A little extra

Jason chuckles and shakes his head. "I don't mind. Keep working in here and maybe we'll finally get to share an office yet."

Trooper had been brought in by Ryder, and he gives a groan as he stretches then wanders over to Katie, resting his head on the table beside her paperwork. Sniffing a little, he inches his head closer to her hand very nonchalantly before swiftly taking the pencil from her hand and looking at her as if daring her to take it from his slobbery mouth.

Jason grins. "Apparently, he wouldn't mind your company either."


Sparky lies there dumbly as Faith take the Bible from him. He really wasn't all that sure what he'd been trying to do anyway. It had seemed a good idea at the time... whatever it had been.

Shifting to lie on his side, he tucks one arm under his pillow, the other under the blanket, following orders though he felt oh, so hot. His eyes start to drift shut, but as Faith begins to read, his eyelids flutter and he watches her. The verses seemed to calm him and his breathing quiets as he listens to the words. His eyes kept trying to shut, but he would force them open again, just watching Faith as if were he to lose sight of her, the reading might stop.

Eventually, sleep would come, but it was a much deeper sleep, brought on by the raging fever. During the night, his temperature rises dangerously, requiring Angel's care as well as Faith's. Though opening his eyes and mumbling responses, he would not remember much about the next two days. While Jade was able to be up and about again, Sparky was far worse, enough so that the question of taking him to the hospital came up. Thankfully though, with patience and Angel's skill, he was stabilized, enough so that they continued his care in the bunkhouse. Sometime during the third night his fever finally broke.

The sun was just starting to rise, sending streams of dim light through the cracks in the blinds. Sparky stirs, feeling as though he'd been run over by a truck. From his back, he rolls onto his side, only to find himself in a mild but painful coughing fit. Once he regains control, he blinks, opening his eyes for the first time in a day. He didn't feel hot though and he knew immediately that he didn't have a fever.

Trying to regain a bit of his senses to figure out just where why and when he was, his eyes land on his bedside clock. The date was clearly shown and he's surprised to find out that several days have passed. All he knew was that he'd been sick. "Dang..." His voice is hoarse and raspy, and he looks around again, realizing that Faith was there as well. Why was she there, and how long had she been there? His eyes catch hers and he just studies her for several moments before speaking again. "And to what do I owe this early morning visit?"


Gunner hangs up his phone, giving a weary sigh. JT had still gotten nowhere. During the last several days, they had put together enough clues to figure out that the whole thing with Bree had to do with money that was supposed to go to her, but that's as far as they'd gotten. Every single avenue ended in a closed door. Even JT's lawyer friend couldn't get through as many layers as there were to find out the truth. And without the truth, there was no proof of foul play. And with no proof, there was no way to get Bree out of Crescentview.

It was getting late. Some people were heading home for the day. Gunner glances at the clock. He himself had done as much digging as he could, but JT had been right - Crescentview had tight security. Gunner couldn't get much farther than finding out how many people were employed there and that there were only a few short windows during a week that visitors were allowed - but even then, it was only to particular patients. He had respected JT's wishes to wait, be patient and do quiet research so as not to draw attention. But by now, Gunner could barely stand it any longer. He hadn't been able to dig up the information they wanted - he just wasn't good enough with that, with limited time and skill in that area.

Making up his mind, Gunner gets up and heads towards the hall. Making sure no one else was around, he slips into Scott and Dalton's office, glad they were still there. Leaning down on the desk, he stares both men in the eye. "I need your help."

Scott quirks an eyebrow and gives Dalton a sidelong glance before looking back at Gunner. "What's up?"

"I've got a friend in trouble... she's being held in a mental hospital and I need help getting her out."

Scott blinks. "Is this an Elite case? I haven't heard anything about-"

"No, it's not," Gunner states flatly. "It would probably be best if Reese didn't even know. If you two don't want that, then fine... but if you're willing to help quietly... I'll tell you what I need."

Scott purses his lips, thinking. He looks at Dalton again, then at the clock. It was just after five. "We're off the clock," he reasons. "What do you say?"


Gage's usually quiet walk is replaced by a forceful pace as he heads up to his apartment. He'd been trying so hard... he really had. Ever since he'd found out what kind of people the Agency really was, and ever since he'd realized the difference between right and wrong, he'd been trying to change. But sometimes... sometimes it was just too much.

Scowling as he unlocks his door, he shuts it behind him, using all the restraint he had not to slam it. Locking it again, he stands quietly for a moment, seething. Breaking out with a cry of frustration, he hurls his keys across his apartment, sending them smacking into the wall, creating a nick in the drywall.

Settling down a little, Gage wanders to his air mattress and sinks down, leaning back against the wall. Sapphire would be here any minute. They were going to go out and grab something for supper. And now he'd have to explain why he had a split lip. More than that, why he had blood on his shirt and it wasn't even his own blood. Maybe he'd just tell Sapphire that they would go eat tomorrow night instead.

Miserable, he glares at the Christmas tree in the corner. But looking at it, he remembered the fun he'd had with Sapphire... the stories she'd told him... the good feeling of creating something that looked nice. Eventually, he reaches down to the extension cord and plugs it in. The blue lights of the tree made the dark little apartment glow, the white star reflecting off the ceiling.

Gage sighs deeply and puts a hand to his tender lip. It hadn't been a bad enough hit to make another scar. But he'd been trained to fight... trained to torture. He might have had a sudden turn-around in his life after realizing who the Agency was, but he'd still been raised by them... taught by them. Everything he did and thought was influenced by their training. And today had been the first time he hadn't been able to resist it. Up until this point, he'd had no real opposition. He'd had no real reason to get upset or to fight. He'd been given a new chance and though living here wasn't the greatest, it was better than a sterile Agency room. But being provoked today, he just hadn't been strong enough to keep himself from doing what he did best. For the first time, his old self had come through, and he wasn't sure what to do with it.


Ryder flips through the mail, thumbing over some bills and junk mail. Seeing a handwritten envelope addressed to him, he pauses, throwing the rest of the stack on the table. The return address was Texas, and he recognized the writing.

Cocking his head, he peers into the living room to make sure Thirteen was still in there. They'd both had the day off and had been running errands all day. Now she was settled folding laundry at the couch and it was just as well that Ryder tore into the envelope while he was alone. There was a letter and a check, but it was more than expected this time.

Ryder,
Here's my check for the month. I wrote in a little extra this time for something special for Jasmine. Please make sure she has a nice Christmas.
-Trent

Ryder looks at the check and sighs a little. It was so obvious that Trent cared about his daughter, but he was too stubborn to tell her. Folding the check and slipping it into his back pocket, Ryder wandered into the living room, coming up behind the couch. Reaching down and over Thirteen's shoulder, he picks up a sock, draping it over her ear. "Hey, you."

He leans down closer so his face was next to hers. "We're gonna go have supper tonight wherever you want. Then afterward we're gonna do whatever you want to do. You name it."

Relaxed

Just wrapping his arms around Jade to hold her Dan felt so comfortable just laying there with her. It was nice to have someone by his side, just holding her made me feel warm.

"Human ones are the best kind. I guess the warm arm wraps help too."

Continuing to just hold Jade, this was where Dan would say. To make sure she was ok, and if she needed anything sh wouldn't have to go far. He didnt mind taking care of Jade, in fact he rather liked it.

Giving Jade a kiss on the top of the head Dan leans his head against the the wall closing his eyes. He was comfortable and relaxed, Staying like this forever he could get use to.

Sitting back down in the chair as Sparky seems to be resting Faith picks up her own book ready to pick up where she left off. But as Sparky sits up again and drops his bible on the ground Faith can't help but jump bringing a hand to her heart. She hadn't expected that and it scared the living tar out of her.

