Coming out into the waiting area Ryan caught sigh of Tal. She felt a little bad it had taken longer than she expected and he had waited. Now she was done thought and she hoped if it was a new auto shop he was looking for this wouldn't hinder him from coming back here.
"Well it wasn't anything that couldn't be fixed. A blow gasket, and your catalytic converter needed to be replaced. Not much damage was done to it so it was fairly simple. I'm just going to need to you to sigh this paper, and than Leo can ring you out once he is done doing up the paper work."
Holding out the clipped with the slip of paper on it saying that he agrees to the repairs that needed to be done along with a pen Ryan study's him once again. She'd never had someone wait more than a hour for there car. It was kind of odd but she really didn't think it was a bad thing but it still made her feel worse that it took so long. Giving a small little smile so at least she didn't look like a sourpuss Ryan cocks her head just a little bit.
"Sorry it took so long and you had to wait."
Getting under the covers and waiting for Mick to come tuck him in BJ snuggled in. Once Mick entered the room the big smile returned on the small boys face. Hearing Mick's question BJ's smile gets even bigger as he nods his head.
"Ya..I liked having Dylan over and playing cards. I even got to stay up late. Can we do it tomorrow too with Dylan and Jade?"
Waiting for Mick's answer BJ gives a big yawn and rubs his eyes. It had been an hour later than he normally stayed up and he was tired but sleep was far from the little boys mind as he tried to fight it so he could hear Mick's reply.
Sitting at her desk and trying to catch up a little on her work Katie glances at the clock. It was almost time for lunch with Jason and she couldnt wait really. It had been a crazy say and she needed a break for sure.
Going back to her work only a few seconds later does she feel Troopers wet nose on her arm and his whimper that followed. Not thinking anything of it as first Katie just ignores him till he pulls on her shirt. What had gotten into him.
J, you know Reese is gonna have a fit that Trooper it out without you!
Not getting a reply Katie searched the emotions but was only met with a peace. Trying to focus a little more she trys again.
J...is everything ok?
Still getting nothing Katie stands. She couldn't feel anything wrong but something didn't seem right either and Trooper seemed to be acting strange on top of it. Giving a low whistle for Trooper to follow Katie makes her way back to Jason office entering. Seeing him laying on his desk her heart races as she goes over to him. Giving him a shake Katie sets the emotions aside for a moment and uses her own voice.
"J...wake up...are you ok?"
2/15/11
Never mine to gain
Leo glances over from his work station and nods to Ryan. "Yeah... sure." He wanders over to see the paperwork. "I can finish it up." His eyes travel to the door where Tal's form was no longer seen. He sure had been standing there a long time earlier though. Even Miles had commented under his breath that he wondered if Tal was watching the cars or the scenery. Leo nods again. "Go take care of your customer."
Inside, Tal had started pacing again, wandering to the window, looking at a few things on the wall, getting a cup of coffee, going to the window again, sitting, standing, pacing some more. He didn't leave though - there really was no point, if his car would be done. He knew Ryan would have told him if it would be later than today.
Hearing the door, he spins on his heel to see Ryan coming in. The corners of his mouth upturn. "She emerges at last. What's the bad news, doc?"
Letting Dalton into his office, Reese leans back in his chair and listens before letting out a long sigh. Why did Alec want those people protected? What was the connection? And why did he care? It didn't make sense.
"Well... it would be stupid, I think, to not pay heed to what he said, so I'll make sure I get eyes out there to make sure everyone is okay and stays that way. As far as his innocence or guilt... I'm not sure what to make of all that either. I haven't talked to him myself, but JT has and I don't understand any of it. It would have been so easy for Alec to say none of it was his fault, yet he didn't. But if he's not that cowardly, why did he want to die?"
Reese shrugs lamely. "Thanks, Dalton. I'll let you know if I need you again, and I'll also get someone assigned to watch your place as well. Be careful."
Finding meaning in this life,
Ain't what it's cracked up to be.
I find myself sometimes,
Wondering why I'm here.
Nothing to gain, nothing to lose,
Just sitting here by myself.
A heart of stone needs chiseled away,
Why does it have to hurt?
"Two more days, Alec, then you're coming back to TJY."
Alec gives Reese a dim look. Only one wrist was handcuffed to his bed today - his lack of outbursts had earned him that much... just like Dalton had suggested. He still felt miserable though, and Reese's news didn't make him feel any better. "Yippee."
Reese sighs. It was his second visit and he was still hoping for some better responses. "You ready to talk yet about what happened?"
Silence.
"We need to know, Alec."
"You still got people watching the others?"
"Yes - just like you said. Carson's making sure there's an eye on Misty, I got eyes on Dani and Dalton's looking out for himself, though we do have someone watching his place for a while."
"And Ryan?"
Reese sighs again. "It would help if you told me why the Agency would be after these people."
Alec glares at him. "Do you have someone watching Ryan or not?"
"We do." Reese waits for more, but nothing comes. "All you implied was that these people could be in danger... all you would do was demand they were watched. Now if you care that much, why won't you tell me why?"
"I don't care. I just want to see you guys keep busy."
Reese shakes his head and stands up from the hospital chair. "Have it your way."
I can see the sun is rising,
But it's only in a frame.
