Hearing what Dylan said about Mick his face turn a slight shade of red as he frowns his brow. Placing both hands on the table and looking across it at Dylan.
"He does not lie."
BJ's voice raises just a little as he trys to express his own feelings. He didn't like hearing Dylan talk like that about dad. The young boy's heart was pure and in his eyes Mick was perfect.
"Anyways, I have to go...it will be breakfast soon. I'll see you later Big Brother."
Hoping off the chair once again BJ runs away from the table back to the little playroom where his toys were lined up.
Giving a laugh at the display again and shaking her head Ryan stands. Wondering over to Leo's car and leaning on the edge Ryan looks down at him from the top.
"I think dinner sounds good."
Leaning in a little more Ryan gives Leo a small kiss before pulling away. Term oil was hidden in her eyes. Many questions still layed unanswered, but she did still care a great deal for Leo. He meant a lot to her.
"I guess I better get to that pickup before the guys complain even more."
Backing away from Leo's car he was working on Ryan heads to the end of where the pick up truch was waiting. On her way by she throws a rage at Miles sticking her tong out at him..
"Come on slacker pick up the pace!"
Giving a nod even though his friend couldn't see him Dalton lets out a small sigh. At least Scott would think about it. That was better than just flat out saying no.
"Ok, just think about it and let me know."
Hanging up the phone Dalton lets out another long sigh. Going back to the computer he does a few more things to change Scott's password and a few other as well. For now it would stay like this until Scott gave the word everything was ok.
Rosetta new where Mick was coming from and that he didn't want to be in the way. But he never was, and she never would be. Any paper work about the ranch was always open to him. This was his ranch as much as hers.
Coming back to the question about Dan Rosetta thinks for a long moment. The young man had left, for reason's unknown but Katie had filled her in, saying Dan was sorry he didn't tell anyone he just needed to get away for the holiday.
"I believe he should be back sometime today. His work started again tomorrow, and he's always been good about being on time for work."
Wrapping her own arms around Sparky Faith soaked up all the warmth she could. Being so close, it felt so nice to have someone care so much for her. Faith could only hope everything would pass quickly and things could go back to normal for her and Sparky. Accepting the kiss only confermed how much she wanted everything to be over and normal once again.
Keeping her arms around Sparky and leaning into him they both make there way to the dinning hall. Faith could tell that today would be a good day, and being able to spend time with Sparky would be even better.
2/24/10
Lies
"Who cares about work?" Leo gives Ryan a sidelong glance, then laughs. "Alright, you workaholic, you. The pickup on the end is yours. Jed couldn't handle it."
"I never said that!" Jed shakes a wrench at them. "I said I'd already started on this car."
Leo snickers and dives into the engine as a rag is tossed in his direction. "Alright, alright! I'm sure Ryan can do a better job anyway. It's just as well."
Miles' eyes widen. "Whose side are you on anyway, buster?"
Leo thinks a minute, then grins wide. "Mmm... mine."
Miles smirks. "I bet. You better hold off on those lunch plans though. I heard Darrel promise Mrs. Haines that that car of yours would be done by this afternoon."
"Awww," Leo groans. He sighs and looks back to Ryan. "Okay, so we'll just have to settle for supper."
"Work, Leo!" Jed hollers. "Romance later!"
Scott hesitates at Dalton's offer. "Um.. well I don't know... I mean, I..." He swallows hard. Maybe it would be best. What if he really did go off the deep end? What if he really did betray his own? Wouldn't it be better if someone was there to prevent him from doing it? As it was, he could get up in the night and go to TJY without anything to stop him. But if Dalton was there... at least until this passed... if it would pass.
He jumps as Domino hops up beside him, crawling up his side with her ears back in submission, still afraid she'd done something wrong. Scott sighs and lets one hand scratch her head, letting her know it was okay. He hadn't meant to scare her and he felt badly.
"Maybe," he finally answers Dalton indecisively. "I... I want to talk with Carson and see... see if he thinks my dream would really... I mean... be true."
Looking at the clock, Scott sees he's late for work the way it is. But as long as this was going on, he didn't think he should be there anyway. "I'll... let you know. Thank you."
"Yeah? Well Dad lies about a lot of things," Dylan growls at BJ, muffled in his own arm. He doesn't bother lifting his head. "It stinks here, I hate horses, and this isn't my family. I don't care what you think, so go away."
Mick smiles and squeezes Rosetta's hand in return. "I know... I just didn't want to get in your way." Though hard, he knew he couldn't just waltz right back in and take over again. He wanted to... it was his nature. But he was trying hard not to. "When is Dan supposed to get back?"
Faith's words meant so much to Sparky, and her gentle kiss was returned. He didn't want to lose her. He felt cheated out of time. It wasn't fair.
Pulling her all the way into his arms, he just holds her closer for several minutes, wishing he could just shelter her from this storm and that when he let go, it would all have passed and they could simply live happily together.
Drawing back a little, he kisses her lips again, forcing himself to smile, even though his heart ached. "Let's go have breakfast... then we can get ready and leave on horseback."
