Standing Tall

*Wendy wheels herself over.* " I'll play winners."

*Rosetta nods to Mick. Looking at him in the eyes* "Ya. I just..dident want her to have to deal with this stuff just cuz she was a Pent. And she is anyways. Its going to be quiet but I am going to be happy when this will be over and we can start our lifes without worrying."

*As Carter looks to Katie she stands tall. Taking off her sunglasses and puting them in her pocket now it is visable just how much she really dose look like Rosetta. Almost spiting image when sehw as younger. Standing tall she replys.* " I wouldent be standing here if I dident believe he should get his job back." *Katie locks eyes with Carter not backing down by his percing stair.* " Jason has shown me what true lolty is and what sticking up for youself means. He has more curage than anyone I have known. And he has risk life and body for this comany."*Katie steps around Jason to stand next to him and be able to look better at Carter. Strating her shoulders she continues.* "When he was kidnaped he dident give in and tell the Agency about anything. He was strong and kept his mouth shut. Thats alot more than most people can say. He also drove 10,000 miles to get his job back. I would say that in its self shows true deadacation. Yes, he did breach sacurity, and He did almost try to kill Austin but thats was than and this is now. He's changed and he now alot better than he was. Sometimes facing death does that. Trust me I know that myself. If anyone deserves to be here its Jason." *On the outside Katie looks strong, determend. But on the inside she is shaking like a leaf.*

Carter

Mick chuckles and shakes his head. He comes all the way into the barn and sits across from Rosetta on an upturned bucket. “You know me way too well…” He studies her eyes for several moments. “Worried about Katie?”


Jeff, Clint and Eric agree to a card game with Wes, and move to the table, trying to form teams.



Jason makes it to the back of the busy floor, and stops at a closed door. He gives Katie one last glance, mustering up the rest of the gumption he has left, and continuing to hold the air he knows is necessary to get where he needs to go. “If they try to kick you out, don’t let them,” he warns. “You stick with me.”
After hesitating only a moment, he opens the door, ushering Katie in behind him.

The office is small but warm feeling with older furniture. A woman sits behind the desk and looks up, her eyes widening at the unannounced visitors. “Hotshot, uh, Jason…what are you doing here?”

“Hi to you too, Susanne.” Jason cocks his head as he leans on his crutches. “I need to see Reese.”

Susanne looks at him as if he’s crazy. “Do you know how many times Austin has called today about you? What ARE you doing?! And this must be the girl you took with you?”

“Susanne…” Jason moves closer to the desk, leaning over almost to her eye-level. “I need to see Reese.”

Susanne reaches for her phone, but Jason shakes his head, keeping his tone low and controlled, his body language completely mastering the situation. “Don’t even thinking about tipping off Austin.”

“But…”

Jason lifts an eyebrow in gentle warning. “Nuh-uh. Besides, I think you’ll find it difficult to do.”

Susanne glances at the phone, bewildered. “All four lines are busy….. you…” She looks up at him again, not amused. “Great. Nice work. But you still can’t see Reese. He’s busy.”

“Busy with what? Paperwork?” Jason straightens up and gestures with his head to the door on the other side of the room with Reese’s name on it. “And what’s stopping me from just walking in on him?”

“Jason, please!” Susanne begs. “He told me he didn’t want to talk to you, and here you are showing up unannounced – if I let you in there, I’LL be in trouble.”

“Not as much trouble as me.”

“You’re right about that. You’re the one that’s suspended.” Susanne sighs. “What are you really doing here, huh? Is it really worth all the trouble you’re getting yourself and this young lady into?”

Jason purses his lips and nods. “Could be. Now…I’m going in there to see Reese whether you like it or not. If you want to block the doorway, go ahead, but I doubt you want to try physical force with me.” He moves towards the door, nodding to Katie. “Come on.”

Susanne stands up from her chair, desperate. “But Jason….” She throws up her arms when Jason doesn’t turn around. “Fine,” she mutters under her breath. “It’s your head. I’m just the secretary.”

Without even knocking, Jason shoves Reese’s door open, and steps inside the larger more official-looking office.

A man in his late thirties swivels his chair around in surprise, looking at the two newcomers from behind his desk. “Jason! What on earth….?”

Jason hobbles closer to the desk, his jaw set in determination. “I want my suspension lifted.”

Reese’s eyes get even wider. “That’s what this is about? You skipped out on Austin to come all the way here and tell me that?”

“You’re not being fair with me, Reese. I didn’t have much of a choice.”

“Well…”

“No.” Jason shakes his head, cutting him off. “I’m tired of being pushed around. You know that suspension was uncalled for.”

Reese rises from his chair, showing his well-built frame, though is still a bit shorter than Jason. Irritation begins to show on his face. He glances at Katie, but already knowing who it is from Austin, he asks no questions, turning his focus back to Jason. “Look, there’s no excuses for any of those charges. Do you think I WANT you suspended? You’re the best man I’ve got! I want you back here so bad I can taste it! But my hands are tied, Jason. The request didn’t come from me, nor did the authorization. I can’t fight it and neither can you.”

“So who authorized it?”

“Carter.”

Jason grits his teeth. “Why, Reese? Why did I really get suspended? If anyone else could have been suspended on only one of those charges, why did it take this long for it to happen to me? Apparently no one cared up until this point, so what happened? Why did Austin request it?”

“This is confidential stuff and you know it.”

“I don’t care!” Jason raises his voice. “I have a right to know!”

Reese frowns at him. “Because Austin cares too much about you! You had enough stacked against you to have you thrown out of here entirely, but at least it was kept to a suspension. You’ve been through heck the last couple months and you almost died. Austin didn’t know any other way to protect you than to get you off the case.”

The news comes as a surprise to Jason, and for a moment, he almost loses his composure. Quickly gaining it back, he glares at his superior. “Look, I’m not a little kid. I know what I’m doing, and I can make my own decisions. I’m quite capable of handling myself and this case.”

“Yeah, you look like it.” Reese shakes his head. “You almost died, and you’re on crutches for pete’s sake. Would YOU want you out there on this case?”

Jason glares at him. “Make a remark like that again, and you might just find out the answer to that.”

“Are you threatening me?” Reese moves around his desk, facing Jason

“Take it how you want,” Jason challenges.

Before anyone can react, Reese takes a swing at Jason’s face.

Jason ducks and swings a crutch at Reese’s legs, knocking his feet out from under him. In a split second, he’s got Reese’s throat pinned under the end of the crutch, the other one in the air, threatening to be swung in his direction.

Reese holds up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. You’ve proven your point.”

Jason lets him go and steps back, resuming his position. “Now are we going to get this thing straightened out, or not?”

Reese gets up off the floor and shakes his head. “I told you…my hands are tied. So you’ve proven you can still handle yourself. What good does that do? Carter’s the one with the control and you know it.”

“Good.” Jason turns around. “Then we go see Carter.”

“But Jason! You can’t just barge in there!”

“Watch me.” Jason heads to another door in Reese’s office, motioning for Katie to follow him. Ignoring Reese’s warnings, he once again enters an office without knocking.

This third office is the biggest, but the simplest, with little furniture and an uncarpeted floor. An older man is standing near a bookcase and turns at the sound of visitors. Surprise flickers in this eyes, though he doesn’t allow his body language to show it.

Jason stops several feet in front of him, staring him straight in the eye. “Carter.”

Casey’s features prove the years have been hard on him, the weariness showing in his body and eyes. But he has a pride about him as he stands tall. “Jason.”

Jason stands bravely in place. “I want my suspension lifted. Reese said it had to come from you, so here I am.”

Carter chuckles, and turns his attention back to the book case, pulling off a book and thumbing through the pages. “You do realizes there were grounds for that suspension.”

“Yes.”

“And yet you have the nerve to want the sentence lifted?”

“There were reasons for everything.”

“Oh?” Carter raises an eyebrow. “You almost killed Austin.”

Jason swallows hard, shoving his emotions out of the picture. “I was emotionally and mentally distraught. Since then I have found help and have overcome that problem.”

Carter allows a pause. “What about disclosing private information without permission?”

“That was a judgment call I made and if I could do it over again, I would. There were too many secrets, and Austin was taking too long in telling the truth.”

Carter closes his book and puts it back on the shelf. He studies Jason for several moments, then shifts his gaze to Katie. “So, Katie Pent...” He studies her thoughtfully, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “What do you have to say about this? What say you about Jason? Do you think he should remain suspended or not, and if not, what are you reasons?”

