Bar and Grill

Giving Eli a nod as they walked back into the shop Scarlet lead the way once again. Getting inside and to the counter Scarlet just leaned against is slightly waiting for Eli to get all the paper work.

As he throws out the questions Scarlet answers them not minding some of the stuff was being repeated she new how filling out forms went.

"Its a Honda Rebel."

Turn around from the where she was leaning her back on the counter she could now look at Eli again. A soft sassy grin formed on her lips as he ask her once more.

"My last name is Carver and I like at 18 Busher st. My cell number is 563-9087 And I am free anytime to bring my bike in as long as it fit into your tight work loads."

Looking up at Eli letting her eyes meet his she stands there grinning at his comment. Just letting her eyes glitter and tant Eli's she thinks before speaking again.

"I don't think that question is on the form. This must be something new I have to pass for you huh?"

Giving a grin and chuckle Scarlet gives a shake of her head before looking up at Eli piercing her lips for a moment before she lets them slid into a grin again.

" I like eating at the bar and grill down town, and than sometimes at the Olive Garden too."

Continuing to hold Scott Hope didn't care he could get up. She didn't mind him being in her lap one bit. Continuing to rub his back and hair she did all she could to help him calm.

"Its ok Scott, you don't need to say sorry. You can lay here with me. I don't mind keeping you close to me right now."

Leaning her head back against the wall Hope closes her eyes for a moment feeling Scott fingers interlock with hers she gently gives it a squeeze back hearing his comment.

"I know you do Hun, I know you do...I hate them for what they did to you as well. Your safe now. I love you Scott."

Closing her eyes leaning aganst the wall she didnt fall into sleep but only state where her minded needed to heal the cracks that had been made. Still totally know what was going on around the room. She would see a little with Scott than go to talk Alec and Reese.

Favorite

Eli's eyebrows rise as he feels Scarlet's hand wander up his arm and across his shoulders as she moves around to the other side. His eyes follow her the whole way, watching her as she lowers again to look at the bike.

"I might be able to connect the two," he muses. Though his mind had taken a detour and he was scrambling to get back on track. "C'mon and I'll fill out a bit of paperwork so the shop knows what's happening."

Leading the way back inside, Sandy's nowhere to be seen, so Eli goes around the desk himself, rifling through some papers until he finds the right forms. "Alright... so you got a Honda... and what model was it again?"

Jotting down the information, he proceeds to ask Scarlet her last name again, her phone number, and figures out what day to bring her bike in for the job.

Still looking down at the form and having rattled off all the questions, Eli glances up at her. "Oh, and what's your favorite restaurant?"


Too weak to pull away and still too confused to even think straight, Scott lets himself rest in Hope's arms as they sat on the floor. He shook all over, not understanding what Hope meant. He felt like he'd been stuck in some horrid dream, yet it had been so real. It was a place he never wanted to go again.

Shaking all over, Scott continues to cry, his emotions all askew. Sliding down farther, he winds up curled up beside her with his head in her lap, his arms tucked around himself. He didn't try to push her away though... she was the only thing to comfort him right now and as confused as he was, he needed that.

Scott didn't know how much time passes, but eventually he didn't even have the energy to cry anymore. He just lay in a heap, totally exhausted, his body forced to rest. Slowly, his trembling lessens and his pulse begins to return to a normal pace. He would have fallen asleep, but his mind was still trying to recover and sleep wasn't something is subconscious wanted to do.

Swallowing hard, Scott just lets Hope run her hand through his hair, needing that kind of gentle comfort. "I'm... I'm sorry," he manages to whimper. "I had no control... or anything and I-"

He stops himself, not even sure where he'd been headed. He tries to move a little, but gives up. His body felt like one big dead weight. "I can't get up," he murmurs. "I'm sorry."

Pausing again, his fingers of one hand finds hers, his grip tightening. "I hate them," he whispers as one last stray tear escapes to roll down his cheek.

