The future

Ty eyes Katie with suspicion and distrust. “I want you to bug off if you’re not here for anything but to gawk.”

Wyatt quirks an eyebrow. “Cop an attitude and we walk away. We’re here to help you.”

Ty scoffs and makes his way across the cell, reaching for the bars to lean against them casually. “I bet. What are you gonna do? Call the sheriff?”

Wyatt glances at Katie, showing his annoyance, then looks back at Ty. “Have you called anyone?”

“Ha!” Ty’s mouth creases into a smile, though his expression is angry. “I’m lucky I got a cot to sit on.”

“They didn’t allow you a call? Offer a lawyer?”

Ty cocks his head, studying both his visitors. “You don’t get it, do you? I’m in here to be an example, plain and simple. I get nothing but a free ride to the county ‘correctional facility’ where I’ll be behind bars for a good couple years – that is, if Sheriff Drierson has his way.”

Wyatt’s eyes widen. “When are they moving you?”

“Tomorrow. Seven in the morning.” Ty shakes his head. “Look – if you came here on a social call, I don’t know what you expected. What’s your angle?”

“No angle.” The wheels in Wyatt’s mind begin to work. He looks Ty in the eye. “Did you help out with that robbery?”

Ty stares right back at him, his honesty evident, despite his attitude. “No.”

Wyatt pulls Katie aside to where Ty can’t hear them, and keeps his tone low. “Reese didn’t want us making any moves, but if they’re going to take Ty tomorrow, we’ll never get him out of here, and I think he’s telling the truth.” He glances towards the closed door. “Apparently the sheriff isn’t here – the deputy is all we gotta worry about, and unless I’ve lost my touch, I’d say he’s just corrupt enough that we might be able to bribe our way out of here.” He pauses, thinking through what’s going to happen. “Tell you what…call Reese and tell him what’s happened… no… just talk to Susanne – Dad will talk too long. Be brief, then tell Ty that we’re getting him out of here. I’ll work on Mr. Smarty at the front desk.”




Mick pauses Beauty’s grooming to pick out the hair from the brush. He furrows his brow, sucked into the subject like never before as he searches for answers, but still fights against Rosetta’s words. “Well what about this whole Jesus thing? I mean…” He pauses, not liking how his questions were coming out. He’d asked these kinds of questions once a long time ago…Jill had discussed some things with him – she’d been a churchgoer, and Sparky had tried telling him these things. But…he still didn’t understand. He still didn’t trust it. “I’ve heard the whole thing about accepting Jesus..is that true that you have to do that? Why can’t you just say okay and follow God’s rules and that’s it? What’s with accepting Jesus, and how do you do that anyway?”


Clint shakes his head and releases Wendy from his grasp. “No…not yet.” He sighs. “I just haven’t had a good time to talk to him about it. I don’t know if he could use continued full-time help or not. If not, I’m gonna have to go look for another job. I can’t just be here without helping out financially…it’s not fair to the others, like Eric…he’s dispersing his whole paycheck every week just to help keep this place going with everyone here. I don’t want to just sit back and do nothing. Even Dad’s started doing some work through the internet to gain some income.” Clint pauses in thought. “Ever think about what’s going to happen when this thing is over?”



The warm breeze blows softly, rustling the treetops, and providing a peaceful atmosphere for the little picnic. Conversation is kept light between Jason and Jade as they begin their relaxed meal in the soft grass of the clearing.

“So…what are you plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in ten years?”

Jason leans back in the grass on an elbow as he chews his sandwich thoughtfully. The question seemed a random one, but he supposed that it was a subject that simply had gone overlooked before. Neither one of them had spoken much of the future, other than getting through the case against the Agency. “I guess I see myself at TJY.”

“Really?” Jades tone implies slight disbelief. “You like that kind of work that much?”

“It’s in my blood.” Jason shrugs. “It’s what I’ve been trained for…what I’m good at. I like helping other people by working for the corporation.”

Jade sits back, thinking hard. His answer probably shouldn’t have surprised her, but it did. “You don’t think it’s hard on your family and friends?”

Jason stops for a moment, wondering what her point is. “I know it is…but it’s something I feel strongly enough about, that my family and friends just have to adjust and understand. There will always be a need for people like me, and I can’t deny the duty I feel. I care about my friends and family, but like my mom, they just have to trust that I’ll be all right.” He takes a swig of iced tea and looks at Jade with curiosity. “What about you? What’s your future look like?”

Jades’ face reddens slightly, though she easily switches gears to talk about herself. It was a subject she often dreamed about, even if she didn’t speak of it. “Oh…I guess I want to find the love of my life…settle down in a little house out in the country somewhere…marry a man who I know will always be there…someone to spend my evening with…someone whose job doesn’t take him far away, so our kids can grow up with a normal, healthy family life…” She giggles. “I guess that’s a fairytale version.” Her smile grows thoughtful as she thinks about her dream. “It’s what I really want though, I guess. Maybe some would say it’s just romantic ideas, but I’ve seen it happen, and I know if I want it bad enough, I’ll find it.” She looks up at Jason, her eyes suddenly full of hope.

Jason finishes his sandwich, a strange awkwardness settling over the scene. He wasn’t quite sure how to react. Jade’s admittance of her own ideas for the future had caught him off guard.
Jade senses the tension as well, and busies herself with putting away the picnic articles. This conversation had not been planned.

Jason swallows hard as he mulls over what she’d just said, and questions build in his mind that had been buried up until this point…questions to which the answers may not be wanted…and if truth be known, questions that had been purposely avoided. He finally reaches out to take Jade’s hand, forcing her to cease her busy work. “So…that’s what you really want, huh?”

Jade looks down, letting his thumb run through her palm. “Yeah.”

Jason thinks about his life…his involvement with TJY, and his own future. Suddenly his life and Jade’s life appear as opposite as black and white. For someone with a job like his, the daily circumstances were always uncertain. Living in one place and settling down was something he could never promise. Having kids was not something he thought wise for someone in his position, with the danger that he faced and the unpredictable outcomes. And for someone like Jade…someone like her with picture-perfect dreams…would she really be happy with someone like him? The answer was as clear as day, though it remained unwanted.

He forces a weak laugh. “I guess there’s no changing that dream, is there…?”

Jade frowns, instinctively knowing and dreading what’s coming next. She hadn’t wanted her question to spawn this conversation…all she’d wanted was to enjoy the afternoon. But they were here now, and couldn’t avoid it. “No. …And you?” Her words are laced with lingering hope. “You’ll always want to live the life of adrenaline and danger?”

Jason meets her eye with a new form of sorrow. “I can’t change who I am.”

Jade withdraws her hand, unsure what to say as she places the napkins into the picnic basket. A quiet scoff surfaces. “I should have known better, Jason…”

Jason sits up, his heart sinking. After a moment, he voices what they’re both thinking. “It’s not going to work, is it?”

She turns to him, pursing her lips in solemn thought. “I don’t think either of us are willing to change our dreams, and if that’s true…do we really have something that would last?” She shakes her head. “You know as well as I do that ever since the winter social, this whole thing has been just surface feelings. We want it to work…we want to be together…and we do like each other…care for each other, but… is there really any depth?”

Jason has a hard time forming any words. In his heart, he knew she was right, but it still hurt. “I’m sorry, Jade.”

She gives him a little smile, despite the tears behind her eyes. “It’s not your fault. The first time I saw you, I felt something I’d never felt before, and I knew it was worth a try. But sometimes things just don’t work out like we hope.”

Jason looks down, a strange mixture of feelings hitting him. He was sad, yet at the same time, not as sad as he would have thought, perhaps proving what they both knew. “You’re going to make an awfully fine catch for that man of your dreams,” he says softly. “I’m just sorry that I can’t be him.”

Jade reaches over to put a hand on Jason’s face, a tear trickling down her cheek, despite her smile. “There’s a corner of my heart that has grown to love you in a short amount of time, and I’ll never forget that. I have no regrets, and neither should you. I don’t want to let you go, but it’s better to stop now before things go far enough that it will hurt even more.” She pauses for just a moment. “There’s a woman out there somewhere who’s made for you…who has dreams that are so close to yours that when you reach this same point, there won’t be any doubt… You’re a good man, Jason…and you deserve the best.”

Jason takes her hand, swallowing his emotions and sighing deeply. “I hope we can still be friends.”

“Of course.” Jade squeezes his hand.


The walk back to the ranch is slow and quiet, neither speaking much as they stroll hand-in-hand. As they arrive, they turn to each other once more. Jason leans down, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Thank you, Jade. For everything.”

She smiles up at him, graciously accepting the circumstances. “I’ll see you later, Hotshot.”

A small grin can’t be helped, and he backs away, finally turning to go to his own bunk.

Jade trudges to the mess hall to return the picnic leftovers to the kitchen. As she unpacks items into the refrigerator, she holds back her tears. They had made the right choice, she was certain. But no matter how right, the pain would linger for just a little while.