I can see a future, bright and clear,
But it's never mine to gain.
Sometimes I think,
I'm better off gone,
But chains hold me in place.
I want that sunrise,
I want what you got,
But I lost the game again.
"Welcome home." Hal opens the holding room door.
Alec trudges inside. His hands were cuffed together, but at least they'd taken the cuffs off his ankles. He looks around the small cement block room. It was the same nightmare all over again - the same walls, the same cot, the same table, the same sink and toilet... the same windowless, mirrorless, cold, dim room with a lock on the door. Turning around, he looks at Hal, his eyes lacking life.
Hal almost pities him... almost. "I'll bring you supper when it's time."
"Don't bother. I'm not hungry." Alec wanders to the cot and sits down, slouched against the wall. He holds up his wrists in question.
Hal shakes his head. "Sorry."
Fighting for the truth in life,
Ain't what it's cracked up to be.
I find myself sometimes,
Just wanting to walk away.
Nothing to gain, nothing to lose,
Wand'ring the desert plain.
A heart of steel meets sharpened tools,
Why does it have to hurt?
"Let me out of here!" Alec yells at the top of his lungs and slams his fists into the interrogation room door again. He'd been in here for hours, starting out with one grueling interrogation after the other - all of which he hadn't cooperated with. Sweat poured down the sides of his face and his body trembled, begging for just one more pill.
Blood smears on the door and he stops banging, realizing he'd just rubbed the side of his hand raw. Growling, he goes back to the table and kicks over the chair angrily. Pulling against his handcuffs with all his might, all he does is serve to cut into his arms. Giving another yell, this time it's the table that topples over with a loud crash. Picking up the chair, he swings and lets go, sending it flying into the two-way mirror, but it doesn't break.
Breathing heavily, he turns his back on the mirror to wince. Looking down, he sees blood seeping through his shirt near his shoulder.
On the other side of the mirror, Reese shakes his head and throws up his hands. "I don't know what to do." He looks at Angelica lamely. "I keep fighting Brown to keep Alec out of prison but I don't even know why. Asking you to try and keep him from being convicted is asking an impossible task when he won't even tell us what happened - he won't even defend himself and I don't know why." He rubs a tired hand over his face before pushing the intercom button by the door. "Rick... come to interrogation one. Alec's torn his stitches... again."
I can see the sun is rising,
But it's only in a frame.
I can see a future, bright and clear,
But it's never mine to gain.
Sometimes I think,
I'm better off gone,
But chains hold me in place.
I want that sunrise,
I want what you got,
But I lost the game again.
Alec sits on the floor in the corner of the interrogation room, exhausted, hungry and thirsty. But he'd refused any food or drink all day, remaining silent through several more interrogation attempts. First by Reese, then Nate, then Con. Today he'd kept completely quiet though. He felt as if he had no spirit. No throwing chairs today... no kicking tables... no trying to choke Rick as a way out. The cravings had subsided - not gone completely, but at least he was through the worst part, as far as withdrawal went. As far as everything else went though, it felt as if he were just entering the worst part. He didn't remember feeling quite this alone when he'd been brought here in the first place. He didn't remember feeling quite this miserable. And he knew that soon... soon he would be put behind bars.
Hearing the door, he looks up to meet the eyes of a man he'd seen only a few times.
"Hi, Alec. Justin Hawks... remember me?"
Does it really matter?
This life I always wanted.
Does it really matter?
What the future holds.
I wonder if it matters,
What lies inside my heart.
I wonder if it matters,
What's buried deep inside.
Alec makes another tally mark on the wall, using a paperclip to scratch away the gray paint. Counting the days, it really hadn't been all that long since he'd been back. But it felt like a lifetime and a half. A tv dinner sat uneaten on the table, cold from neglect. As his stomach growls though, it isn't that dinner that he thinks about. It's a dinner that he'd once had... a dinner that had once revealed to him that someone cared.
Lying back down on the cot, tears sting his eyes. Christmas turkey... homemade potatoes, gravy and rolls... His mouth waters, but his heart aches more.
The opening door makes him shoot up and wipe his eyes, trying to hide the emotions before looking to see who it was. Justin. He sighs. "Haven't you given up yet?"
"What? Because of a few tantrums?" Justin shakes his head. "Takes more than that to get rid of me. How're the wrists?"
Alec looks down at the sores on his wrists. "They'd be better without these handcuffs on."
"Talk and they come off. I've got Reese's word."
Alec scoffs. "His word, huh? That's never been of much value."
"Look..." Justin wanders closer and folds his arms. The last few days had been filled with nightmarish sessions that had gotten them nowhere. Slowly but surely though, Justin was seeing past the veil of hate and anger in Alec's eyes and beginning to see more, like pain and loneliness. "...There's no point in trying to tell you how the system works - you already know all that. But you might as well start cutting a few deals. I mean really... only an idiot would sit around in handcuffs day after day if they actually had the option of getting out of them."
Alec was on his feet in an instant, glaring Justin in the eye from only a few inches away. "Idiot, huh?" he hisses. "Put yourself in my shoes for a day then tell me who the idiot is."
