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Jim looks down at Wendy, mixed feeling showing through his eyes. He knew she was scared...who wouldn't be? This was a whole different part of life that had not been planned... it was a completely different world with a whole different set of responsibilities, and forced growth. Wendy wasn't a little girl anymore, whether she wanted that or not.

Jim sighs and gives her shoulder a gentle pat. He understood her wanting to stay. "Alright. If you need anything... come get someone, okay?" Giving her a little wink, he turns and steps down off the porch to amble back to the mess hall, taking his time.


Mick looks out the barn as he rebraids a whip, Rosalyn holding one end for him. He sees his brother's walk, and once again, feels as though something isn't right. "Hey, Rosalyn..."

She's leaning up against the wall in the barn aisle, keeping a grip on the whip for her uncle. "Yeah?"

"What's going on?"

Her eyes widen a bit. "What are you talking about?"

Mick pauses his work and gives her a knowing look. "I may not be as quick as I used to, but I'm not blind. Your family is tense, Clint took off out of here hours ago like a rocket, your dad is upset about something... what's up?"

Rosalyn swallows hard, her eyes dropping. She knew it wasn't a secret... Something like this was impossible to hide anyway, and at a place like this, word spread faster than wildfire. "Um..."

Mick waits, returning to braiding, but keeping his ears attentive. "Yes?"

"Um..." Rosalyn hesitates again. "Wendy is..."

Mick's head jerks up to look at her. "What? Is she okay?"

"Oh, yes, she's fine. Well, I mean... yes and no... or...." Rosalyn rolls her eyes and sighs. "She's pregnant."

Mick's fingers stop their work as a look of shock crosses his face. "Clint...?"

Rosalyn nods solemnly. "Yeah."

Mick lets out a low whistle. "Oooh boy."

"That's about all I can say too."

"What are they gonna do?"

Rosalyn shrugs. "I don't know. Clint told us, then Dad took him aside and they got into it. Then Clint took off. I haven't seen Wendy, but I guess Dad was gonna go see her, 'cause now he blames himself for Clint running off."

"What about Angel and Luke?"

"Don't know. Mom was gonna go talk to Angel. At this point, I'm just hoping Clint is going to come back."

"He will."

Rosalyn searches her uncle's face. "What makes you so sure?"

"He's a Henson." Mick gives her a gentle smile. "We always come back to what we love."

Rosalyn can't help her smile, thinking about Mick himself, and Rosetta. "I'm glad." She thinks for a moment as Mick continues to work silently. "So...that's it? You have nothing else to say about it?"

"What can I say?" Mick shrugs. "I certainly didn't have anything to do with it."

Rosalyn giggles. "You know what I mean."

"Well...your brother is old enough to know better. And if he's old enough to know better, then he's old enough to figure out the right thing to do. And Wendy...well, I didn't think she'd let things get that far, but apart from an apparent lapse in judgment, she usually has a pretty good head on her shoulders. Having that said... it's up to them to work this out. What more do you want me to say?"

"I don't know... I guess... maybe I expected the same reaction as Dad or something."

"I'm not happy with either Clint or Wendy," Mick confesses. "But they've got it hard enough without extended family getting on their case too. They know what they did.... they know it was wrong... so me telling them it was wrong has no purpose."

"I suppose..." Rosalyn sighs again and gets a new grip on the whip.

Mick studies his niece for a moment, seeing so much of both Becky and Jim in her. "Give it to God," he advises softly. "There's nothing you can do, other than be a light."

"Thanks, Mick."

He smiles again as he ties off the end of the whip. "Alright, let's give this a try." He takes the handle end and swings it around.

Rosalyn laughs and backs up. "Not on me."

Mick's eyes get a mischievous glint to them. "Go get Rosetta. I wanna see if I can heard her into the corral."

Rosalyn's eyes widen. "Mick!"

His laughter bubbles over. "I'm kidding!"


I don't understand it either.

Jason shuts his computer, standing up to pace.

I just don't understand him anymore, Katie. He....

His emotions swirl around again, going back once more to where they had been... the negative feelings rising when thinking of his grandfather.

I looked up to him once, ya know? I mean... he didn't dump me after he found out I was his grandson. And he took me on... and trained me... I felt special. He was the only man in my life, really. But...the harder I tried to look up to him, the more he pulled away. He didn't want the hugs...he didn't want the special times together.... he didn't want the fishing trips anymore. I was just a robot... being trained for TJY. Sometimes I wonder if I hadn't been so good, if he would have tried so hard. But I wanted so bad to please him. All I wanted was for him to say he was proud of me. I was one of the best TJY had... but all he could do was keep pushing. I thought it was me... I thought I wasn't good enough. Maybe that's why I was so bent on throwing on a mask of confidence... because I wasn't really on the inside, but I wanted to be.

Jason flops down on his couch, reaching over to scratch Trooper's head. He didn't know where his thoughts were going, or why he was telling Katie all this. But he'd kept it inside for too long.

After we went to Texas, it just got worse. You know how it went... once the flashbacks started, I just fell to pieces. And what did he do? Nothing. I guess I knew he cared maybe, but it was like he was just going to leave me there to fend for myself. I know I didn't want to tell him what was going on, but after I did, the least he could have done was try to help, ya know?

Then all that crap happened, you left, I was with Jade, that fell apart, and I got transferred to Alaska. I don't know if you knew that was the first time I'd been sent on a mission away from Austin, let alone for that length of time. While there, it felt... good, almost, when I realized I didn't need him around... they liked me up there... I did a good job... Then when I got sent back here... I was on my own. I still had to keep in touch with Austin for work-related stuff, but... it was different. I wasn't walking in his shadow all the time. I was just... me. And it's been that way ever since, up until now.

Whenever I was hurting, or needed help, or anything, he was never there. I know I didn't go asking him for my help, but just a call to say 'hi, how ya doing' would have been nice. Maybe that's asking too much, I don't know. Maybe I should have called him instead.

But now... recently... after that whole thing with Scott... it's like he's suddenly trying to get in my good graces or something. Like he realized I was mad at him for not supporting us on the rescue mission. I guess that's the stuff I didn't tell you about. He was calling me and I just wouldn't take the calls, since I knew what he wanted... he just started leaving messages about him being sorry I disagreed with him, and that though he still wouldn't have changed his mind, he didn't want this to come between us. As if we'd had a good relationship before.

Jason rolls his eyes. The whole thing was ridiculous.

So then we hear basically nothing about him coming back, and here he is, showing up, Carter's already got everything all set for him to take over, and even Brown knew about it weeks ago. But Austin never told me anything about that. So what's up with that?

I just don't know, Katie... it feels like we've just hit the tip of the iceberg. Maybe I missed something... maybe I would have known more, had I talked to him like he wanted. But I just didn't want to. Was I that wrong?

Trooper is annoyed that Jason's scratching has stopped, and after a moment of thinking, he decides the best way to remedy the situation is to climb up on the couch too.

Jason isn't paying attention, and suddenly has two massive paws coming down onto his stomach. Getting the wind knocked out of him, he gives a little cry. "Trooper!"

Trooper slides down on top of him, licking his face, and wagging his tail.

"Get off me, you big brute!"

Trooper pants and scoots around, rolling onto his back and wedging himself between Jason and the back of the couch. Rooting around and thoroughly enjoying his play, without realizing it, he pushes Jason too far.

Jason falls off onto the floor, whacking his knee on the coffee table. Giving a cry of pain, he grabs his leg and just sits for a moment, dazed. "Dumb dog!"