Somethign Strange

*Rosetta thinks for a moment before answering Mick as she keeps brushing the horse out.* " Why yes Mick you do have to. Think...what would the world be like if those who stole and murdered wernt puished? If we dident have rules we would all be robbing stores, and killing people, this wouldent be much of a world to live in would it? Now think of the bible...I dont like to think of them as rules but gidlines on how I should live mylife. God is here to help us, not condem us. With out even relizing it Mick you follow God's rules now. You dont cuss, You dont murder....The only thing you lack is the trust. If I want to get up and Go...I can. As log as I am healthy while I am doing it. We can do what we like still as long as we shair Gods love, and follow the guidlines along the way." *Rosetta smiles at Mick.*

*Wendy giggles at Clint.* " I dont think I would. Oneday when you dont know it...I'm gonna." *Wendy leans into Clint.* " Ya I like this one too. I really like how everything is reflecting off thew water. I just need to do the sky, and some more trees and it should be done." *Wendy looks out at the water as Clint stands with her.* " Did ya talk to Wes yet about going full time over there?"

~*~With Wyatt~*~

*As Katie follows Wyatt into the back she lifts her sun glasses off her face and puts them on top of her head. As the make there way to the cell with TY Katie eyes him. Something about him seemed familure but Katie couldent put her finger on it. Its wasent possable for her to know this guy she had never seen him in her life. Yet something tuged at the back on her mind. Katie looks from Wyatt back to Ty. A strange feeling comes over Katie in the gut of she stomach. A strange thoughtfull look on her face.* "I guess that depends who you want us to be."

A new face

Mick doesn't look Rosetta in the eye as she talks, though her words are convicting for some reason. He ponders them a few minutes before speaking again. "But if God loves people so much, why are there so many rules and all that? I see Sparky, and....well you too, and it's like you're tied down or something." He shrugs. "Does someone really have to go through Jesus and all that to get to Heaven?"


Clint grin and slings an arm around Wendy's shoulders. "Well, I'm not done for the day, but I needed a break. Wes is gone for a bit, so I gotta close up later." He steers Wendy back to where she was painting. "Mm...I like this one... you do such a good job."
He laughs at her suggestion of painting him. "Ha! I'm sure you'd portray it perfectly, but we don't want to scare anyone away."



The drive to Jackson is a pleasant one, and the radio fills up most of the quietness on the way down. Once arriving, Wyatt finds his way around the small town streets until he spots the police department. It fits the town's size as not very large, with few police cars around it. "Well...let's go in and take a look around. We can say we're here to visit...." He pulls out a piece of paper Susanne had given him. "...Ty Baker. Just play it cool I guess and once we see what kind of shape he's in, we can leave and call Reese before doing anything else. I wanna see the sheriff myself to see if the rumors about his attitude are true."

Wyatt exits his jeep and hops up on the curb, waiting just a moment for Katie. "If they ask, we're Ty's friends. They don't need to know anything else."

Once inside, a deputy looks up from his desk, seeming a little disgusted by their intrusion on the paperwork he's doing. "Yeah?"

Wyatt grits his teeth at the cool reception, and pulls an attitude of his own. "We wanna see Ty...now would be good."

The deputy eyes them suspiciously. "If you're part of his little gang, you can just turn right around and high tail it out of here before you get put behind bars too."

Wyatt leans over onto the man's desk, looking him in the eye. "We're friends of Ty's, and it stops there. So please...just point us in the right direction so we can get out of your neatly combed hair."

Despite a glare, the deputy backs down and nods to a door. "Just go through there. He's in the back cell. Only one there. Try anything and I'll lock the door behind you."

"Thank you." Wyatt straightens and motions for Katie to follow him. They go into the back and follow the short row of cells to the back.

A man looking to maybe be in his early twenties is lying on a cot, staring up at the ceiling. Hearing someone approach, he turns and sits up, swinging his legs around. A black eye accents his face, along with several other cuts and a swollen lip. His dark hair is matted, and his eyes linger on Wyatt and Katie with a piercing stare. He stands up, folding his arms across his chest in a defiant stance, though his attitude doesn't seem to match a more timid look behind the mask. But something about him jumps out as familiar. The way he stands...the way he holds his head. Wyatt doesn't appear to sense the strange feeling in the air.

Ty just stares at them. "Who're you?"

Heaven or Hell?

*Katie laughs* "Ya only if Trooper dosent slobber all over me like last time." *Walking tword the Door Katie hears Susanne call. Looking a Wyatt a smile crosses her face. Throwing on her sun glasses and folding her arms under her chest she gives alittle lean back.* " Ready, Willing, and Able oh great defender." *Katie cant help but bust out laughing as they head out. They maybe small cases Katie was helping with but she loved everytime Reese wanted to help. She was moving up and she loved it."

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Rosetta is not saprised by Mick's question. Picking up another brush Rosetta starts to groom Beauty's other side.* "Well...I would say my constince was trying to tell me something. Maybe you feel badly about something you know you should do. The topic of heaven and hell could be heavy on you mind after talking to someone about it. Your dreams might be perseving the battle your fighting inside to know what is right. Sometimes with us being human we dont like to make a desition untell we workd through the outcome of both to know what will happen, But when it comes to heaven and hell that will never come. We never will know what will happen. Well, we know when we die if we go to heaven than thats wonderful and if we go to hell thats bad and you will be in pain forever. But it sounds like your brain is trying to go deeper and you just cant." *Rosetta stops for a moment to collect her thoughts wondering if she is even making sence.*
"We just have to trust God that he knows what he is doing. That went we turn our life over to him he wont let us down. Ya bad things happen and we are GOD why..why did you let this happen if you love us so. The reson he let it happen is so when we passon we have something to look forword to. If we were happy and content here on earth we would never want to leave." *Rosetta smiles at Mick.* "As for the good things in our lifes, God gave those to us along with the bad so we know than if we put all of our good stuff together that still would only be a small portion of the happyness we will have in heaven."

*After finishing a few brush strokes Wendy lays down her palit and brush. Turning she smiles up at Clint.* "Hey you. I thought Wes would never let you leave." *Wendy giggles.* "How was work today?" *Wendy streaches out her legs and works her fingers in and out trying to get them to uncramp for when she starts to paint again. Over the last few weeks Wendy has made painting one of her main hobbys. And of the ones she thought looked half way deacent she hung in the mess hall and if visters wanted to buy them they could. Wendy liked seeing the look on people's faces when they got her paints like they just got a master peace* "Ya know...sometime your going to have to let paint you while you working. I think it would come out pritty cool." *Standing Wendy walks over near Clint and smiles.*

Ready?

Wyatt just sits back and cocks his head, enjoying giving Katie the upper hand. He laughs and shakes his head. "Nope - I like seeing you win." He finally takes his feet off the table and leans forward to grab his water bottle, finishing it off. "Well, to tell you the truth, if you want someone to help you get a car, the very best person is Scott." He grins. "He may own a bomber himself, but I tell ya - he knows a thing or two about engines, even more than I do."
The clock on the wall changes to one o'clock and Wyatt sighs. "I gotta go help Hal at his downtown office." He gets up and heads to the door, but stops and pivots back around. "After supper tonight I'm walking Trooper down to the park to let him run for a while. Want me to swing by Laura's?"

"Hey Wyatt, Hero in there?" Susanne calls down the hall, interrupting them.

Wyatt almost rolls his eyes, giving a little sigh, laced with humor. "Yeah."

Susanne comes with a phone message in her hand. "Just got a call. There was a robbery over in Jackson and the cops caught one guy who's pleading innocent. The town sheriff has a bad reputation around there, and he's holding this guy as guilty, not even bothering to go out and bring the other culprits in. Sounds like one of his deputies roughed up the guy pretty good too. It was a civilian who called Gary, who just called Reese. We don't have anybody else on call right now - can you two swing down there and snoop around? Reese said not to do anything more than visit the guy and get a grip on what's happening, then report back."

Wyatt grins, knowing Katie will jump at the chance. "You bet. As long as you call Hal and let him know I won't be there today."

"Sure."

Wyatt fishes his keys out of his pocket and looks to Katie. "Take us about an hour. You ready, mighty sidekick?"



Mick smiles at Rosetta, and resumes Beauty's grooming. "Eh, she'll be fine. I got her going pretty well before I sent her here, so she's had a rider on her. It won't take much to get her back in the routine after not having been handled much in a while." He concentrates on a tangle in Beauty's mane, though a flashback from last night's nightmare comes rushing back. Sighing, he shakes his head, too exhausted from the torment to continue keeping it hidden, and deciding just to blurt it out. "Rosetta, if you were having nightmares about heaven and hell, what would you think?"


Clint yell back at Wes to let him know he's got everything under control. After tinkering a while longer, he decides to take a break, and cleans up before wandering outside. Looking around, he heads to one of Wendy's favorite spots, finding her near the pond. He approaches quietly, knowing she's concentrating on her painting. "Hey..."



Jason is just heading to his bunk, when Jade runs up behind him. "Get ready, we're going for that picnic today." She tries to catch her breath.

Jason stops and looks down at her in surprise. "...Okay?"

"It's supposed to rain tomorrow." Jade giggles. "And I'm not going to postpone again. So get yourself ready and I'll go get the food. You okay walking a ways?"

"Yep."

"Good. Meet you back here in ten minutes."

