Gone

Justin continued to sit quietly, intrigued by this woman's own apparent desire to study him. He didn't mind, and didn't try to hide anything. Her answer did add to his curiosity though. Did she really not know why Garret wanted to see her? It was nearly impossible to determine if anyone was telling the truth, but if he had to guess, he'd be seventy-five percent sure her answer was truthful.

"Fascinating." Justin nodded. "Okay. Well, if you don't know, then I guess I don't have any other questions since you obviously can't help solve this particular puzzle." 

He stood and aimed for the door. "Don't go anywhere... I'm pretty sure this isn't the last talking-to that you'll get." 

Once outside, he was met by Reese who had been watching and listening from the adjoining room. "That's it? You're done?"

Justin shrugged. "She's not going to give us anything. Not yet. She doesn't have enough reason to. If she really is in on something with Garret, I don't think they're on the same page, which is a might strange. Has Garret calmed down any?"

Reese wasn't happy with what he deemed a lack of result, but he just sighed and nodded. "A bit. You want him brought up?"

"No. I'll go to him."

"Not without backup, you won't."

"Suit yourself." Justin aimed for the stairs. Before he got to the holding cell, he was joined by Hal, armed and ready. Justin cared little though. "I want a word with him alone."

"No chance," Hal retorted. "He'll rip you to shreds."

"No he won't. But if he does, you're off the hook. Please. Three minutes is all I want."

Hal didn't like it, but he'd allow it as long as he could see through the tiny one-way window in the door in case he needed to intervene. At least Garret was finally sitting on his cot without screaming now. 

Justin entered cautiously, met by Garret's angry glare. "You don't look so hot."

"What do you want?" Garret's voice was hoarse and irritated.

"Just trying to put together a puzzle, but we're missing an awful lot of pieces."

"You'd get more if you let me see that woman."

"You mean Victoria?"

Garret's eyes flickered.

Justin nodded. "Yeah, we got her name. She doesn't care much for sharing though. Isn't quite as cooperative as you. Which leads me to believe she's either not connected to you at all, or you two have pretty poor communication."

Garret stood up. As he did, Justin heard Hal at the door, but held up a hand to stop him, as his eyes remained on Garret. "Tell me what's going on before Reese puts you both away for life."

"Just let me see her." Garret tried to control his temper. "That's all I want. Give me fifteen minutes."

Justin shook his head. "I'm sorry, that's not my call."

Garret sighed and sank back down on the cot. "How is Nate?"

One of Justin's eyebrows quirked. "I don't know, but I think he's going to be alright. You're concerned?"

"Of course I am." Garret bounced his knee with impatience. "At least Reese can't pin murder on Victoria."

"Ah. Back to her again. I asked her why you wanted to see her so badly but she didn't seem to know. Care to enlighten me?"

Garret's eyes remained on the floor. "It's none of yours or anyone else's business."

His tone and body language made Justin cock his head. There was something there. Something hidden. Something deeper. "How long have you been in love with her?"

Garret's gaze shot up instantly and he grew rigid. No one could know. Not yet. They'd use it against them for sure. "I'm not allowed to be in love with anyone," he hissed. "Now if all you're gonna do is badger me, then get out before I use your head as a battering ram."

Justin pursed his lips and thought for a moment before relenting. He'd learned what he wanted. He didn't believe Garret's threats, but all the same, he'd leave him be for now...

..."Learn anything?"

Justin was back in Reese's office, once again being questioned. And once again that same unwanted churning came to his gut. Reese was a good guy. Honorable. Trustworthy. But he was also bent on taking down the Agency. And for some reason, Justin couldn't let himself be a part of using love as leverage. He had no proof. It was only a gut instinct based in Garret's physical reactions, but even so, he believed he'd latched onto the truth. But love could be the worst leaverag of all, and Justin simply didn't feel good about using it. Not like this. It felt like betrayal of the worst kind.

"Justin?"

Justin blinked at Reese. "Oh, um...no. Victoria's got a thick enough shell to resist a canon and Garret is still pretty worked up." He glanced at his watch. "I gotta go, though. I'm late for a session with someone."

Back at the interrogation room, Wyatt had returned. But not to talk this time. He motioned to Victoria. "Get up. We're gonna get you comfortable."

 It was a short walk down the hall and downstairs. There were only two holding cells, and it was the second on that Wyatt chose, since the first was already occupied. Thankfully, a cinderblock wall separated the two. 