Trooper stops his play and stands up on the couch, looking down at Jason as if apologizing. Getting off the seat and trotting to the edge of the room, he sits with his head hanging, knowing he'd misbehaved.

Jason sighs and shakes his head. Only then does he realize he left Katie hanging.

Sorry... Trooper's being dumb. Anyway... I don't know what's going to happen, but we gotta stick together. As far as Scott goes... he better have a job waiting for him.

He picks himself up off the floor and ambles to the kitchen, realizing that with as rampant as his emotions were today, it was lowering his blood sugar again.


Axel cocks his head and watches Jess drive away, his hand absentmindedly making its way to his arm where she'd patted him.

"That'll teach you to pick up girls," Jed shouts from across the road where he was putting gas in the truck. "Next time check your guages first."

Axel rolls his eyes and walks back over. "Shut up before you make a fool out of yourself."

"Apparently I'm not the fool," Jed quips, the humor showing itself on his quirky grin.

Axel takes the gas tank from him, just shaking his head. "I happen to know her, and her boyfriend is part of my Bible study group. So get those stars out of your eyes and get in the truck, or I'm going to leave you here."

Jed crosses his arms, still not convinced. "If she's taken by someone else, why are you so interested?"

"Who said I was interested?"

Jed cocks his head, studying Axel's relaxed expression and cool body language. "Who wouldn't be? She's gorgeous?"

Axel finishes with the gas and screws in the gas cap. "I didn't say I was blind."

Jed grins. "Ahhh, see?"

"All I see is a fine young woman who has a boyfriend who doesn't love her." Axel tosses the empty can in the back and heads to the driver's door.

"Whoa!" Jed runs around to the other side, getting in as well. "Where did that come from?"

"It's all in the eyes," Axel states matter-of-factly. "It's all in the eyes."

"So what about..."

Axel throws Jed a look. "Jed... my dear friend... I drive a tow truck. I saw someone whose car had broken down. I stopped to help. Now tell me... if it had been you I picked up, would you be implying romance?"

Jed grimaces and deliberately shivers. "Aw, man, that's just wrong!"

A grin seeps into Axel's lips. "I thought you'd see it my way."

Jed sighs and slides down in the seat. "Alright, you win. Take us to the car."

"Thank you." Axel grabs a pen and reaches up to put a tally mark on a sticky note on the ceiling.

Jed lifts an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"So far it's eleven... arguements with you that I've won."

Jed's jaw drops and he gives Axel a whack to the arm. "You... you...."

All Axel does is grin, turning the truck around to go pick up Jess' car.

...Several hours later, Axel hangs up the phone from calling Jess and telling her that it would be a couple days before her car would be out of the shop, but that she could keep the rental car until then, at no charge. He would let her know as soon as the car was finished.

Leaning back in the desk chair, Axel looks around at the messy office, then up to the clock on the wall. Technically, his shift had ended fifteen minutes ago.

Sighing deeply, he gets up and ambles outside, around the corner and up the outside steps. Living above the garage did have its advantages, though he'd just as soon have a longer walk on the nicer evenings.

Getting inside, he changes out of his work clothes, grabs a jacket and heads back out. Trotting down the steps, he hits the sidewalk with no real destination in mind.


The parking lot is dim...the setting sun throwing its last few colors across the sky in a fairwell to the day. Most cars are gone, and TJY's building almost seems lonely.

Jason parks his truck off to the side, glad that he didn't see the car that Austin had come in before. Looked like a couple people might still be around, but not enough to make him want to wait any longer.

Seeing Katie pull up too, he gets out of the truck and locks it, ambling slowly forward, waiting for her to join him.


Scott sits up in bed against the wall, his face downcast as he runs his fingers along the pattern in the blanket. Domino tries to get him to pay more attention to her, but he just doesn't feel like it, and she finally just sighs and curls up beside him to rest.

Scott's supper that Rick brought him is only one-third eaten, the rest having already gotten cold sitting on the nightstand. He just wasn't hungry. He was tired, but he didn't want to sleep... he wanted to get up and go for a walk, but he was too scared... he wanted to go home, but Rick wouldn't let him yet. But Rick was gone for a while... what if Scott just decided to go home anyway? He was scared to get up and walk that distance, but it was his choice, wasn't it? He didn't want to keep sitting around here... it was luxery compared to the Agency cell, but it still felt like a cell.

Scooting to the edge of the bed, he swings his legs over and bends over to tie his shoes. He wanted to see his house... he wanted to see what was left... he just wanted home.

Does not always have to be...

*Going over the email one more time Katie sits back in her chair and lets out a long frustrated sigh. Some of the changes sounded good and she liked that she had the title as bodyguard now but...something didnt feel right, she didnt like it. Something felt wrong out of place. Was it that Scott was on the list or that everyone had titles now she wasnt sure. It just didnt feel the same anymore and the friendly atmusphere was gone. Feeling the emotions inside of her bubble Katie closes her eyes for a second to try and regroup but Jason's suddin burst of emotions makes her jumps and almost lose her laptop onto the floor. Catching it and standing up a little bit Katie blinks before replying regaining her composure.

Yeah I just read it and than I reread it again.

Closing her laptop with a disgusted scoff Katie stands and puts her laptop back on her desk glancing outside for a moment.

What is Austin doing Jason? TJY dont even feel the same anymore. It feels like everything we worked for, everything we faught for was for nothing. I dont understand it.

Looking away from the window Katie goes and sits on her bed. She felt like she wanted to cry, she felt like she wanted to scream. Everything that was happing was so confusing and make no sence.*

*Jess lets out a small sigh but not one of discust or anger more of thoughtfulness.*

"...A real rainbow is whatever a person looks at it. It dont always have to be what you see in the sky."

*Seeing Jed Jess gives a wave and a small smile just listing to him and Axel chat. For a moment Jess almost gets lost in thought as she just watches Axel. The way he talked, the way he moves as if seeing what made him tick. Relizing she was stairing Jess gets out of the truck and walks over to the rental car getting in. Taking a moment to check where everything was Jess finally starts the car up. Rolling down the window she leans her arm out and gives Axel's own a gentil pat.*

"Thank you again Axel. This means alot."

*Getting ready to pull away and make her way to work Jess can't help but let her smile grow even more at Axel's comment as she can feel her cheeks truning red. Sticking her hand out and giving a wave Jess pulls away and heads down the road giving one more glance in the mirror to see Axel.*

*As Jim pulls Wendy into a hug she feels a bit of comfort. It was nice to know that though Jim might be upset he was trying to give her support and that made her feel good, but nothing would make her feel better than seeing Clint right now but something in the back of her mind told her right now that wouldnt happen.

Just staying in Jim embrace for a moment Wendy calms her self down a little more though she till felt like crying she new she had to be stronge for the sake of the life she carryed inside of her.

Drawing away Wendy trys to force a small smile out and gives a nod to Jim showing she was thankful even if she didnt say it. Right now she had little words to speak as she was so unsure about what the future was to hold in a way it was rather frighting and something she just needed to work through.*

"I..think I am going to wait here for now..."

*..Wendy looks to the road for a moment where Clint had gone. Though she new she could feel he wouldnt be back tonight she still had hope. Yes just a little while longer.*

"..I'll be up to the mess hall a little bit later."

Smile

Jason takes in Katie’s gesture of affection, his hands moving to her shoulders as he bends to receive and return her kiss. Being so close… he couldn’t hold back his emotions. And feeling her like this… his emotions were warm, gently shared with the only other person who could feel them.