Time Passed

*Katie stands and picks up her own darts. For a moment she is quiet as if really consintrating. Taking aim her first dart lands right next to if not ontop of Wyatt's. She gives a smerk as she can feel Wyatt watching her. Her next lands right by the first. Smiling she sits back down.* "Ya know I could always throw a game or two for you. If that would help your male ego any." *Katie scruntches up her nose at Wyatt. The time had seemed to fly by. It felt like just yesterday was her first day at TJY. Now she fit in. People started accepting her, no matter if she was away from the ranch or not the nickname Jason had given her stuck. Personal Hero, most people shortend it to Hero, a few must have goten wind of Con's nickname (kat) for her too. Though Katie never perked up to that one as much unless it was Con himself who said it. Calling Con had become Katie's daily ruteen. Though it was a call for work Katie always spent an extra few minutes catching up and seeing how everything at the ranch was going. It was always good to talk and hear Con's voice.
Katie giggles at Wyatt's comment.* " I think Laura would kill you if you messed with her car. Thats like her baby you know." *Katie cant help but smile her eyes dancing.* " I guess you and Trooper will just have too. I could use some more exersise myself and now thats its nice out, I hate being cooped up inside all the time. I'm thinking about using the money I saved up and invest in my own car. It would be nice to have one and explore alittle. I dont know much about them though." *Katie leans back in her chair and streaches leting out alittle yawn.*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*As Rosetta leaves the mess hall she smiles at Jade and Jason on the swing. They were so cute together. Walking off the porch she takes in the warm crisp air. It was nice to have the good weather here again. Trying to keep her head up after the case had hit a sour note for the ranch's sake and for her friends and family as well. Rosetta nods as she pass a few guests. The ranch was starting to pic up again and with the warm weather many more responsiblitys. Entering the barn Rosetta smiles at Mick. Coming up along side him she lets out a sigh.* "She sure is a wonderful horse. I think she is going to be a spitfire to train and I sure would like alittle help. If your up to it." *Rosetta grins at Mick as she leans in to give him a kiss. It had been a few weeks. Rosetta and Mick grew with each passing day. Both of them finding happyness in eachother. Rosetta thanked God for everymoment she could spend with him. He had changed since he had been here, Mick truly seemed happy. Though Rosetta couldent help but worry about his nightmares. They seemed to be geting worse. Not wanting to bring up the momries she never mentioned them to him. Rosetta new in time when Mick was ready he would talk to her about them.*

"No nos nos....You need to digs the shand out like dis." *BJ sat in the sand with a few other kids building sand castles and showing them how to dig out motes. Much time had passed since Sam droped BJ off at R/M. Not a day went but he dident think of her. But to his child mind it wasent long and he believed she would be back. Right now BJ was enjoying his new friends and sarroundings. He had grown very attached to Rosetta and Mick. BJ lets out a giggle as him and his friend dig like crazy in the sand. BJ was content.*

*Wes lets out a hearty laugh as Clint sings at the top of his lungs.* "Hey dont quit you day Job eh." *Walking over to the car Clint is working on he looks over his work.* " You are doing a fine job Clint. You've come alone way and caught on fast.I am proud of you." *Wes does a bit more tinkering around in the shop than heads into his apt to thorw some new clothing on and take a shower. He was running a bit late He forgot he promised Cindy he would meet her in town for lunch. Coming out of the back Wes calls to Clint over the raido.* "HEY CLINT, When your done for the day lock up for me ok. I am heading into town to meet Cindy." *Wes leaves the shop and jumps into his truck heading for town.*

*Wendy sits outside on a stump by the pond. The last week has been stressful and hard but she is trying to make the best of her. With her paints and easll sit out Wendy starts to paint the pond. Stoping for a bref moment Wendy lets out a sigh. Than goes back to painting trying to kill time till Clint is done working.*

Time

Though most would want to agree with Wes, it was obvious that storming the Agency wasn’t the best of plans.

Jeff catches Rosetta’s eye, sorry he’d suggested splitting up again. He hadn’t really wanted that to be an option, he’d just been trying to figure everything out.

It’s agreed that trying to find both the location of Dr. Medridge and Sam would be a good starting place to begin research again, while continuing to try and find the location of the last chip.

Con fills Katie in later when she calls, giving her a detailed report to give to Reese. He wants to elaborate on Jason’s change in demeanor but resists, not wanting to open up that can of worms. Instead, he makes small talk about working at TJY before ending the call.


Wyatt seems to have disappeared for the day, someone mentioning he got called out of the office, but early afternoon, an email pops up for Katie.
“Thanks for breakfast. It was scrumptious. - Wy”

Time…

Over the next couple weeks, Wyatt continues to give Katie and Laura rides to and from work as her car waits to get fixed, then winds up in the shop for longer than planned. No one minds though, all three winding up doing more together and enjoying the time to develop friendships.


Plunging ahead with new purpose, work on the case from the ranch takes on a fresh perspective, giving everyone new motivation. But as time drags on and little is found, the pace slows back to the depressing state of wondering if they’ll ever find what they need. The weather warms, creating a conflict of enthusiasm for spring mixed with a depression resulting from the realization that danger still lurks with no warning and no answers.

…Passes

“So then I said I would go.” Jade giggles as she controls the swaying of the porch swing with her foot as she leans against Jason, his arms resting around her.

Jason grins at her high school story, and allows a long pause, the warm breeze seeming to lull them into a melancholy state.

Jade senses his quietness and questions it. “Penny for your thoughts.”

Jason rests his chin on her head. “Just thinking is all…it’s been a month since we’ve dug up anything substantial on this stupid case…the Agency, or Dr. Medridge at least, has gone back into hiding… it all just feels like a weird dream.”

“Yeah…” Jade sighs. “I was talking to Dad about it yesterday…he seemed a bit down over it. Come to think of it though, he’s seemed a bit off for quiet a while. I can’t put my finger on it though.”

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “I heard Sparky say something to Wes last week about him knowing that Mick’s been having nightmares something awful.”

“Really? I didn’t know that.”

“That’s all I heard though, so I’m not sure if that was everything or not.”

Another pause is allowed to reign for several minutes until Jade speaks up again. “How’s your knee after you twisted it yesterday?”

“Better.” Jason grimaces, remembering his sparring session with Con the day before. He’d held himself to a rigorous morning routine for weeks now, though yesterday was his first attempt at getting back into some hand to hand combat. He still depended on a cane to get around, but he’d set aside his crutches two weeks prior after receiving a positive report from JT. “Con felt terrible.”

Jade giggles. “Well you were fighting.”

“He said he shouldn’t have hooked my leg like he did.” Jason rolls his eyes. “He’ll get over it.”

“I’m sure.” Jade straightens up and sighs with content. “We still gonna go on that picnic you keep promising me?”

“Of course.” Jason pulls her back close to give her a bear hug and kiss on the head. “I always keep my promises.”

“Good. Tomorrow then.”



Clint sings at the top of his lungs to a song playing on the radio as he lies on his back under a car. Reaching for another tool, he realizes how much he’s learned since he started helping Wes… and his debt was almost paid off now too. He was going to have to ask Wes if he wanted help to continue, even if the original reason was taken care of.



Mick ties Beauty in the barn aisle, giving her a good brushing after the quick workout he’d given her. With the weather getting warmer, he knew Rosetta would probably saddle her up one of these days, and he wanted the young mare to be ready. Pausing, Mick leans on Beauty’s back for a moment, his mind wandering to last night’s nightmare all over again. Would the bad dreams ever stop? They were still haunting him…some worse than others, but all leaving him with a terror that clung to him throughout the day.



The afternoon at TJY seems slow with several people gone on vacation, and as a slowdown in cases comes. Reese keeps Katie busy with secretarial work though, impressed with her efficiency and adding a few more responsibilities to her plate, along with toying with several ideas for her to help with a few certain cases.

Wyatt leans back in his chair, his feet propped up on the break room table and he throws another dart, landing it near the bull’s-eye in the target on the far wall. Another throw lands his next dart dead center. “Ha!” He glances over to Katie. “I’d say ‘beat that’ but I’m afraid you will like you did last week.” He grimaces. “Scott still hasn’t let me forget that.” A grin escapes as he doesn’t really mind at all…he’d been having too much fun getting to know Katie to let anything bother him at this point. He pauses, his eyes twinkling. “I keep having to fight my jeep in the mornings not to drive by Laura’s, now that her car is fixed. I’ve considered tampering with her engine just so I could keep picking you guys up in the mornings.” He throws Katie a wink. “Guess Trooper and I will just have to take a few extra walks.”

Fight

*Rosetta looks at Jeff, her eyes grow small tears.* " Even if it was cuz we were split up, I dont want to go down the road again. Not now. I wont be for that plan."


*Wes stands again pacing.* "Cant we get TJY involved more? Find out where this DR is or Agency is located and storm in guns blazing and...." *Wes slumps back down in his chair scanning the room.* "Ya I know, not likely."

*Angel sighs.* "We have been through to much to give up again." *She shakes her head* " Its not fair to iceolate outself from the people we love. I say we start fighting back. If Sam was at the McClain's she would of had to give them a home address right? I wonder if we called if Allen would give it to us. I know it could be a bogus one, but it might not of been. We might be able to go and check it out get some clues or something."

