So tired

Though still groggy, Kyle's eyes widen. "Overdose?" He blinks. The look of surprise on his face was genuine. "But how...?" Furrowing his brow, he thinks, still bewildered.

"Well, Mr. Mitts. It's good to see you back among the living." The doctor appears in the doorway, having heard voices. He approaches, offering a smile to both Kyle and Alice.

Kyle quirks an eyebrow. "I'd say it felt good to be back, but I don't remember not being here."

"I'm not surprised." The doctor eases down on the other side of the bed, giving a soft nod to Alice before continuing with Kyle. "How are you feeling?"

"Um... kinda foggy. My throat hurts... tired."

"Mm... having had a tube down your throat will probably make it sore for a while. And the meds should wear of fairly quickly." He doctor looks at his clipboard. "Do you remember anything? Perhaps about last night?"

"Um..." Kyle frowns in thought. "I... I was swimming. And then... I think I went to bed. Next thing I know, I'm here."

"Did you take any pain killers?"

"Oh yeah." Kyle nods, starting to remember. "I guess I did. Chloe gave me some for my headache. Alice just said that you said I overdosed?"

The doctor doesn't yet answer the question. "Do you remember how many painkillers you took?"

"I don't know... whatever I was supposed to, I guess." Kyle scrunches his nose, trying to think. "I think I took the max... maybe? So I'd be able to sleep." He tries to recall the previous night's events, and suddenly his eyes widen. "Uh-oh."

The doctor lifts an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"I think I might have..." Kyle keeps trying to think. "It seems like when I went to bed, I remember realizing that I hadn't taken the pills yet. So I got up and downed the max dose, but... then I thought it felt familiar, and I wondered if I'd fallen asleep without knowing it, and had forgotten I'd already taken a dose. I was already so drowsy by that time though, that I didn't get back up again."

"You mean you took them twice?"

"I might have. I was really tired and I wasn't thinking all that straight." Kyle's eyes remain wide. "That's a scary thought."

"Well, it's not just scary, it's reality." The doctor nods grimly. "You did overdose. It's a good thing your friends called when they did. Those painkillers were high-power to begin with, so it didn't take much to really hurt yourself." He glances down at his notes. "You have been on depression medication as well?"

Kyle looks down, then up again. "Yeah... for a while. I stopped taking it though, a few days ago." He glances to Alice. If it wasn't for her, he'd still be on it.

"Were you feeling depressed last night?"

"I don't know. I mean... I was tired. I'd felt worse."

"Kyle, I'll be frank with you. Is there a possibility that you intentionally overdosed?"

Kyle's eyes widen even more. "No way! I might have been stupid, but it wasn't on purpose." He looks at Alice for reassurance before continuing. "It was an accident."

"But you said yourself that you don't remember much. People often deny their desperation, and sometimes don't even remember wanting to take their lives. I need to-"

"I said it was an accident!" Now Kyle was getting a little irritated. "I couldn't feel more stupid than I do at the moment, but I'm telling you, I was fine. I don't want to take my own life, I've got too much life left to live!"

"Okay, okay." The doctor puts a hand on Kyle's arm to calm him down. "I just had to rule that out before writing up my report. I believe you. But you were stupid, and I hope that you don't have any more of these little accidents." He stands up, making a couple notes. "I want you to stay here until tonight, but by suppertime, you will be free to go."

Watching the doctor leave, Kyle lets his head sink back in his pillow, and he gives a frustrated sigh. "Could I be even more of an idiot?" He puts his hands on his head and gives a groan. His mind was starting to clear, and he could now imagine how he must have made the others feel. "I really caused a ruckus didn't I? All because I got careless."


Laura can't help a sleepy smile. "Stop worrying about me," she chides. Moving her hand from his lips, she runs it down his cheek. "I've been hit worse than this."

She lets her head rest on her pillow, fighting sleep. "I'd love to have Maggie cook"

Her eyes start to close, but she suddenly opens them again. "Oh, would you tell Ryder to make sure Henry gets taken care of? I think he's still under my desk." After saying it, she giggles. "Henry, that is."


Ryder escorts the girl out of the van and into TJY as the others take off for the hospital. He had offered to go later, in order to take care of this first and fill in those who had stayed. Part of him was antsy to go though... to find out how both Katie and Laura were.

Getting the girl into the interrogation room, he knows Gage is in the other one, and Alec is still downstairs. It was starting to be a full house in here.

He gets the girl to sit down at the table and is just ready to turn and leave, when her voice surprises him. Turning back around, he just stares at her for a moment. Her words cut right to his heart. "Aw, you're kidding me," he mutters under his breath. A whole new form of pity washes over him. He looks to the door, then back at Thirteen. Him being at the hospital wouldn't change a thing... maybe this was where he was supposed to be for now.

Going back to the table, he leans down and takes a good hard look at Thirteen, studying her eyes. He could usually tell when someone was lying or pretending to be someone they weren't. Either she was the best he'd ever encountered, or she truly had been a victim of the Agency. He believed it was the latter.

Straightening up, Ryder locks the door, just in case, then returns. Fishing in his pocket, he reaches down and unlocks the handcuffs, freeing up her hands. "They just keep getting better and better, don't they?" His irritated question isn't intended to receive a response... he was sick of the Agency and their ways of dealing with people.

"Thirteen, ay?" He clips the cuffs to his beltloop, then reaches down to tuck her hair behind her ear, spying a cut on her temple. It wasn't deep, but it was enough to have bled a bit. He goes to the corner of the room where there is a high locked cabinet for emergencies. Inside is a small first aid kit. Coming back, he dabs some disinfectant on a swab and as gently as possible, cleans the small wound. "Nobody deserves to be raised by the Agency." It made him sick that she had called it "home." But if that's all she knew...

Finished, Ryder returns the first aid kit, then sighs, setting his hands on his hips. He couldn't treat her like the others. Her spirit was completely and utterly crushed, probably destroyed in just the first few years of her life. He wouldn't treat her like Gage or Alec - he sensed no threat. "Are you hungry? Thirsty? Need to use the bathroom?" He'd even offer a clean set of clothes, if he knew where to find one.


Jason lowers himself to sit on the edge of the bed as gently as possible. Reaching out, he takes Katie's hand in his, never having had a more tender touch. A coma. His worst fears were coming true.

It was hours later. Amazingly, none of Katie's injuries had been life-threatening, persay. Jason wasn't sure all what the doctors had said... he was so exhausted, that he thought he probably only caught about half of the explanations. He thought he remembered them saying that Katie might have to have some rehab for her hand, and they wouldn't be sure about how well it was healing until she woke up. They had gone ahead and don e some reconstruction where the acid burns had been. Though scars would remain, the doctors were confident that those wounds would heal and that they would not be too obvious in appearance. Not that Jason cared as much about that... Katie would be beautiful no matter what.

But as he sat here, alone, after others had filtered in and out... the weight of the situation bore heavily down upon him.

Standing, he goes to get a chair and bring it close, sitting down and taking Katie's hand again. Physical touch... that was what intensified their connection. He would stay... he would wait... he would pray.

He leans forward and rests his head on the bed. He was so tired.

13

Continuing to look down at Kyle Alice knows from the mention of the beach just how close to death maybe he was.

"I am sorry you had to leave the beach, but I am happy you did. I'd be pretty sad if you didnt."

Moving her hand from his face Alice looks away for a moment and than around the room before looking back to him.

"We...dont know what happend. You were found in the morning and would not wake up. Now your here. The Dr. has been saying you over dosed. I...we dont know anything more than that. The rest is up to the Dr. asking you."

Entering Laura's room Nate smiles coming over to her bed. He new she would be ok, but it still hurt to see her there and he worryed anyways.

"Maggie wanted me to ask you about dinner when you get out. Janet taught her how to cook chicken and she is excited now to cook it."

Nate gives a smile as he takes Laura's hand gently in his and brings it to her lips. He was so worryed yet so releazed she would be ok.

"Oh Laura, I love you."

Not saying anything to Ryder's question the girl's eyes search his and than drift away. Looking at the others in the van her eyes dart to each. She didnt know who they were, and they didnt talk to her. She couldnt help but be scaired of them.

...Being lead into the the holding room the girl says says nothing. She was nervouse and not sure what would happen next. Never seeing this place before She didnt know if it was safe or not. But the made who had been nice to her in the van was the one now leading her and though a doubt lingered she could only hope he would not harm her.

Sitting down she places her hands in front of her and looks down at the table. It was almost as if she acted like a robot just doing how she had been told.