"In ya go." Wyatt motioned with his handgun into the cell. "You can keep your bracelets on - if you behave yourself, maybe we can take them off later. For now though, make yourself cozy. I have a feeling you're gonna be here a while."


Jason winced as he leaned on Katie to get to his feet. He could pretend all he wanted that it didn't hurt, but Katie would just know he was lying anyway. Using her for support, he limped beside her towards the hall.

He chuckled at her comment and shook his head. "I dunno. I always thought your beast side was kinda sexy." As soon as he'd said it, his face grew hot and he bit his lip, choking on an embarrassed laugh.  He could kick himself for his lame brain comments - didn't he know anymore how to shut up? "But let's do coffee anyway," he tried to recover as they neared his office, "just to be on the safe side." Seriously, did he have no brain at all?


Just having Nate awake and talking without being so pale was enough to bring Laura comfort. It would take her a while to get over the shock of the day, but at least she knew now  that he’d be okay. 

She nodded as he recalled information – it matched what Rick had told her his last comment though, made her turn and glance at his face. “You seem to think this Garret guy is awfully innocent. From what I hear, Reese thinks it’s all part of an elaborate plan to infiltrate the Elite. How can you be so sure Garret save your life and didn’t intend for you to get hurt in the first place? I mean after all…he is Agency.”


“I can’t do it anymore. I just can’t.” Rosalyn leaned her hands on the saddle rack, losing the battle of trying to control her tears as they cascaded from her eyes. She threw her oily rag aside, giving up on cleaning her saddle.

Clint sighed, remaining seated on the narrow bench. The tack room door was shut – not that it mattered. At this late hour, few would wander into the barn anyway, unless it was Stacy, and she’d know well enough to leave them alone.

The evening had not been good. During supper, Rosalyn and Jim had gotten into it. The argument had escalated until both father and daughter had gone their separate ways. When Rosalyn hadn’t shown up again, Clint had helped put Chase down for the night, then had gone looking for his sister. He’d found her vigorously cleaning every spec of dust from her saddle and oiling every tiny crack in the leather, but it had done little to soothe her soul.

“We’ve all been taught to survive.” Clint tucked his hands in his jacket pockets and leaned back against the wall.

“There’s a difference between surviving and living.” Rosalyn sniffed and glared at her saddle. “And I am tired of survival only.”

Clint wished he could help. He wished he could fix this. He wished he could change the way things were. Change his father’s heart. Erase the past. Anything.

Rosalyn’s pocket buzzed, interrupting the tense silence. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand before retrieving her phone to see who had just sent her a text message. Chad. With sweet words. Again. As always. All of this stupid mess had all started the very day Chad had come. The day he’d flirted with her at the dinner table. Treated her like a princess. And stolen her heart.

Giving an angry yell, Rosalyn recoiled, phone in hand, before letting it fly. It slammed into the tack room wall and fell to the floor, the screen shattering. Several pieces of the casing broke off and sprung in all directions, bringing a quick and sudden death to the handheld technology.

Clint’s eyes were wide, and he blinked. “Feel better?”

“No.” With tears still flowing, Rosalyn turned to her brother. “I’m done. With all of it. With this place. With Dad. With Chad.”

“Hey…” Clint stood and set a hand on her shoulder. “You can’t mean that.”

“Which part?” Rosalyn’s lip trembled, but she held a steady gaze. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t be torn in two different directions.”

“But –”

“No. It’s time I stop this stupidity and find my direction. My way. Not Dad’s…or Chad’s, or anyone else’s.”

Clint withdrew his hand, his frown showing his concern and confusion. “I thought you wanted to be with Chad.”

“I do.” Rosalyn swallowed hard, while yet another tear escaped. “But not like this. Not while I’m just being pulled apart. Not while I don’t even know who I am anymore. I can’t do it.” Choking on a sob, she fell into her brother, grateful for his arms that hugged her. “It’s not Chad’s fault,” she cried softly. “But I can’t keep doing this. I can’t let him in when all it does is cause grief. He’ll just get hurt.”

Clint’s hug was a gentle one, just offering a small bit of shelter in this miserable storm. He knew his sister was in love with Chad, but he also understood her need to break free from all of this, if only to figure out what she truly felt and truly wanted. “Are you going to let him know?”