Waiting

*Katie watches in aww at everyone and how much respect Jason had. He truly was honnered here. Stoping at Laura Katie is quiet as Jason talks. Returning her handshake Katie nods. Still following close behind Jason. As they near the doors in the back her heart starts to race as she gets nervouse.*

*Rosetta speaks aloud.* "I just wanted to keep her safe. I dident want her to make the same mistakes I did ya know." *Rosetta looks up and turns her head to Mick.* "Hey Mick." *Rosetta smiles.* " I new it was you. I can tell by the way you walk. I've known you for many years I master the house, the steps, the spaces between each." *Rosetta giggles alittle.* " What are you up to?"

*Back at the Mess hall Wes stands and pulls out a deck of cards and hold them up?* " Anyone wanna play alittle get out mind off everything for the time being. I know we are all worryed but, there is nothing we can do right now so we might as well try and keep our spirits up."

Co-workers

It’s after supper. Mick wanders from the mess hall, taking in a deep breath of the evening air. What else could go wrong? Would things ever settle down? Would they really ever be able to end this thing? It seemed things were going wrong one after the other.
He shakes his head and ambles towards the barn, looking for nothing in particular. Entering, he spots Rosetta. Stopping briefly, he wonders if she wants to be left alone, and is unsure whether he should stay or leave.



Jason swings his way down the center aisle of the cubicles, aiming for the very back where there were several doors.

“Yo, Jason!” A young man stops his own route, with paperwork in his hands. “What are you doing around here? I heard you were laid up.”

Jason pauses for a moment. “Just checking in, Drake. Nothing that these crutches can’t cure.”

Drake lifts an eyebrow at Jason’s serious tone, and doesn’t bother asking who Katie is. “Alright….Catch you later then, I guess.”

Jason nods and starts forward again. People look up from what they’re doing, and pause in their own work as they pass. By their body language, it’s obvious that Jason is very well-known and respected. Few dare to get in his way, as his lifted chin implies he’s not to be toyed with this evening.

Halfway to the back, a young woman meets them in the aisle, flashing a smile at Jason. “Hey, Hotshot!”

“Laura.” Jason nods, keeping his tone at a friendly but cool level.

Laura puts a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Didn’t expect to see you back in this neck of the woods yet.”

“I’m not.”

“Oh?” Laura looks at him with question.

Jason shakes his head, remaining collected. “I won’t be here long enough to even go to the office.”

Laura doesn’t ask what he means, but refocuses her attention to Katie. “Who’s your friend?”

Jason allows a grin to sneak out. “My bodyguard.”

Laura is taken aback for just a moment, but then senses the humor in Jason’s voice, and extends her hand to Katie. “Well, Bodyguard, welcome to TJY.”

Jason throws her a warning glance. “No questions, Laura.”

She takes the hint, and backs off with nod. “As you wish.” She cocks her head at Jason. “How’s the leg? Heard you had a close call.”

“Let’s just say I don’t care to do it again.” Jason nods to the back of the floor. “Who’s in tonight?”

“Everyone.”

“Good. See you later.”

“Okay.” Laura gives a brief wave, and turns her attention back to what she’d been doing.

Jason starts forward again, but stops and turns back to her. “Hey, Laura…”

“Yes?”

“Take care of the phones, will ya?”

Laura thinks for only a moment before nodding knowingly, proving her own respect for him. “Good as done.”

“Thanks.” Once again, Jason takes route, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Katie is still with him. He ignores the looks of question and curiosity that are thrown his way, staying focused on his purpose.

New place

*Rosetta stands abruptly.* " I have to get some air." *Rosetta leaves the mess hall and heads for the barn. Entering she stops at the stall with Beauty. Exstending her hand she pets the folls nose. So gental this small animel was. It was hard to imagen who her father was. That was so long ago. So many years had past since that time. So many adventurs they had been on. So many dangers. Rosetta with draws her hand and sits down on a bail of hay. Her thoughts drift her and there.*

*Katie keeps close to Jason. Making sure to her head up like she was one of them let trying to get the layout of there sarroundings. What an amazing play TJY was indeed. Katie walks swiftly behind Jason.*

Arrival

Jason throws Katie a wry grin, and steers the car into the driveway. Stopping at the security booth, he rolls down the window.

The guard eyes him suspiciously. "State your business."

Jason quirks an eyebrow cockily and flashes his ID card.

The guard looks it over and hands it back. He nods to Katie with rude question.

Jason stares him in the eye, warning him not to ask questions. "She's with me."

After a moment, the guard relents. "Alright. You're clear." He re-enters the booth to open the gate.

Jason takes a deep breath and drives through, following the route around to the back of the building. "Well, one good thing - apparently security hasn't gotten wind of me being missing, which means Austin is still clueless." He parks between several other cars and gets out, retrieving his crutches. "Alright...follow me and keep close."

He leads the way to a small entrance door, using his ID card to unlock it. A buzzer sounds, opening the door, and he makes sure Katie is still with him. Directly inside is an elevator, and he presses the button for the lower level. The ride is short, and when it opens, a whole new world appears. The basement of the building is huge, with dozens of cubicles, computer stations and people mulling around. The lights are bright, leading one to think they aren't even underground. Conversations buzz from every direction, phones ring, and a couple people hurry by, not even noticing the newcomers.

Jason nods to Katie. "Well...this is it. Come on."

Hotshot

*Katie nods to Jason. Pulling her rubberband from her pocket she throws her hair back up again and puts her sun glasses on again.* "ok...lead the way Hotshot." *Katie gives alittle grin.

*Rosetta anger grows, than dies, than grows again as her emotions run around in circles. She is worryed, upset, not understanding why Katie would do something like this. Rosetta shakes her head and heads to the office to get some work done ending again in the Mess hall asking Austin if he heard anything yet.*

Welcome

Austin sighs in disgust as they find nothing. "No one I've called has heard from him either." He shakes his head. "There's no point in trying to track a bank or credit card - Jason's too smart for that. I honestly don't know where he'd slip up, if he would at all." He rolls his eyes. "He's too smart for his own good, that's the problem. I've got a squad on the lookout for Pete's car, but without even knowing where Jason has gone, it won't do a whole lot of good. I guess we just keep looking."

The day seems to last forever, and no one at the ranch can find any information to lead them to where Jason and Katie might have gone. False hope rises when someone from TJY calls in with a report on Pete's car, but it ends up being misinformation, and they're back to square one.

By supper time, the tension has worsened, and anger has built even more.

Austin throws down a file folder of paper on the table with a whack. "Soon as that boy gets back here, he's gonna be under house arrest, or so help me, I'll..."

"You'll what?" Cindy leans in the kitchen doorway, her face proving she's just as upset as everyone else. "Fire him? Knock his block off? You do realize that probably the reason he's gone is because of threats like that."

"Are you saying it's my fault?"

"No..." Cindy shakes her head slowly. "But you know Jason doesn't react well to that kind of treatment."

Austin groans and turns his back to look out the window, not admitting he's more worried than upset. "Where are you, Jase?"


Jason slows Pete's car down as they come upon a long driveway, leading back a ways from the road into a wide parking lot that surrounds a large warehouse-type building with the company's name boldly proclaimed on the side. A security booth sits on the side of the driveway with an electronic gate, hindering anyone who doesn't belong there.
Pausing, Jason lets out a slow breath. "I could very well lose my job completely at TJY for this..." He shakes his head and straightens in his seat, throwing on his confident air. "Just follow my lead and act like you belong here." He reaches in his pocket, pulling out his ID card. "Welcome to TJY."

Credit Card

*Rosetta nods and stands pulling out a phone book. Starting to dial numbers.*

*Wes sits thinks for a long moment.* " I know I shouldent but I know Katies laptop is in Jason bunk, I am gonna go and see if there is any clues on that as to where they might go." *Wes gets up and leaves the mess hall making his way to Jason's bunk.*

*As they enter navada Katie looks with aww.* "So...I'm gonna meet "Carter" himself huh when we get there. Intresting. Everyone says I look alot like my aunt, I wonder if he will know who I am." *Katie cant help but giggle as her excitment builds.* "Hey..I guess we are like the new age Bonnie and Clide."

*Rosetta comes back to the table and sits down.* "Nothing. Does Jason have a bank card or Credit card he might have used for Gas we can track? I know Katie took her cash she was saving so they might of been smart and used that. But we can hope they slipped up somewhere."

