Hearts Torn

For those who see Phinox's return, there is some amount of relief. Though everyone wanted to see Katie back, they were glad to see Phinox had returned, and with a prisoner as well. The Agency would know now that he had double-crossed them... but that was proof, as far as TJY was concerned, that he really was on their side.

Gage can feel himself hit the floor in the interrogation room and he would have groaned, if it was possible. His eyes roam his surroundings. He felt totally disoriented. Where was he? What was happening? What had Phinox done? His mouth felt like cotton, and he can finally work up enough moisture to lick his dry lips. But even that took some doing. While the sedative was starting to wear off, it was still strong enough that it was going to be hard to shake.


Reese looks up and stands quickly. His eyes show the relief he feels. He nods to Phinox. "Good work... and thank you."

He picks up the phone on his desk. "Rick? We got a prisoner in interrogation two. Need you to take a look at him, make sure he's okay, but take someone with you in case he tries to pull something. He's got the sedative in him though, so you should be fine."

"Interrogation two? I thought we had a guy in there."

"The station came and picked up Reiker half an hour ago."

"Alright. I'll go."

"Thanks." Reese hangs up again, and sighs deeply. "Okay, Phinox. I want a full report now, in the meeting room. We'll get everyone together so we know what's happening, and we can figure out the next stage of the game. I want you to -"

"Reese."

He stops and turns to the phone where Carson's voice was coming through. Something was wrong. "Yes?"

(Previously)
Carson tries not to yawn, and rubs his tired eyes. Movement catches his attention, and he looks back towards the door, seeing Phinox enter with Gage slung over his shoulder. Carson was extremely glad to see him... through it all, he'd feared Phinox would double-cross them instead of the Agency... but it looked like he'd come through.

Turning back to the monitor, Carson suddenly sees Katie moving. Snapping to attention, he leans in closer. She was saying something... talking to the camera. He stares at the monitor, his eyes searching for something more. Never had he wanted audio so much. Then Katie's head goes limp. "No... Katie..." Carson's fingers reach out to touch the screen. His pulse quickens and he turns to the second computer monitor, madly hitting keys as his mind races. For the last three hours, they'd been set up to record the camera footage. He needed to play back what had just happened. What had Katie been saying? To whom? And why? And now, was she still okay?

His eyes glance back to the main screen and he leans in even closer. He was too intent right now to call anyone else in. He had to find out what had just happened first. Katie was still breathing... slowly, but he could just make out her short breaths. No one else was around... Rod wasn't in sight.

Looking to the secondary monitor, Carson is finally able to rewind the footage to watch it again, paying closer attention to Katie's short speech. He plays it back... and plays it back again. His pencil scribbles on his notepad, the words that he was making out. One by one, he is able to read what she is saying. It was a dim and fuzzy picture, but Carson had to be trained in this at some point during his stay with the Agency. It didn't come naturally, but watching the footage over and over, lipreading was possible.

And then, sitting back, he stares at the notepad in his hand, his eyes glued to the words he was reading. "Oh, Katie..."

The wall he was trying so hard to maintain, started to crumble. He reads the words to him... she had thought of him. And hope had been lost. Tears spring into his eyes and he desperately tries to hold them back. If given the choice, he would do anything right now, to take Katie's place. They had come so far... she was just a reach away... but were they too late? He wouldn't be able to stand sitting here just to watch her die. This... this was a torture he'd never experienced before.

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he reaches for the phone. Win or lose... the others needed to know. Katie had wanted to say these words to the people she cared about... Carson couldn't deny her that.

"Reese."

"Yes?"

"I need you to come here, please."

"We need to have a meeting with Phinox. Can this wait?"

"No..." Carson's voice is strained. "It's about Katie..."


...Seeing the footage, then the interpretation, Reese can only stare at the monitor. The emotions drew his jaw muscles tight, and he tries not to believe they had lost. Katie might have thanked him for her chance here... but if they lost her, he would never forgive himself. "Is this all?" he asks hoarsely.

Carson nods. "That's all. And... I've checked my notes... she hasn't been given any shots in quite a while..."

Reese's eyes widen and he looks to Phinox, then back. "But Jason is still... that means..."

Carson doesn't even want to nod, but he has to. Mustering up all the strength he has left, he takes a deep breath, swallowing all of his emotions. His eyes take on their cold gaze once more, a shield against the pain he was feeling inside. "She's dying, Reese."

Reese tries to maintain his composure. "The others need to see this."

"Agreed."

"And then..." Reese turns to Phinox. "We need to act as quickly as possible. Which means questioning Gage as soon as he can talk, then going over our game plan like I wanted to. I will allow fifteen minutes for the others to see this. Then we have to move or Katie's not going to make it."

He looks back to Carson. "Call the others. But not Scott... he's not strong enough yet to hear this. And... wait on Jason."

"I can send him the footage directly to his office." If it were Carson, he knew he'd want to be alone when he saw this.

Reese nods. "Do it. I'll call Ryder."


Within five, the agents to whom Katie had spoken, were gathered. Ryder had never made it so fast to TJY, still unaware of what was really happening, but coming at Reese's dire request. Everyone stands around the cubicle, waiting. Carson looks up at them without saying anything.

He reaches for the secondary monitor and hits play once more. While the footage rolls, he hands out the copies he'd made of what he had written down.

Ryder glances at the paper, seeing his name, then looks to the screen. Suddenly, he realizes what's really going on. These were Katie's last words. His breath sticks in his throat, and all he can do is stare. He felt numb all over. This couldn't be happening. Katie was one of the few real friends he'd ever had... how could he lose her so soon? What other friends here did he really have if she were gone?

Con blinks, a stray tear running down the side of his face. He doesn't bother wiping it away. He wasn't the only one here with emotions that were spilling over. Oh, Kat... Don't give up... please... we need you. She had become another little sister... and thinking of losing her hurt like no other. Since meeting her back at the ranch in Texas, he'd made it part of his purpose, in the back of his mind, to help protect her. And now... this couldn't be it... it just couldn't be. God, please... please help us find and rescue her in time.

Laura's hand trembles as she reads the words Carson had written, her other hand gripping Nate's so tightly, she was afraid she might hurt him. A laugh mixes in with a sob at Katie's final words to her. But she couldn't watch the screen any more. Turning, she buries her face against Nate's chest, just letting the silent tears flow. Without even trying, Katie had become such a big part of her life... she was more than a roommate... she was a friend.

Wyatt would have laughed, had he not known that these words could very well be the last he ever received from Katie. In an instant, his mind is filled with pictures of the past. He remembers the day Katie arrived, and how she had lit up the room just by being there. He remembered his old feelings for her. She had brought a new element to TJY... and she had been a good friend. And now, even when she was in her last hour, she thought of him and his future. His eyes fill and he backs away from the others.

Tears stream from Jay's eyes, though no sounds are uttered. Reese warned him that he might not want to see this, and now he knew why. But he had to, and he had to accept it. Stepping forward, he extends his hand to run his fingers along the computer screen. His fingers shake. Katie... oh, Katie, his daughter... what was going to happen? Turning around, he has to leave the scene.

Carson watches the faces around him, his heart feeling as though it were being ripped into pieces. He had faced so many things... he had watched people die... had had killed people. He had seen those who mourned and felt nothing. But today... His body was so tired, and his mind exhausted. He had been given the simplest of tasks on this case, yet the hardest of all.