Looking up at Ryder she eyes him. Her voice quiet, and a whisper as if scaired to even talk.

"I...dont know what my name is. They called me 13 back home."

Triumphs and losses

Kyle wants to sit up, but for the moment, his whole body felt like a lead weight. Instead, he just lets his eyes close again, resting his face against Alice's hand. Why was she being so gentle and apparently relieved to see him awake? He didn't understand.

"It was a nice beach," he murmurs, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "I didn't want to leave."

For a moment, he almost falls back asleep, but then he opens his eyes once more to look up into Alice's eyes. There was concern in his own gaze. "Last thing I remember is swimming... what happened? Why am I here?"


Jason watches helplessly as Misty does all she can with Katie. But his lifeline was slowly slipping away from him. He could feel his emotions surging through his body now, finally rid of the antidote. But in this close space, he had to control it, lest it explode.

Swallowing the urge to scream, Jason bends to rest his forehead on Katie's, a tear falling to mingle in her hair.

You can't leave... you just can't... You made it too far to give up now.

His emotions flow from him as if relieved that they were experiencing freedom once again. But while they were able to seep from Jason and soak into their receiver, the channel remained silent. It felt the same as when Katie was sound asleep. But this time, Jason's promptings could not wake her. The emotions were feeding her... but it may have been too late.


Laura breathes through the pain, knowing that she would be fine once she was taken care of. The bullet had gone through, so the only danger was loss of blood.

She lets her head fall over to Nate's shoulder, half letting him know she was okay, and half letting herself simply soak up the comfort he was trying to give her. She was scared. She was in pain. But he was here to keep her safe.

A bump in the road makes her grunt as she bites her lip, and her fingers tighten even more on Nate's hand.


Ryder looks into the girl's eyes for a moment, finding something unusual there. Her dropped gaze tells him that she would probably not be saying anything. He glances to Carson. "I think you're right."

"About what?"

"Her being an Agency baby."

Carson quirks an eyebrow and looks over to the girl for himself. Studying her a moment, he nods. "She doesn't look like an agent... and I've never seen her."

Though prepared to defend himself if he turned out to be wrong, Ryder scoots around in front of the girl, reaching out to tilt her chin up. She did look a lot like Katie. He sees that Reese has her handcuffed to the side of the van, and he almost feels sorry for her. He didn't normally let his guard down with someone from the Agency, but that look in her eye... it was like a frightened animal, not one of hate. "What's your name?"


Reese puts a hand to his headset. "Wyatt... I'm going to head back to base with our prisoner. Some of us will be up to the hospital to join you shortly."

"Sounds good. We're almost there. Do me a favor and call Brown... have him call in a few officers to come down here too and keep an eye out. Last thing we need is for the Agency to mess around here."


Town comes into view. Traffic is sped around and red lights are run. Sirens sound, but not to pull them over, rather to escort them the rest of the way to the hospital.

The parking lot. The injured. The paramedics. The chaos. Three agents needing care. The hospital was all-too familiar. Jason doesn't want to let Katie go, but lying her down on the stretcher, all he can do is kiss her forehead and beg her one last time not to leave him. Watching her wheeled to the ER was one of the hardest things he'd ever done.

Laura is rushed into another room as another doctor and set of nurses work on her injury. Scott is still numb and also taken to be looked at. There were still two bullets in his arm that needed to come out.

Other TJY agents show up to find out any news. Phone calls are made, and worry is everywhere. There is relief that it is over. But concern for the injured, and a lingering sorrow for the one that did not return. Everyone dealt with it in their own way, but they knew they would be honoring Phinox's memory when this was over.


... Jason paces like a caged tiger in the hall. No word... nothing... no signs. The light above his head flickers. One would just think the bulb was going bad, but one who knew how tightly wound Jason was, would realize it was his doing.

Suddenly, a hand on his shoulder makes him stop and spin around. Derek looked back at him with a soft concern. "She'll be okay," he comforts quietly. "Just let the doctors do their job."

Jason looks back at him, his eyes filling again. "Thank you," he whispers, his voice wavering, "for helping bring her back."

Derek only wished it would have been sooner... he only wished there was something more he could have done.

Something perhaps no one would have thought would ever happen caused a stir in the hearts of the few that saw it. It sorrow and of comfort. It was an action that took the place of words that could never be spoken. For the first time, father and son embraced, the silent tears flowing.


Laura lays quietly in the bed, struggling to stay awake. The medications were making her sleepy, but she wanted to see Nate before she drifted off. She would be fine. It hurt, and though the wound had been deeper than the doctors would have liked, the repair had not taken all that long. She was supposed to stay off work for a few days, but she would be able to go home tomorrow.


Scott sits on the edge of the bed, his arm wrapped and in a sling. It ached like nothing else. Three bullet holes hadn't made the surgery easy for the doctors, but they'd managed to get the bullets out and sew him up. They only wanted him here for a couple hours to make sure nothing was complicated, but then he could go home.

It was quiet in here... too quiet. His mind was replaying the day over and over and over. The fear, the gunfire, the blood, the deaths.

He closes his eyes a moment and swallows hard, taking a deep breath. But Katie was out... they had gotten Katie out.

Outside his door, he can hear the voices of Reese and Brown. He heard his name mentioned, and wondered what it was about. But he was a little afraid. There was still an unsettled matter involving him and the Agency. He might have gone out on a mission... but he was still considered a risk.

Lost

Holding Laura's hand he places his other on top of her where he wound was. He new she was trying to be strong, but he could see the pain. It cut him like a thousand knifes and he couldnt want to get to the hospetil himself to get her looked at.

Leaning his head back a million and one thoughts run through his mind. So many memories, so many tears after every job that involved life and death this happend. Going over how lucky they were all to still be alive and knowing just how much life was worth.

Kneeling down next to Katie and Jason Misty does the best she can with the tight room and the set up she has.

If it had been anyone else Misty would of told Jason to get back and give her and Katie room. But separating the inseparable that was not a job she wanted and all she could do was pray that, that would not have to happen. Not now.

Looking up at Jason Misty's looks is grim. Though she didnt have everything she needed to run tests she new the signs wernt good, and Katie was slowly slipping away.

"I think its best right now J, that she is not waking up. She'd be in way to much pain to handle."

Looking back down at Katie Misty again works on her giving her a few shots and trying to clean her wounds. Gentily wraping a cloth around her hand, if they were lucky they could get that fixed. But how much on the inside was damagaed, how much would they not be able to fix.

Resting a hand on Jason's for a moment Misty's own wounds go unnoticed still. She hated thinking about losing someone who had been such an impact to them all but realitly was knocking on the door and she didnt want to cut any courners.

"I'm sorry, but this is all I can do here, but it dosnt look good."

The body withers, as the soul trys to hold on. But time, time was not on the side of the one who needed it the most. Just a little more, a little more time to hold on. But the end was knocking and the soul was growing weak.

Watching Ryder intently for a moment the girl strains her neck consintrating on what he was doing. This was new, but scary. These people wernt like who she had always been around. The one next to her, she seemed...differnt and he talked funny. But his eyes held something she'd never seen before and she didnt know how to describe it but it almost felt like a calm.

As Ryder brings his attachen to her she looks away quickly down at the van floor. Slowly bringing her eyes up again hoping maybe Ryder wasnt looking at her still they lock with his for a moment before again looking back down.

Hearing Kyle's voice Alice jumps a little being pulled out of her deep thought. An instince smile moves onto her face as she moves slowly to his bed to side on the side.

Running a gentil hand down the side of her face she wanted to be angry with him for almost leaving her but right now, she couldnt be...no He was there still.

"We almost lost you Kyle, more than once we thought you were gone."

Continuing to touch his face softly Alice wasnt sure if it was to make sure this wasnt another dream where Kyle and Seth both invaded. She wanted this to be real, She wanted him to be awake and he was.

"You wernt on a beach. Your in the hospetil. You've been here for some time now Kyle."

Going home, minus one

Derek and Jay both follow Phinox's lead, slipping out of their ropes, and heading out of the room. Their escape is short-lived, however, when the shot rings out.

Spinning around, Derek is stunned, then yanked to the side where Jay has already found cover. More shots.

As Phinox lands behind the boxes with them, Derek's eyes widen at the blood. Phinox had been shot, and it wasn't good. He reaches for him, but already, he's being given the order to leave.

"But... we can't..."

Jay takes his arm. "We can and we will." It tore at his heart to leave Phinox here, but he knew that the brave man was giving them the only chance they had left to get out of here. He would see his daughter, and Derek needed to escape as well. "Do as he says."

