Hit on the head

Getting to there destination Katie hopes off her horse and ties her to a nearby post in a bit of shades. Giving a smile to Dan as she walks back over to Mick.

On the way up they had all talked and though Dan skitted around talking about much of his own past Katie did get to know a little bit about him. He seemed like a nice guy.

Hearing Micks directions Dan look at him and gives a smerk saying thanks alot. Turning to head over to where they had worked yesterday He throws Mick a wink to show him he really wasnt irritated.

"Yeah no problem boss."

Going over next to Mick Katie helps unload some of the stuff they had brought with them putting on her own work gloves. Feeling her phone vibrate though Katie takes her one glove off just in time to feel it stop. Pulling her phone out anyways Katie look at the number and see its Jason. There was no voicemail and it had hardly even done one ring, why had he bothered to call if he was just going to hang up?

Holding a confused look on her face for a moment Katie puts her phone back in her pocket and than puts her glove back on before joining Mick again. She was hurt that Jason hadnt bothered to leave a message but what more could she do?

"Ok what are we going to start with?"

Smiling as she continues to make the coffee she looks up at Gunner and gives a shake of her head. She liked it when her Uncle played along with what she said no matter how strange it was.

"Nah, he just like to humor me that all. I'm the only strange on in the family."

Pouring the water in and setting the pot Bree thinks for a long moment before answering. It had been a while since she could remeber realling being...normal.

"Yeah we are pretty close. When I was real little, I got as pretty bad hit to the head. Probably one that should of killed me, but I lived and since that I had always been a little strange I guess you could say. JT is really the only one who gets me and doesn't think I belong in a nut house."

Looking up from her desk Misty gives a sigh. She was happy Jeff was going to be with his family but she was sad to see him go without knowing the cure to what was wrong.

"Rick what can I do to help? We cant let him...we just cant."

Ended call

Mick gives a little smirk at Dan. "Little hasty there, aren't we?" A teasing tone laces his question at how fast Dan had apparently wanted Katie along.

He looks to Katie and gives her a wink. "I'd never say no to you, you know that. Come on."

Checking the saddle girth one more time, Mick swings up onto his mount's back, aiming her for the trail that would lead to the north pasture, far enough away that they couldn't see it from here.

Staying at an easy pace, Mick lets the mare walk, taking the lead. The trail winds off into the woods for a while and they cross a shallow brook, continuing their route.

Once they finally reach their destination, Mick dismounts, surveying the area of fence that needed to be fixed. "Katie, why don't you help me here a bit... Dan, would you ride down a ways and check to make sure the horses didn't tear apart the work we did a few days ago?"


Jason hobbles back into his office on crutches, flopping back down in his chair. He groans as he sees more paperwork from Reese. Before diving in though, he happens to check his phone, surprised there is a voicemail waiting.

Hearing Katie's brief message, he leans back in his seat. That had been... short. Her voice had sounded... strained? Stressed? Tired? Or was it just his imagination? It seemed the kind of message that maybe she just felt she should make, rather than really wanting to. After all, it was a rarity for her to miss a concert. Had she just felt it her job to mention it? Or had she really wanted to talk to him? He couldn't tell.

So should he call her back? He starts to dial. Surely she was busy doing something around the ranch. He wouldn't want to interrupt her, and what if he'd read her wrong? What if the message really was just meant to be brief and was a hint that she didn't want any conversation?

Looking down, Jason realizes the call has connected and it's ringing. He shuts his phone quickly, tossing it back on his desk with a growl. If Katie wanted to talk, she'd let him know... right?


Gunner quirks an eyebrow, his mouth remaining solemn. "I'll stay, but only if you keep the fee out of the coffee. I'd rather end up with a cough than have to pay for it."

JT rolls his eyes. "How I ended up in the middle of this, I don't know. Brent, you're more than welcome to stay and eat with us, if you like. Apparently my niece isn't going to wait."

"Call me Gunner and..." He finally lets a smile slip. "Pizza sounds good, but I don't want to intrude."

"Nah." JT waves him off. "A little company never hurt anybody. Besides, I want to hear what you have to say."

"Alright." Gunner shrugs, accepting the offer.

JT steps away to dial the pizza place finally, putting in the order for a pizza with mixed veggies, sausage and canadian bacon. "Oh and only use dough on half... yeah, half.... well I don't care how you get it done, we only want crust on half the pizza..."

Listening to one side of the conversation, Gunner shakes his head and ambles into the kitchen where Bree was. "Must run in the family eh?" He leans against the counter, watching her make the coffee. His badge was hooked to his belt, but he wore no sidearm. "I see you and your uncle spend a lot of time together. You're close?"


"I don't think traveling is wise." Rick tries to keep Jeff from leaving the TJY building, but Jeff keeps walking to the exit, slowly, but with determination.

"Look, I'll get on a plane. The whole trip will only last a couple hours then I'll be back at the ranch, safe and sound."

"You're not safe or sound," Rick retorts. "If you stay here, I can keep doing research."

Jeff stops at the door, turning around. "Would you rather die here or where your home is?"

Rick swallows hard, his shoulders drooping. "Alright... I'm... I'm sorry, Jeff. I'll keep looking for an answer."

"Don't apologize." Jeff shrugs. "It's just... life."

"You've got the medication?"

"Yeah, it'll last me a while." Jeff pats his pocket. "I'll see Angel too so... I'm sure she'll be in touch with you too."

Dirty

Even when time it at its best, the hours slip by. No matter how drawn out, or quick they go by the same. The sun will rise, and the sun will sink welcoming a new day tomorrow.

Getting up on her knees and looking over the back of the couch Bree can't help the fant smile the formed on her lips.

"And the stalker continues to stalk me. And this time your the one who followed me here."

Turning on the couch again to shut the folder that she and JT were looking at Bree stands coming closer to both of the men.

"No I cant wait or my stomach is going to eat itself."

