HUNTER!!!!!

Deep in her work Katie didn't even notice anyone come into her cubicle or into it. She was behind a little today after over sleeping and she really didn't want to stay to late tonight so she was now trying to crunch everything.

As the hands go over her eyes Katie sits up a little straighter in surprised. Hearing the voice though a smile spreads across her face. Her heart seemed to start racing as excitement. She'd been waiting so long for him to come home and now that he was here she couldn't help it.

   "HUNTER!!!!"

Standing from her chair and turning around Katie throws her arms around him and burys her face into his shoulder. Taking in a big whif he still smelled like the ranch but he smelled of his motorcycle and leather too. It was a smell she had found was "his" smell.

   "I've missed you...Wow...I thought I new what to saw when I saw you again but now...now I don't know."

Sitting across from Con and next to Jaz Jamie listens to the questions that were asked and answered. She didn't mind being quiet and just listing to everything and take it all in. She felt bad for Jaz and her heart did go out. Her own situation what seemed like long ago was different but she'd been trapped too and she new how frighting it was.

   "Crazy or not I do give Carson credit for at least trying. I think it's silly he is trying alone but..considering where he was a while ago He's really come a long way."

Looking at Jaz and seeing her looking back at her Misty gives a smile. She was wondering what Jaz was thinking about as she looked at her. What thought's were running through her mind.

   "If you have a question your free to ask it. I promise we don't bite at all."

Laying on his bed in the small cell that was still his room Trey lets out a sigh. He'd been taking so long making up his mind if he wanted to stay or go and he new it was just dragging. He'd been hanging out with Pete and Ariel here and there and it was nice and he had a good time but he wondered would they really stick with him or if he stayed would they shy away?

Reaching for his phone and pulling it out he dials Ariel's number. He didn't know if she would answer or not but he wanted to know if she would like to have dinner tonight. He'd like to talk to her about a few things too. 

Guess

Lying on his stomach in bed after supper, Hunter reads Katie's text and smiles broadly. He needed to get to sleep, but he'd answer her one more time.

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Soon Babe... soon. :)

Still smiling, he rolls his eyes. He couldn't help one more.

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Sweet dreams, princess. 

More texts tomorrow. Promise.

G'night.

Yawning and burying his head further into his pillow, he keeps his phone close, even though he does try to go to sleep. There'd be no late night card games tonight.

The rest of the day was long, and the night even longer. But with the help of another couple shots from Rick, Carson was forced to sleep away the hours, giving his body no choice but to rest. And in the morning after sleeping late, he was prompted to at least eat some toast and have some orange juice, which he took without complaint. He remained in his room, quiet enough that Rick was rather concerned, but let him be for now. At noon, Susanne brought him some chicken noodle soup for lunch. She didn't say much... Carson couldn't tell if she was upset with him or not, but at least it didn't look like she hated him. After eating half the soup he laid back down again, his mind wandering to the infirmary over and over and over again. But today, he didn't go. Today, he kept himself from seeing Misty. And it hurt. It hurt so badly. But it was true... she really did hate him and didn't want him back. And all his presence did was upset her. Instead of being a comfort and joy to her, he was a menace and stress. All because he'd lied to save her? It was a rotten reward. 

"Reese said we'd give you protection if you wanted it, at least until this thing dies down. Carson's still convinced we can find the guy behind all this." Con leans back in the kitchen chair having come home from work for lunch. Taking a sip of his water, he cocks his head, studying Jaz. "What do you think?" 

"I think Carson's delusional. I have from the beginning." Jaz nibbles on her BLT, enjoying even the simple sandwich. It really did taste good. She'd slept better last night than she had in a long while and had even slept late. She also appreciated Con and Jamie letting her do so. 

Con quirks an eyebrow and exchanges a glance with Jamie before looking back at Jaz. "Delusional?"

"Thinking he can outsmart the Agency." Jaz shakes her head. "I told him it wouldn't work - that he couldn't take them down himself. But he's always been thickheaded."

"That much is true." 

Jaz is quiet for a few moments before daring to look over at Jamie and noticing again the faded scar on her face. Her mouth opens to say something, but she shuts it again, looking back at her lunch. What she'd really like to know was whether or not Carson gave her that scar, and if he had, why these two people didn't hate him.

The air was filled with the sound of crickets chirping their nightly song. The sky was dotted with stars, signaling clear weather. And a chilly breeze blew - a reminder that morning was a long way off yet. It was the middle of the night, perfect for travel.

"I... really don't know how to thank you." Hunter stares back at Mick, feeling an odd sort of churn in his stomach. Or was it his heart? He was all ready to go. His bike was packed. He'd said his goodbyes to everyone else last night after supper. And his keys were in hand.

Mick smiles warmly and shakes his head as they stand in the driveway. "That's 'cause you don't have to."

