Couldn't be

Seven o'clock. Carson wanders through TJY feeling even worse than he had this morning. He'd tried to take a nap several times today but the attempts had failed. He'd left the restaurant in Ryder's hands all day while he'd had no rest from trying to figure out how to fix this whole mess. The only thing that had kept his hopes up all day had been knowing that when Misty got his letter, he'd be hearing from her. They'd need protection, but at least they'd be in on it together from here on out. Surely she'd believe his story - it all made sense, and if Reese believed him, anybody else would for sure. At this point, he was just waiting and trying to plan in the meantime. A phone conversation with Reese had confirmed that he'd have the Elite's help if he wanted it, and at this point, since things had fallen apart so quickly Carson knew it was the only smart thing to do. 

Headed for Reese's office, Carson was just as glad that many people had already gone home for the day. He hadn't seen Misty's car in the lot either - maybe she'd gone home already too and was reading his letter now. He checks his cell phone again just in case.

"Carson?"

He stops just ready to knock on Reese's door, turning to see Susanne. "Yeah?"

She offers him a small smile. She had no idea what was going on, but there had been a strange tension in the air all day. Misty had looked a mess earlier, and seeing Carson now, he looked awful. It wasn't Susanne's place to judge though so she'd avoided trying to figure it all out. Carson had been so scarce lately though, that it was strange seeing him now. "Um... I'm supposed to give this to you." 

Looking at the outstretched envelope, Carson eyes it for a moment before taking it. Seeing Misty's handwriting, his stomach does a flip. What was this? A response to his letter already? But she wasn't even here. "Thanks..." Forgetting about Reese for now, Carson retreats to an empty cubicle out on the main floor.

Filled with hope, Carson unfolds the note. He wondered why she wouldn't have just called him instead, but he pushes aside that question. It was quickly evident that this was indeed a response to his letter from earlier today... but it didn't hold the tone he'd expected. 

The first few lines start to chip away at his hope. And by the time he reached the second paragraph, his stomach was in knots. She was starting a new journey? Going back to what they used to have wasn't possible? The reminder of the unsigned divorce papers was like a knife in his heart. But there was one thing that was worse... her signature. She was already taking back her maiden name. Her earlier rejection was nothing like this, and Carson's heart crumbles all over again.

Feeling lightheaded, Carson realizes he'd forgotten to breathe. This couldn't be happening. It just couldn't. It wasn't supposed to happen like this at all. He didn't understand. If she believed him why did she not want him back? If it had all been fake, why was she hanging onto all those other things? He knew that he'd hurt her and humiliated her by his actions, but... but it had all been untrue! And other people would understand too. They wouldn't blame her - she wasn't a fool at all. And had she... had she truly lost all love for him already? 

Carson's chest feels tight and he tries to breathe more slowly, realizing that his pulse was racing and his head pounding. No... no this couldn't happen. She didn't understand. He had to make her understand... 

Completely ignoring why he'd come here in the first place, Carson retraces his steps back outside. By the time he reaches his car, he was fighting off a wave of dizziness and has to pause before getting into his car. Once the strange sensation passes, he heads across town... 

...Pulling up to the curb and parking, Carson exits his car. Lights were on in the house and Jason's pickup was here along with Misty's car. Not exactly what he wanted, but no surprise. At least Jason was doing his job.

Stepping up on the porch, his old habit of just going right on inside tries to take over but he stops himself. Instead, he rings the doorbell and waits. 

Inside, a card game was going on in the living room. Perhaps it was a lame attempt to relax and get minds off more serious things, but at least it was an attempt. After hearing about Carson's story, but Jason and Alec really weren't sure what to think or feel, but seeing how Misty was, neither had voiced their opinions yet. For now, Jason sat with Misty on the couch while Alec sat on the floor, all three involved in their game... until the doorbell rings. 

Trooper's woof makes Alec jump, and Jason rises quickly from the couch. Picking up his sidearm from the table at the end of the couch, he throws Misty a quick look. "I'll go see who's here." He might be her boyfriend, but he also knew he still had a job to do, and he took it seriously. 

Getting to the door he urges Trooper to remain calm but watchful. Keeping his  gun ready, he opens the door cautiously. Seeing Carson, he's not only surprised, but irritated. "What do you want?" 

Carson bristles, but bites his tongue. "I want to see Misty." When Jason does move, he adds, "Please." 

Jason sighs deeply. Leaving the screen door closed and latched he backs up only a few feet to look into the living room. Misty had had such an upsetting day already... but he knew that he couldn't dictate her choices. "Misty... it's Carson. He wants to see you."