A warm tingle spreads through Jade and she can't help her smile. Dan made her feel so good. "You better save those kinds of comments," she warns, or I might be a distraction while you're driving."
Giggling, she squeezes his hand even though she would like to scoot over and kiss him. "Thank you... no matter what he says... I won't change my mind."
"I never said that!" Jed shakes a wrench at them. "I said I'd already started on this car."
Leo snickers and dives into the engine as a rag is tossed in his direction. "Alright, alright! I'm sure Ryan can do a better job anyway. It's just as well."
Miles' eyes widen. "Whose side are you on anyway, buster?"
Leo thinks a minute, then grins wide. "Mmm... mine."
Miles smirks. "I bet. You better hold off on those lunch plans though. I heard Darrel promise Mrs. Haines that that car of yours would be done by this afternoon."
"Awww," Leo groans. He sighs and looks back to Ryan. "Okay, so we'll just have to settle for supper."
"Work, Leo!" Jed hollers. "Romance later!"
Scott hesitates at Dalton's offer. "Um.. well I don't know... I mean, I..." He swallows hard. Maybe it would be best. What if he really did go off the deep end? What if he really did betray his own? Wouldn't it be better if someone was there to prevent him from doing it? As it was, he could get up in the night and go to TJY without anything to stop him. But if Dalton was there... at least until this passed... if it would pass.
He jumps as Domino hops up beside him, crawling up his side with her ears back in submission, still afraid she'd done something wrong. Scott sighs and lets one hand scratch her head, letting her know it was okay. He hadn't meant to scare her and he felt badly.
"Maybe," he finally answers Dalton indecisively. "I... I want to talk with Carson and see... see if he thinks my dream would really... I mean... be true."
Looking at the clock, Scott sees he's late for work the way it is. But as long as this was going on, he didn't think he should be there anyway. "I'll... let you know. Thank you."
"Yeah? Well Dad lies about a lot of things," Dylan growls at BJ, muffled in his own arm. He doesn't bother lifting his head. "It stinks here, I hate horses, and this isn't my family. I don't care what you think, so go away."
Mick smiles and squeezes Rosetta's hand in return. "I know... I just didn't want to get in your way." Though hard, he knew he couldn't just waltz right back in and take over again. He wanted to... it was his nature. But he was trying hard not to. "When is Dan supposed to get back?"
Faith's words meant so much to Sparky, and her gentle kiss was returned. He didn't want to lose her. He felt cheated out of time. It wasn't fair.
Pulling her all the way into his arms, he just holds her closer for several minutes, wishing he could just shelter her from this storm and that when he let go, it would all have passed and they could simply live happily together.
Drawing back a little, he kisses her lips again, forcing himself to smile, even though his heart ached. "Let's go have breakfast... then we can get ready and leave on horseback."
A warm tingle spreads through Jade and she can't help her smile. Dan made her feel so good. "You better save those kinds of comments," she warns, or I might be a distraction while you're driving."
Giggling, she squeezes his hand even though she would like to scoot over and kiss him. "Thank you... no matter what he says... I won't change my mind."
Knight in shinning amour
Ryan can't help but laugh at Leo, He always did make her smile. Though with that tight of an agenda Ryan didn't know if she would be able to see Alec or not. If she couldn't get a little time in than maybe it was the best for now. She'd just let the cards fall and if she got time, she did.
"Ok, that sounds good but what about work wise you goofball."
Ryan gives a laugh again not being able to help her smile. What would it be like without Leo's jokes? It seemed like work would just be to long.
Leaning back in his chair and giving a long sigh Dalton felt so bad for his little friend. He was at such a war with his mind, and didn't know what to do. But he would do what Scott asked if it put his own mind at ease.
"Ok, yeah I got it set up. Will you come and stay with me for a few days so you and Domino wont have to be alone?"
Dalton didn't know what else to do for his friend, but if this helped than at least it was something. He couldn't sit by and do nothing while Scott suffered anymore.
BJ continues to look across the table at Dylan. Turning his head a little bit trying to process his words. BJ was smart and understood but he was trying to figure out why he would say that.
"Yesh you are. Dad even said so, and your dad is my dad, and your mom is my mom, and your older dan me. So dat means your my older brother."
Giving a smile to Dylan, BJ didn't understand about step mom's and dads, or even that Rosetta and Mick were his adopted parents. To him it was all the same.
"How tum you don't like it here? Its pretty, and you family is here. I like having you here."
BJ did always want a sibling, and now that he had some he wanted to do more stuff with him, not getting the hint he wasn't wanted there.
Rosetta gives a smile to Mick she was happy wanted to go out and work the horse. It was nice to know he had lost his touch or love for it. Most of the day today she would more than likely be in the office catching up on some stuff. She liked Mick wanted to come in.
"The books always have and always be open to you Mick. You don't have to ask to look at them. As long as you put them back in the right spot so I can find them again."
Giving a smile Rosetta takes Mick's hand and gives it a small squeeze. She was really proud of him and all he was doing. It was still gonna be a long road, but there was light at the end of the tunnel.
Looking up at Sparky Faith just gazes into his eyes seeming to get lost in them. They told a story, of this mans life and some might only think they saw the old tired look but to Faith, she saw so much more. She saw life in them and love...its what drew her in.
