Call

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

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

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

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

Looking to the front Roger barks his orders.

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

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

"We got her."

"She is awfully quiet I am surprised."

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

"Extra baggage?"

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

"You idiot, what if he causes trouble?"

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

"Dont worry he wont."

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

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

Darkness

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drug

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"NO, I WONT GO BACK."

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

"Bree, calm down."

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

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

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

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

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

Volcano

Mick can hear the strain in Rosetta's voice and it chips off another piece of his heart. He tries to keep his tone steady though. "Yeah... I got enough time to talk to him. Put him on."

Waiting until he hears the boy's voice, Mick tries to be as upbeat as possible. "Hey, BJ! I miss you so much. But I'll be home soon, okay? Have you been behaving for Mom?"


While in the house, Mick was unaware of the episode going on outside...

"Dylan, no! It's not worth it!"

Not listening to Adam's call, Dylan keeps going, his sneakers pounding on the hard ground. Breathing heavily, he reaches the end of the driveway. Freedom. But one more step is all it takes. It had rained two days ago. And last night, the temperature had been cold.

As Dylan's foot hits a patch of slick ice, the world turns upside down. Sprawling hard on the ground, the wind is knocked out of him. Trying to pick himself up, he lets out a cry as pain shoots through his shoulder.

Adam skids to a stop and kneels next to him. "Where are you hurt?"

"Get away from me," Dylan growls. This had been his one chance to get away from here, and one wrong step had cost him his freedom.

"Just settle down," Adam chides firmly. "You really wanna go? Go. But nothing's waiting for you out there than the same thing you came here with - trouble and a life worth nothing because you threw it away." He pauses, seeing the shape of Dylan's arm. "And on top of that, you'll be walking around with a dislocated shoulder. Now come on."

Dylan winces as Adam helps him up. He'd try to bolt again, were it not for the excruciating pain. "What do you care?" he grumbles. He'd been here close to two weeks and this was the closest thing to a conversation with Adam as he'd had.

"I guess because I'm wired that way. I care about people and I care about where they end up. You've got too much potential for me to just walk away." Adam positions Dylan next to him and feels his shoulder. "This is gonna hurt."

Dylan braces himself for the yank, crunch and pop. His eyes water from the pain, but he doesn't utter a sound.

Adam stops and just studies him for a long moment. "You need to put some ice on that. Follow me."

With his head down, Dylan trudges after Adam.


Sparky walks past the kitchen in time to realize that Rosetta and BJ were around the phone. From the look on Rosetta's face, he could only imagine that it was Mick, so he keeps on walking, not wanting to intrude.

Scanning all the faces of those who were gathering to eat, Sparky tries to decide where he wants to sit, but spotting only a few empty chairs, he wanders to the outskirts, nearer the hearth. Sitting at he smaller table, his mind wanders to and fro. He thinks about when Mick might be back and how that will change things again. He was just getting used to the new routines, but once Mick was home, things would change back to the way they were. It should be that way... Mick was the man in charge. But at the moment, the men were looking to Sparky for direction, and he was filling the role as need be. He'd done it before... and just like before, the position would be removed once Mick was back. Sparky didn't like the little pangs of selfishness that wanted to escape, and he tried to smother them with thoughts of the positive aspects.

Fiddling with a salt shaker, he doesn't notice when the food is being served. His thoughts bounce from his own dilemma to Faith and the question of why someone as sweet as she, needed to go through a physical nightmare. It didn't seem fair. But God never promised fairness and Sparky knew it all too well.

He then thinks of Dan and Jade. That brings his mind full-circle back to Mick and when he returned. How would that affect the young couple that had obviously fallen for each other? Sparky didn't want to see either one get hurt - they'd already both faced enough in their lives without this being hard too.

Sighing, Sparky folds his arms to rest his head on them, closing his eyes. The older he got, the more engrossed he became in trying to fix the problems around him. But sometimes, there was just nothing he could do. It was harder now than it used to be to let go though.


Gunner waits for Bree to return, his grin a wide, silly one. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. He holds up his keys. "My turn to drive."

It was a quick drive to the little diner, and they take up their normal spot by the window. Ordering floats that don't float while keeping straight faces was their routine, and it didn't change, even when they had a new waitress today. By the time she came back with their floats, she was so confused that Gunner made a note to be sure and leave a good tip for putting up with them.

Most of the time, dates over lunchtime were fairly quiet as Gunner and Bree took time to relax from the workday. Neither minded the long breaks in conversation, but today Gunner was in rare form, his goofy side coming out more than normal.

With his elbows spread on the table, his head was bent low so he could still manipulate the straw in his glass without using his hands. His hat was still backward and he glances up to Bree, then back down almost cross-eyed to his float. Blowing slowly through his straw, bubbles started to form. As the ice cream and foam rose, it came dangerously close to the rim of the glass, but he continued to blow, seeing how much of a mountain could be created before it overflowed.

At some point, one of the bubbles bursts, sending rootbeer spray onto his nose. Up until this point, his face had been sober, but that did it. An uncontrolled laugh comes out, but unfortunately, his mouth was still around his straw. The sudden burst of air causes a brief but powerful eruption, sending ice cream froth and rootbeer into the air like a mini firework, splattering in a sticky mess all over Gunner's side of the table.

Having sucked in as a reaction to the volcano, Gunner's mouth was now full, but his laughter was hindering him from swallowing. His silent laughter makes his face grow redder and redder until he turns his hat around to cover it up, desperately trying not to spit out what was in his mouth.

Popsicle

Hearing Mick's voice sent a chill through Rosetta. It had been so long since she had herd such a sweet sound. Hearing he was doing better was an even nicer sounds. The better he was the sooner he could come home and though it hurt that he couldn't come home today, or tomorrow it was comforting to know, to hear from him he was well.

As the conversation comes back around to her Rosetta pauses for a moment. She didnt want Mick to worry about her while he was there, but if she lied to him he would know and that might just upset him more.

"I'm here..I will be alot better once you are home again. But I am hanging in there the best I can. Not a day goes by I dont think of you, and pray you will come home soon."

Rosetta can feel her own voice crack as she stands in the kitchen leaning against the wall.

"That day will be one of the best days. BJ is here, do you have time to talk to him?"

Cringing just a little as Leo trips over the tool box Ryan closes her eyes not wanting to even see him fall. But not hearing him hit the ground she opens her eyes to see Jed caught him. A grin forms on her face once again as she just shakes her head and goes back to the car she had been working on.

Giving a shake of her head, it was always nice to see Gunner interact with the kids. They took so well to him, and just to have someone out of the norm come and see them was a nice treat.

"Come on guys, lets get you back to the story so you can finish hearing it to ok? Maybe if your good Gunner will come back again to see you as well."

Ushering the two kids down the hall Bree holds up her finger to let Gunner know she would be right back.