Turning around, he picks up the phone. He had to keep going... he had to. "Jason?"

"Hmm?"

Carson cringes inwardly. Jason was so tired as well. "I, um... I've got some footage and text I'm sending your way."

"Of what?"

Carson hesitates. "It's Katie."

"But what-"

"Brace yourself, mate."

Jason sits at his computer and hangs up the phone, hesitant to wake up his computer. He didn't
know what Carson was talking about... and he was afraid. Reaching out, he flips on his screen.


Derek stands near the cubicle and sees Carson sending the information to Jason. He was so new here... but his heart hurt nonetheless. He thinks of his family... of his wife. He loved them so very much, and he could not imagine seeing one of them tortured or dying. Glancing around at the others, he slowly retreats.


Jason's eyes remain glued to his computer. The scene didn't shock him after having seen Katie like this before. But when she looks up into the camera and he can see her eyes, his emotions start to churn. He doesn't want to read the text that Carson sent him either, but he knows he has to. "J, I love you!"

I love you, too.
Jason feels the sobs coming, but he chokes on them, gasping for a breath.
Don't do this, Katie... don't give up... you can't give up. I can't go on without you.
The salt make his eyes burn, but he keeps himself from blinking until the screen goes black. Only then does he close his eyes and let the tears run. Leaning forward, he puts his elbows on his knees, burying his face in his hands. He couldn't even pray, as his heart had never been so distraught. How could these people be so cruel? How could they let this woman die... this woman with a heart bigger than anyone else's that Jason had ever known? How could he survive without the one who made him feel whole?

A hand on his shoulder makes him jump and he turns quickly, his eyes already red and swollen. Seeing the man whose touch was so warm, his gaze fills with confusion and question.

Derek tightens his grip, trying to transfer as much comfort to his son as he could. "You love her... don't you?"

Jason's lip trembles and he nods. "Yeah." He sniffs, the tears still flowing. "She's the best friend I ever had and... and I can't even talk to her... or even say goodbye."

"You won't have to." Derek eases closer to sit on the edge of Jason's desk. "We're going to get her out. That's why Jay and I are here. To help bring her home."

Jason searches his father's eyes, the anger having been replaced by the bottomless sorrow he felt in this moment. "Not everything works out the way we want."

Derek lets out a long sigh. "I know... oh how I know that." Retracting his hand, he just studies his son's face for the longest moment. "I'm so proud of you. You're an Elite agent... you're one of the best... you're a singer... you've got talents and a gift, even if we can't understand it... and I see a love in your eyes that I know what it feels like, because I've felt it before."

Tears form in Derek's own eyes. "And if I were in your position, I would have crumbled a long time ago."

Jason looks down, waiting, then finally back up again, several more tears rolling down his face. "This can't be the end... it just can't be."

"Keep believing that. We have to in order to win. She's a fighter, Jason... she'll make it."

"But she's already given up. She's already barely alive."

"We still have time. Don't give up yet. You can't."


Reese watches those around him, his heart sinking even further. They were like family here... and they were losing one of their own. It wasn't as easy as just cutting their losses. One loss affected everyone. He turns to Phinox once again.

"We need to meet with as many people who can think straight. We don't have much time left. I'm assuming you're going to be contacted again. The Agency still wants Derek and Jay. I want to know why you weren't able to bring Katie back, and perhaps we can get someone working on Gage right away. Maybe Nate. But we can't just sit around doing nothing... not anymore."


Hal unlocks the door for Rick, and he enters cautiously. Seeing the young man on the floor, he sighs. "Well, look who the cat dragged in."

Gage hears a voice and slowly turns his head. It was a much harder task than he would have thought. "Wrmmei?"

"Might as well not even try," Rick suggests, kneeling down and shining a pen light in Gage's eyes. "It'll be a while yet before your tongue is going to work again." Pocketing the light, he reaches down to examine the welt on the back of Gage's head, but it didn't appear to be anything severe. "Hal, help me get him into that chair, will you?"

With a bit of effort, the two agents get Gage into the chair and Rick reties his hands behind his back and to the chair so if he had the strength, he'd have to take the seat with him. Gage's head hangs, locks of his sweaty hair sticking to the side of his face.

Rick shakes his head. "Better get used to it, bub. They're not gonna have any mercy on you once they start in on the questions. If I were you, I'd give them what they want."

Prepping a needle, he rolls up Gage's sleeve. Seeing remnants of many previous injections, he sighs. "Carson was right about you. But you're not gonna get high from this. Hopefully it'll just speed up the process of getting you back to normal so you can talk."

Gage winces a little as the needle pricks his skin, but he can't fight. All he can do is remain at the mercy of these people.


A soft knock comes to the infirmary door. Carson never knocked. But tonight, he did. Entering slowly, his shoulders are low, his eyes red and tired. His walk is slow. Seeing Hope, he gives her a little nod, but moves on, headed for Misty's desk. Approaching quietly, he reaches down to pull her up out of her chair and wraps his arms around her, burying his face in her soft hair. At this hour, it was him who needed the comfort of the embrace.

Just holding her tightly for several moments, he knows what he has to do next and hates it. But he'd been asked to do it. It seemed he was always the one chosen for these kinds of things. He knew why... it was because he had the hardest heart, and knew how to stay in control. Maybe there really was a use for him here. But it didn't mean that it didn't start to hurt eventually.

Pulling away, Carson tucks a strand of Misty's hair behind her ear and gives her a kiss, more gently than normal. He says nothing though. All he'd wanted was to see her again and to know that he still had her by his side.

Backing up, he lets her go and finally turns to go to the bed. Easing down on the edge, he looks at Hope, then at Scott. "I'm sorry," he says quietly. "But we got a message from Katie... and we think Scott should know."

At the sound of his voice, Scott opens one of his eyes groggily. "Carson?"

"Yeah, mate, it's me." Carson gives Scott's leg a pat. "How are you holding up?"

Scott closes his eyes again. "Is it time?"

"No... not yet." Carson feels sick. He couldn't do this... not and know that he would be interrogating Scott in a matter of hours. Standing again, he hands the scribbled note to Hope instead. It had the line for Scott written on it. "From Katie," he explains. He knew Hope was smart enough to figure out that this was more than just a simple note... this was perhaps the last message Scott would ever receive from her. Carson's eyes beg Hope to give this to Scott when she felt he was ready. "I have to go watch the monitor again."

Turning to leave, Carson doesn't want to stay any longer. Never had he wanted to get out of this place so badly. But he still had a job. He still had a mission.

Scott furrows his brow, confused that Carson had just left again. He opens his one eye and looks to Hope and the paper. "What... what is that?"

A sad message

Finally getting to TJY Phinox knows he is behind one time but his phone call was confermation that he was on his way and had gotten out with Gage.

Getting out of the truck Phinox takes a quick glance at Gage knowing he was still awake, though not able to really move.

Going over to the passanger side Phinox opens the door and takes Gage throwing him over his shoulder once more. Entering TJY Phinox goes right for the intaragation room depositing Gage inside. He new it would be a little bit before he could even bother talking with him.

Exiting he locks the door behind him and heads to Reese office and gives a tap to the door before entering.

"He's in the intaragation room. It will take a little for the drugs to wair off though. Rick might wanna check him out, he hit his head good."

Leaning her head up with what little strength she had left Kaite looks in the direction she had seen Rod standing. That must be where the camera was. Thought not sure Katie looks up knowing that Jason or someone close to him would be watching. She couldnt comunicate with the people she loved so much but she didnt have to. Eyes could say a million words and lips to be read. Mouthing she manages to make out a few things.