"I'd like that very much. To me that sounds like a perfect day."
Feeling Sparky step close she could feel his warmth. It was an amazing feeling that left her feeling so safe. Bringing a hand up to the said of his face Faith gives a small smile her fingers mapping his cheek bone.
"I've never had someone hold me all night before. It would be an honor for that person to be you. Your an amazing person Tyler. Even better than the knight in shinning amour because your real."
Faith new Sparky would understand what she was saying and not think she was taking the comment down a whole another road.
Leaning up to kiss his lips gentile Faith pulls away a little her own eyes held a tiny tear in them. Though she had only just met Sparky not so long ago, the feelings, the love she had for him grew so fast and now to think that after today she might be leaving him..it hurt.
Giving a small she smiles again this time a little bigger. If this was her last day, she wanted to leave giving Sparky good memories. She'd keep her chin up, and enjoy this time they had.
Holding Jade's hand as they continued down the road Dan couldn't help but the small laugh that came from his lips. He new it was going to be hard telling Mick about them, but it had to be done. All he could do was hope for the best.
"After dealing with your grandmother, Mick is a peace of cake."
Giving a laugh Dan tried to make a joke out of it to lighten the mood. Though he really new it wasn't something to joke about. He just wanted to see Jade smile about it.
"Your Dad, we will...keep out head up and tell him without fear, but we will be respectful. With any luck he might understand."
Looking over at Jade, Dan brings her hand to his lips and gives it a small kiss before grinning back at her.
"I love you Jade, if your dad can't see that...I can't turn away now, I've fallen to far."
"Ok, that sounds good but what about work wise you goofball."
Ryan gives a laugh again not being able to help her smile. What would it be like without Leo's jokes? It seemed like work would just be to long.
Leaning back in his chair and giving a long sigh Dalton felt so bad for his little friend. He was at such a war with his mind, and didn't know what to do. But he would do what Scott asked if it put his own mind at ease.
"Ok, yeah I got it set up. Will you come and stay with me for a few days so you and Domino wont have to be alone?"
Dalton didn't know what else to do for his friend, but if this helped than at least it was something. He couldn't sit by and do nothing while Scott suffered anymore.
BJ continues to look across the table at Dylan. Turning his head a little bit trying to process his words. BJ was smart and understood but he was trying to figure out why he would say that.
"Yesh you are. Dad even said so, and your dad is my dad, and your mom is my mom, and your older dan me. So dat means your my older brother."
Giving a smile to Dylan, BJ didn't understand about step mom's and dads, or even that Rosetta and Mick were his adopted parents. To him it was all the same.
"How tum you don't like it here? Its pretty, and you family is here. I like having you here."
BJ did always want a sibling, and now that he had some he wanted to do more stuff with him, not getting the hint he wasn't wanted there.
Rosetta gives a smile to Mick she was happy wanted to go out and work the horse. It was nice to know he had lost his touch or love for it. Most of the day today she would more than likely be in the office catching up on some stuff. She liked Mick wanted to come in.
"The books always have and always be open to you Mick. You don't have to ask to look at them. As long as you put them back in the right spot so I can find them again."
Giving a smile Rosetta takes Mick's hand and gives it a small squeeze. She was really proud of him and all he was doing. It was still gonna be a long road, but there was light at the end of the tunnel.
Looking up at Sparky Faith just gazes into his eyes seeming to get lost in them. They told a story, of this mans life and some might only think they saw the old tired look but to Faith, she saw so much more. She saw life in them and love...its what drew her in.
"I'd like that very much. To me that sounds like a perfect day."
Feeling Sparky step close she could feel his warmth. It was an amazing feeling that left her feeling so safe. Bringing a hand up to the said of his face Faith gives a small smile her fingers mapping his cheek bone.
"I've never had someone hold me all night before. It would be an honor for that person to be you. Your an amazing person Tyler. Even better than the knight in shinning amour because your real."
Faith new Sparky would understand what she was saying and not think she was taking the comment down a whole another road.
Leaning up to kiss his lips gentile Faith pulls away a little her own eyes held a tiny tear in them. Though she had only just met Sparky not so long ago, the feelings, the love she had for him grew so fast and now to think that after today she might be leaving him..it hurt.
Giving a small she smiles again this time a little bigger. If this was her last day, she wanted to leave giving Sparky good memories. She'd keep her chin up, and enjoy this time they had.
Holding Jade's hand as they continued down the road Dan couldn't help but the small laugh that came from his lips. He new it was going to be hard telling Mick about them, but it had to be done. All he could do was hope for the best.
"After dealing with your grandmother, Mick is a peace of cake."
Giving a laugh Dan tried to make a joke out of it to lighten the mood. Though he really new it wasn't something to joke about. He just wanted to see Jade smile about it.
"Your Dad, we will...keep out head up and tell him without fear, but we will be respectful. With any luck he might understand."
Looking over at Jade, Dan brings her hand to his lips and gives it a small kiss before grinning back at her.
"I love you Jade, if your dad can't see that...I can't turn away now, I've fallen to far."
