Hot CoCo

Sitting in Jared's room with him Grace was wrapped in the warm fuzzy bathrobe. She wasn't sure if it was Lydia's or not but it was comfortable, soft, and warm. Almost like she was wrapped in comfort herself without even knowing it. Maybe it was Lydia's motherly nature that made it feel like that.

   "Walk again, keep fight and don't give up. If you want to repay me thats the best way to do it. Other than that there really is no way to repay someones kindness."

Looking to Jared and giving a small smile Graces eyes give a twinkle. Her hair was still damp but thanks to Lydia once again it was brushed nicely and placed now in a pony tail. She new she probley still looked like a mess but that was ok. She could look worse for sure and after all it's not like this was a best looking pageant.

   "I could use some hot coco...you think mom has any I can make us?"

The day had been pretty busy and getting to take a lunch was pretty surprising to Ryan. She had told Tal that she wouldn't have time to go to lunch today and than when she realized she would he'd already had other plans. So eating alone at her favorite resonant is where she choose to go.

Taking a bite of her french fry and looking over one of her new car magazines she hadn't even realized anyone had come up to her. She was to busy looking over new additions to her car. Hearing Alic's voice though her head shoots up. Just looking at him for a long moment. Today he looked...good. Maybe it was the slight rain, maybe it was the cap he had on but whatever it was it worked.

   "Alec...Hi!"

Finally realizing he'd asked a question Ryan looks at the seat across from her for a second than back to Alec. It couldn't hurt right? She was almost done anyways and just because he sat with her didn't mean anything right?

  "Yeah yeah sure you can sit if you want. Hows everything going? I got the flowers, they were pretty...thank you."

Following Rick's direction Nick does what he's told. Helping Carson up, standing guard for who new what could happen. Every once in a while stealing a glance at Jaz. So this was the woman Carson was staying with. She was pretty in her own way and yet in he eyes there was something dark. Maybe it was to many years with the Agency that put that there, or the feeling of really being alone that made it rough for her. Witch ever it did sadden him a little.

   "If you change your mind about staying alone give us a call. No one should have too."

Turning and slinging Carson's arm around his shoulders He helps lift Carson up and start walking slowly to the car. He might not agree with everything that had been going on and that things could of been done differently but that didn't mean he wanted someone hurt. Carson looked in rough shape and he needed help that was the bottom line.

   "I'm glad you came willingly Carson I would of hated to knock you out in this kind of condition."

Continuing to the car with Carson Nate helps him in before getting in the drivers seat. Looking back at the house and than to the rear view mirror Nate gives his head a shake before starting up the car and heading back the way they came.

Taken?

Rick just waves Nate to follow, waiting until they were outside to explain. "Just got off the phone with Jaz DeMoy - you know, Carson's woman. Or... his whatever." Once Reese had found out yesterday from Jason that Misty knew Carson's story, he'd let others in on it too, so that the agents would be aware of what was happening. If extra help was needed, communication was key. Nobody liked speaking of others' personal lives, but with the Agency involved, privacy just wasn't an issue. 

"She said Carson was talking to her, got a bit upset, then just collapsed. He was unconscious, but she felt better calling us rather than the hospital."

Getting to Nate's car, he gets in on passenger side and waits until they're on their way out of the lot. "It's 200 Harrison, number 12."

The drive only took a few minutes, and arriving at the apartment complex, Rick uses Nate's help to quickly locate which one they were looking for. Knocking only once on the door, Jaz was right there, opening it for them, her face pale with worry. "He's in the kitchen." She points to the other room. It was a very small apartment, and Rick could see Carson from here.

Seeing Nate, Jaz eyes him cautiously but says nothing. She didn't like the Elite, but right now, she had no other choice. At least she knew that Carson had trusted these two, and had even been friends with Nate before this whole mess had started. 

Rick goes quickly to the kitchen and kneels by Carson, checking his vitals then giving him a shot and waiting a few more minutes as he keeps an eye on his pulse. 

Carson's head pounds and he blinks, squinting in the light. His whole body tenses and he tries to sit up, caught in a moment of fear from realizing he was on the floor. 

"Easy, easy," Rick soothes, firmly holding him down. "Don't sit up yet." 

Recognizing the voice, Carson relaxes just a little bit, but is still confused. "What are you doing here?" he mumbles. "What happened?" 

"You tell me. What's the last thing you remember?"

