Didn't want to be...

Leo glances up as Ryan starts to walk away, the pain hitting him harder. He wanted to call her back and tell her it was okay... but he was too hurt. No matter what she said now, he really didn't know what to believe. He'd been so blind... and unfortunately, he really had liked her. He'd kidded around a lot, and he knew he flirted with girls all teh time... but Ryan had been different... She'd given him attention and actually wanted to spend time with him. Or so it had seemed. Now though... he wondered if any of it had ever really been real.

Seeing the other guys looking at him, he shoots them a glare and they all quickly get back to work. Mustering up any gumption he had left, Leo gets back to his own work, determined to ignore this whole thing.

Outside, someone had just been coming into the shop in time to see Ryan slip around the corner. Concerned, they follower her steps before approaching quietly and slipping down on the bench next to her.

Axel looks out to the surrounding buildings, not saying anything for a moment.

"You alright?"


JT hears the doorbell and gives a little sigh. Giving up on paperwork for a moment, he gets up from the couch, not bothering to see who was at the door before answering. Swinging the door open, he immediately bristles. "Gunner."

"Yeah, JT, look, I-"

"You're not supposed to get within five hundred feet of me," JT cuts him off. "You realize if I call you in, they'll do more than suspend you."

"So call." Gunner throws up his arms. "I came to apologize alright? I was desperate and I did something stupid. So... I'm sorry."

JT thinks for a moment. He wasn't afraid of Gunner... the agent didn't seem to want to hurt him any more now than he had the other night. "Change of heart?"

Gunner shrugs. "Just figured... I don't know... I didn't want to be the bad guy."

"Mmm." JT nods. "Well... alright then. You've been here... I won't call it in... it's over."

"Okay... good... yeah... right." Gunner gives a little wave as he turns back around to leave. "Thanks."


"...and Rick says if they can't find a cure then... Jeff's only got another couple days left. Even if they do find a cure, he says after this, Jeff's immune system will be basically shot, but at least he'd be alive." Scott plays with a bit of food on his dinner plate. Though taking time out to be with Hope, conversation had eventually led back to work anyway.

He shoves some beans to the side, having eaten about half his food. More than normal, but it still left a lot untouched. "I feel bad for Katie... I know she was close to Jeff, ya know? He's a nice guy... least he was to me."

Scott leans back in his chair and rubs his forehead where a headache had formed. He had accidentally overheard something Rick had said earlier, revealing to him the truth about Jay and Jeff. He'd promised not to say anything though, for Katie's sake, but the whole thing had been churning in his gut. He couldn't imagine how Katie must feel right now.

"Jeff..." Suddenly Scott seems very far away, almost in a daze, his voice now a whisper. "Jeff Pent... they thought..." His eyes widen and his fork clatters onto his plate. He finally focuses on Hope again. "We have to go... back to TJY."

Not even waiting for a response, he stands up, grabbing his jacket and abruptly ending their date. "Come on, or I'm gonna swipe your car."

Foolish

Ryan wants to say more but she doesn't know where to start. Never had she felt anything quite like this. It felt like anything inside was being ripped apart and it was her fault.

She had fallen for Leo, maybe she would of even said she was in love, but now she had hurt him and tore him down. Now, it hurt more than anything she felt and a new sensation was coming to her eyes burning them. Something no one ever seen, the wet sensation she had never felt before though she new they were tears as the pain inside of her continued.

Looking away for a moment and blinking Ryan looks back to Leo again.

"And never had the heart felt a pain like this before, and never would it want to feel this pain once again for it was my own blind eyes that carved this open wound."

The words from her lips seemed to flow with a deep meaning again something that was not normal but spoken from the heart.

"I'm sorry Leo, It was cruel, and wrong and I was the fool. Getting to spend time with you showed me a side of you no one else gets to see. I DID fall for you, and the more time I spent with you, the more I cared, but your right I don't deserve you because you are better than me. I'm...sorry."

Feeling the water fill her eyes more Ryan turns and makes her way to the door. Quickly glancing at the others in the room Ryan turns her head down once again and leaves the grudge. Making her way to the side of the building Ryan finds a bench and sinks down on it putting her head in her hands just sitting there for a moment as the pain inside of her indured. She'd been so foolish. And lost one of the best things she had going for her in life.She just had to collect her thoughts for a moment before getting back to work.

I hope

"You? Fallen for me?" Leo shakes his head and grabs a nearby tool. "I don't know what to believe anymore. All I know is a couple guys are short ten bucks because you and I have been on a few dates. I always wondered why you finally gave in to my nagging, and now I know why. There was no way on this green earth that you would have gone out with me in the first place... until you had something to prove."

He looks up again, fire flashing in his eyes. "I know I can be stupid sometimes... and I know I goof off and I screw up a lot of things. This is the only job I could ever keep for more than six months, and I know most people just take me for an idiot. But not a fool... Never have I been set up like this, just to be made a fool out of. Whatever your point was, Ryan... whether it was to make me look stupid, to earn a buck or just prove some stupid point, you did it quite well."

Leo's fingers tighten around his tool. "I don't care what happened in the meantime... the fact is, that this whole thing started because of a bet. And I'm the fool. Congratulations... I hope the next guy knows better than I did."

Kind of Woman

Bristling herself a little and seeing the look on Leo's face Ryan's heart thumps hard. For a moment she knows what Leo is talking about.

"Leo...I..."

But hearing Leo continue Ryan cant help as she almost turns to stone as his comment hits her and her eyes narrow.

"Whoa, Whoa wait a second...I dont know what or who told you anything like that but I wasn't betting on me coming back to your room, to do anything of that nature with you. I'm far from that kind of woman."

Shaking her head and folding her arms across her chest Ryan continues to look at Leo not moving.

"I...dont know what you think or what anyone told you Leo, but...I HAVE fallen for you. My time spend with you has been enjoyable. Do you really think that was all a lie Leo?"

Humuliated

Leo bristles. Instead of turning to Ryan to try and steal a kiss to the cheek like he normally did, he doesn't even look at her.

"I um... I don't think I'll be joining you for this race... or any from now on, for that matter."

He tries fumbling with a part in the engine, but finally gives up, shooting Ryan a look full of hurt. He'd run into some of her racing buddies that morning, and it hadn't been pleasant. "I've been humiliated enough, thanks. So if your next move was to see how long it took me to invite you back to my place so you could win an additional ten bucks... I guess you lose."

He leans on the open engine, shifting his gaze back to his task again, his teeth clenched tightly.

Race

Hope gives a nod to Reese knowing his concern. She had a few more idea's about Gunner and maybe some ways to help him but for now she would keep it on a down low. Sometimes things were just better that way.

"It's not a problem Reese. Thats part of my job now. I'll write up my report and have on your best by tomorrow afternoon. If anything else comes up I will let u know."

Hope turns and leaves Reese office making her way back to the interrogation room. Sitting down at the small table that was named her desk for now Hope lets out a small sigh as she starts to write her report a little before she left.

"Shhhhh...save your strength now ok."

Katie's eyes filled with more tears as she looked down at her father. She new the time was coming and it hurt so bad. She wanted Jeff to keep his strength so he could hold on a while longer.

"Don't you worry about me, I am gonna be fine."

Leaning down again Katie leans her head on the pillow next to Jeff Katie brings her feet on to the bed just snuggling next to him. Leaning her arm around him gentily.

"I'm going to miss you Dad, dont give up to soon."

Grabbing the wrench Ryan walks over Ron and hands it to him. Giving a point to the engine he was working on Ryan give a small chuckle.

