Lion's Den

Hearing Stacy's response, Eric doesn't even realize how much his eyes widen. Had she... just said his hair shone? Was that... a compliment? He would have been happy with a five from her. A nine with no hat was not what he'd expected her to say. Though his mouth opens slightly in surprise, his eyes latch on to hers before she looks away. Had she just embarrassed herself? A grin twitches his lips. Taking too long to respond, she walks away, leaving him standing rather dumbly with Jeff.

"Ahh, the black one." Jeff takes the black hat off the rack and hands it to him. "Maybe if you only wear it on cloudy days, you'll get a ten when the sun shines."

Eric's attention swings back to his brother and his eyes narrow before he whacks Jeff's arm. "Would you shut up?" he hisses.

Jeff just smirks and forces him to switch hats. "You better just keep me around. You're pathetic on you're own."

Having the black cowboy hat pushed down on his head, all Eric can do is glare. His face was still hot. "I don't appreciate being embarrassed... and I doubt Stacy does either. So you can cut it out now." Taking off the hat, he puts both back in their places. "Go... do whatever it was you were going to do."

Sighing, Jeff shrugs. "Okay. Be that way. Can't say I didn't try."

Finally left alone, Eric doesn't dare look around the store for several moments. Eventually, he musters up enough nerve and does glance around to find Stacy where she'd been by the boots. He really did not appreciate Jeff's teasing at all... and he was sorry that Stacy had been embarrassed, too. This day was turning out to be a mess. And yet... what she'd said... He tried not to believe he had enjoyed it.

After wandering around for a few minutes, he finds himself in the same aisle as Stacy. The boot she was looking at didn't seem to be her size - at least he didn't think so. Then it dawns on him. She must be looking for a pair for Ashlee. It looked as though the girl was going to get in the saddle one way or the other.

Starting to turn, he stops and glances back over his shoulder. Perhaps he could at least try to make up for his brother's stupid behavior. Coming closer, his steps are quiet and he pauses behind Stacy with his back to hers as he glances over some different boots. "If she's gonna be riding," he mentions over his shoulder, "make sure you get some boots with nice low heels. Rounded toe would be good, too. More comfortable for her."

Feeling awkward, he bites his lower lip and turns, ready to walk away again.


Ambling out of band practice and getting into his car, Rocky checks his phone. Listening to his voice mail, he grins. Michaela had actually called him. He's about to call her back, but when he notes the time, he decides he better not. He knew she was a night owl, but band practice had lasted much later than usual tonight. Besides that, maybe waiting a little while was better.

The next day proved to be busy though, and after a hard day of work, making phone calls wasn't on the list. But groceries were. So an evening trip to the store it was. Weary from the day, Rocky didn't bother going out in anything but his old maroon t-shirt and the jeans with holes in both knees. His old tennies were the most comfortable - why not?

Walking slowly up and down the store aisles, Rocky's cart fills with frozen dinners, toilet paper Doritos and cat food. Leaning his forearms on the shopping cart handle, he browses lazily, grabbing a box of cereal as he yawns. But all of a sudden, he realizes he's not alone in the aisle. And then he realizes it's actually somebody he knows. A grin crawls across his lips and he stops his cart near Michaela, making sure she didn't yet see him.

Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he dials the saved number and waits, just watching as Michaela answers her phone. Moving up closer behind her and hearing her answer, he clears his throat. "Tag."


Justin pulls both bare feet up on the couch to sit in a position that resembled a pretzel - like he usually did. Sucking the ice cream off his spoon as the movie played, he gives a sidelong glance to Beth at the other end of the couch. After meeting up with her at Brookshire, lunch plans had somehow wound up back at Justin's house along with a midday movie. It wasn't unusual, and maybe Justin was beginning to realize how nice it was to have a listening ear other than Danitza and Zora.

Letting the ice cream melt in his mouth, his gaze lingers on Beth. There was something on her mind. He couldn't pinpoint it, but it was there, in her eyes. A lull in the movie proves a good time to speak. "So... you've been kinda quiet today..."


Kip shrugs, not wanting to argue with Karla. He disagreed - he knew the band needed to preserve most of its consistency, but it was Kyle's call now anyway.

