Information

Continuing to cry Katie trys to make herself stop. It hurt so much to see her dad go, a man she had know all her life, but just not felt like they had something more to share. It just wasnt fair.

Giving a jump as Jeff takes in the deep breath of air Katie backs up just a little looking at him wildly. Clinging to Jason and not knowing what was going on Katie just watchs as her head races.

"Rick, whats.....he's..."

Not saying much else Katie just watchs. She didnt know what to ask, or what to say. Hearing that the medicine was working Katie's heart raced faster. If whatever Rick did was really working than Jeff wouldn't be gone. Katie could only hope that this all wasn't for nothing.

Receiving Rick's orders Katie moves quickly over to Jeff place her hands on him. Her own was were shaking but she new that she had to do this to help.

"Dad, dad its ok. I'm here...I promise its going to be ok."

Katie gives a soft smile as she looks down at Jeff the tears still in her eyes but maybe this time for a different reason.

"Look at me Dad, I'm here for you. Your not alone."

Moving out of the cubicle she was using with a print out in hand Hope lets a small sigh slip. She hadnt been busy the last few days other than doing some work on the computer and today she had finally found what she wanted.

Looking over the top of the cubicles Hope can just make out the top of Gunner's head. Good he was here today. Walking closer Hope gives a small knock on the wall before leaning over and holding out the paper that had a red truck on it along with a little information.

"I did some looking around, and was able to use some of my own connections and found this. Is the same red truck you described from the accident that night. Its been in the junk yard for about five years now. I dont know if the information will help you at all but...I guess I just wanted to help some how."

Shock

Jason leans next to Katie, resting a hand on her back and rubbing softly, just letting her hug her dad and cry. She needed this. It was so painful, yet it was a very real part of life.

Jeff's chest rises and falls so slowly, that in between breaths, each seemed to be his last.

Suddenly he fills his lungs quickly and gives a jolt. Giving a little cry of pain, he starts to shake uncontrollably, his eyes going wide.

Jason pulls Katie back as Jeff rolls over, starting to vomit. In less than a second, Rick is there as well, as a few moments of unexpected chaos ensue. Rick tries to keep Jeff still, while bewilderment fills him. "What... he..." He shakes his head. "He's going into some kind of shock but... but."

"What's happening?" Jason asks a bit sternly, still holding Katie closely.

"I... I don't..."

Jeff looks up at Rick, his eyes glazed, his voice still barely above a whisper. "What kind of..." A curse slips out, quite out of character for him. "...did you... put in me?"

Rick tries to work quickly, drawing some blood and then giving Jeff another shot, struggling against Jeff's shaking. "Easy... easy does it..."

Finally the vomiting stops and Jeff sinks back into his pillow, pale and soaking wet. "Is it... over yet?"

Rick already has his back turned, his eyes on the microscope he'd brought. His voice was stunned. "No... it's not." He looks up quickly, glancing to Katie. "It's working... it's... really working."

Jeff winces and cries out again, writhing under the sheets.

"Keep him still," Rick orders Katie. "I can't explain now, but he's going to go through heck here for about the next hour. You've got to keep him calm or his heart won't take it."

Tears

Taking in a deep breath and than letting it out Katie starts forward. Keeping a tight hold on Jason's hand she enters the room. The air was thick and stail from the lack of fresh air that had been aloud into the room. Feeling as through she was choaking Kaite made herself go on and into the room. She'd never forgive herself if her father died and she wasn't there.

Going over to the bed Katie walk was with long strides but slow in the passe till finally she made it to the bed. Kneeling down in front of Jeff Katie lets go of Jason's hand taking Jeffs in her own.

"I'm here dad, I'm here."

Tears filled her eyes as she looks at her fathers face for what could be the last time. It was all happing to soon, she had no chance to spend time with him as father and daughter. It just wasnt fair.

"I love you to Dad, I always have and I always will. Save me a seat up there..."

Glancing back at Jason for a moment Katie gives a small smile the tears still in her eyes.

"...make that two."

Looking back to Jeff the tears run faster from Katie eyes knowing the time was here. Leaning her head down Katie gives Jeff a kiss on the cheek before warping her arms around him and pulling him into a hug gently leaning her head against his just letting herself cry and rock slowly.

Seconds

Jason's fingers immediately tighten around Katie's. "I'm here." He gives her a nod of encouragement. "I'm right here."

Rick leads the way back to the bunkhouse, but he stands aside for Jason and Katie, respecting some privacy.

Jeff is on his side, curled slightly against the pain he was in. Sweat was pouring from him again. It was amazing he was awake at all. His breathing was shallow and he shook, even though he had two blankets on. He'd woken when Rick had given him a shot, but it was with only enough energy to ask for his daughter.

"Katie?" his voice is but a faint whisper. His eyes are barely open - it took too much strength to open them all the way. His fingers move on the bed, asking to take her hand.

Jason guides Katie to the bed, sticking close, but not wanting to interfere.

Jeff manages a small smile. "I love you," he manages hoarsely. "Go f... far, okay?" He blinks slowly and breathes through a wave of pain. Hardly able to look up, he feebly motions to Jason. "You take... take care of her."

Jason nods solemnly. "I will."

Jeff tries to squeeze Katie's hand. "See you... soon..." His grip loosens and his hand drifts back down again, his eyes closing. The shaking stops and his breathing is so slow... only seconds are left.

Will you

Giving a small nod and a smile Katie understood what Jason ment. She herself was in a way happy he has said no. She had alot of growing up to do as well.

"Ok, I can take a no. I'm not going anywhere I can wait."

Hearing Rick's voice Katie's through are interrupted as she turns to see him. A glint of hope still remained in her eyes. Jason had made her feel good, and now to finish it off to hear that her Dad would make it would finish everything off.

"He's awake?"

Katie new that in her own voice there was a happy glint, but seeing the look in Rick's eyes Katie's smile fades as the sinking feeling hits her. Taking Jason's hand Katie gives it a slight squeeze before giving Rick a nod and than turning to Jason her voice a soft horse whisper.

"I can't do this alone! Will you come with me?"

Asking

Jason's lips curl slightly as Katie talks, and as she hugs him, he wraps his arms around her, holding her close. Their emotions were so messed up right now... his wanted to be released to her, and soon, she would be craving them to mingle and disperse with her own emotions.

When she pulls away and asks him to marry her, a chuckle surfaces. He takes his palm and wipes away another of her tears. "No," he answers softly. But his expression was a gentle one, not an annoyed one like it had been before. "I got too much growing up to do yet."

"Katie?" Rick catches up with them, not wanting to interrupt, but feeling it's a must. "I'm sorry... but Jeff is awake..." Unfortunately, despite that seeming good, Rick's face showed that it wasn't. "...I think this may be it."

Jason looks at him with disappointment. "It didn't..."

Rick shakes his head. He didn't believe what he was trying was working. But he didn't want to talk about it now. He motions for Katie. "He's asking for you."

Today

Looking up into Jason's eyes Katie doen't talk but just listens. Her eyes give a small spark trying not to get to excited, not yet.

Her own eyes reflect many emotions as she continues to listen not being able to help but feel a tiny bit bad for making Jason feel like he wasn't enough or doing his job as a man. Katie had never thought about it that way before.

Feeling Jason's hand on her face Katie couldnt help but close her eyes as the tears that formed in her eyes as the fall down her cheek. So many things were going on at once and so many emotions wer going on the connect wasnt back so her emotions were still feeling a little backed up not knowing how to completely release them.

Opening her eyes once more Katie looks at Jason giving a small smile.

