Keeping quiet in the car as they sat and waited Ryan keeps her own eyes open and on the hotel. Seeing the woman leaving and hearing that was the one Alec was with Ryan couldn't help but cringe and an anger seems to burn just a little. She looked like she was Agency.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Lets get this over with."
Zipping up her leather jacket half way Ryan slips into a stiffer roll though her stomach just seemed to churn and bubble. She just wanted this whole thing to be over with all ready it made her feel sick inside and she hated it.
Finally getting out of the car she throws her keys and anything else that might make sound into the car seat before shutting the door and standing waiting to Carson.
Giving a little nod and heading into the kitchen Hope grabs a glass and pours a little juice. Coming back into the living room and handing it to Wyatt Hope motions to the couch for him to sit if he liked.
Sitting down next to Domino Hope gives the small dog a pat on the head. She could tell her little first missed her master. After being with him for so long it was hard to be away now. But Hope could only hope she could bring a little comfort to the little dog.
"Has anyone from TJY talked to Scott recently? The only think I've herd is a break up letter from him. Other than that...I don't really know anything else."
Hope new the news of Scott breaking up with her might come as a shock but besides that latter she didn't know anything else about how he was or anything. She just wondered if anyone new anything else.
"I'm hoping to be back soon to work. I miss it."
Coming back to her computer Michaela looks over at her cat for a moment shaking her head. Sassy was like her best friend, but sometimes she could be a pain. Looking back at the computer and seeing the new comer that had joined Michaela gives a smile. It was always nice to see a new face pop in and it seemed that this one had a good mind of there own.
Thundercat5: Hey there Rockin_gts. Happy you joined us.
Scanning up for a moment at the other comments made Michaela's fingers just hover over the keys for a long moment before finally starting to type again.
Thundercat5: Yeah a little more one on one time is always nice. Not to mention at a bible study its a little more layed back. Its nice to be able to joke around with friends...and not have to worry about your kitty like Rockin_gts pointed out.
Michaela couldn't help but shake her head a little bit. She liked being able to talk with people online and even get to know new ones. Not to mention share her faith with others as well. She'd really been happy that she got a hold of the web page and asked about putting in a chat room.
Tannerslick: So Thundercat are you going to start doing devotions here and stuff like you talked the other day or are you going to keep it to open chat?
Thundercat5: I was thinking about having it open chat, but at least once a week at a cretin time having different topics we could go over, or maybe questions from church we had maybe we could just go over. Might be fun to see what everyone has to say. What do you guys thing?
2/1/11
;)
Carson nods to Ryan but doesn't respond verbally. There really was no reason to... there was nothing much more that could be said. The hours of driving had been near silent, but that was okay. Both had a goal, both had much on their minds, and neither minded the quiet. For Carson, it helped him remain focused and not distracted.
Back on the road again, the hours drag on. It was a little harder to get a location on Alec than Carson had thought it would be. It seemed now that people at hotels were being hit still, but no longer at the same hotels Alec and Yvette were staying at. That made it harder. But not impossible.
Another day passes. The sun sets and rises again. Minds are weary, but the goal is still in place...
"...look, I'm sorry, but-"
"Stop with the sorrys. You guys are there now and I just want you both back out of there alive." Reese sighs. "And I know there's no telling you to turn around either, so I might as well give you want you want so at least you'll know what you're getting into."
Carson gives Ryan a sidelong glance as they sit in the car. He had his cell on speakerphone so both were now aware that Ty had been caught and couldn't be their point man anymore. Thankfully, they were almost to their target anyway, and thankfully, Reese had the brains enough to help them rather than try to stop them. He hadn't been able to send anyone in to give Alec a chance, but he couldn't stop Carson and Ryan from doing it on their own. "Smart man. What do you have?"
"Well, according to where you just said you were, we believe Alec is about five miles north of you. Security camera caught him and Yvette in a hotel. We think they're gonna hit a different target while laying low at the hotel. I've already got two men in the area and they've already joined up with the police for a gameplan before Alec and Yvette take off again."
"Do we have time to get to him first?"
"I don't know - you better get whatever it is you want to do done with, and quick. I know they're not going to wait until tomorrow, if that's what you're asking."
Carson sighs. "Yeah. Thanks. Send me the hotel details and we'll go from there."
Ending the call, Carson waits a few minutes then checks his email from his phone, gaining the extra information they needed. And within twenty minutes, they were parked across the street behind the hotel where it was said that Alec was. And all they can do is wait for an opportune time. About an hour of waiting is all it takes, when Carson spies through his binoculars, a woman leaving the hotel. "There's Yvette. Alec's gotta be alone. Now's our chance." He looks back at Ryan. "We go in, get to Alec's room and get him out. If he wants out like we think, it shouldn't be hard, but I don't know how much time we have until Yvette gets back. You ready?"
Wyatt watches Hope and Domino for a moment, sure now that he made the right choice. It seemed strange now to think about Scott. He'd been gone for so long. One one hand, it seemed as though just yesterday he'd been at TJY. And on the other hand, it seemed as though he had been gone a lifetime.
About to decline something to drink, Wyatt stops. Hope didn't look like she was feeling very well... not physically, but emotionally. Just something in her eyes said that perhaps she was going through much more than simply recovering from her physical battle. Wyatt didn't know if she would rather be left alone or not, but he'd rather err on the side of trying to be a friend than walking away and leaving her alone.