With all I am

As Eli wonders closer Scarlet looks up at him a moment before down at the pictures again. As his hand brushes her she can't help but notice the feeling of it. It was rough, but still have a light soft tone to it. Scarlet couldn't help it that her saucy grin grew every intention of flirting linger ing the air but rolling off her tong so smooth one might have to think if she was or not.

"You have no idea how hard I try and strive for things not to be plane. Everyone needs a little spice in there life."

Cocking her head she takes a step back for a moment looking at the bike, before moving around Eli her own hand goes up his am and across his back as she pass behind him going to the other side of the bike. Squatting down she study's that side for a long moment before looking up at Eli again.

"I think I like the idea of the mist. I don't know if it would be possible to make it climb up the top so the two connect the image, or make go twords the back part here so look like it was fading. Than if you did the two pictures in the liquid crystal pain and than the mist in a solid color to make it stand out more that would look pretty cool."

Scarlet's eyes continue to sparkle as they show a bit of excitement in them as she continues to let idea's pass through her own mind. It was easy for anyone to see what was enjoying talking about this with Eli. It was cool to think about making her bike her own and even better to know Eli was doing it for her.

Standing quietly and watching Alec her own stomach turned as he watched him giving a small slaps to stop. She wanted to run to him, she wanted Alec to stop already but she remained by Reese her arms across hugging herself.

Looking at Alec as her told her it was what he though it felt like someone was clenching her heart and twisting, ripping it out of her chest.

"You can still help him though right?"

Not getting an answer Hope just continues to watch, taking in Scott, taking in Alec and doing all she could not to scream herself. As everything continues Hope can't help but jump at the brutality even if Alec wasn't hurting Scott physically she couldn't help but wonder mentally how he would hold up.

Seeing Reese go to step in Hope tries to stop him, himself but seeing him fall Hope was by his side making sure he was ok before looking at Alec and Scott again. Inside she was so scared that she didn't even realize she was squeezing Reese's hand.

Finally letting go again though Hope stands to try and get out of the way. Keeping her arms around self as Alec forced Scott to look at her she new fear was written all over her own face now.

Once Alec and Reese were outside the door Hope rushed to Scott's side throwing her arms around him and putting him to her. Her own tears fell from her eyes, she'd been so scared, and she hurt so bad but Alec had done it. He had brought Scott back to them.

"Shhh...its ok Scott...your ok. Alec isn't going to hurt you. Something happened and it makes you completely shut down. He just had to jump start your brain again. Its ok...I promise its ok."

Still holding him Hope rocks and forth a little running one hand through his hair, and giving him gentile kiss to the forehead.

"Its ok...its ok. I love you Scott...I love you with everything I am."

Trauma

Eli tilts his head a little, watching Scarlet walk away before he picks up the pace and follows her outside. Her wink hadn't escaped him, but he bites his lip from throwing her any comments in front of Sandy.

Out into fresh air, he follows to Scarlet's bike and walks up close, running his hand over the handle bars. "Honda. Nice. Got one myself. Different model though."

He eyes where she wants the painting done and nods thoughtfully. "Yeah... yeah that should work alright. If you want, I could add a little pizaz. Like, um..." He wanders closer and gestures to the pictures again, his hand brushing hers. "Maybe a mist or clouds behind 'em, kinda make 'em match. Or if you want something bolder we could go with a splash of light or something." He shrugs. "Plain works too though - whatever's your style and whatever your wallet can handle."

He gives her a crooked grin. "I have a feeling you're not the plain type though."



As Reese watches Hope, his own heart hurt. This wasn't right. None of this was. If someone didn't believe in Agency cruelty, then they should see this because this was ultimate torture.

Alec continues to study the scene, watching Scott, Hope and Reese as well. Once asked what he wanted them to do though, he still has to think for a moment. "Just stay back a bit and let me see what I can do. There's no magic button... I just gotta play it by ear."