With in minutes Bree was back and with her jacket this time. She had an hour for lunch but than had to be back. It was a nice break in the day to get out and just go some where for lunch. Not to mention Gunner and herself always made the best of it.

"Alright ready to blow this popsicle stand?"

Rugrats

Leo bites his lip until a grin slips out. He could see the laughter behind Ryan's eyes, though she respected him too much not to let it out. "You won't be sorry... I promise."

He backs towards his own car again before turning around one more time. "But you have to make sure Eli agrees to go. Odd man out or not, just make sure he says yes, even if you have to bribe him with a late night ice cream afterward, on me."

Walking backward, he hadn't seen the toolbox that Jed had set beside the car and his foot catches it. Starting to fall, Jed catches him and they do a little fumbling dance before they're both steady again.

Jed puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head. "Dude... get your head back where it belongs and quit flirting with your girl."

Though red in the face, Leo tosses Ryan a grin and a wink. Flirting with her was worth any amount of razzing at work.


Gunner sees the two little girls come running down the hall and his grin widens. Hanging up the phone, he slides off the counter just in time to sweep the littlest one off her feet and tuck her to his hip. "Hey, Tiger, slow down or you're gonna plow right into somebody."

His lips smack her forehead with a "Mwah!" right before he's joined by the second child. "Whoa, I'm being attacked." He hugs her to his other side, tickling her spine. "Don't tell me you want a date too."

Finally seeing Bree, a chuckle escapes. "For a minute, I thought I was gonna have to leave you high and dry for these two cuties."

Setting the child back on her feet, he squats down, pulling a couple balloons from his back pocket, which he promptly blows up and gives to each of them. He stands up again, setting his hands on his hips and looking to Bree. "If you wanna get these rugrats back to where they belong, that float is waiting..." He reaches down to cover up one of the girls' ears teasingly. "...And that kiss."

Friends

Looking up from under the car Ryan could see Leo clearly from where an engine once sat in a car. Giving him a grin she listens to him talk as she continues to work.

"You know I always like going place with you, but dragging my brother along, thats....he might feel like the third wheel ya know?"

Ryan scrunches her nose as she tightens a bolt before looking up again at the tickets Leo held. Not being able to see to well from under the car Ryan pushes herself from under the car and stands. Whipping her hands on her pants before coming around to Leo. Taking the tickets from him to look at the closer.

Feeling a small laugh build inside of her Ryan does her best to keep it down not wanting to laugh at all. It was aparent Leo wanted to go. Her was right when he said it was something they didn't often do.

Looking over the tickets for a moment and raising her eyebrow Ryan just looks at Leo. Finally handing the tickets back to Leo Ryan gives a nod.

"Ok, I'll go and check it out with you. Never know I could end up liking it right? And...I'll ask Eli to if he would like to go as well. Just for you Leo."

Sitting in the room with a group of the kids Bree flips the page of the book she was reading to them. About to start another page Bree stop hearing the announcement start. Not being able to help the chuckle that escapes her lips the corners of her lips start to turn up into a smile.

Before Bree can even stand two of the girls from the back of the group ages 5, and 7 jump up heading for the door.

"Kim, Chang...wait."

But it was to late both were out the door and down the hall squealing.

"GUNNER, GUNNER, GUNNER...."

Passing the book off to one of the older children to continue reading Bree stands and leaves the room. Coming down the hall, a large smile on her face, Bree didnt care who was around and watching knowing she was with Gunner. She wasn't embarrassed by him or his display. Crossing her arms across her chest she gives another laugh.

"Looks like you made some frineds Gunner. Right about now, I think none ice cream floats, cherrys, and kiss sound great."

Your party

Tears spring into Mick's eyes at Rosetta's words. He hadn't planned on being emotional, but to just have the first thing she says be that she loved him... it sent pangs through his heart that were too much to bear. He'd failed miserably but she still loved him.

"I love you too." His voice cracks and he pauses until he can speak clearly. Bends to rest his elbows on the counter, closing his eyes to concentrate on what he wanted to say.

"I miss you guys something terrible. Every night all I can think about is you and BJ... that's what keeps me going... and what keeps me here until I can handle things again." Be bites his lip. "I've only got a few minutes..." He might have been friends with Adam and Brenda, but he knew that while he was here as a client, he had to abide by the rules. "...but I wanted to call and.... and let you know that I'm okay. I'm... I'm getting better. I want to be able to come home soon and make up for all the stupid things I've said and done and... I don't know... I just want to make things right."

Swallowing hard, he rubs his forehead, trying to stay on track. "Are you doing okay?"


Eli gives a little smile, the atmosphere having suddenly gone melancholic. "Yeah... yeah, I miss him too."

Taking a deep breath, Eli gets up to go dump out the rest of his beer, then comes back to hang over the back of the couch, his hands folded. "Thanks, Ry... I really appreciate what you're doing... someday I'll be able to pay back the favor."

Straightening and roughing up her hair, he turns to the hallway. "I'm gonna hit the sack. Tomorrow I'll make some phone calls and start the job hunt. And... I'll think about staying here or finding space at Leo's."


Stars dot the dark Nevada sky. For some, they are a wondrous display to be watched and admired before cuddling on the couch to fall asleep with a movie droning in the background. For some, the nighttime specks were nightlights, keeping watch over those slumbering past the worries and doubts of their futures. For others still, the stars gave hope that even the darkest night was not so dark after all, and the promise of morning was still there. And morning did come, slow and sure, the closest star of all rose in the east to pain the sky's canvas brilliant colors of pinks and golds, calling those sleeping to wake for the day.


"No, I'm living off unemployment at the moment, but hopefully that'll be over soon."

"Well whats the bandage for if it's not done yet?"

Axel leans back against the toolbench, glancing down at his hand. It was still a bite sore, even after this long after the minor surgery. "Trial run." He grins at Miles' feet sticking out from under the car in the auto shop. "It's complicated. But it was worth a shot."

"Daryl letting you come back afterward?"

"Yeah, he said he was keeping the spot open for me. If I can get the use of my hand back, I'll be back to work. If not... I'll have to figure something else out."

On the other side of the shop, Leo half listens to Axel while leaning into an engine and half paying attention to his conversation with Ryan too. He'd let her know that he was fine with Eli rooming with him if he wanted to, and he was glad that this new friend would be sticking around in the area. He knew that it made Ryan happy too, which made him even more glad.

Something else was on his mind too though and after missing half of what Ryan just said, he withdraws from the engine, wiping his oily hands on his rag. "Hey, Ryan..." Ambling to where she was working on another car, he leans on the frame, glancing in to what she was doing. "I checked the work schedule and there's a day coming up that neither of us are working. I thought maybe that night you and me and Eli could go do something."

He fiddles with his rag, oddly hesitant before reaching in his pocket and pulling out a couple tickets. "I... know this isn't the kind of thing we normally do and I don't know if Eli would actually want to or not but... I thought it might be fun... kinda different. I got a hold of front row seats."