"Sure... I got time for a glass of juice before I have to head back."
Domino sits on the couch and watches Hope, then watches where Wyatt puts her things. Hopping down to the floor, she trots over to her bed and waits until Wyatt puts her toys down too. Taking her favorite rubber, spiky ball, she goes back to the couch and jumps up to curl into one of the corners. Only she and Hope knew that that's where Scott used to sit when he'd come over.
Rocky leans back in his computer chair, his eyes roaming the screen. He'd gotten back from the lake, taken a shower and had been ready to go to bed when insomnia had hit. So instead of fighting it, he'd opted to get online and see if there was anything to keep his mind occupied. He'd visited a couple forums and said hi to a couple people, but nothing lasted more than a few minutes. It got one yawn out of him, but he knew he needed more than that before trying to sleep again.
Wandering around a particular Christian site, he sees the link to enter one of their chat rooms. He didn't normally interact that way, especially with people he didn't know but... it was a safe location, right? And who knew... maybe there was an interesting discussion going on. And even if it was boring, maybe it would put him to sleep. A win-win situation, right?
He clicks on the link and logs in. Sitting back for another moment or two, he remains silent, figuring out the discussion and who all was here. Bible studies, huh? He grins when Thundercat5 leaves to feed their cat. Cats were good. He glances over to the other chair where Puzzle was curled up sleeping like usual.
Thinking for a couple more minutes, he finally shrugs. Why not?
rockin_gts: I always feel empty on weeks I miss my Bible study. Yeah, I can read on my own, but there's something nice about sitting down with other Christians and studying together.
sara4christ: But like Linda_Mill1986 pointed out, you can get the fellowship at church on Sunday mornings.
Rocky thinks some more.
rockin_gts: Bible studies are different though. One-on-one where you can ask questions and discuss topics. Different perspectives... thoughts... opinions. Good stuff if your point is to dig into the Word.
He waits for a reply, then grins.
rockin_gts: And if you meet in your own home, you can even feed the cat without leaving the conversation. ;)
Back on the road again, the hours drag on. It was a little harder to get a location on Alec than Carson had thought it would be. It seemed now that people at hotels were being hit still, but no longer at the same hotels Alec and Yvette were staying at. That made it harder. But not impossible.
Another day passes. The sun sets and rises again. Minds are weary, but the goal is still in place...
"...look, I'm sorry, but-"
"Stop with the sorrys. You guys are there now and I just want you both back out of there alive." Reese sighs. "And I know there's no telling you to turn around either, so I might as well give you want you want so at least you'll know what you're getting into."
Carson gives Ryan a sidelong glance as they sit in the car. He had his cell on speakerphone so both were now aware that Ty had been caught and couldn't be their point man anymore. Thankfully, they were almost to their target anyway, and thankfully, Reese had the brains enough to help them rather than try to stop them. He hadn't been able to send anyone in to give Alec a chance, but he couldn't stop Carson and Ryan from doing it on their own. "Smart man. What do you have?"
"Well, according to where you just said you were, we believe Alec is about five miles north of you. Security camera caught him and Yvette in a hotel. We think they're gonna hit a different target while laying low at the hotel. I've already got two men in the area and they've already joined up with the police for a gameplan before Alec and Yvette take off again."
"Do we have time to get to him first?"
"I don't know - you better get whatever it is you want to do done with, and quick. I know they're not going to wait until tomorrow, if that's what you're asking."
Carson sighs. "Yeah. Thanks. Send me the hotel details and we'll go from there."
Ending the call, Carson waits a few minutes then checks his email from his phone, gaining the extra information they needed. And within twenty minutes, they were parked across the street behind the hotel where it was said that Alec was. And all they can do is wait for an opportune time. About an hour of waiting is all it takes, when Carson spies through his binoculars, a woman leaving the hotel. "There's Yvette. Alec's gotta be alone. Now's our chance." He looks back at Ryan. "We go in, get to Alec's room and get him out. If he wants out like we think, it shouldn't be hard, but I don't know how much time we have until Yvette gets back. You ready?"
Wyatt watches Hope and Domino for a moment, sure now that he made the right choice. It seemed strange now to think about Scott. He'd been gone for so long. One one hand, it seemed as though just yesterday he'd been at TJY. And on the other hand, it seemed as though he had been gone a lifetime.
About to decline something to drink, Wyatt stops. Hope didn't look like she was feeling very well... not physically, but emotionally. Just something in her eyes said that perhaps she was going through much more than simply recovering from her physical battle. Wyatt didn't know if she would rather be left alone or not, but he'd rather err on the side of trying to be a friend than walking away and leaving her alone.
"Sure... I got time for a glass of juice before I have to head back."
Domino sits on the couch and watches Hope, then watches where Wyatt puts her things. Hopping down to the floor, she trots over to her bed and waits until Wyatt puts her toys down too. Taking her favorite rubber, spiky ball, she goes back to the couch and jumps up to curl into one of the corners. Only she and Hope knew that that's where Scott used to sit when he'd come over.
Rocky leans back in his computer chair, his eyes roaming the screen. He'd gotten back from the lake, taken a shower and had been ready to go to bed when insomnia had hit. So instead of fighting it, he'd opted to get online and see if there was anything to keep his mind occupied. He'd visited a couple forums and said hi to a couple people, but nothing lasted more than a few minutes. It got one yawn out of him, but he knew he needed more than that before trying to sleep again.