*Wes enters the mess hall again after a long while.* "Hey, I was looking on Katie's laptop and there was a message from Jay on there. Do you think they went to see him?"

*Rosetta looks at Wes in astonishment.* "Katie never told me her wrote her a letter. Maybe thats why she has seemed so distint latly." *Rosetta shakes her head.* "Katie dident like Jay much I dont think she would of seem him. I'll call just is case." *Rosetta dials Jays number.* "Hey Sharri....is Jay there?...Hey Big Bro...its Rosetta. Ya I know it has been awhile...Hey listen have you hurd anything from Katie...I dident think so...Her and a friend of hers took off lastnight and we dont know where they went...Ya...ok..thx. Ok...I'll let you know. Thanks Bro." *Rosetta hangs up the phone.* "Nothing."

Calls

Cindy just shakes her head. "Where would he have gone? I just don't understand. It's not like him to do something like this...I know he was upset, but...why wouldn't he have told me?"

Austin gets up and begins to pace, racking his brain. "There's got to be a logical answer...would he have gone far? Out of town? His note said he'd be gone a couple days...but that doesn't mean a thing. He could have just slipped down to a hotel an hour away to make us sweat."

Cindy frowns. "Why would he do that? He's not mean."

"No, but maybe he wanted to prove a point or something....maybe he thought we'd say we needed him back. Maybe he's going to wait a couple days, then call and say he'll come back if he gets his job back."

"Would you give it to him?" Con scoffs.

"After this?! Ha!" Austin grimaces. "This is the last straw as far as I'm concerned."

"What if he went after a lead?"

"In his condition?"

Con shrugs. "He's not alone."

Sparky intervenes. "You think he'd actually go after a lead on the Agency with Katie as his only partner, and without telling anyone?"

Con purses his lips in thought. "If he felt he had something to prove...maybe."

"This is ridiculous." Austin finds his chair again. "This is just plain ridiculous." He picks up his phone again. "I'm going to start calling anyone I think Jason might have contacted. Rosetta, how about calling hotels within a fifty mile radius and see if any reservations have been made?"



Jason lets a grin slip. "You're as bad as I am." He looks back to the road ahead. "Nevada, here we come."

Through thick and thin

*Wes looks to Cindy than to Rosetta.* "What why...Oh man...Katie." *Wes goes over next to Cindy and puts his hand in his hands.*

*Frustrated Rosetta dials Katie's cell. Geting no answer once again she slams it down.* "Out of all the stupid thing to do. I thought she was smarter than this. "

*Katie listens to her phone ring again than looks to Jason and smiles.* " I am old enough to make my own desistions. And if I dident want to stick with you, I wouldent be here now." *Katie offers a small smile to Jason.*

You sure?

Austin groans, finally plopping down into a chair. "I don't have a clue where he would have gone...Con?"

Con stays standing, folding his arms across his chest. "Well, he hasn't led on about going anywhere at all. I'm just as surprised as y'all are..." He shakes his head. "I know he was upset about being suspended...maybe he was just mad and took off to cool down."

"But WHERE?" Austin slams a hand down onto the table. "Of all the stupid...I can't believe he did this! To put himself in jeopardy is one thing, then to top it all off, he dragged Katie along with him." He takes his phone and dials angrily, waiting for just a moment. "Yeah, Reese, it's Austin. You haven't heard from Jason by any chance, have you? ....No, he left in the middle of the night without telling anyone. ...You haven't?" He sighs in disgust. "I didn't think he would have talked to you, but it was worth a shot. We don't know where he would have gone. ...Well, he was upset about being suspended... Con thinks he might have just taken off to cool down, but we still don't know where that would be. ......No, we don't think it was foul play. He left me a note. ....Alright. If you hear anything, call me right away. Thanks." He hangs up, his face showing his anger. "He's never done anything like this before. I don't get it."

Cindy looks up as Wes enters, tears of worry behind her eyes. "Jason and Katie are gone. No one knows where they went. You don't know anything, do you?"


Jason sighs deeply, shaking his head. "I am so dead..." He pauses, looking at Katie out of the corner of his eye. "You sure you want to stick with me on this one?"

Voicemail

*As Rosetta listens to the phone ring she talks to Sparky.* " He new better than to leave her here, she would tell us where he was going. " *Feeling frustrared and helpless only makes Rosetta bloodboil more.* "Come on Katie. Answer your phone do the right thing before you both get youself killed."

*Katie's eyes linger on Jason for a long while. She slowly she puts her phone back in her pocket. Returning her gaze to outside.*

*Rosetta finally gets Katie's voice mail. Rosetta leaves a message in a stern voice.* "KATIE LYNN PENT YOU GET YOU BUTT HOME THIS INSTINE DO YOU HEAR ME. AND BRING JASON WITH YOU. YOU BOTH ARE IN BIG TROUBLE." *Rosetta slams the phone down.* " We have no idea where they would go at all? Non what so every?"

*Wes walks into the mess hall as everyone is shouting.* "Whoa whoa whats going on.?"

*Katie takes out her phone again and plats the message.* "This is not going to be fun when we get back."

Don't

Austin rolls his eyes and throws up his hands. "Great. I should have known he'd take her with him. Those two are..." He bites his tongue from saying something regrettable.

Con arrives on the scene, not surprised by the tension. "The cameras are back up, but Pete's car is gone. Jason skipped didn't he."

Austin grits his teeth. "Yeah, he skipped all right. No location, no nothing. I don't have a clue where he would have gone."


Jason raises an eyebrow and glances to Katie. "Don't answer it. I need to get to TJY before they figure out where we've gone. The element of surprise is the only thing I've got."

She's gone

*Katie can feel Jason's stress and tention.* "Its gonna be ok J. Its gonna work out." *Katie continues to look out the window at everything going by.*

*Rosetta nods and geting up leaving for Katies bunk. After several moment Rosetta comes bursting back into the mess hall. Her face red with anger.* "She's gone. Her backpack, money, clothing, cell phone, everything is gone." *Taking her phone she dials Katies cell.*

*As Katie gets lost in thought her cell phone strats to ring and vibrate. Taking her phone from her pocket she see its Rosetta. Lookng at the phone and than to Jason she states.* "Its my Aunt."

*Rosetta waits as the phone rings.*

He's Gone

Jason keeps his eyes on the road as the radio plays, his mind far from the music and lyrics. Miles go by, and the stress of the situation wears on him. There are so many variables...


Austin holds up the crumpled paper. "Look, Jason rigged the cameras so no one would see him leave, and he stole Pete's car. Left this note, not even telling me where he'd been. Does that sound to you like he took a joy ride to town?" He shakes his head in frustration. "Find Katie. Jason usually tells her what he's up to, and I need to know where he's gone."

Cindy stops drinking her coffee, worry coming back all over again. "Oh, Jason," she moans quietly. "What have you done now?"

Worry

*Katie eats her yogurt and drinks her coffee. Katie takes in the sights as they drive. This being the fathest from home she has ever been its all new and exciting for her. Reaching over she turns the raido on and listens to the first song that sounds cool: January One, I got a lot of things on my mind I'm looking at my body through a new spy satelliteI try to lift a finger but I don't think I can make a call So tell me if I move 'cause I don't feel anything at all. So carry me I'm just a dead man Lying on the carpet Can't find a heartbeat Make me breathe I wanna be a new man Tired of the old one Out with the old plan.*

*Everyone looks up as Austin comes pursting into the messhall.*

*Rosetta lifts her head from her paper work.* " What do you mean Jason is gone? You mean taken again? Surely if that was the case Katie would of come and told us. Are you sure he is not in town or something?" *Rosetta thinks for a moment relizing she hasent seen Katie all morning eather.* "I have seen Katie yet this morning at all. Maybe they went out together somewhere and will be back soon!" *Rosetta trys to stay calm but the look in Austins eyes makes it hard to do that.*

Morning

Jason concentrates on the road, every once in a while throwing a glance in Katie's direction. There weren't many people he knew that would trust him enough to follow him blindly like she would. It was a unique feeling.
Once the silence is broken, he nods. "Yeah, we'll stop here pretty soon. We're gonna need gas anyway. I know a good truck stop up here a ways."