As the war starts up again, Derek is hesitant, catching Phinox's eye. His gaze relayed that he was confused, sorry, but eternally grateful. No words could possibly be enough. Turning, he and Jay make a run for it, neither looking back.

Both men make it outdoors, just to find the back of the building clear. They can hear the gunfire out front, and their hearts pound. Neither dawdle. They take off at a sprint around the building, skidding to a stop just before they could be spotted.


Hal's knuckles grow white as he listens to the chaotic sounds through the mics. His attention is diverted to the other screen. "Derek and Jay on the move.... they're free!"


Reese is relieved to hear that, and knows that they will have to get everyone out all at once. He glances back to his passenger, his strange feeling remaining. But he stays on the outskirts, sliding the van to a halt at a safe distance to wait. "Van is ready and waiting. Repeat, van is ready and waiting."


His words are halfway lost in the battle, though the team knows he is there, and knows they have to get to him in order to survive. Jason pulls Katie as close to him as possible, ducking his head in an attempt to shield her. But there was no where to go.

Ryder sees Nate picking off a couple of the enemies, and follows suit, bringing one of his own down. "Jason, three o'clock! Clear shot, run, now!"

Jason sees the opening that Nate and Ryder had made, and he doesn't hesitate. His feet are moving again. His heel slams into a pothole and his knee screams out in pain but he ignores it. A bullet whizzes by his head. Suddenly, he's behind the cars, safe for the moment and able to breathe.

"Dang it, Scott!"

Jason hears Carson's shout, and turns to see that he had not been followed. It was hard to tell if Scott had been hit, or had panicked, but he was on the ground, curled up against the gunfire around him. "Scott, get up!"

"Get out of there!"

"To your right, to your right, come on!"

"Scott, are you hit? Are you hit?"

"Get up!"

The words reverberate in Scott's head as the battle continues. The sounds muddle together and horrific images flash through his mind. He couldn't move. Covering his head in fear, he pulls himself in tighter.

Carson growls and holsters his gun. "Somebody, anybody, cover me!"

Eyes shoot in his direction, guns trying to pick off anybody who might try to take him out. He moves from his hiding place, keeping low as he dashes into the middle of the parking lot. Sliding down to one knee, he grips Scott's arms, yanking them out straight so he could see his face. Reaching down with a rough hand, Carson forces Scott to look up at him. The panic was evident in Scott's eyes, but Carson was not going to take the time to be gentle. "Get up, or I'll take you out myself."

Scott quakes with fear, but Carson's words weren't what evoked the emotions. He was not fearful of Carson, but of his surroundings... of the battle. But staring up at his teammate, he sees through the roughness that Carson was trying to get him to safety, and something inside of him screamed to get up and go.

Carson's actions were enough to snap Scott out of his panic attack, and he pulls himself up to his feet.

"Atta boy, come on." Carson keeps one hand on him, pushing his head down as they run.


Ryder tries to think fast enough to do his job, and is just ready to go after Scott himself, when he sees Carson go instead. And for a moment... he's taken by surprise. Whether he wanted to acknowledge it or not, Carson was risking his life to save a partner... someone like that would not kill without a reason. Brian's face flashes in Ryder's mind. Hanging onto his hate was wrong... he'd been wrong about Carson. Drawing his gun, he fires, before an angry thug can pull his own trigger as he aimed at Carson's head. One down... too many more to go.


Getting behind the cars, Scott trips, bringing both himself and Carson down in a heap. Ryder's eyes widen. "Scott, you okay?"

Scott bites his lip, his eyes watering. Something hurt. He wasn't sure what it was though. He nods. He thought he was okay.

Only then does Carson notice the blood pouring out of Scott's arm from more than one gunshot wound. Shedding his vest, he tears a sleeve off his shirt, wrapping it quickly around Scott's arm. Looking at Scott's face, he wondered if the younger man was in a state of shock. He didn't seem to even feel any of this. "Scott... stay with us, pal... you hear me?"

Scott nods numbly. He looks to Jason and Katie. "Is she okay?"

Jason nods. They had avoided bullets. "But we have to get her out of here."

Con's voice crackles through the mics. "Derek and Jay are coming your way, guys. Head for the van, head for the van!" Already, he was moving towards the edge of the roof, ready to slide down the ladder and make a run for the road.


Derek and Jay halt at the corner, taking in the scene. Jason takes Katie and runs. Scott goes down. Carson gets him out. They had to get out of there too, but their only chance was to barrel through and hope they made it to the other side alive.

Two men in front of them had their backs turned. Derek and Jay exchange glances and nod. They knew what they had to do. Taking to a run once again, they come out of hiding, tackling both men from behind, at the same time, taking the rifles. Another shot fires and a thug goes down, having just been ready to fire on Derek. He looks up to the roof where Laura was standing, but doesn't have time for a wave of thanks. He and Jay run towards the junked cars, depending on the others to help them make it.

Laura takes out an enemy and is ready to fire on another when she feels a sickening blow to her side. Her arms had been raised, and she'd been hit below the vest. Gasping for breath, she goes down to her knees, but on her way, she fires, taking out the one who had shot her. Putting a hand to her side, she scurries across the roof to the ladder to make her way down. She winced against the pain as she ran around the far side of the building where there was no one. The team was safe - she could leave her post. It only takes her seconds to come up behind the others, huddled behind the cars. "Is this it?" she wheezes.

Ryder's eyebrows shoot up. "You're hit."

She grimaces, still gasping for breath. "I'm fine. Is this it?" she repeats. "Where's Phinox?"

Derek and Jay both remain solemn. "He got us out," Derek responds grimly.

The silence that followed was one that everyone hated, but no one needed to confirm. They knew. And hearts sink.

A bullet bounces off one of the cars, bringing their attention back. Carson shouts into his mic. "Get the vans here on the double. We're ready and waiting, so don't drag your feet!"


Reese pushes the gas petal to the floor, squealing the tires as he takes off for the one corner of the lot. "Wyatt, where's the other van? Where are you and Misty?"


Across the grassy lot, Wyatt looks behind his shoulder in time to see Misty preparing without a gun. "What are you..." Too late. She already had the door open. "Misty, don't you dare!" Again, too late, and there was nothing he could do but keep his hands on the wheel. "You crazy!!"

He glances in the mirror, catching Misty's jump, and her attack on the two men. "Watch it! Get him... Look out! Take him out! Don't... Yes!" Jumping in his seat without being able to release his adrenaline, he hits a huge bump, sending the van flying, and his eyes back to where he was going. Only then does he let his excitement be replaced by fearful exasperation. "Misty, don't you ever pull a stunt like that again, do you hear me?! Are you crazy?!"


"Whoa whoa whoa." Carson puts a hand to his headset. "What's going on over there. Misty, you okay or what?"

"She's fine," Wyatt mutters. "No thanks to her brain, miss James Bond here."

Carson can't help a little grin. "Way to go, Sassy, show 'em who's boss."

"Don't encourage her!"

"Get down here!" Reese barks to his son. "Misty! Follow him in and get over here for Katie."

Another round of chaos ensues. With the group together, it's hard for any of the Agency men to break through. With the vans pulling up and people going to their posts, victory was in the air. People move. More gunfire is heard. The Elite moves as one team, hardly needing to say any words. And in a cloud of dust, the building is being left behind...

Jason kneels in the back of the van, cradling Katie's head in his lap. He looks at Misty, his eyes pleading with her to help. "She won't wake up... I've tried everything."

Wyatt hits a bump in the road but doesn't wait to apologize. He was on the way to the hospital, and in a hurry. He had too many people hurt to worry about taking it easy.

Scott leans against the inside of the van, just now the pain starting to set in. His face was pale and he doesn't say much, still in shock from the whole experience.

Laura sits with her hand pressed to her side, her eyes watering with the pain. Her other hand puts Nate's fingers in a vice grip as she fights. She looks out the window as the scenery flies by. the other van would pick up her brother.


Carson jumps into the passenger seat beside Reese, while Ryder wastes no time in diving in through the side door behind Derek and Jay. "Go go go!" Slamming the door shut, he crawls several feet in, flopping down on the floor.

Reese looks around as he drives. "Phinox... where's Phinox?"

Carson looks at him, then gives a little shake of his head.

"Dang it." Reese's words are whispered, but his grip on the steering wheel proves how upset he is. It wasn't supposed to happen this way.

Ryder takes off his vest and wipes the sweat from his brow. Only as they slow to pick up Con, does he realize he's sitting next to the young woman who had been traded off to them. "'ello, 'ello... we got a new sheilla on our hands, ay?" He searches her face for a moment, his gaze finding something he hadn't expected. She wasn't rough... she wasn't mean... she wasn't typical Agency. "Welcome to the Elite."


