One of Them

Letting out a long sigh Hope was a bit sad to see the night had to end and Scott needed to get back. She was having a nice time and hearing about Scott's life was fun as well. Getting to know him on a more personal level was nice, it was something she didnt experiance often but she liked it.

"Yeah I guess I should head to sleep myself its going to be a long day tomarrow."

Standing Hope places the tip on the table since Scott payed for both drinks. At least she got to help pay something.

Looking at Scott again and giving a smile Hope gives his arm a gentil pat. Before she had come out with him so many thing were running though her head. Alot of witch she herself couldnt talk about with work but they were there non the less. Getting out with Scott tonigtht had been what she needed.

"Thank you so much for meeting me for coffee. You helped me more than you know. I do hope to see you agan."

And with that Hope turns and heads out the door to her car. Sitting in the parking lot for a moment she just watches as Scott maks his way to his own car. Letting out another sigh she pulls out form the parking lot and disapears into the night.

Looking up at Alec Misty just stairing at him for a moment. Squinting her own eyes wondering what he was up to.

"I will see what I can do but I am not promising anything. Go lay back down unless your feeling better. In that case I'll take you down to the cell again."

Continuing to look up at Him Misty ready herself in case he put up a fight or tryed anything. She didnt want to let down her guard and have anything happen. Alec was her resoponsbility.

Just standing in the doorway for a moment Phinox is quiet letting Reese words sinking in. A faint look pass through his eyes for just a moment before he gives a quick nod.

"Good to know in case I run into anyone looking for a second chanse. Just wasnt sure how TJY felt on it. I'll get that report done so I can come with you in a bit."

Turning Phinox heads out of the office and down the cubicles. Though he didnt look any differnt his mind was far away. Was he really a coward? Everything that had happend in the last 4 years did he really become part of them and lose who he was?

Sitting down at the desk and taking out a peace of paper and a pen Phinox starts to write though his mind was far away it made it hard.

Detailed answer

Scott almost chuckles, but not quiet. “Sitting in a corner and rocking was what I used to do.”

Glancing down, he runs his finger along the rim of his coffee cup. Yes, that’s what he used to do. And while the same kind of fear was still there, he had learned to work through it and not let it take over him. He didn’t know if that made him strong or not. While Hope believed in him, he wasn’t sure he quite believed in himself yet.

For now though, he decides to changes subjects for a little while, taking the spotlight off of his problems. He tells Hope about some of the pictures he’s taken lately, and tells her about how Domino got into the flour a couple days ago, spreading it all over herself and the kitchen.

During the lighter conversation, Scott visibly relaxes, leaning back in his chair, and not jumping every time someone came into the shop. Telling about Domino even gets him to laugh, his live eye sparkling when he did.

But even a relaxing moment has to end and life is always knocking at the door.

Scott looks down at his empty cup and sighs. He hadn’t eaten any supper, but the coffee and conversation had been filling enough for him. Looking back up at Hope, he offers a crooked grin. “I really don’t want to go back to work, but they’ll be looking for me if I don’t show up.”

Standing up, he fishes in his pocket for his wallet, putting enough money on the table for both of them. “Thank you, Hope…” His gaze meets hers once again as he looks down at her. He didn’t know how she did it… but somehow she always managed to make things look just a little brighter, and somehow she always made him feel worth more than the shell of a man he sometimes felt like.

“Maybe I’ll be lucky and get to see you again sometime when I don't have little voices running through my head.”


Alec is quiet. One might think he has fallen asleep. But his eyes are open. For a rare moment, he had been open to someone's words, and Misty's words made him think.

After a couple minutes, Alec turns over and slides out of bed, setting the cool cloth aside. Cradling his injured hand by his side, he doesn't bother telling Misty where he's going - his destination was obvious. Getting into the infirmary bathroom, he splashes some cold water on his face and stares himself in the mirror. Who was he? The question wasn't one that suddenly triggered a memory of the last time he had asked himself that question...

Leaning over the sink, Alec rinses his mouth after having just thrown up. The look on the woman's face as she'd received his bullet to her chest continued to play over and over and over again in his mind.

Another wave of nausea hits him. It had been a raid. He and three others had gone down to that little town, the sole purpose to kill that family. Medridge wanted the grandfather to pay for past interference. It had been Alec's first real assignment. He'd been excited... felt like he was part of the gang. ...He'd just turned seventeen.

"Alec! My man! Good work out there today!"

Alec cringes as JD slaps him on the back. "Yeah... thanks."

JD laughs, noting Alec's pale face. "Don't worry. After our little party is done tonight, you won't feel a thing. First time's always the worst."

Left alone, Alec lets the water drip off of his face. He glances up to see himself in the mirror. Three years ago, he thought he'd been rescued from the life of a boring nobody... But who was he?

Shaking his head, Alec blocks the thoughts from his mind. He'd chosen a path... and that path had led him here. Now he had to deal with it.

A few minutes later, he comes back into the infirmary, though his eyes are no more clear than they were before. His attitude no more peaceful than before. But instead of going back to the bed, he sees that Rick is not there, and he wanders to Misty's desk. Still holding his hand at his side. Leaning back against the desk, he looks at Misty, a grin wanting to come out, but he was keeping it from spreading on his lips. He was still a bit pale... still slightly feverish... but it wasn't enough to keep him down right now.

"Listen, Misty... you got pull around here... you and your boyfriend..." He purposely didn't call Carson his brother this time. His tone shifts to be just on the verge of sly, or maybe hesitant that he didn't want to ask. "Um... can you get my sister back here? Tomorrow or something? I... want to talk to her."


Reese cocks his head at Phinox's question. It was a strange one... one that Reese wondered why it was being asked. "Well... I'm not really sure how to answer that one." He shrugs. "People get second chances all the time... unfortunately sometimes they wait too long for the opportunity... sometimes they miss the chance when it's available. It's rare that the second chance is given and received both. And even then, sometimes they do something that proves they didn't really deserve it."

He pauses, mulling over the entirety of the question. Maybe such a detailed answer really wasn't needed, but for some reason, he felt like it was. "A lot of people deserve second chances. But I guess if I did something wrong in order just to save my hide... it either meant I didn't have things right with God, or I was a coward... and if that was the case, I'm not sure I'd even want a second chance."

Reese shrugs again. "Everything is relative, Phinox. Reasons... chances... choices... justification of deeds. They all depend on circumstances, opinions and the weight of deeds, whether in the law's eyes, or the individual's eyes."

He gives a little nod. "Difficult questions require difficult answers. Now... I'm going to give Brown a call and see if I can get down to the station in half an hour. I'll see if you're done with the report then. You can use the empty cubicle behind Nate's."


Gage checks the lock on the door again. Rod would be back soon, but Gage didn't want to be surprised. Glancing at the security camera on Katie one more time, he makes sure everything is okay before sitting down at the desk again.

Unlocking the bottom drawer, he pulls out a small paperback book that no one else knew he had. Finding the folded page that marked his spot partway through, he starts to read again. Oliver was on his way to freedom, but he wasn't there yet. What would it be like when he was finally free of the people that wanted to hurt him? For some reason, the story was intriguing.

Do you believe

Continuing to listen to Scott Hope's eyes hold a differnt look in them. Not many would notice but not many could tell but if you looked closes enough you could see she wasnt trying to listen to Scott's words and break them down, she was just listing and trying to understand like any friend would.

"It's probley got to be hard not knowing where that stuff if coming from or even knowing what it means. I think your pretty stong Scott just being able to deal with it. Yes it might be hard but man oh man I do believe I would of broke down by now in some courner and just rocked myself back and forth."

