Tokyo

Listening to Alec Ryan lets out a sigh as she takes some money from her pocket and throws it down on the table for the bill.

"I think I can handle what I bite off, I am a big girl you know. Not to mention street racing is not exactly legal, so I guess I live in danger myself too."

Sliding out of the booth Ryan looks at Alec before pulling some more money from her pocket and putting it into Alec's hand. She had enough money from street racing that she had nothing to worry about just proving she must be good, help Alec out wasnt that bad. She wasnt even sure why she wanted to there was just something about him.

"If your going to leave town, do it now and dont look back. There is something about this place that will hold you here if you do. I was only going to be here for a few months for racing till I went Tokyo for bigger and better races."

Ryan gives a dry laugh as she puts her sun glass back on.

"That was a year ago. It was good meeting you Alec."

Heading for the exit Ryan throws a wave to the woman standing behind the counter before heading to her car.

Bargain

Alec snickers at Ryan. "You're something else, you know that? Do you always pick up drunks and offer them a room in your house?"

His eyes pick up a sly glint. "Or are you selective with your prey?"

Shaking his head, he slides out of the booth to look down at her. "Nice offer, but I better tell you that if anybody knew I was with you, you might just wind up behind bars. My so-called friends aren't the only ones out to blow my head off."

He didn't know why he was admitting that. If he was smart, he should take the offer and run with it. A free room for a few days? Laying low? It was perfect. He knew the Elite would be looking for him. But for some reason... something just didn't sit right with him. Besides, if he really wanted to get out of radar range, he needed to split. Even though... he really... didn't have a clue where he would go.

Looking towards the door, Alec gives a little sigh. If he didn't accept her offer, he'd be out on the street tonight. "Thanks, but... you should probably get out of the habit of offering things like that to people like me. You might just get more than you bargained for."


Ryder grins and nods to the door. "Alright then. Lets get going."

After giving a wave to Katie and Jason, Ryder heads out of the room with Thirteen, his hand back in hers for the quick walk out to the car.

Once they were there and back in their seats, Ryder looks over to Thirteen, his lips still curled in a smile. "I'm proud of you. You did well."

Starting the engine, he pulls out of the lot and aims for the house. It doesn't take too long until he's pulling into the driveway. Laura's car was gone, as expected. She had an awful lot to do before tomorrow, and even after that, things would be in chaos until she was completely moved out. Ryder was happy for her... but the house would be a lot quieter, and he wasn't so sure if Katie would want it to be just him and her in the house even if he did live upstairs.

"Home sweet home," he comments, getting out. Waiting for Thirteen, he leads the way up the walk and to the front door, opening it easily. They're met with a meowing, hungry Henry.

"Hey, critter," Ryder greets. "Meet a friend."

Henry's tail twitches as he looks up at Thirteen for a moment before weaving in and out of Ryder's legs, almost making it hard for him to walk. "Yeah, yeah, you're hungry aren't you. Come on."

Wandering to the kitchen, Ryder waves to Thirteen. "I'll only be a few minutes.... feel free to wander around if you want."

Ready

Slidding into the booth and ordering some coffee along with a quick snack Ryan just watches Alec for a long moment. Studying him she just watchs his body languige and sizing him up for a moment. Ryan was more often than not a good judge of who someone was. Alec, seemed...ok. Maybe confused but something was behind it all.

"If I wanted you to pay for the coffee I wouldnt have invited you because I new you couldnt."

Taking another sip of her coffee Ryan's eyes still dances with the spark they had before. The spunk that was there.

"What do I get out of this huh? Company, someone to show off to, and those extra bedrooms I have being put to use. I'll let you stay in one of them for a while. Clean up after yourself, let me take you for a few new rides, acompany me to street race and thats about all."

Grinning at Ryder Katie clanks her teeth at him before cringing a little as a sting of pain goes through her cheek.

Standing in front to Ryder now Thirteen just looks at Katie amazed but how much they looked like. If saw next to eather other by a strange one would think they were...sisters.

Giving a small smile when she hears that the man that just enter she gives a nod.

"Your dog is nice, I like him."

Looking down again Thirteen is silent before Ryder is ready to go. Her eyes were still scaired but they held a little more hope in over coming the outside.

"Yes, I'd ready."

Gentle grip

Alec looks dumbly out the window at the diner, lifting his eyebrows a little, but not making any comments. Following Ryan he gets out of the car, having a bit of trouble stepping over a curb and making it to the door.

Opening it for her first, he gives a little bow. "Alec. I'm shh-sure you'd be mor'nhappy to meet me if I were...uh, sober."

Getting inside, there aren't too many people, and a corner booth seems the best location for the least amount of attention. Though intoxicated, Alec had some sense left and knew that he needed to sober up. He also knew it wouldn't take too long... once he got something else in his stomach, his head would start to clear. This he knew from past experience....

Chugging down the last of yet another cup of strong black coffee, Alec rests his elbows on the table and cups his hands around the mug, staring in at the remaining swirls and a few grounds that had been left behind. A few trips to the bathroom for some cold water on his face, a piece of toast and countless cups of coffee had brought him back down to an acceptable level as far as his state of mind was concerned. Now though, he'd almost rather not realize where he was... at least being drunk had left him blissfully ignorant.

He had no idea the things he'd said to Ryan... he figured most had been rants about almost getting his head blown off. Those images would stick with him for a while.

Still staring down, his eyes were still a bit glazed, but there was life in them now. "Nothing like staring into the eyes of a friend just to realize they're an enemy," he comments dryly.

Sighing, he finally sits back and sets the coffee cup aside. Looking across to Ryan, he gives a little shrug. "I can't even pay you for the coffee. You probably shoulda just left me at the bar and avoided my little pity party. I'm right back where I was with no place to go, same as I was back there, but at least I didn't know any better while I was there." His eyes narrow slightly. "Why're you helping me anyway? What do you want from this?"


Ryder smiles and winks at Katie. "Kat, this is..." He wished he had a real name to go on. "...Thirteen. She's been staying with Trooper down at TJY, keeping the mutt company." He turns his head to see Thirteen behind him. "Right?"

Giving a little grin, he tightens his grip on her hand and pulls her around beside him. "Come on... Katie won't bite... least I never saw her bite anyone."

He pries his hand loose from hers and makes her stand in front of him, both hands on her shoulders to hold her there, and also so she could still feel him with her. He reaches over her to pull her hair back behind her ears. "Now you see why the Agency wanted to use you? You two look quite a bit alike, ay?" He chuckles. "Two redheads in the same room. I don't know if I can handle that," he teases.

Looking past Thirteen to Katie again, he cocks his head. "So where's that rogue boyfriend of yours?"

"Right here."

Ryder looks around to see Jason, who had just entered the room. His hands remain on Thirteen's shoulders, tightening a little so she couldn't slip away or hide behind him. "Ah, Jason. How's it going?"

"Better now that my hero is back." Jason nods to Thirteen. "This her?"

"Sure is." Ryder's voice stays cheerful for Thirteen's sake. "Thirteen, this is Jason - the guy I've told you about."

Jason had heard that Thirteen was pretty skittish, and he could see it in her eyes now, so he moved slowly, going back to his normal chair to sit down. He holds up his cell phone. "Just got off with Susanne. Sounds like I need to come take Trooper home."

"Mm." Ryder grimaces. "You didn't try to convince her otherwise, did you?"

"Well... I don't know what I'm gonna do. Trooper hasn't bit anybody since he started his training several years ago." Jason sighs, a bit upset by what he'd heard about Hal.

"He was just trying to protect Thirteen," Ryder explains. "I want to try and get Reese to say he can stay... he'd be better off with Thirteen here to keep an eye on him ya know." Though in reality, it was Trooper who was keeping an eye on the girl, Ryder purposely turned it around to avoid her feeling badly.

Jason shrugs lamely. "I don't know what to do."

"If I may say so... I think the dog would probably be in a better mood if his master was around."

"Yeah... I know. I've neglected the poor brute. Now I'm just scared Reese will kick him out for good."