Bree eyes twinkled as she ved off and headed to the kitchen.

"I'll make some coffee, Gunner you will stay for pizza, Uncle JT call for the pizza and make it with no dough this time. Than we can all talk."

Trotting up behind Mick Dan gives a smile and stops the horse. Mick had invited him to come along once again to help and he couldnt help but feel a certain pride to know Mick wanted his help.

"Hey Mick, I hope you offer is still open to help with the fence."

Getting down off his horse Dan leads him over to a fence post and ties to horse off to see if Mick needed any help gathering things up.

Sitting in the barn her horse was all ready to go but for the moment Katie didn't move.

Over the last few days she had delt with alot. She been getting sick, her head always felt like it was splitting open and the one night she woke from a horrible nightmare. It had been on that night she was happy to have shared a room to herself. It had been on that night she had called Jason for comfort as well but got no answer. She wanted to leave a message but hadn't. If he wanted to talk to her he would of called back right? But how else would he have known she wanted to talk to him she hadnt even left a message.

Taking a sigh again Katie plays with the phone in her hand. Tonight was a consert and it would be the first since she had told the guys she would be there bodyguard. Even when her and Jason went together she was still there every show. It seemed strange to think now, now she wouldn't.

Dialing Jason's number Katie lets the phone ring. She had to at least wish him good luck and let Jason know she was thinking of him. Continuing to let it ring Katie finally gets his voice mail. Letting out a long sigh she had to leave a message.

"Hey J, I... Good Luck tonight."

Hanging up Katie new it was short but at least it was something. Holding the phone to her chest Katie lets out a long sigh choking on a tear before taking the horse by the lead and going outside.

Coming up behind Dan and Mick Katie gives a small smile seeing as they were ready to go out. Maybe she just needed to lose herself today. Try and drown her own mind and be useful.

"Hey Uncle Mick, I was wondering if you needed an extra pare of hands out there today?"

Looking up quickly at Katie's voice Dan smiles at her as he removes his stetson from the top of his head.

"I think an extra pare of hands would be great as long as you dont mind getting dirty right Mick?"

Dan shoots Mick a quick look.

Katie cant help a small laugh before looking at her Uncle and shaking her head.

"You can tell he's new. Of course I dont mind getting dirty"

Update

With a deep sigh, Clint nods. He leans his head in to kiss Wendy's forehead. "Yeah... yeah, we can get back to our own bunkhouse. They don't mean to keep Chase from you... they're just trying to give you less things to worry about. I'm... kinda glad our moms have stepped in to ease some of that pressure."

He rubs her arm tenderly before his hand finds hers. "But we'll get back to our own place tonight, okay? And then... then by late springtime, maybe our house will be done."


Time has a way of slipping through our fingers, no matter how hard we try to hold it in the palm of our hands. Plans drift away, we age and we sometimes feel it has been unfair. But time pays no heed. And for Texas and Nevada, several days pass without slowing.


"Alright. That's it." JT tosses the rest of the paperwork onto the coffee table. It had been three days, and he and Bree were back at it, but this time, he wasn't going to spend hours pouring over these cases. He cared about each and every patient, but there was a point where he and his niece needed some time out. "Pizza time."

He heads for the phone, dressed in his loose jeans and t-shirt, shuffling in his socks. The routine rarely changed - when Bree came over, pizza was inevitable. They would always change toppings though, sometimes coming up with some pretty strange combinations. JT enjoyed the time with his niece... she was a large part of his social life, whether she realized it or not.

He's got the cordless phone in hand, ready to dial the pizza place, when the doorbell rings. "Aw..." Heading to the door, he looks out, not recognizing who was there. Shrugging, he opens it a few inches. "Yes?"

"Hi, Dr. Timble?"

"Yes... Can I help you?"

"I hope so. Do you have a few minutes to talk?"

JT studies the badge that's shown to him. "Um... okay." He backs up, opening the door wider. "Come in."

Gunner steps inside, scanning the entryway and into the living room. An ever-so-faint smile plays at the corner of his mouth. "I see you have company. Perhaps another time would be better?"

"Well.. am I in some kind of trouble?"

"No, no." Gunner shakes his head. "You probably don't remember me..."

JT's eyes narrow as he thinks hard. He didn't recognize this man. He studies Gunner's face, then his eyes move up, catching the patch of gray hair. His eyes widen slightly. "Brent..."

Gunner nods. "The one and only. I imagine your memory has already been stimulated by your niece."

"Yes, how did you-"

"Good guess." Gunner extends his hand. "Always figured I'd see you again someday. I guess I need your help again, but this time it isn't medical."

"Well... we were just ready to order out for supper, but it can wait..."

"No, I don't want to intrude." Gunner shakes his head. "I can come back another time."

JT is too curious though, and calls over his shoulder. "Bree? Can you stand waiting on supper just a little longer?"


Scott leans back in his chair, lost in thought like he had been a lot the last few days. Ever since Hope's court case, he just couldn't help it. He knew there had to be an answer somewhere. He'd toyed with an idea of his for a while now, and knew it was time to say something.

Getting up abruptly, he doesn't even bother telling Dalton where he's running off to. He heads across the main floor to Reese' office.


Mom,
Just wanted to drop you an email since I hadn't in a while. Finally getting around to answering you. Sorry. Been busy lately. Reese has been on my case...

"Jason!" Reese storms into Jason's office, clutching papers in his hand. "I told you to fill out a report, not butcher this case!"

Jason frowns, glaring up at his boss. "I wrote down what happened! You want a better description, ask Con."

"I'm sick and tired of your attitude, Hotshot," Reese growls. "You know better than this, and I expect to see it. You've been sloppy lately and you know it. Now shape up."

I guess maybe I deserve some of it, I don't know. Sometimes it feels like he's got it in for me. He's been teaming me up with Con lately though and that's brought back good memories. We've taken down a few bad guys. Nothing major though...

