Showdown

As Scott receives Katie’s kiss on the cheek and sees her start away, he reaches out to stop her by taking her hand. “I’m not worried about you…I’m worried about me being without you.”

Wyatt stands to the side and studies the other two. There was no doubt now that the rumors around the office are true. He turns a little, not wanting to interrupt.

Scott gives Katie a little smile. “I’ll have Wyatt help me. You go get ready.” He lets go of her hand and looks down at his dog. “And you…miss trouble…you stay here and watch for Rick. Warn me if he comes.”


Carson gives Misty’s shoulder a last squeeze before splitting up again to go his own way and prepare a few things before the team had to leave.


Jason sits in his office waiting… He really didn’t have anything to do until everyone left. But like before all confrontations…like before all battles, his mind drifts to what could happen. Ever since he’d started with TJY, every time he was put in danger, one person came to mind: his mother. He hadn’t even spoken to her since he’d gotten out of prison… They all hoped that everything would go fine today…no one wanted to think that any TJY agents would get hurt, or worse. But there was always that possibility.

Jason really didn’t want to deal with anything right now…but he’s pushed forward by the sheer weight of responsibility, whether he actually wanted to or not.

Picking up the phone, he dials the number he’d been given. Hearing the answer on the other end, he hesitates just a moment. “Hi, Mom. …Yeah…” A small smile creases his lips. “I’m okay….yeah….really….” He listens for a few minutes, learning about what has been happening in his mother’s life…the wedding…the new house… A part of him wished he’d been there…he felt out of place… maybe even a little left out. “That’s great…I’ll have to come sometime soon to see everything. …No…no reason…we got a case going down today and I guess I just thought of you… no…I’ll be fine, don’t worry…” He pauses again, leaning back in his chair and furrowing his brow at his mother’s tone change. Then his eyebrows shoot up. “What…you…really? I mean…” He blinks, not even sure how to take that kind of news. It was…different. “I…” A slight laugh comes out. “Congratulations?” His mother’s laugh lets him know she wasn’t offended by his hesitation. “Well yeah, I’m a little surprised. That’s um…that’s great…yeah.”

“Jason, need your help.”

Jason looks up to see Hal in the doorway. “Sorry, Mom, I gotta go. Take care of yourself, alright? Okay…yeah. Bye.”


The next hour is filled with preparations to leave. Scott equips two vans with communication devices, and sets himself up in his cubicle, despite Rick’s complaints.

“You shouldn’t even be able to do that.”

Scott looks up over his shoulder at Rick who was staring at his computer. “I know.” He’d tapped into satellite images to keep track of the area where the team was going. “Don’t tell anyone.”

Rick rolls his eyes. “As soon as we’re back, you’re getting your hind end back in bed, is that understood?”

“Roger that.”

Rick sighs and shakes his head, turning to leave. “Why do I even try?”


“...Alright guys, load up!” Reese points to the two vans out back. Rick and Hal are in one. They’ll be available after everything goes down, to clean up and haul away any evidence before the law could trace them. Whether it was bodies, weapons, or any other shred of evidence.

The other van would hold Reese, Carson, Misty, Jason, Katie, Nate and Wyatt.

As they pile in, Jason scoots to the back, avoiding eye contact with Katie and putting himself in a position where they wouldn’t have to interact during the drive. The others find their places and before they know it, they’re headed down a quiet road.


The deserted portion of town is indeed vacant. A dry hot wind blows down the streets, creating small dust devils. One might have thought they'd stepped through time. Broken down brick buildings stood tall, a poor reflection of the busy main street it was before the town started building in a different direction.

"Hobart street is up about five more blocks," Jason points out, leaning up from the back and gesturing over Reese's shoulder.

"Alright, folks." Reese speaks to those in both vans. "We're parking back here off the side of the road behind this stand of trees and walking in. Scott, you got anything?"

"Not a thing. Quiet as a mouse's lair when all the cheese is gone."

Reese quirks a grin. "Great. Everybody out and stick together. We're taking the side street and coming back around through an alleyway to get to our destination."

Wyatt slides the van door open and hands guns and mics to those exiting. Carson... Misty... Nate... Jason hangs back letting Katie exit before him, and is the last one out before Wyatt. Reese joins them and after a brief check of their mics and guns, they set out cautiously.

All eyes watch...all ears listen. Rick an Hal remain in the second van, prepared to call for help if need be, but hoping all they'll have to do is help clean up the scene when it's over.

The deserted bank on Hobart street proves to be empty. The Agency wasn't there yet.

Carson looks around the street and squints a little in the sun. He glances up to the tall building across the street, then down and around. "I'm going to set up shop right up there." He points to the rooftop. "Jason, why don't you get on top of the lower roof next door. Katie, I suggest going to the building across the way there and keeping out of sight in those shadows. You'll have a perfect view from where that door used to be. And Misty..." He glances to her for a moment, wishing he could tell her to go back and wait with Rick and Hal. "I want you down the street on the corner. You need to give us a heads up if anybody shows up unexpected. Nobody can come from the other way - it's a dead-end street. But...that doesn't mean someone can't sneak around and wait. Wyatt, how about you take up that position."

He pauses, turning around to give the bank a once-over. "My guess is that they'll come in through the back of the building. Let them. We need to get Mick out in the open before we can do anything."

Within moments, everyone is heading in their own directions. Jason is quick to get on top of one-story building across the street, sliding down onto his stomach and looking down the barrel of his rifle to gain a feel for the area.

Carson follows suit on top of the next taller building, using the brick rail as a stand as he sights in the bank's front doors and sweeps the street to make sure he's got a clean shot of the area. He watches intently as the others get into position.

Reese and Nate go into the building across the street, out of sight, but able to see the bank, while Reese keeps track of the time.

The wait is long...the sun is hot.

Carson wipes the sweat from his brow again, relaxing as most of the others have as well. Looking down and around he can see Jason who gives him a nod, proving he's still awake and alert.

"Everybody still around?" Carson questions over his mic. Receiving confirmations, he questions Scott. "Hey, Scott, how we looking?"

"Funny you should ask...just got a call from Burt and he spotted a vehicle just about a mile from you guys coming in slow. Satellite confirms they're heading your way. ....Heads up and stay low. Incoming."

As if on cue, a motor in the distance can be heard. Everyone tenses, poised and ready. The vehicle doesn't show, proving Carson's theory that they'd be showing up through the bank. Right on time, figure appears in one of the windows.

"We got action guys," Reese comments through his mic. "Look alive, but not alive enough for them to notice. How many we got?"

"I see two," Carson answers quietly.

"Three." Jason's eyes focus inside the bank. "They got three and they got Mick. He's bound and blindfolded."

"Dang...he's going to have to act on his instincts."

Jason has no doubt. "He will."


Mick is pushed out of the car and can feel they've entered a building, a cool musty atmosphere enveloping him as a contrast to the outside air. He's shoved ahead, scuffing his feet as he can't see where he's going. Soon he can feel warmth again. He was outside... or almost. He flexes his hands behind his back, having no idea what was going on. He'd been told he was being traded for someone named Carson...he couldn't see a thing...he felt helpless.

One of the thugs shoves Mick towards the light, and all four men appear on the sidewalk. The three Agency gangsters hold guns, one aiming steadily at Mick. But before they move, they want to make sure their own goods are waiting.

Reese sees them halt, and looks to Nate. "Alright...here goes nothing. Pull your cap down and lets walk." Heading out just in front and to the side of Nate, Reese walks bravely forth, his hands stretched out to his sides to signal he's unarmed, despite the screaming desire to grab his gun from his back to ensure he's not the first one hit.

"They're watching him," Carson whispers into his mic. "They're clueless that anybody else is here. They're guard is down... Somebody sent a real batch of idiots, but it's a good thing for us."

Reese halts in the middle of the street, stopping Nate next to him. He stares ahead, taking in the scene, and slowly backs up, his arms still raised. He backs up to the curb and waits.

Mick is shoved forward. The three thugs move with him several feet until one pokes a gun in his back and shoves him a little, barking at him. "Keep walking."

Mick grits his teeth. He could be walking off a cliff and he wouldn't know it. But he knew he had guns pointed at him. He walks slowly forward, still seeing nothing.