Wandering around a particular Christian site, he sees the link to enter one of their chat rooms. He didn't normally interact that way, especially with people he didn't know but... it was a safe location, right? And who knew... maybe there was an interesting discussion going on. And even if it was boring, maybe it would put him to sleep. A win-win situation, right?
He clicks on the link and logs in. Sitting back for another moment or two, he remains silent, figuring out the discussion and who all was here. Bible studies, huh? He grins when Thundercat5 leaves to feed their cat. Cats were good. He glances over to the other chair where Puzzle was curled up sleeping like usual.
Thinking for a couple more minutes, he finally shrugs. Why not?
rockin_gts: I always feel empty on weeks I miss my Bible study. Yeah, I can read on my own, but there's something nice about sitting down with other Christians and studying together.
sara4christ: But like Linda_Mill1986 pointed out, you can get the fellowship at church on Sunday mornings.
Rocky thinks some more.
rockin_gts: Bible studies are different though. One-on-one where you can ask questions and discuss topics. Different perspectives... thoughts... opinions. Good stuff if your point is to dig into the Word.
He waits for a reply, then grins.
rockin_gts: And if you meet in your own home, you can even feed the cat without leaving the conversation. ;)
Chat
Looking out across the area Ryan just takes everything in. A smile was gone from her face, something that hadn't been there for a few days now. So much was on her mind it was really hard to land on just one thing.
Hearing Carson's question she take another bit of her own snack bar and looks over the car at him. Was she ready, Did she want to do this? It was a question that had no answer really, but one had to be made anyways.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it."
A small light lite a decent size room. Cream wall paper painted with flowers hung on the wall. The sound of soft clicking coming from on end of the room. The desk wasn't to big but it was the right size for Michaela.
Thundercat5: "I think it's important to go to a bible study if you can once a week."
Linda_Mil1986: "Why though? I go to church and read my bible."
Thundercat5: "Yeah but its nice in the middle of the week to have a refill and be able to talk about God's love with the others."
Tannerslick: "Its nice when you have a rough start to the week and than something in the middle that makes the rest ok."
Meow!
Looking down from the computer at the sound of the meow Michaela smile to herself as the blue eyes look up at her. Jumping into her lap the black and cream cat rubs up against its master looking for a little attachen.
"It is time to eat now Sassy or do you just want to play?"
Turning back to her computer for a moment Michaela fingers fly over the keyboard. Before setting Sassy down and standing going into the tiny kitchen attached to the living room.
Thundercat5: Brb, need to feed my cat.
Opening the door and seeing Wyatt Hope does her best to give a small smile. She hadn't seen anyone since she had gotten out of the hospital so seeing someone was new every if she didn't feel to happy right now.
"Come on in Wyatt. You can set Domino's stuff in the living room."
Seeing the little dog as she comes over to her Hope bends down picking Domino up in her arms and holding her close giving her little friend a kiss on the head.
"Hey Girl. I know I miss him too. We gotta stay strong though so when he comes home we can be waiting for him."
Closing the front door and following Wyatt into the living room Hope sets Domino down on the couch and giving her a gentil pat.
"Would you like anything to drink? I think I have some tea and juice."
Hope tried her best to be a good hoste, but no matter how she tired her eyes couldn't lie she was a bit sad. She still hurt from Scott's letter even if she did understand what he was saying it was still hard to hear and grasp.
Hearing Carson's question she take another bit of her own snack bar and looks over the car at him. Was she ready, Did she want to do this? It was a question that had no answer really, but one had to be made anyways.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it."
A small light lite a decent size room. Cream wall paper painted with flowers hung on the wall. The sound of soft clicking coming from on end of the room. The desk wasn't to big but it was the right size for Michaela.
Thundercat5: "I think it's important to go to a bible study if you can once a week."
Linda_Mil1986: "Why though? I go to church and read my bible."
Thundercat5: "Yeah but its nice in the middle of the week to have a refill and be able to talk about God's love with the others."
Tannerslick: "Its nice when you have a rough start to the week and than something in the middle that makes the rest ok."
Meow!
Looking down from the computer at the sound of the meow Michaela smile to herself as the blue eyes look up at her. Jumping into her lap the black and cream cat rubs up against its master looking for a little attachen.
"It is time to eat now Sassy or do you just want to play?"
Turning back to her computer for a moment Michaela fingers fly over the keyboard. Before setting Sassy down and standing going into the tiny kitchen attached to the living room.
Thundercat5: Brb, need to feed my cat.
Opening the door and seeing Wyatt Hope does her best to give a small smile. She hadn't seen anyone since she had gotten out of the hospital so seeing someone was new every if she didn't feel to happy right now.
"Come on in Wyatt. You can set Domino's stuff in the living room."
Seeing the little dog as she comes over to her Hope bends down picking Domino up in her arms and holding her close giving her little friend a kiss on the head.
"Hey Girl. I know I miss him too. We gotta stay strong though so when he comes home we can be waiting for him."
Closing the front door and following Wyatt into the living room Hope sets Domino down on the couch and giving her a gentil pat.
"Would you like anything to drink? I think I have some tea and juice."
Hope tried her best to be a good hoste, but no matter how she tired her eyes couldn't lie she was a bit sad. She still hurt from Scott's letter even if she did understand what he was saying it was still hard to hear and grasp.