Walking to the corner, he approaches slowly, looking down at Scott. "Got a bit of an overload problem here, don't we, Mr. Johnson?" Knowing that Scott had yet to look at his face, Alec lowers himself to his eye level and snaps his fingers in front of Scott's eye. "Time to come back to reality."

Scott's mumbling ceases for just a moment and he almost focuses before falling back into his blank stare again.

"C'mon, Scott... gimme something here." Alec gives Scott's face a couple light slaps.

Reese grits his teeth, not liking this, but he remains quiet.

Scott blinks, his mind feeling like it had just hiccuped. Everything around him was blurry and skewed. There was a form before him but it just didn't look right. There were strange colors and nothing looked like it was real. He stops rocking and squints at someone who was right in front of him.

Alec looks into Scott's good eye, searching for anything that would give hope to this situation. "Level fifteen security code," he commands firmly.

Scott blinks again. "One one five three zero six one zero... two."

Alec turns a little to look up at Hope. "Yeah, it's like I thought. The information's just taken over. He can answer cues, which proves my theory. He just needs to think about something else long enough for him to get a grip." Swiveling his gaze back to Scott, he nods. "Alright. Code six six two."

Scott hesitates a moment, starting to rock a little again. A bead of sweat runs down the side of his face. "Security breach. Abort mission."

"Newton, Zackary... clearance level."

"Five."

"Describe."

"Hunter. Three-year training. Five foot nine. Green eyes, brown hair. Two hundred ten pounds. Mental analysis: ninety-percent secure."

The more commands Alec gave, the more readily the answers came from Scott. Soon he was concentrating on answering the questions and stops rocking again. After a short while of the same back and forth method, Alec asks one last question. "Lab twenty-six. Key code."

"Two five five two six."

"Write it down." Alec holds out a piece of paper and pencil.

Scott blinks.

"Write it down," Alec says again, more firmly. He takes Scott's hand and forces him to hold the pencil. "Write."

"Two five five two six."

Alec's eyes narrow, his tone growing even more firm. "Display data."

"Two five-"

"Display data!"

Scott's gaze drops to the paper and pencil. He recognized the command, but getting any other portion of his brain to work was difficult. He squint and almost winces as he takes the paper. It almost hurt to try and think enough to write down the number he'd been repeating.

Alec watches him intently, waiting until Scott was halfway through the number. It was the opening he needed, how ever small it was. Scott was being forced to use a different part of his brain in order to write something down, and with any luck, a good shove would open that crack wider, allowing it to trigger his mind back to where it needed to be. It was a memory that Alec would go for.

Without looking away from Scott, he speaks to Hope. "Don't interfere," he warns. Without giving Scott any clue, he rips the pencil and paper from him, gets to his feet and yanks Scott up with him, just to whip him around and shove him back down to the floor, pinning him on his back with his forearm to his throat.

Scott cries out in surprise and a bit of pain, shocked by the move.

Alec straddles him and doesn't give him an inch. "Move and you're dead," he threatens.

Like a light switch going on, Scott's eyes widen. He had heard those words once before, spoken by that same voice with the same angry tone. But... but the Agency never struck the same place twice... no.... they had. Suddenly, Scott's eye begins to focus and the fog begins to clear. What was so abstract began to take on a realistic shape and all of a sudden, he was staring into the face of someone he knew. Someone who had hurt him, threatened him, scared him and had hurt his dog. That night comes rushing back into his mind. And like a wave crashing against the shore, it destroys the mental block - the block that had been formed by an onslaught of Agency data.

"No!" Scott screams and begins to fight back, set into a panic by suddenly having been attacked by an Agency man. His fist comes up and connects with Alec's jaw.

Alec's head is knocked to the side and he glares at Scott, though is more annoyed than angry. "That hurt," he chides and goes to hold down Scott's hands again.