By the time they pull off the interstate into the truck stop, it's seven o'clock and the sun is throwing its warm greeting over the land. With the car fueled up and breakfast in hand, it's quickly back on the road to head northwest. Jason downs a breakfast sandwich and orange juice, swallowing several pain killers as well. He looks a the clock with satisfaction. "We're making good time."



Austin and Con make their way to the ranch, using the now well-worn trail. As they aim for the mess hall, Austin looks towards Jason's bunk. Though knowing the situation between himself and his grandson is tense, he goes up the porch, simply to check on him. He's surprised that there's a note taped to the door, and he takes it off and opens it.

Austin -
Sorry about the cameras. Tell Brent it's switch eleven. Let Pete know his baby is in good hands and will be returned soon; apologies for not asking first.
The undisclosed location I'm headed to will keep me for a couple days. I'll be back as soon as the situation allows.
Jason

Austin's eyes widen as he reads, the anger immediately beginning to boil. He crumples the paper in his fist. "Con! Get back to the cabin and check the cameras, then check on Pete's car and call me."

Though surprised and confused, Con obeys, turning to jog back down the trail.

Austin makes a beeline for the mess hall. There was only one person there who might know where Jason would have gone.
He bursts into the mess hall, met by surprised stares. He scans the room, his irritation growing. Katie's not there. "Jason has skipped out on us," he announces loudly. "If anyone knows anything, now's the time to say it."

Sunrise

*As they speed down the road Katies mind wonders. It feel strange siting here now with him while she was more awake. Just recnetly she had felt so strange when Jason had told her he was going to the social with Jade. Now she wasent sure how to feel. Jason was her friend and she was happy for that, but her heart wanted more even though she new being his friend was enough. Glancing over at Jason she can see he is deturmend. He has that smile on his face she has seen so many times before. All that Katie was feeling about him and Jade is gone for now. Jason has asked her to go with him. Maybe he really did care and she was just looking to much into him and Jade. This truly was going to be an adventure. After a few hours of silence Katie speaks again.* "We should probley stop some where to get some breakfest soon. Dont need your sugar geting to low. If you start to get tired I can drive for alittle bit too." *As they keep driving Katies hair blows in the breeze as she lets it down out of the pony tail to dry. The wind in her face and the smell of the air in her noise. All her worrys drift away she felt free. Turning she looks at Jason without saying anything only smiling. As sunrise comes the sky turns pink, and purple, blue and red. The colors bouncing off Katies face. She has never seen something so pretty in her life.*

On the road

Jason lets a slight chuckle out at Katie. “Yeah, you look great. Come on.”

He leads the way as quietly as possible, moving swiftly on his crutches. He heads down the driveway, then veers off onto a path that leads away from the ranch yard. He doesn’t say much until the small hideout comes into view. “Alright.” He stops and whispers. “Pete’s car is hidden just a short ways away from the cabins. I hacked into the camera system about an hour ago so no one should have seen us so far. They’ll fix it in the morning. We should be able to get the car started and get out of here without waking anyone up.” He throws Katie a grin. “His mustang purrs like a kitten.”

Jason keeps going, leading the way to the car that’s covered with a tarp. Taking it off, he gestures for Katie to get in the passenger side. After getting his crutches in the back seat, he eases in behind the steering wheel. Within minutes, they’ve hit the main road, and Jason revs the engine, pushing the speed limit down the darkened highway.

Finally he glances to Katie. “Alright…Reese isn’t taking my calls, Austin and I aren’t on speaking terms, and my future is in jeopardy. I’m going to TJY in a last ditch effort to get Carter to repeal my suspension. It’ll take us about sixteen hours to get there. Once we arrive, it might get a little hairy if Reese won’t see me, but I’m bound and determined to speak my mind, and I’ll do it one way or another.”

Leaving

*Katie just looks at Jason for a moment.* "Ya...I'll come along. Let me get dressed. Come on in so no one see you standing out there." *Katie grabs her black jeans, and her nice dress shirt from her dresser. Going into the bathroom she hopes in the shower fast. Than gets out and gets dressed. Throwing her hair up in a pony tail she exits the bathroom. Going over to her desk shair she grabs her brown suade coat and puts it on. Taking her black sungalss from her pocket she throws them on and looks at Jason with a smile.* " I look good dont I?" *Katie laughs and grstures to the door.* " Ok lets get going and you can explain whats going on, on they way." *Before leaving the bunk Katie grab her wallet and takes some money from her dresser and puts it into her coat knowing they will probley need it. Also she grabs her backpack that has a bunch of stuff in case of an emergncy along with her cell phone.*

You coming?

Jason gives half a wry grin at Katie’s groggy appearance, and he keeps his voice low. “I’m going to TJY - should get there after supper time. You coming along or what?”

I can feel

*Katie sound asleep jolts up in bed hearing the knock. Looking at the clock she see it is 3am. Rubing her eyes she just sits there for a moment leting the get use to the dark. After a moment she can feel with out a question who is at the door. Geting up she answers the door in her over sized sweatshirt and blue striped shorts.* "J...." *Katie says in a groggy voice.* "...J I'd ask you if everything was ok, but I can feel it is. Whats up?"

Night visitor

Jason nods thoughtfully. "Yeah, I still gotta get you that lighter rifle I promised you ages ago. Remind me in a few days again and we'll go get it." He sighs deely and looks a the clock. "Well, I think I'm gonna take a shower then head to the mess hall so everyone at least knows I'm alive." He swings his legs over the side of the bed, biting back a wince. "I'll catch ya in a bit."

Clint stands a little straighter, feeling good that he's shared with Rosetta. He's on the right track with his past mistakes, he's doing well with Wes, and he's making the right choices now. Maybe things really were looking up.
His face reddens slightly at the mention of the winter social. "Um...I haven't asked her yet," he admits. "I'm planning to though." He gives her a sheepish grin, then turns to leave. "Thanks, Rosetta. I better get back out to helping Wes."


Before everyone knows, it evening is upon the ranch once again. The gang gathers in the mess hall for supper, the mood fairly light. Clint is able to muster up the guts to join Rosetta in telling the others about his and Wendy’s finding, and it’s decided to sleep on it before taking any action.

Jason joins in for the evening meal, though avoids Con and his grandfather, purposely sitting at another table. Con won’t meet his gaze, and he makes a point of tossing Austin a look that could kill. Jason doesn’t allow the tension to affect anything else though, and tries to enjoy the company around him.


The next few days seem to go quickly, despite the mundane routines assumed around the ranch. Jade snatches up any free opportunities to be with Jason, while he continues to be sociable, but withdrawing to the privacy of his bunk often, not letting on about any plans.



It’s three o’clock in the morning. Everything is set. Jason throws on a pair of jeans, laces up his boots and dons his black leather jacket. He feels for Pete’s keys in his pocket to ensure they’re there, and he grabs his wallet to stuff in his back pocket. He takes one last look at himself in his mirror, standing tall. He’s dressed to kill and he knows it. If he’s going to make an impression, it’s going to be a good one…it was his only chance.

Slowly he heads out of his bunk, letting his door shut quietly behind him, and he hobbles down the steps with his crutches. He’s supposed to go to therapy tomorrow…but it will just have to wait.
He makes his way down the driveway, but something in his gut stops him, and he pauses. He knows that he’s making a decision some will thing is rash. He knows that he will be in big trouble with Austin, despite the note he left on his door. He’s going through with it anyway, as a last ditch effort.
But…for once…he weighs the choices of going alone, or with company. And for once…he feels the want of a friend. He’s usually a loner…but the thought of company is strangely appealing, and if there’s anyone he’d want along, it was her.

Turning around, he aims for Katie’s bunk. Finally making it up the short steps, he raps his knuckles on the door, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one is watching. “Katie?” he calls quietly.

Disapointment

*Katie's smile slowly fades. A sadness and pain in her heart. Trying not to let it show Katie laughs.* "Thats ok I probley wont go anyways." *Katie giggles as she puts her smile back on.* "Ya I was doing alittle bit of shooting. Trying to clear my mind from everything with my Dad. I figured I could of use the practice anyways."

*Rosetta takes the paper and nods at Clint.* "Thank you for coming to me with this Clint. You did the right thing." *Rosetta hands the paper back to Clint.* "Lets let everyone know about this at dinner ok." *Rosetta smiles proud that Clint came to her.* " So are you gonna take Wendy to the Winter Social in town? I bet she would like it."