Just watching him for a moment while he fumbled and tried to read the book upside down Faith had to do her best not to give a giggle. It was kind of cute that Sparky was trying to read upside down, but she new he was sick and really it was no laughing matter.

Getting up and setting her book down once again Faith goes over to the bed and sits down. Giving a soft smile she takes the book from Sparky.

"Here, let me read it for you. James right?"

Turning the book the right was and flipping the pages Faith finds James. Not sure where Sparky is in the chapter Faith just starts at the beginning. Her voice was soft as she read but there was emotion in it with what she was reading.

Letting out a tired sigh Katie makes her way to her own cubicle. After everything had happened she felt drained again.

I understand what you mean! There is always going to be something to deal with I think. It's just kind of a part of our life now, even if it does suck sometimes.

Not really feeling comfortable at her cubicle Katie gathers some of her waiting paper work together. Standing and heading across the floor to Jason's office. Giving a soft knock on the door she new she didn't need to but wanted to anyways. Hearing Jason answer she enters shutting the door softly behind her.

Taking one of Jason's overstuffed chairs Katie pulls it up to one of the tables by the wall and puts her paperwork down before pulling out her pen and starting to circle a few things. Looking up as if forgetting that Jason didnt know what she was doing Katie turns and gives him a grin.

"I didn't really feel like being alone. I hope you dont mind!"

Argument

Even though she felt physically terrible, having Dan next to her still made her smile. Closing her eyes, she lets out a sigh, then leans her head over to rest it on his shoulder. Her comment made her giggle. "Liar. I look terrible."

Pulling the blanket up a bit more, she knows Dan gets to stay a while since he took his boots off. Wriggling down a little further so her head could lean against his chest, her one arm wraps around him as she snuggles in close. Her head was throbbing, but she couldn't be more comfortable than this. The beat of his heart and the gentle up and down of his breathing was like a lullaby, beckoning her back to sleep. "Living pillows are nice," she teases groggily.


Sparky's head hurts so bad he doesn't even want to open his eyes at all, but he pries them open anyway to see Faith and watch her as she comes near to pull the blankets up. His words were a bit slurred and someone might have trouble knowing if he was in a lucid moment or not. "You'd... make a good nurse for... for Angel," he mumbles, half into the mattress.

To the suggestion of food and drink, he shakes his head a little. He didn't feel like eating anything. All he felt like doing was sleeping, but even that was hard as achy and hot as he was. Coughing, he winces as it causes pain in his chest. Whatever this bug was, it was nasty and it had taken over very quickly. He knew that even once his fever broke, he'd be miserable for a while.

Still coughing, he manages to roll onto his side and reach for the glass of water on the bedside table. Then sinking back down again, he grimaces, trying not to complain, but it was hard. A chill comes over him and now he's glad for the blanket as he shivers, though still feeling hot as he sweats.

With the room going in circles again, everything looked a bit funny. The colors didn't seem right... and he was pretty sure that it wasn't lightning outside... or was it snow? Either way, things were very strange.

Seeming to fall back asleep again, his body rests until suddenly his eyes are open again. Out of nowhere, he reaches for the table once more, but this time, he tugs at his leather Bible. It falls to the floor with a thud and he looks over the edge of his bed, reaching down to flip the pages. He didn't realize that it was upside down, and was having quite the time trying to find what he was looking for. "I was in James," he mumbles, squinting at the blurry, upside down type. "But I suddenly seem..." He coughs, interrupting himself. "...to not be able to read."


Rick shakes his head slowly. "You're right, Katie... they didn't brand you." He takes Jason's hand, flipping it palm-side up to reveal the burn pattern that was becoming a permanent scar. "I believe that on a normal daily basis, the flow between you two doesn't have a pattern or come from one source - if it did, it would be easier for outside interference. However... Jason, I think that when you purposely force out your emotions, that it comes in that pattern every time. I think it did from the beginning, we just couldn't tell."

Jason furrows his brow. "So when Katie and I held hands... and there was so much force... it actually burned my hand, and in turn, burned hers too."

"Precisely." He looks back to the computer. "Dalton, back it up to the beginning, would you?" Once the footage was in play again, Rick points to where Jason had been standing. "Look." On the screen, Jason's hand twitches right before the glass explodes.

Jason quirks an eyebrow. "I don't remember doing that."

"I think you do it every time," Rick concludes. "I think that if we would have caught every instance on tape, we'd see that each time, you move your palm towards the target. It's so fast and slight though, that you don't even realize that you're doing it. And... I think Katie does the same thing when she draws emotions. It's just not obvious."

"What if it was? What if I were to purposely aim at an object?"

"I'd say we would need more than safety glasses." Rick purses his lips. "If you two want to experiment, be my guest. But take my advice and do it out in some open field somewhere."

The whole time, Scott has been looking at the screen too, his interest piqued. The whole thing was amazing, and he looks up out of the corner of his eye at Katie for a moment. This thing never ended with her and Jason. It was constantly evolving and they were constantly learning new things about it. Would there ever be an end? "At least... it wasn't done on purpose then," he reasons.

"That's a good thing," Rick agrees. "We know that all the Agency did was amplify the emotional state with whatever formula they have. However.... whether they realize it or not, you have been branded. Whenever you go undercover or need to conceal your identity, you will have to rely on bandages or gloves, and a good cover story."

Jason nods, slowly letting out a deep breath. "Alright... now what?"

Rick shrugs. "You two are free to go. I want you back in the infirmary tomorrow for checkups, but... otherwise, just take it easy for a few days. If you have any more ideas or epiphanies, come and see me."

Once they all split up again, Jason wanders to his office where he hadn't been in almost two weeks. Easing down in his chair, he puts his head in his hands.

I don't want to complain... and I don't want to take it away but... it sure would be nice to not have to deal with this for once.


"Where are we going?"

"My place."

"But you said you know where she is."

"I said I think I do." JT keeps his eyes on the road, his jaw muscles tightening with every second as the tension runs high.

"Then why aren't we going there?!" Gunner didn't understand and his frustration was growing.

"Because we can't just barge in there," JT answers firmly. "I'm going to go home and call Crescentview and see if Bree was checked in there. If she was, we have a place to start."

"Why can't I call TJY? We'll have those guys in ten seconds flat."

"Just cool it, Gunner!" JT waves a hand at him. "Let me think!"

Gunner falls silent, still rubbing the back of his sore head.
Where are you, Bree? Don't let them win. God, why did this have to happen?

Twenty minutes later, Gunner paces the kitchen like a caged tiger while JT was on the phone. Walking back and forth and back and forth, he holds an icepack to the back of his head, half listening to the one-sided conversation JT was having on the phone at the table.

"All I want to know is if Bree Conner was checked in today." JT's voice was strained as he tries to stay calm. "I know you can't give me any information about patient's conditions - I'm a doctor and I happen to know all about privacy laws. But what I do not know is if Bree Conner was brought in today. Would you please check for me?"

His fist clenches as he keeps from losing his temper. "My name is Doctor Jack Timble. Yes. Thank you." Being put on hold, he sighs and runs a hand through his hair. Part of him wanted to know that Bree was there so they would know what they were dealing with, and part of him wanted to find out that she was not. A voice comes back on the line and he pays attention again. "Yes, I'm still here. What?" He blinks in amazement. "You've got to be kidding me. No, no, wait... I just..... don't...." Hearing the click on the end of the line, he growls and slams the phone down. "Gah!"

Gunner quickly joins him. "What happened? Is she there?"

"They wouldn't tell me." JT looks up at him, his eyes narrowed with anger. "Apparently they have my name on file and are not to hand out any information to me whatsoever."

"What?"

"That's our answer though." JT shakes his head. "If they've got me pegged, there's only one reason."

"Because they've got Bree."

"Bingo."

"Now what?"

"We make some more calls."