Giving a soft smile Hope finishs off her coffee and pushes her cup away a little leaning her arms on the table. She liked this, sitting with Scott and talking casualy even if he was still pouring everything out to her it just felt differnt and she liked it, not to mention though his wearyness there was a small light that flickered in his eyes and it seemed to light them up showing there trust color and oh how handsome they were.

Almost shocked by her own thought Hope chases them away quickly returning to her friendship fram of mind. Continuing to just listen to Scott and her her imput here and there to show she was listing. Though now and than Hope couldnt help but catch herself getting lost in Scott's eyes. She saw past everything, and saw the deeper side to Scott.

Standing Misty shakes her head. She felt a little sorry for Alec. He new the outside world, but had he really even know love, and kindness. To the Agency being kind of letting you see morning, what about true kind need.

"Jail or no jail we all have to pay for our crimes one way or another. I have, your brother has, most every one here has had a past. Life is so much greater than death because sometimes we get that second chanse to change how people see us. You never know who's life your going to change just by being there."

Walking back to her desk Misty sits down and picks up a few paper. Though it looked like she was reading them her mind drifted for a moment.

Before Carson her life had been so dull and hidding who he really wass ad the spunk she had inside had been so hard. She liked her life, but it wasnt everything she wanted. But coming to TJY and meeting Carson even when he was the bad guy Misty saw the good in him and she showed her how to be the little spitfire she wanted to be. It wasnt luck, and it wasnt chanse, it was planed but a greater power. The one Carson had come to know, and Misty herself new about and so many others followed. Yes that had been planed from God and you never new what he had in store next.

Giving a nod Phinox stands thinking things over in his head. Runing a hand through his hair.

"Yeah let me get on that report and if I can get it done by time you go I will come."

Walking to the door his heart punded. He wasnt quiet sure how he would get out of this one or even if it was ok to keep it up but he had to think of something.

Stoping at the door Phinox turns back to Reese his hand on the door. His voice seemed sad but was still strong.

"Reese, do you believe people get a second chanse to do something right after everything they have done that was bad but only to save themself?"

Scared

Scott's eyes are downcast as Hope speaks, but it doesn't mean he's not listening. The tone of her voice was quiet and soothing. For a moment, Scott wishes he had that big window to stand at and look out, feeling the cool glass beneath his fingertips. In a strange way, that spot had become a form of comfort. But they weren't in Hope's office. They were here, now, smack dab in the middle of a reality that didn't feel good.

Her suggestion that there might be something that could help the case made Scott's stomach turn. If there was something that could help, and he was denying that, it made him a very selfish person. Was there something he knew that could help?

Hope's final statement brings Scott's gaze back up again. He looked into her eyes, searching to see if that really was the truth. And it was. Why did she enjoy his company? Had they really gone beyond the doctor/patient relationship and formed a friendship? She kept saying they were friends, but maybe Scott hadn't really believed it until now. But right now, in this sliver of a moment, he could see it. She really did mean it.

Dropping his gaze, a grin quirks just the corner of his mouth. He wanted to say that he liked Hope's company too, but for now, he bit his tongue. If he let the words come, they'd sound more like a flirt than intended... or would it be intentional?

Scott quickly concentrates on his coffee again. Where these thoughts had come from, he didn't know. He didn't know which was better - embarrassing himself, or fighting bad memories. Either way, it looked like he wasn't going to get much relief tonight. But... maybe this meeting really wasn't about relief.

Finally, he looks back up again. "I don't remember," he responds. "Everything I remember, I've already told you and TJY. I don't know where these..." He fishes for the right description - nothing seemed to fit right for what he'd been experiencing. "...these pictures... images come from. The faces I see... I've never seen them before. But... but they scare me."

He swallows hard. It was the truth. "But I don't know why they do, an that's what's frustrating. It's like every time I start to see those things, I just shut down completely."

He sighs and rubs his blind eye that was starting to hurt. "If there is something there to help Katie... it feels like it's locked away deep enough that I wouldn't be able to pull it out in time anyway." He knew that he was consciously fighting whatever this thing was, but he didn't know how not to.


Alec sets his jaw stubbornly and looks up at the ceiling. "Thinking is what got me in trouble in the first place. Besides, if I get myself killed, I'm better off. Here, as soon as that guy of yourse, Reese, gets all the information sqeezed out of me that he wants, it's off to prison. There's really not much to look forward to in that. Carson should have finished off the job. If anybody knows how, it's him."


Reese shrugs at Phinox. "I was thinking of going in about half an hour or so. Brown usually works late, but I don't want to get down there and have him already left for the night."


Jason sits in his chair, his arms folded on his desk, his face buried. He wasn't working. There wasn't anything to work on. He'd learned of their failure with Reiker. It had been his idea to go after him, and it had been a day's worth of a wild goose chase. It was his fault they were now behind, having to backtrack and start over again. Katie was one day further away from them.

He felt empty. Tired and empty. A portion of him felt a relief, not being so full of emotions constantly. On that level, he felt like a normal person again, just like he'd wanted for quite a while. But right now, he didn't care if he was empty or bursting with emotions - he just wanted Katie back. His lifeline and hero or not, he just wanted to see her safe again. Their connection or not, he just wanted to bring her back.

Katie, where are you? His question was only formed by simple words in his mind. The emotional charge to communicate was drained by the antidote.

Plan

Drawing her hand away from Scott Hope takes her coffee mug in hand letting the warm contents warm them. The look in his eye and the quiver in his voice made Hope's heart hurt. Whatever case he was working on involved his friend, and it was eating away at him on the inside.

"Oh Scott your strong, your very strong indeed and this problem your having maybe its not a problem at all."

Hope is quiet for a second her eyes looking deep into Scott's for a moment. There had been a reason her had been here today and some might say by luck, or chanse but Hope new that this was God's will, and maybe she was here to be the friend Scott needed right now.

"Do you think maybe your subcontious is trying to remember something that could help in finding Katie? That could be it and your mind is blocking it because it knows that the memories are painful to you weather your over everything or not."

A soft smile forms on Hope's face her voice growing just a little softer.

"I'm not tired of you Scott! I rather like your company."

Misty can't help the short laugh the escaps her lips at the mention of Alec and Carson remembering everything that happend.

"Yeah that sounds about right I can see how it would of felt like a truck."

Finshing up the bandage Misty rests Alec's hand down on the bed. A small bit of simpathy pass through her eyes for a moment.

"I guess I will try and get you to stay out here as long as I can before you do end up leaving. Next time though think before you act eh?"

Hearing Reese offer Phinox stiffens slightly as his expression stays the same. If he went to Brown he'd find out that he didnt send him after all but what would the chanse be if Reese went alone he wouldnt say anything as well.

Taking another sip of coffee bids Phinox the time to think something up and play differnt things over in his head.

"When were you going to go to see Brown? As long as I get that report done for you I'd like to go. I sure he will be eager to know what have been going on with the case."

Why can't I?

Scott looks down, his eyes drifting to where Hope's hand lay on his arm. Her question tumbles around inside his mind. He trusted her. He wasn't afraid of her. He wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind. He just... wished for once, he could be strong.

"No." He swallows hard and finally looks up to Hope's eyes again. "I'm sorry. Guess I just wished..." He shrugs. How was he supposed to say what he was really thinking?

Retreating a little, he leans back in his chair, slouching. His hands spin his cup slowly on the table. "I've started..." He bites his lip. It sounded crazy. "I've started.... seeing things. Like... flashbacks kind of, but...it's stuff from when I was abducted... I can feel it. I just... I don't remember why the images are there. I moved on. It's over. I just want to forget about it. But all of a sudden this has cropped up and I can't seem to control it."