As Katie draws away, he straightens and just looks at her as if not even hearing what she’s saying, but finally nods. “Alright. I’ll see you later then.”

Watching her drive away, he ambles to his truck and slides in, aiming for home where he could take care of Trooper.

It's not until later in the day that Jason checks his email from home. And when he does, he discovers what the other agents had been discovering all day. Rules...regulations... rankings... and no Scott to boot.

An anger starts to boil within him... one that he didn't hold back. There was a part of him that was thrilled to see that Katie was finally getting recognized for being a bodyguard. But...he was under Nate now? Officially? And all those that were simply listed as officers... what did Austin think they were? Peons? What did he think he was doing? What was happening to TJY??

Katie, have you read this?

He doesn't even bother to make sure she's not in the middle of something. His eyes roam back over the email, almost like a scanner that would allow his emotions to read and send.

I can't believe this.


Axel cocks his head, looking at Jess as just the corner of his mouth shows a slight grin. His eyes roamed her own with such calculation that one could almost hear the wheels turning in his mind.

Receiving her thanks, he shakes his head. “I do happen to drive a tow truck. But… even if I hadn’t, I still would have stopped.”

Glancing down, then out the windshield, he suddenly seems to almost remember something, that causes him to back off. “At least it isn’t too cold out today. Could have been worse… could have been raining. Of course… then maybe you would have gotten to see a real rainbow.”

It’s only a few minutes until a car comes into view and it slows down, pulling off onto the shoulder. A short man in coveralls comes to the truck, and Axel gets out to greet him. “Hey, Jed, thanks for coming.”

“Sure, no problem. Wanted to get out of the shop anyway.” Jed quirks an eyebrow as he glances over to Jess, and he lets out a low whistle. “I thought you were on the road to pick up cars, not hot chicks.”

Axel gives him a light whack upside the head. “Behave yourself. The rental car is for her, the gas tank is for the truck, then you can help me go back and tow her own car in to the shop.”

Jed grimaces and rubs the side of his head. “Yeah, yeah, alright.” He grumbles as he goes back to the rental car to grab the gas tank. “Always bossing me around, telling me what to do…..”

Axel grins and shakes his head, turning back to Jess, leaning his arms on the open driver-side window. “Your chariot awaits.”

Getting her over to the rental car and settled, Axel taps the roof. “Off you go. I’ll call you and let you know about your car. Just don't go blowing things up anymore, alright?” A grin quirks his mouth once more. "That light is better used in that smile of yours."


Scott drifts in and out of sleep for a while, any dreams he had, making him restless. Rick keeps a close eye on him, trying not to disturb him, but going to him when he thought it necessary.

Finally it was late afternoon and Scott was weary of trying to rest. It just wasn't working. He was over his little episode earlier and felt okay again if he had to go outside the infirmary once more.

Scooting up in bed so he's sitting, he curls his legs around to sit cross-legged, and glance around to find Rick. "Rick?"

The physician turns around quickly, immediately offering a smile. "Yeah, Scott?"

"Can I go home?"

Rick swallows hard. "Do you feel up to it?"

"I just want to go home," Scott mumbles, his eyes falling downward. "I just... I... I want to go home."

Rick wasn't comfortable with that just yet. Scott was awake, walking, and talking... but there was still so many more signs that Rick wanted to see before he could feel good about releasing him. On top of that, the longer he could keep Scott here, the better. Once he left to go home, it was questionable whether he could come back or not. "How about you staying just one more night, hmm?"

Scott's shoulders drop even more. "But..."

Rick shakes his head. Scott wasn't even eating like Rick wanted him to. Come to think of it, he was barely eating anything at all, and that was just adding to the physical strain. If Scott didn't start getting nourishment in himself, Rick would have to put him back on an IV, and neither wanted that. Right now, keeping him here was the only way he could ensure he got taken care of. "Scott... for me? One more night?"

Scott flops backward to stare up at the ceiling. He knew arguing was useless. Who was he kidding anyway? It wasn't like there was that much of a home to go to now anyway.


Jim looks down at Wendy and takes in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Gently, he reaches out to tilt her chin up so he could see her face again.

“I’m sorry too,” he responds quietly.

Seeing the hurt…the worry… the fear in her eyes, broke his heart. Parts of him felt responsible in some ways. He knew he shouldn’t… but what his mind said, and what his heart said were two different things.

“Come here.” Taking Wendy in his arms, he pulls her into a tight, warm, fatherly embrace. "It'll be okay," he soothes.

He hoped it would be. He hoped he had not caused permanent damage with Clint.

Coming here to Wendy... he didn't know what else he should say. Maybe there really was nothing he could say. Maybe just being there was enough. Both Clint and Wendy were receiving enough punishment on their own. Becky was right... now they needed good examples and support, even if they had made such a horrible mistake.

Jim draws away a little bit, forcing a bit of a smile for Wendy's sake. He wouldn't use harsh words with her. No... he regretted the ones he'd already used with his son. "You want to come inside and help get supper with Rosetta and Becky... or do you just want to stay out here?"

Sets in

*Katie gives a thoughtful nod to Jason and smiles bringing her arms around him as they stop at the cars. Looking up into his eyes she cant help but let she smile shine through all the darkness of the situation.*

"Thank you for following me to the end of the earth and back. That means so much knowing I always have someone by my side."

*Leaning in Katie press her soft lips to Jason's as the rush of feelings, emotions and passion rush over her. Never would she tire of the feeling, never would she stop loving it, never would she want to live without it. Each time they kissed it almost felt like they were for the first time all over again. Katie new not many people could say that, and she was glad and charished every moment. Finally pulling away Katie brings her hand to Jason's race and cradles it as her thumb runs over and cheek and than over his lips before withdrawing.*

"I'll give ya a should a little later when I am ready to go back and see Scott or vice versa.

*Giving one last smile and hug Katie finally lets go of Jason and gets into her car speeding down the highway for home.*

*Giving a light tap on the infermary door Jamie pokes her head in and gives a smile seeing Misty at her desk. Entering Jamie looks over to see Scott sleeping and walks to Misty's desk. Standing for just a moment as to not intarupt Misty.*

*Looking up and seeing Jamie Misty smiles and gives her a wave to come in. Smiling Misty looks back down at her paperwork to finish it off quick. Finally pushing the paper aside Misty looks up again. She always liked when Jamie come to see her if Misty didnt get along with anyone it would have to be Jamie.*

"Hey Jamie, how are you?"

*Finally seeing Misty was ready to talk Jamie smiles.*

"Hey Misty. Sorry to bother you but I was wondering...Con and I's friend has some tickets that she needs to get rid of for the caves and we were all going to go on an outing and have some fun before the winter weather really set in. So I was wondering if maybe you and Kyle would like to come alone."

*Thinking for a moment Misty's face lights up. She always liked being asked to go places it really did make her feel welcomed and accepted among the people she worked with.*

"Well I can't speak for Kyle but I'd love to go. I can call him in a few when he goes on lunch and ask than I will let you know."

*Giving a smile and a nod Jamie agrees and starts to head back out of the office.*

*As Jess starts down the road with Axel she trys to relax just a little bit seeing he was trying to give her her space. Jess appresheated that Axel was at least trying and respecting her enough to do so.