Katie could feel the pain coursing through her body, a pain like no other that made her own face wince and show how much it hurt. She new it had been a while since the last shot have been given to her and she new it was wairing off now. She had to try before the time was up. Katie had to get her message out.

" Aunt Rosetta, I love you, thank you for showing me the world. Please dont take the balme for this because I certinly dont blame you."

Though Katie's eyes held no fear a tear rolled down her face. Her body hurt, but had gone numb at the same time. Her mind was quiet to tired to even try and get through to Jason anymore.

"My time, will be up soon and though it hurts I will never be gone from your memories. Thats what will always matter."

Giving a smile Katie trys her best to stay contouse as the pain corses though her body.

"Hey Ryder Mi Kasai, Su Kasai learn the meaning. Take care of everyone Bro. Laura just say yes to him. Nate treat her right. Thanks Reese for the second chanse. Scott, dare to dream and get out in the world again. Carson, its fun to throw sparks, I know your probley the one who has been watching me thanks for staying close. Wyatt, will there ever be little Wyatt's? J, I love you!"

Not behing able to hold her head up anymore it finally drops as her body goes limp. The pain, it had stoped, the pain was gone as Katie's breath was soft, shallow, and longer pauses between each.

Strange

Laura nestles her head into Nate, giving a sigh of content as his hand rakes through her hair. She could sit here forever and not care. The beating of his heart starts to lull her to sleep.


Gage has never felt stranger. His eyes open, he seems to know maybe the reality going on around him, but can't get any of his muscles to work. Thrown into a strange vehicle, he just slumps to the side. His vision was kind of blurry, and nothing wants to register in his brain. It's almost as though he's on a high, but there's no bliss. It wasn't a good feeling. It wasn't a bad feeling. It was just.... there. Was he dreaming?

By the time the begin to near TJY, Gage's eyes are moving. Things still didn't seem quite right, and something in his gut made him afraid. He still couldn't move, though now he could feel the ropes around his wrists and they hurt. He tries to say something, but his vocal cords seem to be locked. He can't even lift his head. All he can do is stare out the window, wondering what is happening.


Getting Phinox's call, Reese heads to Carson to inform him what's happening. They could only hope that Phinox would arrive back here safely. No one knew what had happened - no details. Had there been someone else there? They knew Katie was still there, so it was obvious that Phinox hadn't been able to get her out in the first phase of their plan. All they could do was wait for more information.

Back

Nate gives a small nod as he makes his way over the the small bed and sits down with Laura. Keeping his arms around her the heat that had been on his face before was now going away. Nate could never be mad at Laura it just something he didnt think was possable.

"Tired, cranky, want this whole thing with Katie to be over, but yes I am ok."

Leaning aganst the wall Nate pulls Laura closer to let her rest her head on his shoulder. Running her arm softly Nate moves to running his fingers through her hair. Her sweet smell drifting to meet his nose and calming him even more. His eyes slowly falling shut as he felt comfortable.

Moving out of the way slightly Phinox just lets Gage slide to the ground quickly taking the gun from his reach and putting it back into his own holder.

Continuing to watch Gage his empression never changes till he can finally tell Gage is out. Reaching down Phinox grabs Gage by the shirt and toss him over his shoulder.

Glancing twords the door to the basment Phinox hated to leave Katie here but he had no other option. He daired not mess with her right now, not for his own life but for hers.

Making his way out with Gage Phinox ties his hands up and toss him into the front seat of his truck. Grabbing his phone and dialing he gets Reese.

"I am on my way back with Gage, the Agency will know I took him and double crossed them. From here my neck is on the line."

Hanging up Phinox continues to drive till TJY comes into view.

Double dose

"Ryder!" Reese sees the man heading for the exit, and calls after him. "Where you headed?"

"Fresh air? Maybe catch forty winks." Ryder shrugs, his hand resting on the door. "Figure I'm not doing much good hanging around here."

Reese shrugs. "Might have to call you back in. You got a phone?"

"No. I think I'm gonna head home. If I can't sleep, there's some windows I can patch up so Laura can come back sometime too, and we can take Henry back."

Reese nears by a few steps, studying Ryder's tense eyes. "Anything wrong?"

"Other than Katie being gone?" Ryder shakes his head. "Naw, mate. I'm gonna borrow Laura's car. I'll be back in a few hours unless you call."


Laura wraps her arms around Nate and buries her face against his chest. "I love you too," she murmurs softly.

Looking up at him, she shrugs. "No... but I will be." She forces herself to show him at least half a smile. She didn't know whether she needed to explain how she and Ryder had just happened on the same place at the same time, or if that would make Nate feel worse. She really hadn't meant to hurt his feelings... again.

"Are you?"


Gage takes the gun and moves past Phinox, ready to head downstairs. Suddenly though, he's taken completely by surprise. Feeling the strong arm go around him, he starts to move, then feels the sharp pain to his neck. "What the..." A curse slips out as he whirls around, but it's too late, the second shot has already gotten him.

Blinking, he stares at Phinox for the longest moment, a look of confusion of the betrayal in his eyes. He takes a threatening step, but already his knees start to buckle. "You s..." Too soon, his words are already slurred by the fast-acting injection.

Trying to grab at Phinox for support does no good, and Gage slides to the floor in a heap. He tries to get up, but it's no use as he sways on all fours, then goes down again. The room was spinning and everything was blurred. He gropes for the wall, but can't find it. Out of desperation, he tries to crawl to the door, but collapses. Though his eyes were still open, his mind was growing more and more lethargic and his muscles would no longer cooperate. The double dose had done its job.

Inject

Turning to see Laura Nate trys to give the best smile he can. He new this was hard for anyone to handle right now. Though he was tired, and he was hurt it wasnt always about him and he new it.

Giving a nod Nate enters the room and takes Laura into his arms and holds her tight lay a kiss on the top of her head.

"I love you Laura!"

Pulling away just a little he looks Laura in the eyes and brushes a small strand of her hair our of her eyes.

"You ok?"

Watching Gage come closer to him Phinox does move or change his expression as he pass the gun off to Gage.

As he watches him move in front of him Phinox waits slowly reaching his hand into his jacket pocket and places one of the needles in his mouth as he holds the other in his hand. Letting Gage move just a little more Phinox swiftly brings his arm around Gage's neck as he takes his other and injects Gage right in the neck. Swiftly grabing the other Phinox takes no time or skips a beat usng the other one on Gage as well. With such skill it is easy to tell he has done this before.

Harder

Ryder cringes just a little at Nate's words, but it silent for a moment, at a loss for how to respond. His eyes roam the hall for a moment before he starts to just walk away. Instead though, he turns one more time. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I guess it's harder being a friend than I thought."

Leaving it at that, he continues his route down the hall, heading out onto the main floor.


Laura finds herself unsettled, and finally gets up off the bed again, wandering back to the door. Opening it a crack, she sees Nate, and her shoulders drop.

Holding the door open, she leans on the doorway. "Nate?" She tries at a smile but it doesn't work very well. "Can you sit with me? I don't feel like being alone."


Gage weighs his options as he sees Phinox waiting for an answer. Pushing himself off the desk, he approaches slowly. At least this way, he'd be in control of how severe the torture was, if there was any more at all.

"I'll do it," he takes the challenge. "I know her weak spots." Sidling past Phinox, he aims for the door himself.