Hot chick
Carson lifts an eyebrow and looks at Ryan quickly before she corrects herself. It was the first time he realized that perhaps his physical similarities to Alec weren't helping things any.
Getting out of the car too, he fills up the tank with gas before he wanders in with Ryan to find something to eat and grab a large coffee to keep himself awake. More driving came after. A phone call in to Ty revealed that another murder had taken place, and that Alec and Yvette were on the move again. They'd be on the road at least one more day than planned.
Another day of driving, another night in the car, followed by another. It seemed almost like a bad dream, but with the intel coming in from Ty, Carson knew that they were closing in...
...Parked at a small rest stop, Carson stands outside the car and chews on an energy bar. They were far enough north that it was chillier here and he was glad he'd brought his jacket. Stretching their legs a bit, Carson would call Ty again and find out where things stood. Apparently Reese had found out Carson and Ryan were on the road through Eli making a stink, and he was none too happy... but Carson had opted to keep going anyway. Reese still didn't know just how much Ty was helping them - at least that he knew of - and they decided to keep it that way. Ty was in enough trouble just for getting them started in the first place.
Glancing over the car at Ryan, Carson sighs. "So... when we do catch up with Alec, I want to try and find a time when we know he's alone to go in and talk to him. You... sure you're ready for that?"
"...I know, I know!" Ty throws up his arms. "What do you want me to do now? Leave them on their own?"
Reese folds his arms and looks at Ty sternly while in his office. "First I find out you helped Carson and Ryan take off, and now today Hal tells me that you've been talking to them regularly and giving them updates!"
Ty frowns. "If Eli hadn't made such a big deal, it-"
"This has nothing to do with Eli and you know it. Not only are you distributing classified intel, you're helping two people walk into a lion's den. What were you thinking?!"
Ty looks at the floor, upset with the whole thing. "I was thinking about helping Alec I guess. And it was better than having Ryan go try things on her own - which she would have, and you know that."
Reese sighs and flops down in his chair. "I don't know what to do with you, Ty. You should have come to me from the start."
"We can't stop giving information to Carson... if we do, then he and Ryan will just find their own way and that could make things worse."
"You think I don't know that?" Reese shakes his head. "I've got two agents in the area where Alec is now, coordinating with the local authorities there. They'll be moving in on Alec soon - I don't want Carson and Ryan caught in the crossfire."
"Then let them do what they want first - give them a chance. If Alec doesn't cooperate, then the cops will be right behind."
Reese sighs again. "You've all got me stuck between a rock and a hard place, you know that? I don't like this, Ty. I don't like it one bit. Mark my words, when Carson gets back, both of you will endure a nice talking to from me. And as of now, you're suspended."
Wyatt walks slowly up to Hope's porch, having to stop a couple times and encourage Domino to come with him. It took a few light tugs to the leash, but she eventually follows, sighing as she climbs up the steps.
Wyatt would pick her up, but his arms were already full with her bed, food, and bag of toys. Ringing the doorbell, he waits for Hope to come, offering her a smile. "Good afternoon," he greets as cheerily as he can. He really was glad to see her, and he really did hope that she could provide Domino with a little more attention than he could. "I've got your roommate here."
Domino looks up at Hope and sniffs before wandering closer and putting her paws up on her leg and giving a little whine.
Susanne thoroughly enjoyed the motorcycle ride... she really did. Maybe allowing herself to enjoy her time with Chuck wasn't so bad after all. She even secretly was glad he took the long way around town.
Once they get to the movie, Susanne splurges to get some popcorn and something to drink before they sit down. Then settling in about halfway back from the large screen, she sits next to Chuck, nibbling on some popcorn before the movie starts.
"Now don't cry through the mushy scenes," she whispers teasingly. "I only brought enough kleenex for me."
"For fun?" Rocky kicks the refrigerator door shut after retrieving the carton of fruit juice, the cordless phone cradled between his chin and shoulder. "Eh, you know me. I got Cryptic, I work and that's the story of my life."
"You alright?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh, I don't know. You just seem a little... something."
Rocky chuckles and pours his juice into a glass on the counter. "Maybe just wishing I had a life, that's all."
"A life? You kidding me? You know how many people would pay to be in a band like Cryptic? I would."
Rocky grins. "You always wanted a piece of that action, didn't you, Derek?"
"Hey, my son's in a band, my pseudo son is in a band..."
"At least we play some of your music, which, by the way, we still love."
"I guess that's good enough. I get the fame without the hard work."
Rocky chuckles and moves to the living room where he flops down on the couch. "Yeah, the rest of us get to work our buns off hauling equipment and setting up concerts."
"Yep."
Rocky lets a pause linger, his thoughts wandering for a few moments.
"So what's with you wanting a life all of a sudden?"
"Hmm? Oh, I don't know. Just feeling down in the dumps or something."
"Well, how come? That's not like you."
"I don't know." Rocky takes a sip of his juice and shrugs, even though he can't be seen. "Maybe I do. But it's stupid anyway."
"Tell me about it."
"Don't you have work to do or something?"
Derek laughs. "It's my day off and the house is empty. I'm all yours."
Rocky sighs, though he grins a little. "Just having trouble filling my free time. When there's no band and I'm off work, it's me, my couch and I. Just... gets a little tiresome."
"Well, what did you used to do?"
"I don't know. Hung out on my computer. Or the phone or whatever."