Justin doesn't even flinch. Instead, he looks back at Alec with little interest. "If you'd ever take your shoes off, maybe I could see if they fit. Until you do though, I can't see from your perspective. And Reese can't either. He's your key, Alec... whether you like it or not, being on his good side is the only thing that might keep you from getting put behind bars."
Alec backs down and turns his back. "I don't care."
"I think you do." Justin waits a few moments, giving the air time to settle. "If you tell what really happened, you might as well stick a knife in your heart. But you've got to grin and bear the pain if you're gonna heal." He didn't know for sure that Alec's story would cause pain, but it was a hunch he was willing to bet on. "Quit being a martyr... it isn't worth it if no one benefits."
Hearing the click of the door again, Alec spins around to find himself alone once more. The tears return to his eyes. Ten minutes later though, he was punching the intercom. "Hal... tell Reese I want to see him."
I can see the sun is rising,
But it's only in a frame.
I can see a future, bright and clear,
But it's never mine to gain.
Sometimes I think,
I'm better off gone,
But chains hold me in place.
I want that sunrise,
I want what you got,
But I lost the game again.
Jason sets his head down on his folded arms, trying to ignore the pain in his skull. Nausea, a headache for three days straight and dizziness were the rewards for being off the antidote. But he hadn't told Rick. And he hadn't let Katie feel all of it either. He just couldn't do that. It was getting worse though... today he'd come in to work, but couldn't concentrate on anything and he'd already fallen asleep here at his desk once. Thankfully he was full of enough pain killers to numb his knee that was wrapped after surgery - having to stay off of it for the next couple weeks wasn't helping things any either. He was miserable, but he hadn't told Katie. He wanted their connection... he liked being able to talk to her again... he liked it that she could feel him again and he liked it that she was smiling again. But he wasn't going to be able to take this much longer and he was fighting it the whole way.
Looking up, he notes the time. He wasn't supposed to go to lunch with Katie for another ten minutes right? He puts his head back down. He'd be there... he would...
Trooper nudges Jason's arm but receives no response. A whine doesn't lift Jason's head either and for a moment, the dog just studies him. Then turning, he goes to Jason's cracked office door and claws it open before he glances one way down the hall, then the other. He wasn't allowed to leave without his master, but today he was defying that rule.
Trotting to the main floor, he stops and looks again, avoiding the sound of Wyatt's voice. Turning the other way, he sniffs the floor and keeps on going until he'd reached Katie's cubicle. Wandering up beside her, he nudges her arm. Giving her something between a whine and a groan, he takes her shirt sleeve in his teeth and gives it a tug.
Inside, Tal had started pacing again, wandering to the window, looking at a few things on the wall, getting a cup of coffee, going to the window again, sitting, standing, pacing some more. He didn't leave though - there really was no point, if his car would be done. He knew Ryan would have told him if it would be later than today.
Hearing the door, he spins on his heel to see Ryan coming in. The corners of his mouth upturn. "She emerges at last. What's the bad news, doc?"
Letting Dalton into his office, Reese leans back in his chair and listens before letting out a long sigh. Why did Alec want those people protected? What was the connection? And why did he care? It didn't make sense.
"Well... it would be stupid, I think, to not pay heed to what he said, so I'll make sure I get eyes out there to make sure everyone is okay and stays that way. As far as his innocence or guilt... I'm not sure what to make of all that either. I haven't talked to him myself, but JT has and I don't understand any of it. It would have been so easy for Alec to say none of it was his fault, yet he didn't. But if he's not that cowardly, why did he want to die?"
Reese shrugs lamely. "Thanks, Dalton. I'll let you know if I need you again, and I'll also get someone assigned to watch your place as well. Be careful."
Finding meaning in this life,
Ain't what it's cracked up to be.
I find myself sometimes,
Wondering why I'm here.
Nothing to gain, nothing to lose,
Just sitting here by myself.
A heart of stone needs chiseled away,
Why does it have to hurt?
"Two more days, Alec, then you're coming back to TJY."
Alec gives Reese a dim look. Only one wrist was handcuffed to his bed today - his lack of outbursts had earned him that much... just like Dalton had suggested. He still felt miserable though, and Reese's news didn't make him feel any better. "Yippee."
Reese sighs. It was his second visit and he was still hoping for some better responses. "You ready to talk yet about what happened?"
Silence.
"We need to know, Alec."
"You still got people watching the others?"
"Yes - just like you said. Carson's making sure there's an eye on Misty, I got eyes on Dani and Dalton's looking out for himself, though we do have someone watching his place for a while."
"And Ryan?"
Reese sighs again. "It would help if you told me why the Agency would be after these people."
Alec glares at him. "Do you have someone watching Ryan or not?"
"We do." Reese waits for more, but nothing comes. "All you implied was that these people could be in danger... all you would do was demand they were watched. Now if you care that much, why won't you tell me why?"
"I don't care. I just want to see you guys keep busy."
Reese shakes his head and stands up from the hospital chair. "Have it your way."
I can see the sun is rising,
But it's only in a frame.
I can see a future, bright and clear,
But it's never mine to gain.
Sometimes I think,
I'm better off gone,
But chains hold me in place.
I want that sunrise,
I want what you got,
But I lost the game again.
"Welcome home." Hal opens the holding room door.