"Oh, come on!" Gunner shoves a chair in anger. "Quit making calls and lets go get her!"

"We can't do that, Gunner!" JT stands up, slamming his palm on the table. "This is going to take legal strategy, not storming the gates!"

"They used brute force!" Gunner raises his voice in anger. "They played it dirty and you know it. I say we go in and play dirty right back at them!"

"And do what?! Wind up in jail?"

"I'm Elite, dang it!" Gunner holds up his badge. "I can get in where you can't!"

"They won't let you in!"

"I'll get a warrant!"

"They won't let you! Don't you hear me?!" JT shouts his question, trying to get through to him. "Bree's father has control everywhere! No matter the price, they've got it. I don't know why this is happening again, but I can guarantee that we can't just waltz in there and take her back out again. It just doesn't work that way!"

"Then we make it work that way!" Gunner's eyes blaze. "I can't just sit here while you make your phonecalls, knowing that she's in that place getting tortured! It isn't right!"

"I know it isn't right!" JT is one step from giving Gunner a shove, but he withholds physical force despite his anger. "She's my niece, Gunner! You think I don't care?! I want to barge in there now as much as you do, but I know good and well that it just isn't going to work! Crescentview isn't like Northside! They got guards there... armed guards. If they've got me pegged, I won't even be able to get past the first gate. You may be able to get into the front building, but I'd bet my life savings that they'll know you too and you'll leave there with no more information than when you came. Put up a fight and they'll have you behind bars so fast your head will swim, whether you're Elite or not." He pauses, panting from his spiel. "We have to go through quiet legal channels with this one. It's the only way we're going to win."

"But..." Gunner's shoulder's drop, the reality of JT's words starting to sink in. "That could take days."

"It could take weeks," JT confirms grimly. "But if we make one wrong step, we could lose this before it even starts. Who we are matters nothing to people like this. My brother-in-law has connections everywhere... and I mean everywhere. We've got to watch our step and play this smart."

Gunner sinks down into a chair and puts his head in his hands, his temper calming down. "What do we do?"

"I'm calling an old lawyer friend of mine. I have a few other contacts that may be able to help me figure out why this happened. We have to understand what the reason is here. I'm sure it has something to do with money, but I don't know what. Once we figure that out, we'll have something to go on."

"And me?"

"Get the lowdown on Crescentview. Figure out everything from who's not allowed to have contact with Bree, to when they have the electric meter checked. Anything and everything."

"That's gonna take some time."

"I know. But you got the resources."

"Reese would have a fit if he knew I was working on something like that."

JT quirks an eyebrow. "Who said he needs to know?"

How Long?

Just sitting with Jade for most of the day Dan didn't mind. He had left once or twice but only for a short while to get his work done, and than come back. He liked keeping an eyes on Jade and be there if she needed anything.

Placing a fresh cloth on her neck he runs a hand down the side of her face, and along her jaw bone. Just cradling her face for a long moment as he looked into her eyes. Even as sick as she was they held so much life and energy in them.

"Even in your worst, your beautiful."

Letting his hand fall from her face Dan leans back a little to rest his back against the same wall Jade was leaning against. Kicking off his work boots so he too could bring his feet up on the bed. Staying silent for a moment before letting out a small chuckle.

"I miss having your help, but its ok. You get better and than you can again."

Giving a smile to Sparky Faith had hardly left his side. Even with Annie's prompting earlier to at least get out and some fresh air. Faith didnt know why she didnt want to leave Sparky's side, and the only time she did was when Angel was around but it just felt right to be here and help him.

Looking over at Sparky from the chair that was buy the bed Faith puts her book down for a moment. Giving a smile she new the risk she ran but there she was anyways.

"I guess that's a risk I am willing to take."

Standing Faith takes the blankets Sparky had kicked off and pulling them up over him once again. Tucking them snug around him.

"Sparky, I know your hot but you have to keep the blankets on ok? It will help break your fever that's what Angel said. There is more Ginger Ale and Crackers on the night stand here, if you think your stomach can handle it ok."

Stopping, playing, slowing down, slower, speeding up, still frame. It was easy for Dalton to do with Rick's direction on what he wanted done. Now starring at the image thats really all he can do. What he was seeing seemed unreal, even knowing about Jason and Katie's powers. They came out in a pattern?

Looking at the screen Katie's jaw almost felt like it wanted to drop just a little. It was the same pattern as on there hands. It was creepy to say the least.

Wow...

Katie wasn't sure what else to say. It was right there, in there faces and yet it seemed so unreal. When Jason pushed out his emotion there was actually something there. Kaite felt like something else needed to be said, but she didnt know what. Only one thing could pop into her mind.

"Well, I guess they didn't brand us."

As pills were trying to be administered Bree fought it. She didnt want to take them, not again. Today was the first shock treatment and she had made it through ok as she tried to take her mind to a better place. But how long could she with stand it?

Continuing to refuse the drug Bree kicked and screamed. She no it did no use, but it was a panic thing that was hard to control. Even if she was calm, she new that still everything they were doing would continue to happen.

Finally the Dr's give up the fight of forcing her to take the pills. Bringing a syringe instead to inject her. Feeling the cool liquid run through her vein's Bree does her best to keep her one grasp of hope locked in her mind. Seeing Gunner's face she tried to let her body fall into the place he was as her eyes already started to grow tired.

Worry for a nurse

Jade mumbles something close to an "uh-huh," not minding a bit that Dan was telling her to rest more. She just felt so tired. Eventually she sleeps again, waking to another cold cloth, then later around lunch time to a cup of hot tea.

Managing to pull herself up so she can sit in bed, Jade pulls the covers up close, still feeling very hot. Her temperature was down just as little, and Angel had been in to check on her once, but it was obvious now that she'd be down for a day or two. She felt a little more alert now though - enough to realize that she must look a mess.

Sipping the hot tea that Dan had made, she gives him a rueful grin. "Well..." Her voice comes out hoarse and scratchy. "I guess you've seen me at my worst now."

She closes her eyes and leans her head back against the wall. "I miss being in the barn with you."


While it was apparent that Jade would be fine after a few days rest, on the other side of the ranch, Sparky had been attacked much more severely. Instead of his fever going down, it only rose, bringing him in and out of hallucinations and bizarre dreams.

Mid-afternoon, he's already had several visits from Angel, continuing to check on him. During the morning, he'd managed to get down half a cup of tea that Faith had made, but after that, he'd been too exhausted for more. He couldn't remember a time he'd felt this sick - it had been years.

Writhing in bed, Sparky kicks off his blankets for the fifth time, rolling onto his stomach, one arm hanging off the bed as his body tries to cool down. His breathing was shallow and a cough was starting - the first sign of the trouble to come. He desperately wanted to get up... to get some fresh air and get out of bed. But pushing himself up, he just flops back down again, too shaky to try anything. He shivers, even though he feels hot as sweat soaks his hair.

Managing to open his eyes just a little, he sees Faith still with him. It barely registers that she'd been there, in and out all day watching over him. "You're... gonna.... gonna catch it too," he mumbles.


Scott grins at Dalton's teasing, and simply returns to his own work, only to look over a few minutes later to see what everyone else was looking at.

Rick stares over Dalton's shoulder at the footage and he points. "There... zoom into the glass... a little more... little more... right there." He stops, still watching. "Now slow it down another notch... a bit more...." He watches the frames go slowly by until he points again. "Pause it. Right there."

As the video stops, all viewers stare at the scene. Jason blinks, shocked by what he saw. Rick was not surprised. Scott cocks his head, intrigued.

Jason holds up his hand and looks at the mark on his palm, then looks back to the screen.

Holy cow...