Too late

Clint jumps in surprise as Rosetta comes up behind him. “Oh, sheesh.” He rolls his eyes at himself. “You’d think I would have heard you coming.” He follows Rosetta inside and shifts his weight awkwardly. “Listen, um…there’s something I should have told you a long time ago… I was going to tell you a few weeks ago, but everything got crazy, so I didn’t. I think maybe Luke and Angel know a little bit, but Wendy and I didn’t share it with anyone.” He reaches into his back pocket and retrieves a couple folded printouts. “Wendy and I found information on a woman named Trace. We questioned her resemblance to Luke, and we saw that she was involved with Casey at one time. After hearing Austin a few weeks ago, I wondered if maybe Trace was one of the people that Casey wouldn’t talk about. At any rate…we found where she currently resides with her husband, and there is contact information.” Clint swallows hard, knowing that keeping secrets never went over well in this group. “I…we thought maybe we’d find something ourselves and be helpful, but…I guess maybe we should have shared this sooner.”


Jason grins as Katie comes into his bunk. He shrugs off her thanks for the flowers, uninterested in making a big deal out of it.
As Katie asks him to the winter social, his eyes widen. Not even thinking, he lets a chuckle escape, proving he’s oblivious to Katie’s seriousness. “Well, if ya would have come five minutes sooner, you might have had a chance. But Jade beat you to it.” He shakes his head in amusement, not catching on to Katie’s subtle embarrassment, and not believing that any of this is that big of a deal. “So what have you been up to today? I heard some shots - target practice?”

Asking

*Wes nods at Clint.* "It takes time." *Feeling Clint is uncomfortable talking about Jim he lets the conversation change.* "Ok try tighting that over there....ok now change those to wires. Ok let see if this thing will work now."

*Rosetta comes up behind Clint on the porch with a bunch of mail in her hand.* "I guess it would help if I was in there to answer the door huh?" *Rosetta cant help but smile at Clint. Opening the door She smiles.* "Come on in."

*Firing off the last round in her gun a paper blows past Katies feet. Puting her guns sadtl on and than returning it to her holdster she runs after the paper. A smile comes to her face as she reads. It would be fun to go with Jason and get them both and about for a bit. Stuffing the paper into her pocket Katie heads for Jason's bunk. As she draws closer she see Jade heading out. Katie nods at Jade as she goes up the steps on a mission. Katie knocks on the door as it swings open. Looking in she see Jason siting up on bed. Katie steps in.* "Hey J. I'm happy to see your up and eating something. I was gonna ask if you wanted anything. Oh thank you for the flowers. I love them. You sure do know how to make a girl smile dont you." *Katie smiles at Jason. Siting down she pulls the paper out of her pocket.* "Hey J I was gonna ask...I found this out in the clearing and its for a winter social, and I was wondering if maybe you would like to go with me. I dont normaly go to this kind of stuff but I thought it would be nice for us to get out of the ranch for a bit and have some fun." *Katie's face turns alittle red as she askes Jason being alittle embarssed.*

Invitation

Clint concentrates on the job he's doing, but takes to heart what his uncle is saying. "Thanks, Wes...I appreciate all your help." He mulls over what was said about him looking like Jim, and he pauses, wrench in hand, for just a moment. "Jim and I had a good talk the other day...I guess maybe we're mending the bridge that almost got burned." He shrugs. "Maybe one of these days he and I will have a better relationship."
Not comfortable with talking about it further right now, he turns back to the motor. "Now...let's get this sucker running..."


Jade gives Wendy a knowing grin as they talk about Clint, but she doesn't tease. Looking to the kitchen, she nods. "Oh yeah, thanks. I'll see you a bit later." She goes to the kitchen, and a few minutes later, she and Mick head outside for a walk.


Morning becomes afternoon, and the day progresses slowly.

Taking a break, Clint heads to Rosetta's office and knocks on the door. "Rosetta?"



A tennis ball flies through the air, ricochets off the wall and back into Jason's hand. He tosses it again, aiming at nothing, and catching it, just to throw it back. He's been awake for an hour, sitting up on his bed, his mind reeling. His mind has wandered back to TJY, Austin, an his suspension. Con's words come back to him, "Don't fight it. Let it go." But how could he let it go? How could he just sit back and take it? Yes, he'd made mistakes, and yes, the charges were all true. But he'd had his reasons...there were explanations. Did he not have a right to defend himself?
He throws the ball with force, and it stings his palm as it bounces back to him. He'd tried calling Reese a while ago, and had been given the runaround by another secretary. It was obvious that Reese was not going to take his calls, avoiding the whole issue, which just made Jason all the madder.
As the tennis ball's banging noise against the wall drones on, a hard determination forms in Jason's mind. He may have made some mistakes, but this treatment was unfair. But if Reese wasn't going to talk to him, there was only one option left.
He catches the ball one last time, his gaze fixed on the blank wall. Maybe it wasn't the wisest decision, and it was certainly wasn't something he could tell anyone else about. But it was his only chance.
His mind begins to formulate a plan, calculating all the variables, and all the scenarios that might occur. The end result would either be very good or very bad. But either way, he couldn't just sit here and do nothing.
Jason throws the ball one last time, his mind made up. Now all he needed was a couple opportune times to get things in place so he would not be hindered.

A knock at the door startles him, and he stops throwing the ball again. "Yeah, come on in."

Jade timidly opens the door and steps inside. "Hey...I wasn't sure if you were awake or not. No one saw you at lunch, so we assumed you were still sleeping."

Jason grins, shoving his plans to the back of his mind. "Yeah, I just woke up a while ago."

"I brought you something to eat if you wanted it..." Jade holds out a paper plate with a sandwich and some fruit. "Your mom said you get low blood sugar if you don't eat."

Jason chuckles. "She was right, and I am a bit hungry."

"Good." Jade comes and sits on the edge of the bed, handing Jason the food. "How are you feeling?"

Jason takes as bit of the sandwich and nods. "Alright until the pain meds wear off. But I feel better than everyone's treating me." He throws her a wry grin. "Not that I mind the attention."

Jade blushes slightly.

"Nah, really I feel pretty good." Jason shrugs. "I know everyone who saw me at death's door might expect me to be in worse shape, but I think sleeping for three weeks did me good."

Jade looks at his face with sympathy. "Does that hurt?"

"What, this?" Jason gestures to his fresh scar. "Not much. The doctor said I could see a plastic surgeon if I wanted, but I figure it's just part of me now...it's a good reminder of my mortality every time I look in the mirror."

Jade cocks her head. "I think it gives you character."

A grin makes its way across Jason's face again as he takes another bite of his sandwich. "Let's just hope none of my ventures give me any more character, okay?"

Jade laughs. "Alright." She pauses, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, I wanted to tell you...I've gotten out a bit lately, and I saw that there's a winter social event in town in about two weeks. Sparky said that the church is involved too, so it's a good clean event. They have food, games, dancing... that sort of thing..." She looks at him with question.

Jason lifts an eyebrow, pausing his chewing. "And..."

"Well..." Jade's face reddens slightly. "I thought maybe you'd like to go. I know everyone's worried about security and everything, but Sparky and Mel are going...I don't know about any of the others yet, but it's not like it's out in the boonies where something can go wrong."

Jason swallows and thinks for just a moment, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And do I look like someone who could join in the festivities?"

Jade rolls her eyes. "It's a social event. Who cares if you can't get up and dance? I certainly wouldn't. Besides, it would be fun to get out and meet some other people... get our minds off everything that's been going on, if only for a couple hours." She grins at him. "So...what do you say?"

Jason wonders if the decision he'd made just a short while ago would affect these plans. But if everything went his way, it wouldn't. And Jade's invitation did have a certain appeal. Her enthusiasm to do something like that with him made him feel good in a way that was new to him. He concentrates on his food again, slyly allowing the silence to create tension.

Jade looks at him expectantly, the heat rising to her cheeks. "If you don't want to that's okay, I..." Jason's teasing glance makes her face grow even redder. "You turkey."

Jason laughs. "And I thought you cared. Now you're calling me names."

"Well I wouldn't if you'd just give me an answer!" Jade slaps his arm teasingly.

Jason shakes his head, still laughing. "Alright, I won't torture you. Yes, I'll go."

"Yay!" Jade smiles broadly. "Good. Now, I'm going to leave you in peace. If you need anything, call up at the mess hall."