"Try tighting that bolt and replacing that cap. There is a small crack in it thats going to let air in so it doesn't have a right seal."

Turning around to go back to her own car Ryan spots Leo and a big smile spreads across. But not even receiving a hi from Leo Ryan cocks her head confused for a moment. It wasn't like Leo to say anything.

Walking over to the car Leo was working on Ryan whips her hands on her rag before tucking it back into her pocket and leaning against the car.

"Hey there. There is a big race tonight so I get to see you at the end of the finish line right?"

Odd Behavior

Reese sighs deeply but nods."I was afraid of that. But it was worth a try. I appreciate what you did do... maybe something clicked inside that thick skull of his." He shakes his head a little. "I'm glad you're keeping an eye on him. I've always been a little worried about him - that's one of the reasons I kept him out in Texas for so long... he claimed the time alone made him crazy and maybe it did... but at least he wasn't back here chasing a fantasy mystery. Anyway..."

He takes a deep breath. "Thanks for letting me know what happened. He's still on suspension... hopefully he'll get over this."


Though his eyes were closed, a small smile creases Jeff's lips. "I think I like it too," he whispers. "I love you so much, Katie..." His hand finds one of hers to hold. It was strange... for so long, his had been the warm strength... now it was Katie's health and youth that made her hand the warm, strong one against Jeff's cool skin.

"I'm... I'm sorry I didn't.... tell you sooner." He has to take a breath, the effort of speaking almost too much now, making him cough. "I just.... it was better and... and you had a... a family."

He licks his dry lips as he tries to think of the right words. His cluttered mind wasn't making it easy. "But... but I'm glad you know now so... I could.... so I could... call you my... daughter."

Making the effort to open his eyes, his glossy stare looks up at Katie, love and pride shining through. "When I'm gone... keep your light strong... okay?"

A quirky grin surfaces at just the corner of his mouth. "Somebody has to tell the... campfire stories."


"Oh come on!" Jed grumbles over the engine he was working on. "This big piece of... Where is Leo anyway?"

"Wasn't scheduled 'til this afternoon," Ron mumbles from under another car. "Hey, Ryan, pass me that wrench, would you?"

Miles clangs around in a corner, looking for a tool. "Anybody want to hang out tonight?"

The activity in the shop was enough to let Leo in the side door without being noticed. Instead of barging into the conversation or making an entrance as usual, he simply clocks in, then gets started on the car at the far end. His eyes stay lowered, and he doesn't even greet Ryan.

Keep an eye

Looking up at Jay again Katie gives a small nod and a little smile as the tears still glisson in her eye. Slowing moving pass Jay Katie enters farther into the bunkhouse and to Jeff's side. He was getting worse by the minute and Katie could see it in his face. Sitting down on the bed Katie gentily runs her hand up and down Jeff's back and arm gently rubbing.

"You can't leave me yet, not after I just found out your my dad."

Tears rolled freely from Katie's eye not holding them back this time. Her hand shook a little but she didnt take it off of Jeff. She was there, and she wanted him to continue to feel her and know she was close bye.

"I always felt so close to you. Like I could tell you anything in the world and it would be ok. Sometimes I ever felt like you ran a close second to how close I felt to Jason."

Stopping for a moment Katie choked on her own words. The emotions churned inside of her, everything was happening so fast there was very little time to work through it all and process it.

"You could always make me smile and your camp fire story's kept me entertained for hours even if it didn't seem like it. I think I almost got every one memorized."

Katie gives a smile to Jeff trying to make him feel better and as comfortable as she could.

"I'll always remember the good times. I love you Dad!"

Katie gives a small chuckle and shakes her head whipping some of the tears from her face.

"It sounds strange calling you that, but I'll get use to it quick. I think I like how it sounds."

Opening the car door Hope stops for a moment and turns back to Gunner.

"Be safe ok?"

Getting out Hope closed the door behind her and makes her way inside starting to head down the levels. Making a quick stop to see Scott and set up a dinner date Hope was on her way once again to Reese office.

Giving a smile and a nod of hello to Susanne Hope knocks on the office door. Hearing Reese's answer to come in Hope slips into the room quietly and makes her way to his desk.

"Hey Reese, I just wanted to let you know that today is my last session with Gunner. I cant help someone who doesn't want it. It just does not work that way."

Hope it quiet for a moment as she collects her own thoughts and than speaks again.

"But that dosnt mean I wont be keeping an eye on him. He'll be back to see me sooner or later when he is ready. I could see it in his eyes the truth is gonna his him hard. We just need to give this time ok?"

Floats

Gunner lifts his eyebrows, a little surprised, but he doesn't argue. Putting the car in gear, he pulls away from the curb, takes a U-turn and heads back to TJY. Really, he'd just won a battle. But for some reason, he didn't feel like celebrating.

Once at TJY, he lets Hope off at the door. "See you later then," was as much as he'd said since leaving the scene. Instead of parking and coming inside too though, he leaves once again, not bothering to inform anyone where he was going.

At first he heads to the outskirts of town, the rolling cemetery in sight. But he changes his mind and leads left instead.

The little shop isn't very busy. It was just as well. Ordering a large rootbeer float, Gunner sits in the booth alone, his feet propped up on the other side. He had no paperwork today. No laptop today.

He fiddles with the straw and takes a long drink of the cold treat, almost giving himself a brain freeze.

"You're chasing ghosts, Gunner."

He takes his spoon and dishes out some ice cream to suck on.

"You've become the bad guy."

He orders a second float.


Jay doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Katie, holding her close. His own tears fall. "Oh, Katie..." Her words meant more to him than she would ever know. "I love you so much... and I'm sorry."

Kissing the top of her head, he keeps holding her, not wanting to ever have to let her go. But he knew he had to.

Taking a deep breath, he pulls back just a little, reaching up to wipe away some of her tears, while his own remained. "And you'll always be my daughter too," he whispers. "That will never, ever change."

There was a lot more to be said... a lot more to be explained... but for now... for now this would do. Jay points Katie towards Jeff. "I have to go get Angel... You need to say what you want before..." He lets his sentence trail off, unfinished. "I'll be right back."

Though almost completely out of it, Jeff had seen the embrace, and he felt at peace. Something told him that it would all be okay now.

Talk

Giving a shake of her head Hope looking out the window again as her heart sank just a little. She could feel the had taken a step back now and it would only be that much longer till Gunner could find his peace.

"We are going back, and there will be no session tomorrow, or the day after. I am telling Reese this was the last session."

Hope continues to look out the window blinking her eyes every once and a while as she let out a small sigh.

"There is no point in wasting your time for anymore sessions when you dont think you need them."

Hope falls silent but her brain was still saying so much. Thinking of ways to help Gunner, thinking of reasons. No matter if she tryed to stop or not her brain tryed to form a plan.

Making her way back across the grass Katie drags her feet. Words from someone she really never talked to lingered as she headed to the bunk house.

"So your mad at them both?"

"No I dont think I am, I think its more confustion than anger."

"So why did you walk away?"

"Because I was hurt, and I am trying to be strong through this whole thing. Jeff dosnt need to see me sad. I cant cry, I have to be strong."

Katie looked over her shoulder at Dan to who leaning on the fence next to her. He's seen her upset and followed her. She didn't mind to much for his company, after all she really didnt know him all that well and sometimes its easyer to talk with a stranger.

