Company

Jason was beat. But he didn't miss the look of hesitance in Destiny's eye as she looked to him after meeting Chance. Jason didn't feel a hundred percent sure about this guy either. But he didn't want Destiny to feel any more uncomfortable than she already was. So instead of returning a look of question, he gives her one of confidence with a little nod that Chance was alright.

"So... you're from the Arizona base, huh?"

Chance nods. "Yep. Been there a couple years."

"Pretty good of you to hurry up here like this within a day's notice."

"Aw well... you know, it's the life of the job." Chance chuckles, feeling just a tinge awkward. "Little excitement every now and again keeps us going, ay?"

Jason wasn't too amused. "I can't place your accent."

"Oh, that." Chance laughs again. "If you could, you'd be awfully good. I think you'd find a bit of New Zealand, some New York, a pinch of Minnesota but mostly England." His grin makes his eyes seem a little brighter. "My dad traveled a lot. After Mum died, it was him and me so I've had quite a few place to hang my hat."

Jason's eyebrows are raised, finding the locations interesting. "How did you end up in Arizona?"

"Sounds a bit boring, doesn't it?" Chance shrugs. "That's the last place my dad landed, so that's where I stayed. And now I get to have a look at Nevada..." His eyes drift back to Destiny. "While keeping company of a very lovely young lady. Who could pass that up?"

Jason's eyes narrow slightly. "Let's just hope you're up to the job."

Chance's smile fades just slightly. "Well... I think being part of the Elite says something, don't you?"

"I certainly hope so." Jason stares him in the eye until Chance looks away first. Getting up from his chair, he stretches tall. "I think it's time for me to get out of here. Reese?"

Reese nods. "You're free to go. Get some rest. We'll finish up that report in the morning."

"Yeah, alright." Jason turns one last time to Destiny. "Good night, Destiny... you can sleep easy here."

Once he's gone, Chance gives a little sigh, his internal awkwardness hanging on. "Well, um... maybe I should hit the hay too."

"I think we all should," Reese agrees. "It's been a very long day. Destiny, I think we showed you where everything is, but if you need anything else, just holler. We have a couple overnighters here, and Chance will be right next door."

Chance nods in agreement. "I'm a light sleeper and I'll keep the door open." After official goodnights, he wanders back into the infirmary, flopping down on the cot with a weary sigh. The lights were still on. Rick was still here, but Chance didn't mind. He would at least rest until the physician was gone.

Taking off his jacket, two sidearms are revealed, one on his side and one on his hip. Further undressing for bed proves he has a derringer up his sleeve and a knife on his ankle.

Rick is cleaning up for the night but stops and stares for a moment, blinking. This guy was a walking arsenal. Was that why he'd been chosen?

Once settled in, Chance lies back on the cot and stares up at the ceiling tiles. This was certainly a chance in atmosphere... not exactly his cup of tea, but it wouldn't last forever, right?


Jason gets out to the parking lot and leans on the back of his truck, resting his head in his hands as he breathes in the cool evening air. This had been a tough day for more than one reason.

You wouldn't want to come over to my place and keep me company for a while, would you?

He had mixed feelings about the shootings today... some of which were all too familiar, bringing back memories of the very first time, clear back in Texas. Katie had been there for him through that one too.

I just... don't want to be alone right now.


Leo chuckles again. "Yeah well... I won't burst your bubble, but all I'm doing tonight is helping set up some stage props. It shouldn't take me too long. Maybe I can swing back over to your place to help you practice or something."

Not sure

Smiling Cassy takes the flowers to her kitchen table and sets them down in the middle. Turning them a little to make sure the "pretty" side showed.

"Yeah thats not a problem. I'm going to be heading over there shortly to do some work, and practice a little so I will be there as long as your feeling better and up for it."

Moving from the kitchen and heading down to her room Cassy continues to talk to Leo as she pulls some cloths out of her dresser. After she got off the phone she'd take her shower and head over to the studio.

"Oh I am so happy to know your still doing stuff with dancing Leo, I really am. Weather you like to think so or not you've always been good and I hate to see that talent go to wast."

Sitting in the little room next to the infirmary Destiny was pretty quiet for most of the afternoon. Every once and a while talking a little with Jason but never letting it last to long. Her own mind reeled with so many thoughts it was hard to keep them all straight

Hearing the knock on the door, and that it opens slightly Destiny sits up a little straghter. She new Jason was there to protect her but still after everything made her jump right now.

As Reese comes into the room and another man follows Destiny's eyes move from Reese, Chance. Just staring for a long moment she takes him in not being able to help the fact she was pretty good looking. He wasn't what she would think a bodyguard would like like but he wasn't shabby ether. Still she couldn't help but just wish Jason could do the job.

Giving a nod and trying her best to smile even just a little Destiny continues to watch Chance just trying to get a feel for him.

"It's nice to meet you. Yeah I guess we are."

Finally looking away and to Jason Destiny couldn't help the slight worried look in her eye. She'd gotten comfortable around Jason, she new he could protect her, but this new guy she didnt know anything about.

