Why

Moving closer to Scott Misty takes some cleaning salution and a soft cloth. Looking at his cuts Misty knows it will sting but with the utmost care she gently cleans the wounds.

"I'm sorry if I am hurting you Scott. Just hold on I am almost done ok?!"

Continuing to clean the wounds Misty's heart acked. So much pain was going on right now and Misty didnt even know why.

Giving a glance to Dalton the sarrow shows in her eyes as Rick trys to talk to Scott. Than looking back down again Misty consintrates on dressing Scot's wounds.

Seeing Scott Dalton's heart clenches as he beats himself a little inside. Why hadnt he been there for Scott, why hadnt he checked sooner? Dalton wanted to keep his friend safe but insted he was hurting again.

Stepping a little closer Dalton gently gives Scott a pat on the shoulder that had no wounds on it. Though one would not think much of it, for being so big Dalton did have a gentil side that didnt match up to his size.

"Hey Little Buddy, I'm sorry I didnt protect you better..."

Dalton remembered for a moment of the fire that had started in his home. He wasnt able to protect his parents than eather. Though he was small at the time, he always wished he had done more.

"...Who did this to you so we can find them? You didnt do anything wrong and didnt deserve this."

Dalton would hope his coacing would help Scott. He wanted to know who did this to him so he could protect him and make sure it never did again. Dalton didnt like this, he didnt like thinking someone at TJY could hurt Scott like this.

Felling a great amount of pain shoot through the side of her face Katie opens her eyes just a little. The only thing to greet her was the darkness.

Why was this happing to her and was everyone else safe. Katie wanted so despretly to believe they were ok the ones she loved. If there were ok and the Agency hadent harmed them than this, this was worth it for them. Dieing in place of someone you loved seemed like a nobal way to go. She only wished she couldnt feel this pain.

Coming out of her cubicle Sapphire scans the floor looking for Nate. Seeing him close by to Carson still she walks over to him a paper in hand.

In a soft timid voice that held as much strangth as anyone else Sapphire talks her voice sounding almost like Scott's.

"Nate, I dont have that report on the phone yet I am still working on it but I did find something else intresying out. Someone manuly over rided the sacearity code lastnight to the outside doors."

Nate's eyes widen just a little as he looks to Carson than back to Sapphire. He couldnt believe this, what else could go wrong right now.

"Do we know who and why?"

Sapphire looks down for a moment as she shakes her head.

"No I dont, but I can look and find out more before I let you know."

Nate gives a nod. He didnt mean to be short tempered he just had a lot on his mind at the moment.

"Yes do that."

Once Sapphire is gone Nate leans his head down as his eyes closed. Why...why was God doing this. He had a plan for everything but what did this have to do with it and why did Katie have to suffer.

Summoned

Scott groans as he's lifted to his feet. He hurt all over, and a wave of nausea hits him as he moves. Feeling Rick on one side, he realizes someone else is with them now, and hears Dalton's voice.

Rick moves slowly, glancing at Dalton to make sure the hulk is moving just as gently, and he was. Rick could tell Scott was hurt, but making him get onto his feet proved that he still had some energy that would help him recover.

Reaching the infirmary, Rick motions with his head. "Dalton, help me get him over there onto the table. Misty!" He calls her from her desk. "Come help me. We don't know what happened, but someone got to him in the interrogation room."

Scott cringes as he’s eased down on the table. He cranes his neck and blinks, trying to bring Misty’s face into focus. But Rick’s hands on him, forces him to turn back around. He winces as Rick pokes and prods.

Rick’s jaw is set tightly. “Who did this to you, Scott?”

Scott remains silent.

“Scott? Come on.” Rick looks to Dalton, wondering how they would get Scott to talk. He then motions for Misty to come clean Scott’s cuts and bruises as he continues. “Who did this? Who came in and beat you up?”

Scott tries to pull himself up a little bit. The look in his eyes hold fear and a strange form of shame. “They interrogated me,” he mumbles, clarifying. “They wanted… information.”

“What information? What are you talking about?”

Scott's lower lip trembles and a tear runs down his cheek. “I don’t know.”

Rick sighs and leans in a little closer, lowering his tone to be gentle. “I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I.” Scott flinches a little as a cut on his face is cleaned. “I just… I thought… I can’t….”

Scott’s rapid breathing, makes Rick reach out to ease him back down to the pillow. “Calm down, Scott, it’s okay… it’s okay. Just rest, alright?” Rick sighs and looks to Misty once more. “Keep him calm and keep cleaning him up. I'll get him some pain killers.”

Scott tries to fight off Misty a little bit, but is too weak and disoriented to really hold her back. "I didn't mean to," he whimpers. "But I had to... I... it wasn't... I didn't know..."

He turns his head around and spies Dalton still there. The look in his eye was pure agony. It was obvious that it was more than physical pain that was torturing him so. "I... I don't understand."


Jason buries his face in his hands, quiet sobs filling the silence of his office as he continues to sit on the floor amidst the mess he'd created. Even Trooper knew to keep his distance.

Why are you letting this happen, God? How can you just sit there and let this happen to Katie? Scott was so sure you would protect her... why aren't you?

Jason was angry... he was hurt. And though he aimed his frustrations heavenward, God was the only thing for him to reach out to at a time like this. No one else could offer help. No one else could offer comfort.

Scott's words come back to him. Jason wanted that peace. He wanted it so badly. Right now, he couldn't control this... he couldn't just pretend it wasn't there... he couldn't handle it on his own. He wanted to know, like Scott, that everything would be okay in the end. But... how could he, when he never had commited himself to God? Why should God even listen to him? Jason spent his time researching and reading the Bible, looking for loopholes or mistakes... he read with a skeptical eye, never really intending on going beyond a surface belief that God existed and sometimes answered prayers. Why should God listen to someone like that?

Jason's heart breaks. He rocks back and forth, torn between his human nature, logic, and the love of God that he knew nothing about.


Carson sits and stares at the computer screen once more. The pain he felt was numbing. Katie was a friend... and even though he might never say it, she held a special place in his heart.

Looking at Katie's limp form, he knew the pain she must be under. A new sickening feeling comes to his gut as he remembers the people he did the same thing to... he had been just like Rod, if not worse. Now being on the other side... it felt terrible.

Carson swallows hard. He had to stay in control. The others watching it had had just about as much as they could handle. He had to stay strong. He had to do this. He had to look past his emotions and concentrate on finding evidence... finding clues to follow.

He bounces his leg nervously as he tries to keep his stomach from revolting. He wanted a smoke like nothing else, but there was no one to take his place right now.


The phone rings. "Hello?"

"Mrs. Stevenson?"

"Yes."

"Is your husband available?"

Gina furrows her brow at the official-sounding female voice. "Who's calling, please?"

"This is the secretary for Mr. Reese, cheif of the Elite in Nevada."

Gina's blood runs cold. "Is there a problem?"

Susanne's tone is kept professional yet gentle. "It's very important that I speak to your husband."

"Um... okay... hang on one second." Gina puts the phone down and leaves the kitchen, wandering to Derek's office adjoining their bedroom. "Derek?"

"Hmm?" He absentmindedly looks up from his paperwork.

"Phone for you. She says she's from the Elite in Nevada... she wouldn't say what she wanted."

Derek lifts his eyebrows as a red flag goes up in the back of his mind. Paperwork was forgotten. The Elite? His mind raced. Did this have to do with his father? "Okay... I'll take it in here, thanks."