Dan's heart went out to Katie and he couldnt even imagen how she must feel. His life was far from perfect, but he wondered if knowing the man you called father all your life turned out not to be hurt more than his own problems.

"It's ok to cry you know, in front of Jeff, in front of everyone. Its not going to make them feel bad, but going to show them that you have feelings going on inside of you too that need to be let out."

"But what if I can't stop the tears once they start to come?'

Dan gave a small smile.

"Your a strong woman Katie Pent. Once they start, when your ready they will stop too."

Katie gave a short laugh.

"How do you know I am strong? You only just met me."

"Because since you came here, I've watched from a distance. Your Aunt and Uncle talk highly of you too. Your an Agenct in the Elite that has to take some kind of strangth too."

Katie smiled at Dan. What he said made her feel good. Its was a soft worm glowing feeling she had inside and Dan's words made a little scence.

"So what do I call them now? Dad and Uncle just some seem right anymore."

"Call them both Dad, or just call them by there first name till your comfortable. I am sure they would understand."

"I just..."

Stepping a little closer to Katie Dan lays a hand on her shoulder and bends a little to look her in the eye.

"There is no just Katie. You have always been close to Jeff and really this changed nothing but making your guys closer. He's dieing Katie and you know it. There is no time for second thoughts. And if he was to go tomorrow would you really want him to think you were mad?"

Katie looked up at Dan into his blue eyes.

"No, I wouldn't. Thanks Dan."

Realizing she had stopped at the porch Katie takes a deep breath opening the door. Stepping inside she almost runs into Jay. Looking up at him no words come for a moment as she just looks at him.

Finally though she moves as she wraps her arms around him. The tears that had been filling her eyes for day finally made there way out and down her cheek staining Jays shirt.

"I just...want you to know, You'll always be my dad too."

done?

Gunner's eyes stay focused ahead, and he gives a short laugh. "You're good... you're very good. For a moment, I almost trusted you."

He shakes his head. "You're right though. I'm the one that asked for the doctor to come out, so here you are."

He puts the key in the ignition, giving a sigh as every wall securely moves back up in place. "Alright, Dr. Garrison, are we heading back to headquarters to be done with today's session? Or are you going to make me sit and think about what we talked about today?"


"Yeah... I told her." Jeff lies on his side, curled up, his eyes barely open as he talks with Jay.

Jay sits in the chair, his shoulders drooping. "And?"

"She walked away." Jeff swallows hard. The tears were dry, but the emotions lingered. "She just... walked away."

"Was she upset?"

"I don't know... I think so..." Jeff's voice starts to trail off as his eyes fall completely shut.

Jay sighs. Apparently there was no more than that to be said anyway. "I'll let you sleep a while." Standing up, he receives no response. A bit of worry hits him. "Jeff?" Nothing. He gently shakes his brother's shoulder. "Jeff?"

Jeff manages to open one eye lethargically. "I'm cold."

Jay grits his teeth as he gets another blanket to spread on top of Jeff. "Don't go anywhere.... not yet." Turning, he heads from the bunk to go get Angel. Even he could see that his brother was going downhill fast.

Dr. inside of me

Looking back to Gunner Hope can tell her had just hit a nerve and for a moment Hope can't help but feel a little bad. She didnt want to hurt Gunner, and she wanted him to trust her, but she also had to see deep inside.

Following Gunner back to the car Hope slides into the passanger side and is silent for a long moment. Being cautious of what she said next.

"I am different Gunner, not many would let you out of there office to walk, or drive. Most would make you sit and talk about your problems. Outside the box, I look outside the box all day Gunner, with every person I meet. But when there are to many holes sometimes you cant go ferther and the past is best to be left in the past."

Drawing silent again for a second Hope looks out the window at the scene were Gunner had described everything. Giving a shake of her head she looks back to Gunner for a moment.

"I wanted to understand Gunner, I do but its my job to question everything, look around everything and put the peaces together. You wanted the Dr. inside of me and well...thats what I do."

Everybody else

Gunner's shoulders drop a little and he tilts his head at Hope, blinking once. He might have been made out of iron, but he words still stung on a certain level.

"You're just like everybody else." He shakes his head. "You told me you were different, but this just proves you can't see any further out of the box than anyone else."

He steps up on the curb and shrugs lamely. "If I'm the bad guy, then I deserve to be the one in jail while a murderer walks free. Is that what you're saying? Or no..." A light laugh surfaces. "You don't believe there's a murderer at all."

He throws up his hands in surrender. "Alright... let's go back to your 'office' and sit and stare at each other until this thing is over. I thought you might understand, but I guess not."

Moving towards his car, Gunner slides in behind the steering wheel, keys in-hand, and just waits for Hope.

Become

Just eyeing gunner for a long moment Hope listens to him not really saying anything. She just listened getting to know him more and understanding. Standing Hope quickly follows Gunner. He wanted to show her something so she could understand him she would listen and see. At least he was talking about everything that happend.

"I'm not scared of much. I think I can handle a car ride."

Getting into the car and taking the ride with Gunner Hope scans the area of town. She new this place, and had been through her before but this time it was for a much different reason.

Finally moving from the car Hope leans aganst the door just watching and listing to Gunner before moving to the sidewalk than the side of the road trying to invitation everything he was saying.

Once Gunner was done Hope straightened a little giving a small shake of her head.

"For a guy who cant remember you sure do know alot about that night, the only problem is there are many flaws to your theory."

Hope didnt challenge Gunner to be rude, or disrespectful but to dig deep, and see what was inside of Gunner, this was her job and this is what she did best.

"Just because someone was in a different car, doesn't mean it still wasn't them. A person can change there car many times, have back up cars and what not without anyone ever knowing. Next, maybe someone did peal out, I never denied that your parents were killed. but how do you know for sure that car was waiting for yours there is no way to know that one."

Stopping for a moment as she watched the car come around the curve and see it miss Gunner her heart races. He could of been hit if the driver hadnt been paying attachen and it didnt faze him a bit.

Watching as Gunner made his way back over to her Hope looks up into his eyes. Searching for a moment, looking, taking in, and compressing information.

"Hurt him or not dont you see Gunner in doing what you did..."

Hope's voice trails off for a moment looking around and than looking up at Gunner again.

"...You've become the bad guy."

Ghosts

As Jeff watches Katie go, he is helpless to stop her. He has nothing else to say that would help the situation, and he hadn't the strength to go after her. All he could do was let one more tear fall as the door was closed.

Sliding back down until his head rested in the pillows again, he covers his face with his hands, silently crying out to God all the questions and frustrations he could do nothing about.


As Gunner looks at Hope and receives her calm but firm words, a new look flashes in his eyes. It was brief, but it had been there. He'd claimed he had no buttons to push, but something she'd said hit him a little too low.

Leaning back in his chair, a smile spreads until he starts to laugh. "Now that's more like it. I knew the councilor existed somewhere in there."

He shakes his head and stands up. "Alright, Hope, you think I'm chasing ghosts? Come on... let me show you something." Heading for the door, he glances over his shoulder to make sure Hope is coming with him.

Leading the way, he heads down the hall, across the main floor and out. Fishing his keys out of his pocket, he aims for his car. "Unless you're afraid to ride with someone of my insanity, hop in."

The ride doesn't take long. Soon they are at a sleepy part of town where Gunner pulls over near an intersection. Getting out, he nods for Hope to come with him. He walks just a short distance to where he had been less than an hour earlier.

"They said a vehicle came from this side here and t-boned my parents' car as we were crossing the intersection, then took off."