Alec trudges inside. His hands were cuffed together, but at least they'd taken the cuffs off his ankles. He looks around the small cement block room. It was the same nightmare all over again - the same walls, the same cot, the same table, the same sink and toilet... the same windowless, mirrorless, cold, dim room with a lock on the door. Turning around, he looks at Hal, his eyes lacking life.
Hal almost pities him... almost. "I'll bring you supper when it's time."
"Don't bother. I'm not hungry." Alec wanders to the cot and sits down, slouched against the wall. He holds up his wrists in question.
Hal shakes his head. "Sorry."
Fighting for the truth in life,
Ain't what it's cracked up to be.
I find myself sometimes,
Just wanting to walk away.
Nothing to gain, nothing to lose,
Wand'ring the desert plain.
A heart of steel meets sharpened tools,
Why does it have to hurt?
"Let me out of here!" Alec yells at the top of his lungs and slams his fists into the interrogation room door again. He'd been in here for hours, starting out with one grueling interrogation after the other - all of which he hadn't cooperated with. Sweat poured down the sides of his face and his body trembled, begging for just one more pill.
Blood smears on the door and he stops banging, realizing he'd just rubbed the side of his hand raw. Growling, he goes back to the table and kicks over the chair angrily. Pulling against his handcuffs with all his might, all he does is serve to cut into his arms. Giving another yell, this time it's the table that topples over with a loud crash. Picking up the chair, he swings and lets go, sending it flying into the two-way mirror, but it doesn't break.
Breathing heavily, he turns his back on the mirror to wince. Looking down, he sees blood seeping through his shirt near his shoulder.
On the other side of the mirror, Reese shakes his head and throws up his hands. "I don't know what to do." He looks at Angelica lamely. "I keep fighting Brown to keep Alec out of prison but I don't even know why. Asking you to try and keep him from being convicted is asking an impossible task when he won't even tell us what happened - he won't even defend himself and I don't know why." He rubs a tired hand over his face before pushing the intercom button by the door. "Rick... come to interrogation one. Alec's torn his stitches... again."
I can see the sun is rising,
But it's only in a frame.
I can see a future, bright and clear,
But it's never mine to gain.
Sometimes I think,
I'm better off gone,
But chains hold me in place.
I want that sunrise,
I want what you got,
But I lost the game again.
Alec sits on the floor in the corner of the interrogation room, exhausted, hungry and thirsty. But he'd refused any food or drink all day, remaining silent through several more interrogation attempts. First by Reese, then Nate, then Con. Today he'd kept completely quiet though. He felt as if he had no spirit. No throwing chairs today... no kicking tables... no trying to choke Rick as a way out. The cravings had subsided - not gone completely, but at least he was through the worst part, as far as withdrawal went. As far as everything else went though, it felt as if he were just entering the worst part. He didn't remember feeling quite this alone when he'd been brought here in the first place. He didn't remember feeling quite this miserable. And he knew that soon... soon he would be put behind bars.
Hearing the door, he looks up to meet the eyes of a man he'd seen only a few times.
"Hi, Alec. Justin Hawks... remember me?"
Does it really matter?
This life I always wanted.
Does it really matter?
What the future holds.
I wonder if it matters,
What lies inside my heart.
I wonder if it matters,
What's buried deep inside.
Alec makes another tally mark on the wall, using a paperclip to scratch away the gray paint. Counting the days, it really hadn't been all that long since he'd been back. But it felt like a lifetime and a half. A tv dinner sat uneaten on the table, cold from neglect. As his stomach growls though, it isn't that dinner that he thinks about. It's a dinner that he'd once had... a dinner that had once revealed to him that someone cared.
Lying back down on the cot, tears sting his eyes. Christmas turkey... homemade potatoes, gravy and rolls... His mouth waters, but his heart aches more.
The opening door makes him shoot up and wipe his eyes, trying to hide the emotions before looking to see who it was. Justin. He sighs. "Haven't you given up yet?"
"What? Because of a few tantrums?" Justin shakes his head. "Takes more than that to get rid of me. How're the wrists?"
Alec looks down at the sores on his wrists. "They'd be better without these handcuffs on."
"Talk and they come off. I've got Reese's word."
Alec scoffs. "His word, huh? That's never been of much value."
"Look..." Justin wanders closer and folds his arms. The last few days had been filled with nightmarish sessions that had gotten them nowhere. Slowly but surely though, Justin was seeing past the veil of hate and anger in Alec's eyes and beginning to see more, like pain and loneliness. "...There's no point in trying to tell you how the system works - you already know all that. But you might as well start cutting a few deals. I mean really... only an idiot would sit around in handcuffs day after day if they actually had the option of getting out of them."
Alec was on his feet in an instant, glaring Justin in the eye from only a few inches away. "Idiot, huh?" he hisses. "Put yourself in my shoes for a day then tell me who the idiot is."
Justin doesn't even flinch. Instead, he looks back at Alec with little interest. "If you'd ever take your shoes off, maybe I could see if they fit. Until you do though, I can't see from your perspective. And Reese can't either. He's your key, Alec... whether you like it or not, being on his good side is the only thing that might keep you from getting put behind bars."
Alec backs down and turns his back. "I don't care."