"Yeah, you used to stay in pretty close contact with your cousin, right?"
"Brianna. Yeah."
"Don't you still chat online with her?"
"Off and on." Rocky burrows further down into the couch cushions. "That's... less than it used to be."
"How come?"
"Don't know." Rocky shrugs again. "She's just... not around as much. Life, I suppose. We used to spend hours chatting online or she'd call me and we'd just shoot the breeze about every other day. Then out of the blue a couple months ago, she had a block of time to give me and that was it. It was like she stuck me in a compartment. If it wasn't during that certain block of time, I just wasn't thought of anymore. If it wasn't for Cryptic, we wouldn't hardly have anything to talk about anymore either."
"Did you ask her about it?"
"Oh, sure. She didn't seem to think anything was different at all. Said she was just doing other things - priorities I guess. Reminded me she had a life of her own - kinda stung at the time. But it was like... I don't know. She just quit talking to me like she used to. No more phone calls unless it was important. If I don't catch the right block of time when I'm online, I wait until the next day to see if I can catch her. She admitted she's not online as much but it's like I'm just not important anymore. I'm just not... a priority anymore. Nothing bad. Nothing wrong. Just... very different. Hard to get used to."
"She got a boyfriend?"
"Yeah, but she has for a long time." Rocky fiddles with a throw pillow, feeling silly. "I know, it's stupid, but she's always been more like a sister than a cousin since she spent so much time at our grandparents when I was growing up. We've always been tight. And now... It's like I'm sitting back and just waving as she moves on with life." He sighs. "I need a hobby."
Derek chuckles. "So is that the whole problem? Your cousin filled your free time?"
"I suppose she filled a lot of it. It just always worked out that way. Like I said, there's nothing bad or wrong, and I know she's got a life. I just..."
"You miss her."
"Yeah. It's like she's still there, but at the same time, she's not. I get to chat with her, but it's not the her I used to know. Feels like I lost something. Like I lost a sister."
"I wish I knew what to tell you. Sounds like maybe your lives are just going two different directions, forcing you to give up some of that time you used to spend together."
"I suppose." Rocky takes another sip of juice before setting the glass down on the coffee table. "Just kinda makes it hard not to get upset when it appears I'm the only one that notices a difference. I just wanna say thanks, guess I never meant that much to you in the first place if you don't realize we're drifting apart. Like I said, I need a hobby. Something to fill my time away from work and the band."
"How about a girlfriend?"
Rocky snickers. "Right. That's the cure-all."
"Maybe." Derek laughs. "You never know."
"Mmm... I don't think so."
"What about finding something to do with music away from Cryptic?"
"I've thought about that. I know I could get a few gigs of my own if I really wanted, but I don't wanna steal time away from Cryptic either."
"I know what you mean. None of the guys in the band have free time?"
"Not much. Apparently they're better at filling their time than I am," Rocky muses wryly.
"Maybe you just need to get out of the house and away from your phone and computer more. Do you sit around waiting to hear from Brianna?"
Rocky rolls his eyes. "Of course. It's stupid, but I still do."
"You got a lake nearby, right?"
"Yeah."
"So go start spending some time out there. Just you, the air and God. You've got a loss... a hole... fill it with something that's truly fulfilling. And maybe you'll find some hot chick on the beach."
"Derek!"
Derek laughs again. "Sorry. Okay, no hot chick. Just you, the air and God. You do see what I'm saying though, right?"
"Yeah, I do." Rocky grins and shakes his head. "Guess I just feel trapped in my same old routine, but I'll work on it."
"You better, or all our phone conversations are going to be like this."
"Well, it's only once a month. You can handle it."
Derek chuckles. "We miss having you guys around. Say, is anyone planning to come back up here for Christmas?"
The phone conversation shifts to talking about plans for the holidays, family, then music. By the time Rocky hung up the phone, it had been longer than anticipated, but he didn't mind. On his day off, it was nice to hear from Derek and find out how everyone was. The band had spent just enough time in Wisconsin when they'd picked up Axel that the Stevenson family had just become all of theirs really. Maybe it was especially nice for Rocky since he didn't have any other family.
Yawning, he glances over at the clock. The lake, huh? Derek's suggestion stuck with him. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. He looks at the time again. It was almost six o'clock. Brianna might be showing up soon with her usual instant message. Rocky's eyes look over to his laptop on the corner table.
Getting up, he wanders over to it slowly and pauses a moment before shutting the lid. He knew his cousin didn't get it and she'd wonder where he was but the more he sat around and waited, the harder it got to walk away when he should. Grabbing his keys and wallet, he aims for the door. Maybe some fresh air really would do him some good. Maybe Derek was right.
An hour later as he sat on a rock that jutted out into the lake with the wind blowing through his hair, his mind plays over his most recent song and one of Derek's too. The lyrics of both seemed fitting for the way he felt lately. There was more though... there was more...
More... Rocky fishes in his denim jacket pocket for his little notepad and pencil. There's more... yes... he might be lonely but there was more out there somewhere...
Maybe things are different now,
I tried to tell you so.
You seem blind to what I see,
But what’s the use in arguing?
I let you go,
You walk away.
You’re taking your own path.
It’s not bad, I’m proud of you.
But as you turn, I have to, too.
Rocky hums as he jots down the words, a tune and lyrics flowing through his mind. The gentle slosh of water on the rocks seemed to add to the tranquil melody.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something out there just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that...