The screech of tires echoed in Gunner's mind like he had heard so many times in his nightmares.

"Problem was, that there was red paint on our car, and the guy they caught had a black convertible that wouldn't have been big enough to cause that kind of damage, even if it had been red."

Gunner walks out into the middle of the quiet intersection, spreading his arms out as he talks to Hope, who he'd left at the curb. "They also said that my dad ran a red light. He was a driving instructor! He wouldn't have run a red light. There were strange bits and pieces of lumber dropped along the road, which indicates the pickup had just been to the lumber yard a mile or so away. But if that were true, he would have been coming from the other direction. So it wasn't just a casual outing - someone had purposely come this way. There were also tire marks over here..." He gestures to one side of the intersection. "...indicating someone peeled out. They'd been waiting for our car and gunned it when we came around that curve."

Still standing in the middle of the road, a car comes around that very curve to a green light, and has to swerve to avoid hitting Gunner. The driver yells a curse, but keeps on going, Gunner remaining unfazed. "Not to mention, it's a quiet intersection. Rarely do two cars meet here, let alone twelve years ago."

He wanders back over to the curb to look Hope in the eye. "My parents were murdered. Reese may call me crazy, but I'm not giving up until I find that other driver. I know threatening JT was breaking the rules, but I wouldn't have hurt him. Chasing ghosts?" He shakes his head. "I don't chase ghosts. I chase bad guys."

Hurt

Hope lets out a sigh and shakes her head. With Gunner it was different, with this case it was going to be hard and she almost felt at a lose on what to do. Reese was going to have to give her more time with Gunner she could already feel it.

Looking at Gunner for a long moment Hope just lets her mind process running up and down, in and out everything about Gunner that she had learned.

"First off, I am not pretending anything. Its not the way I work, so if you think thats what I am doing sorry to let you down."

Hope takes a deep breath as her voice stays calm showing she had no frustration though on the inside she did just a little.

"Next, I guess we are going to be stuck here doing nothing because I cant tell Reese your sain because you held a knife to a mans throat. Weather you would of hurt him or not dosnt matter, the fact that it happen matters. But, I cant help you eather because you don't want my help. Yeah you will answer any of my questions, and you will do whatever I ask but deep down, you don't want help. Your chasing ghosts Gunner, and looking for something that should of been let go a long time ago. So until your willing to have help I'm sorry but out meetings are going to be boring."

Helping Jeff the best she can to set up and next to her Katie just waits as he trys to catch his breath again. Katie was pashent and didn't feel in a rush, she didnt mind that Jeff took his time.

Finally hearing that her Dad was right, and she needed to know the truth Katie's eyes held a bit of confusion but the smile never left her face. She didnt understand what was going on. Taking the ring from Jeff's hand Katie looks down at it holding it in her own just looking at it, and running her fingers over it. More confusion ran in her eyes that it was her mothers.

Continuing to listen on Katie looks up quickly almost startled as Jeff mentions he was her father. Tears formed in Katie's eyes thought they didnt pour out, her face turn beat red as the confustion grew.

"All these years, everything I went through.....I..."

Katie didnt know what to say, she was a little upset, she was a little scaired, she was confused and she felt hurt. The man she had call father for 22 years was now no longer hers, he wasnt really her father.

Sliding to the edge of the bed Katie looks to Jeff again.

"Why? I..."

Katie shook her head she needed to think or she new she would say something she didn't mean. Closing her hand around the small object Katie stands and looks at Jeff.

"I, need to go think alone. I'm sorry Uncle...Dad.."

Neather sounded right anymore to say, who was Jeff really now?

"I'm sorry Jeff."

Getting up and leaving the bunkhouse Katie makes her way down the small steps and starts to go across the grass, her head down as her mind raced and her emotions when haywire. A feeling Katie had felt before and hated.

Quit pretending

It seems Jeff isn't even going to answer Katie. His mind reels with questions, fears and doubts. Was Jay right? Was he wrong? What was best?

Jeff tilts his head to look up at Katie, his heartbeat quickening. "Oh, Katie... I don't even know how to answer that." He nibbles on a cookie, more out of nervousness than hunger, but he has to stop. His stomach wanted no part in any of it. Closing his eyes, he rests his head into the pillows. It looks as though he's asleep, but he finally moves, searching his pocket under the blanket.

Clutching the tiny object in his hand, he tries to sit up, wincing a little as his body protests. He pulls himself up anyway until he's sitting up next to Katie. The effort left him out of breath and he pauses a moment to try and regain what little strength he had.

Finally turning his eyes to Katie, tears could be seen in his gaze. "Jay is right... I don't have much... much time left and... I can't leave without you knowing the truth."

He swallows hard, fighting the tears. His biggest fear was that Katie would hate him for what he would tell her.

Extending his hand, he slowly uncurls his fingers to reveal the little diamond ring. "I... I want you to have this... It... it was.... your mother's."

His eyes lock with hers for the longest moment. A tear finally escapes to roll down his pale cheek. "It's the one that I..." He chokes on his words, his emotions almost too much for his weak physical state. But he had to say it. "...I gave to her... when I proposed."

Jeff fights his tears for all he's worth, but it does no good. They come anyway. "I'm sorry, Katie..." His voice cracks. "When she died I... I couldn't take care of you." His hand holding the ring trembles. "So Jay, he... he took you... as his own."


Gunner heaves another little sigh and shakes his head. "And what will your report say? You think Reese wants to pay you for playing games? I'm not a little kid here, Hope. I'm not Scott, who's got a complex the size of Texas."

He leans forward, meeting her gaze as he folds his hands on the the table. "We both know you and I are here for more than darts. So either you need to remind Reese that I do in fact have all my marbles so we can quit fooling around and get back to some real work, or you need to play whatever cards you have to get this thing over with. I told you before I'll do whatever you want me to or answer any questions you ask."

He shrugs, relaxed and willing. "I don't like games. So we're just going to be stuck here doing nothing unless we quit pretending."

Forever

Going to the bed and sitting down next to Jeff Katie gives a smile as the small bag layed in her lap. Taking Jeff's hand in her own Katie smiles down at him before looking up again and watching Jay leave. Turning back to Jeff Katie gives a half smile feeling the tension that had built in the room. Opening the bag Katie pulls out one of the cookies and hands it to Jeff giving a smile.

"Is...is everything ok Uncle Jeff? It just seemed a little awkward there for a second with Dad."

Scooting back a little Katie wrests her back against the wall. She felt tired and wrestless. Something was going to change again. Some how something would change again forever, and more tears would be shed.

Looking up and seeing Gunner enter Hope gives a smile. She was happy she didnt have to ask Reese if he new anything and get Gunner in anymore trouble than he already was. Working with Gunner, and trying to make him feel comfortable was what she wanted to do.

"Its ok, I was only going over some paperwork to pass the time."

Closing the folders Hope places them in a nice pile and folds her arms on the table looking across at Gunner for a long moment. Just studying him.

"Please just call me Hope. After all you told me you didnt need me to help you so that means you dont need a Dr. Just a friend."

Leaning back a little in her chair Hope looks to the small window that was way at the top of the wall and to the left side. It was very small and hardly let in any light but it was big enough to see the dark sky outside. Rain was on the way.

"Well, the weather doesn't look to promising so I thought maybe we could stay inside today and play a game, bored, card, darts, you name it. We dont even have to talk while we are doing it eather if you don't like."

Time waster

"No, no." Jay is on his feet, looking to Katie, trying to compose himself. "You're fine... just... yes... come in."