As the truck lurches and jerks coming to a slow stop Jess can't help but jump and tense up just a bit. For a few moment Jess mind races and she is not sure what to think or do. Just keeping her stair out the window Jess trys not to let the differnt movments Axel did make her jump. Finally as Axel calls for someone to come and get them Jess turns her head and looks at him. If he ment any harm he wouldnt have called for help. Relaxing just a little bit again Jess searches Axel's face and finally a smile breaks out over her own as a small laugh escapes her lips.*

"Well I am happy this wasnt my frist time meeting you. I dont think it would of said much for first impressions."

*Turning so she can see Axel better Jess finally relaxes even more and gets into a more comfort zone though her guard is up still if need be.*

"Thank you by the way. Even if you did run out of gas it was nice of you to stop and pick me up."

*Hearing the knock at the door and her name being called Wendy slowly opens her eyes and stairs at the wall for a moment of the bunk house. She didnt want to move, she didnt want to get up, she didnt walk to talk to anyone, but she new if she didnt answer the door than that would no nothing but prove that maybe she was angry at people she shouldnt be. The only one she had a right to be angry at was herself. Sitting up in the bed Wendy slowly moves and heads to the door. Opening it Wendy squints as the lights hit her bloodshot eyes the only proved she had been crying. Seeing Jim she lowers her eyes and is quiet for a moment before speeking.*

"I'm sorry."

*Was the only think she could manage to say."

Raincloud

Con stalks into the house, throwing his keys on the table and flopping down on the couch. He didn't feel like turning on the tv... he didn't feel like starting lunch... he didn't feel like calling Bret back just yet. His stomach was churning, and his mood was sour. It wasn't so much Austin's words that had upset him... it was the attitude... the atmosphere. Something just wasn't right. Austin had been cordial, but that's it... Where was the friendship? Where was that closeness there had been? It had just felt...stale.

Austin had been different. Con couldn't put his finger on quite what it was. But then that whole thing about Scott... and then with Jason and Katie... that wasn't the Austin Con used to know. What was happening?

Sighing, Con gets up off the couch again and paces for a few minutes, winding up going out on the porch and just standing, looking out into the quiet street. It wouldn't be too long until Jamie would be home.


Jason follows Katie out of Brown's office, slowly down the hall and back outside. He mulls over Brown's words, half paying attention to Katie's messages.

Hmm? Oh...yeah... the cameras might have caught something. Wouldn't surprise me, though if Austin and this other guy were careful. Like Brown said, there's a fine line between interrogation and abuse. Even if he was a bit rough, it might be pushing it to call it abuse. Unless... we got Scott's own testimony as to what happened.

Heaving a sigh, Jason heads down the steps on the sidewalk, towards their vehicles. "Well... I guess I'll head home for a while... take care of Trooper. Just let me know when you want to head back. I'm sure Rick will keep Scott at TJY another night, so if we go after hours, he should be there."


Carson pause his work in the kitchen as Mabel addresses him, and he hesitates, but finally shakes his head. "No... I guess I'll see her. Thanks, Mabel."

Throwing a look over his shoulder at Herb, he shrugs, then goes out to the counter, wiping his hands on his apron. Seeing the young woman, he lifts an eyebrow. “Hi, I’m Carson. Can I help you?”

Sally smiles, giving a short sigh, her shoulders relaxing. “I’m just glad I found you. Without a name, I didn’t have much to go on.”

Confused, Carson comes a little nearer, though is leery. “Um…do I know you?”

Sally shakes her head. “Not that I know of. Sally Renandez. My brother, Carlos, had a dog that I believe you took.”

Carson straightens a little, his defenses rising. “He was abusing her,” he states flatly. “I did what any decent human would do.”

“And I’m glad you did. You see, I’ve been trying for months to get the authorities to believe that Carlos was abusing his dogs. I finally got some pictures taken and just this morning I was able to file them and now they have a warrant for his arrest.”

“Wow.” Carson is truly surprised, but glad. “I’d wanted to look into the legality of all that myself, but I… well, I guess I ran into a few bumps and just postponed it.”

Sally smiles again. “How is Jewel? Do you still have her?”

“Oh…yeah…I mean, I’ve been keeping her in a safe place.” Carson is suddenly hit with reality. “You, uh… want her, I assume.”

“I do have room for her, yes. I will be retrieving Carlos’ other dogs as well. You see, I live with my uncle outside of town on a farm and there is plenty of room. I’d like to get the dogs readjusted, then go from there.”

“I see.” Carson hesitates, but the realizes that his personal feelings should have no bearing here. “Well, um… if you have time, we can go get her now.”

In a matter of minutes, Carson is in Sally’s car, directing her across down, then to a small empty lot behind a row of houses. It wasn’t the greatest part of town, but the little, vacant tool shed had served its purpose.

Getting out of the car, both can hear the soft bark of a dog inside. Carson approaches first, and opening the door is met by the anxious boxer, who jumps up on him, wiggling with excitement.

Sally laughs when she sees her. “Oh, you have been taking good care of her. Hey there, Jewel!”

The dog’s ears perk up and she looks cautiously at Sally for a moment before going to her, then licking her hands and getting excited all over again.

Sally gently clips a leash to her collar, enjoying petting the sleek dog. “You’re lucky Mr. Banks found you,” she croons. “Yes, you’ll come with me now and have lots of room to run and play.”

Carson stands back, watching the two, and knowing that Sally did indeed love dogs. That much was obvious, and Jewel responded well to her.

Sally straightens and looks at Carson again, nodding to the car. “I will take you back to the restaurant, then get Jewel to the vet to make sure she gets all her shots.”

“Oh… um, I can walk back.”

“No, please, let me take you.”

“No.” Carson shakes his head. “It’s alright. I’d rather walk.”

Sally hesitates, then relents. “Okay. Thank you, Mr. Banks, for keeping Jewel safe. If I can…”

Carson waves her off. “My pleasure.” Receiving a nod in return, Carson watches as Sally and Jewel get in the car and drive away. He turns slowly, looking inside the empty shack. The dirt floor held one of his old shirts in one corner, that Jewel had claimed as her own. A toy he’d picked up for her lay in another corner. It was so…empty now. But…it was best.

Sighing, Carson cleans out the few items, then leaves the shed to sit as vacant as it always had. A lump rises in his throat, surprising him. Somehow, he’d gotten used to his daily visits with the dog… and though not intending to, only now did he realize that he’d formed somewhat of a bond with her. At least now he shouldn’t be late for work because of her…

Carson swallows hard, then heads back across town, tossing the random items into a dumpster. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, his walk turns to a trudge, aiming to finish out his day.


Con sighs, still on the porch, still not knowing what he was supposed to be doing next. Movement catches his eye, and he squints across the street to a lone figure walking. Recognizing him, he quirks an eyebrow. Carson's walk implied he wasn't having the greatest day either. "Hey, Carson!" he calls.

Carson spins around quickly, startled by the shout. Looking across the street, he sees Con, and hesitates. What would Con want with him? But... he could go see at least.

Waiting for several cars, Carson jogs across the street, then slows, approaching the porch and looking up at Con. "Hey."

Con leans on the railing and cocks his head. "You look like you lost your best friend."

Carson chuckles. "Oh... maybe not my best." He shakes his head. "Long story. What about you? Your eyes don't lie either."

Con grins. "Touché. Life's hurdles, ya know?"

"Boy do I ever."

Con thinks for a moment, looking at Carson. They didn't have a great past... and though working out their difference, they'd never been close. But today... Carson stood before him as a man who was changing. Maybe not everyone could see it... but it was there... in his eyes. And Con knew that Carson didn't have a whole lot of friends right now.