Small reason

Stopping his hand still on the door Phinox turns slightly to look at Gage. Squinting just a little another evil smile pass his lips as his eyes seem to match the darkness.

"I'm doing what I am getting payment for. A little more torcher to make everyone squirm. Unless you wanna do it?!"

Phinox challanges Gage as he holds out the gun to him. If he could get the younger man to take him up on the challange he would have a perfect shot of his neck to inject the setative.

Nate lifts his head to look at Ryder as he walks out of the room. He willed his toung to hold itself but in his tired state it seemed so hard

"You were all tired, so you decieded to hold my girlfriend while you rested? Sounds like I might have a small reason to feel a bit funny dont you?"

Nate held a confused look on his face, and one that showed a bit of hurt. He trusted Laura, but still he know what he saw and even if nothing happend it still hurt.

Shaking his head and leaning his head aganst the wall Nate didnt want to say more that was on his mind, Nate didnt want to start a fight he wanted to calm himself and than go in to see how Laura was thats all Nate wanted.

All yours

Gage isn't happy about Phinox pushing him around, but he's also cautious and a bit intimidated. Eying Phinox skeptically, he watches the money being taken, and the drawer shut again. He swallows hard, hoping his secret was still safe. Apparently Phinox didn't care what he was reading.

Standing, he hits a few keys on the computer as if looking for something, though his eyes follow Phinox across the floor. Seeing the agent going for the basement again, Gage straightens. "Hey..." His eyes narrow. "You already checked on the goods once. What gives?"


Laura's head snaps up at the sound of Nate's voice. She'd almost drifted to sleep. "Nate...I..." Too late. The door was shut.

Ryder blinks and withdraws his arm, now fully awake himself. "Um..." He slides off the bed, heat crawling into his face. "Guess I done it now, ay? Gone and got him cheesed off and probably you too."

"I... well..." Laura stands as well, the atmosphere suddenly having gone from relaxing to extremely awkward. "No... I'm sorry."

"Not your fault." Ryder tosses his empty pop can into the trash and heads for the door. "Guess I'm gonna go make trouble somewhere else."

"Ryder..." Laura stops him at the door, her facial expression apologetic. "You're not making trouble. It's fine. It just... I mean, we..."

"Yeah." Ryder forces a dry laugh. "Yeah." He shakes his head and slips out into the hall before he can make a further fool out of himself. Shutting the door behind him, he's surprised to see Nate right there, and his face grows even redder. "Um... I was just... well..." He clears his throat, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "We're all a bit tight thinking about Katie, ya know?" He nods, trying to gain back his composure, and then not even sure why he'd lost it in the first place. "It's, um..." he thumbs towards the spare room. "All yours."

Laura sinks back down on the bed with a sigh. She was so tired.


Kyle glances up from the floor as the door opens and he sees Hunter return to their room. "Have a good walk?"

"Mm-hmm." A smile is pasted on Hunter's face and he flops down in one of the chairs. "Nice outside tonight."

"I bet." Kyle rolls over and tucks his hands under his pillow, closing his eyes against the light.

"You alright?"

Kyle didn't know why Hunter was asking. "Yeah, why?" he mumbles.

"Looked more tired than usual or something, I don't know."

Kyle keeps his eyes shut. "Not feeling so hot."

"Well, if you need something, holler. You know I'll wake up."

Payment

Seeing Gage's foot Phinox looks up at him as his eyes continue to hold there cold tone with the lack of emotions besides anger.

Taking his hand he brings it around to Gage's leg and pushes him backwards rolling the chair away from the desk.

"Your right, but seeing as Rod gave me a job to do, I do have a problem and your keeping me from direct orders."

Opening the door Phinox pushes a bunch of differnt items along with a book he stops to look at for a moment quirking his eye before throwing it aside as well. Finally finding what he was looking for he pulls out an envilope that held money into it.

"Now this, it what I was looking for."

Putting the money and envilops into his pocket before pulling out his gun and going to the door once more before stoping and throwing an almost evil grin at Gage.

"Payment is always a good thing."

Giving a sigh Nate new Reese was right. He needed to be on his A-game before everything went down and lack of sleep would not make that possable.

"Yeah ok, I'll try anyways. Anything new happens let me know please."

Making his way form Reese office Nate lets out a small sigh before heading to the spair room. He was sleeping and his head was starting to hurt.

Opening the door he dosnt notice anyone is in the room till he hears a voice. Looking up quickly Nate stands stuned for a moment seeing Laura leaning into Ryder on the bed. A lump instintly rises in his throat as he can feel his the heat on his face rising.

"Laura, I didnt...relize you were awake...I.."

Knowing he was tired he new maybe he was jumping to conclustions but he couldnt help but still feel a little hurt anyways.

"I'm sorry..I didnt know you were in here."

Turning around again Nate cant help his fists that ball as he trys to keep his temper down. Closing the door he turns and leans again the wall closeing his eyes for a moment. The stress was great, he was tird, and his friend was still gone missing...this no matter what was really going on, was something else that added to the confustion and hurt.

Looking back at Hunter Alice gives a small smile.

"Lord willing I shall see you in the morning."

Giving his hand a returning squize Alice just looks at Hunter for a moment studying his eyes before giving her head a little shake and opening the hotel door. Stopping she Alice turns back to Hunter for a moment.

"I liked getting to know you better, thank you."

Finishing her way into the bedroom Alice gabes her cloths from the bed and heads into the bathroom taking a quick shower and than hoping into bed throwing the covers over her. A read bed felt nice, a real pillow was better, but that wasnt the only reason Alice had a smile tonight. She had made another friend and it felt good.

Something more

Reese takes a deep breath, finally just shrugging lamely. "I don't know if we can trust him or not, Nate. But at this point, he's all we got. If this fails, then all we have left to do is negotiate further with the Agency. They haven't killed Katie yet... we still have something they want... so... we still have a bargaining chip, whether we want to use it or not."

He shakes his head. "Sometimes I think we shouldn't have called in Derek and Jay... but then one, we still might need them, and two, I assume the Agency would have known, had we not called them in."

Looking at Nate's tired eyes, he purses his lips. "Get some rest, Nate... none of us will be any good if we're dead tired when we need to act. Why don't you go rest in the spare room... We'll call you if anything else happens."


Laura sniffs and wipes her nose again with a tissue, leaned back against the wall as she sits on the spare room bed. “I just… I want to be out there, ya know?” She looks down, feeling so weak for having finally crumbled. “I mean… maybe Katie and I weren’t best friends, but… she’s the only girl friend I’ve had that I’ve been able to trust and if anything happens to her…”

“Hey, it’s alright.” Ryder puts an arm around her as he sits next to her, his legs stretched out over the bed. He sets his can of pop aside, giving Laura’s arm a little run. “Katie will be fine. She’s a fighter… I know she’ll make it through this.”

“But what if she doesn’t?”

“She will.” Ryder’s voice grows stern. “We’re all stuck here without being able to do a thing and we’re all tired and frustrated. On a normal case, those of us who didn’t have anything to do would just go home… but this time we’re all wanting the information as soon as it comes in, so we’re hanging around, worrying ourselves sick.”

He sighs. “She’ll come back… we have to believe that.”

Laura sniffs one last time before leaning into Ryder, resting her head on his shoulder. He was warm and comfortable, and she was still exhausted.