Kyle stirs and finally opens his eyes. A gentle breeze combs his hair, and the sound of water lapping against the shore catches the attention of his ears. Sitting up, he gazes down the long beach. The sand is pure and soft, almost white. Craning his neck, he looks behind him at the lush green foliage. The palm trees wave in the wind and cast cool shadows on the ground.

Getting to his feet, Kyle lets the sand play between his bare toes as he walks to the edge of the water. It's cool and refreshing, so clear that one could see the bottom where brilliant fish swim. Walking along the edge, he leaves his footprints in the wet sand, basking in the warm sun. There is a freedom here. It is such an overwhelming feeling of excitement and energy, yet it is held back by the most incredible peace.

Kyle looks ahead and sees the shoreline that curves around the bay. There's something more around the bend. Something that piques the curiosity enough that one would begin to imagine the splendor that might await. There is a presence here... a presence that envelopes the senses and bathes the soul in refreshing life.

He walks towards the bend, entranced by this beautiful place.

"You know must go back, my child."

Kyle stops. "But why? I like it here."

"I know. And I can't wait for you to come and stay. But for now, you must go back."

"But..." Kyle looks with longing to that which he couldn't see. "My dad..."

"He will still be here when you return."

"Will I ever return?"

"Yes. But not today."

Kyle can feel the disappointment welling up inside of him. "But why?"

"Because you have yet to walk the path I have laid out for you."

"But it's hard."

"I know. But I am with you. Never let go of my hand."

Kyle slowly turns around to stare in the other direction. His disappointment was being confronted with his sense of duty. "I don't know where to go."

"Just follow me, child. I will lead you."

"But-"

"Shhh. I love you, Kyle. I will see you again soon."

It seems a great effort just to open his eyes, but Kyle manages to pry them open. He felt as though he'd been run over by a freight train. His mouth and throat were dry and scratchy, and his head was all fuzzy. Not a whole lot made sense... nor did his surroundings.

Without turning his head, he eyes the room. It was light and airy... the flower pattern at the top of the wall was pretty... the window was nice and big... the floor was tiled... there were machines. He blinks. He was in a hospital bed. But... why?

Finally turning his head, he sees Alice. He furrows his brow, confused at the worry he saw. His automatic response is to try and get her to smile. "I have no idea why you have such a sour look on your face." He mumbles groggily, his words almost slurred. "But if you don't smile, I'll call a nurse to take you out so I don't have to get depressed just looking at you."

He tries to open his eyes a little wider in an attempt to get his bearings. A foggy memory invades his mind. "Where did the beach go?"

Action from the Dr.

Out in the waiting room again Alice's place is by the window again her amrs crossed just looking out.

So many things ran though her mind as she continued to pray to Kyle.

Please let him be ok, please.

Seeing the dr once again Alice perks up and moves from the window. Once again going down the hall and to Kyle Alice sits down at the bed side taking his hand once again.

She wouldnt leave, she wouldnt sleep she would be there for him.

Listing to what was going on around her the girl has no choose but to just sit in the van. She was scaired though she really held not much of an expression on her face.

She had learned from the past the more she struggled the worse it would be. Her best bet would be to sit still, not say a word and wait.

Once insdie the cell and the door shut Phinox opens up his hands and lets the ropes drop free. So far so good he only open his examination of the doors when he had been here before was right and they would open.

Going over to Jay and than Derek Phinox removes the ropes from there wrists.

"Ok, once we get out of the cell we need to follow after Jason, Scott and Katie. I am guessing you know what way they went Derek?!"

Phinox statment was more of just that than a question. Leaning down he pulls a credit card from his pocket and a small pick from his pocket. He had been taking a chanse bring them but he was hoping Rod would be cocky and stupid and he has been right.

Going back to the door Phinox fiddles with the lock till finally a click is sounded and Phinox opens the door just enough to peek out.

"Its clear we need to move fast."

Exiting the room Phinox keeps guard as the other slips past him. Moving down the hall with hast they makes it almost to the door when a sicking gun shot rings out through the hall.

Stopping dead in his tracks Phinox takes a moment to look down seeing the dark ruby color that soaked through the side of his shirt. Letting out a groan he new he was hit, but not wasting anytime he turns his gun he had hiddon drawn as he returned fire. There were five, maybe six guys, and once again they fired back.

Ducking behind a stack of boxes with Derek and Jay he lets out another groan and than a shuttering sick. His body was not tingaling and it hurt so much.

Looking to the others he new they had kids, and familys who needed they. There lifes were more important than his right now.

"I'll hold them off, you guys just go get out. Get your daughter to the hospetil."

Looking them in the eyes he gives a nod convaying his message.

"GO NOW."

Moving out of his place behind the boxs Phinox's shots run hitting one, than two guys, than another but as he shot them down more came, and they seemed to double in numbers.

Finally his gun falls silent as to much dush was kicked up to know what was going on, only the sounds of the enemys rifels could be hurd returning fire and the gun shots.

Behind the cars Nate crouches as he watchs what was going on. Jason Scott, and Katie were cournered. He had to think and act smart but fast.

Taking aim through the window of the beat up car Nate takes aim and shoots off 2 rounds. Both hitting his targets and taking them down. The others where out of his sights and behind his team he couldnt take a shot without risking hitting them.

Crouching down but moving he still trys to get around them.

Feeling the van jerk Misty holds on feeling the bumps and seeing out the window what was going on. Her heart raced as the action picked up.

Taking the gun from Wyatt Misty just looks at it for a moment. She didnt know how to shoot a gun well and she new, she would never hit her target.

SHe had to do something though, she had to help her friends.

Reaching into her medical bag her pulls out a scapel and puts the handle in her mouth before sheding her jacket and shirt only yo leave her tank top on. Next pulling her knife from her pocket she acts fast and slides the van door open.

Looking at Wyatt and than back at the jeep she new it would be clear and easy with out there being any top. Holding the scaple in her teeth she talks the best she can

"Uncle Reese dont kill me to much."

Once they are close again to the jeep Misty takes a leep into the jeep. Missing just a little her legs skid on the ground. As fast as she can she pulls herself up and delivers a punch to the guy who was after her.

Wrestaling with him for a few moments Misty takes her own punches to the face as her lip is pusted open, and the side of her face already started to swell. Cuts are placed on her arm, but they go un noticed as she finally gets her hands free and stabs the guy in the throat with the scaple. Pushing him off the side of the jeep he lands with a thud.

A shot from the driver wiz by her head just missing her as she ducks. Making her way to the front she new she had the advantage.

Getting behind him her knife connects with his throat as it cuts through the flesh. Blood going everywhere and all over her. The jeep losing controll for a moment as she toss all over. Pulling the body from behind the wheel Misty hops into the seat gaining crontoll again.

Giving a wave at Wyatt with a semi saprised and wavering look on her face she talks into the mic.

"Jeep taken out, peace of cake."

Trapped

Hunter's shoulders drop a little, seeing how much pain Alice was in. He hated seeing people upset, and tears always got to him.

Coming up behind Alice, he reaches out to lay a hand on her shoulder, but halfway there, he stops. Remembering the last time he'd tried to offer comfort, he retreats. "I'll be in the waiting room with Chloe," he informs quietly before slipping back out of the room.

It seems to take forever for the doctor to appear again. Kyle had flatlined once, but they had been able to revive him. Though it had been a close call, he was stable once more, and in a new room they were keeping a closer eye on him. The others could see him again if they wanted, though he was still asleep and so far unresponsive.

The room was quiet. It felt a little different than the last one. It was strange to know that they had almost lost Kyle, yet he seemed to be sleeping so peacefully. His chest moved up and down with every slow breath, his head resting on the soft pillow. One would expect him to at least stir, but his hands at his sides made no movements. It was still. It was peaceful.


Reese's eyes glance back over his shoulder to look at the girl after she had spoken. An odd tingle ran down his spine. As he saw her eyes, he was suddenly overcome with the strangest pity. Not anger, not fear, not suspicion... but a deep pity.

He had to ask again. "Carson, you've never seen her?"

"Naw, mate. Why? What's happening?"

"Nothing... I just..." Reese looks back at the girl again. "I don't think she's trouble."

"She could be an innocent bystander they snatched. Or, she could be an Agency baby too."

"A what?"

"Like Gage. Born and bred Agency and totally clueless."

