Friend

Feeling the ropes loosen and than seeing Gage walk away again her eyes just follow him not moving for the most part. This could be anything a trap, part of a plane. But something was differnt, in Katie's gut the look that had passed in his eyes was strange and said many things though she couldnt put her find on one reason alone.

Finally when she is left in darkness again Katie slides down to the ground. Leaning her head aganst the beam so many things ran through her mind. She was scared, her stomach acked, and her back killed. Katie could only hope the people who cared about her had something to go on to find her.

Wairing a grey hoodie with the name of a college on the front and a pear of jean that fint in all the right place getting a little bagger as they went down the leg Hope was dress for the casual atmistfear.

Seeing Scott a small smile spreads across Hope's face. Seeing the look in Scott's eye that he was weary a small worry formed in Hope but remember her words to Scott she turns off her mind from her job. She was here to be Scott's friend, and only a friend. If he needed to talk than he would.

"Hey there,"

Ordering her coffee and than letting Scott order his Hope is quiet for a moment just letting eveything sink in, and letting the silance rain for a moment longer.

"How are you today?"

A moment

Scott bites his lip and looks at his watch, then his computer screen. "Um..." He hesitates, knowing how much work needed to be done, and how desperate they were for leads. But at this point, he was so weary that he was going at a snail's pace anyway... and he knew if he didn't take a break, he would be no good.

He looks at his watch again, the silence on the line telling him that Hope was waiting for an answer. "Okay." He closes his eyes. "I can be at the Sweet Aroma all-night shop in half an hour."

With the call ended, Scott rises from his chair and stretches. He knew Rick wasn't going anywhere for a while... he could ask to borrow his car so he wouldn't have to walk in the dark...

After handing over files he'd found, finding Rick, and getting out of TJY, half an hour later, he's walking up to the door of the coffee shop. Hesitating, he looks inside. There were a few people there, but not many at this hour. It wasn't the most comfortable place for him, but it wasn't the worst either. He could withstand the public atmosphere for a little while.

Taking a deep breath, he pulls open the door and steps inside. His eyes roam the tables as he pockets the car keys in his jeans. His flannel shirt over his black tee was unbuttoned, the sleeves rolled up. His posture was just a bit slouched, showing his weariness. Being tired, he looked even thinner tonight. But spotting Hope to the side, a smile manages to surface.

Making his way to the table, he slides into the chair opposite her, leaning his arms on the table. I felt a little strange... She wasn't his counselor tonight. "Hi."


As Angelica draws nearer, her hand on Reese's face sends a chill down his spine. But it wasn't one he disliked. It was one he hadn't felt in a very long time.

Though he knew what was coming, still Angelica's lips on his came as a surprise and he almost jumps. But when she withdraws and catches his eyes, his gaze was not one that said to stop. On the contrary, he didn't want her to. She was more than a coworker, more than a friend... Ever since California, he'd wanted this, but had never been bold enough himself.

His hand finds its way up her arm and to her face, cradling her velvety-soft skin as his thumb strokes her cheek. She was beautiful in the dim, glowing light. Reese had never thought he could feel this way ever again... but somehow he did.

Letting Angelica come closer, he allows her to draw into his lap, still a bit surprised, but unwilling to tell her to stop. Her closeness was warm and comforting. It quieted his heart, while at the same time gave him reason to press on.

As her arms wrap around him, his own slide around her waste, his hands resting gently on her back. He stares into her eyes for a moment that felt like eternity. Oh, those eyes how they captured him and took him so far away from all the stress and worry he felt.

Glancing down then back up at her eyes, no words needed to be said. Wanting to feel her lips to his again, he moves one hand up to caress the back of her head as he pulls in closer to her. His kiss is warm and strong. He closes his eyes, falling into the moment. Retreating, he cocks his head the other way, returning again to let the exchange last as long as she would allow.


At Katie's thanks, Gage backs up a step. He opens his mouth as if to say something, but suddenly stops. The strangest look passes on his face, and for a moment, he just stares at her. Finally though, he blinks and turns around again to throw the cup away and head for the door. But he stops. For the longest moment, he just stands there.

Eventually he turns back around, but goes to the back of Katie on the other side of the pole. Working with the knots, the ropes move a little bit, but stay tight around her wrists. Something had changed though. They were now loose enough around the pole that she could slide down to sit if she wanted to.

Without a word, Gage stalks back to the door to leave.

Sliver

Though Scott can not see her a small smile forms on Hope's face. Scott was to smart for his own good that was for sure. After all he had been through he really was bouncing back nicely. Thinking for a moment about Scott's question Hope is quiet. Till finally she speaks again her voice being very sincere.

"You dont need a counselor anymore Scott, but it never hurt to have another friend right? How would you like to gab some coffee if your not to busy that is? Believe it or not coffee helps me wind down, and some time with a friend would be nice too."

Hope ment what she said, she missed Scott and just the other day she had relized that he was more than just another pashent, or person she helped. Without even knowing it Scott sliped his way past the cracks and became more, he had also become Hope's friend.

Looking back at Mike the smile on Angelica's face stayed but softened just a bit. Color rose to her cheeks ass she relized how close she really was right now to Mike. The man that had captured her heart though she would never admit it outloud.

"As long as he is locked away so he cant hurt anyone else...thats what matters."

A soft wind blowing through the open window sends the smell of Mikes callone to Angelica's nose, almost instintly feeling as though a calm blanket had been put over her. A small silver of moon light poked out from behind the clouds casting a glow on the office.

Bring her hand up to Mike's face Angelica gently brushing a peace of hair back that had been blown by the gentil breeze. Than moving her hand back down along the side of his face she maping his skin with the back of her hand. To her his skin was so soft, even with a little bit of five oclock shadow.

Leaning forward Angelica is not sure what drove her to make such a bold move but her lips press aganst Mick's as the sweetness of the kiss bursts forward giving her whole body chills.

Backing away just a little she searchs Mike's eyes and bits her lip in a nervouse statment. The stress the had been under, the weaght of te world had been gone in that moment, and for that second it was the best comfort Angelica had ever had.

Leaning forward once again, with ever grace Angelica moves Mike's chair back just a tade so she she could sit herself on his lap, wrapping her arms aroundhis neck to draw herself closer to him. She wanted his strong arms around her, to feel him close to her, to lose themselfs in the moment and forget about what was around them, because in Mike Reese arms she felt loved.

Taking the paper from Carson Nate gives a nod. They had nothing, so anything was a clue they could go on, anything they could look up and narrow down getting them one step closer was something.

"Thanks Carson, I'll be right back. And if you want to get some sleep, or something to eat I'll take your spot here for a few hours."

Turning and seeing Ryder Nate walks over to him and gives him a short nod figuring there was nothing much to tell about Reiker or it would of happend already.

"I'd ask how you are holding, but you look about as crappy as the rest of us."

Giving a short sigh Nate leans on the cubicle with the paper in hand.

"I figure for now we can leave Reiker in the intarigation room and find out what Reese wants us to do with him. But till than if your not to tired I need you to do a search on buildings that have unfinsihed basments and are paying a bit higher taxes. I dont care where, or how many you have I want them as long as they are in this state."

Handing the paper to Ryder Nate gives a small smile and a nod before turning around once again and going back to the computer with the foottage of Katie.

Feeling the cool water to her lips Katie is almost shocked for a moment, but than lifting her head she takes a long sip from the cup her eyes locked on Gage once again.