"I think you do." Justin waits a few moments, giving the air time to settle. "If you tell what really happened, you might as well stick a knife in your heart. But you've got to grin and bear the pain if you're gonna heal." He didn't know for sure that Alec's story would cause pain, but it was a hunch he was willing to bet on. "Quit being a martyr... it isn't worth it if no one benefits."
Hearing the click of the door again, Alec spins around to find himself alone once more. The tears return to his eyes. Ten minutes later though, he was punching the intercom. "Hal... tell Reese I want to see him."
I can see the sun is rising,
But it's only in a frame.
I can see a future, bright and clear,
But it's never mine to gain.
Sometimes I think,
I'm better off gone,
But chains hold me in place.
I want that sunrise,
I want what you got,
But I lost the game again.
Jason sets his head down on his folded arms, trying to ignore the pain in his skull. Nausea, a headache for three days straight and dizziness were the rewards for being off the antidote. But he hadn't told Rick. And he hadn't let Katie feel all of it either. He just couldn't do that. It was getting worse though... today he'd come in to work, but couldn't concentrate on anything and he'd already fallen asleep here at his desk once. Thankfully he was full of enough pain killers to numb his knee that was wrapped after surgery - having to stay off of it for the next couple weeks wasn't helping things any either. He was miserable, but he hadn't told Katie. He wanted their connection... he liked being able to talk to her again... he liked it that she could feel him again and he liked it that she was smiling again. But he wasn't going to be able to take this much longer and he was fighting it the whole way.
Looking up, he notes the time. He wasn't supposed to go to lunch with Katie for another ten minutes right? He puts his head back down. He'd be there... he would...
Trooper nudges Jason's arm but receives no response. A whine doesn't lift Jason's head either and for a moment, the dog just studies him. Then turning, he goes to Jason's cracked office door and claws it open before he glances one way down the hall, then the other. He wasn't allowed to leave without his master, but today he was defying that rule.
Trotting to the main floor, he stops and looks again, avoiding the sound of Wyatt's voice. Turning the other way, he sniffs the floor and keeps on going until he'd reached Katie's cubicle. Wandering up beside her, he nudges her arm. Giving her something between a whine and a groan, he takes her shirt sleeve in his teeth and gives it a tug.
Fixed
Giving another smile as Mick turns and walks down the hall Rosetta just stands there for a long moment. God had blessed her with everything she wanted and she was so happy of that. It might not have been the way most people would want it to unfold but to her it was just right. She had a wonderful husband, and three wonderful kids that she considered her own.
Turning and going back to the table she clears the cups off and whips it down. Wondering into the kitchen and turning the tea pot on she prepared a cup for Mick and herself. They would be up a little bit longer just to wind down from the day.
Continuing to work Ryan goes over the care with a fine tooth comb. Not really paying much attachen to what else was going around her. Working was keeping her mind off everything else that was going on.
Checking the top part of the engine first Ryan than slides under the car checking out there as well. Tinkering here, and there Ryan finally finds the problem her silence being a little odd, but for those who new what was going on it wasn't.
The minutes pass, and one hours turns into two but finally Ryan finishes tighting the last bolt. Closing the hood and going for her rage Ryan whips her hands before getting behind the wheel and starting the car up. Letting it run than giving it some gas she waited to hear if it sputtered or hiccuped. Just hearing the motor purr she was satisfied and shut the car off again before going over to her work bench and filling more papers out.
"Hey Leo, I'm gonna tell Tal what was wrong with his car, can you ring him or for me?"
Letting out a long sigh Dalton shakes his head again as he looks down at Alec. For trying to ask mean and nasty his body language was all wrong and it made Dalton sad that he wouldn't just open up.
"I'll see you around."
Turning from the bed and letting out a long say Dalton makes his way from the room and back down to his car. Just sitting there for a long moment his own heart ached. First Scott, and now Alec...it was a hard to swallow.
Getting back to the office he makes his way to Reese office Dalton knocks before entering hearing Reese voice. He wanted to see what Dalton could get out of Alec but his first concern was following through with what he promised Alec.
"Reese, Alec told me we need to have a few people watched. Ryan, Misty, Dani, Carson, and myself. He didn't tell me why, but he said the needed protection so to have them watched. I think its pretty important we do so. Other than that..I didn't get anything else. Other than the odd feeling he's innocent, but guilty because of it."
Turning and going back to the table she clears the cups off and whips it down. Wondering into the kitchen and turning the tea pot on she prepared a cup for Mick and herself. They would be up a little bit longer just to wind down from the day.
Continuing to work Ryan goes over the care with a fine tooth comb. Not really paying much attachen to what else was going around her. Working was keeping her mind off everything else that was going on.
Checking the top part of the engine first Ryan than slides under the car checking out there as well. Tinkering here, and there Ryan finally finds the problem her silence being a little odd, but for those who new what was going on it wasn't.
The minutes pass, and one hours turns into two but finally Ryan finishes tighting the last bolt. Closing the hood and going for her rage Ryan whips her hands before getting behind the wheel and starting the car up. Letting it run than giving it some gas she waited to hear if it sputtered or hiccuped. Just hearing the motor purr she was satisfied and shut the car off again before going over to her work bench and filling more papers out.