He shrugs lamely. "I'm tired, Hope. Tired of me... tired of this fight. I want to find Katie and I want to concentrate on the case, not a stupid problem of mine."

Shaking his head, he knows that once again, he'd just poured it all out to Hope. Councilor or not, it didn't take much for her to pull it right out of him. He wasn't sure what it was about her... but it was a good thing he didn't have many secrets.

Staring her in the eye, his gaze had changed to one of almost pleading. "Why can't I be strong?"


For once, Alec doesn't resist Misty's doctoring. He might never admit it, but the cool cloth was such a relief to his head. Nothing had felt as good.

Her question makes him shrug. "What kind of answer do you want? That I feel great? Then I'd just be accused of lying. Not that I haven't been accused of that already."

Rolling his eyes, he can't help a wince one time as Misty's grip gets a little tight around his hand. "I feel like I've been run over by a truck." He stops. "Oh no, wait, that was just my brother."

The bitterness had been quick to return. "Stay out of trouble? Like I can get myself into any here. Everybody is a watchdog. One wrong move and it's back in the slammer I go. Not that I care. I have prison to look forward to anyway, so I might as well get used to it."


Reese is back at his desk, and looks up as Phinox enters. Accepting the coffee, he gives a nod. "Well thank you. You didn't have to do this, but I can't deny I'm glad you did." Taking a sip, the warmth felt good.

Getting back to business though, he shakes his head. "I just wanted you to write up a quick report about how you and Jase brought in Reiker. I didn't want to bug him about it. Also, I was going to go downtown to see Brown and wondered if you wanted to come along so you could let him know what you've been doing on our end."


Alone in the stuffy room, Gage checks the door. Rod had left a while ago, so he was alone. He wanders to the desk and sits down again. He almost felt like a prisoner himself, cooped up here for this long. But it was his job.

It had been a whole day since he'd been left alone here... His hand creeps toward the desk drawer. He didn't want to... he really didn't. But... but he knew he would feel better. He always did afterward. Besides, his hands had already started shaking, and his nerves were shot. Just one more time... then he'd get out from under it.

Opening the drawer, he pulls out a syringe of his own.

Day or So

Studying Scott for a moment Hope's sences kick into gear even if she didnt want them to. She saw the pain behind his eyes, and the fact that he was trying to hide it. She wanted this to be a nice dinner, and she wanted Scott to relax.

Gently reaching out Hope lays a soft hand on Scott's arm. The softness showed in her eyes as her words convayed what she said.

"You dont have to try and hide Scott, I'm not here as your councler only your friend. Don't try so hard ok just be yourself."

Hope gives him a smile. She just wanted him to be comfortable and feel ok around her.

"Now as your friend I have to ask, Are you ok?"

Hearing Alec's voice Misty stands from her desk and moves over to the cot. Leaning down she checks his vitals and than he hand. Not saying anything right away She gives to the sink dampaing a cloth and than putting it on Alec's head. He was still warm but not nearly as bad as it had been.

"Oh you wernt to bad. I get pretty grumpy myself when I am sick."

Sitting down on the edge of the cot Misty gives Alec a small smile than takes hishand in her own to change the bandage. Checking over the cut before putting the new bandage on. Making sure it was clean, the stiches were still ok and it was healing nicly.

"I'm not sure to be honest but maybe if you can stay out of trouble I would guess for at least a day or so. Other than the hand hurting how are you feeling?"

Coming back into TJY Phinox carrys two differnt trays of coffee with him. He figured everyone could use it and it would make a nice cover up for where he was at well.

Finding Ryder in the breakroom he offers him some before heading out again with the message for Reese. Next he makes a stop where Carson is, than Rick, Misty and than last he heads into Reese office giving a knock first.

"Hey I figured we could all use some coffee."

Handing Reese his cup Phinox takes a sip of his own before looking back to Reese.

"Ryder said you needed me?"

It was strange maybe to some how Phinox's acent seemed to be thicker at times than other. Was it simply because he was picking up on the american talking, or was it simply that he was a man of few words, so many didnt really get to listen closly to what he did say.

Questions

Scott can't help something that resembled a short, weak laugh at Hope's question. His eyes look down and he shakes his head. For the longest time, he doesn't even answer her. Instead, he stares into the coffee that had been brought. This was a little more different than he'd thought... he was used to feeling like he needed to share everything with Hope, but tonight was more casual. They weren't sitting in her office with a goal.

Finally he takes a sip of the warm liquid, letting it slide down his throat. With enough cream and sugar to mellow it out, coffee didn't seem to bother his stomach too much.

"I'm okay." Looking up, he catches Hope's eyes. His own gaze was one that betrayed him. He was worried, he was worn out, he was struggling. Okay? It was as bad a word as fine.

Glancing down again, he curls his thin fingers around the coffee cup, letting his rigid palms absorb the heat. He watched th little swirls on the top of the drink as air flow moved it around. He didn't used to be able to sit still and gaze at nothingness for so long. But now he could fill hours with simply sitting and letting time be.

"It's been a long two days," he finally admits quietly. "I haven't been home... everybody is tense... no one dares sleep for more than a few minutes at a time. And Katie..." He swallows hard, trying to keep down the lump that wanted to rise in his throat. He couldn't talk much about the case anyway for security reasons. "...we have to find her."

Taking another sip of coffee, Scott tries to ignore a couple people that wander in for their own evening coffee fixes. If he didn't pay attention to them, he wouldn't grow nervous by their presence.

Someone dropping a glass in the kitchen though, makes Scott's head shoot up, his eyes widening. He catches sight of a man he didn't know, but the facial features were such to be a strong resemblance to another face he'd seen... somewhere... sometime...

The pictures started again. Faces. Names. Garbled data. For a moment, Scott's vision was taken over by the unwanted images. It wasn't a flashback. It was something... something different... something he didn't want to see.

Looking down again, Scott tries to shake the strange episode by concentrating on his coffee again, and he takes a quick swig. It was too quick though, and the roof of his mouth is burned. Cringing, his eyes water and he coughs, almost choking on the drink.

He just wanted this to be a normal setting... he didn't want to have another problem in front of Hope. He didn't want to need her as a counselor again. He'd gotten through that... he wanted to be stronger in front of her. But he didn't understand what was happening to him now... whatever it was had only started just today though.

"That'll teach me," he manages to comment wryly. "Next time I'll go for a frozen treat instead."


Carson is again alone at the desk. His eyes are still glued to the monitor. He cocks his head, seeing Gage's strange actions. Peculiar. Carson jots down a note. He wondered...


Alec stirs, not totally asleep, but not fully awake. Hearing quiet noises around him, he finally wakes up enough to open his eyes. The bed he was in was comfortable - much more so than the cot he'd been sleeping on. He almost didn't want to wake up. His mind was foggy, and for a moment, he forgot his angry and cocky air.

Turning his head, he sees Misty. Squinting in the light, he opens his mouth to find it feeling like cotton. "What happened?" he questions groggily.

Pulling himself up, the pain in his hand reminds him why he was in the infirmary rather than the holding cell. Managing to sit up partway, he tries to remember exactly what happened, but all he really knew is that he'd felt sick. And as such, he feared he'd missed what he might have done. "I bet I was a bear, wasn't I?" he asks sheepishly. "Last time I got sick, I told off my own mother."

Suddenly, his speech is cut off as he realizes how vulnerable he'd just left himself. He realizes that his tone was friendly and grateful for Misty's help - not harsh and defensive like he wanted it to be.

Swallowing hard, he looks down and feels of the bandage on his hand. His face grows red. "How long you gonna keep me up here?" His question was asked gruffly.


"Ryder?" Reese finds him in the break room. "You seen Phinox?"