Rosalyn sniffed again as she pulled away and went to pick up the pieces of her phone. “No. He’ll figure it out.” Maybe it was mean, but her heart simply couldn’t take telling him to leave her alone. A clean break – that was her choice. “If he actually worries and calls you or something, you can let him know what’s going on.”

“What really is going on?”

“I’m leaving.” She turned and stared at her brother’s eyes. “I’ve been considering it for weeks, and now it’s time. Will you help me?”

Clint set his hands on his hips as a deep sigh was slowly released. “Yeah. What do you want me to do?”…

…It was late. Late enough that the sky was pitch black, showing only a few stars through a low cloud cover. A chilly breeze carried with it a dampness that made the air feel colder than it really was. Eerie shadows were cast about through waving trees that, in the daylight, normally offered a comforting scene. Tonight though, little comfort could be found.

Clint finished tying his boots and donned his leather jacket before quietly slipping back down the hallway to his and Wendy’s bedroom. Bending over, he left a soft kiss on her cheek before setting a folded note on her nightstand – just in case he didn’t return as soon as he hoped.

Wendy –
Had to run some early errands. Be back shortly. Love ya.
Clint

He was careful to remain silent as he left the house, and only once outside dared a tired yawn. The cold air was a sure way to wake him quickly though, and he aimed for the ranch’s main yard.

Rosalyn was already there – waiting in the shadows near the main house that was, at this hour, without occupants. With her were several bags, a laundry basket and one cardboard box.

“This it?” Clint couldn’t hide his surprise.

Rosalyn nodded, and shouldered one of the bags before picking up another one and the basket. “It’s…enough.”

Clint knew better than to argue, even though he felt his sister deserved more than this. She had many more belongings and should be allowed the dignity of taking what was rightfully hers. But this was her choice, and he’d said he’d help. “Alright.” He picked up the last bag and the box and nodded down the driveway. “I parked closer to the road so we wouldn’t wake anyone.” …

… Rosalyn rang the doorbell and waited. She and Clint stood at the back of a large brick house in a fairly quiet part of town. It was still dark out, but the street lights left few shadows. Though not the best part of town, it wasn’t the worst, and it was close enough to downtown that many necessary locations, such as a grocery store and gas station, could be walked to easily.

“You sure about this?”

Rosalyn glanced at her brother. “Yeah…I am.”

“Rosalyn!” The door had been opened by a young woman about Rosalyn’s own age – rather short, slender, with brown hair haphazardly pulled back at the nape of her neck. She reached out and immediately hugged Rosalyn. “I thought maybe you’d changed your mind.”

Rosalyn returned the hug before withdrawing, and she shook her head. “I couldn’t. Not now.” She gestured to her brother. “Hannah, you know Clint.”

“Oh yes.” Hannah nodded. She’d seen Clint at church with the rest of the family. “And this is Lizzie.” She opened the door wider as another young woman joined them.

Lizzie scratched her blonde head and nodded sleepily. “Hey, y’all.”

Rosalyn giggled. She’d met Lizzie not all that long ago at an event with Hannah. “A little too early for you?”

Lizzie grinned. “Just a bit.” She thumbed inside. “Why don’t y’all come in for some coffee?”

Clint helped Rosalyn pick up her things and bring them inside. “Thanks, but I gotta get back to the ranch.”

Hannah’s eyes dimmed with concern. “I’m assuming no one else knows yet, right?”

“Right.” Rosalyn sighed and looked back to Clint. “I’m sorry you’re gonna get the brunt of it.”

“Eh…” He shrugged. “I’ve got broad shoulders. You be okay now?”

“Yeah.” Rosalyn drew close to give her brother a long hug. “Thank you for all your help.”

“Don’t mention it. Just…let me know if you need anything, okay?”

“Okay.” Rosalyn pulled back and swallowed hard, keeping her tears hidden. “I’ll call you later.”

“Right.” Clint nodded to the other girls. “Later.”

All three waved, and once the door was closed, Hannah and Lizzie both came closer to Rosalyn. “You doin’ alright?” Lizzie questioned.

“Oh, yeah.” Rosalyn sniffed as a tear finally escaped. “I’ll be fine. Just… wish things could have been different.”

Hannah patted her shoulder. “Well, we’re happy to have you here.”

“Especially the whole sharing the rent part,” Lizzie teased.

Rosalyn laughed and rolled her eyes. “Right. Where’s my room?”

“Right down the hall. Come on.”