Carson sits waiting, his gun aimed. "Alright...there's three of them and three of us," he notes quietly. "Wait until Mick is beside Nate...then I've got the guy on the east end...Jason, take out the guy in the middle, but watch it that Mick's not in the way...Katie, you got the eye on the other end. Let's make this clean and quick and take them down before they know what hit them."


Mick trudges forward. As he reaches the middle of the street, he senses someone else close by. Carson?

Carson holds his breath for a moment, looking down the barrel of his rifle. "On three...one....two...three." His trigger is pulled. Shots ring out. Carson's target goes down first, their own gun thrown into the air as he's brought to the ground.

As soon as the shot is heard, Mick dives, catching himself by a shoulder and rolling several feet in the direction his instincts aim him. Adrenaline surges through his veins. What was going on? It had to be TJY. They must be trying to fight out instead of going ahead with the trade. Hitting the curb, he's suddenly taken in a strong grip and pulled backward, a voice telling him not to struggle.

Reese yanks Mick out of the street and back into the building where he'd started out at, quickly removing the blindfold. He holds up his hands to show he's not one of the bad guys. "I'm Reese. You're safe."

Yes

*Katie studys the mic and than speaks into it making sure its working for Scott. A smile on her face as she thinks about what he had said with not telling Rick.

Katie watches Scott work for a long while. A feeling of sadness pass as she relized she dident know anything about what was going down and felt alittle bit left out. The feeling quickly pass though as Katie watches Scott again. He moved so freely around the equpment, never hesatating and always so confadent in what he was doing. When it came to tech stuff he was a pure genisus.*

"I'm doing pretty good. Domino is around here some....."

*As if on que Domino's nails can be hurd thundering down the hall as she trys to stop and slides past the cubicle door. Only to reapear a few moments later sliding her belly on the ground to make sure she dosent go past again. Coming into the cubicle its as if she new Scott was doing something important and couldent intarupt him. Going over next to Katie Domino sits and gives alittle whimper to Scott.*

*Misty put her arm around Carson and they walk and she leans her head aganst him.*

"I help while I can. I cant shoot worth crap but I can throw and thats what matters when it comes to saving someones life. Pluse it would probley be good to have me there in case anyone gets hurt. Lets hope they dont, but just in case."

*Misty walks with Carson keeping her arm around him. She wouldent addmit it but she was a bit nervouse. Anything could happen. This could go good, this could go bad. There were so many ways the wind could blow and no one new the answer till after it was over.*

"Heya Wy."

*Listing to what Wyatt said made Katie feel a bit happy. They dident forget about her want wanted help. Catching Scott's eye for a moment she could see he was worryed about her and dident want her in harms way but this it what she lived for, this was why she came to TJY. Not to sit behind a desk all day. Looking back to Wyatt Katie gives a slight smile.*

"I'm in."

*Katie stands and dusts herself off.*

"I'll get myself and stuff together and meet you in an hour."

*As she pass by Scott Katie leans down alittle and gives him a small and undetited kiss on the cheek whispers.*

"Don't worry to much. I'll be ok hun. I promise."

*Stranting again she heads out of the cubicle but stops and turns.*

"Did you need me to help you will the stuff taking it to the van or did you want Wyatt's help?

Asking

Scott looks up from his work as Katie approaches him, and grins a little at her affectionate greeting. "Hey you. Yeah...I should still be in bed...just don't tell Rick." He grabs a mic and hands it to her as she sits on the floor. "Here, try this out for me." He fiddles with some more wiring, pausing just once as he shifts his weight against a pain in his side.

"There's gonna be a showdown today sometime with trying to get Mick back. The word is they want Carson as a trade, but looks like we're not going to comply. I'm just getting ready all the communication transmitters they'll need and making sure they got contact back to here too."

He works for a few more minutes, then finally pauses, giving Katie a sidelong glance. "So...how are ya doing this morning?"


Carson nods to Nate. "Yeah, we should be able to fool them...hopefully this will all happen fast enough that there won't be a whole lot of time for them to speculate anyway."

As Nate speaks about Katie, Jason nods with all seriousness. "She's one of the best." At the mention of Scott, Jason's eyes meet Nate's for just a split second, though long enough for his own look to convey an ever-so-brief stirring of emotions before it's gone again. His face returns to one of hard determination for the case, completely ignoring everything else. "I'll be in my office for just a bit. What time are we heading out?"

Reese looks at the clock. "I want to be out of here in an hour. That's way early, but the earlier the better. If the Agency ends up showing themselves early too, then we'll either have a tradeoff quicker, or we'll have an early war. But I'm not willing to walk into something blind and have an ambush waiting."

"Agreed." Carson nods.

"Alright then. We'll be taking our two vans. Meet on the main floor in an hour."

As the team files out of Reese's office, Carson lays a hand on Misty's shoulder, slowing her down to walk beside him. "Thanks for helping out with this, Misty. I know we can use you out there."


Wyatt makes his way over to Katie's cubicle, but finds it empty. Knowing Nate was probably right about where she might be, he shifts his focus and aims for Scott's desk instead. He finds both him and Katie still there helping. "Hey, you two."

Scott glances up. "Yo."

"Should you be out of bed yet?"

"Nope." Scott stuffs the electronic equipment into a box. "But I'm going to put these in the vans and somebody's going to help me before Rick figures out where I've run off to."

Wyatt chuckles and shakes his head. "Glad you got that stuff together. Hey, listen..." He shifts his gaze to Katie. "We need sharpshooters. Carson and Jason are coming, but they both want a third pair of eyes. We could use you if you feel up to it."

Scott eyes Katie with just a bit of wariness. For the first time, he didn't want to see Katie in any combat situation, but he knew that they were all at risk here. Even he was, just for working here. And besides that, he knew this was what she lived for...and she was good at it.

Wyatt waits for a response, glancing at his watch. "We're leaving in an hour. The meeting point is across town and it should all go down this evening."

People

*Aerith cant help but give a laugh at Jason.*

"I think that would be fun."

*Aerith sits and chats with Jason alittle more enjoying the conversation they were having. Ordering a small salad she relizes juat how hungry she was. As Jason gets up to leave she smile thanking him as well for filling the dull that was there hours before.Listen to Jason bike rev and than drive away Aerith cant help but smile.

Clearing up the plates for Mable mind drifrs to going fishing. That did sound like fun and it would be nice to do again bringin back good memorie lost in the courners of one mind. Finishing up helping Aerith says goodnight to Herb and Mable heading home knowing her grandmother would be waiting, but also know Her had to good night and God for comfort. Everything would be ok.*

~*~Morning~*~

*As Katie enters TJ she looks around. It seemed quiet today. Seeing movement at Scott cubicle she new he was up. Feeling a bit of worry Katie makes her way over watching him for a second before finally speaking.*

"Scotty what are you doing? Shouldent you be in bed still."

*Katie walks over behind him and gently puts her ams over his shoulders and around his neck giving his cheek a kiss.*

"Whats going on? It looks like important whatever it is."

*Katie leans back aganst one of the cubicle walls she lowers herself to the ground.*

*Misty stands close to Carson but far enough away for the moment. This was no playing matter, no time for messing around this was searouse.

Nate stands close to Reese his arms crossed. Waiting, listing.

As a man voice comes over the speaker phone Misty is releaves alittle knowing it wasent Ashlyn on the phone this time. There is just something about her that boiled her blood.

Nate cant help but let out a laugh at Carson's comment of being an aussie.*

"Ya I can do that. If you think it would really work. I mean I am the same build as you and my hair is alittle darker, but with a hat on no one could tell. I have no problem with it and have full faith in my team to back me up."

*Nate thinks for a moment before speaking again. Was Katie such a good idea in her state? Nate rolled his eyes at himself for even thinking that. When it came to work Katie was always level headed and new how to controll herself. If they left her out of this she would probley feel horrable.*

"I think asking Katie is a good idea. From what Jason told us a while ago, and from what I have seen on the shooting range she had a good arm on her and could shoot a penny thrown in the sky. So...Wyatt if you want to go find her and ask I think I saw her come in. Check where even Scott is she probley went to see how he was."

*Nate speaks and glances at Jason than away again. This was magor and right now he dident care about feelings. This was more important than that.*

Plans

Jason listens to Aerith thoughtfully, then gives a little nod. “Yeah…I like to fish. Don’t do it as often as I want, just ‘cause I’m busy with other stuff…but I know a few good spots around here.”