Hunter grins as they walk, falling into a light conversation, sharing more about himself, and learning a few more things about Alice too.

By the time the hotel comes back into view, it hardly feels that the time has passed at all. Reaching their floor, Hunter walks Alice to her and Chloe’s room, stopping for just a moment. He gives her hand a little squeeze before letting her go. “Well… I guess this is goodnight.”

As he looked into her eyes, one could tell that there was something more that he was holding back. But he doesn't act on it, simply taking one step back instead. "See you in the morning."


Gage eyes Phinox warily as the desk is browsed through. When Phinox reaches the bottom drawer, he puts his foot out, so his boot blocks it from being opened. He stays in the same position though, lifting an eyebrow. "Last I knew, 'snooping' wasn't on the agenda."

He keeps his arms crossed and cocks his head. "I'm here to keep eyes from looking too deeply, and to make sure our pet downstairs stays where she is. Got a problem with that?"

A new night

Alice cant help the small silly hum that comes from her lips at his last name almost as if tasting something. Turning her head a little she gives a silly grin to Hunter.

"Maxwell, a good name and coffee...yumm yumm.."

Continuing to walk Alice can pick up the tone change in Hunter's voice and a small pit of pain at the mention of his own family. She had always been on good terms with her own so didnt know how it felt but it much suck alot.

Knowing better than going to dig at wounds Alice skims over it and if Hunter wanted to tell her he would.

"Mexican food is good. The spicer the better if you ask me. My dad always said sooner or later my insides were going to set on fire."

Giving a smile back to Hunter as they walk and talk it was nice to know she had another friend she shaired some differnt things in comman with. One best friend was great, but add another friend and it sure did feel good.

"Alright I am on it. Thanks Carson."

Staning from his own desk Nate puts some papers down before making his way to Reese. It felt good to stange once again as his legs were starting to cramp.

Giving a soft tap on Reese door Nate enters, his eyes were a bit tired, but there was no way he could sleep.

"Reese, Carson on the confermation from Phinox over the philm. He said nothing else has happend though."

Giving a sigh Nate searches his boss face before stepping a little closer.

"Are you sure we can trust Phinox on this?"

Shutting the basment door behind him Phinox's expression is cold, and hard. The mask he has put on many times before fitting in with The Agency.

Taking his own seat at a desk he looks up at Gage's comment.

"No actully I'm not, but I will be shortly."

Looking through one of the desk draws Phinox seems to be looking for something but for now he says nothing. He had to keep Gage on edge and unsaspective. He would strike when the time was right but that time was not now, not yet.

"So Gage, what is it you do here?"

Uneasy

Scott would rather fight to talk to Carson now, but he had failed to even notice that Rick had given him a shot. His eyelids were so very heavy. All of his muscles felt like mush.

It took a lot to give Hope's hand a final squeeze before his head sank down into his pillow. His fingers slip from hers as sleep is finally forced upon him.


Hunter smiles a little as Alice walks beside him, and he listens intently as his fingers interlock with her own. Learning more about her, he turns his head to glance at her a couple times as they walk.

"Mm... sorry to hear about your dad." He gives a little nod. "Glad you feel a part of Break Out though... we all feel like you're a part of the team too."

He chuckles. "I think you covered a lot of bases, Alice Amanda Whitt." Turning a bend in the park path, he returns the gesture of friendship. "I am Hunter Bradly Maxwell. I don't have a best friend, but I've got nice circle of friends. I grew up in Nevada, took an interest in Karate and now travel with Break Out. I have an older brother in the Army, both my parents are living, though at the moment, I'm not welcome at their place."

Though a bit of hurt accidentally slips into his voice, Hunter keeps right on going. "My favorite type of food is Mexican, and one of my favorite things to do is take moonlit walks... with good company, of course."

Looking to Alice again, he grins.


The tap on Reese's door makes his eyes fly open. He hadn't really intended on sleeping, but his twenty-minute catnap had been refreshing. Sitting up straighter in his chair, he sees Jason standing in the doorway. "Jason." He clears his throat. "You're not supposed to be here."

"I know." Jason fiddles with his keys, his eyes dropping. There was a quietness about him... almost a form of surrender.

Reese senses this, and his guard is slowly lowered. "So what are you doing here?"

"I... I just want to be here." Jason looks back up at him. "I won't get in the way. I just want to be here when anything comes up or when Katie comes back." His eyes plead with his boss to let him stay.

Reese sighs deeply. "I know this is hard for you, Jason. And I'm sorry. All of us are going through heck, but I know your torture is ten times greater. If you can stand back until we need you, you can stay. But I can't have you interfering and questioning my judgment calls."

"I understand."

Reese hesitates, squinting at him just a little. "You alright?"

"Yeah." Jason nods, still quiet. "I'm okay."

Con appears behind him, looking over to Reese. "I'll keep an eye on him." He gives Jason's shoulder a pat. "I'll see you in your office."

Jason takes the cue and turns to head back across the main floor, swinging wide of Katie's cubicle.

Reese looks at Con expectantly. "Well? What happened?"

Con's faint smile is a warm one. "We got a new member of the team. That's what happened."


Carson makes his way back to Katie's desk, his walk a little slower. Ty was being sent home... for now, he had to let that case lie. Until he could talk to Scott, that particular avenue was on hold.

Finding Wyatt, he relieves him once again. "Anything new?"

Wyatt rises from his seat to give it to Carson, and shakes his head. "Nothing yet."

"Good." Carson sits down, heaving a deep sigh. Seeing Katie again, he inwardly cringes. Yes, it was good nothing had changed... but it was bad at the same time. She shouldn't be there at all.

Wyatt hesitates to leave, looking at Carson for a moment. His eyes fill with emotions. "How do you do it?"

"Hmm? Do what?"

"This." Wyatt shakes his head, finding it hard to control what he was feeling. He gestures to the computer screen. "I sit and I watch... for only a few minutes at a time. And each time, I get sick just thinking about it... just seeing Katie there like that. Now I know that... that my feeling for her are different than yours, but... how can you take this job and keep at it like this?"

Carson's fingers fiddle with a pencil lying on the desk. His eyes stay glued to the screen and his jaw muscles silently work at his tension. "Are the feelings so different?" He pauses then glances up to Wyatt. "It's my job. Someone's got to do it."

"But how-"

"Does it matter?" Carson looks back to the screen. "You just have to bring yourself to a point that you don't care what you see, or what you know is being done. If you don't care... it doesn't hurt."

Wyatt was still confused, but he didn't pursue the matter. He needed to step away from here before he went mad himself. It was no wonder Jason couldn't take this. This wasn't just torture to Katie - it was torture to everyone who knew and loved her.

Carson waits for Wyatt to walk away before he leans back in his chair and runs his hands over his face. He knew he needed sleep. But they needed just a little longer. He replays what he'd just said to Wyatt. There was only one problem with the words he'd chosen. He did care. And no matter how hard he tried to shut that part of him off... with Katie, it just wasn't working. Perhaps he didn't want to sleep, for fear of what his mind would create while his eyes were closed.

Movement on the screen catches his attention, and he's back on alert. Squinting, he realizes that Phinox is with Katie. His salute to the camera signals that so far, things were good.

Carson takes a deep breath and buzzes Nate's desk. "Nate... Phinox is in. Let Reese know. Nothing new yet though."


Gage looks up quickly as someone enters the room, and he's fast to throw his book back into the desk drawer. Seeing it's Phinox and not Rod, he quirks an eyebrow and just gives a slight nod. He wasn't too familiar with this guy, but as far as he knew, he was safe.