Looking over at her as she gets a brain freeze, he laughs. "You can keep the brain. I like going without one." He was glad when the subject of the band didn't come up again this evening. After finishing their ice cream, a little more time was spent walking before they finally parted for the night...

...It was a couple days later and Kyle looks at his watch for the tenth time before sighing again. He swivels on the stool behind his keyboard and looks around at the other band members in the living room. Theo sat behind a partial drumset, fiddling with his drumsticks out of boredom. Russ paces around in the corner with his guitar strapped on while silently mouthing the words to whatever song was running through his head. Erik stands at the window quietly, having given up on his guitar about twenty minutes ago. Twila fidgets with her electric violin while pacing behind the couch absentmindedly. They'd gone through several songs already, while they knew the neighbors wouldn't be bothered. Thankfully, Phil had given them a tip on someone's secure garage they might be able to use from now on, which would be far better than the small living space they had now - it wouldn't take much to have a little practice studio of their own, right on the edge of town.

Tonight though... tonight, their bass player was still missing. And though Karla was here, Kip hadn't shown up like he'd promised he would, nor had he answered his calls or texts. Kyle glances to Alice over on the couch, lifting one eyebrow. He felt comfortable leading the band now - it had taken a while for the role to switch from Erik to himself, but it seemed lately that everyone was at ease with Kyle taking the lead. But right now, he didn't know what to do. His eyes roam Alice's face, but at the moment, it was hard to tell what she was thinking. He didn't dare look at Karla yet... he knew that she was probably disappointed and maybe even worried at this point.

Another glance at his watch and Kyle stands up from his keyboard. "That's it. I'm going to go see where Kip is."

Erik turns. "Worried something is wrong, or gonna go wring his neck?"

"Neither." Kyle had been thinking about it for a long time and he was pretty sure he knew what was going on. "I'm going to go tell him the truth."

"Truth? About what?"

"The truth that we're not going to kick him off the band, no matter how hard he tries."

Twila's eyebrows rise and she looks around at the others, including Karla. "What?"

Kyle grabs his keys and leans down to give Alice a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll meet up with you later." Looking to Twila, he shakes his head. "Kip's tried long enough and it's time it stopped. He's gonna have to pee or get off the pot, but it's not gonna be me telling him to pack up his stuff. He'll have to do it himself if he wants it that way."

When the apartment door closes after him, the room is quiet for several minutes. Twila purses her lips and finally puts her violin down. "Well... I vote on calling Tou Han's and gorging on Chinese food while we watch the adventure flick Theo rented today."

Theo cringes a little. "Don't you think that-"

"I think we oughtta relax a while and let Kyle talk to Kip." Twila glances down to Karla and Alice. "And in the meantime, we get to decide what to order."


...Hearing a knock at the door, Kip looks up from where he was lying on his bed. His eyes show his surprise at seeing Kyle and he sits up awkwardly, not understanding this visit. "Kyle?"

"Hi, Kip." Kyle enters the room and stands for a moment, studying his younger friend. "I've, um... heard about specific herbs or vitamins that help enhance people's memories. Ever try any of them?

"What?" Kip furrows his brow before realizing Kyle's implications. "Oh. Practice. Sorry."

"No, you're not." Kyle folds his arms. "You didn't even answer your phone. But you wanted to miss practice again, didn't you? You figure if you push things just far enough that eventually the band will ask you to quit." He scowls at Kip. "Then you won't have to work up the nerve to quit on your own."

Kip's cheeks grow warm as he stays seated on the bed. "My phone battery died, and you-"

"Am I right?" Kyle looks at him sternly. "Tell me I'm wrong, Kip. Tell me you're not that big of a coward."

Kip stands up to face Kyle. "I'm not a coward."

"Then why do you want to be kicked off the band?"
Silence.
"Answer me!"

"I can't!" Kip paces in a small circle and runs his hands over his face. "Just leave me alone, Kyle. Get another bass player, move on with the band and just leave me alone!"

"Only if you come to the next practice and bail out all on your own."

"No."

"Why not?" Kyle throws his arms in the air. "If that's what you really want, then why don't you have guts enough to follow through?"

Kip doesn't answer but turns to stare at the wall.

"Come, on, Kip! You wanna quit? You wanna walk away? Leave this opportunity behind and go flip burgers instead of using your God-given talent? Is that what you really want?"