Somehow though, Scott is quicker and he's thin enough that he manages to roll over and try to crawl away. Alec pounces on him and for several moments, both are in a brawl on the floor. Scott's fists fly and his feet kick at whatever he can. The bedside table is knocked over, sending the lamp flying with a crash and Alec cries out as a piece of glass winds up in his hand. Reese steps in to try and break it up, but in the process he is tripped and falls backward, slamming into the dresser and winding up on the floor himself.

"Let me go!" Scott screams. Sweat pours down his face and neck as he fights. "I won't talk! I won't!" He was stuck in that night, running alongside reality but not there yet.

"Cut it out!" Alec barks, trying to regain control again as Scott gets to his feet and tries to bolt. Alec is right behind him and grabs him in a choke hold. "I don't want to hurt you," he growls. "Your girlfriend wouldn't take that too kindly and neither would mine."

Whipping Scott around, his arm is still around his throat and he forces Scott to see Hope. "We're not in your house," he hisses. "Look."

"No! Let me go! I'm not going back!" Scott kicks and screams, clawing at Alec's arm to release him.

"Look at her!" Alec demands, fighting to keep Scott focused. Taking his free hand, he grabs the side of Scott's head and twists it so he has to face Hope. "Open your eyes, Scott! Look at her!"

Everything had been spinning and finally Scott's good eye lands on Hope. He squints, finding it hard to breathe under Alec's grip, his pulse still racing like mad while he soaks himself in sweat. He was so afraid. So very afraid. But those eyes... he knew those eyes... he knew that face.... it was one that could be trusted. He trusted that face.

Slowly, he begins to stop fighting, his body terribly weakened from the struggle. "Hope?" he whimpers. His eyes race around the room. It wasn't that night. He wasn't home. This was... this was a different room. Brookshire... Hope.... It all comes rushing back to him as all of the overbearing data is shoved back and suppressed once again, allowing his mind to clear.

Alec feels him starting to relax, and loosens his grip. "Where are we, Scott?" he asks calmly.

"Brookshire." Scott's knees buckle and he hangs in Alec's grip. "We're at Brookshire." All of his energy spent, he can't even stand on his own anymore.

Alec slowly lets Scott sink to the floor before straightening and taking a step back. His job was done and he gives a nod to Hope. Scott's mind was functioning again and now it was her turn. Looking over to Reese, he takes another step back, proving that he was getting out of the way so no harm could be done.

Scott stares up at Hope, then bends forward to bury his face in his hands. He had just lived a horrid nightmare all over again. His mind and emotions had been ravaged uncontrollably and it was taking its toll. His shoulders begin to shake as he starts to sob. He hurt all over, he was drenched in sweat, trembling all over and on the verge of passing out as the tears continue to fall. The trauma he felt was indescribable.

Reese rubs his shoulder gingerly and steps towards the door, motioning for Alec to come with. They'd leave Hope alone for right now though would stay right outside in the hall in case she needed them.

A wink O.O

For a moment Scarlet can feel her heart sink though she wouldn't have give up that easy. She would of just asked to come back when he did have time but being cut to the chase as Eli says he can try and squeeze her in anyways brings her lips to curl up at the corners.

"The only time I don't ride my bike is when its snows, and thats hardly ever. I'm parked out from follow me."

Taking the pictures back from Eli Scarlet turns and heads for the door before throwing Eli a little wink. Turning and continuing to watch Scarlet new Eli would follow. Going to the left as she exited she made her way over to a black Honda Rebel.

Walking over to it and running her hand over it Scarlet leans on it a little bit crossing her arms over her chest.

"This is my baby."

Standing straight again Scarlet leans over the bike a little pointing to the right side plate up at the front.

"I was think one of the pictures could go on this side, and than the other on the other side. Unless you think something else would look better. You are the artiest after all."

Looking back to Eli again the sun light seems to bounce off of Scarlet's eyes making them just stand out even more as she gives another smile to Eli.

Happy that Reese finally gave in and would let Alec up to see Scott Hope follows behind him. She didn't know what to expect and honestly she was scared to death.