I'm glad

*As Katie steps out of Jason's bunk she looks back. He is sound asleep already. Katie smiles and whispers.*"Rest well." *Making her way off the porch she feels her gun that she had forgoten was in her pocket. Deciding to do some target practice she heads for her bunk to get more bullets. Upon entering she see the flowers on her bed. Before reading the note she knows who they are from. Siting down on the bed Katie picks up the flowers with a smile and a small blush to her face. Reading the note she speaks aloud.* "What would I do without you J." *Standing she puts the flowers into the water, and grabs her bullits. Before leaving she runs her hands over the flower pettles and smiles. Jason made her feel good, he made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Leaving the bunk she makes her way to the clearing and the makeshift target. Keeping in the back of her mind to thank Jason when he wakes up.*

*Wendy smiles at Clint's name.* "Ya, Clint is a great guy. He's sweet, handsum, smart." *Wendy blushes a bit as she talks about Clint relizing she is geting carryed away. Looking up she can see Mick disapear into the kitchen.* "Hey it looks like you can have your time with your dad not he just disapeared into the kitchen." *Wendy grins at Jade.* "We can talk more later."

*Wes whipes his hands off on a rag.* "See your geting the hang of it. Its not that hard just alot of stuff to remember." *Wes looks at Clint for a moment.* " You looks more and more like Jim everyday. I'm might proude of you Clint. You new you did something wrong and your trying to correct it. Thats alot more than some people try and do. Your doing the right thing." *Wes gives a small grin.*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*As Sam turns and looks back at the house a dark figure enters it. Yelling to BJ she says.* "BJ..come on its time to go."

*BJ looks up from the sand box.* "Awww...Sham do I have to?"

*Sam looks to BJ.* "YES...come on let go."

*BJ stands and brushs the sand off himself. Bending down he takes the little shovel he had and hands it to the little girl he was playing with.* "Here you do. You can have." *Smiling at the little girl he runs after Sam.*

*Taking BJ's hand Sam makes her way for the house again. After entering she looks into the livinf room and see Stan siting at the table.*

*BJ makes a funny face at Stan.*

"BJ I want you to run upstairs and play. I will call you down for lunch soon ok." *Sam asks BJ.*

"Otay" *BJ reply. and makes his way up the steps.*

*After BJ is up stairs Sam makes her way into the kitchen and sits down at the table.* "What are you doing here Stan?"

*Stan looks at Sam a very solem look on his face.* " You know your not to take that brat out of the house."

*Sam looks at Stan fire burning in her eyes.* "He has a name you know. And yes I know I am not saposto but he is a little boy. He need space to run around, and play with kids his own age. Just because the Agency made a mistake with him dosent mean he should be kept cages like an animel."

*Stan looks at Sam. He can tell something is differnt. Changed about her.* "And what if someone saw him and reconize who he was?"

"Stan no one is going to be all the way out here who knows him ok." *Sam states.*

*Standing and heading for the door Stan says in a scoffing tone.* "Ya well we will see what the boss has to say about this. He's not going to be to happy Sam. If I were you I'd watch your step."

"Is that a thret Stan?"

"No Sam, that a promise." *With that Stan walk out of the house and gets into his car driving off.*

*For a long moment Sam sits at the table. A new fear running through her. She hoped the boss would understand and not be as upset as Stan was. She had her orders to keep BJ inside but she couldent do that to him. BJ was very smart for his age. He excelled at the school work she did with him at the house. Passing with flying colors. Sam felt sad knowing that BJ would never be a normel kid. So much in his life was not normal. It hurt to think of this poor boy not understanding what was going on around him.*

A note

Jason gives Katie a solemn grin. “Eh, I’ve settled on knowing I’ll probably never meet my dad. But it’s okay. I’ve moved passed that.”
He sighs deeply, feeling a yawn coming on. His mind insists that Katie can stay, but his body insists he needs the rest. “I suppose some sleep would probably do me good.” He closes his eyes wearily, as Katie gets up, only now realizing just how tired he is. “Thanks for everything, Katie…” His voice trails off as she starts to leave, the sleep much stronger than he’d anticipated, as it pulls him out of reality, forcing his body to rest.

…Waiting on Katie’s bed is a neatly wrapped bouquet of a dozen roses. A note simply reads, “I heard you saved my life. Can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done. Grateful to have you as a friend. – Jason”



Jade smiles, looking up from the book she’s been reading. “Yeah, I’m doing pretty well, thanks.” She sighs a little. “Not quite what I’d imagined with my dad being gone the last few weeks, but I understand the need for it. I suppose I’ll get my time with him when I need to.” She grins and nods to the door. “So…you and Clint seem to be pretty close…”

Mick enters the mess hall through the front door, but seeing Jade involved in a conversation with Wendy, he heads to the kitchen for some iced tea.

ok

*Katie puts her hand Jason's shoulder.* " Maybe someday you will be able to see your dad too. I think I'll write back to him. But not now. I need time to think everything out." *Katie glances at Jason.* " You look tired. Want me to leave you be so you can get some sleep?"

*Angel smiles at Mick as he leave the tack room. After a moment Angel heads out herself*

*Rosett walks out of her office right as Angel starts to walk by.* "Hey Angel have you seen Mick?"

*Angel nods.* "Ya I was just talking to him. I think he was heading to the mess hall. Everything ok?"

*Rosetta nods and smiles.* "Ya thx."

*Wendy wheels herself over to Jade.* "Hey, sorry I havent much time to talk to you. How are you doing? Finding everything ok?"

Talk

Jason nods as he listens. He can’t empathize, but he can imagine the feelings something like Katie’s situation could evoke, and it wasn’t the greatest feeling in the world.
He just lets Katie talk, taking it in and contemplating it. “Well…I guess the only thing you can do is whatever you’re comfortable with and nothing more. I can’t judge why your dad decided to write to you now…though I dare say if there were ill intentions, he’s not taking a typical route. Sounds to me like he might have gotten hit with a reality check.” He shrugs. “I wish I could give you some advice, but I’m afraid without ever having been there myself I don’t know what to say.”
He thinks for a moment, reflecting on his own past. “Ya know though…I have to say that you’re lucky to have a dad talking to you at all. It’s more than some people have.”
He looks down, feeling his body growing weary, without having had any rest since getting back from the hospital. But he’ll stay awake as long as Katie needs to talk.



Mick concentrates on his task as Angel talks, listening more intently than his body language suggests. A wry grin escapes when she mentions Wes, and he shakes his head as she ends. “What did I ever do to deserve a million and once chances with that woman?” He stands up and throws his rag into a box in the corner. “Thanks, Angel.” He nods to her. “I appreciate your honesty.” Thinking for just a moment, he turns and heads out of the tack room, aiming for Rosetta’s office.

“Hey, Mick!” Sparky catches him halfway. “Jade’s been looking for you. I think she’s in the mess hall now.”

“Oh… thanks.” Mick looks back and for the between the office and the mess hall. Finally he turns, taking route for his daughter.

Love

*Katie gets up and goes over next to Jason siting down. She lets out a sigh* " I really dont know what to say about it. I was to write him back, but I still hold so much anger and hurt, I dont know if I want to forgive him. What would compell him to write to me after all these years anyways. " *Katie stops for a moment and just thinks.* " I dont know what to think about it all. Its so hard ya know. Not talking to him for so long and than poof here he is emailing me. ah...and my step mom. I bet she woudlent be to happy if she new he was writing me again. We never got alone, and cuz of her I would never attempt to see him again. I just dont know J."

*Angel smiles and comes into the tack room. Siting down on one of the over turned buckets.* " Well...You know Rosetta have a very deep love for you Mick. And I can say that knowing its true. You guys grew up together. The last 18 when you were gone she missed you alot, but that fire never burned out. When you came back it grew an became stronger. Rosetta would probley love to throw her arms around you look you in the eyes and tell you she loves you. But she dosent. She knows things have been rough on you and she dosent want to push you into anything your not ready for. She is willing to wait longer for you." *Angel holds her smile. Than her mind goes to Wes. and looks back at Mick.* " Ya know in a way its a horrable thing to say but I am happy you came back when you did. Rosetta and Wes were happy but they wernt ment to be together. You could just tell. Rosetta's heart belonged to you. and she was ment to be with you. And if that never happens, thats ok. Just knowing she had that chanse to shair her life with you will be enough."