"Alright. In the meantime, I'm heading down forty-seven, ready to exit and swing back around in your direction. Dalton, keep an eye on the satellite and make sure no one is following me. I want to be close in case Jason and Scott can't make it to the other van." He pauses as he concentrates on driving. "Jason? Scott? What's your twenty?"

Silence.

Reese waits, not knowing if they hadn't heard him, or were unable to make sound.


Jason and Scott get back upstairs and head through the room. As untrained in the field as he was, Scott leads the way, his gun drawn. Moving stealthily across the floor, he unlocks the door and checks down both ends of the hall. To their right, shadows move and voices could be heard. It was Rod with the others.

"Move!" Scott hisses, shoving Jason ahead of him in the opposite direction.

Jason doesn't need to be told twice. He holds Katie close as he walks as fast as he can without jostling her too much, and without making too much noise. Her head rested on his shoulder, and he tried to keep his emotions in check. She'd never felt so lifeless.
Hang on, Katie... hang on... just a little further.
His words seemed to whisper through his emotions. He was getting closer to being rid of the hindrance of the antidote.

Scott moves along behind him, sideways, continuing to sweep the area with his eyes and gun. Not only did he feel the terror, but he had limited peripheral vision with his blind eye. He hears Reese conversing about their own captive, then hears the question. But there was no time to answer. They couldn't risk being spotted.

The shadows at the other end of the hall near. He and Jason get to the door and glance outside. The two guards were still there. Scott looks to Jason, his eyes wide with a fear. What were they supposed to do?

Jason grits his teeth, looking to his friend grimly. Keeping Katie close, he manages to pull his gun out of its holster and hand it to Scott so he had two.

Scott looks at them, then back up. He knew what he had to do. He looks down the hall. Any second, the others would round the corner. Quicker than he'd ever done, he drops to one knee and grabs two silencers from his bag, attaching them to the end of the handguns. Back on his feet, he takes a deep breath. He would go first. For Katie.

The door flies open. The two guards whirl around, their rifles poised and ready. But they were taken by surprise, and both hesitate, not realizing at first that the man coming outside was not one of their own. It was just enough time for Scott to react.

Both arms extend and aim the guns at the guards. Two shots are fired, muted by the silencers. One guard goes down, hit in the chest. He staggers and grabs for his rifle, but he's already too far gone.

The second bullet flies at the same time, but Scott's aim had been inches off, with his bad eye. The shot only grazes the second guard's shoulder, just enough to make him jump, but recoil with his rifle.

Scott whirls in his direction, ready to take another shot, but there would not be enough time. He would be shot first.

A distant crack echoes through the air and suddenly the guard gets a stunned look on his face. He lowers his rifle and looks down before dropping to his knees and finally falling face first into the dirt.

Scott's heart felt like it was going to explode as it pounded in his chest. He spins around to see the building a short distance away.

Con closes his eyes for a moment before setting his gaze through his rifle scope once more. "Guard on your flank. Get out of there."

Scott doesn't have enough time to thank Con for the help, and instead, he helps Jason down the two steps as they start to run for the trees.


Inside, Derek is being shoved ahead in the lead. As they near the hallway, he is the first within sight and can just see Scott slipping outside. He knew there would be gunfire, and Jason was still crouched with Katie, ready to bolt as soon as it was clear.

Derek's mind raced. Thinking quickly, he turns and trips, sprawling across the walkway. In turn, Jay trips over him, creating a heap that was hard to untangle with their hands still tied. Though getting shouted at, kicked and brutally yanked back to their feet, as Derek rounds the corner, it's just in time to see his son disappear and the door close. With a bloodied lip, he breathes a sigh of relief. No matter what happened now... Katie was out.

The three captives are pushed and ruthlessly shoved into a small room with a tiny barred window. After being patted down, they're left alone with a jeering remark about how they would be picked up later and Medridge would have his way with all of them.

The door slams hard and the sound of the lock being turned is sickening. All grows quiet. Derek and Jay look to Phinox as their only hope.


Back outside, Jason and Scott continue their run for the trees. But out of nowhere, another guard appears. "Freeze!" He fires a warning shot in the air.

Scott spins on his heel, takes aim and fires. The guard goes down. But their cover had been blown. They could hear shouts, and suddenly, a jeep was coming in their direction. They couldn't make it to the trees. The parking lot... it was their only hope. Turning, they run.

Reese's eyes widen as he hears all of the commotion. "Someone talk to me! What's going on?!"

"They're on the move!" Con tries to keep track of them through his scope. "Close call, three guards down, they're getting chased by a jeep. They're headed to the front, to the front. Reese, get back up there! Wyatt, Misty! High-tail it out. You've been spotted. Move!"

Carson is still on his stomach, when suddenly he sees more men appear. "This place is crawling, guys. We gotta get out of here now. Don't think, just move!" As he talks, he takes his own advice, rolling out from the grass and sprinting towards a shed to get closer but still shielded. Shots are fired.

Ryder bolts in the opposite direction. "Laura, where are you?"

"On the roof."

Ryder looks up. Sure enough, Laura was on the lower level roof of the building, trying to pick off some of the Agency's men. Ryder makes it to a junker vehicle, nearer to Nate. "Nate, buddy, where are you? We could use a little help here!"

Jason and Scott continue their pace, ducking low as bullets whiz by their heads. There was a sudden shouting and chaos all around them. Men to their right. Movement to their left. The front was blocked. Jason skids to a halt. Katie was still held protectively in his arms and he pulls her even closer to his chest, the tears stinging his eyes. "Medridge, you coward!" His angry shout brings a strange pause to the battle.

Scott stands with his back against Jason's, his guns still drawn, but his options limited. Blood trickled from his shoulder.

Reese is trying to make it back with the van, but knows if he gets too close, he'll be caught in the crossfire, then they wouldn't be able to get back out with the van again. "Con, what's happening? What's going on?"

"They're cornered. Repeate, they're cornered. Everyone, we're going to have to pick off the outter circle, but one wrong move and our three are dead. Choose wisely." He growls as he moves across the roof to a new position. "I can't get a clear shot. Wait... ok." He peers through his scope. "Scott's been hit. Repeat, Scott's been hit."

"How bad?"

"He's on his feet. Come on guys, think. We need a plan and we need it now. Nate, Ryder, Laura - you three have not been spotted. Act fast, act smart, sooner the better. They're closing in to take Jason and Scott captives."


Hearing everything that was going on, Wyatt's heart races. He throws the van in gear and shoves the gas pedal to the floor. Bumping through the grass and the dirt road, he spins the vehicle around, cutting wide to circle around. He makes sure Misty is still hanging on before whipping around the other way to avoid being sideswiped by the enemy jeep. Reaching back, he hands Misty a gun. "Take 'em out," he orders.

Time

Getting throw into the back of the van the girl dont say much. She gave a grunt here and there, but her eyes held an empty look. Who would know what was going through her mind, and who new who she was.

Hearing about the surgary She looks to Reese and in a whisper finally talks.

"There was no surgary. I've always looked like this. To be honest I am not even sure I know whats going on. All the guns and threats though sure can make a person do what they are off.

Something seemed wrong, something seemed...off.

In a dream world away from the living, a body keeps itself cut off from the mind to shield itself. Sitting on deaths door steps away, but trying to hold on..the time drags on...

As the masheens go off and the nurses come in Alice gets lost in the hussles as she finde her way to the window again. Her eyes wide, and the color turns red from the tears that formed in them.

Everything was happing so fast, and Alice felt so lost. Her mind playing there own tricks on her playing in and out of what was real and what wasnt.

Hunter's question going unanswered for a moment as she continues to look at the soft rain that was coming down hitting the pain. Her soft sobs filling the room.

Finally turning she looks at Hunter as her arms hug herself.

"I..I dont know what happend he was fine....he was fine and than...I dont know what happend to him."

Turning back to the window Alice looks again again she she closes her eyes and rests her head aganst the pain her silent prayer going out.

I hate doctors

The rest of Break Out comes and goes as well, wandering the room and the halls, just waiting. Chloe and Hunter hang out in the room the most, though really there isn't much to be done. Despite the doctor's assurance that Kyle would be okay, the worry still ran deep.

By the afternoon, some of the team had returned to the hotel, while some had stayed. Hunter sat in the waiting area, Chloe walked the halls, and Jordan paced. It was quiet... nerve-wracking... tense.

Kyle has been sleeping without a sound for hours. But suddenly he seems to give a start. His eyes open just to roll back in his head and he starts to shake, his face growing hot as sweat forms. One of the machines starts to beep, and immediately several nurses and a doctor appear.