As long as you want
Leo tinkers with the car he was fixing and without even missing a beat, he answers Ryan. "Ohh.... lunch at the sandwich shop, then a date tonight so Eli can stay home with his beloved new television."
He throws Ryan a sidelong glance with a silly grin, knowing good and well she'd been referring to work, not the personal agenda for the day.
Scott flops back on the bed, relief washing over him. He just lets the silence reign on the phone for a moment, trying to pull himself together. His voice was weak after the traumatizing thought that had taken over his mind.
"I... I just... I..." He swallows hard and closes his eyes, his head throbbing. "No, I'm not okay," he admits. "I had one of the most real nightmares I've ever had and... I thought... I thought I finally cracked... the Agency got into my head and... and I betrayed everybody."
His voice rises with emotion, a despair clinging to each syllable. "I cracked... I knew I would and.... and I couldn't help myself! My mind was just all..."
Scott stops, catching his breath as his pulse begins to race again. "I have to talk to Carson... just lock my account out of the system for now, Dalton, please?" His tone was desperate - that of a man who wanted so badly never to harm those he cared about. "Don't tell me the password until I know I won't... won't do something terrible... please?"
Dylan doesn't turn his head, but lazily lifts an eye to see BJ sitting across from him, mimicking his position again and staring at him. His gaze narrows. "It's not a good morning," he grumbles, "because I'm here. And I'm not your big brother."
Moving his head again, he turns his face from BJ, every vibe a negative one.
Mick smiles and Rosetta hugs her back, returning her kiss. "Mmm... I slept like a baby."
Drawing her down into the chair next to him, he cocks his head, just looking at her for several moments. For no real reason other than to admire her and take in all he could after being away.
"Thought I'd go out and give Remington some attention after breakfast - Jim said he's been a beast. Then if I could come to the office and look through the books just to see what's been up... if that's okay with you?"
Sparky smiles gently, his eyes so full of a longing to just make Faith happy. "Well I can cover the first three all in one, then the fourth can come tonight." His smile widens. "If you get some food together that will fit in a saddlebag, I'll get a horse and we'll ride double up the foothills then have a picnic."
He cocks his head, the brim of his hat casting a shadow over his eyes. "Then tonight we can get dibs on the living room couch and watch a movie..."
He moves a little closer, his hands moving down around Faith's waist. "...and you can sit with me... in my arms..." His voice quiets to almost a whisper. "...for as long as you want."
Jade looks out the window at the passing scenery, then back to Dan, giving his hand a squeeze. They'd been on the road an hour already, but this time she didn't have to sit on a crowded bus. They wouldn't get back to the ranch until tonight, but she didn't care. Just being with Dan the whole way was worth it and she was going to enjoy every minute, spending the hours with him. There was only one little raincloud.
Her fingers curl around his a little tighter, though she tries not to distract him from driving. "Dan... I don't know when it'll be but... but my dad's gonna be back sometime and..." She hadn't yet broached this subject with him. "...well... how are we gonna tell him... about us?"
He throws Ryan a sidelong glance with a silly grin, knowing good and well she'd been referring to work, not the personal agenda for the day.
Scott flops back on the bed, relief washing over him. He just lets the silence reign on the phone for a moment, trying to pull himself together. His voice was weak after the traumatizing thought that had taken over his mind.
"I... I just... I..." He swallows hard and closes his eyes, his head throbbing. "No, I'm not okay," he admits. "I had one of the most real nightmares I've ever had and... I thought... I thought I finally cracked... the Agency got into my head and... and I betrayed everybody."
His voice rises with emotion, a despair clinging to each syllable. "I cracked... I knew I would and.... and I couldn't help myself! My mind was just all..."
Scott stops, catching his breath as his pulse begins to race again. "I have to talk to Carson... just lock my account out of the system for now, Dalton, please?" His tone was desperate - that of a man who wanted so badly never to harm those he cared about. "Don't tell me the password until I know I won't... won't do something terrible... please?"
Dylan doesn't turn his head, but lazily lifts an eye to see BJ sitting across from him, mimicking his position again and staring at him. His gaze narrows. "It's not a good morning," he grumbles, "because I'm here. And I'm not your big brother."
Moving his head again, he turns his face from BJ, every vibe a negative one.
Mick smiles and Rosetta hugs her back, returning her kiss. "Mmm... I slept like a baby."
Drawing her down into the chair next to him, he cocks his head, just looking at her for several moments. For no real reason other than to admire her and take in all he could after being away.
"Thought I'd go out and give Remington some attention after breakfast - Jim said he's been a beast. Then if I could come to the office and look through the books just to see what's been up... if that's okay with you?"
Sparky smiles gently, his eyes so full of a longing to just make Faith happy. "Well I can cover the first three all in one, then the fourth can come tonight." His smile widens. "If you get some food together that will fit in a saddlebag, I'll get a horse and we'll ride double up the foothills then have a picnic."
He cocks his head, the brim of his hat casting a shadow over his eyes. "Then tonight we can get dibs on the living room couch and watch a movie..."