"You mind if I try to talk him out of it?"

"Go right ahead. Call me though if I need to go take him home."

Ryder nods. Looking to Katie again, he gives her another grin. "Take care of yourself, eh? I'll get out of here so you can rest." He cocks his head over Thirteen's shoulder. "Ready to go to the house with me?"

Shy

Giving a laugh Ryan pulls out onto the road once again driving a little bit slower this time putting her sun glass down onto her face once more.

"I guess I'll take it easy on you this time around."

Moving through the down Ryan drives this way and that making twists and turns before pulling up in front of a old run down dinner.

It didnt look like much on the outside but to Ryan this was like getting a millions dollars. She'd spent most of her time here, before work, after work and it was close to the shop.

"This place has the best coffee around, nice and strong too. By the way I'm Ryan."

Quickly following alongside Ryder Thirteen keeps up the pase not having time to let her mind find fear or anything else to bring on panic.

Walking into the room Thirteen stays behind Ryder. Though there was no fear she could feel in this room she felt a bit shy.

Hearing someone in the door way Katie opened her eyes and looks up to see Ryder. Giving a smile it was good to see him again.

"Well if it isnt the croc hunter himself. Its good to see you Ryder."

Katie's attachen is destracted from Ryder as she saw a bit of movment behind him, and than a set of eyes peek around the courner. As Ryder steps out of the way Katie is stunned for a moment. This girl with Ryder looks almost idenical to her.

Looking at the girl and than back to Ryder than to the girl again question lingers in Katie's eyes but a smile forms on her mouth anyways.

"Hi, I'm Katie."

Peeking around the side of Ryder it was almost like looking in a mirror minus the battle wounds that formed on the girl's face.

Nothing needed to be explained Thirteen new this was Katie, the one she had been asked all the question about and was said to look like.

Hearing her introduction sends a wave of emotion through Thirteen as she gives a little jump and ducks behind Ryder again still holding his hand. Her voice was soft.

"Hi..I'm...Hi!"

Looking to Ryder again Katie's eyes hold much question.

Other redhead

Alec quirks an eyebrow and seems to contemplate for several long moments before finally giving in and just about falling back into the car.

Shutting the door, he once again had trouble with the seatbelt. "Lunatics making pases at drunks... what 'm I getti'n mys'lf into?" His slurred speech matches his sluggish movements until finally the seatbelt clicks.

"Ride 'em cowboy." He points towards town. "Or coffee... one 'r th' othr."



Ryder's fingers curl around Thirteen's hand in a strong, warm hold. Leading the way, he guides her beside him, making it quickly through the waiting area and halls and avoiding as many people as possible. He doesn't let go of Thirteen's hand, not allowing her enough time to bolt.

It only takes a few minutes to make it up to Katie's room. Peeking in, Ryder finds that Jason isn't there... he must be stretching his legs somewhere. But Katie was there. A smile surfaces. He didn't want to wake her up, but as he approaches he bed, he sees her eyes open.

His hand still holding Thirteen's, he grins down at Katie. "Well, the little sheila came back to us." He chuckles softly and pats Katie's arm. "Just wanted to say hi, you stubborn thing."

He winks at Thirteen. "This is the other redhead in my life."

Shut up

Ryan shakes her head and rolls her eyes again at Alec. Men could be so thick somes it drove her crazy. They wouldnt know an offer if it slapped them in the face.

"Shut up, get in the dang car, let me buy you some coffee and we will talk about your sleeping arrangements for a little while."

Cocking her head a little Ryan puts her sun glass on top of her head. She new most would think it not right to invite a boy to stay with you, but she had a big house to herself and figured why not shair it with someone who could use a place to stay for a little bit.

Weaghing her chooses of going with Ryder or stay out here where is scared her even more. Prying herself away from the car Thirteen catches up with Ryder and slips her hand into his.

Giving his hand a little squeeze Thirteen let him know she was there and ready even if she was trembaling a little inside. She had to do this, she just had to.

Lost cause

"Scared?" Alec blows something close to a raspberry as he waves off Ryan. "If I's sc-scared, I woulda j'mped out soon'r."

Continuing to trudge down the shoulder of the road, he stops at her offer. Looking back at her, he suddenly gets the strangest most sorrowful look in his eye, like that of a whipped puppy. Just as quickly though, it's gone.

"And... where would you take me?" He throws his arms in the air. "Whatcha see is what I...I got, lady. You take me back into town an' dr'p me off where? I dnn't live here ya know... I dn't live... anywh're 'cept... not ev'n th'r anymore."

He shakes his head. "I am what you call a l'st cause."


Hearing the siren, even Ryder jumps a little bit, but his attention is quickly diverted away from himself, and to Thirteen instead. "Hey, hey, it's okay, it's just an ambulance." Three quick strides and he's back at her side, taking her arm gently, but firmly to pry her away from the car. He couldn't go back now... he was here and he wasn't driving all the way back to TJY. Not this time. "Come on... it's a safe place unless you give me a heart attack or something, then they'll have to bring out a stretcher and take me in there and keep me, and you know I don't get along with nurses... well... unless they're pretty redheads."

His eyes dance with the humor he was trying to convey as he nods towards the door. "You coming with me?"

Safe

A smile still on her face as she panted for air Ryan looks out the open door at Alec just studying him for a moment. It was a mean thing she had done taking him for a spin when she new he had one to many to drink but she couldnt help it. The day was nice, and she never turned down the chance to show off to someone.

Feeling bad for a moment Ryan could guess Alec had no where to go let alone even be able to think straght at the moment.

Moving stepping on the gas slightly Ryan moves the the car along side Alec the passanger side door open still. Leaning over a little she gives a small taunting smile.

"So I scared you that much that you dont even want a ride back into town. I figured you were tougher than that. I could even throw in some free coffee for you!"

Staning Thirteen grabs a few tissue from the box by the bed and shoves them into her pocket before hurrying out of the door and down the hall with Ryder.

Getting to the front door Thirteen watches as Ryder exits. Slowly peeking her head out the door she looks left, and than looks right making sure everything was clean before exiting and running after Ryder.

The ride to the hospetil goes fairly smooth as Thirteen keeps her eyes on the road. Though she cant help once and a while grabing the door handle and digging her finger in. After a little while she leaned her head back against the head rest and closed her eyes trying to keep her mind clean and thinking of good things. She couldnt freak yet, not now.

Finally getting to the hospetil Thirteen opens her eyes and sits up figgating for a moment before looking to Ryder and givinig a small nod. There was hope in her eyes that she could get through this and be ok.

"Yeah I...I think I am ready? Its safe here right people wont ask me questions?"

Opening the car door and getting out Thirteen makes her way over to Ryder right as an ambulince pulls into the parking lot its syron blairing. Jumping Thirteen's eyes wildly go around the parking lot as she backs herself up to the car.

Intoxicated emotions

Too inebriated to really calculate what he was doing, Alec gets into the car, fumbling just a little with the seatbelt.

As Ryan pushes the gas pedal to the floor, a curs slips out under Alec's breath and he cringes as they fly around one corner, than the next. Though remaining surprisingly quiet, his face pales and once or twice, he puts a hand to his mouth, trying to keep everything down. It's quite a feat, but eventually managed so that he didn't hurl in Ryan's car.

Coming to a stop, Alec jolts a little bit, his hands going forward to rest on the dashboard. One might think he was pondering Ryan's simple question, when in reality, he was preparing for another round of stomach convulsions. Unfortunately, this time he wasn't going to make it.

The seatbelt causes him the most trouble, but within a few seconds, he's got the door out and basically falls out of the car onto the pavement, his body having had enough of the liquor. Another curse comes out as he retches again, unsure if he was madder at himself or the lunatic behind the steering wheel. Part of him wondered if any of this was even real, or if he was too drunk to realize it was all some weird dream.