He knew his dialogue was just waiting to become and invitation, so he relents. Who knew…this might be the last conversation he ever had with Aerith anyway. He was just being polite. “Maybe I’ll have to show you sometime when you’re not busy coming in to work in your free time.” He offers a slight smile, then catches Mabel’s eye from a distance and waves her over for something light to eat. Sticking around for a little while wouldn’t be that bad, and he knew he needed to eat something.

Before long, the meal is finished, and Jason is preparing to leave. He gives Aerith a brief farewell and thank-you for the chat, then heads on out. The bell on the door dings as he leaves, and a few moments later, his motorcycle’s engine his heard revving up before he pulls out down the street.


Carson gives Misty a smile and turns around, bringing her close to wrap his arms around her. “Thanks for coming over.” He gives her a kiss on the top of her head. “I could use the company for a while. But please…no more singing…”

After supper is finished and cleaned off the table, both settle down in the living room and Carson pops a movie in. Halfway through, they’re snuggled up on the couch when Jason comes home, though he pays them little attention, just giving a short wave and heading for his room.

As the movie credits roll, Carson pries himself up off the couch, even though the thought of just staying there all night is appealing. Giving Misty a kiss goodnight, he walks her out to her car and promises to see her tomorrow at work. He’d be going straight in without his morning run tomorrow…work needed to be done.


The morning dawns foggy and gray. The weather prediction was fair, forecasting sunshine in the afternoon. It felt warm and fresh...a contrast to the tension going on in a small corner of the world...


Scott winces as he leans down from his desk chair to scrounge in one of his drawers. Rick would kill him if he knew he was at his desk instead of in the bed next to the infirmary where he'd been moved earlier. But he'd heard about what was going down today, and he was the one in charge of tech support and he wasn't going to let someone else fool with the equipment. Not to mention, he was bored out of his mind.

It was still early yet...Rick had come in way early to check on things, then had stepped out again. The floor was still relatively quiet, so Scott had gotten himself up and dressed, though was still in his bare feet, and looking as though he really had just rolled out of bed.

Holding his side, he scoots to the other end of his desk to retrieve some wireless mics. Plugging things in, programming devices and typing away on his keyboard, he preps for what he knew was coming.


It was almost noon. Jason had slept late after a rough night and had spoken to no one this morning, though had forced himself up and out to make it here for the meeting Nate had informed him about. He takes long strides across the main floor towards Reese’s office. Upon arriving, he finds Reese, Nate, Wyatt, Carson and Misty gathered. He knew more would be involved, but obviously this was the core team for this one.

Reese looks up as the door opens and nods, relieved that Jason had actually shown up. But before he can say anything, the phone rings. Picking it up, be puts it on speaker phone. “This is Reese.”

“So glad you decided to be there for our call.” It’s a male voice this time, one that Carson didn’t recognize.

Reese bristles at the taunting tone. “We’re listening, and we’re ready to deal. Just name the place and time.”

“Good. It’s going to be number two-twenty-five Hobart street. Seven-thirty tonight. Now listen carefully, because you screw one thing up, and Mick dies. A gun will be pointed at his head at all times and we will not hesitate to pull the trigger. We will bring him out of the building at exactly seven-thirty. You will have one representative and Carson. That’s it. One more person than that, and we will view it as a threat. You will bring Carson to the middle of the street and step back. We will send Mick across, completing the trade, while Carson stays put. Once Mick is in your custody, you will get into your vehicle and leave without looking back and without calling the authorities. Are these instructions clear?”

Reese glances around at the others grimly. “They’re clear.”

“Looking forward to doing business with you. Seven-thirty. You don’t show, Mick dies and we move on to another hostage.” A click signals the end of the call.

Rees takes a deep breath and folds his arms over his chest. “Well…that’s that. Hobart street…that’s out at the southwest corner of town that’s deserted isn’t it?”

Carson nods. “They picked a spot where you could set off a grenade and no one would hear it. No one hears, no law gets involved.”

“Two-twenty-five is an abandoned bank,” Jason adds.

Reese quirks an eyebrow. This was the quick Jason he knew. “What else is around there?”

“I been down to that area a few times,” Jason replies. “It’s in the middle of a block. Brick buildings…all vacant, obviously. Across the street are more buildings, probably three stories tall. Be a great lookout if you ask me. We could position a sniper up there, and fill in the downstairs with lookouts too.”

“What if they’ve already got the place crawling?” Wyatt asks.

“They won’t.” Carson shifts his weight, nodding to Reese. “The Agency is cocky. They’ll expect us to be afraid enough to do exactly as they say. They won’t have extra men except in the old bank with them. Another reason being, that they’re serious about killing Mick. It won’t be any skin of their teeth…we don’t do as they say, they kill Mick, they go after someone else, and the cycle continues until they get what they want.”

“So what about snipers?” Wyatt asks.

Carson nods. “It’s what I was thinking. My advice is to get down there a.s.a.p. We arrive before they do, get our own men in position so we have the upper hand. No surprises. We go in, we start to exchange people, but instead of following through, we take out the competition.”

“What about the trade?” Reese intervenes. “They won’t send Mick across unless they see you in the middle of the street.”

“I need to be up on that roof,” Carson points out, “Where I can see what’s going on. I know faces, I know how the Agency moves. If they try something unexpected, I don’t want to be on the ground useless. From a lookout point I’ll be able to tell if they’re trying to pull something before anyone else.”

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “Sounds to me like you just don’t want to be in the line of fire.”

Carson turns to glare at him. “Look, I suggested going ahead with a trade, but you people won’t let me. If I’m going to help, the best way to make that happen is to make me a pair of eyes instead of bait. I know the Agency and I’ll know if they’re going to double-cross us. But if I’m on the ground with Mick, I’ll be useless because by the time I move, he’ll be dead.”

“That still doesn’t solve our problem,” Reese points out.

“What about a decoy?” Wyatt suggests. “What if they think it’s Carson, but it’s not?”

Reese raises his brow. “But they know Carson well. Besides, who looks like him?”

“Well they wouldn’t have to look like him exactly…just someone close this his build…give them a denim jacket and a baseball cap that’s pulled down low and there you have it. He’ll be in the middle of the road – it’s not like he’ll have to talk.”

“I don’t know…”

“It might work,” Carson muses. “Most likely if they see someone they think is me, they won’t look too close and just go on assuming.” He glances around the room. “We’ll need snipers besides me too. Jason?”

For now, Jason bypasses all personal feelings and mood, putting himself into work mode. “Yeah, I’m in.”

“What about Katie?”

Jason gives him an uneasy glance.

Carson purses his lips. “Reese?”

“I don’t know,” Reese responds. “We can ask her though. Do we need to call Con in?”

Jason shakes his head. “Don’t do that to him. He’s finally got the quiet life he wanted, and a job he’s trying to hold down. Don’t tempt him to jeopardize that.”

“Maybe you’re right…well, that’s two and three if we get Katie. But what about the decoy?”

Carson glances over to Nate, sizing him up. “How would you like to be an Aussie for an evening?”

I do

*Misty stands leaving her half eaten food going up along side Carson.*

"Dont worry Hun, we will get him out. Just dont do anything till we all talk tomarrow ok."

*Misty puts her arm around Carson and gives him a squeeze.*

"How about we watch a movie or I can sing you another song."

*Misty's grin widens trying to lighten the mood.*

*For a moment Aerith is quiet as Jason listens to his voice mail. Not wanting to talk and intarupt something important. As Jason hungs up and informs her it work Aerith cant help but roll her eyes and laugh alittle. What was it with these guys and work.

Aerith can tell Jason wanted to revery from talking about himself and the past and Aerith was fine with that. It wasent always easy for some people to be open.

As Jason brings up fishing Aerith cant help but smile. Just mentioning it braught back memories.*

"My dad and I use to go fishing all the time. He new a great spot outside the City. It was quiet and always nice to get away there. We would pack lunch and have a great old time. But I havent gone since he passed. I never had anyone alse to go with and sometimes its just not fun to do stuff alone."

*Aerith gives alittle shrug.*

"Do you like to fish?"

*Aerith really did enjoy talking with Jason. He had his shair of shadows, but he really did seem like a nice sweet guy. The conversation with him was intellagent as well and that was always nice.*

Some Answers

Carson opens his mouth to say more on the same subject, but realizes that Misty is giving him an out, so he takes it, following the redirected conversation.