He moves a little closer, his hands moving down around Faith's waist. "...and you can sit with me... in my arms..." His voice quiets to almost a whisper. "...for as long as you want."
Jade looks out the window at the passing scenery, then back to Dan, giving his hand a squeeze. They'd been on the road an hour already, but this time she didn't have to sit on a crowded bus. They wouldn't get back to the ranch until tonight, but she didn't care. Just being with Dan the whole way was worth it and she was going to enjoy every minute, spending the hours with him. There was only one little raincloud.
Her fingers curl around his a little tighter, though she tries not to distract him from driving. "Dan... I don't know when it'll be but... but my dad's gonna be back sometime and..." She hadn't yet broached this subject with him. "...well... how are we gonna tell him... about us?"
You
Entering the auto shop Ryan lets out a yawn before taking a sip of her coffee. It had been a long night of spending more time with her brother and his new toy, and than restless sleep as she tossed and turned.
"Hey, are you two gloating about being ahead again? Haven t you learned that means nothing most of the time?"
Giving a grin Ryan heads into the break room to throw her cup out, and than back out into the docking bay. Going over to Leo she gives him a kiss that linger for a few moments before moving back to her work area. Throwing her jacket over the chair by her work bench she glances over at Leo again and gives a wink.
"I kind of like his Santa hat. Its only been one day why not share the cheer a little more."
Swiveling around in her chair for a moment Ryan seemed a little hyper today witch was surprised seeing as how little sleep she got. Maybe the coffee was kicking in faster than normal.
Letting her mind wonder Ryan's thoughts drift to Alec for a moment wondering what he was doing now. Maybe she could get out of work a little early and go see him! Was that really a smart idea?
Giving her head a shake almost as if remembering she was at work Ryan trys to clear her mind. That was the last thing she wanted to think about at the moment.
"So what go we got on the agenda for today?"
Taking a swig of Mountain Dew Dalton answer's the phone. Classical music can be heard playing in the background. He figured Scott wouldn't be in today wanting to spend more time with Hope so he had his music up higher than normal. But hearing Scott's shaky voice on the other end Dalton is alert and spinning in his chair to turn the music off and listen to Scott better.
"Scott...what...what are you talking about?"
Listing to Scott a little clear this time Dalton still didn't understand completely, yesterday had been Christmas, Scott would of been with Hope. But if this is what Scott wanted him to check he would.
"Ok, give me one second to access the information."
Keeping Scott on the other line Dalton does as he is asked. Clicking on a keyboard in the background can be heard proving he was fast at work with Scott's request.
It takes no time for Dalton to pull up the information he needed. Scanning things over, and looking through files. the security, and everything else that could be leaked outside.
"Scott...everything looks fine. No security has been hacked, nothing has been transferred out. Everything is as we left it before Christmas. Whats going on? Are you ok?"
Enter the dinning room BJ trots behind Rosetta. He was ready to spend the day doing...little boy stuff. Maybe even help Mick a little. Looking around the dinning room like most of the people did when they entered, BJ's little eyes see his big brother sitting at a table alone.
Going over to the table BJ struggles a little to get the chair across from Dylan out but finally does. Waddling his butt a little bit he climbs up the chair and sits down. Folding his arms onto the table he leans his head down onto them copying Dylan like he had the other day. Finally lifting his head a little to peek out eye out, a smile forms on his face.
"Good Morning Big Brother."
Making her way over to the table where Mick sat Rosetta comes up behind him and wraps her arms around his neck. Leaning down to give him a hug and kiss.
"Morning. How did you sleep lastnight?"
It was so good to have her husband back again. This went smoothly while he was gone but it just was not the same. She hated the feeling of not having him there. But now he was back, he was better.
Holding Sparky's hand in her own after he brushed away her hair Faith just wanted to feel him close. Looking up at him her eyes were bright, and there was a tiny bit of fear that layed behind them. It scared her to think this could be her last day with someone she had just met, and fallen so completely in love with so fast.
"I don't care what we do, as long as its with you."
Bringing Sparky's hand to her mouth Faith gives it a gentile kiss before resting her cheek against it for a long moment. Finally looking up into Sparky's eyes again Faith gives a small smile.
"It's been a long time since I've had anyone ask me what I'd like to do. So, I think it should be a take it as it comes day. Climb a moutain, ride some horses, go for a picnic, the movies...as long as the day is with you I am completely happy and have gotten more than I dreamed of.
"Hey, are you two gloating about being ahead again? Haven t you learned that means nothing most of the time?"
Giving a grin Ryan heads into the break room to throw her cup out, and than back out into the docking bay. Going over to Leo she gives him a kiss that linger for a few moments before moving back to her work area. Throwing her jacket over the chair by her work bench she glances over at Leo again and gives a wink.
"I kind of like his Santa hat. Its only been one day why not share the cheer a little more."
Swiveling around in her chair for a moment Ryan seemed a little hyper today witch was surprised seeing as how little sleep she got. Maybe the coffee was kicking in faster than normal.
Letting her mind wonder Ryan's thoughts drift to Alec for a moment wondering what he was doing now. Maybe she could get out of work a little early and go see him! Was that really a smart idea?