On his hands and knees already, he crawls to the gravel shoulder of the road, rolling to sit on his bottom, his jeans scraping on the small stones. Staring back at the car, he looks in the open door at Ryan, his eyes still glazed, though a small bit of sense had managed to surface, despite the circumstances he'd put himself through. If he wasn't feeling so lousy, he'd rather like to throw her a flirtatious comment, but as it was, he was in no position to flirt with anybody.

Turning his head, he looks back to the desert. It was a long, winding road, seeming to lead to nowhere. He gestures with a lazy hand. "I guess this is where I g't off." He shrugs lamely. N'wer else to go... an' if they find me out here... less clean'p f'r the cops."

Somehow he manages to get back on his feet, staggering just a little bit. Staring off into the distance again, he swears at himself for the emotions that were rising within him. If it weren't for the whiskey, those ridiculous tears wouldn't have surfaced as a result of his ultimate frustration.

Waving Ryan off, he turns his head so she cant see, and stumbles towards the darkening horizon. It looked like he would finally meet his fate.


Ryder leans on the doorframe of the room and sighs deeply. "Thirteen... everybody gets scared. You just have to learn to do things in spite of it." He shrugs. "If you want to come, I'm glad to have you along. If we run into trouble... I'll bring you back. Come on."

Gesturing to her to join him again, this time it's back down the hall and towards the exit. The late afternoon was warm as a dry breeze blew. As the two walked, their shadows were cast long on the ground.

Ryder slides in behind the wheel and waits for Thirteen to get settled before he pulls slowly out of the parking lot. He drives more cautiously than normal with the precious cargo. No speeding and no lurching. It took a little longer to get to their destination, but he didn't mind. Partway into town, he decides to hit the hospital first and turns in that direction.

Soon they're in the parking lot and Ryder is turning off the ignition. He turns his head to Thirteen with question. "You ready?" His eyes smile their reassurance. "You can hang onto me the whole way."

One Peace

Shaking her head again and lets out a sigh as she rolled her eyes. Another day at the bar interrupted by someone who was trying solve his problems with the bottle. It never failed to run into at least one on her trips to the bar.

Exiting the bar moments later Ryan takes her shades from off the top of her head and puts them on, taking a deep breath of air.

"Defiantly good racing weather."

Staring to make her way twords the red Honda Civic Ryan stops as Alec walks drunkly over her her. Quirking an eyebrow at Alec she was almost eye level with him.

"You relize your not much tall than me right kid?"

Looking Alec over once more Ryan get a mischievous grin on her face as she starts to walk twords the car again.

"I'll give you the ride of your life, and if your not scared to drive with me afterward I'll take you where ever you want to go."

Opening the car door Ryan starts to get in before she stops and looks over the roof of the car again at Alec.

"Dont puke in the car eather or I will make you clean it up."

Getting into the car Ryan puts her seatbelt on running her hand along the leather intearor to the passanger seat and taking the cd's and other random stuff off the seat.

Startting the car it purrs like a kitten obvesly taking very well care of. Pressing on the gas just a little Ryan makes the engin rev before looking over at Alec to make sure his seatbelt was on.

Without warning the tires squeal a little as she takes off down the road. Not to fast at first untill she gets a little ways out of town. Hitting where most cops didnt go Ryan hits the gas as the car picks up speed faster and faster. Moving around the bends and turns most people would consider is dangerus, and a little scarie but Ryan handled it with ease like it was riding a bike.

Taking a fast turn the car spins around a few times before hitting the dessert as she moved over tha terran. Making the car go even faster Ryan aims for a small hill. Hitting it at full speed the car jumps into the air almost as if they were flying before coming down once again.

As she had before Ryan slams on the breaks spinning the tail end around again and getting back to the road.

Coming back to the town again she starts to slow before coming to a stop. Glancing over at Alec for a moment.

"You still in one peace?"

Making her place on the floor Thirteen new it wouldnt be right for Ryder to stay here, but she was scaired.

"I...it scairs me here. Can I go with you for a little while just to get out?"

Thirteen looks up at Ryder hope in her eyes. She wanted to try and get out, get some fresh air. Even if just a little way.

"I promise I will try real hard to...not get scaired."

Finding a place

Alec looks up from the floor, quirking one eyebrow at Ryan. "Eth'r I'm r'lly short or you....re r'lly tall." He shakes his head. "They make'm t'll'r evry day."

Groping for the barstool, somehow he manages to pull himself up to his feet, though he wobbles a bit. "Not wanted anywhere," he mutters, downing the last few drops of his beer. "Lady, you're right." He nods, then sways a little. "Eith'r I get blowed up h-here. Or I get blowed up out th're. I m'ght s'well go out in a...a... a blaze!" He stops, thinking that that isn't quite right, then remembers the rest. "Of glory."

Stumbling out the door, he manages to make it to the sidewalk, then stands dumbly, looking one way, then the other. Despite his drunken state, any part of him that had any sense left, realized that he really did have no where to go. He'd escaped the Elite, finally, called up help from the Agency, was told to meet them across town, and he was met with two hitmen who were paid to kill him. He'd figured out that the Agency must think him now a threat since he'd been with the Elite so long... and he knew that there would be no convincing them otherwise. Suddenly there was no hope. His last glimmer of light was gone. And now he was broke too.

Still standing and wavering just a bit, he squints in the light as his stomach starts to churn. He hadn't had anything to eat all day and it had been a long time since he'd put that much alchohol in himself.

If one passed, they might think he didn't remember where he was, or hadn't a clue where he was headed. They'd be partially right. He was so lost he had no idea whether to go right or left. He knew no one here. He had no friends. He only had enemies.

Seeing Ryan exit the bar as well, he bites his lip and staggers over to her, hie eyes glazed. "You got... sh'rter," he muses, now able to look down into her eyes instead of up from the floor. "You wldn't happ'n to, uh, give a f'lla a ride, would you?" An uncontrolled snicker escapes. "I d'nt even care where you take me!"


Watching Ryder walk away, Reese sighs. Getting up from his desk, he wanders in to Susanne to give her some papers to type up, his eyes still on Ryder and Thirteen disappearing onto the main floor. "What am I gonna do with him?"

Susanne lifts her eyebrows. "You talking to me or yourself?"

"I don't know. I just don't know what to do with that guy. There just doesn't seem to be a niche for him here. I know he's getting frustrated, but... well, we didn't have a position for him when he came to the states. He was filling his role in Australia." Reese shrugs lamely. "There just isn't a place for him to fit into around here and I feel badly but... I don't know what to do about it."

"He seems to be doing well with Thirteen."

"I know." Reese sighs. "She's taken to him and I guess that's good. He said some things today that made me think... I guess I've been hard on the girl 'cause she came from the Agency... but I suppose everyone needs a break eventually. Ryder seems to think she's innocent, so maybe I should trust him. I just don't want him getting too attached. I can't quite tell if he's taken with her, or if he's just a natural caretaker." He shrugs again. "But when this is over, then what? We don't have a line of Thirteen's at the door waiting for Ryder to take care of. He's going to get bored, and he's already testing me. I know he means well, but..."

"You won't fire him will you?"

"Oh no, no," Reese assures quickly. "No, he's got a job. It wasn't his fault that the Agency found him out in Australia and he had to leave. "No... there's something for him somewhere... I just don't know where yet."

Susanne nods, feeling badly for both Ryder and Reese. "Well... in the meantime, I haven't gotten Jason called yet. You still want me to ask him what to do with Trooper?"

"Hmm? Yeah... yeah, I know the dog was just doing his job, but biting Hal was inexcusable. Trooper knows better. Jason either needs to come take care of him himself, or have him taken home."


Ryder hooks his hands in his pockets as he and Thirteen walk back towards the hallway. "Well I can't stay in the room with you," he explains gently. "I gotta go home and take care of a cat and see what Laura's doing since she's taking off tomorrow and will be gone for a few days. I heard Katie's awake and I want to go see her at the hospital. Then tonight... You know as well as I do that it's not appropriate for me to stay in your room." He sighs deeply. "Reese wants Trooper out of here, but... if I can get him to let the dog stay, would that be enough?"