~*~At TJY~*~

*As Katie makes her way to the desk she starts to work on the papers Reese has layed out for her. Hours pass and finally the pile is almost empty. Looking down at her watch Katie sees its almost noon. Trying to decied if she wants to call Con now or wait till after lunch Katie picks up the phone and dials Con's number.*

Discussion

Clint stumbles forward just a little as Wendy comes up behind him, but instead of straightening, he bends over, pulling Wendy up onto his back and swinging her around, piggy-back fashion. He sprints into a jog to the mess hall, giving her a bouncy ride until he hits the porch, swiveling around to deposit her on the step. In one swift motion he turns to leap onto the porch and open the door, bowing low to usher her inside. He's breathing heavily, his face red, but he's grinning from ear to ear.

After everyone is settled down, Jason shares and the questions fly, Jason shakes his head. "Rosetta, I don't know." He glances at his grandfather, but Austin doesn't offer anything. "Who would we try to prove anything to, even if we could? The authorities would laugh us out of town before even investigating it themselves. It's been tried. Not to mention we've encountered law enforcement that's been in with the Agency, so who do we trust?" He holds up the papers. "These here are just printouts of of files I shouldn't even have seen. If I would show these to anyone, I could probably go to jail for hacking."

Mick speaks up. "As far as I can tell, the Agency chose us, simply because of our parents. Apparently they agreed with whatever the Agency was doing. That's what we discovered up to this point at any rate. I'm not convinced it has anything to do with us, per say, but rather we just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Jason nods. "That's what we've landed on so far." He turns to Wes with seriousness. "If you have a game plan in mind, do share. But don't think we've come up with nothing. This in itself clears up a lot of questions. You've been lab rats - anyone who gets involved has been, and anyone who gets involved hereafter is included in the batch. I'm in danger, Austin's in danger, and even Con." He shakes his head again. "It won't end until one of two things happen - we take down the Agency or die trying."

Con studies his younger friend, intrigued by Jason's sudden take-charge attitude. What had happened overnight to change his outlook?

"Or give up," Jeff states lamely. "Do you think the torment would stop if we split up again?"

Jason isn't sure he knows enough to answer, but he does anyway. "We thought you all were left alone because you were split up - but it could very well be simply because Medridge was behind bars for a while..."

"So we still don't know what to do." Mick scoffs in disgust. "It's like getting pieces to a puzzle, but putting them together doesn't form a picture."


Once at TJY, the threesome splits up, Wyatt heading to his desk with his breakfast, and Laura to hers. On Katie's desk is a bunch of papers and notes from Reese with new tasks for the day, including a reminder to call Con.

New Calabration

*Rosetta smiles at Mick and rolls off the coutch trying to get motavated.* "It's 7am." *Finally geting enough motavation Rosetta gets up and wakes BJ up ready to start the day.*

*Angel smiles as Luke comes up behind her. She rests her head on his and laughs.* " ya go figure I do know how to cool little."

*As Wendy lays on her bed she hears a loud bank on her window. Jumps straght up in the air finally she heads Clint's voice.* "Why that little." * Jumping out of bed Wendy runs out the door and jumps off the porch running up behind Clint trowing her arm around him.* "Are you TRYING to give me a heart attack?!?"

~*~In Wyatt's Car~*~

*Katie laughs at Wyatt.* " You better watch it she will kick your butt. I bet she could goo." *Katie gives Wyatt a silly grin. The rest of the way to TJY is pritty quiet*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Rosetta listens intently to what Jason has to say her eyes going big for a moment.* "So all of this, everything we have been through has been the doing of Dr. Medridge. Wow....so how do we even stop this? We dont have any proof but those papers you have."

*Angel sits up straghter in she chair.* "Why did the Agency pick us for the implants though? Was it just randome or do we all have a certin trate or what."

*Wes speaks up* "So whats our game plane now? I just want to get this done and over with so we can move on with our lifes and be happy. I am tired of draging this out. Doing research and coming up with nothing."

*Wendy sits quietly with Clint. Even once in a while glancing over at BJ. He was watching Jason so intently like he new what was going on. But that was impossable he was only 6.*

Clues

Sparky grabs a cup of coffee and wanders the mess hall, trying to focus his mind for the day. He meanders to the living room, taking a glance after realizing this morning that Mick hadn't been in bed all night. Seeing his brother and Rosetta on the couch, he lingers, leaning in the doorway, just watching them for a moment. Maybe a little bit of peace could be found amongst the turmoil.

"They look happy, don't they."

Sparky turns quickly at Mel's whisper, not having heard her behind him. "Yeah..."

A small smile creases Mel's lips as she sees Mick. "I'm glad he came back here...I was afraid at one point that he'd gone too far down to turn around."

Sparky takes a sip of his coffee and nods. "Me too."

Mel gives him a sidelong glance. "Ever wish you could find that happy spot like him?"

"You mean that he's found with Rosetta?"

"Yeah."

Sparky shrugs, still keeping his voice low so as not to wake anyone. "Not sure I was meant to...I suppose a part of me gave up on that a few years back."

Mel eyes him for a moment then turns to go, but not before laying a hand on his shoulder. "There's always tomorrow."

Sparky lifts an eyebrow as he watches her leave, his mind suddenly a thousand miles away from where it was.


As the scent of coffee drifts into the adjoining room, Mick opens one eye groggily, then the other, slowly coming out of a fog. As his surroundings come into focus, he realizes that Rosetta's face is inches from his, a smile prompting his own grin. He draws her a little closer to plant a kiss on her forehead. "One of these days I'll grow up enough to go to my own bed at night." He rolls his eyes then reaches his arms over his head to stretch as he yawns. Recalling the evening before, he knows he owes Rosetta a thanks, though understands that she wouldn't have stayed had she not wanted to. He lets is own look into her eyes convey his gratefulness. "What time is it anyway?"


Luke slips into the kitchen, a smile on his face as he creeps up behind Angel to grab her around the waist and lean down to give her cheek a kiss, his hair still wet from his shower. He rests his chin on her shoulder for a moment, looking at what she's cooking. "Mm-mmm. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you knew what you were doing."


Cindy leans over her stationery on the mess hall table, concentrating on the letters she's writing.


Clint trudges groggily to the mess hall, his hair still askew, having had only one thing on his mind since rolling out of bed: coffee. Passing Wendy's bunk, he reaches up to bang his palm on the window pane, letting out a holler. "Rise and shine!" He continues his saunter to the mess hall yawning big.



Laura follows Katie out the door, locking it behind her. Catching up as they get to the jeep, she slips in the backseat again.

Wyatt raises his eyebrows as Katie hands him the container of food. "What have we here?" He cracks the lid to look inside, a grin spreading across his face. "Now that's what I'd call a right good wakeup call." He smacks his lips, setting the container down on the floor by his seat. "I have a date with that as soon as I get sat down at my desk." He throws Katie a look that conveys he's pleasantly surprised by the breakfast. "Thank you."

As they pull away from the curb, Laura chuckles. "Now if I would have given you something, you would have asked me what favor I wanted."

Wyatt laughs, keeping his eyes on the road. "That's because I know you. This damsel on the other hand...." He gives Katie a sly sidelong glance. "I'm still figuring out. But between you and me, I think she's driven by purer motives than you."

Laura grimaces good-naturedly and whacks the back of the driver's seat. "Thanks a lot."

Wyatt just grins and steers his jeep into traffic.



Most everyone is already seated and eating breakfast by the time Jason enters the mess hall, met by Jade, who helps him with the door. "Hey there handsome." She smiles. "I was just ready to come see if you were joining us this morning."

Jason returns the smile, his eyes and mind clearer than the day before. "I am, but I appreciate knowing you'd find me if I died or something."

The mischief in his eye makes Jade laugh. "Come on. I saved a seat for you."

"Nope." Jason shakes his head. "I got something to share first." He holds up his papers. "This is gonna be of interest to everyone." He makes his way to the end of the room, tossing the papers onto the end of one of the tables. Glancing around, he clears his throat, trying to gain everyone's attention. "Hey, y'all... I got something I want to share with you... last night I found some interesting facts..." He glances at Austin and Con. "I haven't even told you two about it yet."

Austin and Con exchanges glances that convey both surprise at Jason's discovery and surprise that he's that confident this morning - something has changed.

Jason leans on his crutches, glancing down at his printouts. I ran across a name the other day that I finally remembered I'd seen while perusing some Agency files once. After some double checking, and comparing records, I wound up hacking into a system, getting in pretty much by luck. But once there I found some records of a department of the Agency, in which was a partial personnel file, including these." He points to his papers. "This is a file on a Dr. Kent Medridge. He's basically a psychopath. Apparently he's got quite the status at the Agency, having been with them since way back when. We can go over details later, but the bottom line is that y'all have always wondered why you were tortured in a sense, never left alone, even when you weren't trying to go up against the Agency."