Jeff looks up at his brother with question, but receives no direction. Pasting on a pleasant look, he glances to Katie. "I think I could stand a cookie," he mentions quietly.

Jay automatically moves out of the way, offering Katie his spot by the bed. "I'm... just gonna take a walk for a few minutes, alright?" He pats Katie's shoulder as he walks by, seeming to linger for a strange moment before heading out.

Jeff watches him, a look of confusion in his eye as to what he was to do now. But he tries to hide it.


Gunner ambles down the hallway, not too slowly, but in no hurry either. Reaching the make-shift office, he lets himself in, finding Hope waiting. "Sorry I'm late," he apologizes. "Traffic got me on the way back over here."

He sighs and sinks down into the empty chair, slouching a little lazily, but not disrespectfully. Propping his sunglasses up on his head, he stares across the table expectantly. "Well, Dr. Garrison, what sort of time waster are we looking at today?"

Confustion

Continuing to work through the night and into the day Misty only left Rick's side to eat, use the bathroom and call Carson to see how he was. There was little time to wast and Misty new they needed all the could get.

"We are close Rick I can feel it, we are close."

Leaning in a little closer Misty flips through the paper work as she jots down different notes. Her research skills kicking in once again digging in deeper as she liked to.

Carrying the bag that held three peanut butter sandwiches, chips, some fresh baked cookies and milk Katie makes her way back to the bunkhouse. It had been a long night that turned to morning and than went into the afternoon. Though it was long Katie never complained, she didn't mind being there for her Uncle it was the least she could do. Making him smile, reliving old memories was always nice for her.

Giving a smile and walking up onto the pourch Katie gives a small smile. It was a bad reason for her whole family to come together but it felt nice to have everyone in one place. Opening the door Katie enters.

"Rosetta made fresh cookies for you Uncle Jeff. She new...."

Stoping what she was saying Katie looks from her dad to Jeff, than her dad and Jeff again. It was obvious she was interrupting something from the look on both men faces along with the last few words she had heard.

"If...I'm interrupting something I can go and come back?"

Katie's face held a look of confusion as she looked between both men.

Sitting in the interrogation room that had become her office Hope shifts trough some files and papers she had layed out. Today was another session with Gunner and so far he was 15 minutes late. Maybe she had scared him away or maybe he just wasnt going to come.

Letting out a small sigh Hope felt uncomfortable in this room, but its were Gunner new to find her and its all Rick had given her for now so it had to do.

Looking at her watch Hope counts. She would give Gunner 15 more minutes and if he didn't show up she would see if Reese might know where he was.

Five minutes

Jeff leans his head closer to Katie, bringing one arm up over her. Only if one looked closely, would they perhaps notice a tear escape and trickle into the pillow.

The door opens quietly enough that no one is roused. Jay stands alone and silent, watching. His heart was breaking for more than one reason. Yet there was peace here. He could only hope and pray that the peace continued after the truth was finally exposed.


"Um... yeah." Rick nods and tries to regroup. "There's a slim chance that whatever Jeff has, could be a relative of the drugs that created Katie an Jason's problem, and if that's the case... there might be a connection in the formula for a cure." He throws up his hands. "I don't have a clue, but it's the only starting point we have."


Time moves too quickly when you're trying to find a cure. But it never slows. It never lends a hand. Yesterday had seemed long. Today seemed even longer. Yet it still moved too fast. Time has no mercy.


People had been in and out of the bunkhouse all morning. Jay had been in to see Jeff multiple times, but only when the two men are left alone, does Jay sit closer, more serious.
"What do you want to do?" This was the first chance they'd had to have this discussion, and no intro was needed. Both brothers knew what they were talking about.

Jeff's eyes are half-open as he looks over to his brother. His voice comes out slow and weak. "You can't tell her... you'll lose her."

Jay grits his teeth, fighting the tears behind his eyes. He had to get Jeff to agree before Katie came back. She'd only left to bring back some light lunch for Jeff if he felt like eating. "I can't let you go without letting you have this one thing... you've lived with that sacrifice for over twenty-two years."

Jeff shakes his head stubbornly. "If she knows... you'll lose so... so much."

"I've had her all her life." A tear rolls down Jay's face. "That's more than I ever could have asked for. You deserve this."

"No..." Jeff coughs and takes a deep breath, trying to stay on top of the pain. "It will just... just confuse and... and she's got her fam... family." His fingernails dig into the mattress, his eyes glazing over slightly. "You can't... you can't give that up."

"I don't want to," Jay admits. "She'll always be my little girl, even though we had a rough time for a while. I was messed up, she was messed up, and I know we lost something in there but... I've looked after her as my own ever since I held her for the first time. I told you I would always look out for her and I won't stop. But... the truth, Jeff... I can't tell her when you're gone. I want you to have this... it's the only thing I can give you while there's still time. Let me give you this gift."

Jeff sucks in his breath and shifts his gaze to the ceiling. "You already risked... so much. With the... the Agency. No one knew..."

"I didn't want you to have to go. I knew it was your blood sample they wanted but I couldn't do that to you. And it wasn't worth the strife of the truth coming out right then."

Jeff thinks for a long while, and one might think he'd fallen asleep, were it not for his eyes still being open. "I just... I can't do it."

"Then we do it together." Jay takes his brother's hand in a firm grip. "Like we always have."

No one had ever known the strong bond between brothers... no one had ever guessed there was more between them than miles and a loose relationship. They had hidden the truth well. And they had looked out for one another much more viciously than anyone ever had known.

Jay lets another tear escape. "You and Katie have always had that bond.... I may have raised her, but I've always seen the connection between you and... I've always been jealous of it. I know when she knows the truth that she and I might drift even further apart... I hope not, but for you... I can't just let it go this time. Goodness knows I don't want to give Katie up. She doesn't realize how much I love her and how much I worry about her. But... but it's time for the truth."

Jeff swallows hard. "We both could lose her."

Jay knew there was the possibility that Katie could hate them both for their secrets. "I know. But she has a right to know. And I can't do that to her after you're gone. If you die before the secret is told, the truth will be buried with you. But sooner or later, she'll have to know... it's time, Jeff... it's time."


Gunner crouches on the sidewalk, looking out across the intersection. The streetlight changed from green to yellow to red, even though there wasn't much traffic. It was a fairly quiet intersection - not many accidents happened. But one had. And it was that one that brought Gunner back again.

Squatting near the curb, his fingers play with a blade of dried grass. His eyes see bits of litter, a piece of glass, and an occasional car. But his mind sees a scene of horror... the scene that plagues his mind at night. The sounds of crushing metal and a scream run through his mind as he watches... again. Every week. And no week was different. Never had a visit to this site resulted in clues. But one day... one day there would be. If he could just wait a little while longer... look a little harder.

His watch beeps. He needed to get back to TJY. He had another appointment with Hope in five minutes. But he doesn't move. One more minute...

Stay

Looking at Rick and giving a blink Misty felt bewildered for a moment. She was confused and new Rick was as well. But getting no more info and knowing that obviously Jay didn't want to say more Misty tried to let it go for now.

"Ok, so now what do we do? Are we going to see about forming a drunk for him like we did Katie? If thats what this is."

Misty set to work helping Rick as quickly as she could. Time was running out there was no time to wast.

Continuing to hold Jeff's hand Katie gives a nod at the comment he needed to talk with him. This would be the first time since he was back that Jay would of been able to talk to him, it wasn't unusual.

"Ok, I'll stay with you till he comes on Uncle Jeff?"