Jack

Putting her beer down on the counter the commotion from the other side of the bar catchs her attachen for the fourth time since she had come into the bar.

It had been a long day and all she wanted was some peace and quit but she couldnt even get that here. Tossing some money down on the bar and pushing the beer bottle aside the tall brunette stands starting to walk pass Alec.

As Alec stumbles to the floor the girl stops only a few steps from stepping on him. Her hair fell around her broze colored face as she looks down at Alec. Giving a sidelong glance to the bartender she shakes her head.

"You let just about anyone in here now-a-days eh Jack?"

Looking back down at Alec again Ryan just gives a short laugh. She couldnt help but laugh at how stupid Alec looked and how hard he was going to get pummeled if he didnt get out of the bar.

"Eather your friends want to blow your head off or not you better get out of here before Jack here does it for them."

She voice was a bit stern and help not to much emotion but humor was laced in her voice.

Looking up as the door opened Thirteen stands as she see Ryder. It had been a while since she had been told to wait here for him, and though she kept herself busy watching Susanne and than looking away when she looked at her Thirteen couldnt help but worry what Reese would tell Ryder.

"Is everyrthing ok?"

Starting to walk with Ryder out of the office Thirteen once again falls in step with him. What would happen now? Was she going to be left alone that thought of that scaired her.

"Ryder are...are you going to keep me alone now? I dont want to be alone."

Fr'nds

"Mmm..." Reese studies the screen as Ryder points to it, showing him what had been discovered. "You're right. There's definitely a shadow there. Someone slipped in, timed themselves and walked under the cameras, thinking they wouldn't be detected."

"Exactly." Ryder straightens as he stands on the other side of the desk, and folds his arms. "There, you see? Thirteen didn't do it. It was someone else."

"And what's to say that she still wasn't an accomplice?"

"Oh come on! You can see-"

"Ryder." Reese cuts him off, showing his palm. "Enough. There is reasonable doubt here. Now... I'm man enough to admit when I've changed my mind, opinion, or been proven wrong. As it stands, there is reasonable doubt here of Thirteen's guilt. Therefore-"

"Don't put here through anymore!" Ryder insists loudly. "You're gonna-"

"Therefore!" Reese warns Ryder again not to interrupt. "I'm not going to put her through an interrogation right now. As adamant as she was about not lying, plus this evidence, she's on the suspect list, but I won't put her through anything else unless we find more that points to her."

Ryder's shoulders drop with relief. "What about Dani?"

"She's been here several times during the last few weeks. That note could have been dropped any time. I'll have Wyatt make sure she isn't going anywhere, but I don't want her tipped off, if she was involved. We'll play it cool and keep an eye on her until we either fine more evidence, or we come up with nothing else and I decide to bring her in. We're going to keep searching for Alec, and keep investigating here. We'll figure out who it was. Believe me... we'll figure it out."

After concluding the short meeting, Ryder exits Reese's office to find Thirteen in Susanne's extra chair, right where he'd left her. He forces a smile to the surface and stretches out his hand. "Come on. No one's gonna put you through any more today. Will you come back to your room with me?"


Jason shakes his head. "I've stuck with you since you got here... what makes you think I'm ready to leave now when I finally got you back?" His eyes wore dark circles, and his face was drawn. But his gaze had a new brightness to it. He wasn't going to leave... not yet.

It isn't long before the doctors are alerted, along with others who had been waiting. Jay calls Rosetta to go in together and he can't hold back his tears. A hug to his daughter just doesn't seem enough, but that's all he can do, along with thanking God over and over and over again.

Jason makes a couple calls to let other people know, and he knows that tomorrow will probably be a busier day with traffic. But after a while, the room is quiet again. Katie can go home in a couple days if nothing else happens, Jay will be returning to Texas along with Rosetta soon, and the rest of everything that went on was a fog.

Jason leans his head back in the chair, his eyes feeling so very heavy. But he just had to keep watching Katie. There were so many more things he wanted to tell her, but he'd already told her so much, he knew she must be overwhelmed. The rest could wait.

Don't ever do this again, eh? I don't think I could live through another one of these events.


"They'd be there, they said. Yesssssirree, they said they'd be there." The shot glass clanks on the bar counter. "Bartnnndrr! Gimme 'nother round!"

"Money first, wise guy."

"Ha!" The cackle is followed by a belch, which is followed by money being slapped on the counter. "Frrsttt time I got cash and I'm waishtin' the whole thing. Cheers!"

Alec grabs the next shot of whiskey and downs it all at once. He winces and shakes his head, then laughs, still talking to no one in particular, but being quite loud about it. "Said if I's ever 'n trouble to call an' they'd com'n get me, they did. Warehouse, they said, yessssir. They'd get m' out an' take me back 'cause I got loads of information!"

Somewhere in between slurred phrases, some beer is gulped down. He swivels around on the bars stool, almost losing his balance, and waves the annoyed bartender over. "Met me with a shotgun, they did. 'Bout blowed my head off. Ha! I got a group of fr'nds, I do! What're fr'nds for oth-r 'an to try'n kill you? Ha!"

This time when he spins, gravity takes over. Blinking, Alec looks up from the floor. "E'thr I jus' got a wholellot shorter or the fl'rr jus' came up 'n to meet me."

The bartender rolls his eyes. "Get out of here before you make a mess of things."

Alec can't get his feet under himself, so he just stays on the floor, clueless as to how ridiculous he looks. "And where would you sug'gest I go? My fr'nds wanna... they wanna..." He claps his hands together, mimicking a gunshot. "...my head off, r'm'ber?"

Go anywhere

Smiling up at Jason Katie holds her tears back though they wanted to break free again with how happy she was to see Jason. She wast so sure about the beautiful part but to him maybe she was.

Hearing the news about Jason joining her in the walk with the Lord a new smile spreads wide on her face. It was one thing to see him again, and it was another to know no matter what they would always see each other again. New tears now filled her eyes as she pulled Jason into a hug.

"Oh Jason, thats so great to hear. Thats, such great news. I new I felt some kind of peace about you now."

Pulling away an leaning back on the pillow her eyes felt so tired even though she wanted stay awake her eyes felt so tired.

Keeping her hand in his she give it a gentil squeeze she new he had to be tired as well...He's been here so long.

"Go get some sleep J, I wont be going anywhere."

No saying no

Jason blinks, really quite unsure as to whether or not Katie was serious about him marrying her. She’d never brought it up before. He’d always figured in the back of his mind that someday… but… well…

He shakes his head a little, clearing his mind. He needn’t let her feel confusion at this point. He’d just wait and see what she said tomorrow, or at least when her own head was a little less foggy.

He grins and can’t help but brush her cheek again. "You look beautiful," he assures.

Sitting back, he takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "We were all scared that you... well.. I always knew you were gonna pull through." He squeezes her hand. "I don't know what I would have done without you. You can thank Rick I'm still alive, but... without you, there would have been a whole lot less to live for."

He tries to keep more tears from filling his eyes. He'd been so scared... so very scared.

"Your dad is here... and Rosetta too. She's been back and forth a bit. Doesn't feel like a month has gone by, yet it seems like it's been forever since I've heard your voice."

Jason's thumb rubs her hand absentmindedly, almost as if making sure she was real and he wasn't dreaming. "Lots of people have been here to see you. Carson... Ryder... Scott... they all have come every day. And Reese... well, I think he'll be one happy camper to know you're awake." He chuckles. "There's just too many of us around for you to leave yet."

He realizes that there's one important thing he hadn't mentioned. It could wait, but he really didn't want it to because he'd been waiting oh-so-long to tell her. "But... even if you had...." He cocks his head. "I know I woulda seen you again." His smile is soft and he knows she'll understand. "There was just no saying 'no' to God anymore."

Look

Katie gives a little smile as she continues to look at Jason. Bringing a hand to his face she runs her thumb over his cheekbone. If she had been in his shoes she wouldnt have believed it eather.