"I've learned so many things myself J. I...am trying to work on asking for help and not thinking I need to do it on my own. I always thought I needed to be the Hero and if I couldn't help someone I was failing. But, I don't always need to stop bad thinking from happing. Sometimes I just need to sit back and listen, offer a shoulder and an encouraging word."

Taking Jason's hand in her own Katie than reaches out her other to take Jason into a tight hug. Just holding him for a long moment resting her tired head on his shoulder.

"I've still have so much to learn, and so much to deal with but I am trying. If you can keep working with me, I know we will be just fine."

Pulling away Katie takes a quick swipe at her eyes and leans in to give Jason a quick kiss before looking into his eyes again her own emotion present in them.

"So, does this mean you will marry me today?"

Katie cant help the smile that forms on her face as she eyes give a small sparkle, it had been the first time in a while she had smiled and it felt good even if it was only for one moment.

Take care of you

Jason looks down a moment, then back to Katie's eyes. Facing her, he rests his hands on her shoulders. "No... I'm not going to take it anymore and neither are you."

Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly. "I've been trying so hard... to take care of you. You've always been my hero and... I felt like I wasn't living up to who I should be." He shrugs. "I'm the man... I want to take care of you too... I want you to be able to depend on me. I like it that you're my hero, but I just wished that I could be yours. So... I wanted to end the pain for you, even though you said it didn't really bother you. I thought that by stopping the problems with our connection, that it was the only way I could do my part... take care of you. I hate seeing you hurt when I hurt, even if you say you don't mind."

He bites his lip, cocking his head a little. "Then... I got yelled at and... I guess I realized that I was taking care of you the wrong way. That... if I really wanted to, then I needed to give you what you wanted. I hate the pain, but... you need those emotions just as much as you need the good ones to survive. So... my way of being your hero is... to let us be the way we were meant to be. I took it away because I thought that's what I could do for you, but... I see now that the best thing I can do is give us back our connection and... just... be there for you when there's pain instead of depriving you of it."

His hand cradles the side of Katie's face. "I'm sorry. I'm gonna try to be more understanding."

His gaze searches hers, the emotions evident, even though they couldn't yet be felt. "Are we gonna be okay?"

Confustion

Walking with Jason Katie keeps up well stoping and starting when he did. Her eye searched his for a long moment it felt strange trying to see the deeper mean, and not feeling it.

Circling around to the back of the dinning hall Katie stands with Jason for a long moment just looking up at him.

"Yeah, at least we didnt get to sick. I just, still cant get use to not feeling you though. Kind of feels empty, for me anyways."

Falling silent again Katie continues to listen. Cocking her head a little at Jason's comment about a bigger problem Katie wasn't quite sure she understood what he was talking about. A look of bewilderment, and confusion, maybe even a little surprise cross Katie's face as she looks back to Jason quickly.

"Your....not going to take it anymore? But...why its what you wanted!"

Katie looks back at Jason. She might not have liked taking the pills but she had gotten use to it and now Jason didnt want to take them? Katie didnt understand.

Bigger problem

Jason gives a little nod and offers Katie a hand up. "Come on... let's take a walk... we won't go far."

Just as they're walking out, they're met by Rick, who gives Katie a gentle smile and nod. "Good to see you, Katie. It won't take me long." He pats her shoulder as he passes.

Jason steps from the porch, making sure Katie is beside him before he turns towards one of the pasture fences. Staying quiet for a few minutes, he leans on the fence, eventually turning to look down at Katie.

"Listen, Katie, I... I wanted to apologize. I guess I haven't been around enough for you lately and... I'm sorry." His eyes search hers, sincerity showing through. "I guess... I don't know... maybe there was stuff I needed to work through too. As far as Camryn goes... she's back in town and I saw her a couple times... got together with her a couple times, just to talk, nothing more."

He reaches out to run a warm finger down the side of Katie's face. "Made me realize I was missing you, actually."

Pausing a moment, he sighs and looks towards one of the buildings. Taking Katie's hand again, he starts to walk once more. "I, um... I've talked a little bit to Rick about... well, about what he came up with for you and me. And... we seem to be fairing alright. No major mishaps anyway, and our bodies seem to have adjusted for the most part."

Stopping near the back of the dining hall, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out an orange bottle of pills. It was his own, and he rattles it a little. "It... seems to be doing the trick."

He pauses again looking deeper into her eyes. "Problem is... it was just a quick fix to a bigger problem."

Turning around, he stops a moment, seeming to be having trouble making a decision. Finally, he aims a throw at the back trash can. The bottle rolls in the air, landing in the metal can with a bang.

Jason turns back around and holds out his hands, letting them fall to his sides. "The bigger problem was me... not our connection. I'm giving it back to you."

Had to Happen

Katie can feel her heart pick up as she hears that Rick was here and had something to try with Jeff a little hope sparked inside. She didn't dare hope but it was there anyways. Anything for Jeff right now was better than nothing as long as there was a little bit of a chance it would help.

Letting out a small sigh as Jason mentions there medication she new it would come up. It was something they needed to talk about and work out. But she wasnt sure if now was a great time.

Knowing Rick would be in shortly and she would chased out of the room till he was done anyways now was probably the best time as ever.

"Well, I guess we should let Rick work and while he does we can talk. But...I dont want to go to far incase something happends."

Looking up at Jason Katie's eyes were a little worryed, but it had to be done and she told herself to stay open minded.

Meds

Jason returns Katie's hug, then rises to his feet again, his hand still in hers. Looking to Jeff, his heart ached. Not only because he had known Jeff, but because Katie was losing so much.

"I'll take care of her," he mentions quietly, giving Katie's hand a squeeze.

Turning his attention back to her, he nods to the door. "I didn't come alone. Rick is here too... he wants to try one last thing before... well, before it's too late. He doesn't know if it will do any good or not."

Looking Katie in the eye, Jason's expression is a solemn one. "Katie... there's something I need to talk to you about... it's... about our medication..."

He's here

Looking through the groggyness Ryan wasnt sure if it was the fact she was just waking up or the meds the nurse had come in to give her for the pain. Giving a smile to Darrel Ryan gives a little nod to him. She wasn't great but she was alive. Giving a soft whisper Ryan was able to reply to him.

"I'm here, if they stop giving me drugs so my mind is clear, than I am in a tone of pain, and if they give it to me I can't think right."

Moving a little bit Ryan does her best to sit up a little bit wincing slightly in pain.

"Sorry I am going to be missing a few days of work boss. I'll make it up to you."

Feeling a presence enter the room Katie dosnt open her eyes right away. She was so tired, and even more emotional tired. She had cryed her eyes out so much yesterday and into the night, it had drained so much from her.

Hearing Jason's voice and feeling his hands on her Katie opens her eyes and sits up quickly. Oh how good to see him again, and to feel his hands on her.

Not saying anything Katie reachs out and wraps her arms around him giving him a tight squeeze. Whispering she continues to hold him.

"J, you made it."

Holding him for just a few moments longer Katie gives him a quick kiss on the cheek before looking him in the eyes. All the sensarity was in her eyes.

"It means alot you came back..."

Giving a quick looks to Jeff and than back to Jason Katie moves to the edge of the bed still holding one of Jason's hands Katie takes Jeff's in her other.

"Dad, Jason is here.."

Looking back to Jason Katie gives a small nod. It was almost time and Jason had made it before it was to late.

"He cant reply J but he can still hear you if you want to talk to him."

Hey

Leo swallows hard as he hears Ryan talk on ans on as if Miles were there. So she'd called off the bet. That was interesting. But... he shakes his head. He would think about it later.

Giving a sigh, he returns the light squeeze to her fingers. "Sleep well, Ryan..." Leaving her be, he backs away and finally leaves so Miles and Axel could see her.