“Oh, kind of…not really.” He chews on a fry thoughtfully, the frustration showing through. “She said the Agency waited until now because they actually thought that I’d come back to them at some point…they didn’t really believe I was on this side for good. When they realized that, they got desperate.” He shakes his head, still confused. “They think I know where the last remaining computer chip is.”

Carson pauses, not understanding the whole thing. “I guess there’s a war going on internally at the Agency. Medridge is starting to play around with his own men now, creating havoc. He told someone that I was the key to where the chip was, but he wouldn’t give them any more than that. So one of the gangs assumed that meant I knew where it was and decided to come after me. They want to find out where the chip is, in order to get to it before TJY, even though Medridge didn’t tell them to.”

He finishes off his burger and leans back in his chair, chewing until he can talk again. “So I know why they want me bad enough to kidnap Mick…they want me alive – maybe that’s a good thing. Problem is, I don’t have a clue where that stupid chip is. Why Medridge would say I did, I don’t know. But what I really wanted out of Ashlyn was to know where this would go down tomorrow…how many of their men would be there. But…she wouldn’t give it to me.”

Carson stands up to pace a little bit, trying to sort through his mess of thoughts. They were all tangled up with each other, leading to nothing that was helpful. “The good thing is, that one, they don’t want to kill me. Two, that if they’re not being led by Medridge, you can bet they’re not as organized. And three, they don’t have a clue how many of our own will be there.”

He stops to lean on the counter, staring at the sink. “We’ve got to get Mick out of there alive…”


Jason turns his head back to Aerith, unable to help but find a spark of amusement. She really did talk too much, but her innocence wouldn’t let Jason get upset. Katie tried to get into his head, Con tried to talk him out of his actions, Nate tried to give him advice on everything…but Aerith didn’t have a clue about his situation and was simply receiving information without judging or trying to advise him. It almost felt strange.

He opens his mouth to reply when the phone on his belt buzzes and he rolls his eyes. Picking it up he sees it’s Nate and decides not to answer, but waits to hear the message, separating his thoughts from Aerith for just a minute. Listening to what Nate says, Jason quirks an eyebrow, but lets out a tired sigh. Would this ever end?

He puts his phone back and shakes his head a little. “Work,” he explains. “Guess it’s an early morning for me.”

Looking back to Aerith again he almost quirks a smile. No, he wasn’t going to elaborate on his own life…he’d already said too much. But her company was worth keeping up a dialogue. His body language clearly tells her that he doesn’t want to talk about his troubles, and he switches the conversation, using the opening she had provided. “Fishing, huh? Was that a random topic, or do you actually like to fish?”

Info

*Aerith slids into the booth across from Jason no hesitation what so ever. What Jason had said came as a saprise but it explained why he seemed sad.*

"I'm sorry all that stuff happend to you. Someone as nice as you certinly dosent deserve that. I guess I can simpathys with you alittle bit about coming home and not understanding or feeling like you fit anymore. After my father died and my mom remarried everything just seemed differnt and it was hard fiting in."

*As Aerith talks she can tell Jason really was having a hard time with everything that happend to him. She could tell by his suddon change in demeanour that he just wanted to shut down and hide. Tilting her head alittle bit Aerith trys to catch Jason's eye for a moment.*

"I know its probley a hard thing to talk about Jason. So if you dont want to thats ok, but I am willing to listen if you just need to talk. Or if I am being to nosey you can just tell me to be to quiet to. We can always just eat in silence too, or you could tell me about a great place to go fishing or something. and sometime I really do talk to much."

*Misty gives alittle smile to Carson as she stuffs another fry in her mouth. Carson's past hurt to hear and though Ashlyn had come between them once it was just the past now and Misty did have faith in Carson again even though he did struggle. Misty was thankful that Carson had been honest and told her even though it was hard on him ans she new it. Giving Carson's hand a pat she takes another sip of her soda.*

"Thank you being honest with me Carson."

*Knowing Carson probley felt pretty uncomfortable Misty trys to redirect the convesations alittle.*

"So did you find out the information you were looking for?"

No lies

A sorry scoff makes its way to the surface, encased in a dry humor. Jason scoots back in the booth to sit sideways, leaning up against he wall and stretching out his long legs over the seat, his boots hanging off the end. “I guess when a man spends over half a year in prison, comes back to a life he doesn’t understand, and breaks up with his girlfriend, he might seem a little blue, eh?”

Only after the words have left his mouth does he realize that it’s the first time he’s said that about him and Katie aloud. It hits him hard enough that he starts to shut down and he looks away from Aerith for a moment. “I guess coming here was a distraction.”

Another forced smile surfaces. “Though the smell of the food is getting to me, so I might just have to relent and eat some supper while I’m here.” He cocks his head to the other side of the table. “Booth’s empty. Unless I’ve just succeeded in scaring you away, you’re welcome to it.”


Carson slowly relents and joins Misty in the kitchen. He half expects an interrogation for the call she’d just heard, but it doesn’t come. Instead, her question catches him just a little off guard.

He doesn’t answer right away… He unwraps his own burger and takes a bite, letting the silence rule for several minutes. His eyes stay lowered to the table. “There’s a lot of things about me I’ve never told you, Misty…mostly because it’s over and I don’t want you dwelling on why I did what I did, and who I did it with. And I know you’re smart enough to know that kind of past exists.”

Carson sets his burger down and folds his hands not even sure what to say. But Misty deserved an answer. “Ashlyn and I…had…a relationship based on all the wrong things. She liked me, I liked her and that was that. Commitment on either side never existed…we just…spent time together when we wanted to. And whether it was a day or a week, when it was over, it was over and we wouldn’t hardly see each other until the next time.”

He shrugs. “When describing her and me I’d never use the word love…but I won’t lie to you…there was more than a one night stand there, yes.”

Carson can feel heat creeping up the back of his neck. He didn’t like talking about this with Misty…he didn’t want to hurt her, and he didn’t like verbalizing his feelings either. It felt unnatural and awkward. But right now…it seemed necessary enough to grin and bear it.

He sighs deeply. “I guess…on some level I believed I’d found something resembling happiness when I was with her. Though there were…others…in between…somehow she and I always ended up back together again…often enough that the others in our circle at the Agency considered us being together as a given, or when we would show up at the same place that we’d…” He lets his voice trail off. Misty had been there that evening with Drew in the cabin…she’d witnessed the way the others had reacted to him and Ashlyn being together…he need not go on.

“Anyway…I guess that’s it. I don’t want it to be hard now, but it is sometimes…I was just trying to get answers from her tonight, and it was harder than I thought it would be. But…” He finally looks up to see Misty’s eyes. “But I’d never want that to come between us again…that's all in the past, and...as far as I’m concerned, you’re it.”

Eat

*Katie opens the door As Domino bounds in from outside. Both pants trying to catch there breath. Domino's fav chew toy in her mouth. Heading for her bedroom Katie lets Domino know to stay and she would be right back. Shuting the door behind her so Henry isent disturbed. Heading into the kitchen Katie grabs a glass of water and fills a bowl for Domino.*

*Aerith stays standing crossing her one arm over the other looking down for a moment than back at Jason. How strange it was to see Jason here again. Aerith dident mind though He seemed like a nice person to have a half way decent conversation with.*

"I have to addmit its alot more peaceful here, but when I left my grandmothers tonight to just get away and clear my head I had no intention on coming here. But here I am anyways. I figure God must have a good reson for me to be here. He guided me with out even me knowing it."

*Aerith smiles at Jason studying his face for a long moment. She saw the same looks she had earlyer today and it put the ping in her heart to help once again, but she wasent sure how nor did she want to pry into the life of someone she hardly even new.*

"How about you? You seem alittle blue."

*Quietly Misty listens to the rest of Carson's conversation not moving. Finally as he hangs the phone up she starts to unpake the burgers and frys. Not saying anything for a long moment just thinking deeply.*

"Come eat!"

*Misty sits down at the small table unwraping her wopper pulling off the tomatos she puts the top back on and takes a bite. Misty wasent angry and she could honestly say that. Sure she dident like Ashlyn but at the moment she dident feel angry. Just deep in though over everything. So many questions were still left un answered. Taking a spip of the soda Misty finally speaks.*

"Even if you dident pay attachen or whatever to it, there was more to you and Ashlyn than a good time way back went wasent there? I can tell by the way you talk to her and the look in you eyes."