Images from meeting the musician on the street flash through Kip's mind. He remembers how he felt, loving the music. "No."

"Then what's your problem?!" Kyle throws his arms in the air. "We will not ask you to leave the band because we want you there. Not just because of your abilities but because you're our friend... you're family to all of us, including me." When Kip still doesn't respond, he growls in frustration. "Turn around, look me in the eye and tell me why you're trying to get us to walk away from you!"

Still nothing. Kyle stares at the back of Kip's head, frustrated, angry and confused. He could tell Kip right now he was out of the band and receive no retaliation. Yet Kyle knew that that's not what Kip wanted. So why was he trying to accomplish something he didn't really want? It made no sense and only made Kyle even more frustrated. "Dang it, Kip. Look at me!"

Taking Kip on the shoulder, Kyle spins him around. But as he faces his younger friend, his anger diminishes in an instant. And in that same instant, he now knows that this was much more than he'd first thought. His hand still rests on Kip's shoulder, but he doesn't even know what to say anymore. Even so, his heart begins to ache.

Kip stares back at Kyle, his gaze angry, but only for being cornered. Tears trickle down his cheeks, burning his eyes as he forces himself not to blink. His jaw was clenched tightly, willing his lower lip not to tremble. His stomach was in knots, even though he knew he deserved the tongue-lashing. His cheeks were hot from embarrassment, his whole body tense as all it wanted to do was run.

Kyle searches Kip's tear-filled eyes, now worried but still so confused. "Kip..." His tone was quieter now. "What's wrong? Please... talk to me."

Kip draws in a shaky breath. "I don't know." His voice quivers. "I don't know." Shrugging off Kyle's hand, he goes back to the bed to sit down, drawing his legs up to his chest and planting his forehead on his knees so his face was hidden.

Now Kyle knew there was no way he could walk away... not and leave Kip in this state. He had to get to the bottom of this. Easing down next to Kip, he sighs deeply. He had no idea what to say. All he could do was lift up a silent prayer for help. "Come on," he prompts gently. "You know you can talk to me. What's bothering you? Is it someone in the band?"

Kip shakes his head. "No," he mumbles.

"Is it stage fright?" They'd played at a few small events and Kip had seemed fine, but maybe he just covered it up well. Kyle didn't know.

Kip shakes his head again.

Kyle sighs. Then a thought comes to mind. Vague at first, but as it grew, it spread light on the entire picture. He sets a hand on Kip's shoulder. "Does this... have anything to do with... your dad?"

For several moments, Kip is quiet. Then he shrugs. "I don't know." His words were muffled until he raises his head slightly. "I feel like I can't do anything right... I don't even wanna try anymore."

"Do you think it's because of something your dad said to you?"

"I don't know." Kip draws in a ragged breath. "I just... I don't even understand. I wanted to come tonight... I really did. I just... I couldn't."

Now Kyle is sorry that he blew up at Kip, though he wondered if maybe that was the only way he'd been able to get anywhere tonight. But now what? It was becoming very apparent that Kip's problems ran deeper than stage fright. There was something going on inside of him that needed to be worked through, and Kyle would be willing to bet that it had to do with his past and his relationship with an abusive father. "Kip... I know this probably isn't going to sound like something you'd want to do but... would you..." He didn't even know how to ask. "...be willing to talk to someone?"

Kip looks to Kyle quickly, his eyebrows raised. "What, like a shrink? You think I need a-"

"No, not some crazed psychiatrist," Kyle counters. "Just... someone who can maybe help you work through some things. Help you think things through. A counselor."

"I... I don't want... no, I don't think..."

"What if it helped? What if someone could help you figure out why you don't want to come to practice? What if it helped make you feel better?"

Never once had Kip ever even considered something like going to a counselor. "But..." He focuses on the floor. "That... that means something's wrong with me."

Kyle chuckles and shakes his head. "No, it doesn't. Did you know that I've been to a counselor?"

Kip gives him a sidelong glance. "Really?"