Without even thinking about what he was saying, Con opens his mouth. "Hey, um... Jamie and I and a few friends are gonna head over to those caves here soon and are just gonna make a fun day out of it. We'd um... well... you want to join us?"

Carson's eyes widen a little. He hadn't expected this. Not from Con, even though he was nice. It...might be kind of fun. Jess had been working days and probably couldn't come, but... it might be fun anyway. Carson liked Con and Jamie, and he knew any friends of theirs would be nice. And...it might be kind of nice to get out of his humdrum routine for a day. "Um...sure. I... guess I'd been curious about those caves."

"Okay.... I'll let you know details later, alright?"

"Sure... sure." Carson pauses, and finally looks at his watch. "I... better get back to work. Nice seeing you, Con."

"Yeah, you two. See you soon."


Axel gives a little nod and lets Jess in the tow truck on her own, while he slides in behind the wheel. "Alright, lets get 'er going." Turning on the engine, he checks his mirrors then heads down the road towards town.

Glancing at Jess out of the corner of his eye, Axel could see her discomfort, and makes sure not to invade her space on the bench seat. "They like to call me a manager around the shop," he muses for the sake of smalltalk, "but I like to take the truck out myself every once in a while and get away from mess."

Sighing, he rolls down his window a little to let in some fresh air, respecting silence if it made Jess more comfortable.

It's only a few miles down the road, and suddenly the truck gives a lurch and the engine starts to stutter.

Axel’s eyes widen and he looks down at the gauges quickly, his eyes blinking. “Awwww no.”

The truck gives one last cough, then goes dead. Steering it onto the shoulder, Axel turns the key off and leans back in the seat, just staring at the gauges. “Um… I think we have a problem.”

Finally turning his head to look at Jess, he gets an horribly apologetic look on his face. “I am so embarrassed. I help run an auto shop… I drive the tow truck and… I just ran out of gas.”

Turning back to stare down the street, all he can do is laugh as his face turns red. “Ohhhh man, I cannot believe I did this. Talk about making an impression. Gah…”

Axel shakes his head and sighs deeply, reaching for his radio. “Hey, Jed, you around?”

The radio crackles and another man’s voice comes. “Grease, that you man?”

Axel rolls his eyes. “Just call me rainbow.”

“Huh?”

“Nevermind. It just turned to a raincloud. Listen, um… I need you to come out to Linden Road with a rental car. I got somebody here who needs one, and you can ride back in the truck with me.”

“Sure thing.”

“Oh, but Jed… bring a gas tank.”

“What for?”

Axel smirks. “Just do it.”

“You didn’t…”

“Just bring it!”

“Alright, alright. Be there in a few minutes.”

“Thanks, Jed. Don’t dawdle.” Putting the radio back, Axel looks down a few minutes, not daring to look at Jess again until several seconds had passed. “So much for that. I am so never going to live this one down.”


Luke sits at the table, quietly, his face one of disappointment, mixed with sympathy, and a love for his stepdaughter that remained, despite the news she'd just shared. He never would have thought Wendy and Clint would make that wrong choice... he had trusted them both. But... what was done was done.

Remaining silent, he wasn't sure that anything he could say right now would really do any good, so he stays as such, listening to mother and daughter. Then, he watches as Angel goes to their room, and Wendy heads outside.

Left alone, he thinks for a while by himself, then slowly stands up, steadying himself on the table before moving forward. Walking gingerly without his cane, he aims for the bedroom, opening the door cautiously. Entering quietly, he walks over to the bed and sits down next to his wife, putting a gentle arm around her shoulders.

Giving her a little squeeze, he bends his head to give her a kiss, then just sits...silently... not knowing if she wanted to talk or not, but being there in case she needed him.


The bunkhouse remains quiet and still. Slowly the minutes pass. Jim and Becky are in then out and about, along with Rosalyn, proving that the family had ceased their discussions for now. But Clint was nowhere to be found.

The minutes turn into quiet hours, the sun making its way across the sky, getting lower and lower towards the horizon. No Clint... no sound of the motorcycle.

...A slender figure trudges toward the bunkhouse, his hands in his pockets, his head down. He didn't know why he was going this way... he didn't know what he was doing... saying... All he knew is that Jeff had come, seen through the window, then left, mentioning who was inside. And now... it had been several hours, and Jim felt responsible for Clint's absence. His words to his son had not been untrue... he had meant them... but maybe he'd been too harsh. And... Wendy had her mother and Luke, but something... somehow... Jim found himself walking to the bunkhouse now.

Stepping up on the small porch, he pauses at the door, taking a deep breath, then knocking lightly. "Wendy?" he calls softly. "Wendy, are you here?"

Trust him

*As Con makes his exit Jamie is a bit confused. He surly hadnt been done with his workout already he had? Than looking back down once again at the email she just went over her confustion grows even more. Things were changing and Jamie want sure if they were for good or not. Maybe thats why Con left in such a rush. Letting out a long sigh Jamie goes back to her work trying to get all she could done before lunch when she could go home and talk more with Con.*

*Katie sits back and listens to Brown. Everything he was saying sinking in, being mulled over and played back as the words come to her. Some things he said made sence and somethings he said made none. Proof...they had to have proof.

I wonder if the camra's at TJY picked up anything. From what Scott said and how he acted I just wonder if Austin used force. Might work to our advantage.

Continuing to listen Katie can't help her mind from wondering anyways. Almost as if this was a puzzle being put together Katie wanted to find the peaces to this whole mess.

Once Brown is done talking Katie is quiet for a moment just thinking studying Brown's face. Finallying giving a nod she stands.*

'Thank you for your help and information. Before the week is out I am sure we will be in touch again."

*Starting to make her way for the door Katie stops and turns once again giving a sweet smile.*

"Congrats once again."

*Once exiting the office Katie's face slowly changes to a more thoughtful on and though the smile does not leave it, it dimes just a little bit.

I'm not to sure if I trust him or not J. Though I do want to take a look at thoughts camras maybe tonight once everyone is gone. What do you think?*

*Jess can't help but give a small laugh at Axel's mention to being a raincloud or a rainbow. Something about how he had said it just struck a funny bone. Taking a step twords Axel's truck Jess stops for a moment just looking at it. A tiny hint of fear seemed to seap into her heart. She didnt know Axel..he seemed nice, but she really didnt know anything about him. Turning her head to look at him for a moment, a faint want to trust him flashes in her eyes as she weaghs her options. She was late as it was and needed a ride. She had nothing alse she could do but trust him. She had to...fear couldnt hold her back forever.*

"O...ok. I'll catch a ride with you into town."

*Stepping forward before anything more could be said Jess makes her way to the truck and opens the door sliding in. Keeping her hands folded in her lap she trys to calm herself by looking out the window trying to consintrate on anything but what was happing now.*

*Mable nods to the woman and turns to head into the kitchen only stoping for a moment to look back at her. She still was not sure about this but there was nothing alse she could do.

Continuing her rout to the kitchen Mable peeks her head in clearing her throut to let the two men know she was there. Looking to Carson her eyes fill with worry not sure what to exspect from this.*

"Carson, sorry to bother you but there is a woman here that says she needs to talk to you about a dog. She sounded like it was pretty important. Did you want to talk to her or have me tell her your not in yet?"

*Mable stands in the doorway waiting for Carson's reply only looking to her husband for a moment for reasurance.*

*Wendy sits with her head down acorss the table from her mom and Luke the tention running high in the room. An awkward silance rains. Wendy being unable to even look up at her mother. No yelling, no hurtful words came but the look of disapointment was enough to make one think that yelling was a far less punishment.*

"...Do you relize its not cheap to raise a child? There are so many bills and responsiblitys that come along with it."