He falters, pencil hovering above the page. "Somewhere beyond that... beyond that what?" he mutters. Not even noticing as a jetski zooms by a short ways away, his mind is completely overtaken by the birth of the new song. "Red horizon!"
Somewhere beyond that red horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than this hurt,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
Maybe things are different now...
Rocky pauses again, feeling a little pang in his heart. A bit of melancholy settles over him and he looks out across the lake for a moment or two. He didn't hear anyone else on the nearby beach or notice when any cars left or came to the parking lot. His pencil starts to write again.
I tried to change them back.
It’s my own feelings that I have,
So what’s the use in arguing?
I see you leave,
You walk away.
You have your life to live.
It’s not bad, I’m sure you’re right.
But as you turn, I have to, too.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something out there just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that red horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than this hurt,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
It’s okay, I’m not mad.
I’m just taking my own path.
Say goodbye, it’s okay.
We’re just growing up.
With the final chorus changed just a little, Rocky rests his arm on his knee and reads the words as he sings them softly to the music only he could hear.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something new just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that wide horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than emptiness,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
I can feel,
There’s more.
Sighing a deep sigh, he closes the little notebook and leans back against a cool rock. Maybe being here could clear his mind, but it was still lonely.
Getting out of the car too, he fills up the tank with gas before he wanders in with Ryan to find something to eat and grab a large coffee to keep himself awake. More driving came after. A phone call in to Ty revealed that another murder had taken place, and that Alec and Yvette were on the move again. They'd be on the road at least one more day than planned.
Another day of driving, another night in the car, followed by another. It seemed almost like a bad dream, but with the intel coming in from Ty, Carson knew that they were closing in...
...Parked at a small rest stop, Carson stands outside the car and chews on an energy bar. They were far enough north that it was chillier here and he was glad he'd brought his jacket. Stretching their legs a bit, Carson would call Ty again and find out where things stood. Apparently Reese had found out Carson and Ryan were on the road through Eli making a stink, and he was none too happy... but Carson had opted to keep going anyway. Reese still didn't know just how much Ty was helping them - at least that he knew of - and they decided to keep it that way. Ty was in enough trouble just for getting them started in the first place.
Glancing over the car at Ryan, Carson sighs. "So... when we do catch up with Alec, I want to try and find a time when we know he's alone to go in and talk to him. You... sure you're ready for that?"
"...I know, I know!" Ty throws up his arms. "What do you want me to do now? Leave them on their own?"
Reese folds his arms and looks at Ty sternly while in his office. "First I find out you helped Carson and Ryan take off, and now today Hal tells me that you've been talking to them regularly and giving them updates!"
Ty frowns. "If Eli hadn't made such a big deal, it-"
"This has nothing to do with Eli and you know it. Not only are you distributing classified intel, you're helping two people walk into a lion's den. What were you thinking?!"
Ty looks at the floor, upset with the whole thing. "I was thinking about helping Alec I guess. And it was better than having Ryan go try things on her own - which she would have, and you know that."
Reese sighs and flops down in his chair. "I don't know what to do with you, Ty. You should have come to me from the start."
"We can't stop giving information to Carson... if we do, then he and Ryan will just find their own way and that could make things worse."
"You think I don't know that?" Reese shakes his head. "I've got two agents in the area where Alec is now, coordinating with the local authorities there. They'll be moving in on Alec soon - I don't want Carson and Ryan caught in the crossfire."
"Then let them do what they want first - give them a chance. If Alec doesn't cooperate, then the cops will be right behind."
Reese sighs again. "You've all got me stuck between a rock and a hard place, you know that? I don't like this, Ty. I don't like it one bit. Mark my words, when Carson gets back, both of you will endure a nice talking to from me. And as of now, you're suspended."
Wyatt walks slowly up to Hope's porch, having to stop a couple times and encourage Domino to come with him. It took a few light tugs to the leash, but she eventually follows, sighing as she climbs up the steps.
Wyatt would pick her up, but his arms were already full with her bed, food, and bag of toys. Ringing the doorbell, he waits for Hope to come, offering her a smile. "Good afternoon," he greets as cheerily as he can. He really was glad to see her, and he really did hope that she could provide Domino with a little more attention than he could. "I've got your roommate here."
Domino looks up at Hope and sniffs before wandering closer and putting her paws up on her leg and giving a little whine.
Susanne thoroughly enjoyed the motorcycle ride... she really did. Maybe allowing herself to enjoy her time with Chuck wasn't so bad after all. She even secretly was glad he took the long way around town.
Once they get to the movie, Susanne splurges to get some popcorn and something to drink before they sit down. Then settling in about halfway back from the large screen, she sits next to Chuck, nibbling on some popcorn before the movie starts.
"Now don't cry through the mushy scenes," she whispers teasingly. "I only brought enough kleenex for me."
"For fun?" Rocky kicks the refrigerator door shut after retrieving the carton of fruit juice, the cordless phone cradled between his chin and shoulder. "Eh, you know me. I got Cryptic, I work and that's the story of my life."
"You alright?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh, I don't know. You just seem a little... something."
Rocky chuckles and pours his juice into a glass on the counter. "Maybe just wishing I had a life, that's all."
"A life? You kidding me? You know how many people would pay to be in a band like Cryptic? I would."
Rocky grins. "You always wanted a piece of that action, didn't you, Derek?"