The two tickets, one for Ryan and one fore Eli, were to a music and dance performance at the convention center in the next city over. Advertisements had been around town, proving that it was a fairly big local event. Fliers had described the show as a musical, portraying a story of young love and comedy. The dance routines were showcased as the main attraction, along with upbeat, contemporary music.

Leo was right - this was not something they would normally attend. It was pretty far from street races, action movies or parties. He could imagine Eli bursting out laughing at the idea, but he wanted him along for a reason, and he just hoped that Ryan would accept, even if she really didn't want to go. "What do you think?"


Gunner casually wanders into the children's hospital that was becoming more familiar. Today, he was in sneakers and jeans, a black pull-over hoodie keeping him warm. His baseball cap was turned backward so a few tufts of his hair stuck through the hole and his Elite badge swung from around his neck. He was without his sidearm today, but only a few people would know he had a knife hidden up his back.

Leaning on the counter, he throws a nurse an unmistakably flirtatious look, along with an obvious wink. Completely turned off, the appalled nurse sidles away so someone else could deal with him. Grinning at his success, Gunner looks over the counter before glancing left then right, and finding himself briefly alone. Checking out the phone, he boosts himself up to sit on the counter, his legs swinging. He reaches for the phone, and holds it upside down like a mic, pressing the button for the intercom.

"Miss Conner, your party is waiting. If you're in the mood for a floatless float topped with a cheery and a kiss, please come to the front desk. Miss Conner, your party awaits."

Several surprised shouts come from a back room and Gunner knew that in moments, he would be surrounded by irritated nurses. He didn't move though, still seated on the desk counter watching down the hall for Bree.

Miss Him

Receiving Bret's kiss Charlotte is all to quick to give back the emotions she felt. It had been a crappy day, and her chair layed broke in the kitchen but that was only minor to what could of happened.

Wrapping her arms around her husband as the kiss continues Charlotte was non to quick for it to end. Bret meant the world to her, and nothing could change that. She had taken the time to see deeper into his heart, past the quick temper, to see the man that was there, giving his love to her and nothing could even change that. At one point in life Charlotte could never dream of having someone else take care of her, but now she couldn't imagine being alone again.

Ryan gives a thoughtful not to Eli. She didn't mind helping him get back on his feet. As long as he payed off his dept, and stayed out of trouble it was not problem to her.

"You can stay here and not worry about rent right now, and if you dont feel comfortable with that I know Leo was looking for a roommate so you could ask him."

Standing and bringing her glass to the sink in the kitchen Ryan rinses it out before coming back into the livingroom and hopping back up on the couch Indian style.

"As for jobs, you cant work where I work because you might show me up in front of the other..."

Ryan gives a sidelong glance to Eli as a grin forms on her lips proving she was kidding with him.

"...But I can ask Derail if he knows any other shops that are looking for people. I know I saw some signs I just don't remember where."

Thinking for a long moment Ryan sits quietly. But hearing Eli's mention to there father Ryan looks to him and gives a small. A glisten behind her eye. Though she didnt day it much, she did miss there dad, and she though about him often.

"I wish he was here to see us. I miss him alot around this time of year."

Hearing who was on the phone for her Rosetta gets up from the table a little quicker than normal. Calling BJ to come with her. She couldn't leave him out when almost every day he had asked where Dad was and when he was coming home.

Getting into the kitchen Rosetta takes the phone and just holds it for a long moment. Gathering her words on what she was going to say. Finally bringing the phone to her ear, everything she wanted to say left her mind, and she could feel herself choak up as Mick's breathing could be hurt on the other end.

"Mick? I love you."

It was the only thing she could think of saying because How are you just didnt seem right, and asking when he would be home right off the bat seemed tastless. So her words were simple but strong, leaving room for Mick to talk next!

Ten minutes

Emotions fill Bret's eyes as he's reassured by Charlotte that he is good enough and that she will not leave. After Maria, his greatest fear was going through that heartache all over again, so just having Charlotte assure him now was more than he could ask for.

As his thoughts are brought to their unborn child, he looks down at his hand as he can just barely feel movement. His eyes come back up to his wife's and they glisten in the dim light. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the stress, or maybe it was relief. Regardless, only she would see the tear in his eye before he leans in to press his lips to hers.

He was sorry their day had turned out so poorly and that they had fought. But as confident as she was about staying with him, so too was he confident that he could never let her go. Taking her into an embrace as the kiss lingers, all he cares about now is how much he loved her.


Eli looks up at Ryan and grins. "Alright... I'll give it a shot. Anything I got left back in Florida, I can have my buddy send to me. If I can actually find a job around here, most of my paycheck will be going towards my debt. But if you can stand me being here for a while... I'll be able to make it up to you eventually. Unless you can help me find a cheap place so I won't have to take up your spare room any longer."

Taking another sip of beer, he grimaces. "This doesn't even taste good tonight." Setting it down, he sighs and glances to Ryan again. "You're the best sister any guy could ever ask for, and don't you forget it. Pops would be so proud of you."


Sparky grins as he and Faith walk back towards the dining hall. It felt natural for them to link arms. He couldn't explain it, but over the course of just a few hours, he felt like old friends. He didn't know if she did or not, but he at least felt as though this afternoon had been a lifetime.

Arriving inside, many of the others have already gathered. Sparky points towards a middle table. "Looks like Annie saved you a spot." He lets her arm slide from his. "I'll see you later."

In the kitchen, the phone rings and Becky sets down a basket of rolls to answer it. Hearing who it was, she quickly sets down the receiver and goes to find Rosetta and BJ, who were joining in tonight.

Leaning down so only Rosetta could hear, Becky keeps her voice low. "Brenda gave Mick ten minutes on the phone - he's waiting for you."

...Mick bites his lip as he leans on the kitchen counter, alone in the room. He was doing well enough that Adam and Brenda agreed he could have minimal contact with his family now. A ten minute phone call was an eternity compared to the silence over the last week and a half. He only hoped Rosetta would actually want to talk to him.

Gift

Just listing to her brother Ryan was intent on hearing everything not letting a thing slip by. Eli was her brother and she would always do what she could for him. Even if she was the baby sister.

"My brother has become, the same person I always new. Your no differnt just because you made some bad chooses. Heck, we all do. If I had never made that bed on Leo, I never would of owed Roth money and I never would of taken a bullet. Every choose we make has its consequences."

Standing Ryan makes her way over to her brothers side and just puts an arm around his shoulder. No matter what she would always love him. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to.

"We will find you a new job ok and than you wont be mooching so you can stop yapping on about that. Things will work themself out."

Sitting up even more so she could be closer to Brett, Charlotte intertwines her fingers with him just holding it and not saying anything for a long moment. Finally looking up at Bret Charlotte cocks her head to the side studying his eyes.