"Yeah." Ryder looks up tiredly from the table where he'd been sitting, taking a rest. "Took off a while ago. Said he had to call somebody or something. Said he'd be back."

"Hmm." Reese frowns and heads back to the hall. "If you see him," he calls over his shoulder, "tell him to report in with me."

Friend

Feeling the ropes loosen and than seeing Gage walk away again her eyes just follow him not moving for the most part. This could be anything a trap, part of a plane. But something was differnt, in Katie's gut the look that had passed in his eyes was strange and said many things though she couldnt put her find on one reason alone.

Finally when she is left in darkness again Katie slides down to the ground. Leaning her head aganst the beam so many things ran through her mind. She was scared, her stomach acked, and her back killed. Katie could only hope the people who cared about her had something to go on to find her.

Wairing a grey hoodie with the name of a college on the front and a pear of jean that fint in all the right place getting a little bagger as they went down the leg Hope was dress for the casual atmistfear.

Seeing Scott a small smile spreads across Hope's face. Seeing the look in Scott's eye that he was weary a small worry formed in Hope but remember her words to Scott she turns off her mind from her job. She was here to be Scott's friend, and only a friend. If he needed to talk than he would.

"Hey there,"

Ordering her coffee and than letting Scott order his Hope is quiet for a moment just letting eveything sink in, and letting the silance rain for a moment longer.

"How are you today?"

A moment

Scott bites his lip and looks at his watch, then his computer screen. "Um..." He hesitates, knowing how much work needed to be done, and how desperate they were for leads. But at this point, he was so weary that he was going at a snail's pace anyway... and he knew if he didn't take a break, he would be no good.

He looks at his watch again, the silence on the line telling him that Hope was waiting for an answer. "Okay." He closes his eyes. "I can be at the Sweet Aroma all-night shop in half an hour."

With the call ended, Scott rises from his chair and stretches. He knew Rick wasn't going anywhere for a while... he could ask to borrow his car so he wouldn't have to walk in the dark...

After handing over files he'd found, finding Rick, and getting out of TJY, half an hour later, he's walking up to the door of the coffee shop. Hesitating, he looks inside. There were a few people there, but not many at this hour. It wasn't the most comfortable place for him, but it wasn't the worst either. He could withstand the public atmosphere for a little while.

Taking a deep breath, he pulls open the door and steps inside. His eyes roam the tables as he pockets the car keys in his jeans. His flannel shirt over his black tee was unbuttoned, the sleeves rolled up. His posture was just a bit slouched, showing his weariness. Being tired, he looked even thinner tonight. But spotting Hope to the side, a smile manages to surface.

Making his way to the table, he slides into the chair opposite her, leaning his arms on the table. I felt a little strange... She wasn't his counselor tonight. "Hi."


As Angelica draws nearer, her hand on Reese's face sends a chill down his spine. But it wasn't one he disliked. It was one he hadn't felt in a very long time.

Though he knew what was coming, still Angelica's lips on his came as a surprise and he almost jumps. But when she withdraws and catches his eyes, his gaze was not one that said to stop. On the contrary, he didn't want her to. She was more than a coworker, more than a friend... Ever since California, he'd wanted this, but had never been bold enough himself.

His hand finds its way up her arm and to her face, cradling her velvety-soft skin as his thumb strokes her cheek. She was beautiful in the dim, glowing light. Reese had never thought he could feel this way ever again... but somehow he did.

Letting Angelica come closer, he allows her to draw into his lap, still a bit surprised, but unwilling to tell her to stop. Her closeness was warm and comforting. It quieted his heart, while at the same time gave him reason to press on.

As her arms wrap around him, his own slide around her waste, his hands resting gently on her back. He stares into her eyes for a moment that felt like eternity. Oh, those eyes how they captured him and took him so far away from all the stress and worry he felt.

Glancing down then back up at her eyes, no words needed to be said. Wanting to feel her lips to his again, he moves one hand up to caress the back of her head as he pulls in closer to her. His kiss is warm and strong. He closes his eyes, falling into the moment. Retreating, he cocks his head the other way, returning again to let the exchange last as long as she would allow.


At Katie's thanks, Gage backs up a step. He opens his mouth as if to say something, but suddenly stops. The strangest look passes on his face, and for a moment, he just stares at her. Finally though, he blinks and turns around again to throw the cup away and head for the door. But he stops. For the longest moment, he just stands there.

Eventually he turns back around, but goes to the back of Katie on the other side of the pole. Working with the knots, the ropes move a little bit, but stay tight around her wrists. Something had changed though. They were now loose enough around the pole that she could slide down to sit if she wanted to.

Without a word, Gage stalks back to the door to leave.

Sliver

Though Scott can not see her a small smile forms on Hope's face. Scott was to smart for his own good that was for sure. After all he had been through he really was bouncing back nicely. Thinking for a moment about Scott's question Hope is quiet. Till finally she speaks again her voice being very sincere.

"You dont need a counselor anymore Scott, but it never hurt to have another friend right? How would you like to gab some coffee if your not to busy that is? Believe it or not coffee helps me wind down, and some time with a friend would be nice too."

Hope ment what she said, she missed Scott and just the other day she had relized that he was more than just another pashent, or person she helped. Without even knowing it Scott sliped his way past the cracks and became more, he had also become Hope's friend.

Looking back at Mike the smile on Angelica's face stayed but softened just a bit. Color rose to her cheeks ass she relized how close she really was right now to Mike. The man that had captured her heart though she would never admit it outloud.

"As long as he is locked away so he cant hurt anyone else...thats what matters."

A soft wind blowing through the open window sends the smell of Mikes callone to Angelica's nose, almost instintly feeling as though a calm blanket had been put over her. A small silver of moon light poked out from behind the clouds casting a glow on the office.

Bring her hand up to Mike's face Angelica gently brushing a peace of hair back that had been blown by the gentil breeze. Than moving her hand back down along the side of his face she maping his skin with the back of her hand. To her his skin was so soft, even with a little bit of five oclock shadow.

Leaning forward Angelica is not sure what drove her to make such a bold move but her lips press aganst Mick's as the sweetness of the kiss bursts forward giving her whole body chills.

Backing away just a little she searchs Mike's eyes and bits her lip in a nervouse statment. The stress the had been under, the weaght of te world had been gone in that moment, and for that second it was the best comfort Angelica had ever had.

Leaning forward once again, with ever grace Angelica moves Mike's chair back just a tade so she she could sit herself on his lap, wrapping her arms aroundhis neck to draw herself closer to him. She wanted his strong arms around her, to feel him close to her, to lose themselfs in the moment and forget about what was around them, because in Mike Reese arms she felt loved.

Taking the paper from Carson Nate gives a nod. They had nothing, so anything was a clue they could go on, anything they could look up and narrow down getting them one step closer was something.

"Thanks Carson, I'll be right back. And if you want to get some sleep, or something to eat I'll take your spot here for a few hours."

Turning and seeing Ryder Nate walks over to him and gives him a short nod figuring there was nothing much to tell about Reiker or it would of happend already.

"I'd ask how you are holding, but you look about as crappy as the rest of us."

Giving a short sigh Nate leans on the cubicle with the paper in hand.

"I figure for now we can leave Reiker in the intarigation room and find out what Reese wants us to do with him. But till than if your not to tired I need you to do a search on buildings that have unfinsihed basments and are paying a bit higher taxes. I dont care where, or how many you have I want them as long as they are in this state."

Handing the paper to Ryder Nate gives a small smile and a nod before turning around once again and going back to the computer with the foottage of Katie.