Giving her head a shake almost as if remembering she was at work Ryan trys to clear her mind. That was the last thing she wanted to think about at the moment.
"So what go we got on the agenda for today?"
Taking a swig of Mountain Dew Dalton answer's the phone. Classical music can be heard playing in the background. He figured Scott wouldn't be in today wanting to spend more time with Hope so he had his music up higher than normal. But hearing Scott's shaky voice on the other end Dalton is alert and spinning in his chair to turn the music off and listen to Scott better.
"Scott...what...what are you talking about?"
Listing to Scott a little clear this time Dalton still didn't understand completely, yesterday had been Christmas, Scott would of been with Hope. But if this is what Scott wanted him to check he would.
"Ok, give me one second to access the information."
Keeping Scott on the other line Dalton does as he is asked. Clicking on a keyboard in the background can be heard proving he was fast at work with Scott's request.
It takes no time for Dalton to pull up the information he needed. Scanning things over, and looking through files. the security, and everything else that could be leaked outside.
"Scott...everything looks fine. No security has been hacked, nothing has been transferred out. Everything is as we left it before Christmas. Whats going on? Are you ok?"
Enter the dinning room BJ trots behind Rosetta. He was ready to spend the day doing...little boy stuff. Maybe even help Mick a little. Looking around the dinning room like most of the people did when they entered, BJ's little eyes see his big brother sitting at a table alone.
Going over to the table BJ struggles a little to get the chair across from Dylan out but finally does. Waddling his butt a little bit he climbs up the chair and sits down. Folding his arms onto the table he leans his head down onto them copying Dylan like he had the other day. Finally lifting his head a little to peek out eye out, a smile forms on his face.
"Good Morning Big Brother."
Making her way over to the table where Mick sat Rosetta comes up behind him and wraps her arms around his neck. Leaning down to give him a hug and kiss.
"Morning. How did you sleep lastnight?"
It was so good to have her husband back again. This went smoothly while he was gone but it just was not the same. She hated the feeling of not having him there. But now he was back, he was better.
Holding Sparky's hand in her own after he brushed away her hair Faith just wanted to feel him close. Looking up at him her eyes were bright, and there was a tiny bit of fear that layed behind them. It scared her to think this could be her last day with someone she had just met, and fallen so completely in love with so fast.
"I don't care what we do, as long as its with you."
Bringing Sparky's hand to her mouth Faith gives it a gentile kiss before resting her cheek against it for a long moment. Finally looking up into Sparky's eyes again Faith gives a small smile.
"It's been a long time since I've had anyone ask me what I'd like to do. So, I think it should be a take it as it comes day. Climb a moutain, ride some horses, go for a picnic, the movies...as long as the day is with you I am completely happy and have gotten more than I dreamed of.
Your loss
Eli isn't so sure about his sister's response, but he lets it slide. Maybe there were just things she didn't want to talk about right now, and he respected that.
Hearing about something in his bedroom, he quirks an eyebrow. He hadn't been back there all day and had no idea Ryan had put anything there. "What?" Curiously, he goes to find out. A few minutes later, he lets out a whoop and swings back into the kitchen, grabs Ryan and spins her around. "You little sneak!"
Laughing, he gives her a hug and a teasing kiss to the top of her head. "Did anybody ever tell you that you're the best sister ever?"
Still grinning, Eli shakes his head. "You realize now I'll be up all night setting that thing up."
It wasn't all night... only part of it, but he wound up getting his way before heading to bed for the night. It had been a good day. Not because of the gifts but because of the time spent with ones who cared about each other. When the world could be forgotten for just a few hours, it was a blessed day.
Drawing the bracelet out of the bag, Scott runs his fingers over it then reads the note, a smile forming on his face. Putting it on his wrist, he admires it a moment before taking Hope back into his arms and giving her a loving squeeze. "Thank you... no one will ever know how much this means to me." And he was right - the note was correct... Hope was so much more than a name to him. With all he'd been through, this would be a reminder every day.
This Christmas had been the worst and the best at the same time, and he wouldn't easily forget the time spent with Hope. Maybe things with his family weren't great right now, and maybe he was going through an inner struggle... but at least he had her and she really was his lifeline.
"Leo! Christmas is over!"
Leo's head pops up out of an engine, a silly santa hat on his head. "What? You kidding? It was just yesterday."
"You gonna scare away the customers," Jed teases.
Leo smirks at him. "What would life come to if there wasn't me to pick on?"
Miles laughs as he enters the shop. "What's all the commotion?"
"Slacker!" Leo shouts.
"Hey, at least I'm not the last person in today," Miles defends. "I didn't see Ryan's car out there yet."
"True... but Jed and I are ahead of you both now. Better get busy on the Buick or you'll never catch up."
"Come on, let me talk to Reese!" Alec shouts his frustration into the security camera, knowing that Hal was listening. He'd been locked into his room this morning after going upstairs and heading to Reese's office without warning. Hal had tackled him and manhandled him back down to the little room, Alec fighting him the whole way, swearing he wasn't trying to pull anything. Now he was locked in alone again with a notepad of all he'd written the day before.