*Misty dips a fry in katchup and eats it slowly.*

Arguing

It was late in the evening…the tv was droning and Scott was trying to keep himself awake, but it wasn’t working very well. He was alone in the infirmary…Katie had taken Domino home with her to give the poor dog a break, Misty was gone for the night, Rick had left and said he’d be back one more time…otherwise, it was just the night that waited.


Jason looks up quickly, raising his eyebrows at Aerith. It was obvious she wasn’t working tonight…interesting that she’d be here. He forces a weary grin, spreading his hands to show an empty table. “No snack, just…” He shrugs. What was it really? Time away? Time alone? An effort to keep his mind occupied? An effort to salvage some peaceful time while he butchered the rest of his life? “Hanging out,” he finishes lamely.

He cocks his head. “Most people don’t come back to their place of work in their free time…” His memory serves him well. “Or is it more peaceful here than with your grandmother?”


Carson doesn’t hear Misty until she speaks, and he whirls around in surprise. Taking in her comment, his face grows solemn and he holds up a finger, the look on his face conveying the message to stay put and shut up. He continues his conversation on the phone without missing a beat. “No, I swear. I don’t have that information. The Agency screwed up on that one….. Well tell them!” He starts to pace again, his bare feet dragging on the living room carpet. He sighs deeply. “No…I’m not coming back to tell them myself. And I’m not coming to you…that’s…” Carson closes his eyes for a moment, desperately trying not to allow Ashlyn’s words to bring up memories of the past…memories of good times…memories of times before he’d turned around. “Look…” His voice is calmer. “Someone screwed up and now there’s an innocent man’s life on the line. How long are you going to put up with this crap? When will you open your eyes and see that life with the Agency is worthless? Take my warning and get out while you still can.”

He rubs his forehead as a headache starts to form. “Alright…fine…if you don’t believe me, then I can’t do anything about it. Where’s it going down? …Come on, Ashlyn! It’s me you’re talking to! You know dang well that I wouldn’t call just to play games here.” Carson lets a curse slip under his breath as he talks. “What time? …No promises. If you’re double-crossing me, Ashlyn, so help me, I’ll…” His voice trails off as he receives another sly comment. He opens his mouth to retort, but finally ends the call instead, hanging up while Ashlynn is still mid-sentence.

Gripping his phone tightly, he finally lets it go, tossing it through the air and into a corner chair. Folding his arms on his chest, he tries to settle his nerves, and looks to Misty. “You do pick interesting times to show up,” he agrees. “I’ll give you that.”

Wrong Time

*Katie cant help but laugh as Rick enters and makes his comment to Scott. Shaking her head she sits up and picks up Domino seting her on the ground. Turning back to Scott she smiles again.*

"I think tonight I am going to sleep in my own bed. I think I have forgoten what it felt like to sleep there, But I will be back in the morning or if I need you in the night I will come and see you."

*Katie looks down at Domino as her whole body shakes as if asking a question puting both her paws on Katie's legs.*

"You wouldent mind if I took the kid home with me would you? I'll get her out and running alittle bit. And she can keep me company too."

*Misty nods to Carson and returns his kiss.*

"I'll be ready in the morning as for right now I probley should get back to work before Rick thinks I ran off."

*Turning and heading for the door Misty turns again.*

"I'll probley see ya later stop by you apt with some food or something. This time I promise though I wont sing on your steps."

~*~Later that night~*~

*Nate heaves a heavy sigh as he exits Reese office. His mind going a million miles a minute. What were they going to do about mick? What was going to happen? Heading to Jason's office Nate knocks on the door than opens it slightly. Seeing the room is dark Nate knows he is not there. He probley wouldent see Jason the rest of the night eather, and they needed him there early tomarrow. Pulling out his phone Nate dials Jason's number. Leaving a message Nate figures at least he might answer it and come in.*

"Hotshot its Nate. Listen we have 24 hours to come up with a plane or Mick died. The Agency wants Carson. But we arnt going to give him up. So we are going to come up with a plain to take them down. We need to all meet at Reese office early in the morning. We only have till noon. Gives me a call if you have any questions. If not see ya tomarrow morning. Later."

*Shrill yelling rings through the air only to be muffled as Aerith closes the door behind her. Leting out a heavy sigh Aerith can still hear her grandmother inside probley calling her mother now. Aerith makes her way down the steps and to her car. She had to get away clear her mind. Tonight had been the worst night yet. The food wasent right, the bath was to cold or to hot, the bead wasent made right. Aerith couldent take it. The pressure was wairing on her. She just need some time to regroup. Pulling out of the driveway Aerith starts down the road. It had been at least a few weeks now and Aerith pretty much new her way around but tonight she dident have a destanation, she just wanted to drive. After more driving and no intention Aerith finds herself outside mom and pop's. How strange it was for her to be back at work, but there was something about this place that offered comfort and a reson she should be there. Aerith drives to the normal spot she parks only to find it occupied by someones motercicle. Shruging Aerith parks next to it and gets out. Heading inside she gives a wave to Herb and Mable. Passing several booths Aerith makes her way to the back where it is quiet and away from costumers. As she pass by one of the booths movment catches her attachen causing her to stop and turns smiling at Jason giving a friendly wave.*

"Long time no see! Guess you came for a late night snack too huh?"

*Misty make her way up Carson apartment Misty carrys a big pull of BK food and two drinks. Knocking lightly on Carson's door Misty waits hearing his voice inside. When no on answers Misty rolls her eyes and sets the drinks down grabing the keys from her pocket and grabing the one Carson had given her for the apaerment. Opening the door Misty steps inside shuting the door lightly behind her seeing Carson is on the phone. Still his back to her she movies to put the bag and drinks on the table only to relize just who he is talking to when the name is said. Anger boils inside her but Misty snuffs it out before it can take over. She would let Carson explain what was going on before she jumped to any conclutions. Waiting for Carson to get off the phone she finally speaks.*

"I always seem to pick the wrong times to come to see you dont I?"

Questions

Scott’s grip on Katie tightens just a little, and he returns her kiss gently but prolonging it as his hand slips behind her head, holding her close. It was sweet…warm…a replica of what they’d shared the evening before. Drawing away, his eyes sparkle with new life…a new spark that she had helped him find. “You’re gonna be alright, Katie,” he says quietly. “Thank you for allowing me in your life.”

Before anything more can be said, Rick reenters the room, though doesn’t focus on his patient or Katie. Instead, his eyes remain on the file in his hands as he moves to the counter. He speaks over his shoulder. “Scott, it’s about time for that shot of yours. If you can pull yourself away from more interesting…topics…it would be for your best interest, and I won’t have to force you.” He remains with his back turned. “And get the dog off the bed – that’s what I gave her a blanket for.”

Scott smirks, giving a slight roll of his eyes as he looks at Katie. “You can stay, but I’m not so sure you want to be around when I’m less than lucid again.”


Carson takes a deep breath and looks at Misty again. She was so strong…so devoted…so willing to sacrifice. The wheels in his mind begin to spin. A lot was at stake here, and right now, this thing was in his hands. He had to think of something…he had to do more than sit back and wait. But he would do it alone. “Alright,” he relents. “You’re in. But I decide when and where.”

Reese throws his hands up in the air. “Why am I even bothering to run this thing? You two are doing everything.”

Carson smirks at him. “Take it easy, big guy.” He shakes his head. “Look…we got twenty-four hours. That gives us until around noon tomorrow. Let me do some thinking. I got someone I can call too…maybe dig up some more information that might help us form a plan before we’re taken by surprise.” Something passes through Carson’s eyes…something he’s not saying. He’s desperate to get answers, and he’ll get them one way or another.

He gives Misty’s hand a squeeze. “It’ll be fine. The rest of you get your thinking caps on and tomorrow morning bright and early we’ll meet again. And somebody…Nate…would you mind seeing if you can get Jason to pull his head out of his butt long enough to help us out?”

Reese stands up again in agreement. “Alright. Tomorrow. In my office. Seven o’clock.”

Dispersing from Reese’s office, Carson slings his arm around Misty and leans down to kiss her head. “Thanks for helping, Misty. We’ll get this figured out so all of us end up alive and well.”