The night is long, for more reasons than one, for more people than one. Finally though, the sun peeks through...


Slipping into the hospital room, Darrel, fidgets with his cap in hand. Approaching the bed, he manages a smile when he sees Ryan's eyes partly open. "Hey you..." He comes closer. "Good to see you still among us. How ya doing?"


The bunkhouse is dim and quiet. Only an hour before dawn, more people had been present, in the last few minutes of lucidness from Jeff before he lapsed into unconsciousness.

Softly, someone opens the door, careful not to make much noise. They take in the scene before moving inside, letting the door shut with a quiet click.

Approaching Katie's sleeping figure in the chair, they squat down in front of her and gently take her hands.

"Hey," Jason whispers, looking up at her face. "You awake enough to say hi?"

Thank you.

Continuing to look up at Leo Ryan can feel his fingers brush aganst her own and it brings a small warmth to her. Turning her hand over Ryan catches Leo's fingers gentily in her own and intertwines her fingers with his. Just knowing he was close helped her not feel so scaired. Hard on the outside she was, but deep down she had fears of her own like the next person.

"Thank you for coming Leo. It...means alot."

Turning her head a little so it was resting against the pillow comfortably closing her eyes. It was to hard to keep them open.

"Miles, I know your here somewhere. I'm sorry I gave....you quite....the...the...scare. I...scared myself, but..I wanted to do what was right. I told Roth the bet was off, I told him it was over so...so Leo wouldnt get hert, but he didnt listen. He wont stop, not till he gets whats owed to him."

Ryan fades in and out of coutiousness from the meds babbling here and there. Repeting some things the police needed to know, and some than maybe no one needed to know.

But in a final moment before sleep over took her Ryan gave a squeeze to Leo's hand taking in a deep breath and gives a little quiver.

"I....thank you Leo."

Finally Ryan feel into a deep sleep as the mids kicked in to help her sleep.

Consistently staying at Jeff's side Katie never left it now. Not to eat, not to sleep, since her talk with Jason this was her new post. Katie new the time was coming, and it would come all to soon, but she wouldnt move, she would wait, Her hand in Jeff's staying close.

"I"m here Dad, I love you. I'm here."

Closing her eyes and leaning her head on Jeff's shoulder as she sat in the chair facing the bed Katie says a not so quick prayer for him. She didnt want her day to die but she new it would happen. She just didnt want him to be in pain anymore. She prayed God would keep him comfortable, and give him peace in his last moments.

Fingers

Leo's eyes flicker as he suddenly realizes that Ryan is awake. He thought he'd get away with slipping out again without her knowing he'd been there. For a split second, he feels like bolting. But his soft spot is too big for that. He didn't know what to think right now. He didn't know what Ryan really thought about him, and he didn't know where they stood or anything. He just knew that he'd been terribly upset... still was. But here Ryan was, helpless and hurt, and if he was mad at her, it just made him feel guilty now.

"I... Miles called me," he answers lamely. His stomach turned a little.

Silent, he shifts his weight from one foot to the other. Looking down, he sees Ryan's fingers move, and his chest contracts. He felt rotten and he didn't know what to do. But there really was no point in making her feel worse right now... not in her condition.

Moving a step closer, he takes a hand out of his pocket and reaches it down to brush her fingers with his own. "Get... better, okay?"


Gunner wanders through the grass, the cool blades surrounding his bare feet. His pantlegs are rolled up above his ankles as he carefully picks his way around twigs and leaves, the moonlight guiding his strange patterns. He's the only one present out behind the apartment building, in the grassy lot.

Silently spinning, he lays his head back and stares up at the sky, his arms outstretched. Something about it felt good. As if it was a safe haven. The feel of the grass on his feet, the cool night air, the vast array of stars... it all felt... familiar.


Jeff writhes in bed, his sheets soaked in sweat as his fever raged. He mumbles in his sleep of no peace. Becky is there and mops his brow, but he doesn't wake. He hadn't woken since that morning, and he was only getting worse.

Standing, Becky takes the bowl and cloth to go get some fresh water. Passing Katie, she gives her a grim look. It wouldn't be long now.

Smile

Hearing voices Ryan trys to pull herself out of the fog she had fallen in. Her mind was cloudy on what happened, but she new last she was at her race and Miles had been there so more than likly it was him coming into the room.

Turning her head finally it take much effort with the drugs to have controll of what she did. Still keeping it on the pillow Ryan slowly opens her eyes. Bringing the face that looked at her slowly into focus Ryan was a little surprised to see Leo staring back at her. Not even relizing anyone else was in the room.

A small smile spreads across her lips very small as the one side was a little puffy. Her eyes were glossy from the medication but she did her best to get some small whisper out.

"Hey! You...came. Why...how did you..you...know I was here?"

Ryan winces a little as a wave of pain hits her but as soon as it had come, it was now gone. Still looking at Leo Ryan doesn't turn away her eyes glued to him. Maybe if she took the energy to look away she wouldnt look back in time and he would be gone.

Moving her fingers twords Leo just a little Ryan wanted to keep his hand in her to know he was really there. It must of ment he still cared right? But her just had no strangth to reach out her hang.

A minute or two

Those waiting are all on alert as the doctor comes in to explain about Ryan. Miles and Axel get to their feet, while Leo remains seated, his shoulders drooping.

Once the explanation is done, Miles gives a nod, "Thank you, doctor. Appreciate all you've done." He turns to Leo, who had undergone a quick sobering up by Axel before arriving. "You coming?"

Leo shakes his head.

"Well then why did you even come?"

"Just bug off, alright?"

"Look, Ryan cares about you," Miles states flatly. "She told me things, Leo... No matter how it got to that point, she does care, and I dare say came pretty close if not all the way to falling in love with you."

Heat rises to Leo's face. "Yeah, but if it hadn't been for a stupid bet, she never would have given me a second glance. I came to see if she was alright... so now I know."

Miles glares at him. "So help me... if you don't get in there, I'll drag you."

Leo grits his teeth, but gets to his feet anyway. "Fine. Three minutes, then she's all yours." Scuffing his feet on the tile floor, he heads down the hall to where the room is. Once there though, he hesitates. He didn't know if the sick feeling in his stomach was from his bar outing, or his emotions. Eventually, he enters the room, quietly walking to the bed. There were so many tubes and wires... Leo hated hospitals.

With his hands tucked safely in his hoodie pockets, he approaches, not really knowing what to feel. Ryan looked asleep. He didn't want to wake her. Maybe if he just stayed in here a minute or two, Miles would leave him alone.

Protection

Her eyes were close, and Ryan felt so cold but feeling Miles hand in her own brought comfort knowing her friend was there close to her. She hurt but felt nothing at the same time it was a very strange and terrifying feeling.

Once at the hospetil Ryan is rushed into the ER. The bullet didnt have an exit wound so it was still inside of her. They would have to do surgery to get it out, not to mentil a blood transfustion from the amount of blood she lost.

Sometimes doing whats right comes with a price when you try to make up for the wrong and the time goes by as the life of a friend hangs in the balance. Would she be ok? Had much damage been done? How slow time can go by as the worry in a room can continue. Not hearing a word could mean good or bad and those who cared where left in the dark the agonizing seconds that passed seemed long than than the last.

Finally three hours last a tall blond woman exits the ER. Her scrubs showed she had cleaned up a little but had just returned from doing something extensive. First going to the nurses station the woman leans over to one of the computers looking at a few things before turning to the nurse. After the nurse gives a nod to the small group of friends the woman gives them a smile before walking over and extending her hand.

"Good evening gentlemen, I am Dr. Fuller, I took care of your friend tonight."