"Hey Leo, I'm gonna tell Tal what was wrong with his car, can you ring him or for me?"
Letting out a long sigh Dalton shakes his head again as he looks down at Alec. For trying to ask mean and nasty his body language was all wrong and it made Dalton sad that he wouldn't just open up.
"I'll see you around."
Turning from the bed and letting out a long say Dalton makes his way from the room and back down to his car. Just sitting there for a long moment his own heart ached. First Scott, and now Alec...it was a hard to swallow.
Getting back to the office he makes his way to Reese office Dalton knocks before entering hearing Reese voice. He wanted to see what Dalton could get out of Alec but his first concern was following through with what he promised Alec.
"Reese, Alec told me we need to have a few people watched. Ryan, Misty, Dani, Carson, and myself. He didn't tell me why, but he said the needed protection so to have them watched. I think its pretty important we do so. Other than that..I didn't get anything else. Other than the odd feeling he's innocent, but guilty because of it."
Attention
The easy way out. Was the easy way really not his pattern? Alec wondered. Maybe he'd just finally given up. But what was the point in speculating? He really didn't care why he felt the way he did.
Giving Dalton a sidelong glance, he was satisfied that the people he mentioned would be watched. "Good." Reese might not have been so readily agreeable, but at least Dalton was. That was one less thing on his mind now... Dalton would have said, if anything had already happened to one of them, right?
Looking back at the ceiling, Dalton's next words strike Alec harder than he would have thought. Maybe it was the sincere tone. Maybe it was the lack of interrogating demeanor like he'd expected. Or maybe it was the mention of friendship.
Remaining focused on one uneven ceiling tile, all of Alec's emotions seem to rush him at once. His jaw muscles tighten, as do his fists, straining at the handcuffs again. His head spun a little and he wasn't sure what was the meds he was on and what was his own feelings. But neither one made him feel very good, and he despised all of it.
"I took the easy way out," he finally answers. That's what had happened. Tears suddenly spring into his eyes and they sting as he tries to keep them from spilling over. He gives one of the handcuffs an angry tug. He didn't want Dalton to see him like this. He didn't want anyone to see him like this. He shouldn't even be here.
"Leave," he hisses. "Just leave me alone."
Tal laughs at Ryan's comment about Eli and he nods. "Yeah, he's killed me a few times now. Funny thing is, I keep coming back."
Pushing off the counter, he wanders over to one of the chairs to sit, grabbing a magazine to browse. It isn't too much longer though that boredom appears to be incurable by way of printed pamphlets so he gets up to pace a little, grabs a pop, sits back down and gets back up again. Eventually, he wanders over to the glass door that separated the waiting area from the garage. leaning on the doorframe, he watches, spotting Ryan working on his car. It seems to hold his attention longer than the magazines.
Mick grins and slips his arms around Rosetta's waist as she comes to him. Returning the kiss, he lets his forehead rest against hers when she withdraws. A smile was still on his face. "I love you too. And yes, I suppose I better go take care of BJ before he comes running back out here."
Chuckling, he lets Rosetta go and wanders down the hall. Making sure BJ had brushed his teeth and put on his pajamas, he gets him settled in bed under the blanket. Sitting next to him, he ruffles the boy's hair. "Did you like having Dylan over tonight?"
Giving Dalton a sidelong glance, he was satisfied that the people he mentioned would be watched. "Good." Reese might not have been so readily agreeable, but at least Dalton was. That was one less thing on his mind now... Dalton would have said, if anything had already happened to one of them, right?
Looking back at the ceiling, Dalton's next words strike Alec harder than he would have thought. Maybe it was the sincere tone. Maybe it was the lack of interrogating demeanor like he'd expected. Or maybe it was the mention of friendship.
Remaining focused on one uneven ceiling tile, all of Alec's emotions seem to rush him at once. His jaw muscles tighten, as do his fists, straining at the handcuffs again. His head spun a little and he wasn't sure what was the meds he was on and what was his own feelings. But neither one made him feel very good, and he despised all of it.
"I took the easy way out," he finally answers. That's what had happened. Tears suddenly spring into his eyes and they sting as he tries to keep them from spilling over. He gives one of the handcuffs an angry tug. He didn't want Dalton to see him like this. He didn't want anyone to see him like this. He shouldn't even be here.
"Leave," he hisses. "Just leave me alone."
Tal laughs at Ryan's comment about Eli and he nods. "Yeah, he's killed me a few times now. Funny thing is, I keep coming back."
Pushing off the counter, he wanders over to one of the chairs to sit, grabbing a magazine to browse. It isn't too much longer though that boredom appears to be incurable by way of printed pamphlets so he gets up to pace a little, grabs a pop, sits back down and gets back up again. Eventually, he wanders over to the glass door that separated the waiting area from the garage. leaning on the doorframe, he watches, spotting Ryan working on his car. It seems to hold his attention longer than the magazines.
Mick grins and slips his arms around Rosetta's waist as she comes to him. Returning the kiss, he lets his forehead rest against hers when she withdraws. A smile was still on his face. "I love you too. And yes, I suppose I better go take care of BJ before he comes running back out here."