The day seems to drag on…

Jason is restless in his office and does get some work done for Reese to make his stay worthwhile, but opts to leave early. A phone call from Kyle asking if he’d be ready for the concert coming up left him feeling drained, though he’d finally relented. He didn’t want to go…but to make his friends happy, he would, though he would be sharing the spotlight with Kyle this time.

After work, Jason heads out on his bike, not going straight back to Carson’s. He rode around for a while, just trying to clear his mind and dwell on nothing in particular. Winding up hungry, but still not wanting to deal with Carson, he finds himself back at Mom and Pop’s. It felt strange to be eating out in the evening alone…he was too used to having Katie with him…or even someone from work…or even Con. Alone felt…so alone. But he just wanted a distraction…if he went home, he’d just have too much time to think.

Dismounting his bike, he wanders back inside, pausing for just a moment at the door. He quirks his eyebrow at a poster on the window. Kyle had been making his rounds. A poster advertised the upcoming event, showing JetStream and a picture of the band. It produces just a bit of melancholy in Jason…it reminded him of the good times he’d had with the band. Could he ever gain that back?

Shaking his head, he heads for his favorite booth in the back.


Laura heaves a sigh and exits her cubicle, preparing to leave for the night. Her heart felt heavy…for the situation of Mick…for Jason. So many things had been going right, now so many things were going wrong again. She aims for the door, planning to go to the store, then on home. She didn’t know if Katie would be home tonight or not. Rumors had already started about her and Scott, and Laura was curious, but hadn’t asked. There were a lot of puzzle pieces, and she could add them up, but wasn’t sure if she’d formed the right picture or not.


Carson paces his living room floor, chewing on yet another piece of gum, a sign that his nerves were being strained. His cell phone to his ear, he listened, and argued, bantered and bartered. He was just as glad Jason wasn’t home yet. “Ashlynn, don’t give me this. I want answers. …No! Now what’s the deal? Why me? What’s the point?...” He throws a hand up in the air. “Stop playing games with me!” A sly comment sends Carson’s blood to his face as he struggles to maintain control of the conversation and of himself. “Look, just quit with the tactics. I called for answers, not to start something up with you again. I want to know why the Agency wants me so bad as to kidnap someone else. Why not just take me down?” He listens intently, his eyes suddenly widening. “What? What are you talking about? I do not! ….No! I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

I am

*Scott's words comforted Katie, searching his face for the meaning in his words Katie can see the questions and answers his heart wants to hear. Moving slightly Katie props herself up on her elbow leaning her head on her hand still looking deep into Scott's eyes. She was comfortable with him, He gave her hope and she felt protected with him. The kiss the shaired last night was amazing it made Katie smile though the pain just thinking about it. She had spend the night with Scott unmoved comfortable enough to fall alseep in his arms not once but twice now. Katie would be stupid to push Scott away. *

Sad endings begin every new romance.

"I want to be happy again. This is what I want Scott. I am willing to try and do this, if your willing to try. I want this to work. I'm...ready to try start again."

*Katie leans down and gives Scott a small soft kiss sealing the words she ment. She4 was ready to build her walls up and let a new love in.*

*As Aerith finishes up around the restront for the day her mind drifts back to Jason. He had seemed so down and depressed when he first came into the restront and when he left, he seemed slightly in a better mood. It made Aerith feel good that maybe she helped brighten Jason's day. Maybe today all he had needed was a friend and if she offered that to him and it helped than she felt a bit happy herself. Grabing her jacket Aerith says goodnight to Mable and Herb and heads out for the day.*

*Misty listens to Carson and he argues with Reese and Nate about not using her or leting her put herself in danger. It showed he had changed and he really did care. Misty grips Carson's hand again she can fell herself clam, the spunk she normaly had being put away for not. This was not the time for it. This was no joke.*

"Carson...Let me take them down with you than. I thank you for trying to protect me. IT means more than you know to hear you say what you did. but I want to help. If that means being the eyes thats fine. However if you go in there I go in there. I'm not leaving you alone on this one. So...we take them down without you sacraficing yourself or, I will be going with you."

*Misty looks up at Carson, the care showing through her eyes and the sensarity in her words. Misty had promised the man she had grown to care so much about that she would never leave his side again. She wasent going to let him go through this alone not this time.*

Scott turns his head to see Katie’s eyes…those eyes that just went on forever. He knows it’s hard for her to smile, but seeing it gives him hope.

He gives her a little squeeze. “Quit thanking me.” He reaches with his free hand to take hold of hers, interlocking their fingers. Gazing on her face, he continues. “I stick with you because I want to…and I’ll keep on…” His stare searches for the answer his heart desires…the answer that Katie’s actions had displayed the evening before…but he wanted to know for sure if this was what she wanted…if she truly wanted to form a deeper relationship with him despite the struggle with Jason. “…if that’s what you want.”


Jason finds himself giving Aerith a bit of a grin as she concludes their conversation. She was an interesting young woman…seemed to have her own set of struggles, but there was a peace about her that was driving her forward despite circumstances. What it was…Jason couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

He shakes his head a little as she walks away. “Nice to meet you too, Aerith.”

Polishing off his orange juice, he sits for just as little while longer, not wanting to leave. But he knew he should… Leaving payment and generous tip on the table, he takes his apple with him. On his way to the door he looks back to the counter to see Mabel and gives her a short wave. He hadn’t seen her in a long time, but right now he wasn’t feeling up to a boisterous conversation, so he leaves it at the distant greeting before slipping outside.

Jason takes his time riding back to TJY, and makes it slowly to his office, keeping a wary eye out for anyone who might want to stop and talk. His goal was to get back in to the privacy of his four walls.

Making it without any interaction with anyone else, he enters his office, shutting the door quietly behind himself. Heaving a weary sigh, he slides in behind his desk and sinks down into his chair.

Suddenly his eyes fall to the desk where his thrown-away photo lay, along with a handwritten note. Furrowing his brow, he reads it, recognizing Nate’s handwriting. What the…what did Nate think he was doing? Frustration surfaces again. Could no one leave him alone? Move on…get over it…leave the past behind…the implication from everyone was everywhere. And besides all that, sure, Jason had memories, but most weren’t good, and those that were good hurt just as much to think about as the bad ones because they were gone, never to be repeated.

Nate’s note crumples under Jason’s hand before it gets tossed into the waste basket. His hand slams down on top of the photo, his fingers threatening to give it the same fate. But for some reason…he doesn’t. Something stops him, and he just lets his palm rest on the memory for several minutes.

Angry with himself, he finally swipes the picture off his desk and stuffs it into a drawer underneath a pile of paperwork and notes.


Carson starts shaking his head as Misty talks, and continues through Nate’s suggestions. “No,” he states flatly. “We’re not involving Misty and that’s that.”

Reese didn’t want to consider risking a second agent either, but the idea did have potential. “But…”

“No!” Carson stands up, forcing Misty to slide off his lap. “She’s not getting involved. I’m the one the Agency wants, it’s my neck on the line, and so I say no.” He glances down to Misty, the concern showing in his eyes. “I know how well you handle yourself, and I know you want to help…but this time I’m putting my foot down. You’re staying where it’s safe, and that’s final.”

“But what if she’s right?” Reese argues. “What if her going in with you will be just the amount of distraction we need?”

Carson whirls around to glare at him. “Look, if you want to risk another life here, be my guest, but I’ll have no part in it.”

Reese’s expression changes to one of exasperation. “Well do you have a better idea?!”

Carson grits his teeth. “We take them down.”

“What?”

“You heard me. We find out the location, station men and take them out. It’s a hostage situation…we need snipers, and I’m one of the best. So is Jason if he can have a level enough head. If Misty wants to help, she can be another pair of eyes and so can Nate. We need a negotiator to deal with the other side and we need open communication.” Carson glances to Nate, then back at Reese. “Otherwise you’re trading me.”

thanks

*Misty sinks into Carson's lap being her arms around him as he rests his head on her shoulder running her hand through his hair. Her mind moving a million miles a minute. What was going to happen, many differnt things were at stake here. Misty trys to rack her own brain for differnt options on what to do. She wanted to help. Her place here at TJY was to help in the infermary and that in itself was a big job but when something like this came up Misty wanted to help just as much. An idea starts to form in her mind was it worth saying surly Nate, Carson let alone Reese think it was a good idea.*

"What if you used me along with Carson. We all know the Agency would probley be happy to get there hands on me again along with Carson. I hold just about as much information as he does."