Carson stares up at the ceiling, finally figuring out that he was on the kitchen floor of the apartment. "Um..." His eyes drift to Jaz then... Nate? "I was... um..." He furrows his brow. "Talking to Jaz and... I got real dizzy and just... I guess I passed out." 

"Mm-hmm." Rick motions Nate over to help. "Come on - lets get you in a chair." 

Carson latches on to both men and stands up wobbly, his legs feeling like they were made out of jelly. Making it to a chair at the table, he sits down, breathing heavily from the effort. His face lacked color and his eyes were underlined with dark circles. Looking around at the three again, his sight is interrupted by Rick shining a light in his eyes, then following Rick's waving finger with his gaze. "What are you doing here?" The question was directed at Rick or Nate or both. 

Rick sighs. "Well I don't think it's a stroke... Jaz called me when you passed out. And I'm glad she did. How do you feel?"

"Um... my head hurts... kinda feel woozy. Real tired."

"Mm-hmm... Any pain in your chest?" 

"No."

"He kept rubbing his chest last night," Jaz interrupts.

Carson rolls his eyes. "It was just heartburn. It hurt on and off. I'm fine."

Rick purses his lips as he studies him. "Well I don't think you had a heart attack, but I think you should come back to TJY with us just in case. I want to check you over more thoroughly and make sure this isn't something more serious than exhaustion." 

Carson frowns. "No... no. I'm just tired, that's all."

"You don't faint from simply being tired," Rick counters sternly. 

"I just want to stay here. I'll go to bed for a while and I'll be fine." 

"You're coming with us."

Carson's stomach churns and his head starts to throb again. "Jaz, tell 'em I'm staying here."

Jaz eyes all three men before shaking her head. "I think he's right. I think you should go with them."

"But I-"

"Just go, Carson. Pull your head out of your butt for once and quit being so stubborn." 

Rick gives a mild grin at the way Jaz was ordering him around. "She's right. If you don't pull your head out yourself, we might have to do it surgically, and that's not very pretty."

Carson smirks, rolling his eyes. "Whatever." Standing up, his knees buckle and he grabs Nate to keep from falling. 

Rick quirks an eyebrow. "You're fine, huh?" He nods to Nate. "Let's get him out to the car, shall we?" He looks to Jaz. "You staying or going?" 

She shakes her head, wrapping her arms around herself. "I'll stay... I'm used to it. Just take care of him."

"That, I can do." Rick aims for the door, making sure Nate and Carson are behind him.

Pulling his baseball cap down lower and tucking his jacket around himself a little tighter, Alec trudges down the sidewalk in the cold rain, heading for the hardware store. He'd done what he could to the plumbing and electricity in the shed, but now there were several things he'd need to purchase. Misty was footing the bill for now - he was very grateful, but he was also keeping track so he could pay her back when he could.

Passing the small family diner, Alec's eyes glance inside the window. It was dry, warm, and he sure could go for a cup of coffee right about now. Stepping under the small overhang, he digs in his pocket to count change. He had just enough for some coffee. 

Just ready to go inside, he stops short as his gaze falls on one of the cars parked out front. It was the only one like it. Swallowing hard, he looks back to the restaurant door and hesitates. Something inside told him to just keep on walking and forget the coffee. But... something else longed to go inside if only to catch a glimpse of Ryan. 

After a few more seconds of debate, he finally aims for the door again. Stepping inside, he gives a quick glance around. He was pretty wet from his walk, and rainwater dripped from the brim of his cap. Then his eyes fall to the table off to the side. She had her back turned, but he knew it was her. And she was alone. Controlling the urge to go straight over to her, he heads for the counter instead and orders a coffee to go. He knew he shouldn't stay. He should go. She didn't want to see him. It was stupid. 

But once he had his coffee in hand and was turning to go, his eyes take on a mind of their own, and drift back to Ryan's table. After another inner battle, he gives in to his legs and heads in that direction. 

Stopping a few feet away from her table,he waits for her to look up and see him. Gazing down at her from under the brim of his hat, he wondered if she'd ever looked any more beautiful than she did right now. He knew she was just on break from work, but she could clean herself up all she wanted and it wouldn't matter - she always looked good. And... it appeared she was only partway through her meal.

Fiddling with the lid of the styrofoam coffee cup, he gives Ryan a little smile. "Hi..." Glancing to the chair across from her, he bites his lip. "Is... this seat taken?"