"Holy cow, what happened?" Rick rushes down through the cubicles towards Con and Jason. Jason had his arm around Con's shoulder, dragging his right leg as blood poured from a wound.

"Caught a bullet." Con tries to catch his breath from having helped Jason in. "Things got rough down at the bar and it got out of hand."

"Apparently."

Jason winces as he keeps heading towards the infirmary, limping. It was the first time in a long time that physical pain was as raw as this. Without emotions wrapped around it, he couldn't decide if it felt worse or better. At least this time Katie didn't have to worry about him.

Jason pauses his typing to shift in his seat. His leg was throbbing. He didn't know which hurt more - the bullet hole or his knee in its brace. Reese had slacked off a bit since he'd been hurt, but Jason was miserable. He couldn't seem to do anything right.

Tonight JetStream's got a concert. Looking forward to that. Axel's gonna come and help Jen again. I'm glad he's got time. He's been on medical leave, did I tell you that? Hasn't been able to move his hand now for a couple weeks - don't know what his future looks like. The band appreciates his help though.

Jason stops again. Tonight they were without Katie. Katie... A couple days ago he'd seen that she'd called his cell phone but... she hadn't left any message for him. He'd wanted to call her back but... if she'd really wanted to talk to him, she would have left a message, right? Or maybe she'd just misdialed. Maybe it was for the best... he wasn't sure what to say to her anyway. It felt so... awkward. But maybe this was good for them.

Pulling the cord on his neck, he pulls the ring out from under his shirt, fingering it. Were he and Katie over? His headaches had subsided... the antidote apparently was doing its job. But deep down, there was a dull ache, somewhere around his heart.

A sharp pain through his leg brings him back to the present, and back to his email.

Good news - Scott's been back to work. Last couple days he's just been here half days. I'm not sure he's feeling quite up to full-time yet, but he's trying. You might mention it to some of the people there at the ranch - they seemed to have grown fond of him after he'd been there a couple times.

Anyway... I guess there isn't too much else to tell. I'd like to come down for a few days. Don't tell anyone yet - I don't know when it will be. I'd like to spend some time writing some of my music and I want to see Kaylee again.

Tell Wes hi. More later.
Love, Jase


Mick brushes down one of the horses, preparing to saddle up. The north fence had been in worse shape than he'd thought, and it was taking several days to fix. He'd asked Dan if he wanted to join him, but not requiring it, he wasn't sure if the young man would join him or not.

The mare turns her head and lips Mick's shirt sleeve.

He grins and gives her neck a loving pat. "Yeah, give me a minute. We'll get going here soon."

Home

Feeling Clint get on the bed next to her Wendy brings her own arms up to him and gives him a squeeze back letting him know she was there. It hurt all over, and her heart hurt even more but she new they had to move on. In a soft whisper of a voice Wendy turns her head sideways to look at Clint a little bit before rolling over to face him. Her eyes had been absent of tears for a while now it was only her heart that continued to cry.

"Clint, I'd ready to go home. Back to our bunk house. I am ready to bring Chase there too."

Giving a little bit of her lip Wendy looks down before look up at Clint again.

"I want to hold Chase, and I want him to know his home for now. I am tired of everyone keeping him from me like I am a doll thats going to break. He's our baby he should be with us. Can't we go home now?"

Shaking her head and than laughing again Bree just laughs for the longest moment JT's comment about painting the room forgotten.

Finally with a long gasp of air Bree sits up and looks at JT her face completely straght now as if she had never been laughing at all. Only the red color was proof she had been.

"You relies Uncle JT that you keep saying we need to do this paper work we need to do this paper work like I am the one who has been distracting us but really....you keep bring up everything but work."

Bree cant help the smile that cracks on her face as she stands to give her Uncle a little shove.

"Or order the pizza you goof, pick up your pager and come back here so we can do this. We can have playtime afterwards."

Shaking her head and sitting back down Bree cant help the chuck that still escaped her voice.

Finishing up her packing and closing the box Hope gives a nod to the air around her.

"Ok I can pick you up no problem. How about in a few hours?"

Leaning back against the barn wall Katie lets out a sigh. Listen to her Uncle there was a change in his voice. She could tell and she new it wasnt good. Had it been a good idea for her to leave? What if she could of helped.

"Ok Uncle Jeff, but if you need anything call me."

Getting disconnected from his Uncle Katie tucks the phone into her pocket and leans forward again her elbows on her knees and her face in her hands. She wished Jason was close so she could talk to him. He'd reasure her things would be ok, but right now did Jason even know if they would be?

Dosage

Clint trudges to the small building, ignoring the people around him. Letting himself in, he slips by Angel and his mother unnoticed as they were talking and looking after Chase in the corner. Quietly he enters the back room, shutting the door so the click wouldn't easily be heard.

Turning around, he looks at Wendy for a moment, just watching. His hand hurt... but that was the lesser of his pain.

His gaze falls to the floor as the walks slowly to the bed. Sitting down on the other side, his back is to her as he takes off his shoes. Then lying back, he rolls over, easing his arm around Wendy and nuzzling his face in close to hers. Her scent was so familiar... so soothing. He closes his eyes, giving her a little squeeze.


Bree's quip about his pager bring JT's laughter out. "Yeah okay... I do love my job. They've just been running me ragged up there."

Settling back, he points to her files. "Alright, come on. Let's get busy. I want pizza but we can't get it until we're done here."

He claps his hands twice to speed things up, then stops as his train of thought shifts. "Oh yeah, and I wanted to tell you that I finally got the painting done in that spare room down the hall. So if you ever want to crash here between shifts or at night or whatever, you're welcome to it."


Scott's smile spreads. "You'll have to pick me up again. But yeah... I need to get out of the house for a while anyway."


"I won't give up." Jeff tries to reassure Katie. "But you know life doesn't stop for anybody. You gotta make it through no matter what happens."