"Hey, my son's in a band, my pseudo son is in a band..."
"At least we play some of your music, which, by the way, we still love."
"I guess that's good enough. I get the fame without the hard work."
Rocky chuckles and moves to the living room where he flops down on the couch. "Yeah, the rest of us get to work our buns off hauling equipment and setting up concerts."
"Yep."
Rocky lets a pause linger, his thoughts wandering for a few moments.
"So what's with you wanting a life all of a sudden?"
"Hmm? Oh, I don't know. Just feeling down in the dumps or something."
"Well, how come? That's not like you."
"I don't know." Rocky takes a sip of his juice and shrugs, even though he can't be seen. "Maybe I do. But it's stupid anyway."
"Tell me about it."
"Don't you have work to do or something?"
Derek laughs. "It's my day off and the house is empty. I'm all yours."
Rocky sighs, though he grins a little. "Just having trouble filling my free time. When there's no band and I'm off work, it's me, my couch and I. Just... gets a little tiresome."
"Well, what did you used to do?"
"I don't know. Hung out on my computer. Or the phone or whatever."
"Yeah, you used to stay in pretty close contact with your cousin, right?"
"Brianna. Yeah."
"Don't you still chat online with her?"
"Off and on." Rocky burrows further down into the couch cushions. "That's... less than it used to be."
"How come?"
"Don't know." Rocky shrugs again. "She's just... not around as much. Life, I suppose. We used to spend hours chatting online or she'd call me and we'd just shoot the breeze about every other day. Then out of the blue a couple months ago, she had a block of time to give me and that was it. It was like she stuck me in a compartment. If it wasn't during that certain block of time, I just wasn't thought of anymore. If it wasn't for Cryptic, we wouldn't hardly have anything to talk about anymore either."
"Did you ask her about it?"
"Oh, sure. She didn't seem to think anything was different at all. Said she was just doing other things - priorities I guess. Reminded me she had a life of her own - kinda stung at the time. But it was like... I don't know. She just quit talking to me like she used to. No more phone calls unless it was important. If I don't catch the right block of time when I'm online, I wait until the next day to see if I can catch her. She admitted she's not online as much but it's like I'm just not important anymore. I'm just not... a priority anymore. Nothing bad. Nothing wrong. Just... very different. Hard to get used to."
"She got a boyfriend?"
"Yeah, but she has for a long time." Rocky fiddles with a throw pillow, feeling silly. "I know, it's stupid, but she's always been more like a sister than a cousin since she spent so much time at our grandparents when I was growing up. We've always been tight. And now... It's like I'm sitting back and just waving as she moves on with life." He sighs. "I need a hobby."
Derek chuckles. "So is that the whole problem? Your cousin filled your free time?"
"I suppose she filled a lot of it. It just always worked out that way. Like I said, there's nothing bad or wrong, and I know she's got a life. I just..."
"You miss her."
"Yeah. It's like she's still there, but at the same time, she's not. I get to chat with her, but it's not the her I used to know. Feels like I lost something. Like I lost a sister."
"I wish I knew what to tell you. Sounds like maybe your lives are just going two different directions, forcing you to give up some of that time you used to spend together."
"I suppose." Rocky takes another sip of juice before setting the glass down on the coffee table. "Just kinda makes it hard not to get upset when it appears I'm the only one that notices a difference. I just wanna say thanks, guess I never meant that much to you in the first place if you don't realize we're drifting apart. Like I said, I need a hobby. Something to fill my time away from work and the band."
"How about a girlfriend?"
Rocky snickers. "Right. That's the cure-all."
"Maybe." Derek laughs. "You never know."
"Mmm... I don't think so."
"What about finding something to do with music away from Cryptic?"
"I've thought about that. I know I could get a few gigs of my own if I really wanted, but I don't wanna steal time away from Cryptic either."
"I know what you mean. None of the guys in the band have free time?"
"Not much. Apparently they're better at filling their time than I am," Rocky muses wryly.
"Maybe you just need to get out of the house and away from your phone and computer more. Do you sit around waiting to hear from Brianna?"
Rocky rolls his eyes. "Of course. It's stupid, but I still do."
"You got a lake nearby, right?"
"Yeah."
"So go start spending some time out there. Just you, the air and God. You've got a loss... a hole... fill it with something that's truly fulfilling. And maybe you'll find some hot chick on the beach."
"Derek!"
Derek laughs again. "Sorry. Okay, no hot chick. Just you, the air and God. You do see what I'm saying though, right?"
"Yeah, I do." Rocky grins and shakes his head. "Guess I just feel trapped in my same old routine, but I'll work on it."
"You better, or all our phone conversations are going to be like this."
"Well, it's only once a month. You can handle it."
Derek chuckles. "We miss having you guys around. Say, is anyone planning to come back up here for Christmas?"
The phone conversation shifts to talking about plans for the holidays, family, then music. By the time Rocky hung up the phone, it had been longer than anticipated, but he didn't mind. On his day off, it was nice to hear from Derek and find out how everyone was. The band had spent just enough time in Wisconsin when they'd picked up Axel that the Stevenson family had just become all of theirs really. Maybe it was especially nice for Rocky since he didn't have any other family.
Yawning, he glances over at the clock. The lake, huh? Derek's suggestion stuck with him. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. He looks at the time again. It was almost six o'clock. Brianna might be showing up soon with her usual instant message. Rocky's eyes look over to his laptop on the corner table.