She wasnt sure if he had done that because he had to, or because he wanted to but non the less it had helped her. In a soft voice she manages to whisper.

"Thank you!"

Which?

When Katie falls silent, Gage just looks at her for several moments, the quiet lingering. Turning around, he paces, returning his knife to his pocket. Finally he walks over to a faucet hidden in the shadows. A styrofoam cup is handy and he fill it halfway with cool water.

Walking back to Katie, he tilts her head up again, putting the cup to her lips.


Laura wraps her arms around Nate's neck, letting him carry her down the hall. Despite the bad day, a smile was on her lips. She didn't care who saw them like this.

Being set down on her feet again, she relents with a nod. "Okay. I'll rest. Wake me if anything comes up - anything at all."

Returning Nate's kiss, she watches him leave, then turns into the room, sinking down on the bed. It was softer than she remembered. Easing down to curl up on her side, the pillow seemed fluffier than normal... the blanket more comfortable... Her eyes fall shut.


Carson shrugs at Misty's comment about Gage. "I don't know... Man is born with a natural instinct for right and wrong... but if you're brought up with that... I don't know." He watches the screen, interested to see Gage's interaction with Katie. "I can't tell if he's actually trying to make her comfortable, of if he's just taunting her."

Hearing Nate's question, Carson looks up quickly. "Not a whole lot." He reaches for his notepad. "Got some stuff that probably won't do us a whole lot of good, but...."

He lets go of Misty's hand to point some things out on the paper. "The pole Katie's tied to is actually an I-beam. This indicates that she's either in a large house or building - it's not just a little house somewhere. Also it looks like an unfinished basement. If we pretend it's a house, it would be one without a reported finished basement that they'd be paying more taxes on." he shrugs. "That hardly narrows down the search. The guy with her right now is Gage Pelzer. Lifetime with the Agency. He's in his twenties... I was just telling Misty that he was born into the Agency - never been out. That doesn't help on a location though either because he's been sent all over the place."

Carson squints at some of his scribbles. "Um... whatever they're giving Katie is different than what Rick has. Though it looks like she doesn't like it, it doesn't throw her into a fit like Jason... and they give her a shot much more often than every 24 hours. So I'd say it's a weaker form of a better antidote. Beats me what it is though."


Reese looks down at the pictures Angelica places before him, and studies them for a moment, taking in her words. His heart sinks. He knew she was right.

"I was afraid of this." He sighs deeply. "I know it was all we had to go on, but Jason was desperate and took off on the wrong lead."

Turning his head his eyes meet Angelica's. "At least we got Reiker for shooting up a house and trying to kill Ryder though. That's enough to put him away - one less... Agency scumbag to... to worry about..."

With each word, his voice grows quieter, his eyes still looking into Angelica's. She was so close he could feel her breath on his face, and smell the sweetness of her skin. His eyes glance down then back up again and he swallows hard. "Thank you... for... all your help."


Ryder stands lamely in the hall as Phinox heads out. "Yeah...." He gives a short wave. "Later." Sighing, he looks down one way then the other. It was quiet. For such a stressful day, it was quiet. But there was nothing to pick up the pace. No leads. Phinox was right. This had been a dead end.

Wandering towards the main floor, Ryder isn't sure where to go next. He should probably report to Nate or something.


Scott doesn't even look to see who was calling him before he answers. Hope's voice catches him off guard, and he's quiet for a moment. But leaning back in his chair, a small smile escapes. "Hi, Hope."

He pauses, not really sure what to say. "It's not late - I'm still working." He hesitates again, not divulging any information about how he's really doing yet. His tone was quiet and sincere. "Are you calling as my counselor or my friend?"

Sleep

Katie looks back at Gage dead in the eye an emptyness seems to show in his eye. Most people who worked in the agecny had that look. But along with it they had a longing. Gage was differnt there was no longing only empty. Trying to will herself to stay quiet but her lips would not obay.

"I'll rot here even if they DO get who they want. Like I said before The Agency dosnt let people go. But my friends will find me, and I will see the outside world again."

Swallowing hard Katie trys to move the saliva around in her mouth keeping it wet so she didnt thirst to much.

"To the Agency this is a game, and to them we are just the pawns. I wont go down without a fight and I wont lost this patter without making a mark."

Closing her eyes Katie could feel herself growing weak. The EE they had given her was sucking up what energy she had. If she was going to escape her had to save what energy she did have so the right moment. Droping her head down again Katie closes her eyes. She wanted sleeping only conserving energy but letting her mind still work as her memories of those she loved keep her strong.

Listing to Carson Misty can't help but shake her head. To be raised in the angency, live, breath, and only know that was a horrable thing. She couldnt even start to imagen what thought would be like, but maybe to Gage it wasnt so bad not knowing anything else.

"Thats horrable."

Misty lets out a long sigh continuing to watch the screen. Making out bits and peaces she can get a little bit of what Katie and Gage are saying but not enough to make it give much sence.

"I guess when it comes to something like that I have to stop and wonder if you can blame him for his wrong ways. Live, breath and raised that why how would you knows its wrong."

Shaking her head again Misty moves a little closer to Carson lcoking her fingers with his. She wished there was more they could do for Katie. Seeing here there was hard, and it make her own insides flip flop.

Giving a grunt and unfolds his arms and gives another shake of his head.

"Well I fear that we just wasted a whole day. I really dont see a lead here. The most we can do now is another background check on him, maybe his bank account or something and see if he had any money transfered in. Other than that we are back to squear one."

Lifting his head and looking around the TJY floor and than back to Ryder Phinox just relized how much he had been talking. IT was strange how he felt comfortable talking to Ryder like he was a long time friend. Not that, that really mattered he wasnt here to make friends and in the end, everyone would hate him anyways if he didnt wind up dead.

"Anyways, I havent had anything to eat. I am going to step out for about an hour and call my contact to see if they have anymore information for me. If Reese askes he had my cell number."

Giving a short way Phinox makes his way to the exit making sure his phone was once again in his pocket.

Moving the hair softly from Laura's face Nate strokes her head running his rough hands through her soft hair. Like saten on sandpaper it felt so nice. Holding her a little closer Nate couldnt help but feel a small lump of guilt rise inside of him. Everyone had someone tonight except for Jason.

"I wish I could let you stay close to me all night but sadly I do need to get back to work."

Giving Laura's head a kiss Nate stands his arm sliped under her legs and his other around her back still cradling her in his arms. He was worryed enough and if Laura got sick from lack of sleep he would worry even more.

"Get some rest ok? If anything happend you will be right here and I will come and get you."

Walking across the floor Nate takes Laura to the spair bedroom getting to the door he lets her down knowing she cant go the rest of the way herself.

"At least an hour ok? for me?"

Giving Laura another kiss Nate turns and heads in the direction of Carson's cubicle. He needed an update on what was going on, and than he needed to talk with Ryder about Reiker to see if they had gotten anything to help them.

Getting to the cubicle Nate stairs over Carson and Misty for a moment just watching what was going on, on screen.

"Whats going on here?"

As movment catchs his eye Nate looks up twords the exit to see Phinox heading out of the building. Where was he going?

Giving a soft tap Angelica enters Mike's office and trys to give a small smile. Thought the situations were though at the moment she did what she could to keep her head up for her sake thought the new she now braught would be non to good.