Bringing her feet up onto the bed once more Katie cuddles in next to Jeff and leans her hand lightly on his shoulder her arm draped over him and rubbing his arm.

"I love you too."

Silence takes over once again and the only thing that can be heard is a soft hum than came from Katie's lips giving a calming mood.

Five sessions

Rick hangs up the phone, the shock and confusion all over his face. Turning to Misty, he just looks at her for a moment. "Jeff is Katie's father." He blinks. "Jay didn't want to talk about it - that much I could tell... either that or he wasn't alone, and he couldn't."

He furrows his brow, trying to understand. "I think there's a family secret here, Misty... I told Jay it wouldn't go further than this and... as much as I want to know more... I think for now we better just keep this under our hats." He shakes his head, still shocked. "Um... yeah... so let's... get back to work then."



Jeff doesn't object to Katie putting another blanket over him, though he does slip his hand back out to hold hers. "Thank you," he manages, his tired eyes falling shut again.

Hearing Jay was there, he doesn't say anything for a moment. "Yeah... yeah he can come. He and I.... we..... we need to talk. "

Jeff gives her hand a weak squeeze. His mind seems to clear for a moment, and his eyes open as if he remembered something. He glances down, but can't see the floor from his position, and a sinking feeling warns him that he might have dropped what he'd been looking at earlier. He says nothing though... better to leave it unnoticed.

Letting his eyes close once more, he gives a little nod. "You'll be okay, Katie... I know you will... I love you."



Gunner allows a little chuckle to surface. "I better figure out what to think of you or else I might fall in love with you like your last Elite client did." He raises one eyebrow, giving Hope a look of wry humor. He didn't hold anything against her or Scott in the least, and rather thought it cute. He shakes his head.

"Alright. Friends it is. But you and I both know that there's still an agenda here, whether it's your own, or Reese's. If you just wanna hang out and do nothing, it's fine by me. I'm not going to put up a fight because there's nothing to fight about." He shrugs, as laid back as ever. "You just tell me when we're done and I'll go back to work. I can survive five sessions like this if you can."

Annoying Sister

Katie gives a half smile at her Uncle as she slips into the room and slowly makes her way to the bed sitting down at the edge.

"You could only get so lucky. I told you, family sticks together right? I wont leave your side, and will always return when I do."

Moving a little closer to Jeff Katie brings her leg up onto the bed and takes Jeff hand in her own once again. It felt so cold. Standing once more she goes to the small closet and grabs another blanket putting it on Jeff tucking him in gently before running her hand through his hair.

"Uncle Jeff, Dad's here were you feeling good enough to visit with him for a little?"

Still smiling Hope looks at Gunner searching his face for a long moment. He was going to be a hard one, he new his flaws and did nothing about them. Gunner wouldn't change until he was ready to change and what would take that Hope wasn't sure about yet.

"Spending time with someone else even they dont say anything at all is never a wast of time. Just consider me, a friend I guess."

Giving a chuck at her own comment in her head Hope shakes her head.

"Or if that doesn't work I guess I can be the annoying sister that you never had tagging along with you."

Looking at Rick Misty was just as confused as he was. Katie always had said Jay was her father but if it really was Jeff, why? Obviously Katie didn't know, but the whole thing didn't make a bit of sense.

Waiting passionately Misty listens to Ricks conversation waiting for him to get off the phone and come to the verdict.

Is it Jeff?

Gunner just gives a little nod, and settles back against the rock again. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, enjoying the outdoors, but slightly bored. "Alright... so you're not here to fix and you're not here to convince... then what are we doing here?"

He shrugs lamely. "Reese calls you, you come, we talk about nothing, so what? I mean, I'm willing to do whatever but... this is feeling like a waste of time unless we're just playing hooky."


"Oh, good." Rick takes the package, giving Misty a grateful nod. "Thank you... now I can get back to work on this thing."

It takes quite a while for him to run new analysis and form data. But in the meantime, he keeps working, running into dead end after dead end.

Finally, he's able to study the reports again, and his eyes widen slightly. "This can't be..." He looks over to Misty uneasily. "We had the right blood before... but..." He swallows hard. "Surely there's some mistake somewhere... right?"

There's only one way to know for sure. He picks up the phone.


Jay has greeted many of the others, walking with Katie, and staying close to her for a while. They are just walking towards the bunkhouse where Jeff is, when Jay's cell phone rings. He stops, his arm still around Katie's shoulder. "Hello?"

"Hi, Jay?"

"Yes."

"This is Rick, from TJY."

"Oh, yes. What can I do for you?"

"I have some blood samples here and... I have a question for you. I need you to be totally honest with me. Jeff's life may depend on it."

Jay grows a little tense and he gives Katie a sidelong glance. "Okay... what is it?"

"Are you Katie's father?"

The blood drains from Jay's face. "Excuse me?"

"Are you Katie's father?"

Jay blinks and stammers as moment before looking to Katie. "Hey, why don't you go on ahead to see if Jeff's awake? If he is, I'll be there in a minute." Once he's alone, he turns his focus back to the phone. "Where are you going with this, Rick?"

"Just answer me, please," Rick begs. "I won't make anything out of it, and I won't relay this information to anyone you don't wish me to. But if what I'm looking at is true, I may be able to come up with a solution that will work in Jeff's bloodstream the same way it has Katie's. Please... I need to know the truth."

Jay pauses for what seems like an eternity. "The answer to your question is no."

"Is it Jeff?"

"Yes."

"That's all I needed. Thank you."

"Rick please, if this-"

"Don't worry."

Jay wished he didn't have to. "Alright. Thanks, and... let us know if you come up with anything." Ending the call, he lets out a long sigh, running a hand over his face. The battle had just intensified.


Jeff is lying in bed, the bunkhouse quiet. His breathing is raspy, but he seems fairly peaceful for the moment. The drugs Angel has given him have wiped him out, leaving him lethargic. Having been alone for the last couple hours, he'd been in and out of sleep, sometimes talking to no one. Not hardly realizing it, he had fished in his pocket for a small object that was the source of many thoughts that were running through his mind. But as he'd drifted to sleep once or twice, the small diamond ring had fallen to the rug near the bed, unnoticed.

Hearing the door open, Jeff opens his eyes halfway, trying to make out who had entered. The soft footsteps are familiar. "Katie?" He does his best to smile, not moving from his pillow. "Thought maybe you'd... disappeared."

Reconsider

Giving a nod and a small smile Katie looks up at her dad. She new she probley looked like crap right now, but she didnt really mind to much. This was the country and no matter how you tryed to get your hair to stay the wind would blow it every witch way.

"Yeah I am happy you did come. Jeff should be able to see his family a lot right now. I know its what he wants."

Giving a heavy sigh Katie straightens a little as she thinks about Jay's question for a long moment. She didnt want to lie to her dad, but she didnt want to make him worry. But than again eather way he was going to worry and she new from the expression on her own face told the whole story.

"I'm...something. Its not bad, but its not good eather. I think its somewhere in the middle leaning twords bad, but i am trying to hold onto the good."

Katie looks up at Jay again giving a smile and standing she stretches reaching her arms to the sky before putting her hands in the front pocket of her over sized hoody that at one time belonged to Jason.

"I'll be ok though. Some how, some way I will be ok. So dont worry about me alright? Just focus on Jeff for now. He needs it more."

Linking her arm with her dad's arm Katie leads him to the door trying to make the mood a little brighter.

"Lets go let everyone know your here ok?"