Sparky and the others listen intently, confused, but wanting to know more. Jason goes on. "Really, it all boils down to lab rats. That's how you're viewed by Medridge. After the Agency sucked in your families, you received implants and the works, Medridge started his own program of evaluating human behavior under stress. He was allowed to use your families as a testing ground, basically." Jason shrugs. "It's hard to believe, but from what I've gained from these records is that he's been the one behind all the random attacks, kidnappings, you name it. The Agency itself would have been satisfied to leave everyone alone after the implants were in place, but they allowed Medridge to play. There's records on all of you that I couldn't get access to - I'm sure they list reactions, behaviors and results from stressful situations."
He scans the room grimly. "So you've got a double whammy here. Not only does the Agency want you because of the implants, but Medridge is going after you too. He's the type to put an ant under a magnifying glass just to see how long it takes to kill the thing as it burns. It's my theory that the Agency's only motives are the computer chips, and for all we know, they don't realize yet that we're on to them in that area. But Medridge basically has free rein, so he can torture while the Agency can still keep an eye on where everyone is."

Sparky shakes his head in disbelief. "What kind of a sick person would do that?"

"Medridge," Jason states flatly. "He needs to be locked up in a padded room somewhere."

"So what about the last eighteen years?"

"He was locked up," Jason explains, shifting to another printout. "He got in trouble for a wrong diagnosis on a patient a while back, blew the whole thing out of proportion and wound up behind bars. It just happened that he got out about the same time Mick started digging around and the case blew open again."

A new day

*As the sun peaks over the harizon Rosetta slowly opens her eyes feeling an arm around her. As she eyes open Micks sleeping face looks back at her a smile cross her face. This was a perfect moment. Rosetta dosent move just a bit longer. Mick had, had a rough night and she dident want to disturb him.*

*As the birds chirp and the sun it fully up, Wes makes his way to the mess hall looking for Cindy.*

*Angel is busy in the kitchen whiping up some breakfest. Today was going to be a good day.*

*Wendy streaches and lays in her bed for a long moment not wanting to get up yet. It was strange but for some reson a strang feeling knocked on the door.*

~*~Laura's place~*~

*Katie smiles at Laura.* "Ya I know. But I like cooking the little I can." *As Katie finishs up doing the dishes she hears Wyatt hon. Grabing her jacket and puting her sunglass she starts for the door. Remember what she made for Wyatt. Going back into the kitchen she grabs the container. After geting into Wyatt's car she smiles at him.* "Good Morning. I though you might be alittle hungry." *Katie hands the container to Wyatt.*

Through the night

Cindy returns Wes’ hug just a little awkwardly, but forces herself not to resist. Fear will not ruin this evening…not this time. “Thanks, Wes…I had a good time too…” Her eyes linger on his for just a moment before she turns to go in her bunk. “Good night.”


Mick is quiet for a long while, trying to shake off the bad dream, but it sticks with him as if clutching his mind with sharp talons. He’s finally calmed down though, his exhaustion starting to take back over. Without saying anything, he leans over to position himself on his side, and pulls Rosetta down next to him, wrapping an arm around her, just wanting to know she’s safe, her presence reminding him that it had only been a dream. Before he knows it, he’s asleep again, not waking until the morning.


Jason’s alarm goes off and his eyes fly open. He quickly shuts it off, then rubs his face wearily, yawning and stretching. Rolling out of bed, he sees it’s still dark out. Probably no one else is up yet.
He dresses and grabs his crutches, throwing on a jacket and making his way to the mess hall. He enters quietly and goes to the kitchen, not bothering to turn on any lights, but retrieves and downs a glass of orange juice. Satisfied for now, he heads back outside. He was done moping… it was time to kick into high gear.
He goes back to his bunk where he promptly begins an exercise routine, first for his knee, then the rest of his body. Wincing, he grits his teeth against the pain that shoots down his leg. It had to go ignored – he would not let it get the best of him. Sweat trickles down the side of his face as his muscles strain against the pushups. He wanted to run, but if forced not to because of his knee, he would work all the harder on other things.
As the sun begins to peek over the horizon, Jason ceases his workout, and showers. Dressed once again, he takes a long look at himself in the mirror. Moving on was never easy. But moving ahead was a necessity.
Grabbing his crutches again, he heads back to the mess hall, several computer printouts in hand.


Laura comes into the kitchen and raises her eyebrows. “Wow, two mornings in a row,” she teases. “I hope you know it’s not a requirement of you staying here.” She grabs some juice from the fridge, still running a hand through her hair to get it to dry from her shower. “Did Wyatt say what time he’d be here?”
A honk outside answers her.
“Oh, drat, he’s earlier than I thought!” She throws Katie a look of apology. “Sorry. Guess we’re in a bit of a rush.”

For no one

*As Wes pulls into the Ranch and parks the car she sits for a long moment. Than geting out of the car he walks over to Cindy's door and opens it offering his hand to her her out. Finally they get to her bunk. Wes pulls Cindy close and gives her a hug.* " If only this night would never end. I had a fantastic time, thank you." *Wes gives Cindy a kiss on the forhead.*

*Rosetta continues to rub Mick's back.* "Hey, Hey....I'm not going anywhere." *Rosetta wraps her arms around Mick.* "Sure I will..." *Rosetta runs her hands though Mick's hair and she hums softly* "...I'll stay as long as you need me."

*Day turns to night and night turns once more. Life stoodstill for the night and now, it was starting to spring to life again with the rising of the sun. Everyone from the ranch starts to make there way to the mess hall. Far off Katie wakes and once again makes breakfest. This time puting a bit aside marking Wyatt's name on the top. The day starts time stands still for no one!*

Stay?

Luke watches Angel leave, keeping an eye on her until she disappears into her quarters. He heaves a contented sigh and sits back in the swing, lingering for a long while. Finally getting up the gumption to go to bed, he takes a moment to stand, and slowly heads to his bunk, taking his time as his legs resist the movement. Making it to bed, he falls to sleep quickly, so worried about the future, but so happy as well.

Jason sits straight up in bed. Like a lightbulb had gone on, he remembered where he'd seen that name. Throwing off his covers, he ignores the protest of his knee and goes to his desk, flipping open his laptop. He had to make sure, while it was fresh in his mind. Theories and calculations start coming to him like a barrage of bullets. Was this another puzzle piece found?


Cindy giggles and stares at the menu herself, finally settling on a simple cone with chocolate ice cream. She takes her time eating, sitting with Wes at a small table before they head back to the ranch. She’s quiet on the ride, tired, but allowing herself the happiness of the moment. As they pull back into the ranch, she sits awkwardly for a minute, unsure how to bring the evening with Wes to a close.


Mick closes his eyes again for a moment, letting Rosetta’s touch calm him and bring him back to reality. He looks in her eyes, his face wrought with a new kind of tension. “I thought I lost you,” he whispers. Had it really been a simple dream? Did it mean nothing, that he should just forget about? It seemed to have engraved itself too deeply to ever erase those images…that voice…
He reaches out to cradle Rosetta’s face with a hand, the inner torment coursing through his gaze.
He lies toward the back of the couch, and his voice is tight, almost timid as his tone is low. “Stay with me?”

I'm here

*Katie opens she eyes slowly still half asleep. Feel a cold wet toung on her nose she relizing its the cat.* "Well hey there Henry." *Reaching out from under the covers Katie pets Henry.* " Have you comes to keep me company sweety." *After peting him a while longer Katie rests her hand next to her face and drifts off to sleep again.*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Angel stairs at the ring for a long moment her eyes filling with tears. Tears of joy. Finally Angel looks up deep into Luke's eyes. Throwsing her arms around him.* "Its so pretty I love it. Thank you Luke. I am the luckyest girl around. After a little while longer or siting and chating, watching the night sky Angel yawns.* "Well I better get going to bed. I'm no use to anyone tired." *Angel smiles and give Luke a kiss goodnight.* "I'll see you in the morning Luke. GoodNight." *Angel turns and starts to walk to her bunk a new stride in her step. She felt young again.*

*Wes smiles at Cindy and starts up the truck.* "Ice cream it is my lady. And away we go in your charriet." *Wes cant help but laugh as he pulls out of the parking lot making his way to the ice cream shop. With in minutes they are there and Wes is studing the wall for what he wants.* "Maybe a banannasplit sounds good."

*As Rosetta hears Mick call out in his sleep. Puting her book down she walks over to the coutch as he shoots up. Placing a hand on his sounder she eases dowon on the floor next to him.* "Hey, It was just a dream I'm here. Want to talk about it?" *Rosetta smiles up at Mick as she gently rubs his back.*

Nightmare

Laura bids Katie goodnight, and after finishing her movie, she does some cleaning, then heads to bed herself.

Henry wanders down the hall, getting used to a second person in the apartment, and he nudges Katie's door open. After looking around the room, he hops up on her bed near her face and starts to purr.