"Mike, I have some information, but tis not to good. I took it on myself to do a little deeper search on the oil Nate and Jason braught in. I wanted to run my own tests, and cover everything. We can get this guy behind bars but only if we charged him with the right thing. If not than we would be the ones hung out to dry."

Angelica lets out a sigh and she puts two differnt pictures in front of Mike and than goes behind him to lean over a little bit as she talked.

"These are two pictures of paint fragments from each oil. Oil leaks it drags paint, a coting anything with it rotting it away a little more. See this one here the while is from the Van that took Katie, and this one here is green the one from the shooting. They dont match."

Turning hear head to look at Mike she was only inches from his face but it didnt seem to faze her.

"I'm sorry Mike but its not the same van and we have to charge Rekier with atemptive murder on Ryder and thats all."

Hearing the voice come over the other end Hope gave a small smile. It had been a while since she had talked with Scott now, and through the gapevine she had hurd about Katie. Knowing this was probley hard on Scott seeing as Katie was his best friend she just wanted to call as another friend to make sure he was ok.

"Hey Scott Its Hope. Sorry I am calling you so late. Hadnt hurd from you in a while and I just wanted to see how you were doind."

Was that really why she was calling? Or was it just that she missed talking to him, and missed hearing his voice? As quick as the thought came Hope pushed it away again. IT was imposable she couldnt think of that.

Free will?

Laura gives a quite giggle, her eyes lowered, but her arm still around Nate's neck signaled she was enjoying his attention.

Returning his kiss, she smiles at him. She'd never felt like this before... being loved like this. Despite the tense situation in the office, there was a slight moment here of bliss

Laura leans her head down, curling up closer to Nate and nuzzling her face into his warm chest. "Can I just stay here?" she mumbles. "I'm so tired... and so worried..."


Jolted from his thoughts, Carson straightens, eying the sandwiches Misty had brought. A sly smile emerges and he gives her a sidelong glance. "You sure know how to make a guy feel good, you know that."

Reaching out, he picks up one of the sandwiches and takes a bite, giving a sigh of content. "Yep... definitely worth keeping you around." Grinning, he watches her as she squats next to him, and leans over to give her a kiss. "Mm... definitely."

Though wanting to keep up with the flirting, he knows they had work to do, and Misty's question just proved as a reminder.

"Yeah." He leans back in his chair and gestures to the screen where the young man was still in the room with Katie. "Gage Pelzer. I met him a few years back - we were on a couple assignments together, though we never interacted on very deep a level. He's probably one of the toughest cases you'd find at the Agency." Carson shakes his head. "He was born there. Literally. His mother was an agent - I never knew who his father was. But he was born in an Agency medical facility, separated from his mother and brought up for the sole purpose of serving the Agency. As far as I know, he's never not been on duty or on assignment. I never saw him allowed to have leave or time off..."

Carson shrugs. "The Agency is cruel, but they know if they're gonna keep agents around, they gotta give sometimes. Me, they let roam whenever I wanted. They were stricter with others. Gage - he was like a robot. Garbage in, garbage out. Talk about a prisoner. Problem was, that he was good. What better guy could they have than someone who's been there all their life? Head honchos took advantage of him though because he'd do anything he was told."

Carson pauses, looking at the screen again. "A lot of people at the Agency have had their freedom taken away, their minds erased and their reasons for living skewed. Gage? He's never known freedom, never had a mind of his own, and his reason for living has never been anything but for the Agency."


Ryder sighs deeply and shrugs at Phinox. "I don't know. Agency usually doesn't screw up like that. Reiker was adamant that they were supposed to kill me. His reasoning still has me baffled, but maybe it was some screwy plan of Medridge. You know... get me to think I had a kid or something to break me."

He scrunches his eyes shut and shakes his head. "But you're right - even if that can be explained, that still doesn't connect with Katie. But... if it doesn't... we just wasted a whole day tracking in the wrong direction. It's all we had to go on. Surely there's more... surely there's something we missed."


Gage is quiet for a moment, letting the knife drop without cutting Katie's skin. "Free will? Is this what you call free will? Bound by ropes and kept in the dark? Who you are will change, Katie. You stay captive long enough and it'll eat away at your mind."

He moves closer, staring her in the eye. "You stay here long enough and your own conscience will start playing tricks on you. You'll lose your ability to think for yourself, and the pain will be so great that you'll do anything to get rid of it. Free will?"

He shakes his head and retreats to throw away the used needle. "We're not playing games, Katie. It's you or them. And if I were you, I'd hope it was them. At least you'd have a chance of getting out of here. Otherwise you'll just rot where you stand."

Hope

Emerging from the room with his arm crossed over his chest Phinox lets out a sigh. That was a dead end and he new it. Reiker wasnt part of what happend to Katie, they were wasting there breath. Turning to look at Ryder Phinox gives a little pase on the floor before stopping again.

"Riker didnt know anything about what we were talking about. His story may have sound fake and madeup but no one would come up with answers to questions about it as fast as he did."

Thinking again Phinox choosed his words carfely knowing he needed to watch what he said.

"Could they have mixed you up with someone else? I just have a feeling he didnt know anything about Katie let alone who she was."

Bringing his hands up to Laura's arms Nate is quiet for a moment leaning his head back aganst her. The soft small of lavander and soap washed over him making him feel safe. He cant ever remembering a woman having there arms around him and him being the one who felt safe.

Turning a little Nate pulls Laura infront of him and draws her into his lap and brings her close to him. Leaning into her Nate nuzzles into Laura's neck just a little before pulling away a little and running a hand over her cheeck just looking into her eyes.

Laura had become his shelter, his sound ground. He was strong, but a little more strangth was always nice and welcomes. Giving a smile he gives a small nod.

"Yeah I think I am holding the best I can with the help of a certin good looking Lady."

Running his finger over her cheek again He leans in and gives her a small kiss.

"I love you so much."

Slowly walking over to Carson Misty sets a plate down for him that had two grilled cheese samwich on it.

"I thought maybe you would want something to eat."

Stairing at the screen for a moment Misty watches what Carson was watching. Hearing him say a name Misty squots down next to him to continue to watch.

"You know who he is?"

Feeling the pinch in her arm Katie gives a wince. She wanted to cry out in pain, she hated the feeling, the way the EE made its way through her body, they way it felt to be left alone with her own mind, she hated it.

Lifting her head Katie looks at Gage in the eyes her own reflecting an emptyness but a strangth at all the same time. At this point she didnt know what to think or how to feel. She was scaired, and she hurt but she had to stay strong.

"I'm happy to still be alive, because when they find me, and I know they will I want to see the look on your face. I have my hope, and my love. Take my emotions away from me you may, but you cant take away my free will to choose who I am."

As Gage runs the blade aganst Katie she can feel the cold steel on her skin and it stung. Everything inside of her quivered but her eyes showed no fear and she didnt wince or back away but just continues to look at Gage. They would come for her, she new they would, se had to keep hope. Things wernt so bad right now.

Familiar Face

Though Gage's back is turned, a scowl surfaces. This was the fourth time he'd been assigned with Rod, and he never once had liked it.

Walking to the one window, he barely parts the horizontal blinds to see out. Medridge was confident about this little scheme, but Gage wasn't so sure. Something about these people just didn't feel right. Though he'd never say it, Gage wondered if Medridge underestimated the Elite and the families from Texas.