"I feel like I do." Hunter tries to swallow the lump in his throat as he shifts his weight. It had been a long time since he'd felt anything like this. "I feel so ready to leave, yet... a part of me doesn't want to."

Mick chuckles. "That just means you'll be back."

Hunter sighs but nods. He knew it was time. It was time for him to return to Nevada. Time for him to return to his life. Time for him to move on. He holds out his hand for a handshake. "Goodbye, Mick."

Mick grasps his hand firmly before pulling him in for a hug instead. Drawing back, his hand gives Hunter's shoulder a strong pat. "You are welcome here anytime, Hunter. I mean that. Day or night. You're part of this family now whether you like it or not."

Hunter bites his lip as his emotions increase their churning. "You know, I..." He pauses to clear his throat. "I told Dylan once that I was jealous of him... that I wished I had a dad like you." He nods as he takes a deep breath but he's not sure he can say what he really wants, while still remaining composed.

Mick's smile returns and he nods his understanding. "Consider yourself adopted. I don't think Rosetta will mind."

A laugh surfaces, as do the unwanted tears, but Hunter ignores them as he holds his smile. "I will be back," he promises.

"Good. Now get going before you lose too much time. You've got a young lady waiting on you."

Hunter nods again and finally turns to walk to his bike. Donning his helmet and firing up the engine he exchanges a final wave with Mick before heading down the driveway. Almost to the road, a figure appears from the shadows, and he stops, taking off his helmet.

Dylan wanders closer, his hands tucked in his pockets. "You leaving for good?" he asks loudly over the motorcycle's idling engine.

Hunter shakes his head. "Wild horses couldn't keep me away."

Dylan eyes him for a moment before nodding. "Good." He holds out his hand. "Don't kill yourself on your trip. I hate funerals."

Hunter laughs, knowing that was as close to, "I'm gonna miss you," as he was going to get, and he gives Dylan's hand a hearty shake. "You got it."

Dylan steps back from the bike again and gives a wave, waiting until Hunter was zipping down the road before he turns and wanders back up the driveway. He sees Mick still standing near the barn, and his pace slows, but he finds himself continuing his path until coming up in front of him. "Little late for an old man like you to be up, isn't it?"

Mick's eyebrows rise until he sees a rare teasing glint in Dylan's eyes and a grin creeps across his mouth. "Me? An old man? Boy, I feel younger every day."

Dylan returns a faint sort of smile before turning and aiming for his bunk. After only a couple steps though, he stops and turns, just studying his father for several minutes. "You staying home for supper tonight, right?"

Mick nods. Being one o'clock in the morning, it really was the next day, and it was their usual day to have supper at home - him, Rosetta and BJ.

Dylan shrugs. "Mind if I come over?"

It takes all Mick has not to act too excited. Dylan had come over several times lately with Hunter, but this was the first time he'd asked on his own without being invited or prompted. A wide smile forms. "I don't mind a bit."

"Okay." Dylan gives a little shrug before turning back around and once more heading for his bunkhouse.

Watching his son for several minutes, Mick draws in a rather shaky breath before turning his gaze to the sky. Thank you... for a new son... and a son who is slowly returning. Guide their paths... and please help me be the father I need to be. 

It turned out to be a great day for traveling, as far as the weather and traffic went. Hunter was able to make few stops and also made very good time... perhaps better time than he should have, while pressing the speed limit with his motorcycle. Arriving in Nevada at least an hour sooner than anticipated though, was a nice bonus.

Having not told Katie he was coming home today, he'd texted her on his stops, never lying, but purposely giving her the impression he was still back at the ranch. Now late afternoon, he was exhausted from the trip, but pleased that there was still half a day remaining before he'd consider going to bed. He'd had longer nights than this and survived...

...Ambling across the main floor of TJY, his leather jacket creaks slightly, his motorcycle boots thumping rhythmically on the tiles. Seeing a few people notice him, he raises a finger to his lips for them to keep quiet. The stares returned were leery, but he didn't care.

Getting to Katie's cubicle, he slips silently in behind her chair, staring over her shoulder for a moment as she worked on her computer. Moving quickly, he puts his hands over her eyes while remaining behind her. "Guess who. And if you're wrong, I'm going back to Texas."

Tell Angel

Grace can't help but laugh again as she looks at the set of pictures. It sure did look like he was ready to get back at whoever had got him with the pie in the face but the twinkle in his eye was no an angry one. There was more playfulness than anything and Grace new in that pic he was human.

Getting to the last page Grace was a little sad to bring the book to a close but at the same time it had been fun and get enjoyed herself. Just learning that much more about Jared was nice. Looking to him and giving a smile and a nod he would see her soon.

   "You bet ya, and without you even knowing it you've been absentmindedly moving your toes so I wouldn't say you didn't work today as well."