The paused frame shows the glass just as it's beginning to burst. But it's not shattering from a central location as might be expected. Happening in real time, one's eyes could only see it burst and would assume that it was like a bomb exploding - that it would shatter from a central location. But this footage clearly showed the point of impact. The glass had begun to shatter in the exact spiral pattern as was on Jason and Katie's palms. The point of origin for the explosion was not a single point, but a pattern that shattered the object so quickly it deceived the eye.


The sound of the brush against the horse's coat is soothing, along with the soft feeling under Mick's fingertips. He missed his own barn, but at least helping the McClains in theirs kept him busy and gave him something worthwhile to do.

The mare turns her head to look back at Mick, almost as if asking what was on his mind. He grins as little and pats her neck. "I always could communicate with horses better than people," he muses aloud.

Continuing to groom the horse, work goes on around him. There were ranch hands, there were clients and there were families of clients. Really, it wasn't all that busy, but from this spot in the barn, one had a pretty good idea of what all was going on during the day. At one particularly quiet moment, Mick spotted Dylan not far away, wandering aimlessly into the barn. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and his feet scuffed the ground as he walked. His shoulders were dropped and his head was low - it was not the picture of someone who was happy to be there, let alone happy with life in general.

Mick waits until his son is closer before speaking. After their one encounter while Dylan was going through withdrawal, they had not had any interaction. He keeps his eyes on the horse as he continues to brush her. "I could use a hand if you want to grab a brush," he mentions.

Dylan looks up and scoffs. "I hate horses."

That shouldn't have hurt, but it did just as bit. Mick knew Dylan didn't have to be interested in everything he was, but horses had always been his life. To know his son hated the animals just seemed to put a wider distance between them. "Are you scared of them?"

"I'm not scared of nothin'."

"Everybody's scared of something."

"Yeah?" Dylan looks at Mick with defiance. "What are you scared of?"

Mick pauses his work and finally glances in Dylan's direction. "Losing my family."

Dylan's eyes narrow. "Then I guess maybe you shoulda stuck around, huh?"

Mick wants to fire back with a retort, but he holds his tongue. Today was not a good day for his cravings, but he manages to keep his temper. He had to. "Just because something is my own fault doesn't mean I can't be scared of it anyway."

Dylan smirks a little and leans back against the wall, falling silent. He didn't want to be here. He hated it here. He wanted to go home. At the very least, he wanted to stay in his room here, but Adam had brought him outside for "fresh air." In a horse barn? He had to be kidding.

Mick watches his son out of the corner of his eye. He could see the young man's mind working and dwelling on the negative, and it pained him to see it. Why couldn't he get through to him? Why couldn't he help fix this? "Dylan..." He knew better than to ask, but for some reason, he wanted to. "...you keep talking about me not sticking around. Now I know we've had several encounters over the last year and I've tried getting to know you... but what do you really know about when I left? What have you been told?"

Dylan shifts his weight uncomfortably. He'd been very young, but he still remembered the day Daddy said goodbye. He hadn't understood it then, but he'd been told plenty later on. Why Mick was asking him now, he didn't know, but he really didn't care. At least it was passing the time. "You cheated on Mom and left us," he states flatly.

The pain was enormous, and Mick pauses his brushing, leaning on the mare's back. He kept his eyes busy with cleaning out the brush in his hand. "Did you know that I never cheated? That it was all a trick to get your mother to divorce me?"

"I don't care. From my perspective, the only proof is the pictures. And you did leave. That's a fact. And you never came around again. That's another fact."

"I left because your mother forced me out. As far as visiting, your mother also made sure that I had no rights to see you kids."

"After you blew up in court."

Mick's shoulders drop. "You know all the negatives, don't you?"

Dylan's expression grows just a little sly. "Yep. Stinks, doesn't it?"

Mick turns to face him, exasperation in his eyes. "Did you ever think that there was some positive? Did you ever think that everything you've been told may not all be true? That maybe I did love my children? That maybe I spent years running from my old life just to try and get the pain to stop? In the end, the choice is yours on what to believe. But let me tell you something... I have never stopped loving my family, and that includes you. Had I been allowed, I would have spent every free moment with you and Jade. If I have one regret, it's not letting myself be framed... it's not choosing to move on. It's the fact that I gave up. I was afraid of being arrested if I tried to see you, and I gave up."

Moisture appears in his eyes. "And you know what? One of my greatest blessings is the opportunity to be with you and Jade now. You're both finally old enough that I don't have to be afraid of speaking with you... and your mother allows it, even if it's not her preference."

"Well, I hate it," Dylan retorts.

"Tough!" Mick throws up his hands, startling the mare. "It doesn't matter if you hate my guts. I love you, and I'm not going to pretend I don't." He knew that most of the stories and negativity were being fed to Dylan through Jill's mother and not Jill herself, but no matter, it was obvious that it had all been ingrained into Dylan's head for so long that nothing was getting through to him. "The fact is, Dylan, that there is truth and lies in this world. It doesn't matter what you believe - those truths will always exist. You can stare at a white piece of paper and believe with all your heart that it's purple, but in the end, the truth is that it's white. People will tell you that you can believe whatever you want in life, and what you believe makes it true for you. But it just doesn't work that way. People have created that myth so that they won't feel guilty about believing things that aren't true, or so they have an excuse to choose other religions over God. They don't want to feel the pain of knowing the truth, so they avoid it and say it doesn't exist until they actually believe it. But it doesn't matter. Because truth is truth no matter what. And the truth here, Dylan, is that I did not cheat on your mother. It was not my choice to leave my family. And I love you and Jade."

Dylan could feel the desire to believe rising up within him. He wanted to believe he was loved. He wanted to believe that all these years he hadn't really been tossed aside. But there was so much anger built up in him, that to break it would take more than a single conversation. Spinning on his heel, he walks out.

Mick heaves a sigh and shakes his head wearily. He never should have started that conversation.

"You did a good job."

Mick whirls around to see Adam. "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough." Adam comes and scratches the mare's neck. "I think I saw a crack form in Dylan. You did a good job at staying calm but giving him what he needs to know."

"I sure didn't see a crack," Mick counters. "All I see is someone who will never believe me and who will always hate me."

"God parted the Red Sea, Mick... you don't think he can soften the heart of one teenager?"

Mick can't help a dry laugh. "Yeah... you got me there."

Adam smiles. "It'll work out. You'll see. It's just going to take time."

"How long will he be here?"

"Oh..." Adam thinks. "Another week or so. Brenda's been keeping a close eye on him, and he's really doing quite well away from the drugs. He's not as nervous and he's not complaining as much about wanting a fix. Physically, his body is beginning to settle down and adjust to not having the drugs."

"His attitude still stinks."

"It does. But we can't keep someone here just because they have a bad attitude. You know that. Once we believe that he's not a risk to himself or to going back to drugs, we have to release him."

"But he still might go back to the drugs."

"He might. You went back to drinking." Adam eyes Mick. "But if we went around thinking that about everybody, we'd have one full ranch here by now. We've got to let Dylan go when he completes the program."

Mick sighs again. "What if he didn't go home?"

Adam shrugs. "It would be best if he could find himself before going home - he wouldn't he as great of a risk then. What do you have in mind?"

"My ranch." Mick cringes a little. "I know he doesn't want anything to do with me but... there are good people there... my brothers and Rosetta, and Dylan's cousins... it's a good atmosphere if he'd just stay."

"Well, he's only sixteen. You might be able to force it if your ex-wife would go along with it."

"That might be harder than convincing Dylan himself."

"Maybe. But it might be worth a try. Do you think Rosetta would go along with it?"

Mick nods. "I think she'd be okay, but I don't want to talk to Jill about it until I've talked to Rosetta. If she doesn't want Dylan around BJ the way his is or something, then I'm not going to push it."