As he's talking, he looks up, catching Rick's eye. Something wasn't good. He swallows hard. "I'll see you soon, okay? Call any time... tell Rosetta hi for me."

Finishing up the conversation, he finally hangs up and wanders over to where Rick is sitting at the lab table. "What is it?"

"I'm not sure." Rick shakes his head slowly. "See, there was some kind of tiny capsule on the edge of that chip that was in you. There was a very minor crack in it - one that no one ever would have noticed without a microscope. I think there was something inside it. Perhaps some kind of formula. Something that was there for safe keeping. I don't think it was the metal that your body was reacting to before."

Jeff sinks down into a chair, listening intently. "You mean... you think something leaked out of the capsule?"

"That's my best guess. There are such small traces of anything left, I'm having a hard time reproducing it to figure out what it was. It could have been a form of the Agency poison. It could have been something else. My guess would be that it wasn't supposed to leak... that if the Agency needed whatever it was back, that they could have killed you and taken the chip and capsule back."

"But... it's so small. How could anything have affected me?"

"Again it's just as guess, but I think you were probably highly allergic to something in the formula. And if it was a condensed dose, even with something so small and so gradual - we're talking years - your body would have continually tried to get rid of it."

Jeff swallows hard. "Well... why then was I better after Angel removed the chip?"

"This is my theory..." Rick holds up his hand lamely, indicating that he really couldn't prove any of this, but it was his best guess. "From the study on the small traces of this...formula, I think that it's self-producing. In other words, it multiplies... grows. Like a bacteria. You were receiving a constant dosage of this, while medications were constantly flushing it out of your system. In and out, in and out. It was a constant battle, but nothing was destroying the actual source. When the chip went out, the medications took care of the rest."

Jeff tries to process everything, quiet for a moment. "But... what does this have to do with now?"

"You have the same symptoms, yes?

Jeff nods.

"Then I'm assuming the cause is similar."

"But... I don't have a chip in me now."

Rick purses his lips grimly. "You don't have any memory of what happened with the Agency?"

"No."

Rick reaches out and turns Jeff's arm slightly. "You have traces here of where someone may have given you shots."

"The formula?"

"Well..." Rick hesitates to give an answer. "I think... it's the mutation of the formula... I think it's more advanced, and... I think they injected it directly into your bloodstream."

Jeff hates to ask more questions, but he knows he has to. "So..."

Rick shakes his head slowly. "I don't know. But the medications I'm giving you aren't getting rid of it. I think whatever this is, is much more advanced than that original formula. It doesn't need a stable source to grow from, like the capsule before... it simply multiplies on its own, throughout your bloodstream."

"Like a poison."

"To you, it is, yes. Others, it might not harm at all."

"So... if the medications aren't getting rid of it..."

"If I keep increasing your dosage, the medications are going to kill you."

"But if you don't?"

Rick looks Jeff in the eye, feeling his own heart sinking. "I'm sorry."

Jeff looks down and his shoulders drop. "Don't be... you've done all you can and I appreciate it. Better to know anyway... at least I know what I'm up against."

In person

Looking up at Clint Wes gives a small smile and a nod to relay Clint had no reason to be sorry. He understood it was hard. He understood maybe better than anyone, about lose even if it wasnt of a child sometimes it still hurt the same.

Giving a laugh again Bree just shakes her head as she takes he folder and opens it starting to look through the papers.

Hearing the beeper go off, her Uncles shout and than the whining noise as it lands in the kitchen with a bang Bree just looks her JT blinking her eyes almost stunned for a moment.

"Mmm...I think you have a page without a beep now."

Finally a smile breaks across her face again.

"You do love your job you just dont want to be there right now."

Giving a soft smile and a nod Hope could feel the warmness that creeped into her heart and made her feel good.

"Maybe some time you can. How about untill than we do dinner and a movie tonight?"

Sitting down on a hay bail Katie picks at the straw Katie can hear the change in Jeff's voice once again and she can feel some of her emotions start to build.

"How about you tell me that when you see me again so I can look into your eyes ok?"

Sometimes Katie felt closes to Jeff and it hurt to think she might never seen him again. Everything was just hard enough this on top of it really was something Katie didnt need.

"Its going to be ok Uncle Jeff just...dont give up for me ok!"

Proud

Clint stares at Wes as he's given the lecture. He opens his mouth once, but shuts it quickly again as his uncle proceeds.

Hanging his head a little, he watches Wes go back out into the shop, and hears him picking up the tools. For the longest time, he just sits and thinks, trying desperately to sort through everything that was running through his mind.

Finally he stands up, cradling his hand that was more sore than he thought it would be. Stepping back into the shop, he wanders across the floor, his feet dragging a little. Passing by Wes, he stops for just a moment to lean down and pick up a wrench that Wes had missed.

He hands it to his uncle and catches his eye. He was sorry. Heading outside, he aims for the small medical building where Wendy still was.


"Pizza with no dough... yeah, that sounds good." JT rolls his eyes. "I don't know where you think this stuff up." Shaking his head, he laughs. "The chicken sounds good though. Pizza Box makes the best of that kind. I'll call it in, but we have GOT to go through these files."

He gives Bree a playful shove off his shoulder. "Unless you can figure out how to do work without the work."

His beeper suddenly goes off.

"No!" He doesn't even look to see who it is, but snatches the pager up off the coffee table to toss it over his shoulder, letting it land somewhere between here and the kitchen with a bang.

Groaning, he flops back into the cushions. "I love my job, can you tell?"


Scott can't help the warm feeling that creeps up on him as Hope speaks. Someone wanted him... after all he'd been through, was still going through, and after all the problems he'd had... she still wanted him.

He smiles a little. "I would have chosen you too," he replies quietly. "You've been my lifeline, Hope... I just wish that somehow... someday I can return the same to you."


"You just worry about yourself," Jeff chides lightly. "I got my ways of getting around, so you don't have to think about a thing. One of these days I'll just show up and there I'll be so keep looking over your shoulder."