Quickly coming into the room, they ignore Alice, walking around her and going straight to Kyle. Their words all mixed together, something about heartrate, breathing, shock and a reaction.

Seeing the new commotion, Hunter slides into the room. "What's going on? What happened?"

One of the nurses pushes him out of the way. "He's had a reaction to the antibiotics."

"Well what-" Hunter can't even ask as Kyle is taken from the room without the courtesy of an explanation. He slams his palm into the wall in frustration, keeping himself from yelling at the doctor for keeping them in the dark. Spinning around, he realizes that Alice had been caught in the new mess. "What happened?"


A million and one thoughts race through Reese's mind as he lets his three men go, taking the young woman into his own custody. Also not trusting anyone, he backs up, pulling the girl along with him. He doesn't want to turn his back on Derek, Jay and Phinox, but he knows he must. Otherwise, they would be killed on the spot.

Turning, he opens the van door again and shoves the girl inside, just out of sight of the thugs. Moving so no one else could see him, he yanks the girl to the side and in one motion, has her cuffed to an inside rail. A gun is suddenly in his hand, cocked and pointed to her throat.

"You make one wrong move," he hisses, "and you're dead. Got it?"

Shutting the door, he moves nonchalantly but quickly to the driver's side again, starts the engine and turns around. As they're pulling away, he makes sure communication is still clear, while keeping one eye on the newcomer. "I've got the decoy. Repeat, decoy in custody. They did a good job with making her look like Katie, I'll give 'em that."

"I bet Medrige has some plastic surgeons working for him," Con muses. "How'd you like to be changed into somebody else just to fail the mission?"

Reese gets back on track. "Scott, give me a report."

No answer.

"Scott?"

Jason's voice answers. "He took off his mic. to concentrate. We've got one minute to go."

"Con?"

"Rod's moving the three inside. They're cautious but unsuspecting."

"Wyatt?"

"Still here. We're ready and waiting."

"Ryder and Carson?"

It's Ryder who answers. "Don't know the sheila. The goon with Rod is an idiot with attitude, but an idiot nonetheless. No one's spotted us. We're still here and stable."

"Nate?"


Jay and Derek follow along with Phinox, tripping every once in a while as they're shoved. Both men are incredibly nervous, but trying to hold themselves together. They knew that once they reached a room to be held in, that they would have to start planning their escape.


Scott clips the last wire. The light goes off. The cap doesn't blow. He lets out the breath he'd been holding and looks up at Jason with a slight nod.

Donning his mic again, he then unties Katie's wrists, as gently as possible, seeing that the ropes had rubbed her raw. The bomb was disarmed.

"Bomb disarmed," Jason informs the team. "Repeat, Bomb is disarmed. We're heading out. Con, what's it look like?"

"Outside perimeter we got two guys in the back where you went in. Watch your step. Rod heading in with a thug and our three."

"Got it." Jason bends over and tenderly lifts Katie into his arms. Having her so close to him had never felt better, but it was filled with a sickening worry. She had not yet woken, though he was just beginning to feel a trickle of emotions.

He nods to Scott to take the lead this time. His arms were full... Scott needed to be their eyes.

Scott slings his backpack over his shoulder and takes his gun. His hand trembles again just a little as they ascend the stairs quietly.

Katie

Standing by the far window once in the hosptal Alice is ghostly quiet as she says a silent prayer. Each moment that went by without any word bringing more worry. Alice didnt understand how this could of happend again.

Time slowly moves...

Seeing the Dr come into the room and ask about Kyle Alice moves away from the window and a little closer hoping the new that would be hurd was good.

Hearing about Kyle's over dose Alice's face pales as she dosnt quite understand. Kyle and her had shaired something special lastnight and he had been so happy over it. Surely there was something someone was missing, Kyle wouldnt do this.

Alice looks to Hunter but than looks away her face staying the same, but a ferm look in her eyes.

"Kyle wouldnt have tryed to kill himself. Thats not him I know it. He had to much going for him in life to do that."

Once the Dr is gone Alice looks to Jordan as he talks to her. Giving a nod no one had to ask twice Alice was alreayd through the door and heading down the hall to Kyle.

Entering the room and seeing Kyle laying in the bed and hooked up to the differnt masheens she is suddanly throw back to when Seth was in the hospetil. She'd had to say goodbye to him this way before he was taken off life support. It had been so hard.

Stepping closer Alice gives a small shake of her head. This was differnt Kyle was not dieing. Alice had to remind herself that.

Putting a chair to the bed Alice sits down and takes Kyle's hand in her own giving it a small kiss.

"Coming back to us Kyle. We need you, I need you, please done leave me...your time cant be up."

Rod steps forward his riffle in hand as he pushs Katie forward not saying anything. Stepping forward a little more Rod looks over the three men and than glances down at there hands. Stoping at Phinox he gives a gruff snicker before nodding behind him at the two other men.

"Take them to the holding room."

Gruffly once again he goes back to Katie and grabs the rops around her wrists. Pushing her forward with his feet to make she stumble.

"Take he, we dont need her anymore."

Walking backward but still watching Reese as to not turn his back on him not trusting him one bit. A stupid smerk on his lips.

Accident?

When the ambulance arrives, the atmosphere seems foggy. It was quiet, yet the emergency was real. The paramedics check Kyle over and try to bring him to, but without success. Bringing in a stretcher, they prepare to take him out, murmuring amongst themselves about the possibilities. The pain medication was mentioned again, and there seemed to be something that the paramedics didn't want to discuss until after they received a doctor's confirmation. No matter the cause, they needed to get Kyle to the hospital.

The ambulance is followed by the rest of the team, no one willing to stay behind. Thankfully, no one else had booked their room at the hotel, and they're able to keep it longer, Jordan making quick arrangements on their way out.

The drive to the hospital never seemed longer. It was an unfamiliar town full of strangers. Finally arriving, Kyle is taken directly down the hall to an area off-limits for the visitors. All of Break Out waits nervously in another room. Most did not take advantage of the chairs available... they were too tense to just sit and wait.

Hunter paces, though keeps a close eye on Alice. Not brave enough to blatantly offer comfort, he hopes that at least his presence would be enough to let her know if she needed a shoulder, he was there.

It seems like forever before a doctor appears. It had been several hours. "Are you the ones who brought in Kyle Mitts?"

"Yeah." Jordan is the first to step forward. "How is he?"

The doctor doesn't pull any punches. "Your friend apparently overdosed on some pain killers. We pumped his stomach and got some antibiotics into him, so I expect him to pull through."

Chloe's face pales. "But... but I'm sure he just took a few before bed."

"Could he have taken some after that?"

"I... I don't know."

The doctor sighs and tucks his clipboard under his arm. "Was Kyle depressed?"

Hunter exchanges a look with Alice, then steps forward so Chloe doesn't have to keep explaining things in her state. "Kyle was one of the most upbeat people we know. If you're suggesting he did this on purpose..."

"Look." The doctor shifts his weight, remaining serious. "The reason I'm asking is that the blood work we did showed a concentration of a substance found in medication often used to help with depression."

Hunter's shoulders drop. "That's what it was..." He turns to look at Alice. "That's what he was getting off of, wasn't it?"

The doctor raises his eyebrows. "You say he was coming off of depression meds?"

"Makes sense now... I noticed the symptoms, but most of us didn't know he'd been taking anything."

"We will have to wait to talk to Kyle after he wakes up," the doctor informs. "But he almost died. If a suicide attempt is a possibility, then we'll have to report it."

Chloe shakes her head stubbornly. "He wouldn't have done that. I know it."

Hunter sighs deeply. Kyle's own brother had made an attempt once... but he didn't think Kyle would do this either. "There's no way to tell what happened?"

The doctor shakes his head. "Only asking him directly will tell us whether or not this was an accident."

"But he wouldn't have taken more than a couple pills!" Chloe emphasizes again.

"Miss, I'm sorry." The doctor tries to remain gentle. "But the bloodwork didn't lie. There was too much in his system to just be a regular dose. It was enough to knock him out but not kill him, thankfully. Though if he would have been left alone, I'm not sure he would have been able to pull through." He looks around at all the faces. "He's in room sixty-five down the hall on the second floor. Right now he's asleep, but can see him if you want."

"When will he wake up?" Myla asks.

"Only time will tell. His body is recovering though. He might sleep through the day and night, or he might wake up within the hour. Nurses are on call if you need anything."

Jordan nods. "Thank you, doctor." Once the physician is gone, Jordan looks at the others, Alice in particular. He knew she was the closest to Kyle. "If you want to see him first," he offers gently, "it's okay."