*Misty looks between all three men before continuing.*

"If we hand over Carson and I am with him maybe that will be the destraction we need. I'm pretty good at handling myself too thats been proven Carson has seen it. Not to mention he and I work well together. "

*Misty cant help but let alittle laugh escape from her lips at the though.*

"Its just an idea but its better than just giving up Carson alone. Also the Agency would be looking for guns on us. I dont do guns its not me thing. I like knifes and I can hide them place since they are small enough the Agency wouldent even bother looking. Not that I would want to use them, but if I had to I'd have them. Anywas its just an option to keep in the back of your mind."

*Nate listend to Misty as she talks. They dident want to send Carson in there let alone Misty eather. It just dident sound like a good plain to Nate.*

"I dont know Misty, we dont want to send Carson in let alone you. I mean I am sure you have great ablitys but I think that would be a last resort thing."

*Nate grows quiet again before looking to Carson and speaking. He dident want to say anything while Misty was there if it would upset her even more. But Misty was a grown woman and her intrest was with Carson she had a right to know everything too.*

"We dont even know if they wont kill you after they get you Carson. You and Mick both have alot going for you in life right now. Neater of your lifes are greater or less than the other. We could always Have Scott rig some kind of new wire up to put on Carson. Somewhere the Agency cant figure out wireless too. Than we can listen into everything..."

*Nate lets out a sigh.*

"...and IF we consider Misty going too maybe we can get a tiny camra on her. Its dangerous but it would allow us to listen, and hear everything. Who knows maybe we can record what goes down too and get it to Lockheart to be used in court."

*Aerith smiles at Jason though picking up ont he sadness that tints his voice for a moment. Though over looks it not drawing attachen to it. Aerith found it intresting that Jason was in law inforcment as well. This must be the gathering place.*

"I guess when you do a certun job for a long time its hard to break away and do something alse. This is the first job I've even had outside my step father law office doing paperwork. I never really liked it though. I love it here so far. I like talking if you couldent tell. I dont really like taking care of my grandmother but she is still family so I do it anyways. I guess deep inside I hope I can make her smile alittle biut to before her time is up. I know it might be a lost cause but, I still give her alittle hope. Working gets me out of the house for a break, and trying to make new friends and get out helps too. I just keep hoping for better days, knowing sooner or later they will come and everything will be ok, no matter what pain or depresstion I am in now."

*Aerith stratens up as she stands and takes Jason's banana peel. Shocked with herself that she actully stood there and talked for so long. Her face turns a small shade of red.*

"And I have probley talked your ear off now so I should get back to work. It was really really nice to meet you Jason, and I hope to see you again!"

*Aerith takes the plate with the peel and heads behind the counter and heading for the backroom. Before disapearing behind the swinnging door Aerith throws Jason another warm and friendly smile.*

"You know if Rick catchs you up here again he is going to be upset."

*Katie speaks to Domino with a horse sleepy voice that has a hind of a smile in it. Reaching her free hand over Scott she scratches Domino's head.

Than leaning her head up off Scott's chest and rests it on his arm tilting it back to look at Scott in the eyes. Katie isent sure what words she should speak to match how thankful she was for Scott giving her the shelter she needed. Katie knows its not much but smiles the best she can up at Scott laying her hand on his chest.

She was broken and brused and hurting, but as Scott had his arms around her Katie could feel the healing start once again and could only hope and pray this time the would would stay closed. It would be a long hard process but it would be alittle easyer knowing she dident have to face it alone. Scott wouldent be waiting at the end of the tunnal, he would be walking aloneside her, offering his arms when she needed them.*

"Thank you Scott, for not giving up and for staying with me."

*Katie grows silent again as she just studys Scotts eyes, graspig to the hope and comfort he had to offer. Scott truly was an extraodanry man.*

Another way

Reese ponders Nate’s words and nods his agreement. He’s about to say more when they’re interrupted.

Attention is turned to the door as Misty suddenly enters. Carson’s eyes widen slightly as he realizes she’s probably heard everything Ashlyn had said, and the heat creeps up his neck again.

But as Misty speaks, Carson sees that there’s more fear there than anger. Her grip on his hand signals just how badly she didn’t want to lose him. Carson gives her hand a squeeze. “Everything’s going to be fine, Misty. I don’t know how we’re going to work this out, but no matter what, you’re not going to lose me, alright?”

He ignores Nate and Reese for a moment, turning to look Misty in the eye. “I’m not going down that road again.”

“But what road are you going to go down?” Reese intervenes. “Why do they want you back so badly anyway?”

“I don’t know.” Carson shakes his head, trying to think. “Because I was their best assassin? Because they know I know all about TJY now?”

“Those don’t sound like good enough reasons for all this trouble.”

“I know.” Carson racks his brain. “I don’t understand why I’m so important to them all of a sudden, but if this is Medridge’s doing, then there isn’t necessarily a good reason for this. It’s just manipulated chaos for the fun of it.”

Reese lowers himself into his chair, unable to even think of what they should do. “Well, we can’t give you up – that’s out of the question, just like Nate said.”

“But what about Mick?” Carson argues. “At least if the Agency gets me back, I might have a chance of getting myself back out.”

“There’s got to be another way.”

Carson shakes his head. “They’re not playing games, Reese. If they don’t get what they want, they will kill Mick.”

“We’re not sacrificing you!”

“But you’ll sacrifice Mick?”

“There’s got to be a way out of this!”

Carson sinks down into a chair overwhelmed by this sudden turn of events. This could change everything. If they could figure out no alternative, he could very well be taken and killed after the Agency got whatever it was they wanted. Yet he still didn’t to see Mick killed either – he had too much going for him.

Misty’s hand is still in his, and he pulls her down onto his lap, resting his forehead on her shoulder. This was serious, and he had no idea what to do. He had more at stake now…he had friends…he had a purpose…he had Misty. It wasn’t as easy anymore just to saunter into danger. But what alternative did they have?

Reese looks to Nate, back to Carson, then back to Nate. “Is there any way to double-cross them? Is there any way to make them think we’re giving them what they want just long enough to get Mick out?”


Jason can’t help but find Aerith’s story an interesting one. Talking to her was a much-needed distraction and she was nice, bringing his own irritation to a level he could control.

“Yeah, I was born and raised here…done some traveling, but this is where I’ve always called home.” For a brief moment, he thinks of his childhood and how it had been disrupted…and of his old home which had burned to the ground. It was strange he kept coming back, despite the bad things that had happened here.

“Guess it’s my job that’s kept me…” He pauses, wording his words carefully. “Law enforcement gets in the blood I guess and though I’ve tried to leave it behind, I never could.” He thinks of Con and is almost jealous that he’d been able to break away and stay away from TJY.

Jason finishes his banana and sighs, feeling his body getting back on track.


Movement catches the corner of Scott’s eye and he turns his head to see Domino’s head peeking up over the edge of the bed. He’d been laying with Katie for a while now letting her sleep and had forgotten that his dog was still in the room.

Domino sniffs a little, barely able to see Katie’s form, and straining to see Scott’s eyes.

Scott reaches over with his free hand to scratch her head. “Take a rest,” he directs quietly. “It’s okay.”

Domino gives a little whine and isn’t satisfied with the command to go lie down. Instead, she manages to get up on the bed once again, curling up by Scott’s free side and giving him a look that signals she’s determined to stay.

Not wanting to wake Katie with his voice or movements, Scott relents and just lets Domino stay.

You can't consider

*Aerith lets out a small laugh.*

"Yes I guess your right. In the last two weeks I have seen alot of people more than once. Sometimes even two times in one day. I guess that just proves the food is good."

*As if an unknown for wills her to stay Aerith half slids into the booth across from Jason lean aganst the wall her one foot keeping her standing and the other kneeling on the seat. It was strange the people in this town she had met so far were differnt. She never willingly carryed on a conversation with a perfect stranger before yet...this was the second time.*

"I'm from New York City. My grandmother lives on the other side of town and I came here to take care of her. Or I should say my mother and step father forced me to come take care of her so they dident have to. I guess I dont mind though. When I am not at her house I am pretty happy."