"Yeah, really. It was after my dad died. Witnessing it messed me up there for a little while. I got down... just couldn't seem to pick myself back up again. At the time, I just couldn't put a finger on what was bothering me though. It just... felt all wrong. I didn't feel comfortable talking to my friends or family though. You'd think they would be the first people I'd go to but... it was just different. Then one day I blew up at Phil for something he didn't even do and I realized I needed some help. So... I took some time and I went to see a counselor that somebody at my church recommended. Funny thing was... I guess what I was going through was kinda typical for what I'd experienced. And since it was, they knew how to walk me through it, whereas on my own, I was just floundering." Kyle cocks his head, trying to see Kip's face. "There's nothing wrong with you, Kip. But maybe there's some things you've got locked away that are trying to get out and that's why you're not happy. If I knew how to help you, I would. But if I... find someone who could... would you talk to them? Would you at least try?"

Kip sets his chin on his knees and thinks for several long moments. He really did feel like he was at a dead end. He didn't want to let the band down. He didn't want to fail. He didn't want to quit. But something just seemed to be holding him back and he didn't even know what it was. What if Kyle was right? What if someone else could help him figure out what it was? He just wanted to feel like himself again.

Finally, he nods. "I'll think about it."

"Good." Kyle gives his shoulder a pat. "I gotta go, but... I'll be calling you, alright?"

"Yeah, okay." Kip looks up as Kyle starts to leave, but stops him. "Hey?"

"Hmm?"

"Don't tell the others... yet... okay?"

Kyle smiles and nods. "This conversation stays here - you have my word."



"...Aw, don't tell me you all ate everything!"

Several look up from the living room as Kyle walks in, and Theo grins. "Hey! You made it back! And the answer to your question is yes... yes, we did."

Kyle smirks and shakes his head. "I shoulda known."

"Theo." Twila gives him a look and smacks his leg as she's sitting on the floor near him to watch the movie. She looks up at Kyle. "There's leftover chinese in the kitchen. But you can thank Alice - she fought tooth and toenail to keep some for you. Otherwise, Theo and Russ would have eaten everything - cartons included."

Russ is sitting by the couch on the floor and leans back just far enough to see Kyle. He gives him a silly grin. "What can I say? I'm a growing boy."

"Yeah, right." Kyle rolls his eyes. "Sorry I interrupted the movie."

"Don't be." Erik holds up the remote. "We paused it. You find Kip?"

"Mm-hmm."

"And?"

Kyle looks at all the eyes staring back at him for answers. It was hard not to tell them everything, but he'd made a promise. "And his phone died... he's fine." He expresses his tone in such a way that said he would say no more on the subject, while the look in his eye warned no one to ask.

Erik quirks an eyebrow, but doesn't question him. "Well okay then... grab some food and come on in. Movie's only half over. I think you've seen it anyway."

Once Kyle gets himself some food and comes back into the living room, before he goes to the waiting spot next to Alice, he leans down to Karla for a quick moment, whispering so as not to distract the others from the movie. "You might wanna stop by Kip's tonight... he could probably use some company, even if he doesn't say so."


The guys at the shop had all somehow wound up looking over at Ryan as she talked on the phone, and now her little chide makes them grin and get back to work. Only Axel doesn't react as quickly. Cleaning a wrench with a rag, he stands a ways away, a small smile on his lips. But it wasn't a teasing smile like the others'. Catching Ryan's eye for just a moment, he tosses her a wink before turning back to his car. It was nice to see her smiling and happy.

...As usual, Tal enjoyed supper with Ryan and Eli. He brought the ice cream, as promised, and though watching the clock, he did relent and stay for a movie. Cuddled with Ryan on the couch for two hours was a perfect way to relax after a hard day at work, and it wasn't even awkward with Eli around. Big brother did a good job at letting them be, without any teasing or poking fun. It was very simply the three of them enjoying each others company.

Getting home, Tal's apartment seemed quiet, even with the street sounds. It always did after getting back from the McKade's though. "Hey, Holly... where are ya, Babe?" He wanders to the kitchen where everything was laid out comfortably for his dog. Finding her lying in her bed of blankets, he smiles. "Didn't want to greet me tonight, or what?"

She wags her stump of a tail and sets her ears back, excited to see her master, but she doesn't get up. Tal takes a knee next to her and scratches behind her ears, letting her give his face sloppy kisses. "What's the matter, hmm?" He runs a hand over her extended belly and feels movement. "I've got a feeling I'm gonna have to call in to work tomorrow. What do you think? We gonna see those pups tonight?"