Question

Jason wishes he has an answer for Katie. He’s not used to feeling like he wants to help as much as he does right now, but even so, what could he do? He can’t even physically do anything for her to help lighten her load. Finally he shifts his weight to one side of the bed, and gestures to the empty space. “Wanna talk about it?”

Mick looks up and smiles at Angel. “Hey, yeah, I’m okay. Just trying to do something constructive while my brain is fried with the case.” He chuckles, still working with the dry leather. He pauses though, and cocks his head thoughtfully. “Though now that I’ve got you alone…” He cuts himself off, shaking his head, but after a moment, he can’t let it go. “You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to, Angel, but I know you and Rosetta are really close and…well, everybody and their dog probably knows I’ve been thinking about her and me. It’s not like a secret.” He rolls his eyes. “But I guess…I don’t know…has Rosetta said anything to you about it?”

Confused

*Katie gives alittle shrug.* "Ya I think....I think I am ok. I just dont know what to think about it. He wrote to tell em how wrong he was and how sorry he is. I dont know if I should write back, or...if he even means it. I just dont....I just dont know J. I'm so confused by it."

*Wes smiles at Clint.* "Thats what family's for. Let take a look at what you got stuck on and see if I can show you how to do it."

*As Angel wonders around the ranch her notices the tack room door is open. Figureing one of the hands left it open she wonders over to closes it. Glancing in she can see Mick siting alone. Angel enters.* "Mick....are you ok?"

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*BJ and Sam leave the house to make there way to the park across the street. BJ runs and play on the swings with the other kids. Sam smiles as she can see how happy BJ is.*

Alright?

Jason is silent for just a moment, trying to sort through all the different scenarios happening at once. He shakes his head and aims the conversation back to the direction he feels is most important. “Forget about me for a minute, Katie. You heard from your dad?” He looks at her with compassion. “Good news or bad, that’s gotta be rough. You going to be okay?”


Clint looks in surprise at the envelope Wes hands him. “I…” He almost laughs. “I feel stupid. What can I say but thank you?” He rolls his eyes at himself. “Way to go, Clint.” He glances at Wes, grateful for all his help. “I’m in deep, but I’d be in a whole lot deeper if it weren’t for you. I owe you big time.”
He beams at Wes’ compliment. “Thanks…there were a couple things I got stuck on, but I got a few things accomplished.” He follows Wes into the shop.


Mick sits in the tack room alone, oiling an old saddle. His hands move in a rhythmic pattern, memorized by years of the same. His thoughts wander in different directions, but here in the barn, he can find a small bit of peace.

Some people

*Over hearing Clint's conversation Wes was outside and see Clint leaning aganst the wall.* "Hey killer. I dident mean to over hear your convo. But I was just coming to look for ya. So ya thought you could trust someone and it turns out you couldent. Its a tough lesson to leane huh? But because of this you cant think everyone out there is dishonest. There are some good peope left in this world." *Wes digs into pocket and hands Clint a check.* " A lady from the post office stop by here this morning. I guess the envalope got ripped in the mail. She saw my name and address on the check and came by to drop it back off to me." *Wes smiles.* " So, now what we have found what was lost, lets get a nice strong envalop for it and try sending it again." *Wes puts his arm around Clint's shoulder as they head into the shop.* " Oh ya, I saw the word you did over the last week. Very very nice job."

*Katie whipes her face.* "I'm...I'm ok. I just got an email from my dad is all. Not sure what I should think about it." *Katie lets out a long sigh.* " I'm sorry all this stuff happend to you Jason. Dont feel regret though. Everything helped you over come alot and I think thats more important. I mean I know TJY is your life but, now you can start doing more stuff too." *Katie smiles.* "Maybe we can go on the picnic too."

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*BJ bounces down the steps and runs into the kitchen sliding across the floor. All dressed in his bright orange shirt and his Red shorts. He also has 2 differnt socks on.* "Sham I is ready."

"You mean you ARE ready." *Sam looks at Jason and cant help but bust out laughing.* " BJ..since when do orange and red match?"

*BJ grins big.* "Since you told me to dress myself."

"You goof ball, lets get something on you that matches and than we will go to the park." *Sam takes BJ's hand.*

"YAY." *BJ squeels as he takes Sam's hand.*

Phone call

Clint wanders outside and heads to Wes’ shop. Just as he reaches the door, his cell phone buzzes on his belt. Rolling his eyes, he stops with the door halfway open, and answers the call. “Yeah…Ted? No! I don’t know! I sent it to Dan. He was supposed to….” Clint rolls his eyes, and paces in a small circle, not remembering that the door is still open. “Yeah, I know all that. I got a call about that yesterday. …What? He’s breathing down my neck, Ted! What would you suggest? I tried! No, all it taught me was not to trust Dan, that’s for sure….. Yes, I asked him point blank. Said he didn’t have a clue what I was talking about, and I’m out a thousand bucks that I haven’t even earned yet. How do you think that’s supposed to make me feel?” He stops pacing and looks at the ground with a moan. “Of course I haven’t said anything about it – I’m too embarrassed. I’m just gonna have to save it until I’ve got the whole chunk, then deliver it myself. ……I know it’s dangerous. I’m looking over my shoulder constantly, but what else am I supposed to do?” He sighs and shakes his head. “If you see him, tell him I’m working on it. I know he won’t be happy, but that’s the best I can do.”
Clint ends his call and leans against the outside of the shop, trying to collect his thoughts. He’d messed up twice now. What kind of brains had he ended up with anyway?


Jason get himself situated in a sitting position on his bed again, still feeling as though he’s in shock. “I just can’t believe it,” he talks mostly to himself as Katie checks her email. “TJY is all I’ve known…it’s what I’ve been trained to do…and it’s being taken away. Because I was stupid…” He scoffs at himself. “You’d think someone with brains like mine could figure out when to keep his mouth shut and when to stop when he’s ahead. Now my future is in jeopardy. And why? First, because I was stupid. And second because my own grandfather turned me in!” He shakes his head and leans back into his pile of pillows.
Suddenly he realizes that Katie is quiet. He glances over to her, and is immediately concerned as he sees her tears. What had happened. “Hey…Katie, you alright?”

Letter

*Wendy nods to Clint.* "Ok..I'll save you a place. Have fun." *Wendy throws Clint a smile as he leaves.*

*Katie follows Jason trying to help him as much as she can. Once geting to the mess hall Katie stands with Jason leting him lean on her. After listing to all Con said to Jason, Katies heart acks for Jason. Slowly Katie helps him back t his bunk. As they enter Jason's bunk Katie hears her computer (that yes is still on Jason's table.) beeping leting her know she had a new email. She helps Jason to sit down.* "I"m going to check my message fast than if you want I'll leave ya be." *Katie makes her way over to her laptop. Not reconizing the address she starts to read the email. After several moment Katies eyes grow as she relizes who the emial is from. As she finishes it off tears flow from her eyes. Anger, confustion fills her mind. Should she write back, or not. Had her dad truly changed? Why would he email her after all this time? What was she to do next?*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*BJ finishes his oatmeal and put his bowl into the sink.* "Tan we doe outshide now Sham?"

*Sam looks at BJ and smiles alittle.* " You havent even goten dressed yet. Run upstairs and take your bath and get dressed."

*BJ turns to run upstairs* "Otay"

* Sam yells after BJ.* "AND BRUSH YOUR TEETH." *After BJ is up stairs and out of ear shot Sam pulls out her phone and dials a number.* "Hey its me...Ya I know you told me not to call. But I wanted to know how much longer you wanted me to keep BJ...I ment Jason...I do like having him with me...but he deserves a real life. A real chanse...I know he is important to us but...He's a sweet kid. Fine whatever." *Sam hangs up the phone a sarrow hanging heavy in her heart.*

Why?

Clint grins at Wendy. "I didn't know you were interested in that sort of thing." He glances at his watch. "Well, I better scoot before I lose this job of mine." He chuckles. "See you around lunchtime?"


Jason fights between anger, hurt and logic, but he shakes his head. “You had nothing to do with this Katie, and don’t you ever take any of the blame on yourself. Those charges against me are true and of my own doing.” He lets her help him up, and balances on one leg while he grabs his crutches. “Talking to Con is as good idea though – I want to get to the bottom of this.” He grits his teeth, trying to suppress his anger until he’s heard the whole story.

They make their way back to the mess hall, finding that many have already dispersed for the day. Con is still at a table alone though, Austin nowhere in sight.