Feeling the cool water to her lips Katie is almost shocked for a moment, but than lifting her head she takes a long sip from the cup her eyes locked on Gage once again.

She wasnt sure if he had done that because he had to, or because he wanted to but non the less it had helped her. In a soft voice she manages to whisper.

"Thank you!"

Which?

When Katie falls silent, Gage just looks at her for several moments, the quiet lingering. Turning around, he paces, returning his knife to his pocket. Finally he walks over to a faucet hidden in the shadows. A styrofoam cup is handy and he fill it halfway with cool water.

Walking back to Katie, he tilts her head up again, putting the cup to her lips.


Laura wraps her arms around Nate's neck, letting him carry her down the hall. Despite the bad day, a smile was on her lips. She didn't care who saw them like this.

Being set down on her feet again, she relents with a nod. "Okay. I'll rest. Wake me if anything comes up - anything at all."

Returning Nate's kiss, she watches him leave, then turns into the room, sinking down on the bed. It was softer than she remembered. Easing down to curl up on her side, the pillow seemed fluffier than normal... the blanket more comfortable... Her eyes fall shut.


Carson shrugs at Misty's comment about Gage. "I don't know... Man is born with a natural instinct for right and wrong... but if you're brought up with that... I don't know." He watches the screen, interested to see Gage's interaction with Katie. "I can't tell if he's actually trying to make her comfortable, of if he's just taunting her."

Hearing Nate's question, Carson looks up quickly. "Not a whole lot." He reaches for his notepad. "Got some stuff that probably won't do us a whole lot of good, but...."

He lets go of Misty's hand to point some things out on the paper. "The pole Katie's tied to is actually an I-beam. This indicates that she's either in a large house or building - it's not just a little house somewhere. Also it looks like an unfinished basement. If we pretend it's a house, it would be one without a reported finished basement that they'd be paying more taxes on." he shrugs. "That hardly narrows down the search. The guy with her right now is Gage Pelzer. Lifetime with the Agency. He's in his twenties... I was just telling Misty that he was born into the Agency - never been out. That doesn't help on a location though either because he's been sent all over the place."

Carson squints at some of his scribbles. "Um... whatever they're giving Katie is different than what Rick has. Though it looks like she doesn't like it, it doesn't throw her into a fit like Jason... and they give her a shot much more often than every 24 hours. So I'd say it's a weaker form of a better antidote. Beats me what it is though."


Reese looks down at the pictures Angelica places before him, and studies them for a moment, taking in her words. His heart sinks. He knew she was right.

"I was afraid of this." He sighs deeply. "I know it was all we had to go on, but Jason was desperate and took off on the wrong lead."

Turning his head his eyes meet Angelica's. "At least we got Reiker for shooting up a house and trying to kill Ryder though. That's enough to put him away - one less... Agency scumbag to... to worry about..."

With each word, his voice grows quieter, his eyes still looking into Angelica's. She was so close he could feel her breath on his face, and smell the sweetness of her skin. His eyes glance down then back up again and he swallows hard. "Thank you... for... all your help."


Ryder stands lamely in the hall as Phinox heads out. "Yeah...." He gives a short wave. "Later." Sighing, he looks down one way then the other. It was quiet. For such a stressful day, it was quiet. But there was nothing to pick up the pace. No leads. Phinox was right. This had been a dead end.

Wandering towards the main floor, Ryder isn't sure where to go next. He should probably report to Nate or something.


Scott doesn't even look to see who was calling him before he answers. Hope's voice catches him off guard, and he's quiet for a moment. But leaning back in his chair, a small smile escapes. "Hi, Hope."

He pauses, not really sure what to say. "It's not late - I'm still working." He hesitates again, not divulging any information about how he's really doing yet. His tone was quiet and sincere. "Are you calling as my counselor or my friend?"

Sleep

Katie looks back at Gage dead in the eye an emptyness seems to show in his eye. Most people who worked in the agecny had that look. But along with it they had a longing. Gage was differnt there was no longing only empty. Trying to will herself to stay quiet but her lips would not obay.

"I'll rot here even if they DO get who they want. Like I said before The Agency dosnt let people go. But my friends will find me, and I will see the outside world again."

Swallowing hard Katie trys to move the saliva around in her mouth keeping it wet so she didnt thirst to much.

"To the Agency this is a game, and to them we are just the pawns. I wont go down without a fight and I wont lost this patter without making a mark."

Closing her eyes Katie could feel herself growing weak. The EE they had given her was sucking up what energy she had. If she was going to escape her had to save what energy she did have so the right moment. Droping her head down again Katie closes her eyes. She wanted sleeping only conserving energy but letting her mind still work as her memories of those she loved keep her strong.

Listing to Carson Misty can't help but shake her head. To be raised in the angency, live, breath, and only know that was a horrable thing. She couldnt even start to imagen what thought would be like, but maybe to Gage it wasnt so bad not knowing anything else.

"Thats horrable."

Misty lets out a long sigh continuing to watch the screen. Making out bits and peaces she can get a little bit of what Katie and Gage are saying but not enough to make it give much sence.

"I guess when it comes to something like that I have to stop and wonder if you can blame him for his wrong ways. Live, breath and raised that why how would you knows its wrong."

Shaking her head again Misty moves a little closer to Carson lcoking her fingers with his. She wished there was more they could do for Katie. Seeing here there was hard, and it make her own insides flip flop.

Giving a grunt and unfolds his arms and gives another shake of his head.

"Well I fear that we just wasted a whole day. I really dont see a lead here. The most we can do now is another background check on him, maybe his bank account or something and see if he had any money transfered in. Other than that we are back to squear one."

Lifting his head and looking around the TJY floor and than back to Ryder Phinox just relized how much he had been talking. IT was strange how he felt comfortable talking to Ryder like he was a long time friend. Not that, that really mattered he wasnt here to make friends and in the end, everyone would hate him anyways if he didnt wind up dead.

"Anyways, I havent had anything to eat. I am going to step out for about an hour and call my contact to see if they have anymore information for me. If Reese askes he had my cell number."

Giving a short way Phinox makes his way to the exit making sure his phone was once again in his pocket.

Moving the hair softly from Laura's face Nate strokes her head running his rough hands through her soft hair. Like saten on sandpaper it felt so nice. Holding her a little closer Nate couldnt help but feel a small lump of guilt rise inside of him. Everyone had someone tonight except for Jason.

"I wish I could let you stay close to me all night but sadly I do need to get back to work."

Giving Laura's head a kiss Nate stands his arm sliped under her legs and his other around her back still cradling her in his arms. He was worryed enough and if Laura got sick from lack of sleep he would worry even more.

"Get some rest ok? If anything happend you will be right here and I will come and get you."

Walking across the floor Nate takes Laura to the spair bedroom getting to the door he lets her down knowing she cant go the rest of the way herself.

"At least an hour ok? for me?"

Giving Laura another kiss Nate turns and heads in the direction of Carson's cubicle. He needed an update on what was going on, and than he needed to talk with Ryder about Reiker to see if they had gotten anything to help them.

Getting to the cubicle Nate stairs over Carson and Misty for a moment just watching what was going on, on screen.

"Whats going on here?"

As movment catchs his eye Nate looks up twords the exit to see Phinox heading out of the building. Where was he going?

Giving a soft tap Angelica enters Mike's office and trys to give a small smile. Thought the situations were though at the moment she did what she could to keep her head up for her sake thought the new she now braught would be non to good.

"Mike, I have some information, but tis not to good. I took it on myself to do a little deeper search on the oil Nate and Jason braught in. I wanted to run my own tests, and cover everything. We can get this guy behind bars but only if we charged him with the right thing. If not than we would be the ones hung out to dry."