"Bret, I am not Maria. I love more than just for money, and I want you for more than just the simple material things you can off me. Your more than good enough for me, the day I ment you, you were, the day of your accident, and even today you still more than I could ever ask for."

Pausing for a moment Charlotte takes in a breath gathering her thoughts before starting again.

"I'll never leave you Bret! I love you far to much to do a silly think like that. As far as ever wanting or needing anything..."

Charlotte takes another deep breath as she can feel a soft little kick inside her belly. Taking Bret's hand and resting it on her stomach so he could feel the soft movement too Charlotte keeps her hand on top of his. Looking up into his eyes and giving a smile.

"...You already gave me the greatest gift of all."

"Mmm...I think everything you talked to me about today was rather interesting. I learned a lot today that I never new."

Just gazing into Sparky's eyes for a long moment Faith finally looks away. Happy it was dark out so the warm color that had come to her cheeks could not be seen.

Looking up again and see Sparky off his arm to her, and the invitation to dinner Faith moves away from the fence and links arms with him. Being drawn closer to him she felt instantly warmer from the nights cold air.

"Dinner sounds fantastic. I hadn't realized how hungry I was till just now. Lead on my good man."

Giving a chuckle Faith was ready to make there way to dinner.

Debt

Sparky's eyes are drawn into Faith's and he chuckles quietly. "Payment? I'll teach you to ride because I want to, not because I want you to work for it."

Hearing her thanks, he finally breaks his gaze and leans back on the fence, looking towards the main house and dining hall where lights were shining from the windows. "I enjoyed the day too. Most people would get bored with my company, so either you're easily entertained or I actually came up with something interesting enough for you to stick around."

He gives her a sidelong glance, shooting her a wry grin. Straightening, he holds out the crook of his arm. "Join me in the dining hall for supper?"


"Yeah..." Bret sighs. "I know. I guess we both messed up." His voice was much calmer than it had been hours earlier.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you too. You hurt my feelings... but I still shouldn't have lost my temper like that. I just... I guess it brought up some bad memories and I thought I was gonna start losing you because I wasn't doing a good enough job."

He pauses, reaching out to stop Charlotte's fingers from picking at the blanket, and he raises his eyes to meet hers. "I'll be able to drive again in a few weeks... then we'll have more money. Just... don't give up on me, okay? I promise I'll do my best so you won't need for anything and... and you won't have to work."

A fear was in his eyes... a fear that Charlotte would find her independence again and no longer need him. A fear that he would not be good enough anymore. A fear that he would lose what was most precious to him.


Eli lets out a long, weary sigh, but he nods. It was only fair that Ryan knew everything. "Well, I'm not gonna mooch, but I do want to stay... I like being around my family again and I was getting pretty tired of Florida anyway."

Staring to pace again, he wanders to the kitchen to grab himself a beer from the six pack he'd bought a couple days ago. Flipping open the tab, he comes back to the living room and sinks down into the chair again, taking a long sip.

"I got in with the wrong crowd, Ryan. I don't know how, but... it seemed like a good idea at the time. I wanted some extra money to bet on some of the races going on down there, so I thought what the hey... turn a blind eye and don't get caught, what's the harm?" He sighs again. "They had me make a few deliveries. I didn't ask and they didn't tell. Ends up that I place a personal bet with one of these guys and I lose. Problem was, I had bet more money than I had. So... I started paying him little by little. He wasn't satisfied though and at that point, it was either pay him or get a bullet to my head. I started rooming with another guy so my rent wouldn't be so high, and I got the other guy to back down until I could pay him off. I did, but... in the meantime, I wound up owing a bunch of other people because all my money was going towards the thug down the street."

Eli scoffs at himself and takes another sip of beer. "I got bills up the ying yang and it's just getting deeper. Then when I came out here, I didn't actually have but a couple days vacation time. My boss warned me that I had to be back, but coming here was more important. I took a risk and lost. Found out a couple weeks ago that I don't have a job to go back to. So now... I'm in debt up to my gills and I don't have a job."

Tapping a finger on his beer can, Eli finally looks to his sister. He was embarrassed to admit all this. He was supposed to be the strong one... the smart one. "So there you have it, Speedy. This is what your brother has become."

Joy

Feeling the gentile shake to her shoulder a potent smell fills her noise like someone had spend the night in the bar. Slowly opening her eyes and seeing Bret a small smile comes to her face. No matter what seeing Bret always made her smile.

"Hey, I know but I wanted to wait and have dinner with you."

Sitting up a little Charlotte searches Bret's eyes for a long moment. She would of waiting forever for him to come home, as long as he had.

Looking down at her hands for a long moment Charlotte picks at the blanket that was over her legs. She had done alot of thinking of her own, and though she was upset with Bret for more than one reason, it was her fault this whole thing started. She was pig headed, and thick skulked and she new it.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I was going to tell you honest before the last show because I wanted you to be there, but I should have talked to you first. I'm so use to being independent...and though I meant good by it I just didn't think."

Hearing Sparky's words brought Faith a bit of comfort. It was nice to hear the kind words and it made her smile. Hearing conformation about Angel as well was nice. To have someone tell you a Dr was good, was one thing but having someone confirm it was just an added comfort. Giving a smile Faith gives a nod.

"Teach me how to ride for real, and let me help you in the barn as payment?"

Giving a smile to Sparky Faith's eyes give a twinkle as she scans his face. The moonlight seemed to reflect off it just right and his handsome features donning a soft glow. Her heart gave a little flutter.

"I really did enjoy spending the day with you. Thank you."

"Eli, your family I could never turn you away. You can mooch off me all you like, its what familys are for. You know Pop taught us better than to turn anyone in need away."

Turning off the TV Ryan moves to the edge of the couch bringing her arms to her knees and leaning forward. Thinking for a long moment. Ryan new Eli was proud, it ran in the family because she was to. She only hopped Eli would let her help.

"Eli, you can stay here as long as you need to and I mean that. I like having you around again, and I will help you all I can, bills finding you a job. I'll help. It would be more a burden on me for you to leave and have me worry about you. But in order to stay here, you have to tell me everything from the start...ok?"

Friends

Eli glances over to Ryan, wondering at her tone. Did she know? It wouldn't take a genius - he'd been hanging around for much longer than thought to begin with, without ever mentioning returning to Florida. He just hadn't wanted to admit what was really going on, but he hadn't wanted to leave either.

"Sure... You're a plus of course. But looks like mechanics aren't too hard to come by around here - as far as I could see, your auto shops are all filled up." He shrugs. "As far as food goes, I've been eating off of you for too long already."

Pausing for several moments he finally leans forward with a little groan, tossing the pack of cards aside. "Ryan..." He rests his elbows on his knees, putting his chin in his hands. It was rare that he would refuse to look her in the eye, but he did now. "There's stuff... I mean... " Sighing, he suddenly stands up, pacing a little and looking up to the ceiling. "I haven't been too smart, Ry. I come with... a long list of regrets that I'd rather not have to admit to my sister."