Taking Care

Giving a smile Faith nods just a little at Sparky's comment about riding. Though she was disapointed they couldn't today she was not upset at all. Sparky was sick and she would never ask him to do anything till he was better.

"It's ok. There will be more time for riding. Right now your health is more important."

Standing and taking the already warm cloth from Sparky's head Faith disappears into the bathroom once again cooling it down. Than returning to the bed side to place it on his head again.

"The best way to stop a spinning room is to close your eyes. Sleep is your best friend right now. Angel will be in soon to give you something and I will look into making you some tea with honey. Just sleep now, I will stay till Angel gets here and than move out of the way."

Continuing to sit on the bed Faith continues to change the cloth making sure to keep it cool and the covers over Sparky. Humming a little now and than, Faith didn't mind looking over him. It was nice being the one to take care of someone for a change and not the other way around.

Seeing Jade relax made Dan feel good. The last thing her body needed right now was her to be all tense causing more strain.

Feeling her hand slip into his Dan gives a smile. Letting his thumb run over her hand in a comfort motion Dan does what he can to help Jade stay comfortable.

"You dont need to get up and do chores right now. You need to rest and get better. Just rest."

Dan would stay with Jade as long as he could, in a little while after she rested she would warm up some tea in the small mic for her that was in her room. Dan wanted to make sure she would be ok before he left. If she got any worse he would find Angel.

Sitting on the edge of her own bed Katie wiggled her fingers a little trying to get the blood flow from laying in bed back. It felt so sore from just laying around, she was happy to be able to at least move from the bed now.

Trust me I understand. I body hurts all over.

Finally standing as she slips her shoes on Katie just looks at Rick a grin on her face. She thought it was kind of funny that he didnt even want to bother arguing with her.

Heading downstairs with Jason Katie stands next to him watching as Rick moves away from Jason but Katie stays close not scared of what would happen.

We all go crazy sometimes huh?

Continuing to stand with Jason while he does his thing Katie braces herself for the burst of emotion. Knowing it was coming she was able to prepare even if it still hurt a little. Once finished Katie just gives him a sidelong glance before heading back with Rick and him to upstairs.

Looking up from his desk as Katie, Rick, and Jason come in Dalton gives a little nod before looking down at what he was working on. Only to give a playful elbow and a sidelong grin to Scott.

"I think you like using that excuse so u don't have to work."

Giving a not so rare these days chuckle Dalton shakes his head.

"Ok watch here."

Finding the information it takes a few moments for Dalton to bring it up. Once playing he slows it down trying to get it just the right speed. Finally after a few moments Dalton movies his chair back just a little bit.

"I put it on a continue stream so we wont have to keep clicking play. If you need it faster or slower or paused I can do that to just let me know."

Family emergency

Hearing a female voice, Sparky pries open his eyes just a little bit, enough to make out a figure in the doorway. He was so tired, he didn't bother responding, and wasn't surprised when he felt the bed move.

Thinking it would be Angel since Jim had said he would go get her, Sparky squints a little, making out the face that was looking down at him. The red hair immediately told him this was not Angel, and for a moment, he thought it was Annie. But as the soft features come into focus, Sparky realizes that it was Faith. He usually wouldn't he thrilled with someone else being in his bunk, let alone seeing him like this, but for some reason, it wasn't displeasure he felt, but rather a little feeling of peace. It confused him, but he was too sick to try and figure it out. "Faith... hi."

He lets his eyes fall shut again, then feels her hand on his forehead. Her skin was still cool from the outdoors and he could feel his body relax under her touch. He's almost disappointed when she gets up.

Hearing the request to roll over, Sparky cringes a little. Every single joint ached and his head pounded, the fever raging. Too out of it to even try arguing, he does as he's told, then feels the cold cloth. "That feels good," he whispers hoarsely, his eyes still closed. A little grin turns up the corner of his mouth. "Guess that ride... will have to wait, eh?"

Faith's question if she can do anything else cracks open his eyes again. He stares up into her face, wondering why she was even the one here helping him. But maybe he'd missed something. He did kind of feel like he was in a dream anyway. For all he knew, this really was a dream. Come to think of it, he didn't remember having purple curtains, let alone a ceiling that swirled in a counter-clockwise motion.

"You can stop the ceiling from spinning," he mumbles, lifting a finger to point at it. "I... don't think it's supposed... to do that." His eyes flutter shut then open again, moving to the wall. "Crap... the calendar is wrong."

In reality, there were no curtains, just his blinds, the ceiling was quite still, and there was no calendar on the wall at all. It was the fever talking as Sparky drifted in between what was real and what was a hallucination.


Jade groans as she feels the bed move, and finally hears Dan's voice. She mumbles something into her pillow, but it comes out sounding like gibberish. Licking her lips, she tries to roll onto her side, but her body ached too much.

"Dan?" She feels the cold cloth on the back of her neck and tenses a little at the shock, but then relaxes as the coolness soothes the heat that was running through her. Dan's hand gently rubbing her back helps her relax even more and she sighs deeply. "Mmm.... thank you."

Moving a hand from under the blanket, she reaches back to find his free hand and curls her fingers around it. "I just... gotta get up... help with chores.... just a few more minutes."


By the time Gunner reaches the hospital, his lungs feel like they're on fire and his sides ache. Stumbling into the hospital, he looks around wildly, trying to get his bearings.

"Sir?" A nurse approaches. "Sir, can I help you?"

"JT." Gunner whirls around, breathing heavily. "I mean, Jack... Jack Timble. The doctor. I need to see him now."

"I'm sorry, sir, but you will have to wait. Can I have your name please?"

Gunner's eyes narrow, his voice growing more firm. "I need to see Jack Timble now. There is no waiting."

The nurse backs up a step, her face paling a little. "I'm sorry. But I'll have to call the authorities if you don't calm down."

"Look, lady." Gunner closes the gab between them and pulls the chain around his neck to bring out his badge. "I am the authorities. Get me Dr. Timble now, or I'll find him myself."

Drawing in a shaky breath, the nurse blinks then nods, going to the intercom and paging JT. Gunner paces in front of the desk, bending to catch his breath, then pacing again. His legs hurt from running so hard and the back of his head was killing him from where he'd been hit twice.

It was ten minutes before JT finally comes, able to take a break. One look at Gunner and his pulse quickens. "Gunner... what's wrong?"

"They took her." Desperation shows in Gunner's eyes. "They took Bree."

"Whoa, what? Who? What happened?"

"We were..." Gunner is still catching his breath. "...at the diner."

"Slow down." Fear grips JT, but he forces Gunner to slow anyway. "You were at the diner?"

"Yeah... we were having fun and these guys came in. Two doctors, a cop and that guy, what's his name, Roger."

JT's eyes widen and his face loses color. His voice comes a little more stern. "What do you mean, Roger? What did they do?"

"They grabbed Bree. She tried to fight them off but they sedated her. I stepped in and I got conked over the head... twice. They wound up dumping me in an alley. When I woke up, I came straight here." Gunner's eyes are wild with a fear he didn't usually feel. "We have to find her... we have to get her back."

"I know, I know just stay calm." JT's mind races. "Do you know where they were taking her?"

"No."

"I bet it's Crescentview. We have to go... now." JT points to the nurse. "Family emergency, Mary. I'm off."

Her eyes go wide. "But you-"

"Unavailable. Have Dr. Fuller take over the Chambers case for me." JT calls over his shoulder as he follows Gunner to the door. "And tell her to make sure surgery gets scheduled for Mrs. Palmer!"


"I'm fine."

"Just give it another day or two."

"I feel fine!" Jason throws up his arms and stands from the bed. He'd already been up and dressed himself. It seemed the long sleep had done more for recovery than anything else.
If he tries to keep in bed one more day, I'm gonna scream.
"Now come on. What is it you wanted me to do?"