"Just let me talk to him!" He curses Hal before pacing again, then glaring back up at he camera. "Okay, fine. Your loss."
Scott stares at the computer screen, his mind seeming to take over without his will. His fingers typed on the keyboard with speed, breaking through password securities and scrambling anything someone might be able to trace.
Deep down, his soul screamed at him to stop, but it felt as if he were a robot, unable to control himself. The Agency files came up, opening a communication window. He was in. He would tell them all about where Phinox was, and Alec and Gage and Carson. He began to type, also reminding them that they had lost Thirteen and she was still under watch of the Elite.
Still typing, sweat poured down the sides of his face. He didn't want to be telling them all of this. He wanted to stop. But his hands wouldn't let him. He had once described his feelings to Dalton as if it were a computer virus inside of him, and that's exactly how it felt now.
Everything was spilled to the Agency about those the Elite now had. Passwords were shared, and security information was passed to them without stopping. They would have access to the Elite database now, but it would take months for anyone here to notice.
Scott was a mole against his own will. But if he told anyone, his life here would be over. As he closes back down, his eyes see every bit of information he'd leaked, and all the windows began to close as commanded. No one would know.
Looking down, he sees his hands are trembling, cold and clammy. This couldn't be happening. It couldn't. "No!" he screams, prying himself from his computer. His heart began to race and he presses himself up against the wall, now feeling as though someone was watching him. "Get out of my head!"
Sitting bolt upright in bed, Scott's scream echos through his small house. Domino cowers in a corner, whimpering after being kicked off the bed and not understanding what was happening. Sweat pours down Scott's face as he stares into the dimness of his bedroom. His heart was racing and he felt sick. It was just a dream.... it was morning... he should have been to work an hour ago... Hope had gone home later last night and he'd gone to bed... It was just a dream.... right?
Fear grips him and he goes for his bedside phone. Dialing quickly he waits until he hears Dalton's voice. His own voice is shaky. "Dalton.... Dalton, check our security..."
He rubs his eyes, a raging headache making it hard to think straight. "Lock my computer out of the system... just lock it out so I can't have access to anything." He was desperate. "Then check and make sure no security was breached last night."
Mick wanders to an empty table to sit down with a fresh cup of coffee, waiting for Rosetta to join him a little later after BJ was up. It felt good to be home... very good. Things were a little different... but sometimes change was good.
He'd spoken to Sparky last night and they had at least shaken hands. His brother had accepted his apology, and though there was still a rift there, maybe there was still a chance for healing. Mick had been surprised to hear that Sparky and this other woman were quite close, though he hadn't spoken his mind about it. It didn't seem like a wise situation, but having been gone, he decided it was better off to remain quiet. He hadn't seen Dylan this morning, but figured he'd be around and didn't want to push his son right off the bat.
There was a lot going through his mind... Jade would be coming home today... that was another bridge he needed to repair. Sighing deeply, he closes his eyes for a moment, trying to keep his mind clear. Today he would try to get back in the groove of things around the barn and get his bearings once more.
Dylan trudges from his bunkhouse, not really wanting to be up yet. But he knew if he didn't show himself, his father would be after him, and that's the last thing he wanted. He wasn't hungry though. He didn't want breakfast. He didn't want to go to the barn either. This place sucked.
Stuffing his hands in his hoodie pockets, his feet drag until he reaches the dining hall. Letting himself in, he sees only a few people are up yet. He sees his father over closer to the kitchen, but avoids eye contact. Instead, he finds a chair in the corner and folds his arms on the table to rest his head. He'd just sit here until someone told him to move.
Back in a quiet corner of the barn, Sparky leans an arm on the wall, while his other hand reaches out to brush aside a stray strand of Faith's hair from her face. "This is your day today."
He wanted it to be a good day. Tomorrow she'd be going to the hospital, and as much as he didn't want to think about it, he knew there was a fifty percent chance she would not be coming back. If this were to be their last day together, he wanted to make it special.
"Anything you want to do," he offers. "Anything, anywhere... just name it."
Hearing about something in his bedroom, he quirks an eyebrow. He hadn't been back there all day and had no idea Ryan had put anything there. "What?" Curiously, he goes to find out. A few minutes later, he lets out a whoop and swings back into the kitchen, grabs Ryan and spins her around. "You little sneak!"
Laughing, he gives her a hug and a teasing kiss to the top of her head. "Did anybody ever tell you that you're the best sister ever?"
Still grinning, Eli shakes his head. "You realize now I'll be up all night setting that thing up."
It wasn't all night... only part of it, but he wound up getting his way before heading to bed for the night. It had been a good day. Not because of the gifts but because of the time spent with ones who cared about each other. When the world could be forgotten for just a few hours, it was a blessed day.
Drawing the bracelet out of the bag, Scott runs his fingers over it then reads the note, a smile forming on his face. Putting it on his wrist, he admires it a moment before taking Hope back into his arms and giving her a loving squeeze. "Thank you... no one will ever know how much this means to me." And he was right - the note was correct... Hope was so much more than a name to him. With all he'd been through, this would be a reminder every day.