*Aerith cant help but let out a dry laugh.*

"She's not the nicest of people, so I figured geting a job to make some money one the side wouldent hurt. How about you? Are you found around here? Or just lived here long enough to lose any other accent?"

*Misty makes her way across te flood with a folder open in her hands Rick had given her on the nerve damage. She had looked them over and found a few things of intrest that should would like to try out but she would need Reese promition on it first. Seeing Susanne is out of the office right now Misty just continues to her uncles door. As Misty is about to push the door open a familure voice is hurd that turns her blood to ice causing a low growl in her throut. Ashlynn!*

*Nate just stands and listens as the call goes on with Ashlynn and Carson. The Agency did have Mick and now they wanted to trade for Carson. Nate goes over the options in his head. Both were a lose lose situation that would lead to someone ending up very sad. Carson had Misty and Mick had Rosetta and BJ that much he had known. After the call ends Nate thinks for a long moment before speaking look up at Reese than to Carson.*

"I dont think we do have an option. There is no garenty that they will give Mick back and if we give you up in hopes of that and they dont. Than they have 2 and we are left with nothing. Not to mention I dont think we could throw you to the dogs."

*Nates words trail off as he thinks leaning with both hands onto the desk. As the door to Reese office swings open with force Nate wherls around to see Misty standing in the door way non to happy.

Entering Reese office Misty true perpuse for coming is lost. Everything she had just hurd. The whole conversation hit hard.*

"You cant serously be considering give up Carson to the Agency to that woman. You know thats insaine. There is no telling what they could do to you. There has to be another way. Carson...dont even think about that as an option not now, not when things are good. Cant you guys call someone, do something differnt."

*Misty's eyes dart from Reese, to Nate to Carson panic corsing through them.

Nate lets out a heavy sigh. Not knowing what to do. Its was hard to see Misty infront of him, pleading for Carson. Knowing she could be losing him. It broke Nates own heart.

Misty goes over to Carson takes his hand in her and looking him dead in the eyes, no joking in her voice.*

"I dont want to lose you again."

Negotiations

Scott just holds Katie without saying any more, and it’s not long before he realizes that she’s drifted to sleep. She must have been exhausted.

Rick reenters the infirmary from his adjoining office, and stops, surprised to see Katie back, not to mention back with Scott.

Scott looks up and pleads with his eyes for Rick not to say anything. Katie needed this.

Rick’s mouth is open to say something, but the look on Scot’s face makes him stop. Instead, he approaches quietly. “Is she okay?” he asks softly.

Scott gives a little shake to his head. “Let her stay.”

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Just do me a favor and lay off giving me another shot for now – I don’t want to lose my senses right now, for her sake.”

Rick gives him a little smile. “Alright. If you need anything, holler. I’ll be back in my office.”


“Who doesn’t come here a lot?” Jason shakes his head at Aerith. “I guess you could say I used to be here quite frequently…but I’ve been gone.” His eyes drift across the restaurant as he absentmindedly peels his banana. “Yeah…Herb and Mabel are the best…” He cocks his head slightly, for the moment drawn away from his mind’s depressing wanderings. “Your voice…you’re not from around here, are you?”


Carson is on Nate’s heels, also making it quickly to Reese’s office. What was going on?

Reese is fast behind his desk again, picking up the phone to put a hand over the receiver. “The Agency is on the line.” He looks between Nate and Carson. “I don’t know how they got this number, but apparently someone wants to make a deal.”

Carson lifts an eyebrow. “Ahh, they couldn’t resist, eh?”

“What do you know about this?”

“I’m the one who gave them this number.”

“And you didn’t tell me?!” Reese looks at him with exasperation.

Carson points to the phone. “Reprimand me later. Talk or you’re gonna lose them.”

Reese relents, nodding to both of them. “I wanted you both in on this so it wouldn’t just be me.” Reaching down, he switches the call to speaker phone. “Alright. I’m here with my men. What next?”

A female voice comes across the line. “Good. Now, I want to speak to Carson.”

Carson bristles. He recognized Ashlyn’s voice immediately, and he silently mouths her name to Nate and Reese.

Reese looks to him with question, gesturing if he wants to talk.

Carson finally nods and speaks. “I’m here. What’s the deal?”

“Ahh, Carson…you really are on their side, huh? And just when we thought you’d fallen off the face of the earth. How ya been?”

Carson grits his teeth, folding his arms across his chest as he stands by Reese’s desk. He ignores her question. “What do you want, Ashlynn?”

“Ooh, I think you know the answer to that one.” Her next words cause Carson’s face to turn red in the presence of Nate and Reese, and he struggles to maintain his composure. He couldn’t have been more glad Misty wasn’t with them right now.

Instead of letting Ashlyn indulge in any more seductive speech, Carson cuts her off. “If you still think I’d come back to you, you’re not as smart as I thought. Now let’s cut the crap. What’s the Agency want.”

“You.”

Carson lifts an eyebrow suspiciously. “What do you mean?”

“We want you back, Carson.”

“And…what’s the catch?”

“You don’t come, we kill Michael Henson. That simple.”

Carson swallows hard, looking to Nate and Reese again. He had to keep the negotiation going lest they lose this one. “And if I do?”

“We deal,” Ashlyn states flatly. “We’ve got someone your team wants awfully bad, and we want you back awfully bad. I think it’s a fair trade.”

“So…me for Mick, eh?”

“Glad to see you caught on so quick,” Ashlyn retorts with sarcasm. “What’s the answer?”

“Give me two days,” Carson barters.

“You’ve got two hours.”

“One day.”

“Fine. We’ll be calling back in twenty-four hours. If you haven’t made a decision by then, or will not cooperate, Michael dies. If you’re smart and decide to do what we want, we’ll set up the time and place. You know how it works.” Ashlyn pauses, her tone resuming a sweet, persuasive edge. “And Carson…”

Carson reaches down and hits the button to end the call before she can say anything more to compromise his integrity. His face grim, he takes a moment to think before looking up at the other two again. “Well…now we know. What kind of options do we have?”

Sleep

*As Katie is wraped in Scott's arms she can feel the comfort, she can feel the protection. Katie sobs soften even more as she feeling Scotts Hand through her hair and the strong arm around her. As He head is on his chest the up and down motion and sound of his breath is hypnotic to Katie creating a soothing atmisfear. His words so soft and sweet filling Katie with watmth. With in minutes Katie's body relaxes completly sliping into a dreamless sleep of comfort and peace for the moment.*

*Aerith keeps her smiles as Jason talks opening just a bit leting the longing show through his rough shell.*

"For about a week or two now. I'm pretty new around here still. I was lucky to stumble on this place. Herb and Mable are pretty nice people. How about you? Do you come her alot? This is the first time I have seen you but it seems you know Mable and Herb well."

*Nate gives a jump as Reese breaks the silence and call from him down the call. The tone in his voice proving it was an emergincy. Jumping out of his chair Nate leaves his papers where they are on his desk and sprints to Reese office.*

"Reese what wrong? Whats going on?"

Call

As Katie crawls up next to Scott, he’s suddenly overcome with an overwhelming desire to lift her burden. He’d always wanted to help her, but for some reason, that feeling right now was intensified, and it was as if he could almost feel the tension that needed to be lifted.

Slowly, Scott turns onto his back so his arm can go under and around Katie, and with his free hand he reaches across himself to just hold her head against his chest, resuming the motion of combing his fingers through her hair.

“Shh,” he comforts softly as he feels her quiet sobs. “Settle down…it’s okay.”

He doesn’t care about the throbbing in his side, nor how long Katie needs him there…he would be here for her as long as she needed.


Jason can’t help a short dry laugh as Aerith gives him the fruit along with his drink. Mabel knew him too well. His hands had already started to shake a little, and he’s quick to take a large swig of his orange juice.

Receiving Aerith’s greeting, he looks up at her with some curiosity. As far as he knew, she could have been working here for quite some time. He gives her a nod in response to her own introduction. “Been working here long?”


Reese raises an eyebrow as the phone in his office rings. The light indicates the secure line. Who would be calling him on there?

Picking up the phone, he answers hesitantly. “Hello?” His eyes widen as he listens. “No, give me one minute to gather my team.”

Moving quickly, Reese sets the phone on his desk and goes to his door, looking out onto the main floor. “Nate!” he yells. “Carson! In my office NOW!”