Carson knows that Nate is just as torn up as he is about this whole thing, and he wants to offer some kind of words. But he knows he can't lower his wall. Not and survive the task he'd just been assigned to.

Retrieving the address, he makes his way to Katie's own cubicle, turns on the computer and heads to the right place. Staring at Katie's weakened body, his eyes grow dim. He wanted to kill whoever had done this.

Fishing around the desk, he finds a notepad and pen and starts jotting down notes. Study, write, study, write. Soon he had a barrier built strong enough in his mind that it didn't feel anymore like it was Katie he was watching - it was just someone who he needed to get all the information on he could.


Rick shakes his head at Misty's question. "I don't know if it will always be sporadic or not. It's been about twenty-four hours though, and that's how long I thought the first shot might last. I juts need more time to perfect it, and I need Jason to pay more attention, but right now he's too out of it with this mess to care."

He sighs in frustration. "Yeah, giving him a dose he can give himself isn't a bad idea. Eventually I want to get this thing into pill form so if anything like this ever happens again..." In the back of his mind, he wondered if perhaps this scenario would turn into the future if they didn't find Katie. "...he can have a supply wherever he is, and even Katie too."

Jason's mind propells him back to reality like a speeding jet. Sitting bolt upright, the images of Katie flash through his mind. The emotions wanted to come - they wanted to scream out. But the only emotions there were ones that made his stomach churn and his head hurt. "No!"

His scream made Rick jump and whirl around. "Jason!"

Jason wasn't paying a bit of attention. The dosage still was not perfected and it had set him off kilter once more. A flying arm whacks Rick in the gut, sending him stumbling backward.

"Misty! Sedative!" he barks. They couldn't risk Jason hurting anyone or himself. Rick was mad at himself for not getting this thing right, but he just hadn't had enough time. He needed to find the right combination in the formula that wouldn't send Jason into an emotional fit every time. He knew it was a jolt to Jason's system going in and out of these stages, but there had to be a way to make the transition a smooth one.

Before Jason can even get to his feet, he feels the pain of the needle in his arm. Swinging his head around, he shoots Misty a glare that would have shattered glass had his emotions been in tact. But he wouldn't even remember the anger. Sinking back down on the table, everything goes black once again.

Rick is still catching his breath. "Let's hope when he wakes up from that one, he'll have calmed down." Maybe this was an improvement from last time when it had taken several episodes like this before Jason had been under control.


Reiker glares up at Phinox. "You guys ain't got nothing on me. I don't have to talk to you."

Ryder crosses his arms, scowling as he stands next to Phinox. "I was there, Reiker. You tried to blow my head off, remember?"

"You can't prove that!" Reiker's eyes wander from Ryder to Phinox and back again. There was fear behind his gaze, despite his unwillingness to talk.

Ryder shakes his head. "And what if one of your buddies talked first? Then where would you be?"

"You killed them," Reider spits out.

"Did I?" Ryder takes his gun from his holster, cocks it and aims it at Reiker. "You think I'm not good enough to hit you where it'll hurt but not kill you? You want to find out?"

Reiker swallows hard, his face paling. "They're... they're not dead?"

"One of them is." Ryder continues to point the gun at him. His words were chosen carefully. So far he had not lied. "Who's gonna cut a deal first eh? Any tic of the clock and you could be the only one behind bars. Keep quiet and it'll be your head, no one else's. Now I'm fed up to the back teeth with your whining. So start talking."

Reiker's eyes drift back and forth between the two agents in front of him. A bead of sweat runs down the side of his face. A low growl from the corner makes him shoot his gaze to Trooper, who was none too happy with the tension in the room. "Call of your dog first."

Ryder laughs. "He's not mine. I don't know he commands."

"Well make him back off!"

"Keep yourself calm and he might just stay in his corner. Get nervous and he's bound to help out in the pain department."

Reiker stares at the barrel of Ryder's gun. "You were supposed to die."

Ryder holsters his sidearm giving Phinox a sidelong glance. Reiker had been easy - they'd alreayd gotten past the hard part. "Why?" he questions Reiker.

"I don't know! We were just told to come shoot up the place and make sure you didn't come out alive. That's all."

"Why?" Ryder persists. "Why would you be scared of me after you took Katie?"

"I don't know!"

"Talk!"

"I don't know!"

Trooper stands up and takes a step forward, giving a low growl.

Reiker's eyes widen. "Call him off!"

"Talk!"

"I told you! I don't know!"

Ryder slams his fist on the table, reaching over to grab Reiker by the shirt collar. "Why did you take Katie?"

"I didn't!"

"Don't lie. The van matches."

"It wasn't me! I don't know what you're talking about!" Reiker stares wildly at Ryder, then to Phinox, almost as if asking for help. "We were told to kill you off, and that's all!"

"Me?! Why?!"

"Because of your daughter! That's all they said, alright?! That's it!"

Ryder suddenly drops Reiker and takes a step back, his voice lowering to a very confused tone. "My daughter? What on earth are you talking about?"

By now, Reiker was desperate to spill all he knew. "Me and the other two got called in. They said to kill "the Aussie." Said they didn't want you getting in the way with your daughter. So we came to take you out. Figured we'd shoot up the place and we couldn't miss."

Ryder blinks, trying to act like he was still in control, while his mind was racing. "I don't have a daughter, Reiker." He glares at their captive. "You'll have to come up with a better story than that."

Reiker sees the confusion and latches on. He gives a short laugh. "Do you know you don't have a daughter?"

Ryder's face reddens. "Yes. I do."

"Well then somebody got their lines crossed, but it wasn't me. I was just following orders, and that's all I know."

"You're gonna have to do better than that," Ryder warns. "You had something to do with Katie's kidnapping and you know it."


The day drags on. Hours tick by slowly, making it seem like days. No leads. No breakthroughs. No new information. No contact with the enemy.


"I give up." Ryder throws his arms in the air as the interrogation room door was shut behind him and Phinox. They'd worked on Reiker all afternoon, but had gained no more information than they'd started out with. Reiker stuck to his story and had given them nothing more.

Ryder rubs his hands over his face. He was tired and hungry. Everybody was. He looks to Phinox, having given up on getting much more out of Reiker. "Can't squeeze blood from a turnip. There's got to be a connection between him and Katie though. His story about me having a daughter is ridiculous. I would have thought he'd come up with something better than that. Maybe he thought if by chance I did have a kid, I'd get scared and he could make up a whole new story to shake us off the trail, I don't know. He's got to be lying."

He shakes his head. "This is getting us nowhere. It's been a day and a half and we're no closer."


Jason slowly opens his eyes and turns to roll onto his back. He's hardly moved at all when Rick is already beside him syringe in hand. "Whoa..." Jason's voice is scratchy. "What'd I do to deserve that?"

Rick breathes a sigh of relief. Jason was lucid again. "You don't want to know."

Jason frowns, trying to think past his headache. "Did I give you a bad time again?"

"You could say that." Rick rolls his eyes. "More than once."

"Sorry."

"Not your fault. I thought I'd made progress with the formula but I was wrong. I've been working all day on an improvement."

Jason quirks an eyebrow. "Ooh, upgrade."

Rick grins. "Haven't lost your sense of humor."

Jason swallows hard an sits up, throwing a look in Misty's direction. His eyes apologized for any trouble he'd caused. He glances back to Rick. "Any news?"