Chuckling, he lets Rosetta go and wanders down the hall. Making sure BJ had brushed his teeth and put on his pajamas, he gets him settled in bed under the blanket. Sitting next to him, he ruffles the boy's hair. "Did you like having Dylan over tonight?"
Nothing Else
Getting to the side of the bed and looking down at Alec Dalton gives a shake of his head. Not from discuss but more from a sadness that seemed to well in the courner of his heart where he'd formed a friendship with Alec. Something had happened, and though Dalton didn't know what he new it was there. Being fooled was not something most people did with him easy and he's been double sure not to let it happen with Alec. His change had been true, so what had happened from than till now was a blank that had many questions.
"It probably would of been easier for you to just have died. I've never known you to take the easy way out before so that makes little scene."
Letting his sentience trail off and not saying anything for a moment Dalton listens to every work Alec said. Taking in the tone, it was odd he would ask for those he was to have said he cared about but than left.
"Yeah, I can make sure someone keeps on eye on them."
Wanting to say more but not knowing what to really say Dalton is quiet for a long moment again. His eyes still searching Alec's face. Not finding more than the cold stair he was going to turn and leave but stops. Looking a little harder hidden behind the cold dull look he could see it now. There was sadness, and pain, even maybe a few tears hidden away. Dalton could see them now and new...something more had happened.
"Alec...what happened? I am asking as your friend. Nothing else."
Still looking up at Tal Ryan cocks her head for a moment wondering about the look she saw on Tal's face. There was something different there it was relaxed and soft. One would think it would be more about worry with there car but it seemed there was no stress there.
"Eli's gonna kill you for taking half day and leaving him alone you know."
Ryan musters a little chuckle that was deep and low, almost more of a grunt but a little humor was there. Things were rough now but in time she'd be ok, it was just getting there that was the killer.
"Ok, you can wait here in the waiting area if you like. There are magazines and what not on the table there, and coffee over in the corner. I wont kill myself finding it quick, but I will take and not take to long."
Giving half a smile to Tal to at least seem friendly Ryan takes the keys and turns heading back into the bay area. Finishing up the car she was working on, driving the car out and bring Tal's car in Ryan shuts it off with a bang. Getting out and shaking her head Ryan goes around to the front popping the hood and setting to work.
Once Dylan was gone and Mick turned to her an even bigger smile breaks out on Rosetta's face. The night had gone good, and there had been laughter. It felt good, and much hope that Dylan would be ok and part of the family.
"I guess it is a good thing huh? A few times there even BJ caught you on some mistakes."
Rosetta can't help but laugh again as she wiped her hands on a towel and walks over to Mick putting her arms around him. Looking into his eyes she could still see the stress and worry but soon the new security guard would be there and she could only hope things would be ok.
"You better get going. I think there is a little boy down the hall waiting for you to tuck him in, he might come tackle you if you don't hurry."
Leaning in and pressing her lips to Micks Rosetta lets it linger for a long moment before pulling away.
"I love you Mick."
"It probably would of been easier for you to just have died. I've never known you to take the easy way out before so that makes little scene."
Letting his sentience trail off and not saying anything for a moment Dalton listens to every work Alec said. Taking in the tone, it was odd he would ask for those he was to have said he cared about but than left.
"Yeah, I can make sure someone keeps on eye on them."
Wanting to say more but not knowing what to really say Dalton is quiet for a long moment again. His eyes still searching Alec's face. Not finding more than the cold stair he was going to turn and leave but stops. Looking a little harder hidden behind the cold dull look he could see it now. There was sadness, and pain, even maybe a few tears hidden away. Dalton could see them now and new...something more had happened.
"Alec...what happened? I am asking as your friend. Nothing else."
Still looking up at Tal Ryan cocks her head for a moment wondering about the look she saw on Tal's face. There was something different there it was relaxed and soft. One would think it would be more about worry with there car but it seemed there was no stress there.
"Eli's gonna kill you for taking half day and leaving him alone you know."
Ryan musters a little chuckle that was deep and low, almost more of a grunt but a little humor was there. Things were rough now but in time she'd be ok, it was just getting there that was the killer.
"Ok, you can wait here in the waiting area if you like. There are magazines and what not on the table there, and coffee over in the corner. I wont kill myself finding it quick, but I will take and not take to long."
Giving half a smile to Tal to at least seem friendly Ryan takes the keys and turns heading back into the bay area. Finishing up the car she was working on, driving the car out and bring Tal's car in Ryan shuts it off with a bang. Getting out and shaking her head Ryan goes around to the front popping the hood and setting to work.
Once Dylan was gone and Mick turned to her an even bigger smile breaks out on Rosetta's face. The night had gone good, and there had been laughter. It felt good, and much hope that Dylan would be ok and part of the family.
"I guess it is a good thing huh? A few times there even BJ caught you on some mistakes."
Rosetta can't help but laugh again as she wiped her hands on a towel and walks over to Mick putting her arms around him. Looking into his eyes she could still see the stress and worry but soon the new security guard would be there and she could only hope things would be ok.
"You better get going. I think there is a little boy down the hall waiting for you to tuck him in, he might come tackle you if you don't hurry."
Leaning in and pressing her lips to Micks Rosetta lets it linger for a long moment before pulling away.