His eyes follow Phinox all the way to the door, then stare at it after he's gone to the basement. Standing up, Gage paces a little, glancing at his watch for the hundredth time. He wanted to get this thing over with. What was Phinox doing?

He goes over to the computer and hits a couple keys to bring up the camera. Nothing much was happening. Gage realizes that he's a little relieved to find that Phinox is not torturing Katie further. The woman had had just about all she could take the way it was without someone else coming in to beat on her.

Hearing footsteps, Gage shuts the screen off and leans back against the desk, folding his arms across his chest to eye Phinox as he came back up. "Satisfied?"

Sends his Love

Giving Scott's arm a pat she new he was feeling antious and just wanted to get everything done an over with, but he needed his rest and to be strong for when the talk with Carson would happen.

"You need to rest now Scott, and be strong before we have the talk with Carson. I know everything inside it so hard for you but just rest for now ok."

She felt bad for her friend and new he just wanted to get it done and over with but he had to rest, for now thats all he needed.

Taking Hunter's hand in her own Alice stands and starts to walk with him the smile forming on her face again.

"I'd like to get to know you more as well Hunter. A friend ship is always a good place to start right?"

Continuing to talk Alice gives Hunter's arm a little squeeze. She new she had a few feelings running around inside of her, and she new they felt good. Now she just needed to completely let go and know it was ok to do so and she could only hope in time she would.

"My name is Alice Amanda Whitt. My best friend is Kyle. As of right now I am a reporter and I follow a group called BreakOut. I like it because I feel like I belong and I can be close to people again.'

Alice gives a small smile.

"My father passed away a while ago, and my mom is in a nursing home right now. Anything else we need to go over?"

It felt good to talk a little about herself and help someone get else get to know her like Kyle did. It was fun to shair some storys as well.

Entering the small building Phinox follows Rod's directions to get to the area where Katie and Gage where. The building was alot bigger than he had exspected but as he walked he took in everything around him.

Coming to the door at the end of the hall Phinox takes the key from his picket and opens the door steping in an taking a look around.

Seeing Gage over at the table Phinox gives a small nod knowing Gage would know who he was.

"Gage, good to see you again. Rod said he would be back shortly."

Continuing to walk through the rest of the area taking in the sights Phinox looks at the clock fast. He'd been gone an hour, he had a few left he needed to take his time.

Coming to another heavy door Phinox opens it slowly and squints into the dark seeing the stairs that lead down. Decending them he could only guess where they twisted turns would lead him. Getting to the bottom his guess was right as he saw Katie's limp body slumped to the floor. Walking twords her slowly Phinox gets very close and looks up at the blinking camra knowing Carson was probley watching his gave a salute to let him know he was in but didnt say anything not let.

Bending down next to her Phinox looks over Katie injorys and frowns. They were far worse than what the camra showed and he only hoped they could help her in time.

Leaning close to Katie's eat Phinox gave a whisper.

"Katie Pent, I know your very weak right now, but I also know you can hear me. My name is Phinox and I have come to help TJY get you out of here. I will be leaving again but we will be back for you. Jason also sends his love."

Standing again a sad look pass his eyes before he heads back up and out of the basment.

New chances

Scott doesn't respond, though it's obvious that he doesn't necessarily agree with Hope. They were going to find him a traitor... and if he was, then what other option was there?

His eyes stay open for the longest time, even though he remains silent. Rick checked on him several times, hoping he'd gone back to sleep, but he hadn't. Just thinking about sleep again drove fear into Scott's veins.

Eventually he speaks again. "I don't want to sleep," he mentions quietly. "Can't we get Carson's interrogation over with?"

Rick overhears him and shakes his head. Scott needed rest. He didn't need to be interrogated... not yet... not until he was strong enough to withstand it. But the young man was so desperate to make right what he thought was wrong, and to rid himself of the terrible guilt he was feeling.


Hunter lets his eyes drop, listening to Alice speak. Though there was slight disappointment there, a faint smile toys at the edge of his mouth anyway. His gaze lands on her hand resting on his knee.

With her final statement, he reaches out and picks up her hand once more, this time drawing it close to his face as if studying it, intent on seeing the fine features of every little curve.

His eyes finally raise again to meet hers. "Well, you didn't outright tell me no." There's humor in his tone, bringing a lighter feeling to the air. "That means there's a chance there, however small it might be." For now, he doesn't say anything more about Kyle. He didn't know how his friend felt, and so he couldn't judge his own actions on it at all.

Standing up, Hunter stretches both hands down to Alice, in a gesture that asks her to stand and walk with him. "I for one, would like to get to know you more, too. So how about we just do that? And if it turns into more, it does. And if not, it doesn't. And if it does and we have to abandon it later, then at least we will have had some good times."

He cocks his head, finally allowing his smile to spread. "It's one of the safest chances you'll ever take." He knew that he wanted to be more than friends with Alice. But more so, he wanted her to be able to heal her wounds completely and be able to move on, whether it was with him or not. And if getting her to take a step towards something more would help, then he would be there.


Gage rocks on the back legs of his chair, his fingers strumming restlessly on the desk. He looks up at the clock, then checks the monitor again. Everything was quiet.

Sighing, he lets the chair fall back onto all for legs, then reaches for the desk drawer once more. He was almost finished with his book. While alone, it was a good time to try and get to the last page. Once this thing was over, he'd have little chance again to read anything, let alone something that he wasn't allowed to have.


Wandering inside the building, Jason sees no one. It was a quiet darkness, but not an eerie one. His leather jacket creaked as he slowly walked through the foyer. Squinting a little, he sees two open doors straight ahead. He aimed for them instead of the office he saw to the side that had a light on. He wasn't familiar with this place, but it didn't seem to matter. It felt odd... his closest friends were here all the time.

Entering the larger room, he looks up. A cross stares back at him, lit around the edges to cast a soft glow against the wall. A lump rises in his throat. He wasn't even sure why.

Slowly, he walks forward, the sound of his boots muffled on the carpet. Heading down the aisle, he stops at the foot of the small stage and bends his neck back to stare up at the cross. He knew what it symbolized. He knew about Jesus. He knew that Jesus was God's Son, sent to save man from their sins. He knew Jesus died on the cross represented here... that He was mocked and tortured... and then after dying, He rose again three days later. Jason knew the stories... he knew the facts. He'd been taught as a child. He'd grown up with a Christian mother and a grandfather who had claimed Christianity. He'd let his questions and spirit promptings lie for many years. After Scott had been taken, Jason had gone back to research... reading his Bible... questioning faith again. And again, he'd gotten busy, distracted, and had let things lie.

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, still staring upward. He knew that Katie had a strong faith. She went to church every Sunday... she prayed before meals... she read her Bible, and she talked about God in her everyday life. Carson - the worst of the worst - had turned his life over to God and did not waver from his decision. All the guys from JetStream... those from Cryptic... Many others from TJY... Jason was surrounded by people who had deep faith in God. They were people he trusted... people he respected.

Thoughts of Katie drift through his mind. Thoughts of her captivity... thoughts of what she must be going through. The emotions rise within him, but he could barely feel them. Though having physically gotten used to the lack of emotional uprisings, he still felt an emptiness inside of him. Right now he wanted to feed off his own pain... off his own anger... but the strategic usage of the emotions was not possible.