He reaches for the phone on his desk. "This is Derek."

"Thank you for taking my call Mr. Stevenson. First I must tell you that this may be a matter of life or death. Your presence is requested at the Elite headquarters here in Nevada. You are being summoned by the chief and it is imperitive that you come."

Derek's pulse quickens. "I don't understand." He hears a click on the line, signalling that his wife had hung up the kitchen phone.

"You are to go to your airport and check in under your name. You have a seat waiting for you on flight 2594, non-stop to Nevada."

Derek blinks. "I what?"

"Please, Mr. Stevenson, write this down." Susanne grows a little testy, in a hurry and wanting him to pay better attention. "Your passage has been booked and your plane leaves Wisconsin in an hour and twenty minutes."

"But what is this about?"

"That information is confidential. I'm sorry, this is all I can tell you. Can we count on you?"

"I..." Derek looks up as Gina appears in the doorway again. "I don't know, I mean... I still don't understand. How do I know this is legit? Is my family safe?"

"At this point, your family is not a factor."

"At this point? What about later? What about tomorrow?"

"Mr. Stevenson, please do not worry about them. We will make sure they're taken care of. Please... just go to the airport and get on the plane. Someone will be at the Nevada airport to pick you up."

Derek frowns. He didn't like this one bit. "I need proof that this is legit and not some trap."

"There's no time. You will have to trust us. Please... a young woman's life is in danger..."


"...Dad? Where are you going?" Liz walks in on Derek, who was hurriedly throwing a few things into a small duffel bag.

"Nevada."

"What?"

"I'm sorry, Liz, I can't explain. I don't even know everything, but I'm being called in by the Elite."

Liz's eyes widen. "Isn't that that new law enforcement branch?"

"Yes."

Liz studies her father's body language for several moments as he packed. "This has to do with your past, doesn't it?"

Derek stop and turns to her, his face grim. His family knew of his past with the Texas gang, and also his brief invovement with the Agency. But all of that had been laid to rest, never cropping up until now. "I don't know. But if it is, everything will be ok, alright?"

Liz's eyes fill with worry, but she nods. "Okay." She hesitates. "Isn't that where Jason works?"

"Who told you that?"

"Axel."

Derek sighs. "Yes... as far as I know, it is."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. I have no idea if I'll even see him. But I have to leave now... your mother is calling a taxi to take me to the airport."

Liz bites her lip. "How long will you be gone?"

"I... I don't know." Derek zips up his bag and heads for the doorway. He lays a hand on Liz's shoulder. "But I'll be back, I promise. Don't worry, okay?"

Liz embraces her father, receiving a kiss on the top of her head. "Okay. Be careful."


"I what?"

"You are needed in Nevada, Mr. Pent," Susanne repeats. "At the Elite headquarters."

"But... why?"

"It's concerning your daughter."

Jay's stomach churns. He'd gotten the call from Mick that Katie had been taken, and had been worried sick. "Have they found her? Is she okay?"

"I'm sorry, but the situation is delicate and I'm not at liberty to share any more information."

"Is she alive?" Jay demands. "Tell me, or I won't come."

There is a pause. "She's alive, Mr. Pent. But unless you come, there may be nothing we can do."

Jay walks down the hallway with the cordless phone in hand. He wasn't going to waste time... not when Katie's life was at stake. He would do anything. "How much time do I have?"

"There is an Elite jet waiting at the airport. Get there as soon as you can."

"I'll be there in forty-five minutes." Jay didn't know why they wanted him in Nevada, but he didn't care. Whether they needed information, his presence to find Katie, or even in the field, he would do it.


Kyle sat with the others at the table in the diner - their breakfast meal spent out. The last couple dasys had gone well. Their routine had been well-received again. This morning, the group from Break Out was gathered, eating, talking and laughing as usual. In a couple hours, they would hit the road again.

As the chattering and joking makes its rounds, Kyle listens, joining in, while his mind wanders at the same time. Done eating, his right hand fidgets, his fingers strumming in a rhythmical pattern.

"You're fidgety today," Chloe teases.

Kyle snaps to attention, abruptly stopping his hand, not having even realized what he was doing until now. "Hmm?"

Chloe rolls her eyes with amusement, then looks across to Alice who was between Kyle and Hunter. "I don't know how you can sit next to him, all his moving around morning."

Kyle smirks and downs the rest of his water. "She's more kind than you," he quips to Chloe. "But just so you won't have to stand my fidgetiness any longer, I shall excuse myself." Pushing away from the table, he leaves his napkin behind. "Talk about me all you can while I'm gone so when I get back, you're all emptied out." He throws a wink at Chloe, while his hand goes to Alice's shoulder to give her a little squeeze. "Never fear, the great wacky wild child Kyle shall return."

Once outside in the fresh air, Kyle leans back against the building, hearing the city noise. The morning sky wasn't quite blue yet, but was still painted with shades of purple and a hint of orange around the horizon. The air felt good, even if it was within a city he doesn't know.

Reaching into his pocket, Kyle pulls out his prescription bottle. He'd been happy lately. He'd really started to settle in and enjoy being on the road. But it was so hard to let go of what he had credited it to.

But Chloe had almost caught on to the one thing that had really been tugging at him lately. He needed more peace... he needed more peace to stop the senseless want for what used to be.

He pops the lid on the bottle. Next town over he could find a pharmacy and have his prescription filled again.

Search

Nate cant help the sicking feeling he felt and the tears that wanted to come to his eyes though he held them back. This was no joke, this was no nightmare. This was real, Katie was hurt and they had nothing. It was that alone that could drive someone crazy.

"Phinox I want you to think up a plan on how you can get a meeting with Rod, or information from him anything. Than when your done I want you to run it by Carson and I to see if we aprove. Please think quickly."

Pasing the floor Nate cant look at the screen his stomach was still clenched. Though he tryed to block his own emotions his hear still broke.

"Carson I want you to continue to watch. Look for anything reflections, slip ups anything, any hair out of place let me know."

Pressing the intercom button Nate trys to keep his cool though he knows there is stress in his voice.

"Sapphire how is it coming along with that number?"

"I am still doing the search. Its going to be a little bit Nate, give me about an hour its the best time I got."

"Ok, thank you."

Pasing the floor again Nate grabs a peace of paper and jots some stuff done. A bunch of numbers and the name of the acid used on Katie.

"I got a good blimps of that bottle. I am going to see if I can track it down and see where it came from. If I can find the sorce than maybe I can find who sold it and at least its something to go on."

Storm

Jason just reaches the hallway when he hears Katie’s phone ring. Turning back around, he sees the small commotion at the desk, and stops his route. He goes back, even though his anger still burned for Phinox. He needed to know what was happening.

Carson stands back, watching the screen and hearing the call. He dreaded what would happen next. He eyes Jason, knowing that he would take this the hardest.
Notified and hearing the call, Reese is quick to join the group. He doesn't have time to question why on earth Phinox was there, let alone not being held. But he knows not to question his men - something must have happened between times, and right now it was Katie they needed to focus on. Having a traitor in their midst or not, now was not the time to bring it up.

Eyes widen at the request for Derek and Jay. No one understood why they would be asking for such a thing. Not even Reese seems to know why.

Hearing his father’s name, Jason’s heart leaps into this throat. He hated the man, but this was hitting even closer to home. What was going on? Why? Nothing made sense. He didn’t realize his fingernails digging into his own palms, his fists were clenched so tightly.