"I love you Mick."
Keep an eye on them
Alec's eyes crack open at the sound of a familiar voice. Turning his head on the pillow, his gaze falls on Dalton... one of the few who had been civil to Alec... one of the few who had let him hang around and didn't tell him to go away... one of the few who had believed in a change.
He swallows hard and looks up at the ceiling, rather than looking the big man in the eye. "I'd be a whole lot more comfortable if they woulda just let me die like I wanted to," he mutters.
Was Dalton here because of Reese? Was he here to try and gain information? Or was he here as a friend? Alec didn't know. But something about his presence made Alec uncomfortable. Something about it made him wish he wasn't here. Regardless though... since Dalton was here, there were things that needed to be said.
Swinging his gaze back around, his wrists tug a little at the handcuffs - a habit really, with unrealistic hope that they would come loose. Finally looking in Dalton's eyes, his own were dark and cold. "Someone needs to keep an eye on Ryan," he states flatly. "And Dani... and Misty. You and Carson can take care of yourselves, but at least keep your eyes open and make sure the others are watched so nothing happens to them."
Tal's eyes lock with Ryan's as she looks up at him. His expression didn't seem to be of one worried about his car, but rather gentle, peaceful but strong. He finally looks down and grabs a pen. "I'll give you my number so you have it on file, but I can stick around for a while."
He writes down his number for her, keeping the pen between his fingers to fiddle with. "I only worked half a day today anyway, so I got time. Don't kill yourself to find the problem quick."
Dylan looks at the little bag of cookies for a moment before taking them. He eyes Rosetta as if almost suspicious that this was some sort of bribe, but enough trust that he didn't think that was true. "Um... thanks."
Turning to go, he's met with BJ and stares down at the boy lamely as his legs are hugged. He honestly didn't know how to respond. A few months back, he would have kicked BJ off and snarled at him for getting too close and told him to get lost. Now though, after all that had happened... that mean desire just wasn't there. That didn't mean he knew what else to do though.
Staring dumly after BJ as he trots down he hall, his eyebrows rise slightly. His mouth opens as if he's going to say something, but then closes again. Spying the BJ's drawing that was still on the table, he picks it up, looks at it a moment, then rolls it up in his hand. He heads for the door and stops briefly to turn and look at both Mick and Rosetta. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Dylan." Mick gives him a little wave, watching as his son disappears into the night air and the door is closed. Only now does he let out a long sigh, his shoulders relaxing. This evening had been good... it had been a good step for Dylan and their family... but now knowing it was over and successful, the diminishing stress created a weary sort of feeling.
Turning to Rosetta, he gives her a crooked grin. "Well... I'd say that went pretty well." He looks at the table and laughs. "It's a good thing we weren't playing for keeps or I'd be broke."
He swallows hard and looks up at the ceiling, rather than looking the big man in the eye. "I'd be a whole lot more comfortable if they woulda just let me die like I wanted to," he mutters.
Was Dalton here because of Reese? Was he here to try and gain information? Or was he here as a friend? Alec didn't know. But something about his presence made Alec uncomfortable. Something about it made him wish he wasn't here. Regardless though... since Dalton was here, there were things that needed to be said.
Swinging his gaze back around, his wrists tug a little at the handcuffs - a habit really, with unrealistic hope that they would come loose. Finally looking in Dalton's eyes, his own were dark and cold. "Someone needs to keep an eye on Ryan," he states flatly. "And Dani... and Misty. You and Carson can take care of yourselves, but at least keep your eyes open and make sure the others are watched so nothing happens to them."
Tal's eyes lock with Ryan's as she looks up at him. His expression didn't seem to be of one worried about his car, but rather gentle, peaceful but strong. He finally looks down and grabs a pen. "I'll give you my number so you have it on file, but I can stick around for a while."
He writes down his number for her, keeping the pen between his fingers to fiddle with. "I only worked half a day today anyway, so I got time. Don't kill yourself to find the problem quick."
Dylan looks at the little bag of cookies for a moment before taking them. He eyes Rosetta as if almost suspicious that this was some sort of bribe, but enough trust that he didn't think that was true. "Um... thanks."
Turning to go, he's met with BJ and stares down at the boy lamely as his legs are hugged. He honestly didn't know how to respond. A few months back, he would have kicked BJ off and snarled at him for getting too close and told him to get lost. Now though, after all that had happened... that mean desire just wasn't there. That didn't mean he knew what else to do though.
Staring dumly after BJ as he trots down he hall, his eyebrows rise slightly. His mouth opens as if he's going to say something, but then closes again. Spying the BJ's drawing that was still on the table, he picks it up, looks at it a moment, then rolls it up in his hand. He heads for the door and stops briefly to turn and look at both Mick and Rosetta. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Dylan." Mick gives him a little wave, watching as his son disappears into the night air and the door is closed. Only now does he let out a long sigh, his shoulders relaxing. This evening had been good... it had been a good step for Dylan and their family... but now knowing it was over and successful, the diminishing stress created a weary sort of feeling.
Turning to Rosetta, he gives her a crooked grin. "Well... I'd say that went pretty well." He looks at the table and laughs. "It's a good thing we weren't playing for keeps or I'd be broke."
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