A tear surfaces. It was as hated tear, but one that would not be thwarted by his attempts to hold it back. He couldn't do this alone anymore and he knew it. This was one time that he felt absolutely no control. And he needed Someone who was in control.

Before he realizes it, Jason is on his knees. He doesn't know how long he stays. He's not even sure of all the things that run through his mind and heart. Words are uttered, but not aloud. They only come forth through the sobs that catch in his throat, and through a soul that has been waiting to be released for so long.

And God reaches down to comfort a child so lost, so alone. For almost twenty-two years, since the birth of the one with so many plans wrapped up in his future, God had waited for this moment. The door had been opened, and He was finally being invited in.

A weight on Jason's shoulder doesn't startle him. He knew whose hand it was.

Con gives him a reassuring pat. "Thought you might need a friend," he mentions quietly.

Jason is still on his knees, but straightens a little and nods, giving his eyes a backhanded swipe.

Con moves around to lower himself on one of the steps of the stage so he can face Jason. "You know..." His voice is soft and not condemning. "Sometimes it takes needing God in the hard times to realize that we've needed Him all along... even in the good times."

"I've been a fool, haven't I?" Jason's tone is full of more humiliation than ever before.

"By denying God a place in your life for so long? Maybe. But that doesn't mean you can't change that now. He's giving you a chance, Jase. The world is still spinning, and as long as there's still breath in you, it's not too late." Con pauses, cocking his head. He wanted to know if Jason was truly ready. "Are you doing this for you? ...Or for Katie?"

Jason swallows hard and lowers his eyes. "I want to find Katie so bad... I want God to answer my prayers... but... I know that this is about me." He looks back up at the friend who had stayed with him through so much. "I know that... me letting God in my life isn't going to miraculously bring about answers to my prayers. I... I need God for myself... for my own soul. I've tried so hard to do everything on my own... But no matter how hard I try, there are still things I can't handle alone... and I know that nothing I ever do of my own power will get me into Heaven, no matter how good of a person I try to be."

A faint smile slips onto Con's lips. He could feel the Spirit moving. "Taking all that into consideration... do you know what you need to do?"

Jason stares up at the cross once more. He knew the verses. He'd studied them, trying to find a way out, or thinking he could disprove them. But he knew that they were true. "I've known for a long time... I just refused." A slight laugh surfaces. "Unfortunately, it's two in the morning."

"So?" Con lifts an eyebrow. "You think God cares what time of day it is?" He glances up quickly as movement catches his eye. Strange, that the minister was here so late. And Con would bet anything that the minister had had no idea why he should be here at this hour either. But it was clear now.

The right place and right time had been laid out since the beginning. Never was the minister here this late - until tonight. Never had Jason been truly open to the thought of God and salvation - until tonight. Never had the truths of belief, repentance and baptism been so clear - until tonight.

It was a small gathering. Only three men. But there was no reason to wait until a more opportune time. Following the examples in the Bible had never been easier. A heart was ready. Repentance was beginning. Water was there. Some might have thought that it was sudden, or that perhaps the one giving up his life had not yet learned enough - that perhaps it was just his emotional state that dictated his decision now. He wasn't even a church-goer. But never had a man been so sure of what he needed. He'd studied long enough. He'd put this off long enough.

Con had never been a prouder friend, or a more honored one. Bringing Jason back up out of the water, his own silent commitment was made to do all in his power to be a guiding support for his friend. Never would he give up, and he would always be there for Jason, no matter what.

Though at an ordinary emotional level, Jason still felt as though his heart might burst. He was free. He was finally free.

A new life was born. Not one of body, but one of spirit. A spirit that had been so broken was now undergoing restoration and filling with a love and peace unknown until tonight. And while all the time Katie was on Jason's mind, the personal step forward could not be ignored. It wasn't desperation for help in finding her that had made Jason's decision - it was desperation for his own soul and own peace of mind. God was with him, that much he knew. And God would see everything okay in the end. But Jason also knew that just because he had finally given his life over, did not mean that everything would be easy, nor was it in any way a free pass or a simple route to prayer requests. No... he was a soldier, now fully equipped to handle the job. And that was the point.

I dont know

Sitting down in front of Scott Hope's hand is still in his. She just watches she he and Rick converse. Just being there absorbing Scott's pain when she needed too. Giving a gently squeeze to his hand she reasures.

"Your not going to jail. Dont you worry about that."

Looking back and Hunter again Alice smiles as she can feel the heat creep up her neck at his comment. The twinkle in her eye showing she was flattered for his comment though she wasnt sure what to say.

Hunter's next question was simple, but to Alice it felt so hard to answer. She wasnt sure how and she felt so confused. She new what she wanted, and she new it was what Seth would of wanted her to do but it was just so hard.

"I don't know Hunter. I honestly dont know if you do or not, because I dont even know where my chanses lay. I kind of feel like a pin ball because bounced in so many differnt direction."

Reaching out Alice give's Hunter's knee a gentil pat and just letting her hand rest there for a moment.

"I'm sorry I cant give you a deffint answer. I know I do have some feelings for Kyle, but I mean if he dosnt return them than...than again I dont even know if I want him to, and you your a great guy. Your nice your sweet and I would love to get to know you more but I just...dont honetly know."

A chance?

Scott obeys the promptings, and manages to get back to the bed, easing down and closing his eyes, utterly exhausted. Even so, he doesn't like Rick's poking and prodding, and winds up resisting the IV.

Rick sighs, having everything in hand. "Scott, come on."

"I don't need it," Scott mumbles. He felt bad enough the way it was, not being able to cope. He felt even weaker, needing something like this.

Rick leans down and waits until Scott opens his eye to look at him. "Did you eat anything all day yesterday?"

Scott thinks. It was hard to remember. He shrugs.

"Did you drink anything?"

He shrugs again.

"And you just threw up anything you had left, and more. If you're not going to take care of yourself, then someone has to. Now stop giving me a hard time."

Scott finally just closes his eye again and lets Rick stick his arm. He winces just a little. Rolling back over onto his side, he hasn't forgotten what Hope said earlier. Though it had been several minutes, he picks up where she'd left off, mumbling his response. "Sure... if I'm not behind bars."


Hunter lifts an eyebrow in surprise and speaks before thinking. "Kyle's your best friend and you haven't told him this?" He was even more surprised that if that were true, Alice has confided in him.

He stops and shakes his head. "Sorry. I can see it's been difficult... can't say I woulda done differently."

Slipping his hand back into his pocket again, he thinks for just a moment. "He sees you as a sister, huh?" He shrugs. "Maybe I really did read him wrong."

Turning his head back to Alice, his warm smile returns. "Oh, Alice... it's not a question of whether or not you know how to play the game. It's whether or not you want to. But you're the only one who knows if you're ready. Moving on can be hard... but something tells me you're strong enough to do it."

For a long moment, he just studies her, watching the moonlight dance in and out of her gaze. "You have beautiful eyes," he whispers. He knew Alice didn't know if she could really move on or not... he knew she was struggling with the feelings of the past. But he could see the longing in her eyes. He could see that she was missing what she once had... affection... partnership... a relationship deeper than friends... someone to lean on... someone to share everything with... ultimately, love.

A part of his logic warned him not to step too closely, but he had to know if his attentions would be accepted or turned away. His voice is still kept low and quiet. Unassuming and not pushy in the least. It was only a tone full of care for how she felt, and a simple request for his own peace of mind.