Angelica lets out a sigh and she puts two differnt pictures in front of Mike and than goes behind him to lean over a little bit as she talked.

"These are two pictures of paint fragments from each oil. Oil leaks it drags paint, a coting anything with it rotting it away a little more. See this one here the while is from the Van that took Katie, and this one here is green the one from the shooting. They dont match."

Turning hear head to look at Mike she was only inches from his face but it didnt seem to faze her.

"I'm sorry Mike but its not the same van and we have to charge Rekier with atemptive murder on Ryder and thats all."

Hearing the voice come over the other end Hope gave a small smile. It had been a while since she had talked with Scott now, and through the gapevine she had hurd about Katie. Knowing this was probley hard on Scott seeing as Katie was his best friend she just wanted to call as another friend to make sure he was ok.

"Hey Scott Its Hope. Sorry I am calling you so late. Hadnt hurd from you in a while and I just wanted to see how you were doind."

Was that really why she was calling? Or was it just that she missed talking to him, and missed hearing his voice? As quick as the thought came Hope pushed it away again. IT was imposable she couldnt think of that.

Free will?

Laura gives a quite giggle, her eyes lowered, but her arm still around Nate's neck signaled she was enjoying his attention.

Returning his kiss, she smiles at him. She'd never felt like this before... being loved like this. Despite the tense situation in the office, there was a slight moment here of bliss

Laura leans her head down, curling up closer to Nate and nuzzling her face into his warm chest. "Can I just stay here?" she mumbles. "I'm so tired... and so worried..."


Jolted from his thoughts, Carson straightens, eying the sandwiches Misty had brought. A sly smile emerges and he gives her a sidelong glance. "You sure know how to make a guy feel good, you know that."

Reaching out, he picks up one of the sandwiches and takes a bite, giving a sigh of content. "Yep... definitely worth keeping you around." Grinning, he watches her as she squats next to him, and leans over to give her a kiss. "Mm... definitely."

Though wanting to keep up with the flirting, he knows they had work to do, and Misty's question just proved as a reminder.

"Yeah." He leans back in his chair and gestures to the screen where the young man was still in the room with Katie. "Gage Pelzer. I met him a few years back - we were on a couple assignments together, though we never interacted on very deep a level. He's probably one of the toughest cases you'd find at the Agency." Carson shakes his head. "He was born there. Literally. His mother was an agent - I never knew who his father was. But he was born in an Agency medical facility, separated from his mother and brought up for the sole purpose of serving the Agency. As far as I know, he's never not been on duty or on assignment. I never saw him allowed to have leave or time off..."

Carson shrugs. "The Agency is cruel, but they know if they're gonna keep agents around, they gotta give sometimes. Me, they let roam whenever I wanted. They were stricter with others. Gage - he was like a robot. Garbage in, garbage out. Talk about a prisoner. Problem was, that he was good. What better guy could they have than someone who's been there all their life? Head honchos took advantage of him though because he'd do anything he was told."

Carson pauses, looking at the screen again. "A lot of people at the Agency have had their freedom taken away, their minds erased and their reasons for living skewed. Gage? He's never known freedom, never had a mind of his own, and his reason for living has never been anything but for the Agency."


Ryder sighs deeply and shrugs at Phinox. "I don't know. Agency usually doesn't screw up like that. Reiker was adamant that they were supposed to kill me. His reasoning still has me baffled, but maybe it was some screwy plan of Medridge. You know... get me to think I had a kid or something to break me."

He scrunches his eyes shut and shakes his head. "But you're right - even if that can be explained, that still doesn't connect with Katie. But... if it doesn't... we just wasted a whole day tracking in the wrong direction. It's all we had to go on. Surely there's more... surely there's something we missed."


Gage is quiet for a moment, letting the knife drop without cutting Katie's skin. "Free will? Is this what you call free will? Bound by ropes and kept in the dark? Who you are will change, Katie. You stay captive long enough and it'll eat away at your mind."

He moves closer, staring her in the eye. "You stay here long enough and your own conscience will start playing tricks on you. You'll lose your ability to think for yourself, and the pain will be so great that you'll do anything to get rid of it. Free will?"

He shakes his head and retreats to throw away the used needle. "We're not playing games, Katie. It's you or them. And if I were you, I'd hope it was them. At least you'd have a chance of getting out of here. Otherwise you'll just rot where you stand."

Hope

Emerging from the room with his arm crossed over his chest Phinox lets out a sigh. That was a dead end and he new it. Reiker wasnt part of what happend to Katie, they were wasting there breath. Turning to look at Ryder Phinox gives a little pase on the floor before stopping again.

"Riker didnt know anything about what we were talking about. His story may have sound fake and madeup but no one would come up with answers to questions about it as fast as he did."

Thinking again Phinox choosed his words carfely knowing he needed to watch what he said.

"Could they have mixed you up with someone else? I just have a feeling he didnt know anything about Katie let alone who she was."

Bringing his hands up to Laura's arms Nate is quiet for a moment leaning his head back aganst her. The soft small of lavander and soap washed over him making him feel safe. He cant ever remembering a woman having there arms around him and him being the one who felt safe.

Turning a little Nate pulls Laura infront of him and draws her into his lap and brings her close to him. Leaning into her Nate nuzzles into Laura's neck just a little before pulling away a little and running a hand over her cheeck just looking into her eyes.

Laura had become his shelter, his sound ground. He was strong, but a little more strangth was always nice and welcomes. Giving a smile he gives a small nod.

"Yeah I think I am holding the best I can with the help of a certin good looking Lady."

Running his finger over her cheek again He leans in and gives her a small kiss.

"I love you so much."

Slowly walking over to Carson Misty sets a plate down for him that had two grilled cheese samwich on it.

"I thought maybe you would want something to eat."

Stairing at the screen for a moment Misty watches what Carson was watching. Hearing him say a name Misty squots down next to him to continue to watch.

"You know who he is?"

Feeling the pinch in her arm Katie gives a wince. She wanted to cry out in pain, she hated the feeling, the way the EE made its way through her body, they way it felt to be left alone with her own mind, she hated it.

Lifting her head Katie looks at Gage in the eyes her own reflecting an emptyness but a strangth at all the same time. At this point she didnt know what to think or how to feel. She was scaired, and she hurt but she had to stay strong.

"I'm happy to still be alive, because when they find me, and I know they will I want to see the look on your face. I have my hope, and my love. Take my emotions away from me you may, but you cant take away my free will to choose who I am."

As Gage runs the blade aganst Katie she can feel the cold steel on her skin and it stung. Everything inside of her quivered but her eyes showed no fear and she didnt wince or back away but just continues to look at Gage. They would come for her, she new they would, se had to keep hope. Things wernt so bad right now.

Familiar Face

Though Gage's back is turned, a scowl surfaces. This was the fourth time he'd been assigned with Rod, and he never once had liked it.

Walking to the one window, he barely parts the horizontal blinds to see out. Medridge was confident about this little scheme, but Gage wasn't so sure. Something about these people just didn't feel right. Though he'd never say it, Gage wondered if Medridge underestimated the Elite and the families from Texas.


Carson knows that Nate is just as torn up as he is about this whole thing, and he wants to offer some kind of words. But he knows he can't lower his wall. Not and survive the task he'd just been assigned to.

Retrieving the address, he makes his way to Katie's own cubicle, turns on the computer and heads to the right place. Staring at Katie's weakened body, his eyes grow dim. He wanted to kill whoever had done this.

Fishing around the desk, he finds a notepad and pen and starts jotting down notes. Study, write, study, write. Soon he had a barrier built strong enough in his mind that it didn't feel anymore like it was Katie he was watching - it was just someone who he needed to get all the information on he could.