Sliding off the bed and turning Grace hims a small nod. She'd seen Jared moving his toes while they were looking at the pictures but she had not said anything. If she drew attachen to it he might stop, or considerate to hard on it and than it wouldn't work.

   "I'll see you soon Jared, take care of yourself till than."

Getting Hunter's messages Katie smile. Home now herself and snuggled on the couch watching TV Katie was dozing but her phone woke her. She didn't mind since it was Hunter and she'd been waiting for his reply.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Hey a brace is not bad at all. I think thats something
easy to deal with. I'm glad Angel is happy that your
healing well.

Katie had been missing him lots. In a way it was just boring without him around and she didn't have much to do but sit and do nothing at all.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Poor UNO, I'd say bring her with you but
something about about a kitty on the back of does
not sound good. I miss eating with you too. They
are to quiet now. Tell Angel to let you come
home now.

Competition

Jared looks a little closer at the picture and shakes his head. "I have no idea what that was about. I don't remember it at all." He grins. "But knowing me, I did get back at whoever did it. I was awfully good at that." 

Before he knew it, they were turning the last page in the album and their hot chocolate was long gone. Jared was feeling quite tired, but...it had been worth it. Now though, he knew that Grace had probably stayed much longer than planned, and she more than likely had things she needed to do. 

Flipping the album shut, he turns his head to just study Grace's face for several moments. This was the first day in quiet a while that he felt like maybe, just maybe, life might be worth living again. And he owed it to her. 

"So... see you again in a couple days? I promise I'll actually be ready for therapy on my legs this time."


It was several hours before Hunter finds himself wandering back into the ranch yard and heading for his bunk. Though unusually quiet, it would take a good eye to notice any tears had fallen. And if anyone did notice, they didn't draw attention to it. 

After touching base with a few of the guys and promising he'd be at supper, he continues to his bunkhouse where he flops down on his bed to chill for just a short while before he'd clean up for the evening. Having left his cell phone here while going off by himself, he checks it now, smiling at receiving a text from Katie. He hoped she hadn't worried when he hadn't answered right away, but most likely she had just assumed he was busy.

To: Katie
From: Hunter
Hey Babe. :) Yeah knee is doing pretty well
actually. Got a brace Ima have to wear all
the time for a while. But I can hack that. 
Angel seems pleased with the progress. 

To: Katie
From: Hunter
Miss u bunches too. I like the meals here but
miss sitting with u. No one to play footsie
with. ;) Altho I gotta tell u... UNO isnt 
gonna be happy when I leave. U might have a 
bit of competition there! lol

Prying himself from his bed, he goes to take a shower then enjoy supper with the others. Tonight would be a little different... but a good different. And he would have so much to tell Katie when he saw her again. It was just too much to text.


Jaz manages to give Nate a little smile, grateful for all his help. Following him out to the car, it was a quiet trip to TJY, but somehow, Jaz felt herself able to relax just a little bit. She felt safe with Nate - an Elite agent who was trying to help and keeping her protected. 

Once at TJY, it wasn't long before finding out that Jamie had agreed to letting her stay with her and Con. After checking to make sure Carson really was okay, Jaz hangs out for a while before eventually going home with Jamie. She felt quite awkward, but also grateful. Sleeping in the spare bedroom, knowing that a big guy like Con was there was comforting in a way, and she appreciated it.

Time

As Jared backs away to look at the pictures again Grace still smiles looking down again. There moment had come and gone for now but it was something she would remember. It had been special to her made her heart flutter there was no forgetting that.

  "Your a little monkey. I like this picture there is just...something about it. You look like your having fun."

Moving a little closer to Jared and down slightly in the bed to get comfortable Grace continues to look at all the pictures. She really was enjoying herself and it was nice having Jared explain them to her. It was a way of getting to know him just little better.

   "Hey what about this one? It looks like someone put a pie in your face, but you have that look like you got them back too."

Hearing Jaz say she would come back to TJY with him Nate was happy. He really did want her safe and taken care of for now. He just cared about her. Giving a nod to her as she goes to pack her bag Nate new he'd come back to get the rest of her stuff if he needed to and didn't mind at all.

   "Take your time I'm not in much of a hurry."

Sitting down on the couch Nate sits and wait while looking around a little bit and taking everything in the room in. Maybe trying to get a feel for this while thing but at the same time He wondered how much of this room was real and how much was just another part of the show.

As Jaz comes back into the room Nate stands once again and offers her a friendly smile. He wanted to make sure she had whatever she needed for now and they would be back. He'd be sure of that himself. Turning and making his way to the door he looks over he shoulder a little bit.

   "You're very welcome Jaz. I'd rather you safe than stuck here alone."

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Some days seem longer than others and its on those
days I miss you and sitting at the ranch the most. 
Hows the knee and your ride the other day? Did it 
hold up ok?