Getting up, he wanders over to it slowly and pauses a moment before shutting the lid. He knew his cousin didn't get it and she'd wonder where he was but the more he sat around and waited, the harder it got to walk away when he should. Grabbing his keys and wallet, he aims for the door. Maybe some fresh air really would do him some good. Maybe Derek was right.
An hour later as he sat on a rock that jutted out into the lake with the wind blowing through his hair, his mind plays over his most recent song and one of Derek's too. The lyrics of both seemed fitting for the way he felt lately. There was more though... there was more...
More... Rocky fishes in his denim jacket pocket for his little notepad and pencil. There's more... yes... he might be lonely but there was more out there somewhere...
Maybe things are different now,
I tried to tell you so.
You seem blind to what I see,
But what’s the use in arguing?
I let you go,
You walk away.
You’re taking your own path.
It’s not bad, I’m proud of you.
But as you turn, I have to, too.
Rocky hums as he jots down the words, a tune and lyrics flowing through his mind. The gentle slosh of water on the rocks seemed to add to the tranquil melody.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something out there just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that...
He falters, pencil hovering above the page. "Somewhere beyond that... beyond that what?" he mutters. Not even noticing as a jetski zooms by a short ways away, his mind is completely overtaken by the birth of the new song. "Red horizon!"
Somewhere beyond that red horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than this hurt,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
Maybe things are different now...
Rocky pauses again, feeling a little pang in his heart. A bit of melancholy settles over him and he looks out across the lake for a moment or two. He didn't hear anyone else on the nearby beach or notice when any cars left or came to the parking lot. His pencil starts to write again.
I tried to change them back.
It’s my own feelings that I have,
So what’s the use in arguing?
I see you leave,
You walk away.
You have your life to live.
It’s not bad, I’m sure you’re right.
But as you turn, I have to, too.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something out there just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that red horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than this hurt,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
It’s okay, I’m not mad.
I’m just taking my own path.
Say goodbye, it’s okay.
We’re just growing up.
With the final chorus changed just a little, Rocky rests his arm on his knee and reads the words as he sings them softly to the music only he could hear.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something new just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that wide horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than emptiness,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
I can feel,
There’s more.
Sighing a deep sigh, he closes the little notebook and leans back against a cool rock. Maybe being here could clear his mind, but it was still lonely.
A dream?
"We really did it huh?"
"Yeah, we road off into the sunset after all."
"I figured you always talked about it but you wouldn't really come."
"I told you if you ever left I'd come with you. I ment it. I'm in this for a long hall, anyways a little excitement with you is always nice and what gets more excited than this."
"Yeah you did didn't you. If you this is exciting, you haven't seen the half of it."
Leaning up with a start once the car comes to a stop Ryan looks around at where they were. It was quiet here, but seemed to have a bussle about it anyways. Maybe this was a well known gas station for those going to work or heading out of town.
Looking at Carson Ryan gives a small smile as she's still in a haze from her dream. It was not Carson her eyes saw but someone else very close.
"I'll come in with you Alec."
Realizing though as she wakes up a little more it was not Alec that was with her it was Carson and there mission comes back and becomes real once again.
"...I mean...Carson. I'm a little hungry so I'll come in and see what they have."
Zipping her racing jacket up Ryan opens the car door and gets out. Wrapping her arms around herself for a moment at the cold chill in the air Ryan scans the area before heading inside the gas station.
Resting his hands over Susanne for a long moment Chuck just takes in the moment. Another ride and it seemed to get easier and easier as she relaxed more and more. It made Chuck feel good to feel the warmth that just seeped though with the more comfort Susanne felt in him.
Heading out of the driveway and speeding down the road Chuck took turns this was and that way just enjoying the evening. They had a little time before the movie started so taking the long way was ok and just enjoying the company...even if they didn't talk on the ride, was much better.
"Yeah, we road off into the sunset after all."
"I figured you always talked about it but you wouldn't really come."
"I told you if you ever left I'd come with you. I ment it. I'm in this for a long hall, anyways a little excitement with you is always nice and what gets more excited than this."
"Yeah you did didn't you. If you this is exciting, you haven't seen the half of it."
Leaning up with a start once the car comes to a stop Ryan looks around at where they were. It was quiet here, but seemed to have a bussle about it anyways. Maybe this was a well known gas station for those going to work or heading out of town.
Looking at Carson Ryan gives a small smile as she's still in a haze from her dream. It was not Carson her eyes saw but someone else very close.
"I'll come in with you Alec."
Realizing though as she wakes up a little more it was not Alec that was with her it was Carson and there mission comes back and becomes real once again.
"...I mean...Carson. I'm a little hungry so I'll come in and see what they have."
Zipping her racing jacket up Ryan opens the car door and gets out. Wrapping her arms around herself for a moment at the cold chill in the air Ryan scans the area before heading inside the gas station.
Resting his hands over Susanne for a long moment Chuck just takes in the moment. Another ride and it seemed to get easier and easier as she relaxed more and more. It made Chuck feel good to feel the warmth that just seeped though with the more comfort Susanne felt in him.
Heading out of the driveway and speeding down the road Chuck took turns this was and that way just enjoying the evening. They had a little time before the movie started so taking the long way was ok and just enjoying the company...even if they didn't talk on the ride, was much better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