Continuing to watch and listen, it's a horror that is set into motion. Carson keeps his eyes on Rod and Gage, trying to pick up signs of what would happen next and how far they would go. He tries to block out the image of Katie herself, barring his emotions from getting in the way. It had been his method to deal with these kinds of things when he'd been the one inflicting pain. He'd developed his own on/off button on when to care and when not to. The only problem was, that being a new man made it much harder to turn that switch off.

Jason, on the other hand, is stunned by what he sees. The horror fills his eyes and for a moment, he feels himself stop breathing. A cry wanted to come, but it got stuck in silence. Tears wanted to flow from his eyes, but they remained behind a shield of terror. He felt like he was in the worse nightmare he'd ever had, except he knew there would be no waking up. This was reality, and the one person that gave him reason to live was being put through a pain he couldn't even imagine.

As Rod goes for a second round with the acid, Jason can't stand any more. His scream echoes across the TJY floor. Completely overtaken with the grief he felt, logic no longer plays a part. He goes for the phone.

Carson and Reese both know how important it is not to disrupt Rod, despite what was happening, and both seeing Jason move, they know they have to intervene.

Jason is blocked head-on by both men. "No!" He pushes against them, trying to make the extra ten feet to the phone Nate held. "They can't do this!" he screams. "No!"

Carson and Reese have to plant their feet, trying to take Jason down before he ruined the call. Both have to use all their strength, pushed to the limit by Jason's adrenaline-driven desperation.

"Jason, you need to leave now," Reese orders.

"No!"

"You're leaving," Reese repeats. A look over his shoulder proves that within seconds, Katie would be receiving the second round. He glances to Carson, relaying his desire for Jason not to see this. Carson understands, giving a nod. Reese nods back. "Get him out of here."

Jason still struggles, pushing against both of them. "No!"

Carson finally gets a good hold on him and whips him around, dragging him backward away from the scene and to the hall.

Jason fights the whole way, but his desperation clouds his judgment, making it difficult for him to do much harm to Carson. "No!" he screams again. "Katie!"

Carson pulls him back around the corner then spins him around, pushing him to his office. "Don't leave this office until Reese comes and gets you," he orders sternly.

"You can't keep me in here!" Jason tries to get past him again, but is pushed back.

"I can and I will." Carson stares him in the eye. He knew Jason was hurting, but right now they didn't have the time to pamper him. "You're under Reese's orders now. Stay put or it'll be the holding cell."

"I have a right to know what's going on!"

"And you will. But right now you need to stay away from that monitor." Carson backs away, making sure that Jason stayed put before he spins around and walks quickly back to Katie's cubicle.

Jason stands numbly for a moment, unable to straighten out any thoughts at all. Katie's cries echoed in his mind. The picture of her being burned tormented him. "No!" He slams his fist into the wall, tears beginning to sting his eyes. "They can't do this!" he shouts.

A full minute passes with the sounds of his anguished cries mixed with the crashes of office paraphernalia being thrown against the wall. Breaking glass signals that he'd turned his anger to more delicate objects with no less ire.

And then... silence. Jason is slouched on the floor, surrounded by the debris from his storm. Tears roll down the sides of his face and he stares into nothingness.


Back with the small group, Carson watches in pain as Rod's sadistic nature takes over. Reese closes his eyes, unable to see the girl he cared for like a daughter being put through this.

When the call has ended, there is numb relief. But the pain lingers because it had been real... and Katie had been harmed.

"We need to call Jay and Derek," Reese states flatly. "Whether we give in or not, they need to be here for safety, and they need to know what's going on. I'll have Susanne make the arrangements." Giving a nod, he heads to the office, calling over his shoulder to Nate. "Call me when something else happens."

Carson eyes Reese, and knows that he's leaving because he can't take any more. He couldn't blame him. He did agree with bringing in the two men though. "Why do they want Jay and Derek?" He shakes his head. "That doesn't make sense."

Setting his jaw tightly, he sinks down into the chair, once again, assuming his position at the monitor. He didn't want to make Nate do this any longer right now. "What's next?"

acid

Nate stands at the desk his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. Seeing everything on the computer and seeing Katie just there moving in and out of cautiousness. What did the Agency want with all of this, why were they doing this.

Turning his head as Jason comes out Phinox stands. He new he didnt get alone with him and he wasnt sure what Jason would do. Holding his hands up Phinox looks to Jason.

"I know you dont trust me and thats fine, but lets find Katie and than after words you can do whatever you want with me."

Watching Jason walk away Phinox couldnt help but feel bad for him. He didnt blame him for hating him or even trusting him for that matter. He was the enamy.

The silence was thick as everyone tention is running high. No one really trusting there company but the silence was short lived. The suddin loud Jetstream music, and Jason's voice comes over Katie's cell phone.

Phinox movies closer to the phone and glances over Carson's shoulder as a figure apears infront of the camra where Katie was.

"Thats Rod the one I talked to on the phone. He's the one running the show."

Looking to Carson, than Nate than back to the computer screen.

Nate gives a jump standing quickly. Moving to look at the camra his anger burns. Picking up the phone and answering it he is silent for a moment taking in a deep breath.

"This is Nate."

The gruff voice comes over the other end calm, cool, but a mercaless edge to it.

"Your the leader of this whole show on trying to find Katie?"

Nate's eyes move from Carson and than the camra again. Something was wrong and he didnt like it.

"Yes, what do you people want?"

The voice booms over the phone the volume turned up so the others could hear to, also as he pushes the speeker button for Jason and Reese being able to hear as well.

"We want Derek Stevenson and Jay Pent."

Nate stiffens at the request. Names he hadnt hurd come up in a while.

"No way, there is no way we could give them both to you."

"Than for every moment that goes by your friend here will get another battle wound. For every moment that you refuse she will pay and you will watch as she withers away to nothing, as she crys out in pain and it will be your fault. Sooner or later eather you break or she dies."

Setting the phone down Rod moves to a table that was to the left. Taking out a small bottle he holds it up for a moment. Picking up the phone again he questions.

"Have you even seen what happens to skin when acid hit it? Or how it smells?"

Setting the phone down again Rod moves over to Katie. Reaching out Rod holds the dropper over Katie.

As the acid hits Katie's skin by her neck and her jawbone it sizzles and smokes.

Katie's screams where loud and sharp showing just how much pain she was in. Moving naturley trying to get away from the pain she was feeling. Tears roll from her eyes and down her face. The salt from her tears hitting the acid eaten spot on her face only making it hurt more.

Looking over his shoulder Rod calls to Gage.

"Come here and hold her head to the side. Don't let her move or this could turn out far worse."

Turning back to Katie Rod drops a few more drops a little higher this time. The acid spread into half dollar size taking on no real shape.

The flesh being eaten away as the blood rolled down Katie neck was a sigh that could make anyone sick to there stomach.

Though it hurt so bad and tears rolled from Katie's eyes no plee was hurd, and no begs came from her lips.

Once finished Rod takes the bottle and puts it back in the drawer ordering Gage to let Katie go.

Picking the phone back up a wicked smile forms on his face.

"That was the first time you denyed what we wanted, for her sake I would rethink the offer."

Nate's anger boiled as his knuckles started to turn white from his fists being clenches. Wanting to say something back Nate dosent have time before the phone is hung up.