Eventually he stops pacing and looks down at Ryan. "I, um... I've got people that would just prefer I got back to Florida. But not because they miss me. They just want my wallet. Unfortunately, you can't squeeze blood from a turnip and right now, I feel like a turnip."

He didn't know if his implication that he owed money was enough for her to understand or not. "And..." He stops. "I didn't want to tell you this... I guess 'cause I'm mad at myself." He shrugs. "I want to stay here... I really do. Main reason is you. Another reason is that I've been rooming with another guy 'cause I couldn't afford my own place. And... another reason is that... I don't have a job anymore. When I said I was mooching off of you, I wasn't lying... I really have been."

Hooking his hands in his jeans pockets, he just looks at his sister, obviously embarrassed, but at the same time, relieved that she knew. There were a lot of details though.... and he owed her an explanation. But he'd let her digest what he'd just said first.


Sparky cocks his head and stops alongside Faith, sensing something wrong. Listening quietly, he doesn't interject, though his facial expression softens, his eyes showing he was troubled by the news of this new friend.

As she looks up at him, he lets his eyes linger on hers, not afraid to see her emotions shimmering through them. "Anybody in your shoes would be scared," he responds quietly. "There's nothing wrong with that."

Thinking a moment, he gives a little nod. "Annie was right - this is a good place to take care of yourself. We got our problems, but you won't find a better bunch of people, and Angel's a right fine doctor to look out for things after the surgery... 'cause I'm sure you'll make it through just fine."

Sparky offers a gentle smile. "You're a good example for anyone... living the day as if it's your last." Pausing, his eyes roam to the darkening ranch, then back to her eyes. "How can I help make that happen?"


"Bret, what on earth are you doing here? Do you know what time it is?"

Bret looks up at his big friend lamely. It was very late, that's all he knew. In reality, it was near one o'clock in the morning. It had been dark for quiet a while, and he was pretty sure that he'd woken up Con by his disheveled hair and tired eyes. "Can I come in?"

Con furrows his brow warily. "You been drinking?"

"Yeah..." Bret couldn't lie to Con. "Just a little."

Con sighs and opens the door. "Come in."

Bret looks down as he enters, and just stands like a whipped puppy until Con moves him to the living room chair to sit. Con looks at him with question. "Well?"

Bret swallows hard. "Charlotte and I... well no... we didn't really have a fight. I just..."

"Lost your temper again," Con states flatly. "What happened?"

"I don't know." Bret's eyes stay on the floor. "She just... she got another job without telling me and... and I just... I don't understand."

"Mmm." Con leans back in his chair. He'd probably be quite upset if Jamie did that, but that wasn't what Bret needed to hear right now. "So you walked out?"

"I didn't want to fight," Bret defends. "I... I... okay, maybe I yelled at her before I left. But I wanted to calm down so... so I got a drink then... came here."

"Or two, or three," Con corrects knowingly while frowning. "So Charlotte tells you she got a second job and you flip."

"At a nightclub!" Bret elaborates with exasperation. "Singing! I didn't even know she could sing. And she's pregnant! She shouldn't be working so much, let alone hiding it from me."

"Well, she's got a little time before she needs to settle down," Con reasons. He wanted to reprimand Bret for his reaction, but it was hard, imagining himself in that same position. He wouldn't be upset with Jamie - he would be furious. "Know why she did it?"

"Kinda." Bret moans and puts his face in his hands. "I guess I'm not good enough. I can't provide enough and I'm not even worthy to be let in on everything."

"Now hang on, don't blow it out of proportion."

"I'm not, Con! This is exactly what happened with Maria. We started with little fights, she started taking on things that she didn't let me in on, she decided I wasn't giving her enough, then one day, she realized she didn't need me anymore. Charlotte and I are heading down the same path. I can feel it and her keeping a job a secret from me just confirms it."

Con studies Bret's face for several moments. "You're scared of losing her, aren't you?"

"Terrified." Loosened up by alcohol, Bret's eyes fill. "I'm not doing a good enough job. I... I can't make enough money - I've been out of work forever 'cause of that stupid accident. I'm gonna have to support a family now, and my wife is out working two jobs. What does that say about me?"

"It says your wife loves you very much." Con shakes his head. "But it also says you two need to work on your communication. You're right - she shouldn't have kept that from you. She's probably got a whole list of reasons why, but she should have communicated with you. And you - you shouldn't be telling me this - you should be telling her this."

"But she'll just point out that we need the money!"

"Then either figure out a new job for you or swallow your pride until something better comes along."

Bret's shoulders drop and there is a long pause. "Can I just stay here the night?"

"No." Con rises and points to the door. "You need to go home to your wife."

"But-"

"No." Con waits for Bret to stand as well. "I'm not going to assist in hindering your marriage. Don't lay down and give up, Bret. You did that once. Fight to keep what you got this time. You know Charlotte's worth it."

"But I-"

"Walk a straight line." Con points to the floor.

Bret rolls his eyes and walks a straight line, going through a short routine to prove he was sober enough to drive, though he was inebriated.

"Now go home," Con directs. "And don't stop at the bar on your way."

Bret heaves a weary sigh and nods lamely. "Yeah... yeah, okay." Getting turned out, he limps down the walk to his car, feeling even lower than when he'd arrived.

Con makes sure his friend is on his way before shutting the door and letting out his own sigh. Shaking his head, he turns off the lights and heads back upstairs. Easing into bed, he gives a little groan, knowing he needed to cram in some more sleep before work in the morning. "Friends," he mumbles. "Gotta love 'em."


Bret parks in the drive and sits thinking for several long minutes. He was a bit more alert now, but just as depressed. Maybe he was more mad at himself now than anything. He was still upset with Charlotte, but he felt worse for yelling at her like he had.

Eventually, he gets himself to the front door and inside, finding only a small light on. Glancing into the kitchen, he sees that she had indeed fixed supper, and now it sat lonely and cold. Turning to the living room, he limps a few feet, seeing Charlotte lying on the couch. Just looking at her for a moment, he finally sheds his jacket and sets his keys aside.

Sitting on the edge of the couch, looking to his wife's face seems to shatter the anger he had left. He reaches down and runs a hand through her hair, then gently shakes her shoulder.

"Hey," he prompts quietly. He knew as soon as she woke, she'd be able to tell he'd been to the bar, but at this point, he knew there was a lot that needed to be said anyway. "You should be in bed."

Focus

Wanting to retort and make comment's back to Bret defending herself about why she didnt tell him Charlotte couldn't get a word in edge why. Maybe in a way it was better that way or she would just make things worse.

Leaving the laundry for now Charlotte's goes after him as he lets out a howl. Wanting to make sure he was ok. But as she gets to the kitchen the chair goes flying across the floor. As it hits the wall and breaks Charlotte gives a jump wrapping her arm around herself.