*Wendy lets out a sigh as her mom finaly speaks.*

"I know."

"I thought you new better, what happend? what went wrong?"

"I don't know...I guess...we made a mistake."

"Your darn right you made a mistake. One that will live with you forever now."

*Wendy keeps her eyes down as she picks at her own fingers. She new Clint and herself had made a wrong choise. She new they got lost in a moment, and all sence of what was right and wrong flew out the window, she new what they did was a sin. The punishment now was a greater on than anyone could ever bestoy on another.*

*Angel gives a shake of her head as she lets out another long sigh. She was stuned by what her daughter had told her, she was shocked that this had happend. Wendy had been the last person ever she thought she had to worry about and now...all that had changed. Wendy wasnt her little girl anymore. Over night she had grown and now was being forced to grow up even more. Angel's baby was having her own baby now.

Standing Angel walks around the table and puts a hand on her daughters shoulder before bending down and bringing her into a hug. No matter how upset Angel was Wendy was her daughter and she needed her. Now more than ever. God had a plan for this, there was a reason and out of something bad Angel was sure good was right around the courner.*

"Don't worry we will get through this Wendy."

*Releasing her daughter from the hug a small tear runs down Angel's face as she steps back and makes her way to the bedroom shutting the door behind her where she can let her own tears filled with emotions run free.*

*Sitting alone at the table now everything was quiet. The sun was starting to sink below the harizon and the night sounds were making themself known. Finally standing Wendy makes her way outside and takes a deep breath of air. The look on her mothers face still running strong in her mind. Looking around the ranch yard for a moment only a few lights are on giving a soft glow. Making her way off the pourch Wendy walks acorss the damp grass making her way to Clint's bunk house where they said they would meet.

Giving a knock to the door Wendy is greeted by silence. Figuring Clint was still talking to his parents himself she opens the door slowly and makes her way to his bed sitting down to wait for his return.*

Far from old

Rick looks over to Scott for several long moments, listening to Misty. Finally he nods. "Agreed. I'll talk to Reese about it tomorrow and we'll go from there. In the meantime I guess we just try to make Scott comfortable. I know he wants to go home, but... I don't know. I haven't decided yet if that's a good idea or not."

Scott has his back turned to the other two as his eye stares at the wall. One would think he couldn't hear Rick and Misty's hushed tones, but they would be wrong. He could hear just enough to know what they were talking about. All it did was hit a numb wall though. He supposed he couldn't even think for himself anyway, even if he wanted to.

Pulling the blanket up further, he sinks his head more into his pillow, trying to block out the world... the cold cruel world.


Con returns Jamie's kiss and smiles. Hearing about Katie's suspension, his eyebrows rise and he opens his mouth to respond, but Jamie is already going back to work.

Confused, he opts not to bug her with it for now. "Alright, I'll see you later then." He straightens off the cubicle wall and aims down the walkway. Instead of heading downstairs first, his destination has just become Reese's office.

For the next fifteen minutes, the door remains closed, voices quiet, but tension thick. Then the door is finally open, revealing that Con has left Reese's office and gone to Austin's.

“Hey, Austin.” Con extends his hand to shake Austin’s, after he’d entered the office.

“Con!” Austin smiles, returning the gesture. “Glad to see you. How are you?”

Con nods. “Not too bad.”

“What brings you here?”

“Oh, just working out and seeing a few people. Wanted to say hi to you too since I heard you were back.”

“Well, I’m glad you did.”

“Looks like Texas treated you well.”

“It did.” Austin nods. “Was nice being around the gang for so long. Part of me wanted to stay, but duty calls I guess.”

Con grins. “Hate it when that happens.”

“Any plans on ever coming back here?”

Con shakes his head and gestures to his ear. “Can’t be out in the field without being able to hear half of what I used to, and I don’t plan on being put behind a desk. Besides, I didn’t think TJY was looking for any new hands.”

Austin shrugs. “You know we always are.”

Con chuckles. “True… true. Speaking of hands, I was gonna see Jase and Kat today but doesn’t look like they’re around. They out on a case?” He eyes Austin, looking for the truth. He already knew it… he’d gotten more facts from Reese, but he wasn’t about to tell Austin that.

Austin hesitates, folding his arms across his chest. “Uh…no. Actually, they, um… They’ve both been suspended, Con.”

“Suspended?” Con lifts his eyebrows, acting surprised. “Both of them? What were they doing, kissing in the hall or something?”

Austin smirks at the joke. “No, actually they were attacking me.”

“What? Well how? Or why?”

“Long story. Apparently they were upset about something. I had no choice but to suspend them. They’ll be back in the office in a couple weeks.”

Con forces a wry grin. “Yeah, well, not the first time Hotshot’s been suspended, eh?”

“No…that’s certainly true.”

“Hmm.” Con nods a little and looks around as if fishing for small talk. “Guess while I’m here, I should go see Scott too. Heard he was on his way to recovering. Figure everyone here is pretty happy to have him back.”

“Yes…yes,” Austin muses. “Feel pretty bad for him, but there’s just no way we can afford two tech guys, ya know? I’m sure he’ll make it though. He’s a bright kid.”

“What do you mean? You’re firing him?”

“I prefer to say we’re letting him go,” Austin counters.

“Oh. I see. So…you just keeping him here until…”

“Until Rick gives him a clean bill of health. Apparently he gave TJY his house in his makeshift will before we thought he died, but it will be signed back over to him.”

“Oh, well that’s generous.” Con let just a bit of sarcasm slip.

Austin quirks an eyebrow. “I think Dalton is the better choice for a tech guy anyway. He’s not as prone to accidents, and has a more stable head on his shoulders than Scott.”

“Hmm. Well, yeah, I guess when it comes down to it, you’d rather have the brawn and brain than heart anyway. I mean… just having a good heart can’t get you anywhere nowadays can it? It’s probably the wisest choice, choosing the newer, tougher man over the scrawny little nerd who’s been faithful for years.”

Austin eyes Con a little suspiciously, picking up on the slight sarcasm again. “Yes…for TJY’s best interest, of course.”

“Of course!” Con chuckles. “Got to have the best for the Elite. I heard you were the big boss now too. Congrats on that. Making any exciting changes around here?”

“Well, Carter and I implemented some structure in rankings.”

“Really? No more of this ‘everybody’s equal’ thing anymore, huh?”

“Nah, it really wasn’t a healthy method for this organization, especially now that we’re no longer underground. Structure is necessary.”

“Kinda helps to enforce ‘what the boss says goes’ doesn’t it?”

Austin chuckles. “Exactly.”

“Yeah, poor Reese – he’s been questioned and challenged so much by the others. I bet he’s glad he won’t have to do that anymore. I mean… now it’ll just be a known fact that if you argue, you’re out.”

“Something like that. I’d like to think that most around here won’t argue though.”

“With you?” Con shakes his head. “Who would want to argue with you? I mean, you’ve been gone for over a year, but surely your methods and ideas wouldn’t contradict anyone else’s here.”

“I would hope not.”

“Well…” Con shrugs. “Apparently those two rebels had a problem with something though.” He nonchalantly reverts back to Jason and Katie. “What was that about anyway?”

Austin hesitates. “Oh, it was nothing.”

“Nothing? For them two to attack you? Did they jump you, or what?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“So…” Con fishes for more. “What were they so upset about?”

Austin opens his mouth, but then shuts it again, straightening just a little. “I’m sorry, Con, but I’m not at liberty to say.”