Pausing a moment, his voice fades a little, his tone lowering from the forced enthusiasm he'd been trying to carry through. "I... I know we don't know what the future holds so... I just... well, if I never got the chance again, I just want you to know how proud I am of you."

No Dough

Looking sternly at Clint again as he washed up his hand Wes face took on a stern look. He understood he was upset and that he felt this was his own fault but he had to stop the pitty party. There were more important things at hand right now.

"You don't need a second job Clint, what you need is to get your head out of your butt.."

Wes continues to look at Clint there was sympathy in his eyes for him, but he was the man here and his wife and son needed him right now. If he wasnt there for them now it was all fall apart.

"...I understand your up set, and I know your greaving still but Clint your family needs you right now. You need to be home with Wendy and your son. They need your Clint not your parents. You need to be going through this with them, not away from them. Sometimes just holding someone is the best kind of comfort you can offer."

Finishing to wrap up Clint's hand Wes lays a hand on his shoulder. Sometimes he felt like Clint was his own son because he cared so much for the young man that he had to remember to stop back. He wasn't his father and he needed to not treat him like a child.

"Just remember whats important and that God's in controll Clint. Go home, they need you there. Your still getting payed."

Exiting the office Wes can only hope Clint will take his advise. Going to the dumped over tools Wes starts to clean them up.

Giving a laugh Bree looks at her Uncle as she hands him the files. Leaning into him and leaning her chin on his shoulder.

"Can we have pizza without the dough?"

Cocking a smile at her Uncle Bree cant help but the laugh that escapes her lips at his confused look.

"How about chicken with a garlic butter sause, cheese and...I guess we can have it on the dough this time around."

Hope gives a small chuckel at Scott. She was thankful for his help but she wouldnt need them anymore. Something just told her she wouldnt.

"Maybe I will put somethings in your storage but the fernature I wont need it anymore. I'd rather them go to you than collect dust."

Continuing to put a few things away Scott words he had said first came back to her. Stoping what she was doing for a moment Hope sinks down in her desk chair and leans her arms on the desk.

"Scott listen to me, I dont want you to think or even consider wishing you did things differently. Out of this whole thing I got you, and I feel close to complete. You Scott are worth it in my eyes and thats why I didnt give you up for my job. It was my choose, and I choose you."

Katie cant help the chuck as she listens to Jeff. No matter her mood he could always make her smile. Not to mention with his own illness he took in a joking madder.

"Oh Uncle Jeff, its going to be ok. Angel is still here trying to find more too. They are gonna figure it out I know they will."

Pushing off the fence Katie starts to talk a walk twords the barn.

"When ever your ready to come home, let me know ok? I'll come and get you."

Pretty View

Clint finally looks into his uncle's eyes, and knows that he won't be able to get away with refusing his help at the moment. He gives in, turning towards the office.

Getting inside, he sinks down into a chair, still holding his hand. The lump that was in his throat seemed to be permanently lodged there as his emotions ran crazy. He didn't even know what to feel right now. So much was happening...

"I need to get back to working on the house," he mumbles. All work on his and Wendy's house had stopped, and he knew he needed to get back to it for more reasons that one. He felt so disconnected from everything right now. He didn't even know how to comfort his wife anymore. He hated seeing her cry - it tore him up inside. There had been so many tears lately though... would it ever end?

"And I need to get a second job or something... we're getting behind."


JT quirks an eyebrow. "You never told him where you worked? That's... odd. I wonder why he was asking about me anyway."

Something suddenly seemed very peculiar. "Well, if you see him again, I guess tell him hi. If he's looking for me, he should know where to find me now."

He shrugs off the strange feeling and stands up again, coming around to flop down next to his niece. "Alright. Let's review these cases before my brain implodes. But after that, it's mandatory that we order out for pizza and pig out, while talking about anything but work."


Scott's heart sinks as he hears what happened with Hope. He was glad she was honest with him, but he felt rotten.

Curling up in the corner of the couch, he pulls his knees up to his chest. "I'm... I'm sorry, Hope..." He doesn't so easily move on with the conversation. He felt too badly to talk about furniture right now.

"I wish... I don't know..." He bites his lip, his tone indicating how sorry he felt, even though he knew it really wasn't his fault. "I wish this hadn't happened to you... you help so many people... you didn't deserve this."

Sighing deeply, he knows it's best to follow Hope in the conversation, letting it shift. "Um, well... I could use a couple things I guess, but..." Those things were hers... she might need them again someday... somewhere.

"Tell you what... TJY's got a storage building about a block from headquarters... it'll take a security code to get in but... I'll give you mine. That way you can keep your stuff there until you've got a new place for it. I mean... after all... TJY sent me to you, and now this, so... I'd say they owe it to you, and besides, I don't use any space in there."


Jeff chuckles lightly. "Aw, kiddo, there's no fooling you, is there? You're getting too smart for your own good, ya know."

He pauses a moment, knowing he better just tell the truth. "No... no, Rick hasn't found anything. He... doesn't know what else to do. Upped my meds though." He forces a laugh. "Get me any more doped up and I'm gonna be on the ceiling, but at least it's a pretty view."

Just like my Aunt

Wes stops his young nephew turning him towards him. Looking him in the eyes Clint didnt need to say anything to Wes or even tell him what was wrong he new. He'd seen the look many times before. Even if it had been for different reasons, that look had been seen. The burden, of one so great, that someone else's life was in there hands and than lost, the though of it being there responsibility that had been failed. It had been a long that over seas many men had worn.

"We worry about your health and getting this cleaned first Clint. Than we can worry about the tools. They are unimportant, you are."

Wes voice was stern though it was soft at the same time. If he didnt at least show a little bit of sternness than Clint would never get it clean out first. In a place this this infections were common with a deep cut like his. Wendy had just lost a daughter she didnt need to have her husband go down as well.