Rick shakes his head at Misty's question. "I don't know if it will always be sporadic or not. It's been about twenty-four hours though, and that's how long I thought the first shot might last. I juts need more time to perfect it, and I need Jason to pay more attention, but right now he's too out of it with this mess to care."

He sighs in frustration. "Yeah, giving him a dose he can give himself isn't a bad idea. Eventually I want to get this thing into pill form so if anything like this ever happens again..." In the back of his mind, he wondered if perhaps this scenario would turn into the future if they didn't find Katie. "...he can have a supply wherever he is, and even Katie too."

Jason's mind propells him back to reality like a speeding jet. Sitting bolt upright, the images of Katie flash through his mind. The emotions wanted to come - they wanted to scream out. But the only emotions there were ones that made his stomach churn and his head hurt. "No!"

His scream made Rick jump and whirl around. "Jason!"

Jason wasn't paying a bit of attention. The dosage still was not perfected and it had set him off kilter once more. A flying arm whacks Rick in the gut, sending him stumbling backward.

"Misty! Sedative!" he barks. They couldn't risk Jason hurting anyone or himself. Rick was mad at himself for not getting this thing right, but he just hadn't had enough time. He needed to find the right combination in the formula that wouldn't send Jason into an emotional fit every time. He knew it was a jolt to Jason's system going in and out of these stages, but there had to be a way to make the transition a smooth one.

Before Jason can even get to his feet, he feels the pain of the needle in his arm. Swinging his head around, he shoots Misty a glare that would have shattered glass had his emotions been in tact. But he wouldn't even remember the anger. Sinking back down on the table, everything goes black once again.

Rick is still catching his breath. "Let's hope when he wakes up from that one, he'll have calmed down." Maybe this was an improvement from last time when it had taken several episodes like this before Jason had been under control.


Reiker glares up at Phinox. "You guys ain't got nothing on me. I don't have to talk to you."

Ryder crosses his arms, scowling as he stands next to Phinox. "I was there, Reiker. You tried to blow my head off, remember?"

"You can't prove that!" Reiker's eyes wander from Ryder to Phinox and back again. There was fear behind his gaze, despite his unwillingness to talk.

Ryder shakes his head. "And what if one of your buddies talked first? Then where would you be?"

"You killed them," Reider spits out.

"Did I?" Ryder takes his gun from his holster, cocks it and aims it at Reiker. "You think I'm not good enough to hit you where it'll hurt but not kill you? You want to find out?"

Reiker swallows hard, his face paling. "They're... they're not dead?"

"One of them is." Ryder continues to point the gun at him. His words were chosen carefully. So far he had not lied. "Who's gonna cut a deal first eh? Any tic of the clock and you could be the only one behind bars. Keep quiet and it'll be your head, no one else's. Now I'm fed up to the back teeth with your whining. So start talking."

Reiker's eyes drift back and forth between the two agents in front of him. A bead of sweat runs down the side of his face. A low growl from the corner makes him shoot his gaze to Trooper, who was none too happy with the tension in the room. "Call of your dog first."

Ryder laughs. "He's not mine. I don't know he commands."

"Well make him back off!"

"Keep yourself calm and he might just stay in his corner. Get nervous and he's bound to help out in the pain department."

Reiker stares at the barrel of Ryder's gun. "You were supposed to die."

Ryder holsters his sidearm giving Phinox a sidelong glance. Reiker had been easy - they'd alreayd gotten past the hard part. "Why?" he questions Reiker.

"I don't know! We were just told to come shoot up the place and make sure you didn't come out alive. That's all."

"Why?" Ryder persists. "Why would you be scared of me after you took Katie?"

"I don't know!"

"Talk!"

"I don't know!"

Trooper stands up and takes a step forward, giving a low growl.

Reiker's eyes widen. "Call him off!"

"Talk!"

"I told you! I don't know!"

Ryder slams his fist on the table, reaching over to grab Reiker by the shirt collar. "Why did you take Katie?"

"I didn't!"

"Don't lie. The van matches."

"It wasn't me! I don't know what you're talking about!" Reiker stares wildly at Ryder, then to Phinox, almost as if asking for help. "We were told to kill you off, and that's all!"

"Me?! Why?!"

"Because of your daughter! That's all they said, alright?! That's it!"

Ryder suddenly drops Reiker and takes a step back, his voice lowering to a very confused tone. "My daughter? What on earth are you talking about?"

By now, Reiker was desperate to spill all he knew. "Me and the other two got called in. They said to kill "the Aussie." Said they didn't want you getting in the way with your daughter. So we came to take you out. Figured we'd shoot up the place and we couldn't miss."

Ryder blinks, trying to act like he was still in control, while his mind was racing. "I don't have a daughter, Reiker." He glares at their captive. "You'll have to come up with a better story than that."

Reiker sees the confusion and latches on. He gives a short laugh. "Do you know you don't have a daughter?"

Ryder's face reddens. "Yes. I do."

"Well then somebody got their lines crossed, but it wasn't me. I was just following orders, and that's all I know."

"You're gonna have to do better than that," Ryder warns. "You had something to do with Katie's kidnapping and you know it."


The day drags on. Hours tick by slowly, making it seem like days. No leads. No breakthroughs. No new information. No contact with the enemy.


"I give up." Ryder throws his arms in the air as the interrogation room door was shut behind him and Phinox. They'd worked on Reiker all afternoon, but had gained no more information than they'd started out with. Reiker stuck to his story and had given them nothing more.

Ryder rubs his hands over his face. He was tired and hungry. Everybody was. He looks to Phinox, having given up on getting much more out of Reiker. "Can't squeeze blood from a turnip. There's got to be a connection between him and Katie though. His story about me having a daughter is ridiculous. I would have thought he'd come up with something better than that. Maybe he thought if by chance I did have a kid, I'd get scared and he could make up a whole new story to shake us off the trail, I don't know. He's got to be lying."

He shakes his head. "This is getting us nowhere. It's been a day and a half and we're no closer."


Jason slowly opens his eyes and turns to roll onto his back. He's hardly moved at all when Rick is already beside him syringe in hand. "Whoa..." Jason's voice is scratchy. "What'd I do to deserve that?"

Rick breathes a sigh of relief. Jason was lucid again. "You don't want to know."

Jason frowns, trying to think past his headache. "Did I give you a bad time again?"

"You could say that." Rick rolls his eyes. "More than once."

"Sorry."

"Not your fault. I thought I'd made progress with the formula but I was wrong. I've been working all day on an improvement."

Jason quirks an eyebrow. "Ooh, upgrade."

Rick grins. "Haven't lost your sense of humor."

Jason swallows hard an sits up, throwing a look in Misty's direction. His eyes apologized for any trouble he'd caused. He glances back to Rick. "Any news?"

"No." Rick shakes his head.

"They still... still watching?"

Rick nods slowly. "Carson's been watching all day."

"Is she... okay?"

"She's alive." Rick gives Jason's shoulder a pat. "She'll be okay, Jase. We'll find her."


Laura slips in behind Nate's desk chair and drapes her arms around his sholders to cross on his chest. She rests her face down in his hair, breathing deep the lingering scent of shampoo and cologne. She kisses his head before straightening up and hugging him closer to her from behind. "You holding up?" She was asking him, while she'd been worried sick all day. But she knew he was too. Katie had a special place in everyone's hearts - that much was clear.


Scott scrolls through more names and more pictures, trying to place the face in the photo Nate had printed off. It was difficult - the photo wasn't the best quality and it was hard to make out some features. All day and he'd narrowed down the search, but still hadn't been able to pinpoint any names.