Thought Dr. Fuller's eyes had a soft calming warmth to them they also held a seriousness to them for the situation.

"Let me start off by saying that the surgery went well, and we were able to find the bullet and remove it. Ryan was very lucky that the bullet wasnt a few more inches to the right or it would of pierced her heart."

Taking a seat across from the men, Dr. Fuller lets out a small sigh as she looks each of them in the face for a long moment. Ryan had been that close to death, and it could be a hard thing to handle at first.

"Ryan lost alot of blood and again she is very lucky. She has a very rare blood type that is almost impossable to find. But earlyer in the day we happened to have a blood drive and that was one of the blood types we encountered. The Lord was definitely watching over your friend today for more than one reason and in many ways."

Dr. Fuller gives a nod as she thinks to herself for a moment and lifting up a thanks in her own find for the hand that had guided Ryan. It was obveus a higher power had other plans for her and it was not her time.

"Ryan may have some complications with her right arm but it's nothing to worry about at the moment. Though she will have to refrain from moving it for a while. She has a few bruses, and she is going to be quite sore for a while but the biggest worry we have right now is that her body with accept the blood we used and not reject it because it was not a family members."

Letting out another small sigh and standing Dr. Fuller gives a smile again before continuing with her final words.

"I would suggest maybe trying to contact her family so incase her body dosnt accept the blood, we have some backup. Other than that you guys are free to go in and see her if you like. She is pretty doped up from the meds right now, and might be out of it, but your more than free to go in. Just try not to ryler her up to much so she doesn't tear the stitching and her body dosnt stress out. Stress could cause her body to reject the blood as well."

Feeling the quiet around her Ryan lay in the bed. Her body felt numb from the medicine, and her mind was almost blank. She couldn't really think about much at the moment everything seemed so foggy. A soft breeze could be felt under her noise as the tubes pumped oxygen. The soft beeping sounds of masheens echoed in the quiet. A gauze bandage wrapped around Ryan's shoulder, patway down her arm and her chest the mark bore from the sugary. Closing her eyes to stop the room from spinning one would think she was asleep, but she was very much awake.

Sit tight

Miles remains quiet, just letting Ryan ramble, and not really knowing how much was true or just her making things up. It didn't matter though - as long as she was still alive, there was still a chance.

"Shh... it'll be okay, Ryan... I'll make sure Leo knows, alright?" Blood oozed between his fingers as he continued the pressure on the wound. "I'll tell him... he doesn't think you hate him, okay?"

Once the paramedics arrive, Miles is pushed to the side, and stands helplessly watching until he's approached.

"Um, I..." He tries to sort through all of the rapid questions. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. There was a fight over a bet and Ryan got shot." He shakes his head. "She's got brothers? I think? I don't know." He blinks, then nods. "Yeah, I'll ride with her." He glances around at the empty spaces where people had been - they'd all fled at the sign of trouble. "At this point, I'm the closest thing she's got." And that really wasn't saying much.

Once he's in the ambulance, he finds his phone and dials Leo, but gets his voicemail. "Dang it, Leo... where are you? I'm on the way to the hospital with Ryan. She got shot, Leo. It was Roth. Call me or show up, would ya?"

It isn't long before the hospital is in sight, and Miles follows the crew lamely until they get inside and he's separated from Ryan. Standing numbly in the waiting area, he doesn't even remember that his t-shirt is stained with blood. He doesn't want to go home and change... no, he would stay and make sure Ryan would be okay.


Leo hears his phone go off in his pocket, but he ignores it, taking another sip of his beer.

Ron quirks an eyebrow, having realized that Leo wasn't going to call anybody to pick him up. "That could be that friend you need to drive," he hints.

Leo smirks and rolls his eyes. "Whatever." Finishing up his beer, he sets his money on the counter. Hearing the laughter and talking going on behind him just made him feel worse. It was time he got out of here. "Thanks, Ron. See you later."

"I hope not," Ron mentions under his breath as he watches Leo walk slowly to the door.

Getting into the fresh air seems to revive a few of Leo's senses, but getting to his car, he just leans on it a moment, trying to decide if he really should drive or not. Sighing, he pulls out his phone and listens to whatever Miles had to say. When he hears the message though, his blood runs cold and he stands stunned. Ryan? Shot? But... He swallows hard as his heart begins to race. He couldn't think very quickly at the moment, and he tried his best to figure out what he should be doing. Finally, he dials a number to the only one he could really trust to help him in a situation like this. "Axel?"

"Leo? Do you know what time it is?"

"Yeah, yeah... I need a ride. To the hospital."

"Are you okay?"

"It's not me, it's Ryan. Just please..."

"Okay, okay, where are you?"

"Um.... I'm down at the bar."

Axel sighs. "Great, Leo."

"Please, Axel! I... I don't know if I could drive myself there or not, but I want to go. Ryan got shot at the races and I want to go find out if she's okay!"

There's a pause before Axel makes up his mind. "Sit tight, I'll be right there."

Questions

Moving in and out of cautiousness Ryan can hear everything going on around her though her body felt cold. Hearing Miles voice though Ryan trys her best to stay with it but the lose of blood was making it so hard to stay awake and even make seance of anything.

Opening her eyes just a little a glassed far off looked staired up at Miles as she tried to focus on one of the two images she saw of him. Her words were mumbled but she new that she had to try and stay contous as long as she could talking, was the best way. Though there was a lack of knowing what should be said and what shouldn't.

"I...I tried to telAl Roth the bet was off. As soon as I..."

Ryan takes in a deep breath from the pain she felt as she gave a shiver under Miles hand.

"..as I started falling for Le...Leo I called him and told him the bet was off. I....gah...would guess that, that was what love felt like but...only intensified and I didn't want to mess that up."

Closing her eyes for a moment Ryan can feel herself slipping. She was so tired, and everything was starting to get quiet around her. One might thing she had passed out again. But starting to talk away proved she wasnt though her voice was becoming softer.

"But Roth wouldnt take no I guess, and came looking for his money. I should of just given it to him...now....now...I lost Leo, my money and the race. Now...he's"

Ryan coughs as a bit of blood runs down the side of her mouth, the sirens could be heard in the distance drawing closer, and finally Ryan stops coughing.

"He's gonna think I hate him forever now, and he'll never really believe I cared so much. He was my dream, the one I thought I'd never find."

A tear rolls down Ryan's eye as she looks up at Miles again. Her mind thought about everything and nothing at the same time. Images of Leo flashed through her mind from over the last few months of working with him, getting to know him more, and spending time with him.

"I feel so cold Miles. I..."

Ryan wanted to say so much more but it took so much stranth just to talk and soon the paramedics where by her side with Mile.

"Excuse me sir let us though please. Give us room."

Things were chaotic and hectic for the next few moments as they worked on Ryan and didnt there best to stop the bleeding for now. So much blood had been lost.

Taking Miles to the side the one paramedic looks him over as well the blood that stained on his cloths was hard to tell if it was his own are Ryan's.

"Sir are you ok? What happened? Are you related to her? Does she have any family in the area to contact? Do you want to ride to the hospital with her?"

Hang in there

Leo twirls the empty shot glass in his hand, staring down at the polished bar. His hair was a bit matted, and his hoodie hung loosely on him, looking like he'd slept in it the night before. "Gimme another one, Ron."

The bartender quirks an eyebrow as he cleans some glasses. "Leo, I've only seen you a few times, but I know you don't usually go for the hard liquor."

"Just shut up and give it to me."

Ron shrugs and does as he's asked. Sliding the shot to Leo, his eyes look across the room to where a blonde woman sits on the knee of a man who is the center of attention at a loud table. "Oh, I get it. That your girl?"