Not even skipping a beat Nate picks up the phone and dial's Sapphire's line. His voice was gruff but not with her. He was angry, he was hurting and he just saw someone cuse unbearbale harm to his good friend.

"Sapphire, take Katie's phone number and run a scan of the last call to it. Find out where the number is from satalight location, anything I want it and I want it 5 sec ago."

The pain was so great that finally she couldnt stand it any longer. Lowing her head from the pain her tears continued to come. It hurt so bad she didnt know what to think.

Phinox stomach churned as he watched and listen to what was going on before them. He new they would torcher Katie but he didnt know it was going to be this bad. Something didnt seem right though this wasnt part of the plan he remembered.

"This isnt right, Rod's gone off the deepend. Next time I talk to him I have go to see if I can set up a meeting and get him to stop this."

In need

TJY seemes quiet. The hallways are clear… work is being done at desks and in quiet offices. But tension runs high. They were still on the hunt… Still on the search. Desperation grew. All cases had been put on hold except this one. Time was running out. And the only leads were those no one knew if they could trust. But the day was starting again, desks were filling up, and decisions to move forward had to be made.


Rick heads to the second interrogation room with breakfast for Scott, juggling the small try in one hand, and keys in the other. It didn't feel right coming here to find Scott... of all people to have been put in here...

Not surprised to see Dalton nearby, he gives him a nod, then fiddles with the keys, finding the right one to unlock the door. The light was off. “Scott?” He inches inside before reaching for the light switch. Glancing to the right, the blanket and pillow that had been provided were empty. “Scott?”

He sets the breakfast down on the table, then suddenly spots the young agent in the far corner. Scott was still curled up on his side, motionless. A chill runs down Rick’s spine and he moves closer. “Scott?” he asks again. Not receiving a response, he kneels next to Scott to tilt up his face. “Good land,” he breathes. Scott's blind eye was almost swollen shut an his lip still had a steady stream of blood flowing from it. The bruises were deep. He was curled up tightly, as if trying to protect himself from any more harm. “Scott… can you hear me?”

Scott swallows hard and manages a nod without opening his eyes. He hurt all over.

“What happened? Who did this?”

Scott only shakes his head, unwilling to talk.

Rick stands quickly and goes to the open door. His face was pale. “Dalton? I need you in here on the double. You've got to help me get Scott to the infirmary.”


Carson watches every single move Phinox makes.... his eyes, his breathing, his body language. Carson knew what it was like. He knew how the agency worked and how agents were trained to react in situation like this. He knew the tell-tale signs of an agent who was lying to save their hide... and Phinox didn't have them. But that didn't mean he would trust him completely.

Slowly, Carson withdraws his handgun, putting it back in its holster. Contemplating a moment, he turns to Nate. "I need to get back to my job of watching. You're leading this group though - it's up to you what we're going to let Phinox do."

Just then, Jason comes around the corner. He stops in his tracks, his eyes widening, then immediately turning to a glare. "You." He stalks towards Phinox, ready to take out his anger on the one man he knew was a traitor.

Carson is quicker though, and steps in between, holding Jason to the side. "Let it go, Jase."

"But he..."

"I said, let it go." Carson gives him a look of warning. "He's here for Katie this time. He's going to help us."

Jason continues to glare, now confused. He turns to Phinox with a look that could kill, before responding to Carson. "Who is he really?"

"Spanish secret service just like he said, but he's been in the Agency a few years."

"And you trust him?"

"Do you trust me?"

"That's different."

"How?"

Jason relaxes enough that Carson doesn't have to hold him, bu he's still not happy. "Katie's life is on the line... and you're going to trust someone from the Agency. Oh that makes a whole lot of sense."

"We're not going to walk into a trap," Carson states flatly. "But what other leads do we have right now?"

Jason is silent. They had none. The last several hours had turned up absoultely nothing. Looking to Nate, he turns to leave. "Tell me what I'm supposed to do, once you figure it out." Spinning on his heel, he stalks back towards his office.

explanation

Turning back to the computer again Nate sinks down into the chair once more stairing at the screen and Katie bound to the poll. His heart acked.

"Oh Katie."

Still listing with one ear Nate continues to watch the screen trying to think of some kind of plan. He felt like a fish out of water that was running out of time.

"Because I am one of them Carson. I guess no matter how you look at it, I guess I have turned into one of them no matter how I tryed to tell myself it was only to servive. I betrayed myself, my country, and all the good I once new."

Phinox now new it was true, he new that what he had done was wrong. Though if given the chanse to go back he probley wouldnt change anything he new he had been wrong anyways.

"If you dont even want to trust me again thats fine Carson, but trust me now with this for Katie's sake..."

Going through everything he new about the case he told them about how the Agecny new about Katie and Jason abliltys and thats why they choose them next. It had started with Austraila when they found out, to Jason taking a formula for a cure, and now came to this.

The Agency wanted something out of this though he wasnt sure what it was Katie to had to pay the dear price. And though things would not get anymore easy he would do his best in finding out what he could.

"I don't know where they are keeping her but I do have some ideas. If you can give me a map I can show you. I'll be able to find out where she is as well because the day after tomarrow I am to report to a meeting area where the infomation I have collected. They are going to take me to where they have Katie. You can follow but a bug on me anything and find out where she is."

Phinox new they probley wouldnt go for the idea but its all he could do. He didnt know anymore but he did have alot of helpful information to offer.

"It's all I have guys and though you know think its probley a good idea, its really all we have. You have got to let me go when I need too."

Trying

Carson hates listening to the phone call. He hates hearing the other voice. He hates hearing plans to hurt Katie.

As the call ends, he works his jaw muscles, not sure what to do now. The call seemed clean... Phinox seemed to be telling the truth at least on that end of things. But how were they supposed to know that it wasn't all a setup?

"I don't like it, Phinox," he growls. "You've proven you're one of them, and that's about it."

Hearing the question of the next step, he throws Nate a withering look. "It's torture, Nate... use your imagination."

Turning back to Phinox, he releases his hand, but doesn't put his gun back. "Alright. We're not going anywhere until you tell us everything you know about this. You convince us you can actually help, we won't throw you in the holding cell. One wrong move and you get locked up - if you're really on our side and want to help, then you know getting locked up wouldn't do anybody any good."

His eyes narrow to slits. "Where are they holding her?"


While time is quickly passing at one end of TJY, at the other, it couldn't be moving slower. But who would know? Nothing can be heard through soundproof walls. No one can be seen, when movements only seem to be imagined shadows. They come and they go. Fifty-seven minutes is all it takes.

Scott lies in the corner of the interrogation room, curled up tightly on his side. Blood ran from the deep split in his lip, and the bruises on his face were quickly darkening. He moves but winces, his ribcage cracked and so sore. He would call out if he thought it would do any good, but he knew that no one could hear him.

A silent tear drips onto the floor. He lets his eyes fall shut, trying to block the pain... trying to block the anguish.

Phone call

Letting out a sigh and shaking his head Phinox looks to Nate and than Carson again.

"Alright, let me get the number from the phone."

Reaching into his jacket pocket he takes out his phone and flips it open going through the numbers. Finally coming to the one he was marked A number.

Dialing it quickly Phinox waits for what seemed like hours starting to think no one would even answer he finally hears a voice on the other end.

"Hello?"

Keeping his voice calm and cool Phinox makes no flaws in acting like anything was wrong. Moving the phone away from his ear so the others could hear the call on the other end.

"Hey Rod hows everything going?"

"Phinox? You know what I wanna hear."