Stepping inside the door as they got to Scott's room Hope's heart jumped into her throat seeing Scott on the floor. His eyes were so blank, like he was looking at everything but nothing at all. It put a crack even deeper.

Slowly walking over to Scott Hope bends down and place a hand on his back cocking her head a little to look into Scott's bank eyes. Alec had said seeing her wouldn't change Scott but in a way she hoped anyways.

"Scott its me Hope. I don't know if you can hear me or not but I just wanted to let you know I was here, and I love you every much. We are doing what we can to help you and no matter what I just want you to know everything I do is because I love you."

Wrapping her other arm around Scott Hope pulls him into a hug some tears rolling down her eyes and landing where they may. Her heart was broken, her love was broken and for the first time when it really matter she couldn't fix it.

Finally letting Scott go and standing Hope turns to Alec and Reese, the tails of tear than ran down her cheeks.

"Ok, so now what do you need us to do?"

Nature

Eli's eyes roam Scarlet's face as she talks, the corner of his mouth hinting at a smile. "Alright... let's see what you got." He takes the papers and looks at them, cocking his head. "Little tattoo job on your bike, eh?"

He traces the pictures with his finger before he purses his lips, then nods. "Yeah... we're booked pretty full at the moment but.." He hands the papers back to her. "This wouldn't take too long. Got your bike here? I could take a look and see what I'm up against."


Reese is not happy with this whole thing, but he knew that Hope was skilled and knew what she was talking about. But was her head on straight with this? Because it was Scott? He had to question that.

Sighing deeply, he puts his hands on his hips and just looks at her, then Alec, then back again, then back to Alec. "Why do you want to help? Goes against your nature doesn't it?"

Alec bristles and gives Hope a sidelong glance. He wouldn't stick around if this is what he got for it. "Look, Hope asked me for help and I said yes. Scott doesn't have much of a chance if this is what we think it is, but the only chance he does have is if you let me see him. Think of it this way - could it get much worse?"

Reese grits his teeth, but he finally nods. "Alright. But first time you mess up, it's the last straw. Got it?"

Alec gives Reese a somewhat sarcastic salute. "Got it."

"Come on. I'll go up with you."

The walk only takes a couple minutes, and Reese is opening Scott's door. Scott hasn't moved, still sitting in the corner, still rocking and still mumbling. His eyes focus on nothing and he doesn't even seem to notice that anyone is there.

Reese steps to the side, letting Hope and Alec in. His eyes venture to Hope. "Jenny said there's been no change," he mentions quietly. "I tried talking to him but... he didn't respond."

Alec hangs back, deciding not to do anything until Hope had given him the go-ahead. He looks at Scott across the room, studying him and watching him closely.

Deeply

Looking back at Reese Hope new he wasn't happy, and she new that the moment she let Alec come with her. But it was worth a try, and she would try everything she could right now.

Waiting for Reese and Alec to go back and forth Hope stays quiet not wanting to interrupt or try and talk with getting cut off. So just standing there and listing to Reese Hope's eyes never move from him. Finally though as he brings his question back to her she gives a small nod.

"Alec went over everything in the car with me Reese and what he said sounds pretty sound. This is out only option right now to try and keep Scott here, because I know he doesn't belong some where else. With my medical study it makes seance what Alec wants to do."

Letting out a long sigh Hope looks to Alec and than back to Reese. Her eyes pleaded with him. She was at a lose with this whole thing and was doing her best to do what she could for Scott.

"I believe Alec with this. He is an Ex Agency agent, he knows about this stuff more than we do, and I believe him he is not going to hurt Scott. This is our only option left Reese...please?"

Looking at the pictures on the wall again as she waited for Eli the woman eyes careful took in all the detailed work and images that had been put on many of the cars and bikes. The work was beyond beautiful. So much time, and effort went into make them looks perfect and she liked that.