Leo scoffs. "No."

"Saw you two together at-"

"She's not my girl!" Leo downs the whiskey, wincing as it burns his throat. "She just... did me a favor."

Ron's eyes widen.

"Not that kind of favor," Leo retorts, going back to his beer. "It was stupid anyway. I don't know what I was thinking." Resting his elbows on the counter, he runs a hand over his face. "Besides, she doesn't really care about me anyway."

"Her?" Ron points.

"No, not her." Leo rolls his eyes. "Just the girl of my dreams who turned out to be a nightmare instead."

"Oh, one of those."

"Look, she's not like that."

"You just said-"

"I know what I said!" Leo shoves his empty beer bottle to the side. "Just stop trying to figure it out... I don't even know the answers. Just... give me another beer."

Ron cocks his head. "You driving tonight?"

"So what?"

Ron frowns.

"Alright, I'll call a friend. Come on. I'll be out of your hair as soon as I empty the bottle."




It wasn't strange to hear shouting, and even a scream now and then. But the chaos that ensued before the race wasn't normal. It was a rough crowd, but violence wasn't something that was tolerated. But tonight - everything seemed to break loose, and for what? Money.

When the shots are fired, everyone scatters. Miles looks around quickly, trying to figure out where it had come from. Like a shockwave, people were spreading out from a point where he could just see Ryan's car.

Shoving against the flow of panicked people, he muscles his way through, finally spotting only a couple people left, kneeling over Ryan's body.

"Ryan!" Miles sprints to the car, sliding down on his knees next to her. "Oh this is not good... Ryan... Ryan, can you hear me? Somebody call 911."

"Dude, you want them here? That's - "

Miles whips around and grabs a guy by the collar. "You call 911," he hisses, "or you're gonna be the next reason the ambulance needs to come."

"Alright, alright!" The young man dials, giving brief directions.

Miles puts pressure to Ryan's wound with his hand. "Come on, Ryan... hang in there."

Panic

Continuing to listen to Mick Dan walks just nodding her head here and there. He couldnt help but he a little disappointed in hearing Katie had someone but he was happy for her, and hoped Jason would come to his senses and come to Katie. She was something special that much Dan could tell.

"I hope Jason knows what he has. Katie is a nice, pretty girl who would great catch for anyone."

Getting into the truck and putting his seat belt on Dan stops for a moment an almost glazed look in his eyes as Mick asks him about a woman in his life. Soon the look was gone as Dan turns his head to Mick and gives a half grin.

"Nah, no woman for me. Someday the right woman will come along for me again. At the moment I dont much mind being a batchler. So where is this hay we need to get?"

Receiving Jason's sympathy makes Katie feel a little better. Maybe thats what she needed, just for him to show he cared a little more. And knowing he was going to at least try made Katie feel good inside knowing he cared.

"Ok, at least you said your going to try. Thank you!"

Katie lets out a long sigh and gives a nod of her head even though Jason couldnt see her.

"I love you to Jason, More than anything in the world. I'll hang as much as I can till you get here. Hope to see you again J."

"You owe me 300.00 you know Ryan."

Ryan looks over the roof of her car as the larder man who stood with 3 other of his friends. She new who the man was and why he was here, but the amount of money he wanted was more than she had told him.

"I dont owe you 300.00 I owe you 150.00"

"Dont give me that and try to get out of it. You and Leo arnt together anymore fair and squair you owe me 300.00."

Coming around to the other side of her car Ryan keeps her arms folded across her chest. She held her ground. Really she was in no mood for games, let alone ones that involved Leo.

"I told your Roth the moment I started falling for Leo the bet was off and I meant it. I was wrong for what I did and I wanted to keep the happyness I found. Its over now, but I still ment it the bet was off. You get 150.00 after the race."

"I want the money now, all of it there is no backing out Ryan. Don't be stupid just give it to me."

"I said afterwords Roth, 150.00 after words. Now go bother some of your other friends before I lose my cool."

Turning her back to Roth Ryan reaches to open for her car door. The race was going to start and she had no time for this.

What happened in the next few moments was so fast. A gun was drawn, a temper flaired. Shots rung out, people panicked and screamed. Money was take and people fled. In what seemed like the blink of an eye all was quiet and the only remint left of a deal gone wrong was the bloody heap of a body next to Ryan's car, the breaths taken were short, the palus slow, and the crimson blood stain on the chest growing bigger as it soaked through her shirt.

I'll ask

The three guys just stare at Ryan, seeming to feel more sheepish than upset with her for pouncing on them. It works though. As Ryan walks away, the guys look at each other, and silently decide not to keep picking on the same subject. It wasn't worth it.



"They will..." Mick nods his head as he starts the truck. His eyes give Dan a sidelong glance. He knew the young man had a lot of questions running through his mind. "Sometimes two people just need to grow a little on their own before they come together." This he knew well, though he hoped Jason and Katie would find happiness in a much shorter time than he and Rosetta had.

"Jason and Katie have come a long, long way. They've been through a lot, apart and together, and they've been dealt a hard hand in life. But... if I know them, they'll make it. What about you?"

Mick cocks his head, a little grin on his face. "You've been here how long? I have yet to hear of any woman in your life."



Jason lets out a long sigh. "Oh, Katie..." He couldn't imagine what she was feeling right now. "I'm so sorry... I know Rick's still working..." He knew that didn't help much. He'd heard Scott had helped out, but he also had heard Rick and Misty hadn't had any successes yet.

Thinking a moment, he closes his eyes. "I don't know if Reese will let me go or not..." His voice trails off and he kicks himself. He'd just gotten back, realizing some ways in which he needed to change, and this was his only response to her now? "...but I'll ask him, okay?"

He bites his lip and glances out his office towards the infirmary. "There's... something I need to talk to you about too... but not until I see you."

Another pause. Why he felt awkward, he didn't know. "I love you, Hero... hang in there for me, okay?"



Gunner leans back in his chair and fires another rubber band into Susanne's empty office. Another bullseye. With his feet up on his desk, he rocks a little, his mind wandering too much to concentrate on paperwork. Why he was hesitating to call Ned, he didn't know. The thought of ghosts kept coming to mind, even though he tried to get around it. But he couldn't just give up his life's work in one moment... could he?

Company

Putting on her gloves before the race Ryan makes her way through everyone. It had been a long afternoon with three races down already and her pockets full. Out on the track her mind was free and it was a great place to forget about everything. If it hadnt been for that reason she would of called it quits a race back and went home with what she had already.

Passing by the small group Ryan can't help but hear Leo's name stopping for a moment to hear what was being said. Ryan wasnt nosie but with everything going on she couldnt help but think it had something to do with it.

Hearing what was being said about the person she still did in fact care for Ryan cant feel a small burn form as she cant help but speak up.

"Leo has more brains than you guys ever will, he let go when he new it was best for him. That take more guts than this here..."

Ryan waves her hand to the race track.

"...ever will take. If I could go back and change what I did, I would so I could hold onto Leo a little long. Money, who cares about money. When it comes to the heart thats worth more than diamonds or pearls ever will."

Ryan shakes her head as she trys to calm herself down. She wasnt even sure why she was saying all this. These guys were just going to laugh when she walked away anyways.

"Dont you guys have better things to do than but into other people's business. Just watch the race."

Finishing putting her gloves on Ryan shakes her head again and makes her way to her car. Another half houre and the race would start. It would give her enough time to show off her car, and get some money in for the bet.

Following behind Mike Dan trys to process his comment as he hasnt said anything more on it. Life line...what did that mean? Just staying quiet for now Dan listens to Mick. Well if Jason was Katie's boyfriend and hadnt come to see her he could understand why she was upset. He'd be pretty upset too.