"Agent three-twenty-five, reporting in twenty-one ten hours after infiltration."

"Clearance accepted. Why are you calling from a number we dont know? What are you trying to pull Agent?"

"Come on Rod give me a break you know I wouldnt have called from a number you didnt know without a good reason. Sacurity here is tight and they have officers all over the place, I couldnt exacly get away to call from my own phone so I am using one in the office that I have been working in."

The lies roll off Phinox's toung like it was nothing. He'd done it so many times before it was so easy to do it now without even blinking.

"You know if Steve new about this he wouldnt be happy."

"Steve can kiss where the sun dont shine because if he has a problem I can take this to Mindrige himself and he'll see it my way. He's not in charge of this operation anyways you are."

"Ya whatever, I dont know what you think your tough stuff you better watch it. How is everything there anyways? Everyone squirming in there seats yet?"

"Yeah you should see them. Mindrige sure did know what he was doing when he said to snatch the Katie."

"Yeah well they havnt seen anything yet. Tomarrow will be the next step. I'll call them on the girl's cell early in the morning. That way it will give us the next step in her capture."

For a moment at Rod's words Phinox cringes as a wave of regret and sadness pass in his eyes. He new what would happend next he only had wished they would of waited another day so maybe they would have another day to find Katie.

"Are you sure you want to start it tomarrow? So soon?"

"I got the ok from Mindridge to go tomarrow. They still dont know your Agency do they?"

Looking at Nate and than Carson again Phinox shakes his head though Rod couldnt see him.

"No they have no idea. They are so blinded by whats going on with Katie they cant see whats right under there noise."

"I new we could count on you for this one. Call again tomarrow when you can, from you own phone this time."

Hearing the click on the other end Phinox know Rod had hung up. Looking up at Carson he holds the phone out to him.

"There, for now she is safe from death."

Though Nate wanted to consintrate on Phinox he found it hard continuing to watch the computer screen. Turning back to Phinox again I though goes through his mind.

"What did he mean by the next step in her capture? If they so much as lay an finger on Kaite so help me..."

Phinox looks to Nate the sad look in his eye once more before it was gone. He hated the thought of what would happend, and he hated having to say it. Giving a nod to Carson he reply.

"As him he knows."

Nate looks to Carson with question.

Too afraid

Carson's eyes narrow, the pressure on Phinox's hand not letting up. His eyes glance back to Nate, then towards Reese's office. He really didn't want to involve anyone else right now. He had to keep the upper hand.

Looking back down to Phinox, he shakes his head. He would call his bluff on this one. He knew Katie's life was at stake, but if Phinox really was telling the truth, then forcing his hand might make it clear one way or the other.

"No. You use our phone. If you're really supposed to be feeding them information, then you should be able to come up with some excuse as to why you didn't use your own phone."

Carson reaches down and hits an extension number. "The line is clear of our own traces. Whoever you call should be able to see that. Now dial. Or you won't get a chance to call at all and Katie's death will be on your hands."


Scott just nods lamely and watches Dalton leave the interrogation room. Once alone, it was so quiet again... so still. He looks to the mirror to the side, knowing that beyond that was the other interrogation room, empty. But he stares at himself. Who was he? Was he really a traitor? Dalton didn't seem to think so. But if he wasn't, then why did he have Agency information? He wanted to remember so badly, while at the same time, he was too afraid to.


It's a short while later, that Hal's voice comes over the intercom. "Dalton, please report to garage bay three. Dalton... garage bay three."

Hanging up the phone, Hal goes back to the lower level garage door, still trying to get it unstuck. He'd unlocked it with the keypad numerous times, but he still couldn't get it open. He hadn't wanted to bother too many people - he knew that upstairs everyone was working hard at trying to find Katie. But Rick had suggested getting Dalton's help to try and force the door open if the mechanism had jammed.

Cell

Dalton gave a short nod. He new Scott was right and he should be continuing to help with Katie. He hated leaving Scott though. Maybe though just maybe he would leave Scott but still stay close.

"Ok, I will leave you be but I am going to be working at the desk outside the door if you need me. I'll check in, in a little bit though and bring you something else to drink."

Giving Scott a light pat on the shoulder Dalton turns and heads out of the second intaragation room. Going to there office he gathers a few of his paper work along with some other things he needs. Returning to the desk that was outside from the room that Scott was in Dalton sits. He would watch over his little buddy so if he needed anything he would be there.

Looking up into Carson's eyes Phinox can see the anger in there, and new what Carson was capable of. Though he wasnt to scaired of him even if he did blow off his hand.

Just holding the phone for a moment Phinox looks at it and than looks back to Carson.

"I cant call from this phone. The phone's arnt taped but they have a caller ID and will see its not my cell phone number. It would be safer to call from my phone."

Phinox looked up at Carson before doing anything. He'd rather not get his hand blown off.

Every second

Carson's grip on his handgun tightens, his glare piercing Phinox as he spoke. Though he let him talk, and disarm himself, Carson's stance is unchanging. At any moment, he was ready and capable of pulling the trigger and ending this right here and now. But he lets Phinox talk.

Studying Phinox's eyes, Carson takes in every word, dissecting it and trying to see whether or not he was lying. Each phrase, each flash in Phinox's dark stare... what was the truth? Who could be trusted?

For what seems like an eternity, Carson just stares at Phinox, his gun still poised. One could hear a pin drop. Finally, Carson moves. He keeps his gun aimed at Phinox, but lowers it a little, stepping forward to turn him and shove him down in a chair at an empty desk. Reaching down, he picks up the phone and hands it to him. "You call your contact," he orders icily. "And if for a split second I think you're setting us up..." He takes Phinox's free hand and puts it palm-down on the desk, jamming the barrel of his gun into the top of the hand. "...you're gonna lose your hand. Now... dial."


Scott looks at the cards, then finally looks up at Dalton. "I know you're just... just trying to make me feel better... and... and I'm grateful." He licks his dry lips. Carson hadn't really hurt him, but he was sore. "But... please... take my place trying to find that man. Having us both in here... it just takes us one step away from finding Katie."

With a sorrowful gaze, he stares into Dalton's eyes, pleading with him. He didn't know what was going on in his own mind, and he was so very confused. But even though he was scared to be alone, he knew that Katie needed to be found... and he knew that every second counted.

Plee

Dalton gives a small nod to Scott. He new that they would leave him in there, and he new Scott would be alone.

"I know its true, they will. But I am gonna stay in here just a little while longer with you. I dont have anything to do right now anyways."

Sitting back in the chair Dalton pulls some cards from his pocket and places it on the table. He wanted to try and get Scott's mind off everything but he didnt even know if he could or not.

Standing behind Carson his eyes narrow. He didnt trust Phinox now no matter what he said. Moving his hand to his own gun Nate snarles. After everything he was in no mood.

"You got some guts showing your face here again tonight, talk quick or I will let Carson shoot you."

Phinox's eyes widen a little as Carson pulls his gun on him. It was than he new they did inface know who he was.

Raising his hands in the air Phinox moved his own hand to his side arm. He was taking a chanse but he wanted to show peace. Drawing it slowly he reaches out and puts it on the desk next to them before bringing his hands up again his heart pounding.

“I do who you are Carson, and I know your not, but Please just listen to me, I can explain. I really was a secret service agent.”