The day... uh... ff... something

Jason takes the backpack from Destiny and tries to give her the best smile he can. "Hey... we're here for you now, alright? No more thanks. Just stay alive and that's all the thanks we need."

Waiting for her to collect the rest of her things, he offers his arm to her again as they head back down the hall, his tall frame sheltering her from the bloody scene in the living room. "Alec, let's go."

Alec had been standing at the window keeping watch and now moves to the door. "Whatever you say."

Jason bristles at the sarcasm but says nothing. Now was not the time. He'd complain about Alec's judgment call later. For now they just needed to get Destiny out of here and back to TJY in one piece.

Leaving the apartment behind, Jason gets Destiny settled in the back seat of the truck again with her things, again directing her to lay low just in case there were any more thugs out there. Alec remains quiet, his eyes darting to and fro in their surroundings the whole way, just as much wanting to save everyone as his own hide.


Reese looks up at Katie as she enters his office and he gives her a nod. "Just hung up with him. Two guys are dead but he and Jason and the girl are fine." He stops the corner of his mouth twitching a little. "But I'm thinking you may have known that already."

Standing up, he aims for the door, motioning Katie to go with him. "I'd like you to go to the break room and fix some hot tea or whatever you think might do Destiny some good. They're bringing her back here and she may need... well... another woman's company. In the meantime, I'll get someone to go tape off the crime scene and settle this mess."


Several hours pass. The day seems extra long as nerves were shot and attitudes were on edge after the encounter with the Agency. Even if only Jason and Alec had been there with Destiny, it was a close enough call that no one was comfortable with it. the Agency was still very real and still very close in their midst.

The only place for Destiny for the time being was the break room and though they tried to make her comfortable, the circumstances themselves couldn't be made any easier. Jason and Alec both had to give Reese reports and a fight breaks out in his office as Jason accuses Alec of murder. The subject of whether or not Alec killed out of necessity is put on hold, Reese deciding it would be better to discuss it the next day when tempers were cooled off.

Jason finds himself going back and forth between the break room and Reese's office, trying to juggle all the tasks, information and not finding time to talk with Katie, which was the only thing he really wanted to do all day but couldn't. Alec winds up hibernating downstairs, finding himself confined to the building once again until this whole shooting thing was settled. Another date with Ryan canceled.

By the time evening arrives, the extra bedroom next to the infirmary has been set up for Destiny until a more permanent place outside of TJY could be arranged. Reese assured her that something would be set up within the week. In the meantime, she was encouraged to get some rest. Her bodyguard was on his way from Arizona.

...And he was.

"Tomorrow, seven-thirty..." Chance mumbles to himself in the backseat of the taxi as he browses the calendar events on his cell phone. It was dark out so he wasn't going to try to enjoy looking at the sights. That would have to come later. For now, all he wanted to do was get from the airport to TJY, meet whoever this girl was he was supposed to babysi...guard, and get a good night's sleep before the real work started.

The vehicle slowing and turning brings his attention back around and he realizes they're pulling into the Elite parking lot. Not as much security as he'd assumed. But with them not being underground anymore, it went to reason that there would be just as little outside security as any police station.

Paying the driver and gathering his backpack and one duffel bag, Chance looks at the factory building. Now why they hadn't relocated to their own place, he didn't know. Ah well, to each his own.

Ambling to the doors, he finds the way in and down to the main floor. Tonight he was in his jeans, tennis shoes and light brown leather jacket. The nights were juts as cold here as in Arizona. There wasn't a whole lot going on inside the building. He surmised the empty cubicles meant most agents were gone for the day. Normally he'd be reclined in his living room right about now, flipping television channels and enjoying something cold to drink. But instead, he was here... wandering around like a lost idiot, trying to find whoever it was he was supposed to look after. How ironic.

"Chance O'Mally?"

Chance stops and sets his one bag down, accepting Reese's handshake. "Ah, the chief himself. Pleasure to meet you face to face finally."

"Likewise. I'm glad Toby let you off to come here for this case."

Chance keeps his smile, though his eyes were less than thrilled. "Yeah he's... quite the guy, isn't he?"

After a quick debriefing and details about Destiny, Chance's things are left in the infirmary where he'd find himself on the cot for at least tonight. And finally it's to the room next door.

"Destiny?" Reese knocks before entering with caution, not wanting to startle her, even though he knew Jason was still with her. "This is Chance... Chance O'Mally. He's been assigned to be your bodyguard."

Chance wanders in after him, letting his eyes fall to the pretty blonde who looked like she'd been put through the wringer today - from the sounds of things, she had. This was hardly the "girl" he'd imagined, and his eyebrows quirk just a little. "Hi there." Feeling the cold stare of someone else, he looks to see Jason straddling a backward chair. He'd heard about this guy before and wasn't going to show how intimidated he felt on the inside. Glancing back to Destiny, he offers a smile. "Guess you and I will be getting to know each other pretty well, huh?"


Hearing Cassy's voice, Leo laughs and shakes his head. "Charmer I'm not. Handyman I am, and I still need to finish the outside trim." He wanders across the garage, ignoring all the sounds of cars being worked on. "I get off work about two... thought I'd swing by and work on that a little more if you don't mind. Give me something to do. Tonight I got stuff at the studio."