Tension rose. Adrenaline increased. There was no room for mistakes here.

Reese nods to Phinox. "I won't let her get away with anything," he retorts. He was mad enough about Katie that he wasn't going to let anyone pull anything over on him. He retrieves his handgun, checks it over, then puts it under the van's driver's seat. He didn't like it not being on him, but he couldn't risk blowing the tradeoff by wearing a sidearm.

Pulling forward again, the van creeps further into the parking lot, finally coming to a stop. "How many we got, Con?"

"Just the three you see. Two are wandering around back."

"Scott? How you coming?"

Scott wipes the sweat from his brow and stares at the bomb that lay in pieces. The trigger had yet to be disarmed though. "I'm working on it."

"How much time?"

"Five minutes."

Reese doesn't want the trade to go too quickly. He'd rather give Jason and Scott time to get out the back before everything else went down, but they would now have to play it by ear. Getting out of the van, Reese walks cautiously around the other side, making eye contact with Rod. Moving slowly enough so no one would be suspicious, he opens the side door and lets the three men out. Standing for a moment, he then leads them forward, covering half the distance before stopping. "We got what you want," he calls to Rod. "Now give me what I want."

Time is now

Hearing the comotion Alice comes out of her bedroom, the smile from lastnight still played on her face. She had spelt a little later than normal but the bed had felt so much nicer than her car steat.

Wanding over to where the others were thinking maybe Kyle was being his normal hamself and everyone was watching Alice catchs the end of the talking and looking into the room to see Kyle in bed, than she see someone else go for the phone and dial 911.

I cant wake him. The words echo in her ear as her heart starts to race. An all to familure feeling wells inside of her as an almost panic takes over.

Seeing Jordan holding everyone back at the doorway Alice makes her way to the front of the mob. Lookinng Jordan dead in the eye her worry was aparent as her eyes started to turn bloodshot. She felt sick to her stomach but she wasnt going to be kept back.

"Let me go through to go to him."

Ducking underneath his arm Alice goes to Kyle. Sitting down on the bed she dosnt say anything louder than a whisper letting Kyle know she was there and to hang on.

Gently taking one of his lifeless hands in her own. This couldnt happen, not again, not now.

Giving a gently squeeze of Laura's hand Nate breaks away from the others and readys his gun. Slowly, yet fast at the same time his makes his way through the tall grass using it as cover and the trees at well making his way to the junk yard. Finally in position Nate gives his signal he is ready keeping his eyes sharp and listing to everything that was going on.

Letting out a long breath Phinox new the time was now. Looking out the window He can see Rod standing with another guy and someone would looked like Kaite. Down to a T is looked like her.

"Thats not Katie. They did a pretty good job with this one make her look like the real thing as soon as you guys got her put her in cuffs or she will backstab you when she can."

Giving another sigh he looks to the other and than Reese again.

"We need to go now."

Found

Jay looks down at the ropes around his wrists. What if they got separated? What if the Agency would kill them on sight? What if they wouldn't be able to get out like planned? He thinks of Katie and a tear forms in his eye. He thinks of his wife and swallows hard. He thinks of his other children as the lump rises in his throat.
God please... please bring us all home safe.

Derek leans his head back against the side of the van as they rattle down the road. He replayed Phinox's words over and over in his mind. It had been a long time since he'd done anything like this... a very long time. But the adrenaline rush was the same.

As they continue to drive, Reese looks in his side mirror to see the other van that Con was driving. As they come upon an intersection, Con turns off, breaking away from the other vehicle. Reese takes a deep breath. There was no need to say anything... he knew that the other team would go another route and circle around to get a good spot to watch the building. They would be taking a short cut to arrive and keep an eye out before this part of the team even arrived.

Reese's hands tighten a little around the steering wheel. "Jase? Scott? If you're in a position to talk, give us an update on how things look."

Jason and Scott crouch behind a row of unkempt bushes along the parking lot of the building. "We got two guys out front," Jason replies quietly. "Rifles." Movement catches his eye. "Make that three. Lookin' lazy though. They're bored."

"Good," Reese responds. "They'll probably be easy to surprise then."

Scott taps Jason's shoulder and points to the corner of the building that was their target. They now had a clean shot to make it through the shadows.

Jason nods. "Going in. Let you know when we've got Katie."

Carson looks up at the others in the lookout van. The ride had been pretty quiet. Everyone knew what they were supposed to do, and all were trying not to think of the worst.

Sitting sideways against the sides of the van, eyes meet each other, but few words are spoken. Laura leans forward to put her face in her hands, her worry for Katie getting stronger and stronger.

Ryder is next to her and he sighs. Katie was his friend too... one of the few he had. Without thinking, he instinctively reaches over to rub Laura's back for a second.

She turns her head to look at him, giving him a grim smile of thanks. Straightening up, she pats his leg before settling back again. Looking to the front where her brother was driving, she catches his eye in the rearview mirror. He throws her a wink.

It seems to take forever, yet not time at all to reach their destination. Con is the first to speak. "Hal, how we looking?"

"Everything's the same. No one has reached Katie yet and... perimeter is clear." Hal had been set up with another monitor in the cubicle that would show Dalton's feed of the satellite surveillance. The screen jumps. "Dalton, keep us together, buddy."

Con parks the van in a secluded corner in an alleyway at the edge of the town. Everyone filed out, checking their gear and ammunition. Carson sets his hands on his hips and wanders away from the others. Taking his binoculars, he can see the building where Katie was being held. There were trees... an empty grass lot... and another tall building not too far away. "Con... you're up for the building."

Con knew his job. It's exactly what he'd been trained for. Taking a rifle, he checks it over before slinging it over his shoulder. He would be their sniper. Without hesitation, he starts with long strides towards the building, keeping safe along a couple other buildings then the tree line. A fire escape ladder was his route to the top.

Carson makes sure Con is well on his way before turning to the others. "Laura, head for the trees. Safe spot but good vantage point. Move around to the side so you'll have a good angle to head anybody off if they try to run."

She nods, slipping into work mode. This was it. The only thing she pauses for is to reach over to Nate's hand and give it a squeeze. If she would have had the time to kiss him, she would have. But she has to move now before anyone realized they were there.

Carson points to Nate. "West side parking lot." He knew that Nate would have already seen the junked cars that would provide ample cover, and he needn't give specific orders.

He then waves to Ryder. "You're with me."

Ryder grits his teeth. Though concentrating on finding Katie, there was still a small burning inside of him that fed his dislike for Carson. But he had no choice to argue today. He and Carson head to the tall grass, drop down on their bellies and begin to army crawl to their destination. They would wind up at the edge of the parking lot, hopefully completely unseen.

Jason and Scott keep low as they dash from one tree to the next, then straighten to flatten themselves against the side of the building. They could both hear what the other teams were doing, and knew they were not alone. At this point, the hardest thing to maintain would be their timing.

Out of sight from the thugs around the corner, Jason and Scott find the door unlocked. Slipping inside, they pause to take a look around. Both knew the layout. They tiptoe at a runner's pace down the hall.

Suddenly someone emerges from a side room. The man is startled, his eyes widening. But too shocked, his reaction is slowed. Before he can get his walkietalkie to his mouth, Jason reacts. Moving with speed, Jason grabs the man, twists him around and puts him in a brutal chokehold. The man struggles, but is no match for Jason's adrenaline-driven strength. Within seconds, the man has lost consciousness.

Scott's heart pounds and his hands shake just a little. Jason looks to him with reasurance and nods. They had to keep going.

Moving forward, they find the room their looking for. Hearing voices, they go flat against the wall, guns ready. But the two men emerging go the other direction toward the far exit. Jason recognized Rod and his blood boils. A nudge to his arm brings him back to their task and he and Scott move into the room. The door to the basement.

Turning quickly, Jason locks himself and Scott into the room. If anyone came back, that would buy them just a little more time. Thankfully, the door to the basement was open. Trying the lightswitch, nothing happened. Jason retrieved his flashlight and held it out in front of him, along with his gun. Down, down they descended into the dark, damp basement.

Scott's heart was racing, and for a moment, he gets hit with a wave of diziness. Stopping, he grabs at the railing, giving a little gasp.

Jason stops and turns, looking up into Scott's face. His eyes begged him to keep going. He needed him. Katie needed him.

Doing his best to recover, Scott bravely keeps going. His mind tried to play tricks on him, trying to get him to think that he was back in his old cell. He half expected to see the same rats that had shared his meals. His hand moving through a spiderweb makes him cringe. But he keeps close to Jason's back, following him all the way.