Though Jared sighs, he really did absorb Grace's words. He always did and always mulled over them later. And he always found that she made a lot of sense. It was often her words that helped him through these dark days. She might never know it... but it was true. 

Managing to get to his feet, it was exhausting and painful, but he withholds any complaints. Leaning heavily on Grace, he tries to find his balance before attempting a couple awkward steps. Stopping to rest for a moment, he judges the distance between them and the porch where his wheelchair was waiting. "Race ya," he jokes. 

It wasn't easy, but he does make it to the goal and is finally able to sit again, allowing Grace to push him back inside. Once there, Lydia is immediately there with towels to help them dry off, giving Jared a motherly order to go change into dry clothes, while also offering Grace a comfy bath robe while she dried her clothes for her too. 

Not too much later, Jared finds himself sitting on his bed in dry clothes, his hair still damp but at least he was warm again. With Grace still here though, his mind continues to drift back to their time outside. On one hand, he felt a little better, getting some of that stuff off his chest. And on the other hand he felt rather embarrassed. 

"Ya know..." He looks down, picking at a thread on the bedspread. "I always think about repaying you for all you do... then I never can quite figure out just how I'd do it."

Better days

   "God did not take your father away life did that, but God sure did offer him a great place to live since it did happen."

Grace felt sad that Jared had strayed away from God. She new when stuff happened to people sometimes they did back away and even time she thought about it it did make her a little sadder and she could hope she could help Jared find the path back even if she wasn't going to push to hard. The last thing she wanted to do was drive him away.

Feeling Jared's hand on her face it was warm and soft drawing her attachen to him. Looking deep into his eyes she could see the pain he was in but past that she could see something else too. She wasn't sure what it was in those big deep eyes but she new it seemed to call her in deeper.

   "I do what I can because I care."

Leaning in a little Grace could tell she was but as soon as Jared's hand dropped and he looked away she backed up a little bit hers cheeks taking on a little red color though one might not be able to tell because she was slightly red already from the cold.

Hearing Jared's request Grace stands holding her hand out to him. Helping him up once again she would help him but not so all the work for him. He would get his exercises in but maybe without him even knowing.

   "There is always hope of a better day tomorrow, but now I don't want you to catch a cold so I will help you."

Sitting at her desk and catching up on work that she'd missed yesterday Misty didn't even hear when the phone rung. She had lots of do before she was to go home and it seemed today time was not on her side. Over hearing the urgency in Rick's voice though Misty can't help but pay a little more attachen and listen closer. 

Hearing Carson's name she bristles a little wondering what was going on. She could feel her pulse race a little not knowing what was going on or what was wrong it had something to do with Carson that much she new and Jaz was the one calling.

Once Rick hanfs up the phone she is going to ask more but can't as he leaves. She could feel the worry build inside her. She might hate her soon to be ex husband but never in a million years would she want him to die. All she can do is sit...and wait.

Looking up quickly as Rick comes over Nate was on his feet. He could see the urgency in his eyes, and voice and new better than to resist. Grabbing his jacket, side arm and badge Nate was next to Rick and making there way out of TJY in no time.

   "Whats going on? I'll drive just let me know where we are going."

Emergency

Jared lifts his head to turn and look at Grace. Her words about God shouldn't have surprised him. He knew she was a woman of faith. As was his own mother and his brother too. They always had been. 

Looking down for a moment, Jared slowly withdraws his hand from Grace's. "I tried that once... and that Heavenly Father took my earthly father away as my reward for trusting Him." His tone was quiet, but laced with bitterness. 

His eyes rise to meet hers again as they search her gaze through the rain. His tears had slowed, but his heart still hurt. Lifting his hand, he rests his palm against her cheek gently. "You've done so much more for me than He ever did." 

Realizing how close they were and how good it felt to lay his hand on her face, he swallows hard before retreating and looking away again. Wrapping his arms around himself, he shivers some more, just now sensing how cold he was from being out here so long. Part of him wanted to go back inside... and part of him didn't care. But he didn't want Grace to get sick from being out here with him either and he knew she wouldn't leave him here alone. 

"I don't think I can make it back to the porch on my own," he admits. "Would you help me?"