Charmer

As Jason's arms are around her Destiny can feel the safety in them. His arms were so strong, and warm she felt as though all fear was whiped away knowing he was there holding her and eveything would be ok.

Not being able to help jumping again as the commotion in the other room Destiny cluch tightens a little more on Jason. Not minding he was half dragging her as they moved down the hall and into the other room. Being close to him would keep her safe is there were any other bad guys.

Coming into the living room Destiny looks up a little to see what was going on and if Alec was ok. Seeing the dead body and the gun in Alec's hand she gives a little shreek and pulls herself to Jason a little more.

Turning once again a few more tears fall from Destiny's eyes. She was strong but this was so much, this was to much. Living thought seeing her own parents dead and now seeing two more bodys to add to it. Even if they were the guys trying to kill her.

Getting back to the room and having Jason bend in front of her Destiny takes a swip at her eyes. Hearing his words and looking back into his own eyes Destiny was thankful for him and what he said. One could see how sensear Jason's was in what he said and it made her feel better.

Giving a nod to the bed Destiny takes in a deep breath finding her voice that seemed buried and didn't want to come.

"You can take the backpack there, its got the important stuff in it. I...I can grab my suitcase. Thank you Jason....for...protecting me."

Destiny walks the rest of the way into the room picking up the backpack and handing it to Jason. In a way she now wished it was Jason who would be her bodyguard. He'd done a good job far would the new person do as well?

Feeling the shift in the emotions Katie can tell everything is ok now, but she can still make out that Jason was upset and she new it could of ment only one thing. A long time ago she had felt this too though now it was stronger than before.

Ok, I'm about to head into his office now and I'll see if Alec called.

Knocking on Reese door Katie waits for the ok to come in and than does so closing the door behind her. Coming a little close to Reese desk she gives a nod. If Alec hadn't called him he'd be able to tell by the look on her face something was wrong.

"Reese, did Alec contact you?"

Opening the door Cassy was a little suprised to see the delivery man with flowers. They were for her? She'd never gotten flowers at her home before, and they were so pretty. Taking them from her and giving her thanks Cassy closes the door before heading to the kitchen. Removing the little note from them her lips spread into a bigger smile.

Going to the cabinet and getting out a vase Cassy arranges the flowers nicely into it before going for her cell phone and calling Leo. Waiting for him to answer her voice had a please tone to it.

"Your a charmer you know that? Thank you for the flowers. They are very pretty"

Top ten

Jason was too tense to be thrown off guard as Destiny rushes him. Being caught in her fearful clutch, one arm automatically goes around her. "Easy, easy... it's okay now... you're okay."

We're okay...

His eyes look to the dead figure in the bathroom as the pool of blood forms. It wasn't the sight that bothered him - it was knowing he's the one who did it. It didn't matter how many times he killed a man on the job, and it didn't matter how necessary it was... it always twisted his gut. And his flux in emotions prove it.

Had a little trouble... but it's over.

The crash in the living room, causes Jason to be right back on guard.

Or not. Hang on.

Turning from the bathroom, Jason keeps Destiny close, his arm still around her, but keeping her slightly behind him, half dragging her until he figured out if it really was safe or not. His pistol drawn, he aims for the living room and arrives just in time to see Drew on the floor and Alec feet away with a gun. Jason is about to say something but he's too late.

The shot goes off and Jason knows it was a fatal hit without even looking. His eyes narrow in on Alec angrily. "You didn't have to kill him," he hisses. "He was our only link."

Alec's gaze whips around as the accusation in Jason's tone. "This dog wouldn't have given us anything but strife."

"You still shouldn't have killed him," Jason retorts. His emotions rise with his anger. If Drew had had his own gun drawn, it would have been a different story, but the way Jason saw it, Alec had pulled the trigger because he'd been mad and wanted his adversary dead, not because his life was in danger.

"But-"

"Just shut up," Jason growls. "Call the office and have the cleanup crew get out here before any other thugs get here."

Alec wants to say more, but manages to hold his tongue. Tucking the gun in his jeans, he goes for the phone.

Jason holsters his own gun and turns his attention back to Destiny. He knew that even though she'd already been through so much, watching her own parents killed, this was still surely a terrifying ordeal. "Come on," he prompts gently. "Let's go get your stuff and get out of here, okay?"

Having his arm around her, he leads her slowly back to her room, being careful not to push too fast, but knowing they did need to get out of this place before more Agency showed up. On the way, he kicks the bathroom door shut to hide that gruesome scene for the time being.

Katie, make sure Alec's calling Reese. We got two dead Agency bodies here. The girl's fine and so are we.

Getting to the bedroom, Jason slips beside Destiny and bends a little bit to see her face, trying to reassure her. "We're gonna get you out of here and we're gonna keep you safe, okay? What can I help you carry out?"


"Cassy Howard?" The delivery man looks at his clipboard after Cassy had answered the door. "Got these for you." He smiles as he hands her the pretty bouquet of mixed spring flowers. With it was a little note.

Thanks for taking care of me while I was sick. You're a top-ten friend.
-Leo