Rick heaves a frustrated sigh and turns from his work. "Alright. I give up. But lets go somewhere safer."

"Safer?"

"Well I don't want you blowing things up in here!" Rick rolls his eyes, then glances to Katie. "No, I'm not going to even try to keep you here. It's not worth it. So come along." He waves to Misty across the infirmary. "We'll be right back."

Leading the way down the hall, Rick heads downstairs and to the rec room. Setting up a stool, then finding a drinking glass to set on it, he then glances up to the corner camera and goes to the intercom. "Dalton... would you please make sure that camera 5b is on? I'm gonna need that footage in a few minutes."

Jason eyes the setup skeptically.
I have no idea what he's doing, but I think he's lost it.

"Okay." Rick moves them back clear to the other side of the room and hands them safety glasses from the shooting area, insisting they put them on. "Alright, now go for it."

"What?"

"Just break the glass."

Jason quirks an eyebrow but shrugs. Focusing on the glass, he musters up negative emotions within him.
Incoming.
In a sudden burst of energy, the glass shatters, sending sharp pieces in all directions.

Rick takes off his glasses and nods. "That's it."

"That's it?" Jason sighs. "Come on... tell me what you're doing."

"I won't know until I look at the footage. Follow me."

Jason tosses the glasses back on the rack and follows behind Rick, taking Katie's hand as they go.
Really... I think he really has lost it.

Rick heads back upstairs and straight down the hall to Dalton and Scott's office. "Alright, you two, need some video assistance."

Scott looks up, chewing on a piece of jerky. "Whatcha need?"

"Dalton just captured footage from the rec room. I need to view it in slow motion.... really slow motion."

"Gather 'round." Scott motions the three to squeeze behind the desks with him and Dalton. He glances to Dalton's screen and takes a swig of Mountain Dew. "You da pro. Show 'em what ya got. I'm still dealing with my insubordinate program."

Shock

Wondering around and waiting Faith didn't feel awkward looking at everything and getting her bearings but she couldn't help feel maybe she got her time or places wrong on meeting Sparky. Seeing Jim, and getting a bit of direction from him was nice, and helped Faith just a little in finding her way around.

Once inside and finding Annie Faith sits next to her as a conversation about her Dr. apts are talked about and working out car for Faith to use so she could come and go when she pleased having her own freedom here.

Looking up at Jim as he makes his way over Angel's smile fades a little by the look on Jim's face.

"Jim...whats wrong?"

Hearing Sparky was sick Angel is up from the table with minutes. It could be a simple cold but it was always better to be safe than sorry.

Over hearing Jim and Angel Faith can't help but be a little worryed about her friend. Wondering if she could do anything herself she stands and heads out the door and to the bunk house. It would be a little bit before Angel got there seeing as she had to go to her office first. Faith could go in check on Sparky and than leave not being in anyone way.

Crossing the grass and getting to Sparky's bunk Faith knocks a little before cracking open the door.

"Sparky...its me Faith."

Her words come out soft knowing his head might be hurting. Entering farther in Faith goes over to the bed and sits down on the edge for a moment feeling his for head.

"Hey, sorry to bother you I was just worried. I didn't know if there was anything I could do. Angel is on her way."

Feeling he had a fever Faith stands just wanting bring a little comfort to Sparky while he waited for Angel. Pulling the blankets to up under his chin, Faith disapears into the bathroom. A few moments later she comes back out with a wet washcloth.

"Here, this will help lay on your back for me."

Waiting for Sparky to roll on his back Faith sits on the bed again and leans over him a little placing the cool on his for head.

"There, that should help you so you dont feel to warm. Can I do anything else Spark?"

Not seeing Jade in the barn that morning had been add seeing as she hadnt missed a morning of helping him since she came to the ranch. Maybe just today she was busy and he would see her at breakfest. But now scanning the dinning hall and still not seeing her Dan was a bit worryed.

Exiting and heading down the steps Dan makes his way to Jade's bunk and gives a light tap on the door. Not getting an answer Dan checks the door and seeing it open he cracks it just a little looking into the room.

"Jade, Jade its just me. I was worried about you."

Seeing the body laying in the bed but getting no answer Dan's worry increases even more. Entering all the way he slowly makes his way to the bed. Seeing Jade was breathing was a re leaf but seeing the sweat and feeling her forehead she was sick and burning up.

Heading into the tiny bathroom Dan wets a washcloth and brings it back out. Wrapping the coolness around the back of Jade's neck was easy since she was sleeping on her stomach. Taking the covers and bringing them up her Dan sits on the edge of the bed.

"Need to keep these on you to break your fever ok. "

Just sitting on the bed Dan rubs Jade's back not sure if she was awake or not but trying to bring her the comfort he can.

Giving a nod and a smile to her brother Ryan throws her arms around him.

"Ok I owe you, and we are into all that manly stuff just...something different I guess."

Shaking her head and just slapping her brother's arm for the fun of it Ryan turns to head into the hallway with the phone.

"I'll call Leo and let him know we are going."

Pulling into the hospital Bree's eyes open a little. Everything was blurry but there was no way she could mistake that sign. Her heart beat started to race but she couldn't move from the straight jacket she was in.

"Please...let me go. I don't belong here...Don't do this."

The Dr's open the van door alone with the two others close. Reaching in to get Bree out they do there best to try and keep her calm.

"Shhh....Bree just calm down. You know from last time its better to do as we say."

Entering the hospetil Bree's eyes move wildly around the room. The smells, the sounds...it was what Bree had feared the most coming true again.

Another Dr was up to them and just studys Bree for a long moment. There was no mistaking who this mad was with his twisted smile.

"So you have come back Bree."

His accent like nails on a chalk bored to her. He was the worst of men, and enjoyed every moment of it.

Put her in her old room from now. In a few hours we will start where we left off with her shock treatment.

Bree couldnt help the screams that came from her again as she is lead down the hall. All over again it was happening and no one was there. her voice echoed through the hospetial as she could hear other screams from down the hall. This was an all to real nightmare.

Run

Startled by Faith's touch to his arm, Sparky hadn't even heard her come up behind him. He jumps a little, stopping, then picking up his slow pace again, a gentle smile creasing his lips. "Yeah, you can come help in the barn. Can't say no to that."

A low chuckle comes out and Sparky stops walking near his bunkhouse. "If you show up about seven, seven-thirty in the barn, we can put you to work before breakfast."

He puts a foot on the steps, ready to ascend the porch when he pauses, turning to look at Faith again. "Eat light. Full stomach in the saddle isn't very comfortable." Tossing her a wink, he nods. He didn't mean to be so brief, but exhaustion was suddenly upon him, as was a bit of a headache.

"Goodnight, Faith." His eyes meet hers for a final moment, the moonlight shimmering between them before he blinks and turns to his bunk.


The night is long, but eventually the sun has to rise again. The ranch begins to stir as the light of dawn touches the tips of the trees. Ranch hands start to wake and rise, heading towards the barns for chores. In the dining hall, a few people mingle and dishes rattle as breakfast is prepared.

Six-thirty... Seven... Seven-thirty... Eight. The breakfast bell rings. It wasn't too abnormal that Sparky hadn't been heavily involved in the chores. Sometimes he held back. But when he didn't even show up for breakfast, some of the men began to wonder. Jim wanders down the line of stalls, catching sight of Faith, and he realizes that she's been looking around and waiting.

Thinking, he finally heads to the dining hall, making sure Faith came with and that she felt welcome to join everyone. He casually mentions Sparky and that he's sure he's around here somewhere, knowing that she'd been waiting for him. Once inside the dining hall, he scans the faces and realizes that Sparky is nowhere to be found. Reconsidering his options, he leaves Faith in Annie's capable hands, then heads back outside to the bunkhouses.