Just watching Bret leave the cold glare cutting through her hot tears from in Charlotte's eyes. From anger, being upset, shame. Slowly going over to the chair Charlotte sinks down to the floor picking up the broken peaces of the old oak chair. It was the only one in the set they had, that didnt match but it was special. Her grandmother had given it to her a few months back before she passed away. It wasnt much but it meant a lot of Charlotte.

Taking the peaces Charlotte just looks at them for a long moment thinking if she could put them together but it seemed unlikely. Standing and putting them over in the corner so I could be taken out with the trash.

Moving back to the fridge the tears still streamed from Charlotte's face but she had to figure out what was for dinner tonight. Bret said not to wait up, but she would have dinner on the table for him anyways.

Keeping her eyes straight ahead as she walked stealing glances at Sparky everyone once and a while. A smile on her face showing she was having a nice time just walking.

"I'd like to really learn how to ride a horse. Always wanted to since I was a kid, I just never had the opportunity too."

Continuing to walk, Faith lets out a thoughtful sigh at the mention of going home. It hadnt come up in conversation and she wasn't trying to hide it, it just simply hadn't come up. Looking at Sparky Faith gives a smile at Sparky.

"Oh, maybe I will go back sooner or later but right now...its just not in focus."

Stopping for a moment Faith leans against the one fence that was coming to an end just looking at the ground and thinking for a moment. The only person who new was Annie, and soon Rosetta, and Angel when they talked to them. But maybe having another friend know would be nice too. She wasn't ashamed it was just hard.

"I have nothing left in Thailand. My family is gone, and most the money I had was spent on Dr. bills that didn't do a darn bit of good."

Looking up at Sparky again Faith's eyes held emotions of someone who was thinking about something that was important and a little scare at the same time. Knowing Sparky would have no idea what she was talking about Faith continues.

"I've always had trouble with headaches as a kid. Normal migraines is what my parents always thought. As I got older sometimes the headaches were so bad my vision was blurry, and I'd just have to stay in a darkroom till it was gone. About nine months ago when your sister came to Thailand she was my live in."

Moving her toe in the frozen earth below her for a moment Faith gathers her thoughts before looking up again.

"About a week after she had been staying with me I ended up blacking out. Annie took me to the hospetil and come to find out I had a tumor in my brain about the size of a golf ball. The Dr. didnt understand how I was still alive seeing as it had been there for a while. So I ended up going into sugary and having it removed. We thougth they got it all and for the last 7 months things had been really well. Than a month ago my heackahes had come back. I wasn't blacking out or anything but the pain of the headaches were back, and sometimes they hurt even more than before. So I went back to the Dr and had more test run. It would seem they didnt get all the tumor out that first time. How that happend I dont know, but the medical field in Thailand lacks the skills and tools."

Letting out another deep breath looking up at the twinkling starts.

"So, I came here with Annie because the resources in the US are so much better to have the tumor removed for a second time. Annie told me the best place to recover would be here at the ranch and she wanted to give back the hospitality that I had shown her. Knowing her sister in law wouldn't mind. She even said there was a Dr. on site here so if I needed one."

Looking at Sparky and searching his eyes for a long moment Faith found comfort in them. For a reason she didn't know when she had just met him but it was there.

"Now, I want to try and live my life each day and a time savoring what I can. Going in for the brain surgery for a second time there is alot of scar tissue from the first time, and its tricky. I could die from it. I just have to trust my life is in God's hand and live each day like its my last. Though I addmit, I am scaried more than I let on."

Katie's eyes widen just a little as she listing to Rick. What he said made sense but still, it was a bit surprised what he wanted Jason to do.

Even if they didn't mean to brand us, its still there and it doesn't change the Agency knowing who we are. I guess we will just cross that bridge when we come to it.

Leaning back on the bed again Katie just lets her eyes fall shut. She felt so tired, maybe rest right now WAS the best thing.

Just watching the tv for a long moment Ryan listens to what Eli says but dosnt reply right away. She had known for a long time something was wrong with her brother. She could get the vibes from him, and even after all these years could read him like a book. She just hadnt said anything because she was trying to respect his privacy. But now he was mentioning he would be going back and she wasn't even sure why.

Turning her head a little to look at her brother Ryan just studys him for a moment before nonchalantly inquiring.

"Why would you want to go back to Florda Eli? You have me, a home, food everything you could want. Not to mention a job easy working at one of the shops. I wouldn't mind if you stayed anyways."

Unspoken

Bret rolls his eyes. "I didn't mean everyone but me knew you had a job. I meant any other husband with any brains will know that his wife has a second job!"

He takes a step closer to Charlotte, gesturing with his hands. "I don't care what color fingernail polish you got and I don't care what brand hotdogs you get from the store. But you'd think that if you went out and got a second job, you'd have the decency to tell me about it, instead of hiding it!"

He snatches the paper back from her. "At a nightclub! What were you thinking?!" His temper rises with his voice. "Of all places, you had to choose a nightclub! 'Hey, Bret, what's up?' 'Oh, nothing, just my pregnant wife is singing at a nightclub without my knowledge.'"

Throwing the paper back down, he starts to stalk away, then turns around again. "You didn't want to make me feel bad. So instead of talking to me about finances, you decide it would be easier just to hide a job from me. Were you ever going to tell me? Or were you just going to find out what a fool I really am to be so blind? I'm your husband, Charlotte! I have a right to know about these things. This isn't just something little that doesn't matter! It isn't the same as 'Oh by the way I bought a new dress.' We're talking about a job and our family's income."

Bret pauses, staring Charlotte in the eye. "And you deliberately hid that from me."

It hurt. It hurt deeply and Bret felt betrayed. If only she'd told him. If only she'd discussed it with him. If he'd known their finances were so bad when he was in the hospital, he would have figured something out with her, and he might not have minded her taking on a second job for a while. But at least he would have been in on it. At least he would have had a chance to give his opinion and help make the final decision. But instead, it had been hidden from him.

Spinning on his heel, he heads to the kitchen, limping as his leg throbs. Arriving to the tiled floor, his foot hooks a chair leg, cranking his knee. Already in enough pain, Bret lets out a howl. Too angry to care, his good leg swings around and gives the chair a swift kick. It flies away from the table, clattering on the floor and banging against the wall, breaking one of its legs.

Bret limps to the counter and grabs his car keys, then heads for the front door. Donning his leather jacket, he throws one last glare over his shoulder. "Don't wait up for me."


Sparky continues to walk, his pace much slower than normal on his evening rounds. He glances down at Faith, his eyes curious. "I got the time," he admits. "I'm not the greatest teacher in the world, but I could probably get you started at least."

He checks a gate then keeps on walking. "Takes time though. There's a difference between getting on a horse and going, and learning how to ride. If you want the first, I could throw you on a horse tomorrow. If you're interested in really riding though, I'm assuming you won't be around that long. You're going back to Thailand, aren't you?"