Phinox’s eyes beg for someone to believe him. He knew they had ever right not to but still he wanted them to. To help with this case is really why he had volunteered to come to start with. Helping get Katie out in a safe way and maybe getting himself out as well with all the information one could think of about TJY.

“I was sent on a mission to infiltrate the Agency because over in Spain we have a problem with them as well. It has been going on for some time and finally we had, had enough. Hitting them in the heart, and finding out all we needed to know about them was important and that is where I came in.”

Phinox takes a long breath looking from Nate, to Carson, than back to Nate his eye slowly moving to Carson again. He couldn’t tell but there expressions if they believed him or not but he had to keep going and have them hear what he had to say.

“I was in charge of coming over and getting all the information. I was one of the top best on the Spanish force. A few months later though after losing contact I got wind that the man in charge of my mission was killed and more than likely my case was lost. If they had ever found any information that I had been over here I am sure they assumed I was dead already and just let it go.”

Phinox stops for a moment as his memories take him back to when he had found out Samson had died. He had been a close friend to Phinox and it killed him inside not being able to go home to see him buried. Along with the realization he was suck here.

“I did what I had to do to stay alive. I really can help you find Katie. Please you have to believe me. I can also get you all the information that I collected about the Agency as well. Whatever you do though I need to call my contact with the Agency or they will kill Katie on the spot thinking that I betrayed them. Please, I don’t want that girl to die anymore than you do.”

The drill

Scott heaves a sigh and tries to compose himself. He hated feeling this way – lost and out of control. He’d thought he was done feeling that way. But now… he didn’t know what was happening to him.

Dalton’s words bring some reassurance to him. At least somebody believed in him. But he still wasn’t sure himself… if he wasn’t supposed to be a spy, then what had happened to him? It was disturbing to think that he didn’t remember something like this.

Seeing the pop and jerky pushed towards him, Scott quietly refuses. “Thanks, Dalton. I don’t think I can eat anything right now.”

He looks down again. “You need to get back to work… we need everybody on the case to find Katie and… and they’re just going to leave me in here for now anyway… I know the drill.”


Seeing the look on Nate's face, Carson turns to follow his stare. His own eyes widen as a new anger burns in his veins. Seeing Phinox act like he came in peace was something he wasn't about to trust. Though the adrenaline surged through his veins, he mustered up enough control not to attack the man outright. Instead, he slowly reaches down to the phone and dials the short extension.

"Sapphire? Lock down the perimeter of TJY. Don't let anybody out of the building until Nate or I give you the all-clear."

Hanging up the phone, he knows that it would only take seconds to lock all exits. Gritting his teeth, Carson steps forward, pulling his sidearm from its holster and stretching it out to aim it at Phinox's chest. "You're from the Agency and we know it," he hisses. "As such, I'm sure you know me and know that I'm not one to play games. Now you have sixty seconds to convince me not to put a bullet in you right now."


In a quiet corner with no one around, a phone is picked up to dial out on a secure line. The voice is hushed as eyes glance around to ensure no one is listening. The other end is picked up, and the conversation is kept brief.

"He broke. ...Yes... I don't know... ...not that I know of.... they've been trying... yeah... no, I'm not sure what did... yeah.... no, but I'll make sure it is... what time? ...Okay. Goodbye."

Really

Listen to Scott Dalton's heart breaks even more. It hurt to see his younger friend in so much pain and to be treated the way he was.

"Oh Scott, I have been with you in the office almost every day for the last week. I watch you and make sure your ok when you dont even know I am looking. If you were a spy and sneeking information out of TJY I would know about it. No, your not on the wrong side."

Dalton didnt know if Scott would eat and drink or not but he hoped it would make his friend feel better. Pushing the moutain dew and jerky closer to Scott a small smile froms on his face something not often seen. He'd stay with Scott for as long as he needed, He wouldnt let his friend without anyone.

Looking up at Carson Nate lets out a sigh and than looks back to the computer screen. He needed to just sit, he was still upset about Scott and if he tryed to do anything else it just wouldnt work. Not to mention Carson hadnt had any sleep and he really needed some.

"Try and get some sleep Carson you need it. I'll be ok here for an hour or two. I need this."

Nate didnt feel like any help right now without any leads he was a sitting duck. The least he could do was watch Katie and feel like he was helping.

Standing in the doorway of TJY Phinox watchs Nate and Carson. His heart beat so fast he still didnt know if they new who he was yet or not. This could go well, or this could end bad. There was still time he could turn back and run still. No his thoughts were strong, he was tired of running he could any listen everyone would listen with an open mind.

Walk in father Phinox takes in a deep sigh the time had come, and his crimes would be payed for.

Catching movment out of the courner of his eye Nate turns his head and see Phinox. Standing from his chair quickly something resembaling a growl forms in his throut.

Seeing Nate's reaction Phinox knows that they know who he is. Holding up his hands in defence to show he ment know harm he finds his voice.

"Please let me explain, I really do want to help you find your friend and I am from the spanish secret service."

Am I?

Carson had no idea Dalton was behind him, and is taken totally off guard as the big man lifts him up. His hands wrap around Dalton's wrists, but he doesn't fight... not here... not like this. Not only did Dalton outweigh him, but there was enough at stake here that there was no time for a brawl.

Thankfully, he was set down again, and he backs up several steps out of Dalton's way. He lets Nate do the talking though... he really had nothing more to say.

Watching Dalton leave, Carson turns back to Nate, just a little out of breath. "Yeah... okay," he agrees. "I'll be right back." Heading off in the direction of Reese's office, Carson tries to think of a way to explain what had happened. Scott was still denying knowing anything, yet he had spilled information when triggered correctly. Carson really had no idea what was going on. He still held firmly to the fact that Scott had to be an Agency ally or dead... but Carson didn't want to believe Scott was a spy, and obviously, he was alive. What had happened really?


Scott keeps his face buried, but hearing Dalton's voice, he knows that he's okay. Though he's still shaking, he knows that no one else is going to hurt him. That much he could believe in... Dalton he trusted.

It takes a few moments, but Scott finally lifts his head, swiping at the tears with the back of his hand. "No... I'm not okay," he manages weakly. "They think I'm a spy and I... I don't even know."

Resting his elbows on the table, he hides his face in his hands again. "I was fine... just fine.... why now? I don't understand."

The memories pounded on the door to his soul, but he would not open it up. The images wanted to break forth, but he held them back, way down deep. Whatever it was, frightened him. And he knew... he knew on some level that something had happened to him that had been bad enough for him to have not yet dug it up... not even after all his counseling sessions. It had been buried deep... and something today had triggered it.

"I don't know what's happening to me... I don't know what information I know or why... I don't... I don't know who I am, Dalton..."

Turning, his red eyes stare at his big friend, pleading for someone to believe in him. "Am I a spy?"


Reese comes back slowly from his office, followed by Carson. He'd already called on Jason, who met them back at the cubicle as well. All four were once again trying to decide their next step.

"Alright..." Reese's voice is tight with worry as he didn't understand everything. "Carson just explained that Scott does indeed hold Agency information. But his behavior is unstable, and the pieces still don't add up. It's Carson's opinion that while Scott confirmed Phinox as part of the Agency, that's all he knows about him. So... first, we keep an eye out for Phinox. Keep up the security measures on our system to make sure no one is getting in or out. From here on out if we hear from Phinox, we will set up to trace the call if possible. He is our enemy."