Hearing the male voice behind her the woman turns around to look Eli in the eye. A grin forms on her lips as she is quiet for a moment seeming to gaze into his eyes. Not breaking her stair her from him she takes his hand in her own giving it a shake.

"Nice to meet you Eli I'm Scarlet Carver."

Letting the silence fall again Scarlet lets her hand slide slowly from Eli's still looking deep into his eyes. He looked even better up close and in person than Scarlet though. His eye just seem so bright, his face so rough but soft at the same time, and his body...don't get her started on that. trying to snap herself out of the trance she seemed to have been in Scarlet shifts her weight a little bit before talking again.

"I've seen your work and heard a lot about you work and was hoping maybe could get you to do some detail on my bike in liquid crystal temperature paint. They arnt anything extravagant, but they are a decent size. If you need to see the pictures I have them with me. It would just be one on each side."

Holding out two slips of paper for Eli to look at Scarlet new it wasn't much detail in them but also she new if Eli wanted to put his own flair on them to he could and she wouldn't mind as long as the general idea was there.

Once-over

The woman behind the desk wore a nametag that read Sandy, and she smiles as the female customer approaches. "Hello."

Hearing the request, Sandy chuckles. "You're the second one today who asked for him. Pretty soon he's going to have to clone himself to get all his work done."

Closing a notepad and pushing aside some paperwork, she stands from the desk. "If you wouldn't mind waiting here, I'll see if Eli is free to talk with you." Heading to the far right, she goes through a door with a window that led into the garage. The scents that wafted into the office were those of exhaust, metal and paint. Within a few moments, Sandy returns.

"Eli's right in the middle of something, but he'll be right with you."

It takes about ten minutes for Eli to appear, wiping his hands on a rag. His black t-shirt with the shop logo was tucked into his jeans, a chain hanging from his beltloop back to his wallet in his pocket. A black bandanna held his hair back from his face and eyes.

Looking to Sandy, his eyes follow her pointing to the woman standing looking at the pictures on the wall. One of his eyebrows seems to quirk on its own as he gives her a once-over. Ambling closer, he tucks the rag into his back pocket and extends his hand. "Hi. Eli McKade. What can I do for you?"


Alec thinks for a long moment, then shakes his head. "I don't know what I'm going to do. Not yet."

Falling into silence, he's quiet again, not speaking until they arrive at Brookshire. Looking around out the windows, he takes in his surroundings, then talks, keeping Hope in the car briefly. He'd mulled over his options all the way over here and was now ready to tell her what he thought.

"I'll have to see what kind of shape Scott is in... but if my guess is correct, he needs something like a jumpstart on his mind...like a shock to restart his brain. Whatever happened or whoever he saw triggered all that data that he doesn't know how to control yet. It was bad enough that instead of him seeing it, being bothered then watching it fade, it's stayed in the forefront. I've seen it happen before on those at the Agency who have failed the program and gone nuts instead. The brain just doesn't know how to handle all of that information So.." He shrugs. "...it's like the host becomes a walking hard drive and their brain concentrates only on the data, forgetting about all its other functions. It'd be something like if I had a truckload of paperwork for you and just came in and piled it up on your desk. It would be a mountain and you wouldn't be able to see around it or get up and go anywhere. You'd just be... surrounded and all you'd see would be that paperwork."

Alec pauses, making sure Hope is tracking with him. "If that's the case, which I won't know until I see Scott, then he needs something to blast a hole in that mountain. He needs something to trigger an avalanche so the blockage is moved out of the way and to the background again so his brain can wake up and say, 'Oh yeah, here I am. There are people I know, there are things to do, where have I been?'"

He purses his lips, still thinking. "I don't know how I'm gonna do it or what will trigger his mind to reconnect with reality. He's got to focus on something other than the Agency data in order for me to get my foot in the door. It might just take a good whack upside the head that will distract him enough for his brain to say, 'Whoa, what just happened?' But I'm guessing it'll take more than that. Somehow, his brain has to be forced to use something other than the part that's processing all that data. It might be getting him to talk or using a simple skill like walking or writing - just enough for a distraction to get him to think about something other than the data. Once it does, there's the opening."