Jason tried to make the next day as stress-free as possible for Misty. Heading to the lake in the morning with a picnic lunch, they spent all day sitting on the beach, walking in the sand or napping on the warm grass. Jason avoided any talk of work or of Carson. He knew that everything was still heavy on Misty's mind, but he'd at least give her a break from discussing it. Thankfully when they were back home that evening, Carson didn't come again, nor did anyone call. It was quiet, and no one tried anything. Though leery, Jason had a strange feeling that they were safe. It didn't stop him from bringing Trooper over again though or from sleeping with one eye open.

Up the following morning, Jason made sure he and Misty left for work at the same time so he could follow her and keep an eye on everything. With no mishaps, work seemed just a little less stressful, even when he was called out on a case. 


"No! She doesn't want anything to do with me, alright?" Carson shoves away his plate of hardly-touched breakfast that Jaz had prepared.

Flinching, Jaz looks down at her scrambled eggs, sorry she'd asked if Misty had been receptive to his telling the truth. But since Carson had been either silent or gone the whole prior day, she'd been worried and finally had dared to ask. His quietness while sitting at the breakfast table this morning hadn't helped the tense atmosphere either. "I'm sorry. Doesn't she believe you? I mean if it would help, I'd-"

"Nothing will help." Carson stands up abruptly, grabbing his plate to take it to the counter. Even coffee wasn't settling well with him this morning.

Jaz sighs and nibbles on her toast, wishing there was something she could do. She hated being in limbo like this. Their lives were threatened and they didn't even know what their next move was. Unless Carson did and just hadn't divulged it to her yet. Didn't she have a right to know his plans though? Having things fall apart and him not say a word to her was torture. They were in this thing together, but he was shutting her out completely. She just wanted to know which angle they'd take now and whether or not she needed to make her own moves. "Are you going to open up the restaurant today?"

"No."

"But... if we stray from our normal routines then-"

"It doesn't matter, Jaz!" Carson whirls around throwing his arms in the air. "I'd be shocked if the Agency doesn't already know the jig's up! The lie is over. The game is over. Let 'em come in here and blow all our brains out! I don't care anymore!" As he raises his voice, he's hit with a splitting headache and he turns to lean on the counter. There was no way out of this. He'd done all he could. He'd tried his hardest, and they were still all in danger with no escape. He'd tossed and turned all night with endless theories, plans and dead ends. Feeling dizzy, he suddenly realizes that his pulse is racing as fast as his mind, and he felt a bead of sweat trickle down his face.

Frustrated, Jaz ceases her breakfast. "Well I care! Here we are, sitting ducks, and you didn't say one word to me yesterday. If you're gonna just tuck tail and run, then you better tell me now because if that's the case, I'm getting out before they come to kill me."

"I'm not a coward!" Carson barks. His own sharp voice makes him wince and he puts a hand to his head. "I just need time." He lowers his tone as he leans more heavily on the counter, swaying just a little. "Just time to... to figure it out."

Jaz frowns at his odd behavior and stands from her chair. "Carson, are you okay?"

"I'm... I'm fine." He waves her away while his stomach threatened to bring up what little breakfast he'd had. 

"You're as pale as-"

Jaz didn't even finish her sentence - or if she did, Carson didn't hear her. His world suddenly became dark and he feels himself falling but can't stop it. 

Watching Carson fall to the floor, Jaz is immediately kneeling at his side. "Carson... Carson, can you hear me?" No response. "Come on..." She shakes him gently before checking his pulse and finding it racing. "No, no, don't do this to me..." Trembling, she manages to stand and go for the phone...


Pacing at the infirmary counter, Rick reads over a report, mumbling to himself while working on a cup of coffee. The ringing phone interrupts him and he glances over to Misty. Seeing she was busier than he was, he sets down his folder and answers the call himself. 

"Yeah, hello... Jaz who? ...Wait, wait, slow down... Carson what?" His eyes automatically drift back to Misty then return to the counter as he listens. "Did you call 911? .... Okay, alright, just stay calm... Is he breathing? ....... okay.... no, just make sure he doesn't move... I'm on my way, okay? .... Take a deep breath... what's your address? .... Got it. Alright. I'll be right there." 

Hanging up the phone, Rick sheds his lab coat and grabs his bag, quickly taking several different bottles off the shelf, not knowing what was needed. "Emergency," he calls over his shoulder. "Infirmary's yours 'til I get back." Without giving Misty time to ask questions, he's out the door and on his way to the main floor. His eyes sweep the floor as he makes his way quickly to the exit, and there was only one person who seemed to be around. 

"Nate." He bangs on the cubicle wall. "You're with me. Come on. I'll explain on the way."