"For now, I'll drop it, but tomarrow I will ask and the day after I will ask too untill you tell me yes or no."

Bringing her hand through Jason's hair and to the back of his head she pulls just a little to bring his lips to her basking in the glory of his kiss for a moment before pulling away and leaning her head aganst his. Tears forming in her eyes again for a moment.

"So do I look as bad as I feel?"

Reaction

Jason's eyes widen a little as Katie repeats what she'd already asked. He knew now he hadn't misinterpreted the first time.

Giving a little laugh, he leans down and gives her a tender kiss on her lips, more careful this time not to move her around. Straightening again, his hand rakes through her hair.

"I think you're on one too many pain medications," he teases. Shaking his head, he bites his lip. "You have been... for over a month now, Hero. But you're back... that's all that matters right now."

Short explanation

Being pulled into the hug Katie winces just a little as her body was still healing just a little still, but not drawing away. It had been so long since she felt Jason, it had seemed like forever and almost was.

Looking into his eyes as her pulls her away tears filled her own. She remebered what happend, and why she was here. She had been so scaired she would never see Jason again and it had almost become true but now she was here.

"I'm here for good. I am not going anywhere."

Quiet again for a moment Katie searchs Jason's eyes.

"I...I want to be even closer to you if you'll let me. Your everything and I thought I was going to lose you and in that moment...I relized what I wanted and I very well might die without ever asking. I had lots of time to think while I was in there, and dealing with what I did. For a while I even though I had lost you, but I new that couldt be true. When I drifted in and out of countiusness I only ever saw you and the times we shaired. I couldnt leave you but I was slipping. I want to spend my life with you J, will you...marry me?"

Katie's eyes sparkled with the love for the one she thought she had lost, the person who had been so far and was unable to talk to for so long.

Please

Giving a nod, Ryder offers a small smile to Thirteen, encouraging her that he was proud of her bravery. "Alright. Come on."

Back up to the main level and down the hall. Reaching one of the offices. Ryder sets his hand on Thirteen's back, guiding her beside him as they walk, then stop in the doorway. "Dalton?"

He looks in at the big man. "Is there a computer I can use to look over that footage you gave Reese? I have reason to believe Dani Banks was here last night. I need to find out for sure."


Jason has been drifting in and out of sleep, lost in the world he'd been wandering in for the past month. He didn't care about time anymore or what was happening outside of these four walls. It was almost like a dream, but too frightening to be.

His head down and his eyes closed, he automatically turns his face a little, leaning into the soft stroke that he felt. Then the words come. Silent, but the emotions were there, and it was a stronger message this time.

Jason's eyes fly open and his head jerks up to stare at Katie. Her eyes were open. Oh, her eyes were open and seeing him with clarity. The darkness was gone.

"Katie...?" He's almost too afraid to hope that this wasn't a dream. Something between a laugh and a sob catches in his throat and his grip tightens around her hand. Tears fill his eyes.

Oh, Katie... you're back. You're really back.

Moving to sit on the edge of the bed, he reaches down to pull her into a hug, burying his face against her hair as a tear finally escapes.

I have never been so scared in all my life.

Drawing back, he brushes aside her hair with his hand, a smile finally coming. His emotions are going haywire, but they're all good so he doesn't hold them back. Too overcome, he doesn't even realize what her first words to him were.

"Holy cow it's good to see you," he breathes aloud. "Please tell me you're back for good."

Will you

Thirteen just watchs Ryder again as he looks around taking in everything he was doing and studding him as if she might be quiz on it later.

Weighing her options for a moment Thirteens thinks. She new Trooper wouldnt be waiting for her at the room anymore and she didnt like it there like she use to. That comfort zone had been shattered this morning, so her only real options was to go with Ryder to feel safe.

"I'll come with you since you promised to keep me safe."

Stepping along side Ryder Thirteen keeps her head down but falls into place walking with him making sure to keep up and take everything in around her.

There are times in this life when a light from above shines down on us laying a hand on our shoulder and telling us its not time to go. We had been left in limbo walking around through the dark and than finally we find our way but its not out time, and though we want that peace and the need to be away from pain our life is not over, and we are send back. Its in God's plane when we live, when we die, and he knows whats best.

Slowly opening her eyes the form that had been still for so long comes to life. Looking around the room Katie trys to remember where she was and what happend. The last thing she remembered, was the cold, was the pain....closing her eyes tight for a moment she trys to rid herself of the nightmares that flowed through her mind now at full force.

Opening her eyes once again she reasures herself of where she is and he still sleeping form on the bed next to her. Some how she new he'd been there this whole time, however long it had been Jason had been there day and night never leaving her side.

Thought still weak and groggy from the meds she was on a soft smile forms on Katie's face the best she cant with the wounds that had been inflicted to her face. Bringing her hand that Jason wasnt holding she gently touchs his face and runs her fingers down the side letting emotions flow though her.

Jason, will you marry me?

She had been close to death, she had seen the light and felt its wormth she new what a part of heaven looked like though it wasnt sad she new what she wanted now.

Up to you

Ryder thinks while Thirteen talks, looking around as they walk down to the lower level. Still listening, his eyes roam the surroundings.

As she asks about Alec, Ryder looks at her for a moment, sensing something more there. He wasn't sure what, but it felt just a little odd. Was it more than just a curious question?

Sighing, he folds his arms and cocks his head at Thirteen. "He was part of the Agency. But not like you. He was an agent. He's done some pretty bad things... we caught him trying to hurt one of our own - Scott. He's been uncooperative so he's been kept here. I guess Reese was finally able to pump information out of him, but he hasn't changed his tune at all."

Looking around again, he furrows his brow, changing subjects. "If he did make any noise in there, you wouldn't have been able to hear it from your room. Someone else was obviously here..." His voice trails off as he spies a little folded piece of paper that Hal had missed. It was back in a dark corner like it had fallen then been accidentally kicked.

Going over to it, he picks it up and reads the handwritten note. "Dani, Everything's in the fridge. I'll be there within the hour. Keys in the drawer. Have Aerith help set up. - Carson."

"Dani?" Ryder shakes his head. "But..." Had she been the one here? Had she had the note from her brother stuck in her pocket, then dropped it last night? But... why? If she had been here, surely the cameras had caught something. Even if she knew how to outsmart them, there had to have been a shadow or something that Dalton could catch.

Ryder turns back to Thirteen. "I have to go talk to Dalton and Reese. You can come with me, or stay in your room. It's up to you."

Path

Just looking at Ryder as he talks a small glint of hope is shone in Thirteen's eyes. It was small but it was there non the less.

Giving a small nod Thirteen new it would convay to Ryder she would agree woth what he said and would try her best to believe. Only time would really tell the truth.

"Ok, I will show you. Will they let Trooper back in here with me?"

As if knowing the answer sadness shown in he eyes for her friend as she stood and walked to the door.

"Trooper and I hurd something. I'm not sure what it shoulded like, maybe like cloth but it wasnt heavy sounding."

Opening the door she looks out trying her best not to be scaired. It was busyer out there now than it was last night.

Looking back over her shoulder she makes sure Ryder was right behind her.

"Trooper sniffed and took off down the hall this way so I followed him. I wasnt to...I wanted to be brave and get out of the room so if we took a walk today I might be ok."

Walking down the hall Thirteen keeps her head down not looking at anyone but continuing down the hall before getting to the steps. Remembering last night how it had been so dark and she was scaired, it didnt look so bad now.

"I was scaired to go down here it was really dark but Trooper moved on and so did I."

Going slowly down the steps Thirteen stops at the cell door.

"Trooper saw something and jumped up in the window to look and I moved closer. Alec scaired be when I saw his face appear in the window."

Going to the door she looks in like she had last night.

"We talked a little, asked my name and I asked his he told me..."

Thirteen is silent for a second before continuing to talk.

"...He told me Carson was his brother and I said I hurd a noise so it must of been him. Trooper growled because I dont think he liked Alec. I hurd a clang and got scaired so I hurryed fast back to the room and shut the door till this morning."