Jason aims for Con and doesn’t even bother to sit down, but leans on his crutches instead. He dives right in, not bothering with an introduction into the conversation. “I just got off the phone with Susanne,” he states flatly. “Forget to tell me something, Con?”

Con holds his coffee mug between his hands, and doesn’t even look up at Jason, his face clearly showing that he’s upset. “Sorry, Hotshot.”

“Sorry?” Jason scoffs. “That’s it?”

“I don’t like this any better than you do, so don’t make it worse by getting upset.”

Jason shakes his head in disbelief. “I’ve been suspended and that’s all you can say? Why, Con? Why were you the one who should have told me? Are you the one that ratted to Carter or what?”

Con jerks his head, quickly meeting Jason’s eye with an anger of his own. “I was doing my job. Don’t think for a minute that I did any of this on purpose.”

“So you were the one who reported everything.”

“What was I supposed to do?” Con throws up his hands. “My job here is to protect my superior – Austin – and to submit weekly reports back to TJY. I wasn’t going to lie, Jason.”

Jason groans, wishing for a moment he would have back full mobility and have it out with Con. “But you knew this would happen!”

Con scowls at him. “Look – anyone else could have done any one of those things and been suspended for it. Be glad it took all of them for the request to go through.”

“But I can justify every one of those!”

“Can you?” Con looks back down at his mug. “Can you justify almost blowing Austin’s head off? Can you justify breaching security?”

Jason’s face reddens as he grows desperate. “But there were reasons!”

“It doesn’t matter!” Con’s palm slams down on the table as he looks up again, the pain evident in his eyes. “I didn’t plan this, and I’m making myself sick just thinking about you, of all people, getting suspended. But my hands are tied.”

Jason isn’t ready to give up yet. “You said a request went through. Whose request was it?”

Con focuses on the table, his jaw muscles working at his tension.

“Who was it, Con?” Jason raises his voice, ignoring the stares from others in the mess hall. “Who recommended my suspension?”

Con still doesn’t answer.

“Dang it, Con!” Jason’s desperation is to its limit. “Tell me!”

“It was Austin!” Con glares up at him. “Are you happy now?”

Jason blinks in disbelief, his tone lowering drastically. “Austin…? But…”

Con shakes his head. “It won’t do you any good to question him. He won’t even talk to me about it. I asked him outright why he’d done it and he didn’t answer me.” He finishes off his coffee and rises from his seat, making eye contact with Jason. “If I were you, I’d let it go. Enjoy the time off, maybe even go somewhere else. But don’t press your luck. If you’re smart, you’ll back off and just let it be. Accept your circumstances and don’t fight it. If you’re lucky, they won’t hold you on suspension for long.”

“How can I just let it go? This is my future we’re talking about!”

“You think I don’t realize that?” Con sighs deeply. “If you care about your future, don’t fight it. You’ll only make things worse.”

Jason swallows hard, not even sure how to feel. The charges were true…he couldn’t deny them. He simply hadn’t thought they would affect his record so severely. Was Con right? Was there really nothing he could do? Why had Austin, of all people, recommended his suspension? That fact hurt more than he’d care to admit. He finally lets his gaze drop to the floor. “If anyone needs me, I guess I’ll be in my bunk then.” He turns around, stopping as he catches Katie’s eye. So much for getting things back to normal.


An email awaits...

Dear Katie,

How does a man apologize to his daughter? How can a man ever rebuild a bridge that he burned with pain as the fuel and pride as the flame? If I new the answers, I would not feel so inadequate now, to express how sorry I am.

I hope you don’t delete this message before reading it…though I guess I couldn’t blame you. I tried calling several times in the last few weeks, but I guess you were gone.

I’ve done so many things wrong, Katie…it pains me to think of all the hurt you’ve been through – all the hurt I’ve caused. I have no excuses… I know that nothing I say can excuse my despicable behavior.

When your mother and brother died, my world felt as if it was crashing down. I’ve never felt such sorrow and misery. But even so, I had no right to lash out at you – my daughter. I was full of hate…hate for myself because I blamed myself for the cause of those deaths. But instead of admitting that guilt to myself, I chose to put the blame on others in an attempt to relieve the pain. But all it did was make it worse.

I said things to you that I regret. I treated you in a way that now I despise. If I could go back in time, I would change so much…

I can never hope for your forgiveness. You’ve been hurt in ways unimaginable, and by my hands. I guess I simply wanted you to know that your father is changed. I had to be broken in order to see the wrongs I’d done, and my heart has never felt heavier. I have a happy life…one with joyful children and a loving wife. But there is still a hole – a hole in my heart where you once resided.

Katie, I’m so sorry. I know you probably hate me, but I couldn’t live without knowing I did all I could to try and right my wrongs.

I love you.

-Dad

what,why?

*Katie cant help but smile. Jason's words bring her comfort. Katie keeps as quiet as she can as JAson makes his call. As Susanne talks to Jason, the blood drains from Katies face. No...not something alse. When it rains it pours. As Jason hangs up the phone Katie can feel his anger, his embaressment.* "Oh J! How could this happen. I dont understand." *As Katie thinks about some of what Jason has been charged with it hits her.* " J...some of that stuff is cuz you told me stuff you shouldent have. I pushed you into telling me. I'm so sorry." *Katie again goes quiet. Her own anger rising inside of her. Why hasent Con told Jason. Why would they let this happen.* "J, come on...lets go find Con and see whats going on. This is unbelievable."*Katie holds out her arm to help Jason up again.*

Let down

Jason cocks his head at Katie’s tone, hit with a sudden realization that he hadn’t thought of before. He’d never have guessed that his recovery would have been a disappointment on some level, but apparently it was. “Katie…” He shakes his head at her. “You silly goose.” He almost laughs. “Even the old Jason could have used a personal hero…”

He pauses, studying her face, and growing a little more serious. “You’re still needed, Katie, and don’t you forget it.”

He allows the conversation to shift to another topic, slight discomfort rising in the form of heat on his neck, while a new thought strikes him.

“Say, I better get a hold of TJY. They’re going to want a report from me, and I haven’t even given Austin a full rundown yet.” He rolls over and grabs the phone, pulling it onto the bed and hitting the speaker phone. He dials the number and waits until a female voice answers. He grins. “Hey, Susanne.”

“Jason??”

Jason raises an eyebrow at her tone. “Yeah. How ya doing?”

“Well…fine…I guess I didn’t expect to hear from you though. Thought you might be on a long vacation somewhere.”

Jason furrows his brow. “Well, I just got back from the hospital, but no vacation for me. I decided I’d give Reese what he wanted and get back on this case, at least in the background. Gonna be a while before I’m back on my feet.”

There’s a pause before Susanne speaks again. “Jason…hasn’t Con told you?”

Jason bristles and glances at Katie while continuing his phone conversation. “Hasn’t he told me what?”

Susanne doesn’t answer.

Jason repeats himself, a strange fear descending. “What hasn’t he told me, Susanne?”

“Well…” Susanne pauses again. “You’ve been suspended.”

Jason’s jaw drops, his eyes widening. “What?!”

“I’m sorry, Jason. Con was supposed to tell you. The paperwork came across my desk just yesterday.”

“But why?” Jason’s confusion and anger begin to surface. “On what grounds, and by who’s request?”

“I shouldn’t be telling you this.”

“Tell me, Susanne.”

Susanne sighs. “Look, there’s a whole list of reasons you’ve been suspended, and it came directly from Carter. You’re in deep, Hotshot. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Jason looks back and forth between Katie and the phone, in total shock. “What…how…what are the reasons? I need to know.”

There’s a pause, with typing in the background before Susanne speaks again. “There’s a statement from Carter, expressing dissatisfaction due to……a list of things….” She pauses again. “Here it is, and I quote, ‘an apparent mental instability, frequent fluctuations in loyalty to the case, deliberate breach in security by exposing information without authority to a certain party, threatening a superior with his life, and negligence by putting himself and others in harm’s way.”

Jason’s eyes can’t go any wider, his blood running cold. He doesn’t even know how to respond.

Susanne finally breaks the silence. “I’m sorry, Jason. If you want more information, you’ll have to talk to Austin, Con or Reese, who’s not here at the moment. …I have to go now before I get into trouble. Carter’s on the floor.”

There’s a click, abruptly ending the call. Jason stares at Katie, at a completely loss for words. He’s angry, he’s confused, and he’s embarrassed. What just happened?