This Christmas had been the worst and the best at the same time, and he wouldn't easily forget the time spent with Hope. Maybe things with his family weren't great right now, and maybe he was going through an inner struggle... but at least he had her and she really was his lifeline.
"Leo! Christmas is over!"
Leo's head pops up out of an engine, a silly santa hat on his head. "What? You kidding? It was just yesterday."
"You gonna scare away the customers," Jed teases.
Leo smirks at him. "What would life come to if there wasn't me to pick on?"
Miles laughs as he enters the shop. "What's all the commotion?"
"Slacker!" Leo shouts.
"Hey, at least I'm not the last person in today," Miles defends. "I didn't see Ryan's car out there yet."
"True... but Jed and I are ahead of you both now. Better get busy on the Buick or you'll never catch up."
"Come on, let me talk to Reese!" Alec shouts his frustration into the security camera, knowing that Hal was listening. He'd been locked into his room this morning after going upstairs and heading to Reese's office without warning. Hal had tackled him and manhandled him back down to the little room, Alec fighting him the whole way, swearing he wasn't trying to pull anything. Now he was locked in alone again with a notepad of all he'd written the day before.
"Just let me talk to him!" He curses Hal before pacing again, then glaring back up at he camera. "Okay, fine. Your loss."
Scott stares at the computer screen, his mind seeming to take over without his will. His fingers typed on the keyboard with speed, breaking through password securities and scrambling anything someone might be able to trace.
Deep down, his soul screamed at him to stop, but it felt as if he were a robot, unable to control himself. The Agency files came up, opening a communication window. He was in. He would tell them all about where Phinox was, and Alec and Gage and Carson. He began to type, also reminding them that they had lost Thirteen and she was still under watch of the Elite.
Still typing, sweat poured down the sides of his face. He didn't want to be telling them all of this. He wanted to stop. But his hands wouldn't let him. He had once described his feelings to Dalton as if it were a computer virus inside of him, and that's exactly how it felt now.
Everything was spilled to the Agency about those the Elite now had. Passwords were shared, and security information was passed to them without stopping. They would have access to the Elite database now, but it would take months for anyone here to notice.
Scott was a mole against his own will. But if he told anyone, his life here would be over. As he closes back down, his eyes see every bit of information he'd leaked, and all the windows began to close as commanded. No one would know.
Looking down, he sees his hands are trembling, cold and clammy. This couldn't be happening. It couldn't. "No!" he screams, prying himself from his computer. His heart began to race and he presses himself up against the wall, now feeling as though someone was watching him. "Get out of my head!"
Sitting bolt upright in bed, Scott's scream echos through his small house. Domino cowers in a corner, whimpering after being kicked off the bed and not understanding what was happening. Sweat pours down Scott's face as he stares into the dimness of his bedroom. His heart was racing and he felt sick. It was just a dream.... it was morning... he should have been to work an hour ago... Hope had gone home later last night and he'd gone to bed... It was just a dream.... right?
Fear grips him and he goes for his bedside phone. Dialing quickly he waits until he hears Dalton's voice. His own voice is shaky. "Dalton.... Dalton, check our security..."
He rubs his eyes, a raging headache making it hard to think straight. "Lock my computer out of the system... just lock it out so I can't have access to anything." He was desperate. "Then check and make sure no security was breached last night."
Mick wanders to an empty table to sit down with a fresh cup of coffee, waiting for Rosetta to join him a little later after BJ was up. It felt good to be home... very good. Things were a little different... but sometimes change was good.
He'd spoken to Sparky last night and they had at least shaken hands. His brother had accepted his apology, and though there was still a rift there, maybe there was still a chance for healing. Mick had been surprised to hear that Sparky and this other woman were quite close, though he hadn't spoken his mind about it. It didn't seem like a wise situation, but having been gone, he decided it was better off to remain quiet. He hadn't seen Dylan this morning, but figured he'd be around and didn't want to push his son right off the bat.
There was a lot going through his mind... Jade would be coming home today... that was another bridge he needed to repair. Sighing deeply, he closes his eyes for a moment, trying to keep his mind clear. Today he would try to get back in the groove of things around the barn and get his bearings once more.
Dylan trudges from his bunkhouse, not really wanting to be up yet. But he knew if he didn't show himself, his father would be after him, and that's the last thing he wanted. He wasn't hungry though. He didn't want breakfast. He didn't want to go to the barn either. This place sucked.
Stuffing his hands in his hoodie pockets, his feet drag until he reaches the dining hall. Letting himself in, he sees only a few people are up yet. He sees his father over closer to the kitchen, but avoids eye contact. Instead, he finds a chair in the corner and folds his arms on the table to rest his head. He'd just sit here until someone told him to move.
Back in a quiet corner of the barn, Sparky leans an arm on the wall, while his other hand reaches out to brush aside a stray strand of Faith's hair from her face. "This is your day today."
He wanted it to be a good day. Tomorrow she'd be going to the hospital, and as much as he didn't want to think about it, he knew there was a fifty percent chance she would not be coming back. If this were to be their last day together, he wanted to make it special.
"Anything you want to do," he offers. "Anything, anywhere... just name it."