Con does well at hiding his disappointment. Austin had never used those words with him. For years, since Con had been here then had been Austin’s personal bodyguard, they’d been able to speak freely to each other about anything. And now… Austin was purposely withholding information from him. It stung just a little bit. “That’s okay, I understand. Well…” He sighs and looks around. “Guess I better go downstairs if I want to get out of here at a decent time.”

“Alright. Glad you stopped in.”

“Yeah. We’ll, uh… have to do lunch sometime or something.”

“Right.”

Con pauses, looking down at Austin for another moment before finally turning and exiting the office. Only after he’s back out on the main floor does his face change to one of anger. His fists balled up at his sides, he doesn’t go downstairs like planned, but heads to the exit instead. He wasn’t going to sit around here anymore today. Austin had given him no answers, but that was good enough. Something was wrong…very wrong. And apparently Con no longer had a right to know. He knew he wasn’t a part of TJY anymore…Austin had every right to withhold information from him. But…still…

Austins attitude about Scott burned him up, and so did his apparent lack of care about Jason and Katie. Con was too upset to stay today... his visit and workout would just have to wait.

Passing by Jamie’s cubicle, Con sticks his head in just long enough to lean down and give her a quick kiss. “See you at home for lunch.” His tone is cool, and without waiting for a response, he heads out.


Brown grins at Katie's congratulations and nods. "Thank you. Several resignations and the popular vote does help things sometimes."

Easing down in his chair, he leans back and listens, never seeming tired or bored, but intent on gaining understanding of what was going on. Raising his eyebrows a few times shows he's taking in the story, but he remains respectfully quiet until Katie has finished.

Thinking a moment, he looks at Jason. "And what say you?"

"Couldn't have put it better myself. Though I probably would have been harsher," Jason admits.

Brown can't help a slight grin. "At first I was confused as to why on earth you were coming to me about a mentally unstable friend, and I was ready to give you some numbers to call. But... I'm guessing now that this is an Elite agent by the name of Scott Johnson."

Jason glances to Katie, then back to Brown, nodding.

"Mm-hmm..." Brown squints a little. "And... I'm also guessing that this person you believe was wrong, is none other than you grandfather, Jason."

Jason grits his teeth, but has to nod. "You got it."

"Why didn't you want to give me names?"

"Would you? We're already on suspension starting today."

Brown cocks his head. "Took this into your own hands first eh?"

"Maybe."

Brown nods again. "I think it's time I tell you that I already have a report." He leans back around to his filing drawers and pulls out a folder. "This was waiting for me when I got in to work this morning. It's as full written report from Austin about a certain interrogation."

Jason's eyes widen. "Why would... Or... does it..."

Brown leans forward, resting his arms on his desk to be closer to Jason and Katie. "Because he was thorough. To have this on record is to pronounce innocence. He mentions methods of interrogation which do not go against codes and regulations, let alone the Elite's own rulebook. It does comply with your story. It says that Austin and another Agent, Jerry Edmonton, paid Scott a visit, took him to the interrogation room and questioned him. The reason was exactly as you said, Katie, to ensure information had not leaked into the wrong hands - primarily the Agency."

He pauses, looking between the two young agents. "However, what wasn't stated, was what kind of mental condition Scott was in. You've implied that his experience was traumatic enough that is unstable. What exactly is unstable?"

Jason purses his lips in thought.

We might as well tell him everything. We don't have anything to lose. I can't tell yet if he's on our side or not.

"He's scared of his own shadow at the moment. Depressed...withdrawn... He has nightmares and minor flashbacks. We don't know yet the extent of what the Agency did to him, but it was bad enough to turn him into a different person."

Brown thinks, considering the entire circumstance. "Has he been professionally diagnosed?"

"No... it's just been our observation."

"Hmm." Brown is quiet again for several more moments. "Well, first off, I'm glad you told me." He nods to Katie. "I appreciate knowing the other side of things, even though I already had a report. I was under the impression that this was normal procedure on someone who was mentally stable. Now I know better. Second, I agree that this probably shouldn't have happened. I'm disappointed to hear that Austin would put Scott in that position, and that he would even do that to anyone who wasn't in their right mind... That in itself could be meaningless because no testimony of Scott's could even hold up in a court of law if it was proven he was unstable at the time of the interrogation. So moral issues aside, it wasn't legally smart."

Brown pauses once more, still thinking...still leaning forward on his desk. "Unfortunately, I'm not sure there's anything that can be done, other than an official reprimand if that's what you want, though I doubt that would do anything but get you two into more trouble. Without proof of physical or verbal abuse, you have nothing. Even then, the line between interrogation and abuse is a fine one. It would be hard to prove that there was actual foul play here. And even then if you could prove it, it would require Scott's own testimony, but if he's in as bad a shape as you say, that could cause him more undue trauma."

He stops, sighing deeply. "I received notice three weeks ago that Austin would be taking over as Chief of the Elite branch and that Carter was resigning. As such, I cannot pull rank on him, or order him to do anything. Now, if there are enough people at the Elite who feel the same way you do, and they are all willing to sign petitions that say they feel Austin is unfit to be the leader, that could be presented in court to a judge, and Austin could be overthrown and his title removed. I'm not sure you want to go to that extreme, or if it's actually necessary thought."

Brown looks at Katie for a moment, then Jason, then back again, letting them think. "If Austin has done nothing legally wrong, it's going to be hard to do anything. Unfortunately, you're part of the system now, and it's the way it works. Now... I instigated the whole thing for TJY to become the Elite, which as given law enforcement a new branch, and has kept all of you out of prison. I'm still glad the Elite is there, and I respect all of you agents, knowing you live up to the name. But...the one drawback for you is that you're no longer underground, and that you do answer to higher authority now. That can work for you, or against you. Right now, it's working for Austin and against you."

He shakes his head slowly. "I'm not sure I even have any advice for you, other than to roll with the punch, sit it out, and wait and see what happens. If you cause too much trouble and get fired, you do your department and fellow agents no good. Now, if you want, I can see Austin and feel him out to see if he has any motives here that don't conicide with the law. But right now....without any actual illegal activity...that's the best I can do."


Axel quirks a grin at Jess' comment. "Well... I have to admit... I've never been called a rainbow before." He chuckles. "But I guess it's better than being the raincloud."

He sighs and surveys the situation. "Tell you what... since you're already late, let me give you a ride to work in the truck. Then I'll come back and tow this brute in to the shop and give you a call later to give you the bad news. We've got a couple rental cars if need be too."

He cocks his head to the truck, eyeing Jess with the question of whether or not she would trust him.


The woman nods readily to Mabel. "Yes, I'm Sally Renandez. He probably won't know my name though. You can just tell him it's about the dog he has."

Sally waits expectantly, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, a little bit nervous. "I am sorry if I'm disturbing him, but this is very important."


Clint can only tighten his grip around Wendy. It took all the inner strength he had not to let his worry and fear out. His mind was still reeling, and he felt just a little bit sick.

He rocks Wendy for a moment, not even sure what answers he could give her. But he had to... She was looking to him for help. And if anyone needed to take the lead, it was him, whether he wanted to or not. He was so not ready for this... but there was nothing else to do. He knew good and well there was no other option than seeing this thing through. Not keeping the baby was not even something that would be considered, and he knew it. It was just.... what... how...