Reese pauses, still hardly able to believe that the wool had been pulled over their eyes so easily. "Second - Scott is to remain in isolation. He is not to leave and is not to contact anyone outside of this building. While he says he knows nothing more, and while his confused behavior has yet to be explained, he is a security threat. Intentional or not, he may have already breached security as a spy or anything else. We just don't know. We may go to him for information, but until this thing with Katie is over, we keep him here. Once we have a handle on Katie's case, we can focus on Scott. But he is only our second priority. Is this understood?"

Receiving nods, Reese takes a deep breath. "Okay. Keep working. If anyone needs to take a couple hours and sleep, please do so. It is now four in the morning. If anyone rests, make sure there is someone to fill in for you. Above all, we have to keep moving. Though we have no leads, time is running out. They won't keep Katie alive forever."

Jason is the first to leave, heading back to his office where he was still working with Jamie and Sapphire. Once Reese is gone again too, Carson looks back at Nate. "I can relieve you now," he offers. After interrogating Scott, sitting and watching Katie just made him feel worse. But it was his post.

Little Buddy

Coming back into TJY Dalton he hurt the shouting and had hurd Scott's crys. He'd hurryed to the door and when found lock he went to the next room over to watch through the window. He didnt know what was going on but seeing what was happing to his friend made his anger boil.

Seeing Carson starting to leave Dalton looks to Scott one more time as everything inside of him raged. Leaving the room his eyes burned as he followed quickly after Carson.

Finally catching up with him at the cubicle Dalton reaches out and grabs Carson by the couler lifting him off the ground slightly, his voice gruf and full of anger.

"What do you think you were doing in there to Him? You think you can walk in here and push people around like that. Its not very nice to pick on people smaller than you."

Feeling a hand on his arm Dalton turns his head to see Nate. His eyes still burned to think Nate had let this happen.

"Dalton, we had too. Scott new information and we needed it from him. It was the only way. IF there was some other way we would have done it. Put Carson done please."

Looking to Carson again Dalton finally lowers him and lets him down. His anger was still burning. He didnt like what had happend to Scott and he didnt like how it made him feel.

Nate looks at Dalton sternly thought he new how the large man had felt. he had formed a close relationship with Scott and almost felt like his protection.

Looking to Nate Dalton stood tall with a matter of fact voice.

"I am going in there to make sure he is ok. If you want to stop me just try, stay away from Scott you have done enough damage."

Turning Dalton goes back to the intaragtion room grabbing the soda and jerky that he had dropped on his way out to Carson.

Entering the room Dalton shuts the door behind him slowly walking twords the table and setting food and drink down on the table. Bringing a change over next to his friend he lays his large hand on Scotts arm. His touch gentil as night to scair him and his voice light.

"Are you ok Little buddy? I'm here and I am not going to let them come back and hurt you ok?"

Nate's heart acked at he looked to Carson and than back to the computer feed. So manything happing, so many people being hurt Nate needed a vacation after this.

Sitting back down he looks to Carson.

"Go tell Reese what you know. I'll stay watch here a little longer."

Wreck

Still in the corner, Scott shakes. He just remains there, not knowing what was going on around him, and afraid someone would be back.


Carson looks down for a moment, taking a deep breath. He had wondered how long Nate could hold out, and it had been longer than he’d thought. But now it was his turn, as unwanted as it was. He was still working here… he had a job to do. “Okay. I’ll talk to him.”

Standing up, he lets Nate take his place at the computer. “If I’m not back in twenty minutes, come get me out. I’ll be in the number two interrogation room.” He didn’t want to be there… but this was serious.

It doesn’t take long for him to be with Scott in the interrogation room. Scott had come willingly, but tension was high. “Scott?” He paces. “Come on. Don’t let things go like this.”

“I don’t know anything.” Scott keeps his eyes on the table, his form slouched in the hard, metal chair. His tone indicated he had given up.

“Scott listen to me.” Carson moves closer. “We know that you have information. It will only make things worse for you if you don’t talk.”

“Are you interrogating me?”

“I’m trying not to.”

“Then why can’t you believe me?”

“Because I know you’re not telling the truth.”

“I am too!” Scott slams his fist down on the table. Another piece of data flashes in his mind, though he tries to make it stop. “I don’t know anything!”

“Yes you do!” Carson leans his hands on the table, lowering to see Scott’s eyes. How he hated his job. He remains cold. “I can see it in your eyes and so could Nate. Easy way or hard way, Scott?”

“You can’t make me tell you things that I don’t know.”

“Fine.” Carson moves as if he’s getting read to leave, but instead, he spins around, kicking Scott’s chair out from under him. Just as quickly, he’s grabbed the chair and pinned Scott to the floor, using the metal seat against Scott’s throat. Carson’s own knee presses into Scott’s ribcage.

Scott gasps for breath, but is no match for someone like Carson. “I don’t know anything,” he whimpers. Tears fill his eyes. “Don’t hurt me.”

Carson felt terrible. For an instant, he almost breaks. But he couldn’t. He keeps his harsh expression and tone. “I won’t if you tell me what you know. Who is Simon Phinox?”

“I don’t know!” Scott gasps, wincing as more pressure is applied. He squirms under the weight. “I don’t know!” The images continued to come, hurling in his direction.

“Tell me!” Carson shifts the chair, almost cutting off all of Scott’s air supply. “Directive! Code three three nine!”

“Don’t make me!” The tears sting Scott’s eyes. Short on breath, he fights but it’s no use.

Carson repeats his shouting. “Directive! Code three three nine!”

Scott can’t hold it in any longer. He bursts out with a wail. “Lockdown! Refuse all transmissions!”

Carson immediately relaxes. He almost wished it wasn’t true. But it was. Scott knew the upper codes of the Agency. Standing, Carson removes the chair, setting it back by the table. “Sit.”

Scott refuses, turning on his side to curl up in a tight ball.

“I said sit!” Carson grabs him by the shirt and yanks him up, throwing him hard into the seat.

Scott’s hand whacks the table and he cries out. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“You obviously do. Tell me what you know, Scott. Who is Simon Phinox?”

“I don’t know!”

Carson reaches out and grabs his collar. “Directive! Agent Phinox, Simon! Profile!”

Scott couldn’t control the information. “Agent three-twenty-five!” he blurts out. “Level five clearance! Mission success ninety-five percent!”

Carson lets him go and steps back, breathing heavily. “What was he doing here?”

Scott’s head hangs. “I don’t know,” he mumbles.

“I’m warning you,” Carson threatens.

Scott is suddenly on his feet, glaring at Carson. “I don’t know!” he shouts. “I don’t know! It’s not there!”

Carson believes him. It had been quite a while since Scott had received the information he did have. But two things were obvious: Phinox was with the Agency and Scott did have Agency data. “Alright. Thank you.”

Scott watches as Carson heads for the door. “What are you going to do with me?”

“Leave you here.” Carson turns around to look at him, his eyes weary and sad. “I’m sorry, Scott. You’re a security risk. We’ll have to deal with you later.”

“But…” Scott watches the door being closed. The room is quiet. Sinking down in the chair again, he buries his face in his arms. He didn’t understand any of this. He didn’t understand! He didn’t know where this information was coming from. He didn’t remember! He just…. didn’t remember. Why was Carson interrogating him? Why was he being threatened? What was in his head? Why did he have Agency information buried? Why? How could he have understood Carson’s questions, and where did those answers come from?! He didn’t understand! What did he have buried so deeply inside of himself that he didn’t remember?! He fights against his own thoughts.