"If they are that close though...oh never mind its non of my never mind anyways."

Dan lets out a long sigh as he got into Mick's truck. He liked Katie, she was nice, seemed fun and was extremely pretty he hated seeing her so sad.

"I hope things work out for her."

Seeing her phone ring Katie puts it up and answers it. Her position was still in the grass where she was sat earlier as she leaned back just looking up at the clouds in the sky that passed up. Her mind raced but she was trying to come to conclusions, and figure things out.

Hearing Jason's voice Katie hadnt exspected him to call her back so fast. But hearing that voice was nice, it was water to a thirst soul even if she didnt know what he was going to say yet.

Listing to Jason Katie wanted to say so much back, like she wasnt asuming anything, and she didnt think anything but that would be a lie. Jason felt he needed to get this off his chest, than he needed to and make this was the best sorry she was going to get but she would take it.

"I miss you alot too J, and well I've been going through some changes with myself..."

Katie thinks for a long moment. She was ready to go back but she couldnt not now with Jeff.

"...J I found out Jeff is really my father. Its confusing I know but I cant explain more because I dont know more right now. But he only has a few days left to live. I cant leave now. See if Reese will let you come back out to see me for a day or two so we can talk? I could use the company"

Lots going on

The guys in the shop all look up as Ryan makes her exit. No one had expected her to leave early, but no one was all that surprised either.

"Yeah," Jed answers her. "We'll cover for ya. Get outta here." He waves her off. "See ya tomorrow. Good luck tonight."


"Seen Leo around?"

"Nah. Doubt you will. Not after he ain't with that chick driver no more."

"Oh?"

The two men talked off to the side as a small group of racers preparing for that night's course, at the familiar hangout on the edge of town. "Yeah didn't you hear? He dumped her for some blonde thing."

"I heard Ryan dumped him," a third guy chimes in.

The second laughs. "That'd be more like it. Leo's a lot of show and talk, but he don't got the brains to back any of it up."

"I'm surprised he kept Ryan around as long as he did."

"Don't let that fool ya either. I head it was all a bet. Never was serious to begin with."

"Poor guy."

"He was asking for it - the way he flirts with anything with two long legs? I bet it was a funny sight to see him when she broke the news."

All three crack up.

"Yeah. The fool prolly learned his lesson the hard way. We ought to hook him up with Sandy - now that would be funny!"

"Do they give out stupid rewards?!"

They crack up again at the expense of the one who wasn't even there to defend himself.


Receiving Katie's comment, Cindy bites her lip as the younger woman walks away. She hadn't even been thinking when she'd blurted all that out to Mick. Sighing deeply, she tries to forget about it. What was done was done.


Mick grimaces as he sees Katie leave. Great. He'd been wrong. She had overheard them. Before he can think too much about it though, Dan interrupts his thoughts.

"Jason is Katie's lifeline." Mick shakes his head. "Come on."

Waiting until they were outside and on their way to the barn, he explains further. "Jason's her boyfriend... they've been extremely close... closer than most people can understand. It's... hard to explain, so I'll just leave it at that, for now." He eyes Dan as they walk. "They're just going through a rough time right now. A lot is happening in both their lives."


Jason enters the little diner, his gaze finding Camryn sitting in the far booth. She didn't see him yet, giving him a moment to collect his thoughts. His heart gave a little jump. But he didn't like it, even if it felt good. It wasn't supposed to be there, and he knew it. That little jump belonged to someone else. Maybe he was still trying to sort through his mess of feelings but... a few things were starting to clear up.

Taking a deep breath, he moves forward, deciding to put off that topic until it was time to go...


"...You look tired."

Jason nods, his eyes showing his tiredness, even after the lunchtime meal. "Early morning to get back here at this time."

Camryn grins. "And let me guess... Reese won't let you have the afternoon off."

"You kidding? I didn't even want to ask. Getting two days off was bad enough. Though honestly, the look in his eye said 'don't let the door hit ya on the way out.'" Jason shrugs. "I'll do a few extra jobs and I'll get back on his good side again."

Camryn stirs her iced tea with her straw a few moments before looking back at him. "There's more on your mind than just work."

"That obvious?"

"Mm-hmm. You've been quiet since you got here."

Jason leans back in his chair and runs his hands through his hair. "Oh, I don't know. I guess... I guess the last few days I've just been thinking a lot... kinda hard for a man to admit he's been wrong, ya know?"

Camryn smiles a little. "Kinda hard for a woman, too. What was your epiphany about? Katie?"

"You're too smart for your own good."

"Oh, so I'm right."

Jason can't help his sheepish grin. "Maybe. I don't know. Just... hard sorting through it all. I keep getting bombarded with information and different angles and perspectives and I keep coming to the conclusion that there are a lot of those perspectives, not just mine. And I don't know... I guess maybe sometimes I think I've got the wrong one."
He wraps his fingers around his glass, his eyes falling to the floating ice cubes. "You know... if Katie were here... we wouldn't be... I mean..."

Camryn gives a little sigh, her smile fading. "Yeah, I know. Third time's the charm, right? If you're trying to say this is it, just say it quick."

Jason looks up again, his eyes apologizing. "I'm sorry. I hope we can still hang out or something later... find yourself a guy and maybe we can double-date. I just... I guess maybe thinking so much, I realized that seeing you... like this... it just opens up too many doors that I need to stay away from."

"You haven't done anything wrong. You-"

"I know. But I don't want to start, either." Jason shrugs lamely. "I've already betrayed Katie's trust enough."

"I understand." Though disappointed, Camryn did know he was right. "I'm sorry for putting you in this position. I probably should have kept my distance. I was just... glad to see a friend and... maybe was too enthusiastic."

"No... no, it's okay. Seeing you has... well... it's sort of reminded me of what I got. So don't be sorry."

"Alright. See you around then?"

"Yeah... yeah, I'll be around." Jason gives a little nod. "Thanks, Camryn."

She gives him as much of a smile as she can. "Katie's got a real winner in you. Try to work things out with her, eh? You two belong with each other."

"You think?"

"I know."

It's a short while later when Jason is back and TJY again. Lunch really hadn't gone as planned, and he was exhausted, but... at the same time, he could feel that finally, finally he was starting to work out a few things in his mind.

Back in his office, he's got several voice mails waiting from the last few days, and he's tempted to skip them, but eventually he decides he better listen to them. The last one catches him off guard, and hearing what Katie has to say, he can feel the heat in his face. He hadn't talked to her at all for several days, and now she knew he'd been in Texas, and Sapphire had spilled the beans about Camryn. Great, just great. He doesn't hesitate to pick up his cell phone and dial Katie back.

"Katie, it's me..." He leans back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he tries to figure out what to say. "Look, whatever you're thinking just... just stop, alright? I've... well I've just had to sort out some things in my own mind and I'm sorry if it confused you."

He pauses, wondering how deep the damage went. "I love you too. And... and I miss you. Please don't assume anything about my trip or... or Camryn or anything, okay? 'Cause it's not important now. I just..." He sighs. This wasn't coming out at all like it should. "I can't explain over the phone," he finishes lamely.

Message

Continuing to listen Hope can feel herself become more and more confused. She new Katie, and she new her Aunt but the history in the family she didnt really know and this whole thing just made it worse. But trying her best to peace everything together Hope just continues to listing knowing that Scott needed her close. If for anything just to know he wasn't alone.

Coming up behind Rick Misty reaches out to touch the paper in witch Scott had drawn along with the other strand of DNA they had. Her brain taking there mental pictures, and the wheels already working as she saw a few possibility.