Resting his hand on the door handle, he looks to Hope still, his eyes searching hers. "I may have to make him revisit some memories or try to get him to see who I am. Lots of times strong emotions help and when he sees me, he feels anger and fear. He might be too far gone and not react at all. Or, he could have an outburst. It would be better if he had an outburst because then his brain would be distracted enough to quit hanging onto the data. If that happens, he has a better chance of pulling through and coming back to reality. And then..."

He lets out a long sigh. "If we can get him to focus again, it's even more important that he gains control. Because if it isn't done soon, one of these days he just won't be able to come back from one of these episodes. I have my doubts about today even. I know you're a religious person so... if you're gonna pray, do it now."


Inside the building, Reese had been pacing, waiting for Hope. Seeing her car, he exits and walks towards it, then stops, realizing she's not alone.

Seeing both Hope and Alec exit, the hair on the back of his neck bristles, his worried expression turning to one of irritation. Approaching, he looks to Alec then Hope. "What is the blazes is he doing here?"

Alec holds up his hands. "I'm just here to help, big guy. She asked me. I didn't break out and I didn't put a gun to her head and tell her to drive here."

Reese's eyes narrow. "Very funny." He looks sternly back to Hope again. "Are you crazy? Scott's been traumatized and you want to bring someone from the Agency to see him?" It was bad enough that he'd just seen Scott in such shape, and now thinking it might worsen made him even more upset. "Alec is not going up there," he states flatly.

Alec opens his mouth, but hesitates. "Look, it may take me being there."

"You haven't seen him. You don't know what kind of shape he's in."

"I don't have to. But if this is what I think it is, it's gonna take drastic measures and that's why I'm here."

Reese looks back to Hope, still upset. "Is this true?"

Second Guess

"He is gonna hate me even more for doing this you know. Its worth it and all but it still sucks. I just dont want to see anything bad happen to him."

Hope new her small talk was lame but that had a two hour drive she had to at least talk to someone and Alec didn't seem all that bad. Her comment could make one think she was talking about Reese but really she was talking about Scott. When this was all over Hope could only hope he wouldn't to much.

"Can you at least tell me what your going to do Alec so I know whats going on and don't have to be a sitting duck? I know its going to be hard, but...I'd rather know than not know. I think it would be easier that way."

Drawing closer to the hosp Hope's own heart pounded in her chest. It was ever so rare she doubted herself but when I can to Scott she did so much. Hope just had to continue moving forward and trusting what she was doing was right. Part of her wanted Reese to stop them, and part didn't, Hope just didn't know how this was going to turn out at all.

Sitting in front of the tv Ryan flips the channels. It was to rainy outside to work on her car, and she had already been deny being able to see Alec for a reason unknown. After putting up a little fuss she new they wouldn't tell her anything.

So now she was home and just sitting with nothing to do her mind wondering what was going on with Alec now. She could only hope everything would be ok.

The small bell on the door tinkles as its opened. A woman about the age of twenty eight enters removing her sunglasses and sliding them into her pocked on her leather jacket. Her hair was a raven black, and her eyes were a deep blue color that shined in the light, her lips a full color red not from makeup but just there natural color. Walking her boots made a taping sound on the floor, and her jean's though ripped in a few place fit her well and looked nice.

Slowly making her way over to the wall the young woman looks at all the photoes. Some of the differnt art work that had been done on bikes and cars, along with other that showed before and afters of cars that had dents taken out. Continuing to look her eyes find the one she had been looking. Eli McKade, new to the town but his sister was well known and thats what brought this woman here.

Tuning back to the woman behind the counter Scarlet walks over and leans on it a little bit before saying anything to the woman.

"I have some work I'd like done on my bike by Eli McKade."