Walking with Gunner Hope stays quick with her hands in her light jacket buttoned as she walked. There was starting to get a chill in the air, not enough to say winter was coming but enough to say summer was coming to an end as the sun still shone not ready to give into the winter yet eather.

Following Gunner to the rock Hope takes a seat on the edge not to close to Gunner, but not to far away that she couldn't hear him. Her feet dangling over the edge only coming inches from the water. Leaning back on her own hands Hope takes a deep breath.

As the quiet takes over Hope just listens to all the sounds taking them in and enjoying them all. Each one saying something different, each one taking there turn talking. Hearing Gunner talk again Hope looks at Gunner and gives a small smile. She could tell Gunner had been to others before her just by how he tryed to guess what she wanted or was going to ask. He been though many who thought he was crazy, but he was now meeting someone different. Hope was much different.

"I don't expect to hear anymore from you Gunner, and I wont ask you to beg me for help eather because that's just not your style."

Hope gives a soft understanding smile to Gunner. The words she spoke were only the truth and were from her heart. Not to persuade him, or try to get him to change his mind, just simply her own thoughts on the matter for him to think about.

"As for walking alone, thats only a choose you can make but I would want to reconsider because sometimes its nice to have a friend along. Maybe not for the broken hearts road, but for another reason. Just to get you to smile, or to share a laught. Maybe even to share a freak out. Not every two people are the same as the last you just met, one might not understand while that one person you pass by does."

Looking away for a moment Hope draws silent as her eyes roam the waters herizon watching a group of ducks on the water prattling by. As a small breeze blows Hope looks back to Gunner again as the wind blows her hair across her face.

"I don't think I'd complain ether, its to nice here to pass up the enjoyment."

Reaching for a peace of gum Hope takes one giving a nod and popping it into her mouth.

"Thanks Gunner."

Coming into the infermary Misty quickly throws her jacket on her chair as she holds a small wrapped package. Quickly making her way over to Rick she places the package gentily down on the desk.

"Rick, Angel sent the new sample overnight shipping. I just picked it up from the post, and here it is."

You won't hear

"You can say that again." Gunner stands up, needing no prompting, and waits for Hope to follow him out of the room. Seeing Reese in the hall, he just smiles at him as if everything were perfectly fine. Reese was not amused, but says nothing, seeing that apparently, he and Hope were going somewhere else. He didn't have a problem with that.

Gunner ambles out through the main floor, giving a wave to Nate on his way. He holds the doors open for Hope, and is quiet for the short elevator ride and the walk to the outdoors. It was a nice day. It was warm enough one didn't need a jacket, but a nice breeze brought a relief of fresh air.

Wandering across the lot to the sidewalk, Gunner leads the way with casual confidence, in no hurry, but not dragging his feet either. The park is a few blocks down and they cover it quickly. Once reaching the peaceful setting, it's obvious Gunner has spent time here, as he knows right where his favorite spot is. He doesn't choose the benches like he'd mentioned, but instead, heads for the pond. In one corner are large rocks that protrude out into the shallow water. Warmed in the sun, they just escape the shadows that the large oak trees spread on the ground.

Stepping out onto the flat surface of one rock, Gunner lowers himself down to lean back against another rock, sitting Indian style. "Welcome to my office," he teases wryly.

Digging in his pocket, he fishes out a stick of gum to chew, then looks to Hope, squinting a little in the sun. "Alright, counselor. You got a passion for listening, so... listen."

He cocks his head, just looking her in the eye. The water gurgled around the rocks. A crow called out high in the tree. A squirrel chattered somewhere nearby. A loud truck drove down the nearby street. A dog barked. Ducks in the pond quacked and splashed as they hunted for food. The breeze rustled the trees and shrubbery.

Gunner's voice finally breaks in. "I don't know what more you're expecting to hear. My soul's already been shattered into a million pieces so you won't hear it fall apart now. All you'll hear is the pieces clinking together as I keep trying to glue them back together. You won't hear me cry because the river has already overflowed its banks then receded. You won't hear me beg for help because I've already seen this is a journey I have to walk alone and I'm okay with that. You won't hear me ask for understanding because so far I've found no one who does understand what drives me. And you won't hear me complain..." A faint spark lights his eye. "...because I wouldn't want to miss out on free time away from the office."

He holds out his pack of cinnamon gum, offering her a piece.




Jay gives Katie a big hug in return, kissing the top of her head, then giving her an extra squeeze. "It's good to see you too... I hate being so far apart."

He sighs a little. "Oh, things back home are alright. Hearing about Jeff, I decided I should come."

Cocking his head, he tries to study her face. He knew that she and Jeff were close. "You look tired... you holding up okay?"

Enjoy Myself

Katie eyes held a tired look in them, and were sunken in just a little still holding there gloss from the tears that were held back. Her night had been long, filled with little to no sleep. Most of the time spent at Jeff's side just letting him know she was there only to leave for a drink or a potty break.

Looking up at Jay sits down next to her Katie gives a small smile. It was good to see him and it had been a long time maybe to long from the last. Giving her dad a stong hug and a kiss on the cheek, Katie just holds him for a long moment.

"Hey Dad, its really good to see you. How's everyone back at the house doing?"

Giving a smile as Gunner enters the room Hope gives a nod as well. Though no one could tell she couldnt help but feel a little nervous. Not nervous of Gunner, or that he would harm her, but nervous because this was different. It was out of the box, and out of her norm. She had to get comfortable and use to things a different way all over again.

"Its good to see you again as well Gunner. Oh I don't mind, it gives me something to do with all the free time I have now."

Once Gunner was done talking Hope cant help but give a small laugh. Not at him, but just at the thought that he really didn't know her methods and must have been through the ruteen before.

"Actually, I didn't have any questions to ask you, not ones you would think I did anyways and most of your story I already new from your folder."

Hope lets out a small sigh for a moment as she thinks. She new that things would be different with Gunner. He was to smart for his own good and this was going to be a challenge but maybe it would be good for both of them.

"Well Gunner, first off I am not parcel to playing to many games with I am trying to work so we can cut those out, and as for trying to fix you, well I can say I dont plan on trying I just plan on doing but well I'm not the one who does the fixing, just the one who listens."

Shifting in her seat for a moment Hope contemplates Gunner's question about maybe going to the park to sit. It was a nice day out, and she was uncomfortable in this room that wasn't even close to her own. Maybe outside would be good.

"When I work, I do enjoy myself. Listening is a passion that unfortunately not many people have. Lets take a walk to the park, its a nice day out today and is better than this stuffy room."

Self-diagnosis

Axel's eyes narrow slightly as a grin toys with his mouth. "Ah well, you know... convincing or not, rumors are still rumors." He tosses her a wink. "They're never true anyway, are they?"

Taking a step back, he puts a hand on the door. "Thanks for the food, Ryan. I'll probably be down tomorrow. Tell the guys hi."

While not negative in the least, it was still a dismissal as Axel prepared to be alone for the rest of the day. Jess was busy working tonight, so it would be a long day of quiet. But he didn't mind.


"I'm tired of your sloppy work, Jason."

Jason looks down at the paperwork on Reese's desk that he'd just finished earlier. "What? It's no different than normal!" He'd gotten called back in from lunch for this??

"That's my point."

"Well, you've never complained before!"

"I finally reached my limit!" Reese stands up, his temper flaring as it had frequently as of late. "For the past couple weeks, I just don't know what to do with you! You've been moody, sloppy and you haven't cared for deadlines or policy. You used to be my best agent, Jason! What happened to you?!"