Jason lies awake in bed, his eyes aimed toward the ceiling, but focusing on nothing. His mind has been in turmoil all day as guilt has crept into his conscience. He had been a jerk. He had messed up royally. Despite his agreement with why he had done some of the things he had, he had handled the situations poorly, resulting in him losing his friend...his best friend. But he couldn't keep dwelling on it. He had to pick himself up and move on, no matter what it took. Whether he liked it or not, he was here to do a job. He was here to help others, not himself. He was learning an awful lot about himself in the process, but in the end, he was here to protect innocent people and to help bring down a criminal racket. He'd done some things right, and he'd made some mistakes. But if he continued to dwell on them, he would be defeating his purpose...he'd be defeating himself. Just like JT had said...he needed to start fighting for himself and begin the forward momentum he needed to pull himself back up out of the rut he'd gotten himself stuck in. He was sorry about Katie...and he could admit now that he missed her. He missed talking with her...sharing with her... he missed knowing that he didn't need to tell her all - she instinctively knew it already. And knowing that she'd sent him that email...she'd opened the door back up... but Jason knew that right now, it would be best to simply leave that door alone. Maybe she was ready to patch things up, but if he reinserted himself into her life again right now, it might just make things harder for her...harder for them both...maybe they simply needed to let things go. It wasn't an easy call, but perhaps it's what should have happened, despite the rough way in which it did. They had been good friends...and it was better to have experienced that, than not having had it at all. Perhaps when Jason was ready, that door would still be open. But he had to learn how to move on first.
Jason rolls over, pulling his blanket up further to his shoulder. No...it was no longer about him...it was about the people around him. He had been selfish...no matter how right he had felt, or how much he could justify his actions, they had been born of selfishness and pride. Even his sudden trip to TJY...no matter if Carter had been testing him or not, after receiving the privilege of being allowed back on the team, he should have realized what he knew now. It wasn't about his rank, his position, or what his job was. It was about serving and doing his utmost best to fulfill his role. It was about them.


Luke wraps his arm around Angel and just holds her for several minutes, almost afraid to speak lest he break the moment in which he feels so much joy and peace. Finally though, he shifts his weight, reaching into his pocket. "Well...if that's really he way you feel..." He pauses. "I don't know what I did to be blessed with someone like you... You deserve a whole lot more than I could ever give...but maybe this will help." He takes her hand in his and gently slips a ring onto her finger, the dainty diamond twinkling delicately in the moonlight.


Cindy can't help giggling as Wes picks her up. Her cheeks grow red, but as she wraps her arm around Wes' neck to hang on, she ignores the funny stares from other people, not caring a bit what they think. Once back in the truck, she shrugs, still grinning. "I don't need anything...unless that late night ice cream place is yelling as loudly at you as it is to me."


Mick is so exhausted that he doesn't even wake as Rosetta situates him on the couch. Instead he rolls over on his side, burrowing further into the cushions.

Despite his body's tiredness though, his mind is racing with random thoughts, creating scenes and evoking buried emotions brought out through dreams. What starts out as a generic setting quickly becomes a nightmare of war. Mick is surrounded by his family and friends, but they're not at the ranch. They're somewhere dark and cold. They're fighting...fighting against an unseen enemy that blindsides them at every turn. Gunfire echoes through the alleyway, and people run down the street. He hears a scream for help, but cannot lift his feet to move towards the sound. Suddenly he's looking down on the scene as if it's a movie playing before him. Mick can see the faces...he feels the pain...the torment...the terror. The pain tears his heart in two as he sees his family hurting, but is unable to help. In an instant of horror, his brothers are gunned down. He can hear another scream and knows it's Rosetta.

Mick cries out in desperation to the only one he can imagine stopping this battle. "God, help us, please! Stop this suffering!" But instead of the hoped-for peace, a voice whispers back in his ear, hissing with condemnation. "He doesn't know you, Mick...when have you given Him anything but pleas for help? When have you done anything for Him? When have you taken the time to get to know Him?" A mocking laugh cackles. "You do not claim Him as your God, yet you expect him to claim you as His child? You never accepted His Son as your Savior, yet you expect a bridge to Him? You expect peace? You expect to escape eternal punishment? You fool."

Suddenly an image of Sparky's face flashes in front of Mick, his eyes full of sorrow - the same sorrow that had shown through as he'd begged for his brother's attention while expressing his concern and his own experiences through Christ. It was a look begging Mick to believe...begging him to accept the Truth. Yet it had been denied.

In an instant, the world goes black, enveloped in an impenetrable fog. There is nothing - only a pressing feeling of despair so deep that it chokes the very life out of anyone who enters.
Mick feels as if he's been pushed off a cliff, falling towards his death, alone with no one to catch him.

Mick's whole body tenses, jolting him from his nightmare. A cold sweat pours down the back of his neck, and his pulse is racing. He blinks in the dimness of the room, trying to decipher his surroundings and talk himself down from the horrid images he'd just experienced. He rubs a hand over his face, unable to shake the lingering feelings his nightmare had pressed into his soul. "Dang, Sparky," he mumbles. "What did you do to me?"

All Tucked In

*Angel smiles at Luke. Love passing through her eyes.* " Luke, you and Wendy are my joy. I want you apart of my life, no matter what. I will be more than happy to take care of you. All you need to do is ask. I wont think any less of you and I wont stop loving you." *Angel brings her hand to Luke's face. Looking him in the eyes she whispers.* "I love you Luke, and I wont ever turn away from you. Nor will you even be a burdin to me so dont think that. I love you the way you are." *Angel leans in and gives Luke a kiss.*



*Wes lets out a laugh. After everyone is out of the theater Wes puts his one hand under Cindy's legs and the other around her back to saport her. Lifting her right out of the chair.* "That just means I will have to carry you." *Wes smiles and carrys Cindy out of the theater. Once they are outside Wes puts Cindy down. Wes takes Cindy's hand as they walk back to the truck. After geting in Wes turns to Cindy.* "Do you need anything before we head back to the ranch?"

*As the movie draws to an end Rosetta looks down at BJ and Mick both fast asleep. She hated having to wake them. Gently Rosetta slips Mick off her shoulder and lays him down the other way. Next she lifts BJ in her arms as he puts his arms about her neck. Walking him into his bed room she grabs a fresh pare of PJ's from the dresser and puts them on him. Pulling back the blankets she slips him underneath and tucks him in. Giving him a gentil kiss on the forhead. Exiting the room Rosetta grabs one of the extra blanket closing the door behind her. Taking the blanket back over to Mick she swings his legs onto the coutch taking his books off and laying them by the table. Rosetta pulls the blanket over top of Mick. Bending down she gives him a kiss.* "GoodNight." *Walking over to her chair Rosetta pulls a blanket over top of herself and starts to read her book.*

~*~Back at Laura's~*~

*Katie goes into the kitchen and grabs a glass of water. Walks back out into the living room as Laura gets off the phone. Katie goes to say something but decieds not to. Truning to Laura she smiles.* "I'm off to bed. Wyatt said he would be by again in the morning. Sleep good Laura." *Katies maker her way upstairs and hopes into bed. Now stairing into the dark Katies mind races. She has a great walk with Wyatt. Katie had found it fun to talk to him and be around him. He was so easy to get along with. but now a feeling of sadness loomed over her. She over hurd Laura talking to Con about Jason and how he was depressed. That must of been the feeling she felt linked to him. Katie couldent help but feel so sorry for Jason. She had tryed to make contact with him and rebuild there friendship but she still got no reply. Katie hopes he would come around. How she missed her friend. Closing her eyes she can feel a tear roll down her cheek. Finally falling alseep.*

Content

Wyatt gives a short wave and turns to head back down the sidewalk, still trying to get Trooper to mind. He goes to the corner and turns, disappearing behind the houses on the next block over.

Laura is still in the living room, though is on the phone and doesn’t hear Katie return. Her one-sided conversation can just be heard above the movie’s volume. “No, I guess not…” She pulls her legs up on the couch as she talks. “So how’s he holding up anyway? ….really….I guess I wouldn’t have expected that. ….Mm-hmm…. A girlfriend? Really? Wow. Nu-uh. He hasn’t called in a while…I haven’t heard from him directly since right after he left. Didn’t expect to though.” She pauses, taking a sip of her iced tea. “Oh, really?” She frowns. “Well, enough has happened that I’d probably get down too… ….no, I’m sure you’ve done all you can. You can’t blame yourself.” She listens for several more moments, then grins, letting a laugh escape. “Okay…. Yeah, we’re fine. Alright…thanks, Con. Bye.”


Mick lifts an eyebrow, a chuckle slipping out as BJ settles into the small space between him and Rosetta. “Oh, does she now? Well I like it too.” He glances over to Rosetta as she rests her head on his shoulder, and leans his own head against hers for a moment. It was so peaceful now…why couldn’t it stay this way? If it weren’t for the Agency looming over them, it could be like this all the time.
The movie playing grows fuzzy and before Mick knows it, his weariness has taken over, drawing his tired eyes closed.

Luke lifts an eyebrow, sighing deeply. “I didn’t want you to have to worry about me….” He gives her hand a squeeze. “But apparently I can’t hide things from you very well.” He shrugs. “It’s just those nerves in my back that were severed after that fall I had… just makes walking hard every once in a while…I guess maybe it’s developed into more through the years now…I get more pain since I can’t exercise my legs properly.” He pauses, wondering about the future. “You can take a look if you want, and if it’ll make you feel better.” His grows quiet for several moments, his mind taking him down the road of time. “Angel…it’s not going to get any better…if anything, it’s just gonna get worse, and… are you sure you want to spend your time taking care of me if I need it?” A deep concern backed by love passes through his eyes. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you suffering because of me…it’s hard enough for me to admit now that I might need that kind of help…. I know you love me, but I don’t want to put you through that if…if it will take away your joy.”