I know... the Agency scares me too. If it was just me, I wouldn't mind so much, but knowing they're after you too... I don't like that at all.

Rick heaves a deep sigh and turns back around to see Katie. "I know you don't like being in the dark, Katie, and I'm sorry. I just wanted to give you time to rest."

Jason looks to Katie, then back to Rick. "Tell us what you're planning and then we'll rest."

"Okay. I want you to blow something up for me."

Jason's eyebrows rise. "You what?"

"I want you to blow something up. Nothing big, but I don't want you spending your energy on that right now."

"Um... and why do you want me to do that?"

"I want to tape it. And I want to study how the item bursts. Before we can investigate your marks further, we need to understand how you work naturally. It's just something I want to see."

Jason eyes him suspiciously. "You don't think it's a brand, do you?"

Rick hesitates. "No. I know it seems to be, and I know the Agency shot you with something that caused the chain of events... but I don't think they knew you two would end up with a permanent mark. Just let it go for now, rest, and when you're both feeling better in a couple days, we'll continue the research."

Jason sighs, but gives in.
I'm too tired to care at this point. Let him do his thing. We'll find out what he means soon.
Thanks for hanging in there with me, Hero. I love you too.


Eli shuffles the deck of cards in his hands, leaning back in the living room chair. There was an awkward silence. There wasn't normally between him and his sister. But there was now, and he knew that she could tell there was something he wasn't saying. She was back on her feet, back to work, and he'd seen her race. Yet he still stayed. He had not gone back to Florida yet, and though he was living out of the same small duffel bag, he hadn't made mention to leaving either.

The tv was on, but Eli wasn't paying attention to it. Supper was undecided. They might do takeout Chinese. But for the moment, his mind was far away. He needed to tell her.

Glancing up, he catches Ryan's eye. The stare that looked back at him told him that she knew something was up but was respecting his privacy. "I suppose one of these days I better head back cross-country," he muses. "I think I've mooched off you long enough." A grin seeps out, showing that he knew Ryan didn't think of it that way. But there was still more... there was still more he wasn't saying.

Busy

Charlotte looks at her husband and just blinks for a long moment stoping her folding of the cloths. She hadn't expected Bret to get this angry. Keep her own voice calm Charlotte just turns to him.

"Well lets see, I am not making you feel stupid at all, because I havent said anything that should. Next not everyone knows in town knows I have a second job. It was a very small night club that not many people went to And I didn't tell you because I didnt want you to feel bad."

She really was trying the best to do this with a pure heart for her family. Now, now it was blowing up in her face. Charlotte was more upset with herself than anything else.

"I was just trying to help out Bret. I wasnt trying to make you feel stupid or anything. I was...only trying to help."

Just listing to Sparky again Faith keeps her own hands in her pockets keeping them warm. Though it was cold she didnt mind to much it felt good, the cool air, the nice fresh smell.

"So you must like it here if you always come back right? I can see why. I haven't been here for very long and it already feels so peaceful. I'm really happy I got the chance to come here with Annie."

Giving a smile that was light up by the soft moonlight that was partly hidding behind the clouds. Mustering up the courage to ask.

"Maybe when your not busy, do you think you could teach me how to ride?"

How stupid

Gage eyes Sapphire a moment before letting go of her hand and walking back into the kitchen. Scrounging in a little basket of change and odds and ends, he finds what he's looking for and returns. "Then here." He holds out a key. "I got two when I moved in. I've never used it."


"Me?" Sparky chuckles, his hands keeping warm in his jacket pockets. "You could have chosen a more interesting topic than that," he teases. But seeing Faith really was interested, he shrugs. "Haven't been here all my life, no. In Texas, yes, but here and there. Family history is a crazy one - too much to bore you with, though I imagine Annie's told you some. Known Rosetta for the better part of my life. And... settled here for the past year or so." He shrugs again, giving Faith a grin. "There's really not much to tell. I've kinda been a wanderer, but usually wind up back here."


Bret's eyes widen at Charlotte's explanation and he blinks as if having a hard time believing it. "You..." His eyebrows lower as he begins to frown. "You've been holding two jobs? Since I was in the hospital?"

Searching Charlotte's face, he lets out a little scoff. "Thanks for telling me. You knew I didn't know about it, and you what... just thought I didn't need to know?" He throws up his arms. "Didn't want me to worry about money? That's what I do, Charlotte - I'm the one with that responsibility. Why didn't you tell me?"

Shaking his head, it's very clear that he's not happy. "I'm probably the only fellow in town that has no idea his wife has been holding an extra job. How stupid do you like making me feel?"

Zip

Giving a little chuckle about Gage doodling. She was sure if giving the opportunity he would do great at drawing. Getting an idea Sapphire tucks in the back of her mind to remember it for a little later when Christmas was closer.

Receiving Gage's little squeeze to her hand Sapphire's eyes scan the tree before glancing at Gage, and than around the room. Sipping her eggnog again.

"If you leave the door unlocked I might just bring more goodies. I think it would be safer if I just had a key. Its nice having someone to hang out with and share my time with."

Katie shakes her own head not understanding. She would rather know what was going to be going on now, that have to let it sit in her mind.

"Rick, tell us now or we wont get any rest. Not knowing what you have planned is not going to let us rest because we are gonna be worried even when you tell us not to be."

Letting out a sigh and leaning back in the bed again Katie's mind wonders all over the place. Wanting to know what would happend next, what would they do, and what would happen? So many questions that wernt being answered.

Well we having the resting place and understanding with each other finally, but no matter what, being on a medican or not we will always have to worry about the Agency as long as they know our powers exists. I think that's what scares me the most not our powers but The Agency!

Continuing to help Sparky Faith was having a great time. The small talk with him never left a dull moment, and learning new things about the horses was a blast. Faith felt so comfortable about Sparky and helping him she lost track of time.

"A walk in the crisp country air..."

Faith zippers up her coat a little higher pulling the collar around her neck to stay warm. Smiling at Sparky she gives a nod.

"..I am ready if you are."

Exiting the barn and walking for a few short moment in silent Faith decieds to strike up her own conversation.

"So, we talked about the horses and we talked a little about me. What about you? Have you always lived here?"

Taking the paper from Bret Charlotte scans it for a long moment before sitting it down on the counter. Looking up at Bret she searches his face for a moment before saying anything.

"Its just a letter telling me my last two shows I will be getting only half of what I normaly do because I am quieting."

Charlotte continues to fold the cloths she had just washed getting ready to put them away.

"Since I am getting later in the pregnancy and you will be able to go back to work soon, I wont need to work two jobs anymore. The only reason I took up the night club job was because I was trying to take less stress off you. I didn't want you to worry about money."

Charlotte's motives were pure as she eyes tryed to tell Bret that. She had dont this for both of them, and she did it for him. The last thing she wanted was for Brett to worry while he was trying to recover.