Looking down at her hands for a long moment Thirteen is silent. She wanted to ask a question but was scaired. Would Ryder get mad? Figuring she was in enough trouble she wanted to ask anyways.

"Why was Alec locked in this cell? What...what did he do wrong?"

So come on

Ryder grits his teeth as he hears Thirteen's response. "You know..." He approaches slowly and squats down in front of her. "There's only one thing that I won't tolerate from you." His voice is firm, proving he meant business.

Taking a gentle hand, he tips Thirteen's chin up. "Look at me." He stares into her eyes with seriousness. "I don't want you ever to think there's no hope. You are far from a lost cause, Thirteen, and I refuse to give up."

Still locking eyes, he recalls her words earlier. "And I don't want you ever, ever to think you are an embarrassment to me, do you understand? Because you're not, and you never will be. It's time you start realizing that." His crooked finger stays under her chin. "Maybe you're scared. Maybe you feel like you can't handle the world just yet. Maybe it's a harder road than we thought. But so what? You are so worth it, Thirteen. You're not some rag to be tossed in the corner. Not anymore. Not here. That kind of life is over. And I am not going to give up on you."

Standing up, he holds out his hand. "So come on. You're gonna show me where you went last night and explain what happened."

No Hope

Slowly continuing to keep soak in Ryder's wormth and comfort. She wanted to believe him but it was so hard as Alec's words rang in her ears. Not Ryder Alec had to be wrong about Ryder.

Slowly she turns and walks back the way they came with Ryder though she a few times she stops and took a few steps backwards considering she continued to walk on with Ryder.

Entering the room Thirteen keeps her eyes down as to not look at Reese. Taking her place on the floor she just sat and as the two talking she pulled her legs up to her chest and held on to them just listing.

Though Reese and Ryder were whispering Thirteen had amazing hearing and could hear every word, ever whisper that was said and couldnt help but feel lower about herself.

As Reese leaves and Ryder turns to her Thirteen looks up at him for a long moment as her mind darted from so many things. She was hopless and Ryder was on the verge of losing his job because of her.

Looking up at Ryder Thirteen closes her eyes tight before looking at Ryder again.

"I...I dont think you can help me Ryder. You've tryed its no use, there is no hope for me."

Holding her knees and looking down at the ground rocking gently she didnt know what else could be done for her. She was just a lost cause.

Tell me how

"I know, I know, shhh." Ryder keeps his arms around Thirteen and rocks her a little.

Loosening his grip so she can turn, he looks down into her eyes, his own clouded with strange, troubled feelings. "I believe you." He nods and reaches up to wipe away some of her tears with his rough palm. "I'm not going to let them hurt you, okay? You're fine, and everything is fine." His voice is soft and reassuring, but it has a firmness as he tried to calm her down.

"Take a deep breath. They're not going to hurt Trooper, alright. Look, he's okay, see?" He turns a little so Thirteen can see back down the hall.

Though he still had a belt around his muzzle, Trooper was back on his feet, being held firmly by Reese while Hal disappeared into the infirmary with a bleeding arm. Reese is pulling Trooper towards Jason's office to lock him in for the time being.

"See, look." Ryder still holds Thirteen. "He'll be fine. And you'll be fine. Okay?" He rubs her arms a little, still talking. "I know you didn't do anything wrong. I know you're telling the truth and I'll make sure Reese understands. He's just trying to protect his own friends, ya know? Come on."

He starts slowly for the spare room again, keeping a strong arm around her shoulders. There was something he wanted... needed to say. But it would have to wait. For now, he just needed to get Thirteen back in a safe place and get Reese off her back.

By the time they reach the room, Reese has successfully locked up the dog and is returning with quite the unhappy look on his face.

Ryder eases Thirteen inside the room, knowing good and well that they had just experienced a huge setback, and most likely she wouldn't even be comfortable here any more. But he had to talk to Reese without him yelling at her.

Turning to his boss, he keeps Thirteen behind him. "Now look, just cool it a minute. She didn't-"

"Ryder, so help me, I'll-"

"Aw, bite ya bum!" Ryder knew he was risking his job by talking to Reese like this, but he had to get his attention. "She didn't do anything wrong."

"But the tape."

"Cods wallop!" Ryder folds his arms across his chest. "She said she didn't let Alec out, then she didn't let Alec out."

"She's Agency," Reese hisses. "You've had a month with her, Ryder, and she can't even go outside yet. All you're doing is stalling the inevitable."

The words sting in a new way, and Ryder recalls Thirteen's own words just minutes before. He'd rather not say some things in front of Thirteen, but he doesn't have a choice. He lowers his voice, looking at Reese with earnest. "Look at her... for just a moment, really look at her." His tone begs him. "She's not a trap and she's not an agent out to get us. She's someone's daughter, Reese. She was someone's little girl. Can't you see that? Can't you think one moment, as if she were yours? She's innocent. And she deserves to be shown she's worth more than answering questions. She's worth the effort to see her through this and help her. ...Please."

Reese takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "You've been disrespectful, you've gone against direct orders, and you've been unwilling to stick to protocol. But..." he shrugs lamely. "I'll give you one day... one day to prove she didn't have anything to do with Alec's disappearance. If you can't prove anything... she gets turned over to me, then removed from TJY."

Ryder swallows hard, but nods. It was the only open window now. He'd struck a cord somewhere, and it had bought him some time. Seeing Reese spin around and walk away, Ryder slowly turns to face Thirteen again. His eyes tell it all. He was so sorry. "Tell me how to help you, Thirteen."

Protect me

Hearing Reese voice, and than Ryder the fear is still with in her as she just to run. Hearing the dog's yelp behind her make her cring and stop for a moment before going to the sapply closet looking back at her friend behind held down.

She wanted to help him, they were hurting him. But the bref moment of stopping was enough for Ryder to get to her. Feeling herself being pulled to him for a moment she struggles still trying to get away her words coming from her mouth.

"No...I dont want to go back, I dont like it there anymore please..dont let him get me I didnt do anything I didnt let him out."

She struggaling starts to slow as the warmth of Ryder's arms breaks through the cold fear she had, and his words are receaved.

Tears formed in her eyes now as she let them flow freely. She was still so scaired.

"I was just following Trooper, and I saw Alec and he talked to me. Than I got scaired and Trooper and I went back...I didnt let him out, please dont let him hurt me again."

Finally Thirteen has stoped struggaling...Ryder wouldnt let anything happen to her, he'd keep her safe like Trooper did.

Bringing her hands up to his musciler arms she leans her head into his chest a few tears still coming from her eyes. Closing them tight she whispers.

"Please dont let them hurt Trooper eather he was just trying to protect me like you told him too."

Trust me

Though Trooper was barking and the room was in chaos, Ryder hears Thirteen's words. Catching what she says about wanting to be brave and not embarrassing him, something inside of him breaks. Halting the fight for just a moment, he looks at her with a stare that was beyond emotional. In the heat of the moment, did he feel he hot sting behind his eyes?

Thirteen bolts. Reese whips around to go after her, but Trooper is right there, still snarling and snapping. "Thirteen, get back here!" he shouts angrily.

Ryder dodges to the door, but takes one moment to spin around with a look that could kill. "You have no idea the setback you've just caused," he hisses. He sprints out into the hall, but Trooper is on his heels, almost getting a mouthful of denim as he goes for Ryder's legs.

Hal has heard the commotion and was in another room. Stepping out at just the right moment, he takes the dog by surprise and grabs him by the collar. Trooper is choked to a halt and whips his head back, teeth barred.

Hal cries out as the dog's teeth sink into his arm. Before Trooper can fight any more though, Reese is on top of him, using his belt as a quick muzzle and tightening it around the dog's mouth to clamp it shut. Trooper whines and shakes his head, trying to struggle out of his predicament, but unable to bite, and having two men on top of him, he winds up on the floor, whining as he watches down the hall.