Swallowing his questions, he gives Wendy a squeeze, then shifts so he can see her face. "We'll go back to the ranch," he answers quietly. "Then you go and talk to your mom or your mom and Luke or whatever, while I talk to my own parents." He wasn't sure why, but for now, that felt best. If his parents were going to be upset, he didn't want Wendy there to hear it.

"And then..." He hesitates. What then? He hadn't a clue. "Then we take it one minute at a time." They had made a big mistake... but surely the Lord wouldn't leave them.

Letting Wendy sit with him for a few more minutes, Clint finally moves to get up, gathering up the leftover lunch that neither wanted anymore.

The ride back to the ranch is a quiet one. Clint finds himself reaching over to hold Wendy's hand, hoping that he could offer some comfort to her. He was so confused. He was so scared. Never had he regretted a decision more than now. He loved Wendy... but this had been the furthest thing from their minds.

Arriving in the ranch yard, Clint parks the pickup, and just sits for several moments. Looking over to Wendy, he offers the best smile he can. "It'll be okay..." It had to be. And it was better to face the music as soon as possible than wait. Waiting would just make things worse.

"You go on to your house and... and I'll go to my parents." He looks at his watch. "Then come on over to my bunk, alright? And we'll talk some more."

Brushing her cheek with his hand, he slides out of the pickup. Making sure Wendy is well on her way, he looks to the bunkhouse that had been enlarged and converted for his parents and Rosalyn. Never had he been more scared.

Time ticks by. Curious eyes question the tension in the air. Questioning minds wonder at the absence of others. And the minutes move by more slowly than some would like, and with more heightened emotions than some would like to endure...


“Of all the… What were you thinking?!”

“I’m sorry, alright?!”

“It doesn’t matter! I thought you knew better than that!”

“So I was stupid. You happy now?!”

“No, I’m not happy! I though I raised you better!”

“You didn’t raise me at all!”

“So that’s your excuse?”

“It’s not like I was out every night! There’s only ever been Wendy and it was only once!”

“Once is all it takes! Where was your head?!”


Becky frowns as she folds towels out in the hallway. A tear fills her eye and she sighs deeply.

Rosalyn comes up behind her and puts a hand on her shoulder, inwardly cringing at all the yelling going on in the closed room.

Becky turns and forces a smile at her daughter. “You alright?”

Rosalyn shrugs. “Yeah, sure, I’m fine. It’s my brother I’m worried about.”

Becky sets a towel aside and nods. “It’ll all work out.”

“If Dad doesn’t kill him.”

“Oh… he won’t.” Becky sighs again. “He’s just upset.”

“Well there’s not much that can be done now.”

“No… but your father has an awful lot of regrets mixed in here.”

Rosalyn tries to understand. “You mean about not being there when we were kids?”

Becky nods. “Yeah.”

“Well he certainly can’t blame himself for any of this.”

Becky turns again to pull her daughter into a hug. “It’ll all work out,” she repeats.

Both women jump as the bedroom door flies open. Clint stalks by without a word, his face red from the argument, emotion surging through his eyes. He hadn't expected this to go well, but the tongue-lashing from his father after the news had been sprung on the family was enough to make him hate ever telling them at all.

Rosalyn skids out of the way, reaching out to his arm with desperation. “Clint…”

“Leave me alone,” he growls and shrugs off her hand, continuing to the door. He couldn't think straight. He couldn't feel right. There was too much confusion... too much turmoil. It just... he.... Exiting the little house, he lets the door slam shut behind him. Plans for the rest of the day were forgotten.

Rosalyn looks after him. “But…”

Becky stops her from following her brother. “Leave him be. He’s got to work this one out on his own.”

Not five minutes later, a motorcycle engine can be heard revving, then roaring into the distance towards a destination known to no one.

Rosalyn looks to her mother with worry, but is prompted to go outside.

"Go keep yourself busy," Becky recommends. "He'll be back, don't worry."

Rosalyn hesitates, but does as she's told, wandering outside, then to the barn where Mick had told her he had a job for her to do if she had the time.

Becky waits, then slowly enters the bedroom and sees Jim sitting on the edges of the bed, bent, with his face in his hands. She watches him for a moment, then approaches quietly, easing down next to him. Reaching out, she gently runs a hand over her husband’s back, saying nothing and knowing that he’ll speak when he wishes.

Jim feels his wife close and just sits, his mind going a million directions at once. “Did I do something wrong? Did I teach him wrong? Is it my fault?”

“Oh, Jim… no. You’ve done all you can. Even the years you weren’t there, you were still an influence.”

“Then why? Why would he make this decision?”

Becky shakes her head. “Because he’s human. He made a mistake.”

“So I shouldn’t have said anything?”

“No…there are consequences to his actions and he needs to realize it. But…”

“But what? I should let him think I approve?” Jim lifts his head to stare at his wife. “Does he not realize what this has done? Does he not realize that he’s now emotionally and financially responsible for this girl and their child? Does he not realize that this takes away every bit of freedom he had left? That no plans are the same anymore? That any ideas for his future are now gone? That he’s now tied down? That it’s no longer just about him anymore? Does he realize that life as he knew it is completely inside-out now? He talked of trips and jobs and going places… does he realize that probably none of that will happen now? All the plans he had with friends...does he realize it's all gone now?”

Becky lets Jim vent, still rubbing his back, remaining quiet. “If he doesn’t…he will. But there’s nothing we can do about it. It’s been done. He can’t go back and change it. And I can’t imagine what he’s going through inside right now, thinking of all these things. He’s had to become a man in one instant, and you know that’s not easy. That’s probably enough punishment in itself… knowing that all your plans and ideas for the future are now wiped out.”

Jim sighs deeply. “Yeah…I suppose.”

“Do you know what he’s going to do? We talk as if we know he will stick it out.”

“No…I don’t know,” Jim admits. “But there’s a girl who’s gonna need him.”

“It was her choice too, Jim. You can’t blame it on Clint alone.”

“Yeah, I know… I just wish… I don’t know… I guess I don’t want to see them have to go through this… They haven’t even grown up yet.”

“Then we pray. We pray that good will come of this and that we’ll be able to see God in it, despite bad choices.”

“They’re so young… Clint's only twenty-three. Wendy is only nineteen. ”

“I was eighteen when you proposed to me.”

“You’ve also said you thought you married and had kids too young.”

Becky thinks for a moment. “Yes… it took away freedoms that I wanted… it forced me to grow up faster than I wanted… Maybe I regretted it at the time. But I loved you, and that’s what mattered the most… staying with you and my family. And now… now my kids are grown up and fending for themselves. And it’s just you and me again. I worried once that my life was ruined because I married so early. But now… it was so long ago. I can do whatever I want to now, and I still have you.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t agree with what’s happened here, and yes, I think Wendy’s young, and I think Clint has a lot of growing up to do. But that doesn’t mean it has to end on a sour note for them. If they have enough support around them, they can make it. They have to face the consequences of their choices, yes, and they have to face the reality of what’s happening. But be glad they told us… all we can do now is love them in spite of this and show them how real families work. They were wrong. But they have a punishment greater than us yelling at them.”

Jim straightens up and turns to his wife, reaching up to cradle her face with his hand. “Your heart is so big… I love you.”

Becky smiles, her eyes shining. “I love you too.” She takes his hand in hers, a smile curling the corner of her mouth. “You’re gonna be a grandpa.”

A chuckle escapes Jim’s lips. “You make me sound old.”

“Oh, you’re far from old.” Becky leans in to give him a tender kiss. “You’ll always be young to me.”

Jim returns her smile, pulling her into a hug. “I don’t know how I ever lived without you.”