Another world away

Alec couldn't help the surprise that passed in his eyes. He had thought Hope would make it more difficult than this, thinking her words had been a trap. But apparently he'd said the right thing. He blinks. He had?

Listening to her call to Reese surprised him even more. She knew he wouldn't approve, and she was doing it anyway? She cared about Scott that much that she would trust Alec himself? An ex-Agency crook? Go against Reese's wishes?

Her prompting brings Alec's mind back around and he gives his head a little shake as if clearing cobwebs. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he grits his teeth as his sore ribs protest, but he ignores them, going for his sneakers. Once he's got something on his feet, he grabs his denim jacket and stands up, nodding to Hope. "Lead the way. You'll have to talk my way out of here with Hal on the prowl."

It does take a bit of convincing for Hal to let Alec go, but trusting Hope, he finally gives in without Reese's direct clearance. Once outside, Alec obediently follows Hope to her car, showing no signs of running off just yet. He's quiet as they start the two-hour drive, though after a while, he finally breaks the silence. "If Scott's in as bad a shape as I think he is, this isn't gonna be easy for you," he mentions. Though his voice was matter-of-fact with his usual cool tone, if one listened hard enough they might just catch the slightest warmth coming through in a form almost resembling concern for Hope. "Seeing me is gonna be one of those visual triggers, not to mention he's angry and probably still a bit scared of me. You should be prepared to see him do anything, though I expect him to get physical." It was obvious, and a bit surprising, that Alec was already forming some sort of plan in his mind of what he would do and what would happen.


Reese fumbles in his pocket as he keeps one hand on the steering wheel, muttering to himself as he misses the call. Finally getting his cell phone out, he glares at it, reminded that these jeans had smaller pockets.

Listening to the voicemail as he drives, his eyes go wide. Who was Hope bringing? Who did she know he would not be happy about? And why would she do something she knew he wouldn't approve of? That didn't seem like her.

Shutting his phone, he tries to think of who on earth Hope was talking about. Was it Alec? Was she daring to bring Alec with her? Surely not. Not only was Alec not allowed to leave the premises, but he could run off, hold her hostage, not to mention Scott seeing him could be a disaster. Surely she didn't mean Alec... did she?

Reese almost calls her back, but then decides against it. There was no point. She'd already made up her mind and was probably on the road too by now. He'd just wait and see. At least he'd get to Brookshire first to see what the situation was like before she came.

Once he did get there though, he was at a loss. Shown to Scott's room, he was informed by Jenny that if nothing changed, Scott would have to be transferred by that evening because there was nothing they could do for him. And entering, Reese's heart gave a lurch.

Scott sat in the very corner of his room, tucked back against the wall in the shadow. His arms were wrapped around his legs, his eyes open but staring into nothingness. He was rocking himself and mumbling quietly, totally oblivious to anything going on around him. Even when Reese kneels in front of him and touches his shoulder, Scott doesn't even acknowledge his presence.

"Scott? Scott, it's Reese... can you talk to me?"

Nothing. It was as if Scott didn't even know he was there. All he did was rock and mumble words that made no sense to Reese at all. It sounded like he was reading sheets of computer data.

Standing again, Reese tries to keep his mind focused as he goes back out into the hall, just catching Jenny before she went back downstairs. "Jenny... who was it that was here yesterday?"

She shakes her head slowly. "I'm not sure, Mr. Reese. He was a tall man with dark hair, but when we checked the registry later that day, there was no signature. He must have distracted the nurse at the front counter because he never actually wrote anything - he just pretended to."

"How old was the man? Can you take a guess?"

"Mm... I would say late sixties maybe?" Jenny scrunches her nose. "I'm bad with ages though, so I'm really not sure."

"What about security tapes?"

Jenny shakes her head. "Dr. Hawks already checked and there were no shots of the visitor, surprisingly. Not that he could find anyway. Do you think it was someone Scott knew? I mean... do you think that the visitor is connected with his breakdown?"

"I don't know, Jenny... I don't know."