"No." Rick shakes his head.

"They still... still watching?"

Rick nods slowly. "Carson's been watching all day."

"Is she... okay?"

"She's alive." Rick gives Jason's shoulder a pat. "She'll be okay, Jase. We'll find her."


Laura slips in behind Nate's desk chair and drapes her arms around his sholders to cross on his chest. She rests her face down in his hair, breathing deep the lingering scent of shampoo and cologne. She kisses his head before straightening up and hugging him closer to her from behind. "You holding up?" She was asking him, while she'd been worried sick all day. But she knew he was too. Katie had a special place in everyone's hearts - that much was clear.


Scott scrolls through more names and more pictures, trying to place the face in the photo Nate had printed off. It was difficult - the photo wasn't the best quality and it was hard to make out some features. All day and he'd narrowed down the search, but still hadn't been able to pinpoint any names.

His mind drifts back to Katie and the emotions rise as a lump in his throat again. Sitting back, he glances to Dalton who was hard at work as well. Back to his screen again, suddenly the images are back. He tries to stop them, but they're like a bad film reel insistant on playing whether he wanted it to or not. Faces and data flash in front of his eyes, triggered by today's turn of events. He doesn't want to focus on them. He doesn't want to decipher them or understand what they were. All he knew was that there were bad things connected to them - connected to his own past with the Agency - and he wanted to shut them out and bury them where they couldn't hurt him any more.

Scott scrunches his eyes tight for a moment before looking back at his computer screen. His pulse had quickened and he hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath. He doesn't look at Dalton again, afraid that his own strang behavior had been noticed.


Carson grinds he cigarette into the ground, breathing out the last bit of smoke. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he makes his way around the building to go back inside. Three minutes. Wyatt had kept watch for him while he took a quick break. He'd needed the break too - though he'd tried to keep up with things all day, his nerves were nearly shot. Keeping his habit quiet hadn't been heard - everyone was too distracted to pay attention to him. It was better that way anyway.

Getting back to Katie's desk, he relieves Wyatt. There had been no changes. Carson glances at his notes, then sits back again to watch. He scribbles another note. All that he jotted down were just loose thoughts that may or may not help the situation at all. But it was all they had right now.

His stomach growls. The one thing that sounded good right now was a grilled cheese sandwich.

Movement.

"Hello." Carson sits up straighter, squinting at the screen. It wasn't the same man who had been in there before. He tries to get a better look, but the room on the screen was so dark, it was hard.

Then the man turns and Carson's eyes widen. "Well, Gage Pelzer. Fancy seeing you here." He grabs his pen again and jots the name down. Next time Nate came to check on him, he'd tell him what he knew.


Gage lets the door fall shut behind him, and walks slowly to Katie's tired, weakened form. "And how's our prisoner holding up?" he asks, not expecting a response. "Looks like I'm not late this time. Rod about had my hide for just about letting you die. Though by the looks of it, I wonder if you'd rather die than take all this."

He reaches for Katie's sleeve to roll it up. There were already visible marks where she'd been given shots before. He hesitates before giving in and administering the EE. It would only take seconds for it to spread through her body.

Heaving a sigh, Gage caps off the needle. Putting it away, he retrieves a new tool. A knife. Testing the blade, he runs it along Katie's neck, not hard enough to cut her, but the threat was there. Reaching out, the knife pushes her hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. Bruises accented her face, purple and black, dried blood smeered from the cut in her lip. "You look like your aunt," he muses. "Least from the pictures."

Epie pen

Giving a scoff Rod continues to walk slinking down in his chair. He hated being here, and he hated he was put on this case with these two numb skulls. If it hadnt been for his skills at tourcher he wouldnt be here.

"Just do your job like I tell you to, and I will talk with Barker."

Picking up the phone Rod dials a number waiting for someone to pick up on the other end. Twirling a knife on the desk.

"Yo its Rod, they found the package and have tuned in. Yeah, probley for about a half hour or so. Yeah ok, ok. Bye."

Nate continues to watch running a hand over his face. He didnt know what to do, he didnt know what to do anymore or how to feel. He was so messed up inside and he wanted to break things, he wasnt to scream, he even wanted to cry.

"Oh Katie, hang in there please, we are going to get you out."

Checking over Alec quickly Misty comes over to Jason laying a hand on his arm for a moment. Than going back to the counter she moves around and gets a saringe before going back to Jason and Rick.

"Do we know if it will be this long before it will happen again or will it always be spratice? Maybe we can make something like an epie pen for him to carry?!"

Still staying quiet Phinox stands aganst the wall watching Reiker. Studying him he is quiet for a long while. Moving around the table Phinox leans on it looks there prisoner in the eye.

"Why did you atack Katie's house after we...you already had her? I wany answers about what u know and I want them now."

Chosen

Gage looks up from the desk as Rod comes back into the makeshift office. He already had one black eye from this morning's argument with Barker, who was in charge of this operation. Apparently, Gage had been negligent in more than one area.

He scowls at Rod. "Either I keep up the regular checks so that doesn't happen, or I stay up here the whole time. I keep getting stuck in the middle, and I'm tired of taking the heat for things that go wrong." He knew that Medridge would have their hides if Katie died at this point. They still needed her.

Gage stands up, checking his watch. "Just let me handle the schedule alright? Keep Barker off my back and I'll take care of the girl."


Reese and Scott watch the video, appalled at what they saw, but completely helpless. They agreed with Nate that probably Katie was suffering, as Jason was, without the injections.

"They were prepared," Reese comments. "Which means they know good and well about Jason and Katie's abilities. Jase said someone in Australia knew, but I didn't think it had gone this far. They obviously have a formula like we do."

A Nate's instruction, Scott takes the printouts from him. He swallows hard, looking at them for a moment, then glancing back to the monitor then to Nate. His eyes said it all. He was reliving a portion of his own terror - only this time it was through Katie. All he can manage is a slight nod before turning and heading back to his own office. He wanted to stay... to make sure he knew what was happening with Katie... but he had to help with the work. It was the only way to help Katie.

Reese sighs deeply, running a hand over his face. "I wouldn't wish this job on anyone. But you're right. Somebody's got to keep a constant eye on this. Any little detail might give us a breakthrough." Thinking a moment, he nods. "I'll be right back." Spinning around, he heads quickly for the hall. "Ryder, come with me."


Rick looks at Sapphire gratefully. "Thanks... and yeah, let's get him to the infirmary. He overexerted himself before I could give him the antidote. Seeing Katie there didn't help any," he adds grimly.

Arriving in the infirmary, Rick manages, with Sapphire's help, to get Jason to the table, lying down. Alec was still occupying the bed, still in a drugged sleep.

Panting, Rick gives Sapphire the "ok" to go, then looks to Misty. "Help me out here, will you? We need to revive him, but I'm afraid of what state he'll be in when he wakes up. Prep a sedative just in case."


Keeping Reiker in handcuffs, Carson assists Phinox in getting him to the interrogation room, shoving him down in the metal chair. "Sit," he orders sternly.

"I want a lawyer!" Reiker complains.

"What for? You're already before the judge and jurry," Carson hisses. "You better think long and hard about talking because this jurry is prone to finding people like you guilty, and the judge is partial to the death sentence."