"Come on, lets go."

Wes nodded to the office for Clint to start going there. He had a first aid kit to clean it out inside.

Plopping herself down on the couch Bree strechs out with her feel on the coffee table leaning back. Thinking for a long moment Bree gives a nod.

"Yeah he asked if I worked at the same place, and if I new you. When I told him you were my Uncle he said you were the reason he has a problem with metal detectors. So obviously he remembers who you are."

Stopping to think again Bree cocks her head and raises an eyebrow.

"Come to think of it, I never told him where I worked so I have no idea how he would of known."

Giving a small smile as she hears her Uncle's voice Katie turns and leans her back against the fence.Though Jeff was trying to cover it up Katie new he wasn't doing well.

"Yep I got here late last night. The drive was ok, and things are...alright this morning I guess."

Letting out a small sigh Katie thinks for a moment. Right now... she was ok. Lonely, it felt very strange without Jason around, and her own mind was what kept her company though right now it was so messed up the only comfort it gave her was toucher of the past, but all in all she was ok.

Taking a turn though she trys to get the subject off herself and instead talks about Jeff.

"Uncle Jeff, I am just like my Aunt, you can trying and act ok but I can hear it in your voice your not. Rick hasn't found anything yet?"

After giving her tanks to Angelica and chatting for a little while longer Hope finally gets into her car. A small tear rolls down her cheek. She wasn't all that but it still was hard to think everything she had built was now gone.

Taking the short drive from the court house back to her office she new it was closed up for the night but she wanted to get everything done and over with.

Once getting inside with the few boxes she had Hope dials Scott's number with the other hand.

"Hey Scott, yeah I just got out. I am back at the office now."

Continuing Hope goes everything with Scott on what happens and that choose she was given. She also told him about how she choose him over her job and now she would be looking for another one. She talked about it with Scott freely not letting much of it bother her being as strong as she could. While she put some things away as well.

"....Yeah, so I am here now packing up the things I had in my office. Pictures, paintings, books. I dont know what I am going to do with it all at home. And this furniture I have no room for it. You wouldn't happen to want it would you Scott?"

She new it wouldn't be much but it would give him a table, some chairs, some lamps, a desk. It would at least get him started before he found more.

Seems odd

JT wanders behind his niece, listening to her talk, and laughing about the camera.

Hearing Brent's name, he stops, furrowing his brow. "Brent... Franklin..." He shakes his head. "I... can't place the name. It doesn't seem to ring a bell..." Thinking another moment, his eyes finally widen. "Ohhh yes. Now I know. Goodness, that's been years ago. I wasn't even living here at the time. I was still in Texas, and got sent down here for some research. Wound up helping in the ER after a terrible car accident."

He scratches the back of his head, ambling back into the living room to sit on the arm of his couch. "I don't think I ever would have remembered the name, except how strange a case it was." He shakes his head. "Kid was just eighteen I think... severe head trauma. After everything was over, both his parents were dead and he had no memory of his life at all. It was just a blank. We did the best we could to help him but... there just wasn't any more we could do. By the time he was back on his feet, he had a metal plate in his head but otherwise he bounced back, physically. Always wondered what happened to him though. Interesting he's still in the area."

Still thinking a moment, he quirks an eyebrow. "You say he mentioned me by name? Seems odd."


Clint jumps as Wes approaches, taken off guard. He'd thought he was still alone. Feeling too dumb to do anything else, he lets Wes see his hand, and applies pressure when told. Still sitting on the floor, he shrugs at Wes' question.

"I'm fine." He swallows hard, the tears burning behind his eyes, wanting to overflow, but he stops them. He was responsible for all of this grief. He deserved a worse punishment than this. It was his fault Wendy had to endure having two children, and if it hadn't been for him, they wouldn't have had to endure a death of one of their babies. If he'd been smarter, he and Wendy would still be just the two of them, without this heavy burden. But he'd been stupid... whether it had taken the both of them or not, he felt fully responsible.

Staring at the bloody towel, he realizes that the cut must have gone a lot deeper than he though. He didn't even know what he'd hit his hand on inside the engine.

Getting to his feet, he wraps the towel tighter, unwilling to look up to Wes' eyes. "I have tools to pick up," he mumbles. The toolbox he'd knocked over was still waiting. "I can clean this out later."


Rick smiles, nodding to no one. "Yeah, Katie. Hang on a sec." He waves to Jeff. "Katie's on the phone for you."

Jeff lifts his eyebrows and slides off the bed, wandering in his bare feet, over to the phone. He tries to sound as chipper as possible. Rick was getting no where looking at the chip Angel had sent him, and Jeff's symptoms were getting worse, subdued only with some stronger doses of medication.

"Hey, Katie. I wondered if you'd made it home - guess you did. How ya doing?"


Scott pets Domino's head absentmindedly, still waiting. It had been an awfully long time... would Hope call him right away if it was bad news? Or would she wait? He didn't know. All he could do was pray. Surely Angelica would win... right?

God's Plan

The hour had seemed long, and the time was dragging. It was only now Hope could stop and have her own thoughts to herself. The hearing was over and now the debate started. She wasn't sure what was going on but from the tone in Angelica's voice from behind the wood door it didn't sounds good.

Hope new who had turned her in with Scott and she couldn't help but be a tiny bit shocked. Jen had worked for her as one of the nurses for a long time and new the way Hope worked, and ran things. To think she though something more was going on behind close doors with Scott hit a little hard.

But now it was done, her side was told, and Angelica had defended her the best she could. It was almost really a lose lose situation and Hope couldn't help but feel the change.

Seeing the door finally open Hope sits up a little straighter. Seeing Angelica come out and close the door behind her, her face looked less than happy and Hope's heart thumped.

"Whats going on Angelica? What had they deiced?"

Looking back at Hope Angelica let out a long sigh. It almost felt like she was failing Hope because she new this would not be what she wanted. Though she had saved her some face, it wasn't everything and she new it was wrong.