Holly gives him a little whine and licks his hands, perfectly happy where she was. Tal grins and gives her another pat. Standing up, he goes to make a pot of coffee. Holly might just be a dog to some people... but to him, she was his companion, and if she was going to be up all night, so was he...

3:00 am. The kitchen light was still on, and the second pot of coffee was half gone. Tal sat on the floor next to Holly, pampering and monitoring her. Last time, he'd been clueless. This time, he knew that he'd better make sure everything was out of the way and the blankets and rags were clean.

Rising to his feet, he goes to the telephone. But before dialing, he hesitates. He'd asked Ryan over for supper once before, but had changed his mind at the last minute, meeting her outside and rerouting their date to eating out instead. His apartment was small... the wallpaper was coming off in places... the ceiling in the living room had a nice water stain and his furniture wouldn't bring ten bucks at a garage sale. He did his best to keep it clean, but even now the kitchen was unrecognizable if it weren't for a sink and stove. He hadn't had Ryan over for a reason... her and Eli's place was much nicer and Tal's apartment... wasn't something he was exactly proud of. But... Ryan wouldn't mind, right?

He glances down to Holly, remembering Ryan's squeal of glee on the phone when thinking about puppies. He could wait until tomorrow to tell her she could come see the newborns, or... he could give her the choice to see more than that. Her smile would be worth it, right?

Finally making up his mind, he dials, knowing he'd probably wake both Ryan and Eli at this hour. Hearing a sleepy answer, he grins. "Hey, Ryan... it's Tal. Sorry to wake you, but... if you wanna see some puppies being born, you better get to my place pretty quick. Otherwise, go back to sleep and the nursery will be open tomorrow."


"She just... fell to pieces. I've never seen her like that." Pete rests his elbows on his knees, letting the porch swing gently sway back and forth as he sat with Nikki. It was late evening and he'd come over after work. But it wasn't the light, happy atmosphere he wanted tonight. It had been a harder day than he'd like to admit.

"I used to see Cindy a lot before Gunner and I took that surveillance job in Texas. She was always so strong. Worried about Jason a lot, but strong nevertheless. I always respected that about her. Not that I don't respect her now at all, it was just... hard." He sighs, replaying the day in his mind. After Trey had walked out, Cindy had come back upstairs and simply crumbled. She'd cried so hard... Pete had finally gone to get Susanne who had taken her back to her office. He hadn't seen her after that. She'd talked of Jason, Trey, Wes and even Derek. Pete hadn't had a clue what to say in response. All he'd done was hold her and let her cry on his shoulder. "I've never... felt so helpless."

Pete chased bad guys. He followed them, chased them, shot them, got shot at, got chased, had his life in danger on almost every chase. But today was probably in his top ten hardest days, and he was tired. The whole scene with Cindy and Trey had bothered him more than he would ever tell anybody but Nikki.

"I just hope she's okay," he concludes quietly.


Sitting in a corner booth at the Bullseye is a man who had come in only after his target had. Drinking alone for a long while, he watches as Trey downs one drink after another at the bar. It becomes apparent when Trey had had at least one too many, even though he continues. It's only now that the man finishes his single beer to amble up to the bar, taking a stool next to Trey. He looks to the bartender. "Gimme a shot of whiskey."

Waiting for the stronger drink, the man gives Trey a sidelong glance. Though the young man is inebriated, he knows Trey is still lucid enough to listen and remember if he didn't drink much more. "Yeah... I know this must be tough," he muses. "Getting dragged here... kept prisoner... your birth mother shows up... your brother is dying..." His words prove he had made an assumption about how much Trey knew about his real family.

Receiving his drink, he only takes a small sip. "Yeah, Jason's lasted longer than we thought, but I'm sure that Elite doctor has figured out it's only a matter of time." He casually glances around the smoke-filled bar. "Of course... there is a cure." He leans his arms on the bar and takes another sip of whiskey. "You give this to the doctor." He pushes a small, folded piece of paper towards Trey. "And there might be hope for Jason to live. Otherwise..." He shrugs. "Well, I suppose you've done without your brother for this long, maybe it won't make any difference to you. But at least deliver the message. If you don't, we'll just find another way."


The room was stark - void of any window. The walls and ceiling were white with only a digital clock with date and time. A simple cot with one blanket and pillow was the the only piece of furniture. A toilet and sink were in the corner.