Cindy gives a contented sigh as she watches the rest of the movie. As the credits roll, she gives a little laugh. “I don’t want to move…I think I’ve grown roots in this seat.”

Happyness

*Katie smiles as she stands infront of Laura's.* " My pleasure. I look forword to seeing you in the morning." *As Katie starts up the walks to the door she stops and turns around.* "Hey Wyatt...thank you." *Katie gives a smile and enters apt. After shuting the door for a long moment she stands in the hallway. After taking her jacket and shoes off she heads into the kitchen to grab something to drink.*

~*~At the Ranch~*~

*As Mick sits down next to Rosetta BJ jumps up and climbs between Rosetta and Mick snuggling in close.* "Mic, you watch too. Rosey likes when your with her and I like it too." *BJ once again turns his attacken to the tv.*

*Rosetta turns her head from BJ to Mick and smiles. Puting her arm around BJ she rests her head on Mick's shoulder. Contentment. Though everything God still gave contentment. And for BJ happyness.*

*Angel smiles at Luke.* "The swing sounds nice." *For a long while Angel sits hand in hand on the swing with Luke.* " So..I've notice you havent been walking much. I'd like to take a look at your legs if you would let me Hun. I want to make sure everything is ok. With the weather changing your hips might be filling with fluid and not draining right. If you dont want me to I wont. I just dont like seeing you in pain." *As Angel watches the sun set she leans her head on Lukes shoulder.*

*As Cindy puts Wes' arm back around her he smiles and moves closer to her as well wraping his arm around her more.*

Conviction

Wyatt keeps his smile as they walk, every once in a while getting jerked to the side by Trooper’s enthusiasm towards anything that caught his attention.
“Yeah…it’s not a bad place,” he muses. “I’ve seen a lot...been a lot of places…but this is still home.”
He chuckles at Katie’s questions. “The one nice thing around TJY is that we’re pretty open with each other…the staff is personally selected and screened to ensure that the best are hired, and as such, are trusted.” He shrugs. “I doubt any case isn’t interesting that we’re working on. There’s a few local cases…one in particular involving a gang that the law is ignoring. Then we got several guys who have their own private investigation offices, and we work with them on their cases… right now I’m helping Hal with a dogfight racket in Arizona. I’ve been back and forth with that, trying to take it down. And, of course we got the Agency case that everyone tries to get in on at one point or another when time allows, whether they’re on the roster or not.”
Wyatt pauses, throwing a glance in Katie’s direction. “I know the feeling of wanting to get out and do something, but trust me…it’s not always all that it’s cracked up to be. There are days that I’d give just about anything to be back behind a desk instead of sitting in a cold car on a stakeout reevaluating my life again because I don’t know if I’ll see morning.” He lets a smile break up his solemn tone. “But don’t worry…stick around and you’ll get your shot. Carter doesn’t hire anyone just because they’re good at filing papers. The best you can do is learn to not itch where you are…then once they let you out, it’ll be all the more sweeter.”
It seems like they just left Laura’s, but they find themselves one again at the end of her sidewalk. Wyatt sighs, trying to force Trooper to sit down, but failing and giving up. “Well…I guess this is where we part.” He studies Katie’s face for just a moment. “I’ll be around to pick you two up in the morning…. Thanks for walking with me.”



It’s a while later that the mess hall door finally opens again and Mick slips into the living room. He waits a moment, just watching Rosetta and BJ on the couch, enjoying seeing the peaceful scene. He sighs, trying not to let the tension show on his face – no one needed any more stress right now. But what he’d really like to do at the moment is hop in his truck and drive. Sparky had caught him off guard, and their conversation had not been a pleasant one. His brother had evoked thoughts and feelings that he didn’t want to deal with right now…. There was too much else going on to think about those kinds of things… besides that, he’d already made up his mind years before what path he’d taken in life…. “When this life is over, Mick, what’s left? No one lives forever. Then what?”
Mick grits his teeth. He’d argued that God couldn’t be loving to allow things to happen that He did. Sparky’s rebuttal had been simple. “The things in this life are consequences of actions, either ours or someone else’s. In this life we are tested to endure. We are tested to help us grow stronger. God loves everyone dearly…and sometimes we simply have to have faith in that fact to get us through. We don’t always know why the bad things happen, but we can’t let that spoil our faith.”
But Mick just wasn’t convinced. He didn’t want to be bogged down to a religion. He didn’t want to have all those obligations and be tied down to that narrow path.
“…it’s a path that leads to eternal life, Mick. Yes, it’s hard, and yes persecution comes. But why would you not want the end result? Why would you deprive yourself the joy of a secure future with God, no matter what happens?” Sparky had read to him some pretty pointed verses about salvation, heaven and hell. He’d stated his case well, and Mick could not deny the sincerity with which he had spoken. But how could Mick put his faith in a God he didn’t trust? Maybe at one point in his past he’d thought it wasn’t so bad, but now? After everything that had happened in his life? How could he return to a God he had perceived to have let him down?
“God doesn’t let anyone down.” Sparky had been firm on his opinion of that. “It’s us who walk away from him then trip and fall on our faces because we try to do things on our own.”
Mick sighs again, trying to get his mind to concentrate on something else. He stares at the tv, watching the animated movie, but it wasn’t helping much. In a last attempt to throw the strange convictions out the window, he goes and eases himself down next to Rosetta.


Luke takes Angel’s hand and stands up. He smiles, though declines the offer. “How about the porch swing instead…I think I’m more up to that tonight.”


Cindy settles into her seat at the theater, a smile on her face. It’s been so long since she’s done anything like this….it’s almost exciting in a way, making her feel like a young girl again.
As the movie plays on, her concentration shifts as she realizes Wes has put his arm behind her, and she feels him moving to take it back. Surprising even herself, she reaches up to stop him, putting his arm back where it was, and settling herself in just a little closer.

Iching

*Katie lets off a soft giggles at the comment. Katie walks in silence enjoying the company of Trooper and Wyatt. After a while she takes a deep breath of air and lets it out.* "Its really nice here. I mean it was nice back home too dont get me wrong, but here its just differnt. I like it." *Katie's mind goes back to the ranch and when she first met Jason. Being with Wyatt was differnt than being with Jason. Katie couldent put her finger on why, but it just was.* "So any intresting case you guys or working on? Or is that one of those if I told you I would have to kill you things? I am iching to do something but paperwork. But we all have to start some where and your dad knows best. I dont want to push. I am just happy he gave me a job here. So I guess the next best thing would be hearing about what goes on." *Katie smiles at Wyatt. Then sun was not starting to go down. Katie removes her sun glasses and places them on her head as she walks on with Wyatt and tropper.*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Rosetta nods to Mick as he leaves he mess hall with Sparky. Turning her attachen back to BJ. After everyone is finished and she makes sure BJ dosent want anymore she has him go brush his teeth. After he is done she takes BJ into the living room and sits down to watch Brave Little Toster with him unless Mick comes back.*

*As BJ snuggled into Rosetta's arms on the coutch a new feeling comes over him. He never sat and watched a movie with Sam before. Most night he was alone with Stan or someone alse when Sam went to "work." BJ felt a new closeness in his heart. Looks up at Rosetta his eyes so big he smiles than turns his attachen back to the TV.*

*Wes smiles at Cindy as she re enters the mess hall again. Geting up he walks over to her.* " You look nice." *In no time at all they are both at the movies and waiting for it to start. A good portion of the way into the movie without ever relizing it Wes streches and puts his arm aroud Cindy. After relizing what he did He starts to with draw not wanting to make Cindy uncomfortable.*

*After Angel is done helping clean up she makes her way over to Luke.* " Its pretty nice outside tonight. and the sun set is looking like a nice one? Care to take a walk with me?" *Angel smiles at Luke and holds out her hand.*

Or so they say

Luke watches Angel leave, and after the door is shut, he attempts rolling out of bed. Unsteady for several moments, he makes his way to the door, taking his time so his legs can stretch and gain back their balance. Sighing at himself, he takes a moment to psyche himself up and head to the mess hall where he joins the others for a light evening.

Mick helps out Rosetta, finding it nice to be with her in the kitchen. It was a new sensation…but he liked it. Once everything is ready, he takes up a seat next to her, watching BJ intently, over her shoulder.

Cindy just smiles and says no more until supper is coming to a close. She excuses herself and goes to her bunk to throw on her warm sweater, and comes back with just a little bit of makeup on, her cheeks a bit red from thinking about going out with Wes.


As the dishes are cleared away, Sparky takes a deep breath and rises from his seat, going to Mick. Laying a hand on his brother’s shoulder, he gets his attention. “Hey, Mick…you got a few minutes to talk?”

Assuming it has something to do with the case, Mick readily agrees and stands up. He looks down at Rosetta. “I’ll be back.” He follows Sparky out onto the porch, a little surprised at the privacy his brother wants.