"Hope, I did what I could, and I kept them from taking your degree away. But they are not giving you two chooses. One, you can stay with your own business you have now but you will have to drop all contact with Scott, and your sessions will be taped."

Hope looked to Angelica as have already started shaking her head before she could even finish. Losing contact with Scott was enough to make her say no. She hadnt talked to for a month prier for this there was no way she was going to do that again, not when they had just deiced to start something more.

"Whats the second option?"

"The second is your degree wont be taken away so you can still be a Therapist but you have to quit where your at now, and you cant have your own practice anymore. You have to be under the supervision of someone else who you can write up repots to."

Leaning back in the chair Hope closes her eyes for a moment. Both were heard desitions taking away something she cared about the most from each. How was one to choose, to pick? She didn't want to lose Scott but she didn't want to lose her job anyways.

Sometimes, trusting in the Lord is a hard time to do, even if he is leading us blindly. But trust we must, and remember he always has a plan.

"I choose the second one Angelica. I don't know where I will go, or what my job will be next but I cant give up the friendship that I have formed with Scott. God will lead me, and in him I will trust to take me down the rocky path."

Giving a nod and a small smile to Hope Angelica stands. Making her way to the room once again to disappear behind the door and tell Hope's desition to those who needed to know.

Exiting the dinning hall Katie takes in a deep breath of air. She would never tired of the smell out here. Some hated, but to her it was everything and it brought back so many memories that were dear to her.

Walking to one of the fences she gently leans on it watching some kids learn how to ride, as a few others play on the nearby play ground.

Thinking for a long moment Katie pulls out her phone and holds it in her hand. It had hard been a day but she wanted to call anyways. At least to let him know she had made it. He was her uncle after all.

Dialing the infermary's number and hearing Rick's voice Katie gives a small smile.

"Hey Rick, Its Katie. I was wondering if my Uncle Jeff was there and I could talk to him please?"

A grin forms on Bree's face at JT opens the door. She loved spending time with her Uncle and was happy he returned it as well.

"Put in a camera and I'll cover that up too.... some how. And anyways, what would be the fun in not dealing with my games huh?"

Stepping inside Bree takes her shoes off at the door she she didn't track mud and dirt through the house. Though looking around she didn't know if it really mattered.

"I think I am going to have to go through here and clean again for you Uncle Jake."

Giving him a smile and a playful elbow to the arm Bree gives a streach as she makes her way into the kitchen to help herself to a bottle of water before finally reply.

"I'm doing ok. Been a little tired doing the double shifts afternoons through the wee hours of the morning, but they are still short people at the hospital and I hate when they bring in someone from another area who dont know the kids."

Taking a long swig of the water Bree thinks for a moment about Gunner, and what her Uncle had just said about stopping.

"You should of stopped, you would of seen me and your friend Brent Franklin, or as his friends call him Gunner. I happened to run into him a few times over at Freddy's and we started talking. Come to find out he mentioned if I works at the same hospital as you. He seems like and interesting guy, a little strange but heck so am I. You do know him right?"

Entering the shop a little late this morning Wes is surprised to see the lights on. Clint was at work? He should be taking some more days off, he needed it though in a way Wes couldn't blame him. He would probely want to get right back to work after a traumatic experience as well.

Making his way through the shop and to the back, a small cry can be heard. Though it was soft Wes could still pick up on it. Slowly walking to the back area Wes poked his head in the door seeing Clint. He would of left him alone but the slight on blood on his nephews hand was enough to let him know he did need help.

"Clint, your bleeding all over my floor you know?"

Though Wes comment was laced with a little bit of a joke to try and lighten the air there was also a seriousness behind his voice as well as some compassion.

Grabbing a towel and wetting it a little he bends down next to Clint and takes his hand wrapping the towel around it.

"Put pressure on it. We need to clean it out so it wont get any infections."

Going for the gauss and a few other things Wes returns in minutes to check in the bleeding had stopped only to return the towel to in injured area.

Cocking his head a little to catch Clint's eyes Wes inquires though his question could mean just Clint's hand there was also a hidden realization in it as well.

"You ok?"

Different kind of pain

A horn honking outside startles Scott out of his sleep and he jumps, looking around the living room a moment before realizing he was home on his own couch.

Giving a little groan, he lies back down, his head enveloped by the throw pillow. Domino crawls up next to him, readjusting and settling in again.

Scott sighs. He'd had one of his nightmares again. He could have sworn he'd wake up in that terrible cell. He wipes a bit of sweat off the side of his face before rolling over onto his back and looking at his watch. It was getting late in the day... he was still waiting to hear from Hope.


"Yeah, we took him down to the station." Con sets his hands casually on his hips, discussing today's outing in Reese's office.

Reese looks to him and Jason. "Good. Tomorrow I've got a job for you two again - I need you to go down to one of the clubs and gain someone's trust. I'll email you both the information tonight."

Jason nods. "Alright. I'm heading out then."

"I still want you to write up the report for today," Reese corrects.

"I'll do it tomorrow."

"I want it before you go home tonight."

Con lifts his eyebrows. "I can write it up for you, Reese, it's no biggie."

"I want Jason to do it," Reese states flatly. "You've got enough other things to keep you busy."

Jason's shoulders drop. "Well so do I! I got a concert in a couple days - I gotta meet with the band tonight - it's been on my schedule to leave early!"

"You still have half an hour," Reese retorts. "And if it takes you longer, I'm sorry. But we're shorthanded now, remember?"

Jason's look turns into on of disgust. Was Reese hinting that something was his fault here? "Yeah, I remember," he growls. Spinning on his heel, he stalks from the office.

Con glances down to Reese again. "Being a little hard on him, don't you think?"

"I'd rather have him busy and complaining than moping and not doing anything. TJY can't afford his pity party right now."

Con just shrugs. "Alright... see you later."


