Too late

Hearing Jess' words, Quinn's shoulders drop a little, tension showing in his eyes. For the longest moment, he just studies her eyes as if searching for something deeper... something more. His gaze was much like that of his brother's - luring and cryptic. "Well, I guess there's always two sides to a story, aren't there?"

Carson clears his throat, reinserting himself in the conversation. "It's apparent that you realize we do know Axel. But as Jess just pointed out, we see no reason to give you direction as to where he is. Neither of us would feel comfortable with that."

Thinking for another moment, Quinn shrugs lamely. "I guess I can't blame you. I'd probably be the same way if I were in your spot. Axel's obviously made some loyal friends. I just wonder why he needs such strong protection."

"It's not protection. It's respect."

Quinn nods. "Alright... fine. I'll look elsewhere. In the meantime though..." He finds a pen and grabs a napkin, scribbling out a phone number, then sliding the napkin to Jess. "If you see him... at least give him this number. I'm only passing through though so if he wants a chance to talk, he's got just a couple days. If I don't hear from him, I'll assume that I'm as dead to him as he's been to me these past years."

Giving Jess a last glance, he straightens and nods to Carson. "I'm sorry to have bothered both of you. Thanks for the coke."

Carson doesn't move, but watches as Quinn leaves, making sure he does get into his car and drives away. Glancing to Jess, he's quiet for only a moment. "You need to tell Axel about this right away - I wouldn't wait. If Quinn has other ideas, Axel needs to know, and tonight might be too late."


"Well... it's delicious." Justin takes another bite of pie and chews slowly so he can savor the taste. "Funny how recipes can be a way in which to remember someone by. Stuff like that can't ever be erased - it just keeps getting passed down and there is always love attached."

Now sitting sideways in the corner of the couch, he leans his head on the back cushion and watches Beth for several seconds. "And now it's your recipe too. We get dealt things all the time and everything is handed down to us one way or another... but in the end, we're the ones adding this or that to make it ours." Was he still talking about food, or life?

He smiles and takes another bite. "You're going to spoil me."