Trooper wags his tail at Katie, his body shaking in excitement as he strains against his leash. Wyatt rolls his eyes, and tries to maintain control over him. “Yeah, you like the young ladies, don’t you.”
Trooper sneezes and turns around, letting out a bark to a dog across the street. His woof is deep and loud, enough to rattle someone’s insides, and Wyatt cringes, tugging him back to his heal. “Hush, ya big brute.”

Laura laughs with Katie, shaking her head. “You two go on then while I remain cozy on my couch.”

Wyatt grins as Katie joins him outside, naturally moving into step beside her with Trooper on his left. He gives her a sidelong glance at the implications in her voice as she asks her question. “Any guy who has his wits about him with two lovely damsels - in distress or otherwise – living here, would be very likely to be happening to pass through this area quite frequently.” He pauses for effect, keeping his eyes on the sidewalk ahead. “Or so they say.”

A Walk

*Angel smiles back at Luke giving him a returning kiss.* "Ok, see ya in a bit than." *Angel makes her way across the yard and back to the mess hall.*

*Rosetta smiles at Mick.* " Here mix this hun while I get the hotdogs." *Rosetta goes to the freezer and grabs a back of hotdogs.*

*Wendy cant help but smile.* "Ok I will see you soon than. I'll have a seat saved for ya." *Wendy leans over and gives Clint a quick kiss on the cheek and walks out of the shop.*

*Wes smiles at Cindy.* " Good, I think it will be nice. When we get to the movie theater we can see if anything good is playing cuz right now I have no idea." *Wes leans back in his chair streaching.*

*Before no time dinner is placed on the table and everyone digs in. Its not a big meal but its enough to fill everyone. Laughter rings through out the Mess hall. At time silence comes but than is broken by more laughing. Rosetta sits close to BJ to help him eat though seeing he dosent really need much help. His hand eye cordanation is very good for someone his age. Rosetta looks over to Mick.*

~*~At Laura's place~*~

*As Katie starts to watch the movie with Laura the door bell startlers her. Hearing Wyatt's voice Katie giggles to herself. Geting up she goes to the door. Seeing the dog she squats down.* "Hey there boy. Arnt you alittle cutie." *Katie stands again and gives alittle laugh. Slupping on her shoes she grabs a light jacket.* "How about we take a walk dont want Laura to die if the dog gets lose in her house." *Katie looks at laugh and busts out laughing.* " We will be back." *As Katie starts down the steps she looks at Wyatt her eyes thoughtful.* " You just happend to be in the naborhood huh?"

Visitors

Luke turns on his side, propped up with an elbow, to reach out and pull Angel down next to him, giving her a kiss followed by a grin. "Go on ahead to dinner. I'm right behind you."

Mick follows Rosetta's gaze to BJ. "I think that's the best route. You're right though...I feel sorry for him too. But maybe we can get this mess over with before he's old enough to really be bothered by it all." He moves closer to Rosetta, starting to help her finish up with supper in order to keep his hands busy and his mind occupied.

Clint reaches out to retrieve the wrench from Wendy and snickers at her comment. He clangs around for a few more minutes before something goes flying. "Aw, man." Though having stopped the oil, he scoots out from under the car, holding his hand that has a fresh gash across his knuckles. "Shoot." He manages to get to his feet, though is quite a sight, and grabs a rag. "I gotta go clean this up," he grumbles. "I suppose it's suppertime anyway."

Cindy looks up at Wes and smiles, though she starts to decline his offer. Forcing herself to stop, she takes just a moment and finally relents. "Okay...yes...that would be nice."


Scott and Laura both laugh, and leave TJY with Katie. Thankfully, the ride back to Laura's is uneventful as Scott's driving seems to be safer than his own walking.
Once there, Laura fixes a supper of stirfry and rice, settling in for a relaxing evening. After supper, she pops in a movie in the living room.
As the sun begins to set, her doorbell rings. She looks over at Katie with a raised eyebrow. "Who on earth...no one ever visits." She gets up reluctantly and goes the the door, out of sight of the living room. Her voice laughter carries though. "Out for a walk are we?"

Wyatt's voice answers her. "Just around the neighborhood, thought I'd stop by. Trooper led me this way."

"Right." Laura chuckles.

"Katie around?"

"Yeah, hang on." Laura sticks her head back into the living room. "Hey, we got company, but I'm not letting them in, so if you wanna say hi, you can come out here."

Wyatt grimaces. "Nicely put. You make me feel so welcome."

Laura stares at the massive gray Mastiff tugging at his leash. "You're quite welcome, but not that beast. By the time he'd get through with my place it would look like a tornado went through."

Wyatt grins. "Well get Jason back here and you'll have a gentleman again."

Trooper sees a cat down the street and lunges, pulling Wyatt off balance and spinning him around. "Not the cat!" Wyatt jerks the leash, bringing Trooper's attention back around. "Oy, you're a handful, you know that?!"

Trooper wags his tail and drools, giving a little whine, his nervousness showing.

Time

*Angel smiles and nods at Luke. He always made her feel good when she was down and he always was there for her no matter what. Luke truly was a gift from God and she was ever so happy to spend what time she could with him and in the fewture the rest of her life. Angel looks to Luke with loving eyes.* "When I last left they were all heading that way." *Angel looks down at her watch* "So I would guess they are probley seting up. We should probley go and make ourself known huh." *Angel stands up and streaches.*


*Rosetta nods at Mick as she add ingredents to the Mac and cheese.* "Ya I dont think I could eather. I would never be able to live with myself if something happend to him." *Rosetta lets out a long sigh.* "Lets find the other chip first like you said and see what can be done from there." *Rosetta watches BJ out in the other room playing with his toys happy and content.* " I feel sorry for him."

*Wendy goes over to the toolbox and looking. Grabing the wrench and goes over to Clint and hands it to him.* "Yes...yes it does look like your playing. Like a kid in the mud." *Wendy's eyes twinkle.*

*Wes walks over to where Cindy is and sits smiling.* "Hey you. How are ya holding up?" *For a long moment Wes studys Cindy's face seeing a look and a hint of sadness.* "Hey I was wondering maybe after dinner would you like to catch some ice cream or a movie. Get out of here for alittle but and just have a nice time? I havent been out in ages."

~*~At TJY~*~

*Katie looks to Scott and than to Laura.* " Uhhhh...no." *Lowering her voice she leans into Laura* "Unless geting home in one peace counts." *Katie giggles and graba her coat and places her glasses on her face.* "Lets blow this popicle stands!"

Evening Routine

Luke shrugs, forcing a grin. "I'm going alright." He listens to what Angel says about BJ, quietly thinking, and nodding now and then. "Well...I don't know Angel...could you live with yourself if something went wrong? Is it worth the risk?" He cocks his head. "You yourself just admitted that we would agree the right choice is not to do surgery on the kid." He offers an encouraging smile, taking her hand to plant a kiss on it. "We don't have to decide in the next five minutes either... we still have a chip out there somewhere before the puzzle would fall into place anyway."
He turns to see the clock. "Supper will be ready pretty quick. Everyone gathering already?"


Mick crosses his arms, pursing his lips in thought. "I don't know, Rosetta. Personally... I thin it would be best to see if we actually need what BJ has. If we do, then we have that choice to make, being his parents or not." He looks out at BJ, compassion filling him. "We've been tortured by this case all our lives...yet I don't think I could bring myself to risk that boy."


Clint bends his head so he can see out from under the car, throwing Wendy a smirk. His shirt is stained with oil, his arms covered too, and a few smudges are on his face. "Do I look like I'm playing around?" He threatens her teasingly with a wrench. "I might not get too close if I were you, unless you want to look like me." He feels another trickle of oil and groans, putting the wrench back up under the car. "Hand me that other three-quarter wrench over there from the bench, will ya?"

Cindy helps some with supper, then finds a place to sit, waiting for the meal to be ready, and for others to join them.



Jason sits on his bed, deep in thought, when Jade knocks on his door. He tells her to come on in, but doesn't react much to her presence.

Jade lifts an eyebrow at his somber expression. "I heard things went okay at the hospital..."

"Yep."

Jade waits for more, but Jason doesn't go on. "Austin said JT gave you a fair report, but said to be more careful."

"Uh-huh."

Jade frowns at his lack of conversation. "So...you coming to supper?"

"Nope."

"You want me to bring you something?"

Jason shakes his head. "Not tonight."

"You okay?"

He finally looks at her with seriousness. "I will be. I just need to be alone for a while."

"Okay." Jade nods, respecting his privacy. "I'll come say goodnight if I don't see you before then."



Sparky sighs and rises from his seat, heading out of his bunk with a prayer on his mind. Life was too precious to waste...time was too vulnerable to let it slip by...topics of utmost importance could no longer go ignored.


Laura finds Katie and approaches with a look of mock terror as Scott follows behind her. "Hey, Katie. I trust Wyatt told you Scott was giving us a ride tonight."

Scott grins and holds up his keys, jingling them.

Laura bites her lip from chuckling, still looking at Katie. "Anything you need before we get back home?"