"I still don't understand any of this that's going on over in Texas with Katie, Jay, and Jeff but I can already see some possibles and its more than what we did have."

Looking to Scott and giving a smile and a slight nod of her head Misty was sensear.

"Thank you Scott, that was a great job you did."

Never leaving his side, writing, crumpling, throughing away, uncrumpling, throwing away again time and time again Misty continued to work with Rick. Calling off her date with Carson once again Misty gives her many sorrys as she explains what she was working on was big and could very well save Jeff's life. There was no time to wast. Even as her own body wanted to rest Misty will it forward, this was her job, this was her life, this is what she loved to do. And so they continues to work as day turned to night, and night turned to day once again...

Keeping to herself and working quietly Ryan's mind never stoped working. Only it wasnt work, or her races she was thinking about. Leo was what clouded her mind, a way to say sorry, a way to let him know she did care even as she came up blank her mind just reverted back to the look on his face two days ago. The pain she had seen, the hurt she had caused.

Not even hearing Jed at first Ryan continues to work trying to losen a bolt on the engine. At the moment his voice breaks through the bolt gives and Ryan slips slicing her hand on another sharp peace of metal. Letting a curse slip from her lips she looks up at Jed not noticing the harsh tone in her voice as her hand throbbed.

"What...what I am trying to work?!"

Relizing after she said it how her voice must have sounded Ryan shook her head as she wrapped her rag around her bleeding hand. Coming around the car she stops next to Jed giving him an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry Jed, I am not sure when Darrel will be back. I am pretty sure before he left he had said late tonight or early tomorrow, but....dont hold me to that might get me into trouble."

Letting out a long sigh Ryan holds up her hand to indacate she was going to take care of it before blood got everywhere. Turning to head over to the bathroom Ryan stops as she spots the blond and sees Leo go to her.

Ryan can feel her heart stop, and than start again as her stomach churns and it feels like someone reached in twisting it all around. Watching them leave Ryan cant help as her eyes follow them.

Once they are out of the shop her eyes stay on the door for a long moment as she blinks away something wet that had formed in her eyes. Finally moving again Ryan makes her way to the bathroom to clean and wrap her hand. It only takes moment to finish but before she leaves Ryan just looks for a long moment in the mirror. Giving a shake of her head Ryan turns and heads out of the bathroom once more heading back to the car she had been working on.

Looking down at it for a long moment Ryan couldnt get her brain to focus on it again. It just wouldnt work. Shutting the hood with a bang Ryan grabs her jacket and looks over at the other guys.

"I have to get out of here. Mind covering for me if Darrel decieds to come back early?"

Katie sat quietly at the end of the table not really joining in much conversation. She had been so tired and really didnt want to leave Jeff but Angel was with him and she needed to get something to eat. So coming to the dinning hall seemed to be the best solution if only for a little while.

Now thought after starting to hear a little bit of Mick and Cindy's conversation she wondered if she really would of been better off not knowing. Jason had been out, and not once did he come to the ranch. He new Jeff was dying, and he new Katie was having a hard time with it but still he didnt come? Why?

Standing almost abruptly Katie starts to make her way to the door. She didnt know if she was mad, or just hurt Jason hadnt come to see her. Stoping by Cindy to give Kaylee a little pat Katie looks at Cindy trying to give a small smile.

"I'm happy you had a nice time while Jason was out. Must of been good to see him."

Lowing her eyes again Katie finishs making her way to the door before slipping through it.

Watching from his own seat down Dan had noticed Katie's reaction and over heard the conversation himself. A little confused he was still concerned for Katie.

Poping the last chip into his mouth Dan stands as Mick called him. Looking twords him he throws his stetson back on his head before taking the short strides to Mick's side.

"Yeah, yeah yeah I'm ready."

Just standing there for a moment looking twords the door Katie had gone out he couldnt help but get a strange vibe and feel bad for her again.

"Sooo..who's Jason and why does Katie look so upset over not seeing him?"

Making her way across the grass once more Katie takes in a deep breath and lets it out seeing her own breath in front of her as it was a little colder today. She told herself not to over react, and to stay clam but she still couldn't help but be upset. Finally pulling her phone out Katie dials his number at the office wondering if he was back there yet.

Just letting it ring Katie figures the voice mail in his office would pick up any moment as all unanswered calls were reverted there. But much to Katie's surprise on the ring before the voice mail would pick up she heard a very familiar voice and for a moment was a little surprised.

"Thank your for calling The Elite how can I help you?"

"Sapphire?"

"Yes?"

"Hey its Katie long time no talk I guess I wasnt exspecting you to answer the phone."

Katie tryed to sound cheery but new she was doing a fail job at it. It was just so hard.

"Oh Hey Hero, yeah the last few says Susanne has been sick, and everyone had been pretty busy, Jamie has been using a bunch of sick time too so I was here and free. Did you need to talk to Reese?"

Katie pases in the grass a nervous habbit she noticed she had picked up since coming here.

"No actually I was wanting to talk to Jason please."

Thinking a moment Sapphire cocks her not seeing Jason back yet.

"He's out to lunch right now, but he's usely back in about a half hour. Camryn has to be to work but than most days."

Taken back for a moment and feeling like she had reserved a punch to the gut Katie managed a whisper, maybe she had heard wrong.

"Cam...Camryn is back in town?"

"Oh yeah, she had been back for a while now. Jason spends most of his lunches with her I am suprised he never said anything."

"Must...oh slipped his mind. Can you send me to his voice mail please?"

"Yeah sure thing Katie. It was good talking to you. We miss you here, hope you come home soon."

Hearing a beep Katie knows Sapphire was patching her over to Jason's voicemail. As the silence lingers Katie has time to think and she dosent like what her own mind come up with. Maybe thats why he didnt tell her he was here. Maybe things were....

Getting cut off Jason's voice mail comes on the link and Katie waits. She didnt even know what she was going to say but now she had to say something.

"Hey J. I...well..."

Katie lets out a long sigh as she shakes her head and sinks down onto the wet grass a small tear rolling out of her eye. She thought she was getting better, she felt like she was gaining control and now it felt like things were crumbling down.

"Sapphire told me you were out to lunch with Camryn, so I figured I wouldn't bother you on your cell. I just wanted to tell you, you mom really appreciated you came to see her. She really missed you a lot. I hope next time I'll get to see you too."

Katie is silent for a moment as she can feel her emotions well even more, like a brick was on her chest.

"Anyways, have a good lunch and I'll talk to ou soon I guess. Take care J. I...love you."

Katie's last words were soft and trailed off as she hung up the phone. Just continuing to sit in the glass as the small tears rolled down her cheek.

No visit

Rick stares at the paper, lost in thought before finally paying attention to Hope's question. "No... but this might get us started in the right direction. If this is a formula to something they gave Jeff, we can work backward. But... why would that be in Jay's file? That still doesn't make complete sense."

He turns the paper, still studying it, making sure Misty can see it, too. "Wait... I bet this isn't specifically anything from Jay... I bet this is a diagram of dna that's been manipulated by their own formula... But how does that help us?"

Scott furrows his brow, still trying to think. Surely he hadn't discovered something just for it to mean nothing. "Why did I think of Jay's file?" he whispers. He couldn't remember how his mind had gotten there.

"Okay..." Rick holds up his hands. "Let's start over. The Agency thinks that Jay is the one who had their formula in him because they believe Katie is his daughter. Somehow, it wound up being Jeff instead though. So any documentation about that particular formula would be in Jay's file. Right?"

Scott almost cringes, trying to keep it all straight. Hope's hand on his shoulder was about the only thing keeping him afloat at the moment. "How does that help us?"