Ten minutes later, Jim returns. Breakfast has just started, but he doesn't find a seat at a table. Instead, he bypasses his normal places, going straight to Angel who was sitting near the other woman. He leans down to her and speaks low. "I just found Sparky in his bunk - he's got a high fever and is complaining of being sore. Looks like flu to me, but I think you better check him out to be sure. He didn't want me getting you, the stubborn mule, but I think he's been sick all night and he's gonna need a bit of help whether he likes it or not."


"Ow!" Eli recoils away from Ryan, though still laughs. "Aw, not the eyes... don't give me that look, aww...." He cringes, squinting one eye shut as he looks at his sister. "A musical? I thought Leo was into muscle cars and rock, not.... not sissy stage performances."

Unable to help but give in to Ryan's pleading though, he finally sighs. "Alright... if it will make you happy, or him or whatever, I'll go. But you owe me."


Gunner's body hits the ground hard as he tumbles into the alley, banging into some garbage cans. He didn't feel it though, still unconscious from the blow to the head.

Bryant makes sure he's where no one will find him right away before signaling the driver to keep going. "Alright, he's out of our hair. If he complains to anyone, it's obvious this girl went crazy. The cop tried to stop us with force and we simply defended ourselves. End of story."

He looks to Roger with a sneer. "Not a bad day's work for ten grand. We get this girl dropped off and I'm out of here."


Its at least a half an hour before Gunner's eyes flick open again. He tenses and sits up too quickly, making his world spin as he bumps into spilled garbage. Realizing he was outside, he has no idea where he is. A cloud cover prevented him from guessing how long he'd been there or what direction he was going. He didn't recognize the alley he was in, and he did not know if he was alone or not.

Panic sends his heart racing. "Bree!" he shouts. His words echo against cold brick walls. "Bree!" No answer. Pulling himself to his feet, he staggers before finally getting his balance back. Heading to the street, he looks both ways, squinting at a street sign. Hawthorn. It ran north and south. He must be at the south end of town. Reaching for his pocket, he finds his phone gone. He had no money in his wallet either. But somehow he had to get a hold of someone who could help. Bree had been taken, but there was a dirty cop involved, warning Gunner not to dial the police just yet. Tucking his badge under his hoodie, he sprints into a run, heading down the sidewalk. The nearest place would be the hospital. And JT was working days again.

Yacht

As the conversation around them becomes lite Annie was righ, Faith felt like she fit right in and this was her family. The air was nice, and it was comfortable. All the fears she had before were gone, and felt like she had know these people for years, not just hours.

Seeing movement by the window Faith just looks for a moment thinking she saw Sparky. Looking back around the room quickly and not seeing Sparky it was confirmation she had seen him. Still not sure how everything worked here and if she would see him again before bed or not she wanted to ask about riding again.

Excusing herself and standing Faith makes her way out of the dinning hall. Seeing Sparky walking slowly across the grass Faith steps off the porch and walks quickly to catch up with Sparky. Gently brushing his arm with her hand to let him know she was there Faith gave a smile slowing her pace down now she was caught up with him.

"Hey, you left before I could talk to you again, and well I am still not sure everyones schedule here so I wanted to catch up with you before you went to bed."

Letting her hand slide down from his arm Faith puts them in her pockets still walking along side Sparky. Now that it was even a little later the night was crisp, and the small breeze felt good.

"I was just wondering what time you wake in the morning and if I could help out in the barn again."

Looking at her brother and raising her eyebrow Ryan did her best to contain her own giggles but not at the tickets but her brothers reaction. She new he probley would react like this but in a way was happy poor Leo wasn't around.

Giving a smirk and moving quickly Ryan gives her brother a few backward hand slaps to Eli's arm as she lets out her own laughs.

"Eli, come on...its for Leo and he REALLY wanted us to go. He always comes to see my races, the least we can do is go with him. Who knows maybe the big hard McKade's have a soft spot. So will you come? PLEASEEEEEEEE???"

Ryan cocks her head to the side and gives her brother big puppy dog eyes.

As Gunner's head hits Roger's jaw with a sicking smack he lets out a cry crashing to the van floor, not even being able to recover before another shot of pain ran through him. Giving a painful growl Roger yells.

"Bryant, get him off of me."

As Bryant pulls Gunner Roger unmercifully kicked Gunner at the same time sending him off of him. Groaning and slipping back into the side of the van Roger glairs at Gunner.

"Yeah well, his head is as hard as a rock."

Swelling had already started in his jaw as he rubs it slightly, shooting a look at Bryant again before looking to the driver of the van.

"Yeah, yeah I'll live I had worse. CAN YOU MOVE THIS THING ANY FASTER?"

Roger was being coming frustrated and just wanted to dump Gunner. Knowing they were a good ways out of town by now they might as well just do it. Than they could get Bree to the hospital and go get his own money.

"Stop the van, just dump him here Bryant. He wont be feeling anything for a while."

Holding her glass on win the diamonds around Ms. Conner wrist give a sparkle in the light. Taking a sip and having up the phone she walks behind the desk running her hand along her husbands shoulders before taking the paper.

"This should work nicely and if any other problems come up its not like it will be hard for you to get it fixed."

Her own tone matched her husbands thought it was obvious where Bree got her pretty features from.

"She brought this on herself really I feel no pity."

Taking the last sip of her wine Ms. Conner lets out a tired bored sigh as she lays the paper down on the desk again. Brushing the wrinkles out of her expensive dress

"Lunch sounds good. I hope Ronnie and Stacy are on the yacht today to show off my new diamonds."

Attempt

Sparky wanders out to the porch of the dining hall and leans on the railing, scanning the ranch yard. All was quiet. Peaceful. A chill was in the air and he pulls his jacket a little tighter. Another day gone... another twenty-four hours dispersed into memory.

Turning to head down the steps, he happens to glance inside the window once more. His eye catches sight of Annie and Faith, chatting with Jim and Becky at the table. Friends and family were two of the greatest blessings in life.

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he trudges down the steps and wanders to the bunkhouse, his stride slow.


"Seriously?" The corners of Eli's mouth twitch as he stands in Ryan's kitchen, looking at the tickets Leo had given her. He transforms a laugh into a cough, though it's obvious from his eyes that he's holding back the humor he sees in this.

"A musical, huh?" He clears his throat, letting her keep the tickets. "I, um... think that sounds like just the thing for you and Leo. As a matter of fact, I think I'd probably just be in the way, so you can go then tell me all about it when you come back."

Locking eyes with his sister, something finally comes out, sounding like a combination of a snicker and a choke. "But you'll have to be sure and sing all the songs for me."


Gunner is jolted as the van hits a pothole. Barely opening his eyes, his police instincts kick in and he remains quiet and still, trying to figure out what was going on. They were in a moving vehicle. Going at a pretty fast pace - must be a back street or outskirts of town. Keeping his eyes closed to narrow slits, he sees the police officer Bryant, and the thug Roger. In the front of the van were the two doctors and Bree slumped over unconscious. Where were they being taken?

Bree's confession of her past echos in Gunner's mind. Was this connected? It had to be. But why had they taken him too? Just because he'd gotten in the way? But if they both were held, there would be no hope of escape.

Adrenaline builds in his veins, his heartrate quickening. He could feel the cuffs tight on his wrists - he was virtually helpless. But any dent would weaken a structure and if he made enough dents, there might be some hope.

Shooting up from the floor, he lunges for Roger with a loud growl. Plowing into him head first, he takes him to the floor, giving him a hard headbutt to the mouth and a knee right where it hurts.

Taken totally by surprise, Bryant's eyes widen. He'd thought Gunner was still unconscious. "Why you..." On top of him quickly, he grabs his nightstick and in one blow, Gunner was motionless once again. Grumbling, Bryant drags Gunner off Roger and back to the corner. "This guy weighs a ton. Roger, you alright?"