His mind drifts back to Katie and the emotions rise as a lump in his throat again. Sitting back, he glances to Dalton who was hard at work as well. Back to his screen again, suddenly the images are back. He tries to stop them, but they're like a bad film reel insistant on playing whether he wanted it to or not. Faces and data flash in front of his eyes, triggered by today's turn of events. He doesn't want to focus on them. He doesn't want to decipher them or understand what they were. All he knew was that there were bad things connected to them - connected to his own past with the Agency - and he wanted to shut them out and bury them where they couldn't hurt him any more.

Scott scrunches his eyes tight for a moment before looking back at his computer screen. His pulse had quickened and he hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath. He doesn't look at Dalton again, afraid that his own strang behavior had been noticed.


Carson grinds he cigarette into the ground, breathing out the last bit of smoke. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he makes his way around the building to go back inside. Three minutes. Wyatt had kept watch for him while he took a quick break. He'd needed the break too - though he'd tried to keep up with things all day, his nerves were nearly shot. Keeping his habit quiet hadn't been heard - everyone was too distracted to pay attention to him. It was better that way anyway.

Getting back to Katie's desk, he relieves Wyatt. There had been no changes. Carson glances at his notes, then sits back again to watch. He scribbles another note. All that he jotted down were just loose thoughts that may or may not help the situation at all. But it was all they had right now.

His stomach growls. The one thing that sounded good right now was a grilled cheese sandwich.

Movement.

"Hello." Carson sits up straighter, squinting at the screen. It wasn't the same man who had been in there before. He tries to get a better look, but the room on the screen was so dark, it was hard.

Then the man turns and Carson's eyes widen. "Well, Gage Pelzer. Fancy seeing you here." He grabs his pen again and jots the name down. Next time Nate came to check on him, he'd tell him what he knew.


Gage lets the door fall shut behind him, and walks slowly to Katie's tired, weakened form. "And how's our prisoner holding up?" he asks, not expecting a response. "Looks like I'm not late this time. Rod about had my hide for just about letting you die. Though by the looks of it, I wonder if you'd rather die than take all this."

He reaches for Katie's sleeve to roll it up. There were already visible marks where she'd been given shots before. He hesitates before giving in and administering the EE. It would only take seconds for it to spread through her body.

Heaving a sigh, Gage caps off the needle. Putting it away, he retrieves a new tool. A knife. Testing the blade, he runs it along Katie's neck, not hard enough to cut her, but the threat was there. Reaching out, the knife pushes her hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. Bruises accented her face, purple and black, dried blood smeered from the cut in her lip. "You look like your aunt," he muses. "Least from the pictures."

Epie pen

Giving a scoff Rod continues to walk slinking down in his chair. He hated being here, and he hated he was put on this case with these two numb skulls. If it hadnt been for his skills at tourcher he wouldnt be here.

"Just do your job like I tell you to, and I will talk with Barker."

Picking up the phone Rod dials a number waiting for someone to pick up on the other end. Twirling a knife on the desk.

"Yo its Rod, they found the package and have tuned in. Yeah, probley for about a half hour or so. Yeah ok, ok. Bye."

Nate continues to watch running a hand over his face. He didnt know what to do, he didnt know what to do anymore or how to feel. He was so messed up inside and he wanted to break things, he wasnt to scream, he even wanted to cry.

"Oh Katie, hang in there please, we are going to get you out."

Checking over Alec quickly Misty comes over to Jason laying a hand on his arm for a moment. Than going back to the counter she moves around and gets a saringe before going back to Jason and Rick.

"Do we know if it will be this long before it will happen again or will it always be spratice? Maybe we can make something like an epie pen for him to carry?!"

Still staying quiet Phinox stands aganst the wall watching Reiker. Studying him he is quiet for a long while. Moving around the table Phinox leans on it looks there prisoner in the eye.

"Why did you atack Katie's house after we...you already had her? I wany answers about what u know and I want them now."

Chosen

Gage looks up from the desk as Rod comes back into the makeshift office. He already had one black eye from this morning's argument with Barker, who was in charge of this operation. Apparently, Gage had been negligent in more than one area.

He scowls at Rod. "Either I keep up the regular checks so that doesn't happen, or I stay up here the whole time. I keep getting stuck in the middle, and I'm tired of taking the heat for things that go wrong." He knew that Medridge would have their hides if Katie died at this point. They still needed her.

Gage stands up, checking his watch. "Just let me handle the schedule alright? Keep Barker off my back and I'll take care of the girl."


Reese and Scott watch the video, appalled at what they saw, but completely helpless. They agreed with Nate that probably Katie was suffering, as Jason was, without the injections.

"They were prepared," Reese comments. "Which means they know good and well about Jason and Katie's abilities. Jase said someone in Australia knew, but I didn't think it had gone this far. They obviously have a formula like we do."

A Nate's instruction, Scott takes the printouts from him. He swallows hard, looking at them for a moment, then glancing back to the monitor then to Nate. His eyes said it all. He was reliving a portion of his own terror - only this time it was through Katie. All he can manage is a slight nod before turning and heading back to his own office. He wanted to stay... to make sure he knew what was happening with Katie... but he had to help with the work. It was the only way to help Katie.

Reese sighs deeply, running a hand over his face. "I wouldn't wish this job on anyone. But you're right. Somebody's got to keep a constant eye on this. Any little detail might give us a breakthrough." Thinking a moment, he nods. "I'll be right back." Spinning around, he heads quickly for the hall. "Ryder, come with me."


Rick looks at Sapphire gratefully. "Thanks... and yeah, let's get him to the infirmary. He overexerted himself before I could give him the antidote. Seeing Katie there didn't help any," he adds grimly.

Arriving in the infirmary, Rick manages, with Sapphire's help, to get Jason to the table, lying down. Alec was still occupying the bed, still in a drugged sleep.

Panting, Rick gives Sapphire the "ok" to go, then looks to Misty. "Help me out here, will you? We need to revive him, but I'm afraid of what state he'll be in when he wakes up. Prep a sedative just in case."


Keeping Reiker in handcuffs, Carson assists Phinox in getting him to the interrogation room, shoving him down in the metal chair. "Sit," he orders sternly.

"I want a lawyer!" Reiker complains.

"What for? You're already before the judge and jurry," Carson hisses. "You better think long and hard about talking because this jurry is prone to finding people like you guilty, and the judge is partial to the death sentence."

He lets the threat hang in the air before exiting the room with Phinox and shutting the door behind them. "I've never seen him before," he muses. "I wonder if he's new or just a peon." He quirks an eyebrow at Phinox. "Speaking of which... who are you?" Carson's eyes roam Phinox's face, proving that he thought there was something familiar about him.

There wasn't enough time though - they're interrupted by Reese. "Carson."

"Yeah?"

"I want you set up at Katie's desk to watch the feed."

"What?"

"I want you to watch it without blinking," Reese directs. "If you have to get up, you find a replacement until you get back. You're allowed three minutes when necessary."

Carson's eyes widen slightly. The last thing he wanted to watch was his young friend tortured. But someone had to. And he knew why Reese had chosen him."I..." He swallows hard before straightening. His eyes glaze over with a hardened look that was rarely seen in him anymore. "I'm on it."

"Good. Take a notepad." Reese turns to Ryder. "You're free to interrogate our prisoner. Phinox, woud you assist?"

Trooper gives a short woof as if not liking being left out.

Reese frowns at him. "And you belong in your master's office. Get!"

Instead of obeying, Trooper heads around to sit down at Ryder's left side. Ryder looks at him curiously. "He can stay. We might be able to use him."

Carson makes his way to Nate's cubicle, his face free of emotion. "Nate - I need that web address."