Nightclub

Gage looks back at the tree and smirks. "Art. Right." He chuckles softly. "The closest I've ever come to art is doodling on a napkin." He pauses in thought. "'Course that could be 'cause I've never even had more than an ink pen in my hand." He could remember once a long time ago he'd seen a box of crayons and would have done just about anything just to have the blue one.

Hearing Sapphire's thank you, he keeps his eyes on the tree, but his hand gives hers a squeeze. Taking another sip from his eggnog, he smacks his lips again. "You keep bringing goodies like this, and I'll start leaving the door unlocked for you," he teases.


Rick nods his agreement with Katie. "I'm not sure about building up an immunity but we can try. My guess would be that if this is a kind of amplifier, if you'd been the one shot, you woulda sucked Jason dry, overwhelming yourself and putting him down pretty quick."

Jason sighs deeply, running a thumb over the tender marks on his palm. "You really think this was on purpose? I mean the mark? There's no substance that could burn a hand from the inside out, let alone no where else, and let alone in a definite pattern. That just doesn't make sense."

"Katie's right though," Jeff intercedes. "Intentional or not, nobody else is gonna have marks like these. If they didn't do it on purpose, they'll find out quick enough and they'll always be able to find you."

Jason doesn't even seem to be listening and he looks to Rick again. "What are you planning to try that I need to be stronger for?"

"Um..." Rick shakes his head. "Don't worry about it now. Just rest. Both of you."

Don't worry. Yeah. Right. We're sitting here half dead with alien brands on our hands and he says just rest.
Jason closes his eyes and lets his head sink back in his pillow.
I'm so tired of this. I thought we'd finally reached a resting place.

Rick exchanges a look with Jeff then turns to go back to his work.


Sparky looks down into Faith's eyes, a little smile turning up the corner of his mouth. The brim of his hat almost hid his gaze, but not quite. "If I minded, I wouldn't have asked, now would I?"

"Sparky?" Jade calls. "Sparky, are you in- Oh." Jade stops, seeing her uncle in the stall. "Hi. Have you seen Dan?"

Sparky steps away from Faith and shakes his head. "Not for a while."

Jade suddenly realizes that Sparky wasn't alone, and she looks at him with question.

Sparky nods to Faith. "This is a friend of Annie's. Her name is Faith. Faith, this is my niece, Jade."

Jade grins and gives a little wave. "Nice to meet you, I... wait.." Her eyes widen at Sparky. "Did you say Annie?"

"Yep. She's in the house. Gonna be here for a bit."

"Yay!" Jade squeals. "I'll have to go see her. But I have to find Dan first. Ohhh, I'll have to introduce him. I don't think he's ever met Annie before..." Her voice trails off as she keeps on heading down the barn aisle.

Sparky chuckles and shakes his head. "That girl's energy never ends." He coils up the leadrope and hands it back to Faith so she can help him some more. "She's been through a rough time lately though... I'm glad she's got Dan around for someone she can spend time with. My brother, her dad, doesn't approve but... Dan's not a bad guy."

Reaching around Faith, he closes the stall, latching it shut. "Okay... lets go get some more of these hungry brutes."

It doesn't take long to get the fifteen horses in the barn. In the meantime, others have been brought in from a different pasture. Most hay and grain is fed, getting chores done a little earlier as Sparky wished, so everyone could take their time with supper.

Hanging up the leadropes, Sparky sighs and sets his hands on his hips, looking around the barn. "Well... I need to take a quick walk around the place," he informs Faith. After spending several hours with her, talking just came as smooth as if he'd known her for years. "You're free to come along, but it's getting a bit chilly, so if you'd rather go back in the dining hall, I'm sure others are already getting ready for supper."


Bret hobbles from the kitchen into the living room, favoring his leg that was still quite sore. Confusion was on his face as he finds Charlotte. He holds up a sheet of paper after having gone through today's mail.

"A letter about a change in wages? For a nightclub?" He searches his wife's face. He'd thought she was working some strange hours at the caves, especially since there were not visitors this time of year, but he hadn't questioned her. Surely this was some mistake.

By the way..

Following Sparky out to where the horses were Faith was a little nervous that she might not to something right, but did her best to hold some confidence in herself.

Not giving hesitation to letting Sparky helping her Faith lets him show her how to do everything. She wanted to learn and she thought it was neat to have Sparky taking the time to teach her. Feeling his hands on her Faith can't help the chill that ran up her arms. Sparky's touch was rough of a working man but soft at the same time.

"Ok so hold it like this right?"

Walking side by side with Sparky Faith lets out a small laugh as there small talk continues. She'd really warmed up well to him and didn't feel quiet as strange anymore.

Entering the barn once again and having Sparky put his arms over her shoulder Faith trys to pay attachen but cant help the tingling feeling she had felt before. It was strange to feel this way with someone she just met, but after spending most of the day with him Faith felt like she had known him all her life.

"Fifteen more, my goodness how many horses are at the ranch?"

Giving a small laugh Faith turns to look at Sparky flashing a smile. Not realizing just how close he was to her as Faith turns around she becomes face to face with him. Biting her lip just a little Faith looks into Sparky's eyes for a long moment.

"I'll keep helping you as long...as you don't mind. I'm having fun."

Listing to her father Katie gives a nervous laugh. His words were easily said, and she new they Agency had been defeated many times before but they always came back. It was an uncomfortable feeling.

I'm really not to scared, I just feel very uneasy that no matter what they are going to know who we are now.

Looking to her father, Rick, and than Jason Katie's eyes held a little worry. No matter what they did now the Agency would always know who they were. Not that they hid there ability from people, but they new how to make it so not the wrong people would know. But now that had changed, they were marked.

It's going to be ok J, as long as we stick together. We are stronger that way. I love you!

Looking back to Rick Katie nods, her eyes were opened more now and just tearing from the light but she could see. Her voice was still raspy but she could still talk, her head was spliting open but she could still think. If the Agency had been trying to take them out, they had failed and they wont continue to fail. Fear is what they wanted, and they couldn't give them that satisfaction.

"We need to figure out what they shot Jason with, and if they did the same to me what could happen. We need to be prepared and do all we can to build up an immunity and see why the did this to start with or what they hopped to achieve."

Sapphire can feel her lips curl up at Gage's comment. After a few moments her cheeks started to hurt but she just couldn't stop smiling. She was so happy that Gage liked the tree, and it came out even better than she had planned.

Holding her glass Sapphire comes up next to Gage slipping her hand into his once again. Why did that so often with Gage she wasnt sure, but it felt nice, and she liked it. She only hoped That Gage didn't mind ether.

"You really do a good job. I think this is one of the best looking tree's I have seen in a while. I think you have a talent for art."

Giving Gage a sidelong glance the smile was still on Sapphire's lips. His earlyer comment hadnt gone unnoticed, but she didnt want to make a big deal out of it eather and embarass him. So she would leave her words simple but with just as much meaning.

"Thanks by the way."