Mr. Conner sits behind his large oak desk, his hands folded in front of him, his face expressionless. He turns his head to look at his wife as she hangs up the phone. "It's for the best," he reasons, his voice cold compared to the temperature of the room. "She never was right."

A whirring behind him causes him to turn as a fax comes through. Taking the paper, he scans it quickly then hands it to his wife. It was a signed document from Crescentview Mental Facility, agreeing upon the suggested terms for Bree's stay. Radical treatment was required. Outside visitors would be strictly prohibited indefinitely, until mental stability could be proven. Under no circumstances was Jack Timble to be allowed on the premises. The legal documents signed by the judge had been received, and they bound any family member to these terms. Only Mr. or Mrs. Conner could take legal action in having the agreement modified. In case of their death, the case would be turned over to the state, not extended family.

"I think that should cover it." Mr. Conner stands and smooths out his suit, tightening his tie. "Shall we go have lunch now?"

Call

Both Dr.'s take Bree's drugged up body out of the restraint trying there best not to hurt her more than they already had from the welts on her arms. It was ok thought, she struggled and they had to use force.

Getting her nicely into the van and buckled in the one Dr sits up with Bree and the other gets in to driver side.

Not far behind Roger helps the officer with Gunner. Opening the back doors of the van they throw him inside before getting in as well and shutting the doors.

"Bryant, Sit on the other side of him in case he wakes up. I doubt he will till we are long gone but just in case."

Looking to the front Roger barks his orders.

"Got a good ways out of town on the way to the hospital and than find an ally way. We can dump this guy there and by times he comes to we will be gone."

Leaning back in the van as it starts off with a jerk Roger pulls out his phone and dials a number. Waiting for an answer on the other end of a woman's voice.

"We got her."

"She is awfully quiet I am surprised."

"Yep, she is knocked out at the moment but we are heading there after we dump off some extra baggage."

"Extra baggage?"

"Some guy that was with her. I IDed him as Brent Franklin."

"You idiot, what if he causes trouble?"

Cringing just a little and looking across the van at Bryant he gives a nod.

"Dont worry he wont."

"He better not. Let me know when you get to the hospitable."

Hearing the line go dead Roger hands up his phone and puts it away. The only things to do now was wait.

Darkness

Mick chuckles at BJ, disappointed with the short conversation, but relieved too, that he didn't have to end it himself. Hearing Rosetta again, his voice becomes quiet once more. "I love you too... I promise I'll come home soon. Hang in there."

Brenda comes around the corner and gives Mick a sympathetic but prompting look. He knew what it meant, and his shoulders drop a little. "Rosetta, I have to go now. I'll call again when I can, okay?" He wishes there was something more he could say... something more substantial. But it all seemed so trite.


So engrossed in the fun at the table, Gunner's guard is down. His usually alert ears and eyes don't notice the four men slip inside and approach the table. By the time they arrive, it's too late.

The fun comes to an instant halt as Gunner's gaze whips to Bree, his eyes starting to widen. It all just happens way too fast. Stunned as Bree is grabbed and screams, he doesn't even know who these men are or what they want. But his instincts kick in and he knew this was danger.

His eyes narrow immediately, the humor instantly replaced by cold anger for coming after Bree. "Let her go!" he barks. Getting to his feet, he steps towards the doctor that had a hold on Bree's arm, but he's pushed back. Realizing that more force is going to be needed, Gunner hauls off and swings a punch, then reaches behind his back. He was running on reflexes now, and his knife was his only weapon.

A strong hand grips his wrist just as he's reaching for his knife. His arm is wrenched behind his back as the hard coolness of metal handcuffs hits his skin. His own fear sets in as he sees Bree continuing to fight, and now he was being subdued as well. "Get off of me!" He tries to whip around to see who was behind him, but all he could get a glimpse of was a police uniform.

"Now, now, take it easy, you know as well as we do that she needs to go back to the hospital."

Gunner feels as though he's been kicked in the gut. Hospital. Doctors. No... oh, no, no, this couldn't be happening. Bree's parents had left her alone. She hadn't seen Roger. She'd been safe. This couldn't be them. But as he looks to the man who was leading this bunch, he knew. He knew in his heart of hearts that this was Roger, aka bounty hunter, hired by Bree's parents. But why?

"No!" Gunner tries to rip himself from the officer's hold, only managing to cut his hands on the cuffs. "Let her go! Don't do this!"

Adrenaline surges through his veins and he thrashes wildly, dragging the officer until they're both brought to the floor. He feels a kick to his spine and a blow to his ribs, but he pays little attention. His eyes were on Bree who was being injected then put in a straight jacket. "Bree! No! Let her go! Bree!"

His hat is knocked off and sweat pours down his face as he struggles with the officer. "I'm an Elite agent, dang it! Let me go! You'll pay! Bree!" But as he sees her disappearing through the restaurant door, a final blow to his skull sends him into darkness.

Drug

Taking the phone and putting it to his ear BJ's eyes light up as he hears Mick's voice. It had been a long time since he hurd Mick's voice, and the young boy missed his dad very much.

"Daddy, I've miss you. I have been a dood boy, and Uncle Jeff has been helping me with checkers so when you come home I can be better to play with you."

Bringing his loose finger to his up to his lips BJ thinks for a long moment before his stomach starts to growl from hunger.

"I love you Daddy, come home soon. I got to go now before my tummy eats itself."

Handing the phone back to Rosetta BJ quickly walks back into the dinning area to sit down and start him meal.

Holding the phone again Rosetta brings it to her ear clearing her throat.

"We both love you a lot and cant wait for you to come home.Get better soon ok?"

Not being able to contain her laughter as Gunner's drink goes everywhere it rings loud and clear. It was a rare sight to see Bree laugh like this let alone in public, but here she was her laugh so light, but filled with a feeling she hadn't felt in a while.

"Your making a mess, your lucky they expect this from us."

As the laughter and joking contines on the inside, a small group of four assemble on the outside of the restraint. Plans set, how things would go down, and sedatives ready. They would bank on there target freaking, and that would just prove there cause. It would be fast, and easy no room for question.

Evering and going quietly over to the table, they were un noticed for now, but not for long as they would strike standing behind Bree, Roger towered and two Dr's once on each side.

Taking Bree by the arm he leaned down a little his own eyes on Gunner to watch his movement.

"Bree, just come quietly and dont make a scene it will be easyer for you in the long run."

Laughing to hard to even notice anyone came into the restraint let alone being standing behind her it goes unnoticed by Bree. But feeling the cold hand on her arm and the hard voice in her ear does Bree's face go pale as an instant panic appears in her eyes as Bree looks across the table at Bree.

Before anything else can happen Bree almost seems to go into a trance, not knowing where she was but only feeling the fear of going back to the hospital once again. Jerking her arm from Rogers grasp Bree slips from the chair and table.

"NO, I WONT GO BACK."

Moving to get around the table Bree runs into one of the Dr's who grabs her holding her arms rather tight.

"Bree, calm down."

Letting out a blood curdaling scream Bree trys her best to squirm, kick and claw her way away from the Dr. but not being able to move with another Dr at her back it was no use. Tears streamed from Bree's eyes.

"No, No...NOOO....LET ME GO."

Feeling a sting, and a cool liqued go through her veins Bree looks down to see she had been injected with something she had felt before as everything starts to spin. She still tried to kick and claw her way, away as deep red marks mad there way on her arms from where she was being held but the drug was starting to kick in all ready, making her feel sick, and her world spin.

Turning Bree around the Dr wraps his arms around Bree to keep her up while the other put the white jacket on her. Roger looks across the table at Gunner.

"She comes with us. This woman escaped the mental hospital and is very dangerous. Just let us pass and nothing will happen to you."