The door opens and a tall, slender woman with dark hair pulled back into a smart bun enters the room and lets the door fall shut as she pockets her key card. A smile is offered to Destiny. "I see they gave you the best seat in the house," she muses. "I thought you might like something to eat." She sets a wrapped sandwich and juice box on the cot. The sleeves of her white collared shirt were rolled up to her elbows and her tight jeans were accented with the high-heeled boots she wore. Setting her hands on her hips, she sighs. "Don't worry. Soon as Chance shows his face here, they'll let you go."


Chance sighs, finding himself once again sitting in front of Destiny's house. Her car was still here. Apparently she really had changed her mind. So why should he bother trying again? He wants to just drive away, but he can't. He just... can't. Not without hearing it from her that she didn't want to see him again.

Finally getting out of the car and going to the door, he knocks... knocks again... rings the doorbell... waits... and knocks again. She didn't have a second car, did she? Something deep down in his gut warns him that something wasn't right. He tries the doorknob to find it unlocked. Letting himself inside, it takes only a split second for his gun to be drawn. Though stunned by the mess he saw, his eyes flit wildly about the room as his pulse begins to race. "Destiny?" He calls more loudly. "Destiny? You here?" A cautious yet fast search, room by room, ensues. But there's no sign of Destiny. By the time he circles back to the kitchen, he felt sick. What had happened here? Had the Agency actually come? Was Destiny okay? Was this his fault? Had someone followed him to find her? Had the cops already been here? Was this a robbery? Kidnapping? Did she know about this? Had she even been here?

Leaning against the wall to try and gather his thoughts, his eyes fall to the table. Only now does he see the folder and newspaper clipping. Fingering both, the realization slowly dawns on him. And it makes him feel sicker. The Underground. If it had been the Agency, they would have taken the file. And the obituary... the Underground had killed Destiny's parents.

"No... no, no, no..." He sifts through the papers for any more clues but finds none. "No!" His fist slams down onto the table. Why now? What did they want? Were they going to use Destiny like they wanted to before? Were they going to use her as bait? To get to the Agency? But wait... they had left these clues for someone. If they just wanted to kidnap Destiny, they wouldn't have had any reason to leave the folder and clippings. They had wanted someone to find them... they had wanted... him... to find them.

"Aw, no!" Chance sinks down into a kitchen chair, putting his head in his hands. This was all his fault. He'd thought he was under radar, but he'd been wrong. They knew he'd come here last night and knew he'd be back. They wanted him. They knew he wouldn't come on his own - he'd put up a fight. So they had stolen one thing they knew he'd come for.

Yanking his phone from his pocket, he frantically searches his long list of numbers. Finding the one he wanted, he dialed while standing up to pace the house, still looking at the mess. Finally, a male voice answers and he bristles. "Where is she?"

"What?"

"Where is she?!"

"Chance?"

"So help me, Ken... tell me what's going on, or I will hunt you down and there will be so many pieces, nobody will ever be able to identify you."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa... look, you want information, you'll have to come in. Where are you?"

"Don't give me that crap. You know where I am, and if you don't, you're tracing me anyway. Tell me where Destiny is, or I'll make good on my threat."

"Look - you called, so you already have it figured out."

Click

Chance hurls a curse into oblivion as he slams his phone shut. Going to the bathroom, he splashes some cold water on his face and finds himself staring into the mirror. He looked terrible. Awful. He should march right down to the Underground right now and confront them for what they'd done. Unfortunately, Ken was right - he'd figured it out. He knew what they wanted.

Him.

An hour later, Chance stands in front of Reese's desk, clean shaven, hair combed and a shirt that wasn't wrinkled. Reese looks up at him, trying to figure out why he was here. "You know I told Hal to let you in. But I could just as easily tell him to come get you and throw you downstairs. You do know that, right?"

Chance nods. "Yes, sir." Every fiber in his being wanted to run and fix this thing himself. He loathed asking for help - let alone from someone like Reese, or the Elite in general. But he knew if he tried to do this himself, he'd be walking straight into the lion's den, and it wasn't just his own life at risk this time. Destiny's well-being was at stake and that wasn't worth the risk.

"Why are you here, Chance?" There was enough other chaos going on right now - Reese wanted answers and wanted them fast.

"The Underground has Destiny and I need your help to get her back."