"Naw, get on home. You don't have to stay for me." Jeff sits up in bed, pulling a knee up to his chest. "Tell our worrywart sister not to worry... if that's possible."

Trent chuckles and shakes his head. "I can try. You sure you don't want anybody staying around?"

"I'm surrounded." Jeff gestures with his hand. "Two doctors and people in and out everyday. Besides that, I'm not planning on staying here much longer."

"Rick says you can go?"

"No, but..." Jeff shrugs, trying to keep a smile on his face. "If I'm gonna die one of these days, I'd rather do it at home."

Trent frowns. "Don't talk like that. You're not even close to dying."

Jeff's eyes shift down for a moment before looking back up at his brother. "Whatever this is I've been fighting it a long time... I'm tired."

"Don't give up," Trent orders sternly. "Don't. The rest of us need you, so... so... just don't."

Jeff manages a little chuckle. "Get out of here before I tell Rick you're bothering me."

Trent sighs and offers Jeff a handshake. "I'll see you soon."


JT picks up an empty pop can and tosses it into the kitchen trashcan just as he hears someone at the door. "Coming!"

Picking up bits and pieces of the living room on his way and straightening a few odds and ends, he finally makes it to the door. Seeing the peephole was covered up, he grins and opens the door. "One of these days I'm gonna install a security camera so I know who's here and your little trick won't do any good anymore."

Backing up, he lets Bree inside. "Saw your car earlier today down at Freddy's and I almost stopped but I was too exhausted to do anything but get home. How's your day been?"


Clint grits his teeth as he tries to turn the nut down inside the car engine. His fingers gripped the wrench tightly and he gave a little groan, using all his might, but it just wouldn't budge.

With Angel and his mom looking after Wendy and Chase, he'd slipped away for just a little time in the shop. The service for Cecilia had been yesterday.... everyone was tired. Normally it would have been several days, but no one wanted to endure the pain any longer than they had to.

The wrench gives way and Clint's hand slips inside the engine. Giving a cry, the tool clangs to the floor and he draws out an already-bloody hand. A curse slips out and he goes to the sink, immediately rinsing out the fresh gash on the side of his hand. He had plenty of other marks on is hands from working with the cars, but it had been a while since he'd been this clumsy.

His eyes stung as he cleaned the wound. He would have said it was only from the pain. But maybe it was just an excuse for a different kind of pain to be released.

Drying off his hand and fumbling with a bandage, he drops the roll of gauze on the floor. Giving a frustrated yell, he kicks at an empty oil can, sending it across the shop with a loud bang, knocking over a toolbox which sent tools scattering across the floor.

Sinking down beside the door to the office, Clint pulls up his knees and rests his head in his hands, not caring that the bleeding hadn't stopped yet.

Only Family

Giving a smile and a return hug to Mick Rosetta gives him a kiss on the cheek before pulling away just a little bit.

"While your out there you better teach Dan there who he should and shouldn't be calling old."

Throwing a grin to Dan to show she was joking Rosetta gives a nod to them.

"You boys becarful out there."

Looking up at Mick and giving a smile Katie nods. Her day was going to be full of differnt things but she would do her best to spend time with Rosetta too.

"I will Uncle Mick. You guys have fun."

Giving a nod to Rosetta and a smile to Katie Dan puts his stetson back on his head before turning to head out of the dinning hall with Mick.

Dropping Scott back off at home Hope looks up at him her eyes holding a new sparkle.

"Thank you as well. You have giving me Hope and another good reason to smile."

Returning the gentile kiss before pulling away and looking up at him again.

"I'll call you when I get done and let you know what happend. I know its gonna work out. No worrys ok?"

Giving a smile and a wave to Scott Hope pulls away and heads to the court house to meet Angelica.

Pulling up to JT's house Bree turns off her car and reaches into the back seat grabbing a few folders and papers.

Going up to the door Bree knocks and waits putting her finger over the peephole so JT wouldn't know it was her. She always tryed to see her Uncle at least once a week. It was the only family she had here and even if it was business she still liked seeing him.

Ratrace

Mick smirks at Dan's remark. "Forget to tell Rosetta goodbye? I'd never live it down."

Wandering over to Rosetta, he pulls her into a hug, not caring what he was interrupting. Planting a kiss on her forehead, he squeezes her tight before letting her go again. "Dan and I are heading out. We'll be gone a few hours. If we don't show up by supper, send out the troops."

Turning around he reaches down to give Katie's shoulder a pat. "Hey, kiddo. Keep an eye on your aunt today, eh?"


Scott can't help his smile that spreads. He'd come a long way, but he had a long way to go yet. But it didn't matter. He had a feeling there was a new beginning her that he wouldn't ever have even guessed at. "Me too."

All too soon, their morning is over. Scott had asked Hope to simply drop him back off at home. He hadn't told her that he was having trouble going back to work... she had enough to worry about.

Getting out of the car, Scott comes around to her side of the car, having her roll down the window. "Let me know how things go today, alright? Just call me here... I'll pick up."

Leaning down, he looks at her for a few moments before cocking his head and giving her lips a tender kiss. "Thank you... for everything."


JT yawns and stirs his cup of hot tea until there's enough flavor and he takes the bag out. Shuffling to his living room, he sinks down into the couch, closing his eyes with a deep sigh. He'd worked overtime, and on the graveyard shift to boot. But he couldn't rest for too long. He had errands to run, and Bree was coming over too. He was going to look over the case she had at her hospital, and had invited her for a bite to eat too.

He takes a sip of tea, letting the warm liquid slide down his throat. Some days he hated this ratrace, and other days he loved it. Today it just made him tired.


Jason leans his head against the window of Con's truck, bored out of his mind. This stakeout wasn't turning out like they'd planned.

His cell phone felt like it was burning a hole in his pocket. Call Katie... call Katie... no, he wasn't. If she wanted to talk, she'd let him know. He was going to let her be.