Ryder doesn't stop. "Thirteen, wait!" His tennis shoes hit the tiled floor and his strides lengthen behind her. He reaches her just as she's about to duck into one of the supply rooms. He doesn't want to scare her further, but he had to use some force to get this whole thing to stop. One hand goes for her arm, the other goes around her front, well under her chin to bring her back against himself in a tight hold.

"Calm down." His own heart is pounding, and he has to try and catch his breath. Thirteen's strength is surprising and he struggles to hold her back. "You're okay, you're okay," he tries to comfort. "I'm not going to hurt you. Please... just calm down."

His arms around her are warm and strong and he tries to be gentle. The strange pain is still in his eyes. "Please," he begs. If she didn't calm down, she'd be taken away, and his chances to restore her would be over. "Trust me." His words are spoken softly in her ear. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

Someplace

Thirteen's eyes go from Ryder to Reese to Ryder than back to Reese as his questions are thrown at her left and right. Fear coursing through her still she didnt like it in this room anymore, the peace had been broken.

Her own voice is straned as she talking to Reese trying to tell him, trying to explain.

"I..wasnt snooping. Trooper and I hurd a noise he barked, he followed the noise and I followed him."

Tears filled Thirteen's eyes...as she continues her emotions ran high at the moment that maybe she didnt even know she was saying so much.

"I was just trying to be brave and step out of my room so when I went out for a walk with Ryder today I didnt embarrass him again."

Thirteen's eyes burned with fear as Reese started to take a step twords her telling her she had to go back to the intaragation room.

"I'm NOT LYING."

Feeling so scaired and on the verge of breaking down Thirteen dosnt jump as Trooper comes bolting into the room. She could feel almost a releaf as he tryed to protect her from Reese showing his teeth. But still she was so scaired.

Taking a few steps to the right as the other where busy with Trooper Thirteen looks to the door and the space around the men. Pushing off the wall she makes a run for it getting outside the door a few noises of chairs, copyers scair her even more as her panic takes over and she just keep running.

Going down the way they had lastnight Thirteen trys a few differnt doors to see what was open...she needed to find someplace and the panic she felt was great, the walls closed in around her, fear, hate, words she needed to find someplace.

Angry

Reese's eyes narrow. "What were you doing out of your room anyway? You know you're not supposed to-"

"Cool it," Ryder snaps. "Can't you see she's scared?"

"I'd be scared too!" He looks to Thirteen, still upset. "And I don't take to lying. You had no reason to be snooping around, so don't try to pull that crap with me. No one else was here. No one else could have let him out but you."

"Stop!" Ryder intervenes once more, his fists balling at his sides. "She said she didn't do it!"

"And you believe her? Just like that?"

Ryder's eyes pierce Reese's. "Yes."

"Then you're the fool, not me." Reese takes a step towards Thirteen. "You're coming with me to the interrogation room."

Ryder grabs his arm. "There's no need for-"

"Grab me like that one more time and you'll find out what it's like to be out of a job," Reese hisses. "She's coming with me. I'm through with the games."

"But-"

Suddenly, Trooper appears out of nowhere, Hal's voice yelling at him from down the hall. The huge dog leaps into the room and skids to a halt in between Thirteen and the two men. His teeth come out and his hair rises. He gives a menacing bark and growl, saliva dripping as he stares down Reese and Ryder, warning them to back off.

Reese jumps and puts his arms up. "Trooper, get out of here!"

Trooper barks again, threatening him.

"Back off!"

Not even Ryder can get the dog to calm down. Reaching for the caller, he quickly retreats as his hand almost gets caught in Trooper's teeth.

Scaired

As the door is flung open and Reese orders Trooper to come Thirteen jumps up scaired half to death by the commotion and intrustion. She had been somewhere between sleep, and almost awake. Her heart pounded and her blood raced what was going on and why did they take Trooper.

Reese's harsh words sting at Thirteen just sits there and stairs at Reese her eyes wide with fear. What was happing.

The second time voices are hurt a little bit later Thirteen can tell one way Reese and the other was Ryder. What they were fighting about could only be guess and maybe it was even about her again.

Hearing the knock and than seeing Ryder enter Thirteen gets a smile on her face. It was always good to see him, and she had decied this morning she would go out with Ryder.

Thirteen's smile soon fades as she see the look in Ryder's eyes and new it couldnt be good. Standing she felt valnarable without Trooper than. Hearing Reese had more questions Thirteen backs up holding her wrists from where they had been hurt last time Reese had asked questions.

Backing up again as Reese steps forwared Thirteen's hear races as she back up once more and his the wall with a jolt. Her eyes going from Reese to Ryder as her hands feel the wall behind her. There was no where to go, no where to hide...Alec's words from last night ring in her ears as she trys to close her eyes tight tears forming in them but not letting them out yet.She didnt want to be locked up like Alec had said would Ryder help her? Alec said not to trust him, Thirteen didnt know what to do.

"I didnt leave him out. I...."

Thirteen studders a little letting her fear show through. Could she run for it? Where would she go? Lock herself in another room?

"..I was down there just looking...and I...I dont know where he is going, I didnt leave him out though he scaired me."

Thirteen's eyes scan the room but dont meet the two men. She was scaired oh so scaired.

Accusation

Alec gives a slight nod as Thirteen walks away, then retreats to his own cot. Strange. He felt like he'd seen her somewhere before. But not here. She didn't seem to be the brightest crayon in the box, that was for sure. And why she was with that dog of Jason's, he didn't know. He shrugs. It wasn't his concern.

Flopping down on the cot, he begins to count. Twelve steps to the door, six down the hall, thirty to go up. The girl ought to be back up stairs right about... now. He glances at the watch, newly affixed to his wrist and he grins.

Trooper senses Thirteen's fear, and bravely leads the way back to the main level, leaving behind the scent he'd been following. Once upstairs, the sound of a shutting door makes him tense, and he growls again, but his priority is to get Thirteen back to her room.

Back again, the dog seems to be dropping her off as he pauses at the room's door, then takes off at a trot down the hall to the main floor. The door at the far end that led to the elevator to go up to the exit was just closing. He gives a little woof and sniffs the air. Whoever had been there was gone now. Heaving a sigh, he goes back to join Thirteen at the room again.

After turning a couple circles, he settles down on his normal spot, but his eyes stay open and his ears alert.


The tray of breakfast food clatters to the floor. The intercom is pressed and Hal's concerned voice comes over Reese's phone. "Alec's gone."

"What?!" Reese stands from his desk where he'd just sat down for the morning. "What do you mean?"

"I mean he's gone. The cell was open and its empty."

"He can't have gone far. Sweep the building."


Rapid footsteps come towards the spare room and the door is flung open without a knock. Reese's jaw is tight and he stares down at Thirteen and Trooper, the light from the hall shining in. "Trooper, come."

The dog gives something like a groan and doesn't move from Thirteens' side where she'd laid on the floor.

"Trooper!" Reese orders. "Come!"

Trooper looks to Thirteen then back to Reese again and sniffs the air.

"Dang dog," Reese mutters. "Should have been on duty, but you're babysitting instead. Get out here!" Still not receiving obedience, Reese steps into the room, half-ignoring Thirteen. "Sorry," he apologizes gruffly. "But the dog's got work to do."

Reaching for Trooper's collar, the dog suddenly gets to his feet and dares to show his teeth to Reese.

Reese retreats quickly and points to the door. "Move! Or you're fired!"

Giving a grunt of annoyance, Trooper finally trots out of the room. Reese follows after with no explanation, simply closing the door again. He points down the hall to Hal. "Go with him."

Yawning, Trooper lazily aims for Hal with no intention of paying head to the urgency in Reese's tone. Reese rolls his eyes. It would be faster for Hal to do the searching himself. Of all possibilities, why did they have to end up with a dog that would only take orders from one person? They needed Jason back. But he hadn't had the heart to tell him so.