"If I don't have a chance, just tell me now before I get too far, and I'll back off." He continues to search her eyes. "But if there's any glimmer of hope... I won't give up." His small grin returns. "It's not my nature."


Ty continues to struggle, but is far from a match for Carson. Getting shoved towards the table, he runs into a chair, then whirls around to glare at both me. "What is this about?!"

"I think you know." Carson tone is stern, his stare an icy one. "Sit down."

"I don't want to."

"I said sit!" Carson gives him a hefty push, forcing him down into the chair.

"What is with you two?! I didn't do anything!"

Carson stands on the other side of the table, taking up position beside Nate. "Apparently, you did." He points to a folder that he'd had waiting in here. "Who did you let into the building, Ty?"

Ty visibly recoils, now realizing what Nate and Carson wanted. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're lying!" Carson throws his arms in the air. "I don't get it, Ty! You've been fine, as far as I know, up until this point!" His eyes were bloodshot, proving that his exhaustion wasn't helping his stress level any. "Now tell me who you let into TJY yesterday."

"I didn't let anyone in!"

"You did too! We have proof!" Carson picks up the folder and slaps it back down again. Still standing, he look down at the younger man. "Why did you use Katie's security code?"

Something flickers in Ty's eyes. "Katie's?"

"Quit playing games." Carson rolls his eyes. "Don't play stupid. Did you think we wouldn't be able to figure it out if you used her code or what?"

"I... I didn't know I used her code."

"So you admit you opened the door."

"I..." Ty clamps his mouth shut again, his eyes falling.

Carson slams his fist on the table. "Talk to us, Ty! I'm tired and I'm cranky, and you do not want to make me mad at this point."

Ty looks back up, glancing between Carson and Nate. "I honestly didn't know I used Katie's code."

"Well what did you think you were using?"

"I don't know."

Carson growls and turns around to pace, trying to keep his temper down. "Okay. Just tell me how you opened the door then."

Ty licks his dry lips. "Well, I... I figured out the key pattern."

"The what?"

"The pattern. See, I've got my own security code, and I know what Hal's is. I figured out the mathematical equation for the numbers that would exist between his code and mine, based on the number sequence. I could go a little further either direction too, but eventually, I'd run out because there's only so many people working here."

Carson blinks. He looks to Nate, totally baffled. "You mean to tell me that there's a pattern with the codes?"

"Sure." Ty shrugs. "There's always a pattern somewhere if you look hard enough."

Carson rubs his forehead, trying to straighten all of this out. "Ty, this is impossible."

"No it's not." Ty leans forward, apparently knowing what he was talking about. "I asked Susanne how many people had been hired between Hal and myself. I took Hal's number and worked with it until I had as many increments as there were agents before I reached my own number. See, each time an agent gains a new security code, the computer generates it. It adds three to the second number, subtracts two from the fifth, divides by the number of..."

"Alright, alright!" Carson holds up his hand. "I believe you. Good grief. How long did it take you to figure that out?"

Ty shrugs again. "I don't know. Couple days?"

"And you're just a janitor?" Carson rolls his eyes. "Never mind. So you figured you'd just use someone else's code, not caring whose it was. Now... who did you let in?"

Ty's hesitance returns. "I... I don't know his name."

"Don't give me that."

"It's true! I don't know his name. He just came to me and..."

"When?"

"A while ago. Right after Scott came back. He told me that Scott was a traitor, but they couldn't prove it."

"They? Who is they?"

Ty looks down again.

"Talk to me, Ty!"

"Austin."

"Of all the..." Carson bites his tongue. "That man has caused more trouble than anyone I know, and he still claims to be on our side." He shakes his head. "So he was the guy with Austin when Scott was interrogated right after he was brought back?"

Ty nods. "I think so."

"Go on."

"Well, he stopped me, and said Scott was a traitor. He said he knew it because he had a signed agreement between him and the Agency, saying that he would work for them for a hundred thousand dollars a year. All he needed was another layer of proof, like if Scott talked or something."

"So when I started finding out he had information, you called this guy."

"Yeah." Ty's shoulders droop. "I didn't know he was going to beat on Scott... honest, I didn't."

"Well he did," Carson retorts harshly. "You said this guy had a signed agreement? Did he show it to you?"

Ty nods. "Why else would I have believed him? I didn't think Scott would be a traitor, but he showed me the paper, so I had to believe it."

Carson gives Nate a sidelong glance before reaching for his folder. He finds a piece of paper with a lot of text on it. He holds the folder right so Ty can't see him taking a pen scribbling something at the bottom. Shutting the folder, he holds up the paper. "The Agency sometimes collects agents signatures for various reasons. I was given this just a bit ago as evidence." His tone indicates that whatever it was, agreed with what Ty was talking about. "It's just a copy, but is this what you were shown?"

Ty squints as Carson flips the page over. There were a lot of words. A signature was at the bottom. He glances up to Carson's eyes, then to Nate's to judge whether or not it was safe to agree. He took the chance. "Yeah... yeah, that's it." He nods with surety.

Carson shakes his head slowly and puts the paper back down. "Ty... I just showed you a printout that Sapphire gave me on your activity during the last day. I just made that signature myself."

Ty's face pales. "That wasn't fair! You tricked me!"

"And you think I'm the only one?"

Ty sinks further down in his seat, his head lowering to a pitiful state. "The agreement wasn't real, was it?"

"What do you think?"

Ty manages to lift is eyes a little. "I... I don't know."

"Whoever it was knew you couldn't read, Ty. The only reason the Agency would ever want a signed paper would just be so they could verify their own agents activity if they double-crossed them. They aren't stupid enough to have agreements that say the agents will work for them."

Ty couldn't feel any lower. "You mean... it was all a trick?"

"I'm afraid so."

"And I was stupid enough to fall for it."

"Pretty much." Carson picks up his folder. "You'll probably be placed on suspension for overriding security codes and for letting someone inside while we were in lockdown. As far as your own conscience, you'll have to deal with that yourself. We still haven't figure out if Scott is really a traitor or not - but either way, you didn't make the right move." He looks to Nate. "Unless you think we nee more, I believe we're done here."

Ty stares down at the table, hating himself. The guy had been wanting to protect TJY, he'd said... just wanted to talk to Scott to prevent him from doing damage... just wanted to keep security tight and ensure safety... And Ty had been so gullible. Whether Scott was guilty or not, it was Ty's fault that he'd been beaten to a pulp, and that wasn't a good feeling.


Jason plants his feet on the ground, but stays seated on his motorcycle. His eyes roam the dark building. A lit window proved someone was there. Strange.

He takes off his helmet and runs a hand through his hair. It was late. He was surprised to see someone else was here at all. He was surprised he was here. But something had led him... something had pushed him.

Finally dismounting, Jason pulls off his keys. After locking his helmet to his bike, he wanders towards the double doors. Taking a glance over his shoulder, he feels as though he's being watched. But it wasn't the feeling of danger. Though unable to see anyone on the dark street, his sixth sense kicks in, and he thinks he knows. For now, he lets it remain as such. Hesitating, he finally turns back around tests the handle on the door. It was open. Even if someone was here this late, it was still odd that the door would be unlocked. But at the moment, he wouldn't question it.

Con watches as Jason parks and heads to the building. He was hidden from view in the alleyway down the street. But when he sees Jason turn around, he can't help a small smile. Jason had radar like a watchdog. "Yeah, Hotshot, I'm here."