"I don't know." If it weren't so serious, the situation would almost seem comical. Rick paces, paper in hand. "Wait! I got it! ...No... no that wouldn't be it. I didn't think there was a connection between this thing with Jeff and the ability phenomenon." He continues to pace.

Scott's eyes widen. "You said this looks like dna. What about Jeff's? What does his look like?"

Rick goes to his own files and digs out a printout, laying both papers side by side on the counter. "Misty, take a look at this.... here's the Agency's... here's Jeff's... they almost match... but... Jeff's has been broken down... almost like it's deteriorated compared to this other diagram. But... why?"

"It's what they gave him," Scott concludes. "The Agency didn't know Jeff's own dna had been manipulated from their formula - they thought it was Jay. So whatever was leaking out of his capsule to begin with, started breaking this down... it was a direct attack on what had been fused into his own system."

"That's it!" Rick straightens quickly. "That's it! The Agency has a way to destroy their own monster! It's not a pill or a suppressant like they gave Katie... or like I made for her and Jason. They still didn't know that Jeff is Katie's father, so they tested their new and improved agent on him... he was just an easy target because he was the first person to carry the original formula in the first place - in the capsule with the chip. This time perhaps they were even trying to place a substance in his bloodstream that wouldn't harm him or be detected like a chip, but if they ever lost their data, they could just get a hold of some of his blood, break it down and find their formula again."

Scott's eyes widen. "And they didn't realize they were working on their own target."

"Exactly. The formula that's in Jeff now, the Agency knows can destroy the connection between Katie and Jason. Unfortunately, they didn't know that they were injecting someone who already had a piece of the puzzle in his dna, so what happens... it starts eating him alive. If it were Katie and Jason, it would remove the elements from them that give them abilities and they would be forever normal. But for Jeff - he contains only a few pieces, enough for the formula to recognize and attack, but without the rest of the agent in him, this formula would attack his own system, and in turn, make him sick."

"Until he dies."

Rick's excitement over the discovery is brought to a solemn halt. "Yes."

"What can we do though? If what's killing him is basically an anti-mutation, then how can you fight that?"

"We give him what Jason and Katie have and let the formula destroy it without feeding on his own healthy system."

The rest of the day, into the night and all through the next day, Rick doesn't leave the infirmary. With little sleep, he works alongside Misty, trying to recreate a formula to give Jeff to give the substance something else to feed off of. But time was running out, and Rick feared that they would not find the solution in time. And even if they did, it was no guarantee that Jeff would ever recover...


"Yo, Leo, where were you yesterday, man? Looked all over for ya!"

Leo doesn't look up from his engine, in order to answer Jed. "I was out."

"Out. You can be so cryptic sometimes, you know that?"

"Naw, that's Axel."

"Now that guy can creep me out," Miles chimes in. "Yesterday I turned around and there he was. 'Bout scared me out of my pants. I swear he's part Indian."

Jed smirks and clinks around in an engine. "Hey, Ryan, I was..." He looks up. "Ryan... Ryan?" Turning around, he finally sees her in the far corner, working quietly. It had been like that the last few days. Everyone in the shop knew about her and Leo, even though no one talked about it. Even so, it was strange to see Ryan off by herself. "You know when Darrel's supposed to get back from that convention?" he calls.

Leo is still working when the side door opens and a tall, attractive blonde sticks her head in. "Hello?"

He throws her a grin. "Hey, gorgeous. You ready to go to lunch?"

"Am I ever." She lets herself in, smiling at him, and tosses her hair over her shoulder. "Subs or pizza today?"

"Mmm..." Leo thinks as he wipes his hands on his rag, wandering closer and slipping an arm around her waist. He leans in so his face is about two inches from hers. "Subs. Then we can split one."

She giggles and shakes her head, pulling away walk back outside. "Alright. But no onions."

Leo gives a little flirtatious growl before tossing his rag aside and running after her. "Later guys, after lunch!"

"Yeah, yeah." Miles waves him out the door. "You better be back in an hour!"


“No, he left early this morning.” Cindy bounces Kaylee lightly on her knee, the child gurgling with pleasure.

“Oh, I see.” Mick takes a sip of water while listening at the lunch table. “He came when?”

“Mm, about three days ago.”

“Surprised he didn’t come out here to see some people.” Mick’s eyes move to the side, barely able to see Katie, who sat behind him a few feet in the corner, taking a break from watching over Jeff. He didn’t think she’d heard the conversation, and it was just as well. Cindy had commented that Jason had been visiting for a couple days, but the young man had not shown up at the ranch once. Apparently, he had already started back to Nevada.

Cindy frowns a little. “He was… distant. His leg was still bothering him from where he got shot. Said he mostly just wanted some quiet time to work on some music he’d been meaning to write. We had a good time though. He didn’t talk much about work, but that was just as well. He seemed like he needed the break.”

“I see.” Mick nods a little.

A smile spreads on Cindy’s face. She had missed her son, and had enjoyed the time, even if he’d seemed bothered by something he hadn’t wanted to discuss. “Kaylee was glad to see him, too. Saw him and she blurted out ‘Jah!”” Cindy chuckles. “Wes and I figured that meant ‘Jason.’”

Kaylee giggles and throws her arms around. “Jah!” Her eyes sparkle as she stares up at Mick, very proud of herself for reasons only she knows. Squealing, she bounces enough that she almost falls off of Cindy’s knee.

Mick laughs and shakes his head, reaching out to ruffle Kaylee’s soft hair. “I wish I had your energy.” Downing the rest of his drink, he stands up and stretches. Lunch was over and it was time to get back to work. “Dan? Dan! Where is that-” Looking a few seats down, he realizes Dan hasn’t been that far away. “Oh, that’s where you’ve been hiding,” he teases. “You ready to go pick up that hay?”

Good work

Continuing down the road Hope dosnt say much else to Scott as she just focuses. Scott was pretty focused and if it was to help someone than she wouldnt stand in his way. She new he wanted to help, and she new it would make him feel good.

Finally making it to TJY Hope parks the car and hops out only a few feet behind Scott as she follows him through the cubicles weaving in and out. Hearing Gunner's comment as she pass him Hope shakes her head and rolls her eyes throwing her own comment over her shoulder.

"He's not running from me, so no line is needed. I'm just trying to keep up with him."

Listing to Scott for a long moment Hope is a big confused but than understand as she steps farther into the room. Giving a look to Rick and than to Scott Hope gives a nod doing her best to give him the currage in the fact that she was there if he needed her.

"You can do it Scott."

Looking over Scott's shoulder his drawinng starts to come together bit by bit taking form. Finally as Scott is done Hope cocks her head putting her hand gentily on Scott shoulder letting him know he did good. Throwing a glance to Rick she questions.

"Is this it? Will this make Jeff better?"

Feeling Axel's hand on her shoulder Ryan turns her head the tears that had filled her eyes were now dry. Giving a small smile Ryan felt the comfort from Axel and she couldnt help but feel a little better than someone actually cared even if she still felt like crap, and hurt inside.

"I don't know how to make it right Axel. I've....never done this before let alone care about anyone like I did Leo."

Letting out a long sigh Ryan gives a strech and stands from the bench looking to the building and than looking back to Axel.

"For now I guess I should just get back to work. Thanks Axel."

Slowly heading back to the shop Ryan enters not making much sounds but throwing a glance at Leo before going back to the car she had been working on. She hurt, she felt stupid for what she had done to Leo, she felt a little humilated herself not to mention silly for crying in front of the guys.

Keeping her head down Ryan is more quit than normal as she continues to work on her car just trying to keep her mind busy.