He lets the threat hang in the air before exiting the room with Phinox and shutting the door behind them. "I've never seen him before," he muses. "I wonder if he's new or just a peon." He quirks an eyebrow at Phinox. "Speaking of which... who are you?" Carson's eyes roam Phinox's face, proving that he thought there was something familiar about him.

There wasn't enough time though - they're interrupted by Reese. "Carson."

"Yeah?"

"I want you set up at Katie's desk to watch the feed."

"What?"

"I want you to watch it without blinking," Reese directs. "If you have to get up, you find a replacement until you get back. You're allowed three minutes when necessary."

Carson's eyes widen slightly. The last thing he wanted to watch was his young friend tortured. But someone had to. And he knew why Reese had chosen him."I..." He swallows hard before straightening. His eyes glaze over with a hardened look that was rarely seen in him anymore. "I'm on it."

"Good. Take a notepad." Reese turns to Ryder. "You're free to interrogate our prisoner. Phinox, woud you assist?"

Trooper gives a short woof as if not liking being left out.

Reese frowns at him. "And you belong in your master's office. Get!"

Instead of obeying, Trooper heads around to sit down at Ryder's left side. Ryder looks at him curiously. "He can stay. We might be able to use him."

Carson makes his way to Nate's cubicle, his face free of emotion. "Nate - I need that web address."

Trouble

Continuing to try and look at things around her Katie trys to move her hands as well. She felt so weak at the moment, and helpless. Not a feeling she often felt, and she hated it. Finally after not being able to make anything out and feeling almost drained with a headack forming Katie trys to relax just a little letting her head hang. The headack coming on hurt, like when Jason had blocked his emotions from her. It only made Katie think about how Jason and gone and put even more a damper on her emotion.

Than with such a great force a gateway was open and like hit with a tone of bricks Katie cant feel the emotion flow all at once. Letting out a scream from the pain Katie trys her best to controll it as the feeling of her name being called serges through her. Gasping she manages to calling back.

JASON!!!

But as quick as the emotions had come they are gone, and though riddled with another pain of being shut off from Jason once again Katie new Jason was alive, somehow they had found a way as well to keep Jason alive and he was out there...looking for her.

Gasping now for her own air the pain courses through Katie's body, like a dog dieing of thirst Katie's mouth went dry and her insides felt like they were on fire.

Continuing to watch the screen Rick's words go unnoticed. Taking note to the movement trying to figure what was going on with Katie.

"Could she be feeling Jason? Maybe whatever they are giving her is wairing off too it looks like she is in a great deal of pain like we have seen before when Jason shut Katie out."

Continuing to watch Nate grew more antsy and ass more anger boiled inside him and a quick fear that if someone didnt do something Katie herself would die.

Seeing a beam of light off in the courner and seeing another figure Nate is almost releaved hoping this person good or bad was there in inject Katie again.

Coming down the step Rod mumbals under his breath having hurd Katie screams. Walking over to her he examines her for a moment concluding to what was going on. Turning away from Katie he gives a sharp pearcing yell.

"GAGE!!!!"

Going over to a counter behind Katie he takes a needle and a small bottle injecting the needle into it. Than moving over to Katie again Rod bends down to look for her vain and injects her again. Standing he watchs her closley as her body begines to relax and he knows the drug is working.

Turning to the video camra He gives a devilish grin seeing the light on and knowing that ment someone had tuned in. Giving a salute he move away once again heading back up the steps.

"Gage, you need to be more carfel and keep a closer eye on the girl. The meds wore off and it could of been a bad slip up."

Continuing to watch Nate trys to read the lips of what the man was saying. There was no sound so it was all they had. Thinking fast Nate press a few keys on his keybored as the printer prints out a snapshot of the guy along with Katie on the pole. Taking it and holding it for a moment he finally turns back to Scott.

"See if you can run this thought the computer and get an idea on this guy, something...we need to find Katie this had become a bigger issue than we though."

Turning to Reese Nate's eyes show his own emotions that had grown. This had been taken to the next step.

"Its going to be hard but I want someone watching this 24/7. If anything else happens we need to know about it, if they slip up at all we need to know about it."

Hearing Rick's yell and not seeing anyone else come to help Sapphire stands from her desk and quickly makes her way over to Jason and Rick. Quickly throwing Jason's other arm over her shoulder she does her best to help hold Jason up. Being on the shorter side she find it hard but does her best anyways.

"Are we taking him to the infermary?"

Sapphire follows Rick's lead not use to helping in this way but new at this time she had to.

A little help

Reaching TJY, Jason is trying to keep his eyes open, while at the same time, trying to breathe. They were there... just a little farther... He almost passes out before Phinox makes it to his door, helping him out of the truck.

Though not all that much earlier he'd done everything but want Phinox's help, right now he accepted it, leaning heavily on Phinox's shoulder to keep him from falling as his knees buckled.

Reiker complains under his breath as he's pushed and pulled, but he knows better than to fight too much.

Trooper stares at Phinox for a moment and cocks his head at the whistle. Finally making up his mind, he gives a little growl as if unsatisfied with the situation, and jumps down out of the truck. With Jason so close, he makes no move to defend or attack, and simply follows along behind, keeping a watchful eye on everything.

As the threesome makes it inside, they're met by Carson, who aims for the prisoner, and Rick, prepared for Jason already with a syringe in hand.

Meeting halfway across the main floor, Rick helps ease Jason away from Phinox. "You look terrible."

Jason manages a smirk. "Thanks a lot." He wheezes, putting a hand to his chest.

Rick has to reach out to help steady him. "Easy, easy does it."


Carson glares at Reiker, not recognizing him, but not needing to. His eyes drift to Phinox and his gaze narrows a little, suspicious of anyone new. "Follow me," he directs. "We'll take him to the interrogation room, then have Ryder come in."

Heading for the hall, Carson leads the way, while Trooper brings up the rear, surprisingly not staying with Jason, but following the the prisoner instead as if thinking it his duty to escort Phinox with their catch.


Scott remains in Nate's cubicle, his face still pale, his jaw clenched tightly. He couldn't take his eyes off the computer screen.

Ryder sucks in his breath as he sees the live footage as well, and for a moment, Nate's words to him go unregistered. "Wha... yeah... yeah, I'll be right back." Trying to stay focused, he takes off to find Reese. He didn't bother trying to call his desk - last he knew the line had been tied up.

Within minutes, he's returned. Reese stops short, staring at the screen. "Oh no..." His words are breathed out with a despairing worry. "Tell me that's not what it looks like."

"It's a live feed," Scott confirms grimly.

"But she's alive."

"Yeah..." Scott swallows hard. "She is..."


Jason's head throbs and the room spins. He barely feels Rick rolling up his sleeve, preparing him for the shot. Blinking, he squints a few cubicles down where something seemed to be going on. "Whats... what's happening?"

Rick tries to hold Jason's arm still. "I think they found something."

Jason automatically takes a step forward. "I want..."

"Hold still!" Rick orders, trying to hold him back as the needle slips.

"I want to see," Jason wheezes, making it a few steps closer to the cubicle.

Rick fights against him, looking for an opening to administer the shot. "Just... wait a moment. Jase, would you please... you need this."

Jason struggles, not thinking straight. If they had found anything on Katie, he wanted to know. He didn't care about the shot. Gaining a few extra feet, he has to hang onto the nearest cubicle wall to support himself, though his strength lessens.

Rick frowns at him. "Hold still for one minute before..."