Hal and Trooper head downstairs where the search begins. Reese aims back for the main floor, pausing only a moment at one of the offices. "Dalton, give me security camera feed from last night. Send it to my computer." Stalking to his office again, he kicks himself for allowing a window of time in the building. With Ty still on suspension with cut hours, there was a window of about half an hour between when most took off for the night, and when Hal and/or Ty showed up for janitorial work. But regardless, how had Alec gotten out of the cell?

Back at his desk, the footage is already there. Dalton was fast and efficient, and for that, Reese was grateful. He starts the tape and watches. It isn't long before he finds what makes his blood boil. He picks up the phone. Getting an answering machine makes him even madder. "Ryder!" he barks. "You better be on your way down here!"


...Ryder and Reese's arguing voices clutter the hall as they approach the spare room.

"There's no way!"

"You saw the tape!"

"I don't care, it's-"

"I told you that we couldn't have-"

"But it doesn't prove anyth-"

"It does so! I warned you about this!"

The doorknob is gripped, but Ryder pauses to knock and waits a couple seconds before entering. His eyes find Thirteen's, his gaze confused and apologetic. "Good morning, Thirteen," he greets softly. " He knew she probably hadn't been up very long at all and hated to intrude like this. "Reese has some questions -"

"That's putting it mildly," Reese snaps. His arms are folded and he looks sternly at Thirteen. "I want to know why you let Alec out and where he's planning on going. And don't try to deny it. The cameras caught you in the lower level last night."

Back

Thirteen stops for a moment thinking. She had seen faces around here but she didnt know everyone name but taking a look at Alec closer she could match him to the one who was his brother. Confusion filled her for a moment not understanding why this would happen.

"I....don't understand..I...I'm sorry."

Hearing Trooper growl again it almost scaired Thirteen. Somewhere down the hall she hurd another noise that made her jump as her nerves were now on end again.

"I have to go...its safe in the room. I cant be here. I'm sorry Alec, It was nice meeting you."

Turning to Trooper the fear was in Thirteen's eyes as a few tears filled her eyes.

"Come on Trooper we have to go back."

Moving a little her nerves where high again but she waited for her friend to come. Looking back at Alec again.

Not even

Alec quirks an eyebrow. "Well don't listen to anybody, and don't kid yourself. One wrong move and you'll end up in here just like me."

Trooper whines and lets out another growl, showing his teeth. He was clearly not happy with this person.

Alec grins again. "I'm Alec. You might have met my brother? Carson? See... not even family matters around here."

Name

Moving a little closer Thirteen felt bad for this man, why why would Ryder have lief to her? She was so nice, and said so many nice things about the people here and now...this person he seemed nice.

"I...I dont know my name but I'm called Thirteen."

Backing away from the door just a little Thirteen pats Trooper on his head making sure her friend was still close to her and than looks back to the door.

"There is this one guys, he seemed pretty nice. Someother guy wanted to lock me up but he wouldnt let him. I dont think they are all that bad or at least Ryder. Whats your name?"

Too bad

Alec gives a little chuckle. "That's what I'd like to know. See, the people here... they like locking outsiders up, but they all act like they're so good. Too bad they go around lying to everybody all the time. They say they want justice, but I've been in here over a month. I haven't seen daylight in that long, and you're the first person to talk to me."

He leans up against the door, only his face visible. "What's your name?"

Question

Continuing to look back at the man behind the bars Thirteens looks down at Trooper for a moment as he was still growling and than back to the man.

"Thanks, He's a good dog."

Looking back quickly the way she came to see if anyone was coming she gives a small shiver before looking at the door again.

"I thought I hurd a noise, but I guess it was just you."

Cocking her head for a moment Thirteen continues to look into the room as her brain moves. These cells seemed like the ones that the Agency had kept her in, but why would the people Ryder said were nice be keeping this guy here?

"How come your in there?"

Comments

Standing back a little to get a better view, Alec almost has to stand on his tiptoes. Seeing the girl, he cocks his head, his pulse slowing down.

He goes a bit closer to the window, spotting Trooper again too. "Nice dog you got," he comments casually but loudly enough for her to hear. "Seems a bit late for you to be up and about though."

Man

Following Trooper Thirteen stays close knowing that the dog would keep her safe no matter what. She was bored anyways and think would be ok.

Her bearfeet make soft noises on the ground as she follows close to Trooper. Coming to the steps to the lower level she trys her best to look down the hall at what she can see.

It look scaired down there and she wasnt sure if she should go or retreat to her room again. Seeing Trooper was not going to stop Thirteen makes up her mind and comes along with him not wanting to leave her friend high and dry.

Seeing the movment behind the door herself Thirteen moves a little bit next to Trooper and looks into the room. Her heart pounding she wasnt sure what was going on. Seeing Alec he startles her and she jumps a little taking a few steps back but still looking at the man behind the door.

Midnight adventure

Trooper slips out into the hall as soon as there's enough room. He trots several paces down the dim hall but stops, looking over his shoulder to see if Thirteen was following him. Seeing that she was, he waits.

Putting his nose to the floor, he follows a new scent, giving another quiet woof. Padding down the hall, he walks quickly, but keeps Thirteen at his side, making sure he's between her and whoever it was that they were tracking.

The massive dog stops at the top of the stairs and looks down into the dark lower level. There were a few dim lights so it wasn't pitch black, but it was a little eerie. A rattling noise makes Troopers hair bristle and his tail stiffen. He lets out a loud bark this time, it's deep tone echoing through the hallway.

Glancing up at Thirteen, it seems he's weighing his options until he decides to proceed. Down the stairs he goes, his sense of guard duty winning out. He takes it slow though, obviously trained to avoid surprises of the unknown.

Arriving to the lower level, his nose is on the floor again as he sniffs his way down that hall to the left and down, stopping at the holding cell. He gives a little growl and looks around, then sniffs again. Without anyone to guide his moves, he was on his own to decide what to do.

Trooper sniffs in a circle, then looks up as movement in the little window of the door catches his eye. In an instant, he's on his two hind legs, his front paws on the door, giving several vicious barks to the face in the window.

Alec takes a quick step backward, his eyes wide. What on earth?

Trooper drops down again, still growling, and looks to Thirteen.

Run away

Leaning into Kyle Alice was happy he had to join her. His arms around her were warm and he was so comfortable he washes her fears away.

Bring her hands to his arm Alice gives them a soft rub listing to him before she finally said anything.

"You can't run away Kyle. Keep running and your gonna run the rest of your life."

Turning her head just a little Alice continues to lay on Kyle but leans her head back looks up at Kyle.

"You need to work things out with Hunter and leave on good terms if your going to go. When you feel backed up, and have a squabble with someone push back and stand your ground. Dont run away, your so much stronger than that Kyle I know you are and I know you know thats the wrong way to handle something."

Reaching her hand up she brushs it across Kyle's face just feeling his soft skin for a moment. She could see the sadness in his eyes.

"Your not alone anymore eather Kyle. I'm here for you too."

As Laura explains everything to Con Nate cant help the smile that was wide across his face as he held his sister.

"I think I can handle it, as long as that wife of yours keeps you in line eh?"

His face was lit that a million words could not describe. He felt so alive again.

"Nah your ok Con. Want some help with the car though? I could use the good air and Laura could stay with Maggie for me. Than maybe we can get Jamie and all go out to dinner, my treat."

Maggie claps her hands for joy again at all the excitment.

Curling up on the floor Thirteens mind wonders about what would happen tomarrow. If she went out with Ryder she might be able to try again not to panic but if she did she would just embarass him even more.

Drifting in and out of sleep Thirteen sits straght up as she hears the feet outside the door. As her pulse quickend she just watched Trooper as he sniffed under the door and gave a soft growl.

Getting up she reaches out with her trembaling hand to open the door slowly. Peering out into the dimly lit floor there are many shadows that cast all over. Feeling herself quiver Thirteen looks down at Trooper.

"Whats wrong boy? Dont, dont go to far from me ok..?"

Stepping outside of the room Thirteen was so scaired but she wanted to know what that noise was and she should be ok right? She was safe here and no one was around?

Looking back at Trooper she waits for him to lead the way.