Jason's shoulders drop, too surprised to be angry at the moment. "I don't understand."

"Look at you!" Reese waves at him. "You're late to work, you just don't care anymore, and you pushed out another one of my best agents!" He bites his tongue as soon as the words are out, but it's too late.

Jason's eyes widen. "Say that again."

Reese folds his arms. "I don't need to repeat myself."

"You're blaming me for Katie leaving. Is that it? Is that why you've suddenly lowered the boom on me or what??"

"That's part of it."

"That is none of your business!" Jason's temper that had been held back, now surfaced. "What happens between Katie and myself has nothing to do with the Elite, and you have no right to judge me!"

Reese frowns. "I do if it affects what happens here, and it has. Katie is gone for who knows how long, and you've fallen to pieces."

"I have not!"

"You have! You used to be enthusiastic, Jase! You used to be on top of things! You weren't my best agent for nothing. When you went with Con and Austin to Texas for the first time, you were at your prime. You were confident, you were at the top of your game." Reese shook his head. "I know you had a rough time after that, dealing with a lot of things, but you got your head back on straight, and you were even better. You proved how good you were when you turned down the job of taking over the Elite because you didn't feel ready. I've watched you grow... I've watched you learn. And now, over the course of a couple weeks, you've flushed it all down the toilet!"

Jason blinks, his mouth open, not even knowing what to say. It didn't matter. Reese wasn't finished yet.

"You know good and well how you earned your nickname around here. You were a definite hotshot, but you had the skills to back it up. You might have been cocky, but you were the best. I want to see that confidence back, Jason. I don't want the know-it-all attitude but I want that confidence back. You're getting careless, and you're shoving away the people who have helped you get this far. Your personal life may not be my business... you're right. But in pushing Katie away, it has affected your work, and I can't stand by and just let it happen."

Jason sets his hands on his hips. "Great. So what do you want me to do about it? I'm sorry I wanted to go back to being a normal person! I'll start being on time, for pete's sake! But stop bringing Katie into this!"

"I'm bringing her into it, because she's your life! And if she's not, she should be." Reese's stare is firm. "That woman has done more for you than anyone else and you know it. I could tell you just to get back to your job and try harder at shaping up. But I know as well as you do, that it won't be right until she's back here and back in your life again. She's what balanced you out - or have you been so blinded by selfishness that you haven't seen it?"

"I haven't been selfish!" Jason barks. "I separated for her sake! She's always trying to take care of me, and I could never take care of her. How do you think that made me feel, huh? How would you like to be the man whose woman always rescues him instead of the other way around? How would you like it if nothing you could do would help her, and every time your emotions got the best of you, she hurt? I separated for her!"

Reese shakes his head again, his tone lowering slightly. "Have you ever thought that protecting her didn't mean saving her from pain?" He stares Jason in the eye. "Have you ever thought that protecting her and being the man meant giving her what she needs instead of deciding for yourself what she needs?"

After a pause, he lets his hands drop down to his sides. "Look, I've said all I can. I'm upset because you didn't help things with Katie leaving and we've been short-handed. I'm upset with your attitude towards you and her because it's affecting your work. I'm upset that you've been sloppy lately. And I'm upset with your poor attitude. Get your head on straight, Jase. Or you'll be sitting right alongside Gunner."

Jason grits his teeth. He wants to fight more, but he knows it won't do any good. Spinning on his heel, he stalks back to his office, almost running into Susanne on his way.


A faint smile creases Jeff's lips as his eyes slowly close. "Okay," he whispers. "Okay... we'll... get there."

Finally slipping into a degree of sleep, Jeff's grip loosens around Katie's hand. The day had shown such a drastic change. Just that morning he'd seemed to be doing so well... but the strain had simply been too much, setting him back faster than anticipated.

It's several minutes of quiet before Luke steps forward, placing a hand on Katie's shoulder. "We can let him rest now," he prompts quietly. "Let's let him sleep."


Afternoon. Evening. Dusk. Night. Dawn. Morning. Afternoon. The cycle never ends.


Gunner aims for the interrogation room behind Reese, a look of apathy on his face. He'd hope with Jason gone that Reese might lighten up, but unfortunately, he hadn't. And a session with Hope was still on the schedule.

He ambles into the makeshift office shifting his eyes back as the door is closed behind him. Giving a little sigh, he strolls to the chair at the table and sits down casually. "Good to see you again, Hope." He nods, offering a small smile. "Sorry Reese pulled you in for this. Sounds like he's got me down for five sessions with you and by the looks of it, he won't back down."

Leaning back in his chair, he rocks on it a little, his hands tucked partially in his pockets. "I might as well make this easy for you, so you don't have to go through all the questions you've undoubtedly prepared." A very slight grin tweaks the corner of his mouth. "See... when I was eighteen, I was in a car accident. My parents were killed. To this day, I remember nothing of my life before that point. The police caught a guy they thought was the other driver, but I got proof it wasn't him. No one would listen. So, I made it my goal to find him. I've been hunting him for years."

Gunner's eyes focus on Hope's as he lays out the facts about himself. "You might categorize my drive for justice as obsession. Yes, I recognize that I live in the past. I know that I have not yet completely moved on from my parent's death, and I still have trouble dealing with the fact that I lost my memory. Every once in a while I wonder if the accident was my fault. Sometimes this results in depression. When I was twenty, I almost jumped off a bridge."

Though his expression doesn't change, he blinks once. What was that look in his eye? It was already gone. "My job here keeps me busy, it gives me the action I need to make me feel like I'm needed and doing some good, and it gives me an opportunity to continue my hunt. When needing to deal with what's inside, I work, exercise or write my feelings down, avoiding anything resembling a bridge."

He cocks his head, still very casual. "If you wanna know if I've ever cried over my parents, the answer is yes. Have I visited their graves? Yes. Do I have nightmares that haunt me? Yes. Does my depression ever lead to compulsive behavior? If you count binging on rootbeer floats, then yes. Am I screwed up in the head? Pretty much. But maybe that's because of the metal plate up there."

He pauses as if trying to think if he'd left anything out. "Now, we can sit here and play games for an hour and pretend like we're fixing me, or we can go out somewhere that we can actually enjoy ourselves and you can count it as work time. We got five sessions to get through, and I think you'll find I have very few buttons to push, very few things that will trigger reactions, and even fewer things that will ever be fixed. I'll sit here as long as you want me to and I'll answer any question you got. But this chair is extremely uncomfortable, and the one you're in can't be any better." He nods towards the door. "I hear the benches at the park are much nicer."


Jeff's breathing comes shallow and with a slight rasp. He still sweat, hot with fever, and the night had persisted with fits of coughing. He'd been unable to keep anything down, but had balked at the assistance of an iv. At this point, he just wanted this to be over, torn between fighting and just letting go.

Becky had lent a hand, and now mopped his brow with a cold cloth, giving Angel a break. Her heart ached, seeing Jeff like this, so weak and helpless. It was just like when he'd almost died before... but at least then, they had a course of action. And now... it felt like they were just waiting for him to die.

Outside, the gravel crunches under a pickup's tires as it's parked near the main house. The driver gets out and glances around the ranch yard for a moment before heading slowly towards the barn, looking for familiar faces.

Finally entering the cool building, he's greeted by several horses nickering. He nods to a couple people he knows, but keeps going until he spots the one he's looking for, sitting on a hay bale. Approaching slowly, Jay takes his time, finally easing down to sit next to Katie. "Hey, you."