Jason doesn't even hear his words. His eyes had locked onto Nate's computer screen from several feet away. Even at a short distance, he could see what it was, and it turned his stomach to knots. Stunned, he just stares. The free emotions built up inside of him, bubbling and churning. The pressure rose inside of him.

Dizziness tries to take over, and the room starts to go black. Hated tears sting Jason's eyes as he doesn't dare blink, lest he miss something. Though it would do no good, his emotions combine into a surge of energy. But with nowhere to go, the effort it took would only injure the host as the emotions would be catapulted back to him.

Katie!!!

The prick to Jason's arm goes unnoticed as his eyes roll back in his head. Rick is quick about giving the shot, but it's not soon enough. He grasps at Jason, keeping him from collapsing to the floor. "Jason... Jase..." He stumbles, losing his grip as he calls out loudly. "A little help over here!"

Shocking

Pulling into the TJY parking lot Phinox takes the car up to the front doors not even bothering to park the car. Jason needed Rick and they needed to get there prisoner inside, there was no time.

Jumping out of the car Phinox goes to the back of the truck and unhooks the tailgate. Reaching in he unhooks the prisoner and pulls him from the back. Holding tight to the handcuffs Phinox leans close to him and snarles his spainish accent coming forth to send chills down anyones spine.

"Dont try anything funny or you will wish you never were born."

Pushing Reiker twords Jason's side of the door Phinox opens it and reaches in taking Jason's arm and putting it over his shoulder and his arm around his waist to help Jason. Keeping a farm hold around Jason's wast and his other on the handcuffs pushing Reiker along into TJY and down the hall his strangth is aparent more than one might think at first glance.

Looking back at Trooper Phinox gives a sharp whistle not knowing if the dog would listen to him of not.

"Come on you, help me keep this guy in line."

Hearing Scott's words Nate's head jerks up taking the paper quickly from Scott. What did he mean it was Katie? Nate's hand shook at his stomach tied in knots typing in the web adress. She wasnt even sure he wanted to see. Could it be letter? Pictures? No matter how Nate trying to repair himself for what he was to see Nate was shocked by the sight that instintly made an anger flair inside of him.

"They are taunting us. This is....Ryder go get Reese please."

Nate's strong voice cracks a little as he trys to hold his emotions in. It had been emotional enough knowing Katie was taken but now to see her and not be able to do anything was a whole new level.

Hearing a clicking sound Katie lifts her head a little and squints through the dark. The only light there really was was a dim one that eluminated her but not what was around her. Licking her dry lips Katie can tast the tryed blood on them and cringes on them a little bit. Dirt streaked her face and Katie could feel the swelling and brusing in her face from where she had been hit. Lookig past the dim light Kate could see a small flashing red light that was ever so tiny. It almost looked like a camra. Ten to one told her it was probley a sacurity camra to watch her, what alse could it really be. Coughing a little Katie can feel a lump in her dry through as her saliva glands try to work to keep her mouth from being dry. How long would she be here and did she really want to leave if Jason wasnt around anymore?

It's Katie

Ryder takes the paper from Nate, not hesitating to go down the hall to Scott. All it was now, was another waiting game - for Sapphire to get the results, for Rick to confirm the blood analysis, and for Scott to check the web address...

Scott's eyes never leave the computer screen. His eyes hurt and his head hurt from staring at the computer for so long, but he couldn't stop now. It took a while, but he was finally able to confirm security, making sure that when visiting the site given, no one would be able to hack into their own system. But when he saw what was on the screen, his heart leapt into his throat.

He chokes on his own breath, and puts a hand up to cover his mouth. "Oh no..." Shutting the screen quickly, he grabs the piece of paper again, and jogs to Nate's cubicle. His face was as pale as a ghost. "Nate..." He swallows hard and holds out the piece of paper. "It's Katie."


Jason slouches in the passenger seat, just trying to breathe for the ride back to TJY. Trooper is uncomfortable with a prisoner in the back, Jason acting strangely, and the newcomer behind the steering wheel. He gives a whine and a little groan, refraining from barking, but making his displeasure known.

He leans forward with his face over the seat, showing his teeth for a moment at Phinox. A brief but low growl follows.

"Take it easy on him," Jason manages quietly. He reaches up to set a hand on Trooper's head to calm him down. "He's on our side."

Trooper gives a little groan, but relaxes, resting his chin on the seat in front of him.

Jason sinks further down in his seat, the pain in his chest increasing. His breathing had become labored and he couldn't stop the wheezing now. Trying to think straight, he lets Phinox worry about getting them back to TJY and goes for his phone instead. Closing his eyes, he leans his head back, trying to relax. Hearing an answer to his call, he manages to speak weakly. "Rick?"

"Jason? What's wrong?"

"We're coming back... be ready for me, alright?"

"Alright, Hotshot. Hang in there, okay? How far are you away?"

"Not far. Give us another ten minutes."

"I'll be ready." Rick decides not to say now, how thins had progressed in the office. It would be best for Jason to get calm first before anything more was thrown at him.

Jason hangs up his phone, wincing as his headache worsens. He just wanted to get back.

Action

Following Jason's direction Phinox keeps up with the pase that everything happens an almost second nature to him. As Jason comes back into the room Phinox follows swiftly behind him not saying a word but over seeing everything making sure all was well.

No consern was shone in his eyes till he saw the look on Jason's face as he asks him to drive.

"Yeah ok, I can."

Taking Jason's keys Phinox gets into the diver side and speeds down the road. Having a hint on what was happying to Jason it was a bit nerve racking and he wanted to get him back to TJY as soon as possable. Looking every now and than in the review to make sure there passanger was still there.

As Nate opens the package his heart pumps faster than he could ever remember. Seeing the the items in the box Nate is carfel not to touch anything but the paper so if there were prints they wouldnt not get covered up. Holdng the paper and looking at it Nate shakes his head slightly before looking back in the box and seeing Katies watch. His insides screamed, and he could feel his hate for the Agency knocking at the door.

Picking up the box gently Nate hands the paper to Ryder. Before moving past him.

"Take that to Scott and check to make sure the website is not something to hack our system before we go to it and see what it is."

Going into TJY Nate moves with hast not stoping at all. Making his way to Sapphire's he takes the box and puts it on her desk.

"I need you to do print tests, hair tests anything you can think of on this. Inside and out, even the paper on the box dont leave anything unturned."

Slapping on a pare of gloves that layed on her desk Nate takes the watch.

"I am gonna need it done on this as well but I need to get it over to Rick first to see if its Katie's blood."

Wearing off

Reiker's eyes narrow then widen at Phinox's badge. For several moments, he doesn't make one move, just seeming to think about his choices.

Jason waits, unable to see the man from this angle. He looks at Phinox with question. Why was nothing happening?

Reiker swallows hard. "You ain't takin' me nowhere," he growls. "Let me see your warrant."

Jason rolls his eyes. This was going to get them no where. They didn't have time to stand here and argue. They needed to get Reiker back to TJY and get some answers. It was their only lead.

Throwing a look at Phinox, Jason doesn't wait for a nod. Spinning out in the open, his aims stretches out his handgun, pointing it at the cracked opening. "This is our warrant," he hisses. "Get out here, now."

Reiker recoils, but before anything can be done, the door is slammed shut, a deadbolt clicking.