Jason sweeps the room with his flashlight. They were alone. Except for the huddled body at the pole in the middle of the room. Oh, Katie. His heart leaps into his throat, and it takes all the raw strength he has to hold himself together. "We're in."

Reese breathes a sigh of relief. "We'll be there soon. Don't dawdle."

It had taken Jason and Scott a little longer to get inside than planned, and now time was of the essance. Moving quickly, Jason is the first to reach Katie. He slides down on his knees next to her and so gently reaches out to tilt her face up. He saw the marks. He saw the blood. His heart screamed inside of him. "Katie..." His voice was so soft, almost timid. "Katie, can you hear me?" With no response, he leans forward, putting his ear close to her. She was still breathing. "She's still alive." No one had to respond - he could feel everyone's relief. But this was far from over.

Scott kneels down behind Katie, turning on the light on his hat. Sweat trickled down the side of his face. He wanted to take the time to see Katie's face and to tell her it was all going to be okay, but that was Jason's job. Unzipping his backpack, he goes for his tools. A small screwdriver is drawn out and he aims it for the corner of the bomb, but his hand is shaking uncontrollably.

Jason sees him, and grows serious. "Scott... come on... you can do this."

Panic wells up inside of Scott. Not only was he fighting against the memories and flashbacks, but he was holding one of his dearest friend's life in his hands. He wasn't strong enough. He wasn't brave enough.

"I know you can do it, Scott." Hope's words ring in Scott's ears. He remembers the confidence in her voice. She had faith in him... she had helped bring him this far. Closing his eyes, he remembers her voice... her touch... her confidence in him.

Opening his eyes again, he looks down. His hand was steady. He starts to take the casing off of the bomb.

Jason takes a wet cloth and tenderly wipes Katie's face, tucking her hair behind her ears and cleaning off all of the dried blood. A tear runs down his cheek. Don't leave me now... please don't leave me now... We've come too far... you've hung on this long... hang on a little longer... we'll get you out, I promise.

Jason can feel the emotions rising within him. The words were still only words in his mind, but like a magnet, he could feel the emotions starting to wrap around them, trying to form their own communication. The drugs were starting to wear off.

In a hushed tone, Jason sings a sweet lullaby, hoping that if Katie could hear them, that it would bring her comfort.

The quiet singing seems to put everyone in a strange state of peace. The whole team could hear him, and they knew why he was giving his gentle reassurance.

Reese stops the van and stares ahead towards the building that could be seen in the distance. "Is everyone in position?"

One by one, the other members check in. Everyone was accounted for. Everyone was in place. Reese looks back to Phinox. "We're ready on your signal."


The morning comes in more lazily than in a long time. The team takes their time getting up – for once, taking a break from their early-morning routines. A couple of the guys eventually get up and make some coffee. Hunter leaves and returns with some pastries for breakfast and Myla works on picking up the living room after the evening before with a throw pillow fight and popcorn. It’s getting a little late, and everyone’s starting to pack up, when suddenly someone realizes that Kyle hasn’t been up and about.

“Did he eat breakfast?” Chloe questions.

Blake shakes his head. “I haven’t even seen him up.”

“Surely he’s not still asleep with this racket.” Jordan heads for the bedroom.

“I dunno.” Shawn shrugs. “I haven’t been back in there since I got up.”

Jordan rolls his eyes and keeps his route to the bedroom. He half suspected that Kyle had slipped out unnoticed. But reaching the room, he discovers he was wrong. He seeks Kyle still lying flat on the far bed, on his stomach with his head turned away from the noise.

Jordan couldn’t believe Kyle had slept through everyone’s chattering and moving around. But maybe he’d finally gotten a good night’s sleep. “Yo, Kyle!”

No answer.

Jordan goes closer and shakes the bed. “You gonna sleep all day?”

Still no answer.

“Kyle…” Jordan moves around to see Kyle’s face, then reaches down to shake his friend’s shoulder. “Kyle!”

Nothing.

Now a little concerned, Jason sits on the edge of the bed and shakes his friend again. “Kyle, come on… wake up.”

“He still asleep?” Heath asks from the doorway.

Jordan keeps trying, doing everything he can. “Come on, Kyle, buddy, daylight’s burning.” With the concern worsening, he checks Kyle’s pulse. “Kyle?”

After several more minutes of the same, Jordan finally looks up at Heath grimly. “Call 911. I can’t wake him up.”

Heath doesn’t wait to ask questions, and spins around, diving for the phone in the living room.

The others are immediately on alert.

“What… what’s wrong?”

“What happened?”

“Is he okay?”

Suddenly, the bedroom is full, a quiet but fearful chaos ensuing. Jordan stands, holding the others back. “Whoa, guys, leave room to breathe.”

Chloe’s lip trembles. “He’s not…”

“No,” Jordan answers. “He’s breathing, though his pulse isn’t great. I can’t get him to wake up, and that’s not normal. Something’s wrong.”

He hears Heath explaining to the 911 operator, asking for an ambulance. He scans all the eyes in front of him, including Alice's. “Does anyone have any idea what Kyle did before bed last night?”

Chloe swallows hard, a tear running down her cheek. “He still had a bad headache. I…I gave him some pain killers. I don’t think he had any supper though.”

“Okay, we wait for the paramedics. Stay cool and sit tight.”


"...so I thought when Dad's done with whatever it is he's doing, that then maybe we could -" Liz's words are cut off as there is a knock at the door. Both she and Axel are sitting on stools at his small kitchen counter, eating breakfast. She looks at him with question. "Expecting company?"

"No. But that never means anything." Axel slides off his seat and ambles to the door. Opening it, he's surprised at the visitor. "Taylor? What's up?"

Taylor steps inside only when invited, and gives a little sigh and shrug. "Oh, just... hadn't seen you much since the band hasn't been practicing much and, um, I just, um..." Her eyes drift down, then up, then to the kitchen. Her eyebrows rise. "Liz?"

"Taylor!" A smile spreads on Liz's face. "Long time no see!"

"Yeah! ...yeah." Taylor looks to Axel for an explanation.

He chuckles. "Unexpected visitor. Long story. So... something you needed to talk to me about?"

"Well, um... yeah, I just..." Taylor looks to Liz again, then back to Axel.

Axel gets the idea, and he turns around, motioning with his head for Liz to make herself scarce.

Liz tries to hide her grin as she picks up her bowl of cereal and aims for the living room. "I'll, just... catch the morning news on tv."

Taylor gives and awkward laugh and steps toward the empty kitchen. Turning around, she looks up at Axel, her face slightly flushed. "Look, um... I know things are alright between us, and I know if I asked, you'd probably say I didn't need to explain anything, but... it would make me feel better, okay?"

"Okay." Axel leans back against the counter expectantly. He felt just a tad awkward himself, but if Taylor needed this, then he would allow it.

Taylor takes a deep breath. "I wanted to give you my genuine apology for my behavior in the past. I... I was foolish and... and caught up in some weird emotions and... I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable."

Axel shakes his head. "You don't-"

"No, let me finish," Taylor interrupts. She paces in a small circle as she talks. "I like you, Axel. I always have. I mean... who doesn't?" She manages a short chuckle. "But I see now that I was invading your space and... that I had misinterpreted my own feelings and acted inappropriately. Yes, at the time I thought I wanted to be more than friends, but... after making a complete fool of myself and then stepping back and really taking a good hard look, I see how much I value our friendship and... I see that you and I really aren't meant to be anything but friends."

She finds a little more strength with each word. "I see you and Jess and I'm so happy for you guys, and I really hope that things work with you two. I just... I wanted to say I'm sorry for hauling off and acting on impulse and embarrassing the both of us. And... I just wanted to make sure that... well..." Her eyes lower again. "...that I could still have you for a friend and the big brother I never had."

Feeling Axel's hands on her shoulders, she looks up quickly. "Forgive me?"

Axel is smiling and he shakes his head. "How many times do I have to tell you that I do? Quit stewing about it. I'm okay, you're okay, and yes... we're still friends."

Taylor finally smiles and nods a little sheepishly. "Okay." A slight laugh surfaces. "Would this be a bad time to tell you that I have a date tonight?"

"What?!" Axel steps back, pretending to be shocked, then throws her a wink. "What's the lucky guy's name?"

"Bill."

"Bill?" Axel quirks an eyebrow "That's a-"

"A fine name," Taylor cuts him off, sticking her tongue out.

"Is he handsome?"

"Of course."

"Good clean guy?"

"Couldn't get any cleaner." Taylor grins. "Thanks, Axel. Will I see you at our next practice?"

"Far as I know."