“Do you think maybe your subconscious is trying to remember…. your mind is blocking it because it knows that the memories are painful…”

“Hope?” A sob breaks forth. “What’s happening to me?”

Carson stops in the hallway, catching his breath and trying to compose himself. That had hurt more than he’d expected it to.

Regaining some control, he makes his way back to where Nate was. Stopping in the cubicle, he sets his hands on his hips, letting out a sigh. “Phinox is Agency… and Scott was assimilated.”

He shakes his head slowly. “Using Agency jargon triggered the right responses, yet he still insists on knowing nothing. I don’t know why. He’s a wreck though… someone should probably calm him down, but it can’t be me. Right now I’m his number one enemy.”

why

Cringing at the look on Scott's face fear griped Nate's own eyes alone with pain. Nate eyes get watery and he knows he cant do this any longer. Scott was his friend and the pain grip's Nate's guts.

His cold hard face turns soft again as the blood starts to drain and return to normal color. He was scaired himself, and his eyes also laced with his peays to Scott for forgivness.

"I..I'm sorry Scott."

Turning quickly Nate hurrys from the room back to where Carson was. He felt like he was going to be sick but he tryed his best to hold it in. Nodding at Carson his voice shakes though is still a bit gruph and hard.

"Go, I got the camra. I just couldnt do it."

His mind raced with questions, and fears that Scott would never trust him again. Why? Why did it have to be like this.

Shouting

Fear and confusion were written all over Scott’s face. He jumps as Nate shouts at him. He wanted to turn around and run, but there was no escape route. He wanted to hide, but there was no place big enough.

He quivers, his face growing red from humiliation. Terror seized him. If Nate was not his friend, who could he trust? He swallows hard as his stomach churns.

Nate’s shouted words hit Scott with force, and he backs up against the wall. “I don’t know anything!” he yells back. “I’m not playing games and I’m not a spy!! I don’t know what you’re talking about and I don’t know anything!” His throat already hurt from his own shouting. “If I knew something, don’t you think I would have told you by now?! If I did know something, then I don’t remember!”

His gaze wildly searches Nate’s and he slides to the corner of the office, trying to disappear in shadow. “I don’t know anything!!”


Carson lifts his head, hearing the shouting going on down the hall. He inwardly cringes. Apparently it wasn’t going well. He wondered though if perhaps he himself held the right trigger if Scott wasn’t going to talk to Nate. It might take both their efforts.

Games

Nate own anger rises, but he trys to keepp a certin top on it. His own fears and pain play to him. He had to keep going, he had to push Nate.

Standing abruptly Nate slams his fists on Scott's desk stairing over at him.

"I know you know something Scott dont even give me that you dont. STOP PLAYING AROUND or I will throw you into the holding cell untill you tell me. This is Katie's life Scott think about her and tell me you dont know anything again."

Nate's heart broke and he didnt know how much more of this he could take, but he had to keep going.

"TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW SCOTT, THE MORE YOU HIDE THE MORE IT LOOKS LIKE YOUR GUILTY AND I WILL TREAT YOU AS SUCH. TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW UNLESS YOU ARE A SPY, STOP PLAYING GAMES."

Accused

Nate’s harsh tone makes Scott immediately recoil. He sinks lower in his chair, pulling away, a fear entering his eyes.

He flinches at Nate’s loud tone, wincing as a cruel memory of interrogation surfaces.

But as the accusations build, so does Scott’s anger. Overcoming being afraid of Nate for the moment, Scott turns. His eyes have widened, tears threatening to spill over.

Slowly, he rises to his feet, staring down at Nate. “Don’t you ever… ever accuse me of not caring about Katie or wanting her to die.”

His fists ball at his sides so tightly that his knuckles turn white. His lower lip trembles. “I… do not… know… anything!” With each word, his tone rises.

There was something inside of him… something that was evoking a terrible fear that he was unwilling to face.

“How many times do I have to tell you?!”

Scott can’t help the pain that courses through his gaze. “You of all people, Nate… I would have at least thought that you never would have accused me of playing the wrong side. But I guess I was wrong about you.”

Rip

Nate's eyes become stern, as his body stiffens. He new this wasnt going to be easy but he has a glimmer of hope that maybe it would of been. Nate hated it but he new it had to be done.

His eyes darking a little bit as he trys to shut out his own emotions and feelings for his friend. Straghting in the chair a little more than casual Nate speaks again his voice taking on a harder tone.

"Scott I know you know something more than what your saying. Carson saw it and I can see it. You need to tell us what is going on or is that what this is around? You want Katie to die? You want us not to find her?"

Nate hated this, or how he hated this and it tore his heart on the inside. He only hoped when this was done and over with Scott would forgive him.

"Is that it Scott are you apart of the agency and you want Katie to wilt away and see what happens to us all. You want everyone to be in pain. DONT YOU SCOTT....."

Nate lets his frustrations out and lets them drive him clouding everything alse from his mind. Infront of him was not his friend right now but someone who might hold the key. Letting his voice grow louder he is sure anyone else outside could hear him.

"Tell us what you know Scott, tell us about Phinox....tell us about how to tell Katie or so help me I will get it out of you myself."

Nothing

Scott takes a moment to look away from his computer screen. But when he did, the look on Nate's face told him that this was no casual visit.

Swallowing hard, he pauses his work. He blinks, receiving the questions. For a moment, he's completely silent. His eye glances down, around and back up again. His leg bounced nervously under the desk, while his fingers ran along the desktop. "I...I don't have any information, Nate. Carson was already in here once saying something crazy about me and the Agency and I told him the same thing."

His body language betrays him. He wasn't telling the whole truth. "Sorry, but I don't know a thing."

Question

Listen to Reese a churning forms in Nate's stomach for more than one reason. Everything coming back up with Scott again made Nate feel sick. And him being the one that might have to push his friend hurt. Than knowing that maybe one of Katie's captures had been under there nose the whole time and they hadnt known it upset him to know end. To think someone got into TJY that was the enemy and they didnt know it and than they let maybe there only link to Katie leave made him upset even more. Standing from his chair Nate gives a small nod though he new his eyes told it all that he really hated doing this. "If I need any help I'll ask you Carson and I will watch the camras." Turning and walking down the hall Nate gives a nod to Dalton who was coming the other way offering a small smile. "I am going to go grab something to eat and some more beef jerky for Scott. I'll be back if anyone looks for me." Continuing along his way the Hulk of a man disapears out of TJY. Getting to the office that Scott was in Nate stops for a second and takes a deep breath. Giving a knock on the door he steps in and shuts the door behind him trying to offer a friendly smile to Scott. "Hey Scott I wanted to talk to you for a second." Pulling an extra chair over the the desk Nate sits down and sits across from him. Keep his eyes calm but stern Nate ment busness. "Scott, I want to try and do this the easy way first because your my friend. We need to know though, what did the Agecny feed you? Phinox is missing, and we think he is part of the Agency the only one who would know that is you? Scott please try and help us out."

Hiting the town line Phionx stops looking out over a plot of land that had a for sale sign. There was nothing of relavince to it just something inside him tugged and told him to stop.

He felt like a creep, he felt like a betrayer. What was he doing?

For a moment his mind wonders and a look once again pass in his eyes. His mind plays back to his life that was lost so long ago in Mexico. All he new, all he loved. What would they think if they saw him now? Could he really leave and let Katie suffer could he rune these people's lifes like the Agecny had runed his?