"Dang it!" Jason aims his gun lower and fires a shot at the lock. Then giving a swift kick, the door breaks and flies open. Several figures were moving quickly inside the house. "Freeze!" he orders.

A shotgun goes off, blowing the front window to bits.

Jason doesn't flinch. "Does anybody know how to follow orders?!" he barks.

Reiker is on the floor where he dove with his shotgun. "You got not right!" he yells.

Jason knew he was right. He would probably get in trouble for breaking in here. But he could handle a slap on the wrists from the police.

The other two figures are slipping out through the back door, and Jason calls over his shoulder to Phinox. "Get a hold on this guy before he slithers out of here!" Sprinting through the house, he reaches the back door, ramming it open. But he's too late. He hears the squeal of tires and sees a blue car taking off through the alleyway. Taking aim, he fires a shot, nicking the fender. A curse slips out under his breath.

Getting back inside, he makes a quick search of the house, but there aren't that many rooms to check. It was a small house with no basement. There was nothing else here. He hadn't expected to find Katie here, but it was still a small letdown. He wanders to the living room again where Phinox and Reiker were. Leaning down he grabs the shotgun and hands it over to Phinox for safe keeping, then goes for his handcuffs. "Alright, get up."

Reiker glares at both men, but rises to his feet, having no choice. He winces as his hands are yanked behind his back. "This ain't for drunk driving," he grumbles. "But you ain't got nothing else on me. You hear? Nothing! No proof! I'll get you two for this!"

"Aw shut up." Jason gives the man a shove towards the door, and gestures to Phinox to lead him outside. He remains for just a moment behind their backs, doubling over to catch his breath before following outside.

Reiker resists Phinox, but doesn't have much of a choice but to aim for the pickup truck.

Jason follows after them, going to the green van first to give it a once-over, but finds nothing. Meeting up with them at the truck, Trooper is already barking from the backseat, after he'd spotted the stranger in cuffs.

Reiker is planting his feet on the pavement. "You're not putting me in with that dog," he warns. "Don't put me in there with that dog!"

Jason rolls his eyes. "I wasn't planning to." He lets the tailgate fall open. "Get in."

"This is inhumane!" Reiker accuses.

Jason is not amused with the delay. Yanking Reiker away from Phinox, he shoves the larger man into the back of the truck with no mercy. Swiping Phinox's handcuffs from him, he uses the second pair to lock Reiker to a tiedown ring. "Don't move," he orders, though there's no need. The prisoner was going no where.

Slamming the tailgate shut again, Jason can no longer hide his trouble. Putting a hand to his chest, he starts to wheeze, unable to catch his breath. The antidote was wearing off - quickly. Leaning against the truck, he tries to pull himself together, but it doesn't work. He knew Phinox probably had no idea what was wrong with him, but he doesn't care.

Holding out the keys to Phinox, Jason's eyes ask him to drive. "Get us back in a hurry," he directs, though his tone has dropped to more of a desperate request than an order.


Ryder is quick to follow Nate outside, he himself worried about what they might find. It could be anything, and his pulse quickens.

Reese is on his feet in an instant as Nate tells him what's going on, and doesn't hesitate to follow them out, his gun at his side just in case.

Reaching the outdoors and waiting for Nate to open the package, both men's eyes widen. Ryder withdraws a little, his eyes flooding with emotions. He hated this. He hated it that Katie was gone. He hated it that they were being taunted.

Reese swallows hard, then lets out a long breath. "They're making contact... that's a good thing. Sometime they'll slip up... they will." Though he tried to be confident, his voice wavered. "Nate... take these things to Sapphire and have her start checking for fingerprints. Then lets see what this web address is from a secure computer."

Package

Nate lets out a sigh and shakes his head. Throwing down some files Nate had become frustrated and felt at a loss.

"Because there isnt any leads here. We have been over these files over and over again. This is pointless and a wast of time but I cant think of anything else to do."

Leaning back in his chair Nate runs his hands over his face. He was lost, there was nothing to do...what now?

The ringing of his phone makes Nate jump it was his privet line. Looking down and seeing the number was blocked Nate looks to Ryder giving a shrug and than picks up the phone.

"Hello?"

Hearing silence again on the other line Nate can hear the outside noises but the rest was silent. Looking to Ryder again he quirks an eye brow again his stomach in a knot.

"Helllloooo...?"

"There is a package outside of TJY for you. Was no time in getting it."

Hearing the phone go dead Nate hangs his up his own heart still racing. A package outside of TJY? Nate couldnt help but think the worse.

"Ryder come with me. Someone said there was a package outside for TJY and I find that a bit strange myself."

Standing Nate goes to Reese office and knocks than enters. He needed to know about this.

"Reese, I just got a call and I dont know who from. They said there was a package outside for TJY. I wanted to inform you before I went to see what it was. I cant help but fear the worse."

Outside of the TJY building sat a small box wrapped in brown paper. TJY written on the front in a fancy lettering. Inside the package was a tiny paper that had a website written on it, along with Katie's cell phone, her watch that had blood on it, and her necklace. One could only guess what this was.

Standing at the door Phinox remains cool, and his look very normal, the emotion still blocked from his eyes. Giving no indacation that he might be here for any other reason that was he was goig to say.

Seeing the man peek through the crack Phinox can pick up a little one his voice. Hearig about the guy once or twice he new the man though he had no idea who Phinox was. Phinox speaks in a strong voice his spainish accent really showing itself as he says more than a few words.

"Mr. Reiker..."

Phinox holds up his badge.

"..I need you to come with me on some DUI charges that where ignored. If you come with me we can get this over quick and you can get back to what you were doing."

Continuing to stand strong Phinox has a certin air about him, showing his confadince in the situation but alert at the same time that anything could go wrong at any moment.

Who is it

Ryder sighs and shakes his head as he flips through files. "No... unless you count Katie messing with guys' minds and Jason blowing things up as strange."

Pausing his work, Ryder rubs his hands over his eyes. "We went in, went for the lab... Katie and Jason went in alone while Carson and I watched the hall. They took a while, my brother showed up and shot me, Carson blew a hole in his head and we ran." He shrugs. "We came back here. End of story."

Though he tried to hide it, there was obviously still a twinge of bitterness there that showed through when he spoke of his brother and Carson.

"I still can't figure out why the Agency would come shoot up the house after they already had Katie though. I know they're random and built around chaos because of Medridge, but still..." He shakes his head. "I don't know. I just feel like there aren't any leads here at all."


Jason slides out of the truck, motioning Trooper to stay put. Shutting the door, he moves around and falls into step beside Phinox on the sidewalk, heading for the targeted house. Several other cars were parked nearby. Jason gestures to them, signaling that they might have more company than just Reiker.

Getting to the porch, Jason approaches the door cautiously, moving to lean his back against the wall. "Let him see you first," he directs quietly. "Flash your badge and tell him you're here to take him to court about the ignored DUI charges. See if you can get him to come out."

Reaching over, he rings the doorbell and waits, knowing that anyone inside would have to step out on the porch before seeing him, and by that time, he could already have taken him from behind. It wasn't protocol, but at this point, they needed to get answers and fast. Katie's life was at stake.

Waiting a couple moments, Jason winces as a new pain surges through his skull. His chest starts to tighten, and he knows they need to hurry with this thing. He rings the doorbell again.

Steps are heard inside and a burly man finally comes to the door, but only opens it a crack, barely peering out. "Who is it? Who's here?"