without blowing the restront up.

Hearing the privet line at his desk ring Nate looks up with a start having been deep into his work. Its not often that line would ring unless something was wrong with his sister or something mroe than that.

Picking up the phone Nate's heart races through he stays as calm as he can before knowing what was going on. Hearing Carson's voice Nate is a bit releaved though can tell there is an ergincy in his voice still.

"All right I'll be right down."

Hanging up the phone Nate is not sure whats going on but wont jump to any guns yet. Carson had been doing latly and for all he knows this could be a simple missunderstanding.

Walking over to Laura's cubicle Nate gives a soft tap. He was ment to go to lunch with her today but he new now he probley would not be able to. Though he hated to do it he would have to cancle.

"Heya, I am sorry but I am gonna have to cancle lunch today something came up. How about dinner tonight to make up for it."

Giving a smile Nate is off again and into his car in no time making his way to the station quickly. Pulling outside he wasnt sure if he should wait or go in. Decieding to just wait for a moment Nate watches the front of the station.

Getting out of her jeep Alice gives a strech and a yawn trying to get the kink in her neck out. Last night had been a goodnight sleep but now moving around she relized she must have been sleeping the wrong way as the pain in her neck shot down her back.

Knowing she saw a coffee shop maybe a mile back Alice pulls out a peace of paper and jots a quick note letting the gang know she went for a walk and would be back as soon as possable. The fresh air would do her good. Taking the note and going to the pull Alice slips it between the doors where she know everyone will find it in the morning. Than turning she grabs her keys and some money before heading for the norther where she new the coffee shop was they passed.

Journeys

Axel grins wryly as he slides into the passenger side. "So it's the knight in distress and the damsel in shining armor. Sounds like quite the twisted fairytale."

The ride back to Jess' is a quiet one, but peaceful, despite the scene at the restaurant. Axel's mind was full of choices and decisions, unsure of which path to take. But he had to take one. That much was certain.

Getting back into the parking lot, Axel gives his hand time to recuperate by carrying on a quiet conversation with Jess for a little while. As it gets later though, the night must close, and he promises he'll talk with her tomorrow.


A set of eyes watches out the bus window, steady on the figure that was stretched across her jeep hood. They study for several moments before slipping away again, into the shadows.


Some days bring just another set of hours to be conquered. And some... some bring to light journeys that have just begun...


"Come on, Mac, let's go!" Carson waits by the door, glancing at his watch. Everyone had been running late this morning, but this was one day he couldn't screw up.

Dani had done most of the interaction with Mackenzie that morning. The girl had taken to her aunt immediately and vice versa. Carson had stayed more in the background, avoiding too much conversation. Until now. Dani was already out in the car, and Mackenzie was dragging her feet getting dressed.

"I'm coming!" she hollers from the bedroom.

Carson sighs. He knew she didn't want to leave. But she had to. "We can't be late, Mac," he reminds her. "I gotta be to work, and we have to wait for someone to come pick you up."

"I know." Her tone is mumbled as she finally comes down the hall, her head hanging a little. "You sure I can't stay?"

"How many times do I have to tell you this?" Carson looks down at her, wishing this was easier. It was hard on her... it was hard on him, even if he didn't want to admit it. "I brought you here for one night, and one night only. You need to be satisfied with that. You're not coming to live with me. It's not possible."

Mackenzie bites her lip. "You really don't want me, huh?"

This time, Carson could tell that the question was genuine and not a mode of manipulation. He sighs deeply. "Look... Heather is right. I'm not the fatherly type." He searches the girl's eyes for a glimmer of understanding. "I can't take care of you. You need a family... you need two parents. You need someone who can give you what you need. And I'm not that person. Can you understand that?"

"No." Mackenzie swallows hard. "I thought maybe... maybe once you got to know me that... that you might change your mind."

"This is beyond my control," Carson responds gently. "It's not up to me. But even if it was... I would want you to have a family."

"You know I'll probably forget this." Mackenzie holds back a tear. "In a few years... I might not even be able to remember your face."

Now Carson's eyes narrow and he opens the front door. "Not gonna work, Mac. Come on."

Mackenzie exits grudgingly, remaining quiet on the ride to Mom and Pop's.

Opening up and getting things ready in the kitchen, Carson sets to work, letting Mackenzie wait out at one of the tables, and making her a quick breakfast. With Aerith there to help, getting things started wasn't too hard, and soon the sign on the door read "Open." Carson was on edge though. He knew someone would show up soon for Mackenzie. And they did.

Two men and a woman enter the restaurant. A few customers look up from their tables, but no one seems alarmed. Carson meets them at the counter. "Can I help you?"

One of the men nods to him. "Mr. Banks?"

"That's right."

"Where's the girl?"

Carson points to a nearby table. The woman immediately goes to her, while the two men remain. "Mr. Banks, would you please step around the counter?"

Carson glances over his shoulder to Aerith, before setting his towel down and coming around to the front. "What do you want?"

"We're sorry to have to do this." The taller man flashes a badge. "You're under arrest for kidnapping. You have the right to remain silent..." As the spiel continues, Carson is roughly turned around, his arms forced behind his back to be handcuffed. He knew his rights. He knew the words. He wanted to fight. His adrenaline made him want to run. But he saw Mackenzie... and he knew he had no choice but to go.

"Aerith..." Carson is pushed toward the door. "Aerith!" he calls over his shoulder. "Close up for the day as soon as you can... don't tell anyone why... and..."

Mackenzie's shriek interrupts. "No! Let him go!"

The woman struggles to maintain a hold on the girl. "Calm down, Mackenzie. Everything is going to be okay."

"No! You can't take him to jail! You can't!"

"Shhh, hush now, come on. We're going home."

"No!!" Mackenzie wails as she's pulled across the floor and forced to exit the restaurant and get into a waiting car.

Carson rips loose for a moment, caught in the crossfire of shouting, but desperate to not leave Aerith in a bind. "...and if you need help..." He struggles to remain inside as the men push him out the door. "...call Con!"

And in a moment, all is silent inside the restaurant.

An hour later...
Nate's private phone at his desk rings. Carson waits on the other end, impatiently pacing, then stopping to lean against the concrete wall. Hearing Nate's voice, he breathes a sigh of relief. "Nate... it's Carson. Look, I'm downtown at the police station. They're not holding me, but I need someone to come get me and take me back to TJY. You guys are the only ones I know who can help me... and I need all the help I can get."


"What do you mean he's not here? Where is he?"

Gunner shakes his head, grabbing a cup of coffee in the dining hall. The weary travelers had arrived later than planned last night, so this morning was the first of any news that was spread. And Mick was none too happy to learn about Jeff's disappearance. "I don't know."

"Well somebody has to!" Mick sets his coffee down before he spills it all over the place with his gesturing. So far, the room was still quiet, not many people being up yet, and his voice carries.

"I'm sorry!" Gunner shakes his head again. "Nobody knows anything. Reese isn't talking."

"He's going to be getting a call from me then, that's for sure." Mick frowns in disgust. "Secrets," he mutters. "I thought we were through with those." Hearing a noise, he spins around to see Rosetta. How much she'd heard, he didn't know.