They’d been standing right near a kitchen that was small, but organized well enough to create plenty of space. Next was a cozy living room with a couch, two chairs, a small entertainment center and a window that overlooked the backyard. After that was a nice large bathroom – which was good, since three women would now be sharing it. A spacious walk-in closet was next, which would be shared as well, since the three bedrooms were all quite small with very little space to spread out.

“Here you go.” Hannah set one of Rosalyn’s bags on the single bed.

“Thanks. So who else is in this house?”

“The two Wixtrom brothers are upstairs.” Lizzie pointed to the ceiling. “They work nights though, so we hardly ever see or hear them. Then next door to us are the Barker’s. They’re older, like in their sixties, and sweet as I’ll get out.”

“There’s a sign out front for a vacancy – where’s that?”

“Oh, there’s a basement apartment available, but it’s been empty for a couple months now. Nice place – just one bedroom though.”

Rosalyn’s eyes scanned her new room. It really was small but…it was cozy. It was plain…but she’d eventually collect some new belongings to put in here. Like a nightstand…or a little bookcase. At least she had a window. It looked out into the alley, but at least it provided light and a view to the sky, should she feel claustrophobic suddenly living in the city.

“Well…” Hannah looked at her watch. “It’s about five o’clock. I woulda gotten up in an hour anyway for work, so I’m gonna go have some of that coffee Lizzie made. Anybody joining me?”

Lizzie yawned. “It’s my day off, but why not? I’ll take a nap later.”

Rosalyn smiled. “There’s no way I could sleep now. I’m in.”

“Good.” Hannah slung an arm over Rosalyn’s shoulders as they headed back down the hallway. “You job hunting today?”

“Yeah. I’ve got several leads on some cleaning jobs. It’s a start anyway…”


… “What do you mean you can’t tell me?!” Becky’s eyes flashed as she stared at her son. It was hours later. He’d been back to the ranch just barely before dawn, and only now, in the main kitchen for breakfast, was he receiving the first wave of reactions to Rosalyn’s departure.

“I gave her my word.” Clint’s tone remained steady, even though it hurt to see his mother under such stress. “She is well. She is safe. But I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone where she went. It was her specific request.”

“So that’s it? All I get is this note?” Becky waved a piece of paper in front of his face. Arriving at the kitchen this morning, that’s all she had gotten. A note.

“I’m sorry.” Clint set his hands on his mother’s shoulders. His own eyes were so tired. He was carrying a heavier burden than perhaps he ever had, and he was alone in it. “You have to let her go,” he urged softly. “She doesn’t even have a cell phone now. Respect her decision. For her sake.” He let her go, but just in time to turn and almost run into Jim, who had heard most of the conversation. His face was tight with what seemed to be more anger than worry.

Ignoring his father, Clint poured himself a cup of coffee and prepared to leave the kitchen, but Jim blocked his route. “Excuse me.”

Jim folded his arms. “Not until you tell me where your sister has gone,” he demanded quietly but sternly.

“I’m sorry.” Clint held a steady gaze. “I can’t do that. Please let me pass.”

Jim’s jaw clenched, and his arms lowered, but he didn’t move. “I won’t ask again,” he warned.

“So what are you gonna do?” Anger was boiling through Clint’s veins, and his coffee cup trembled in his hand as he stared at his irate father. “You gonna hit me again? Once more for good measure?” His voice lowered to almost a whisper. “You strike out one more time, and so help me, you’ll never lay eyes on your grandchildren again.” Daring to move, he pushed past Jim. But he wouldn’t be joining everyone else at the tables. Instead, he slipped out the back door and walked around to the porch. Easing down on the swing, he held the warm mug between his hands and watched the wisps of steam that rose then disappeared. Such was life. It was there…then gone. So fast. And right now…he hated it. He hated all of this. If it weren’t for Wendy and Chase, he would have been gone long before now. Other than having them, he felt more alone than he ever had before.

Half Truth

Alone once again sitting in the room Victoria was like a stone. She didn't shift it get more comfortable, she didn't itch her nose, she hardly even blinked. However her mind was fast at work. Maybe she didn't have a heart, or at least maybe she didn't have a heart for the people she didn't care about. Garret though...he was her heart, he was what kept her moving forward. She did have a heart, it was just different than most.

As another agent entered the room Victoria let her eyes fall on him. He was different, he dressed different, held himself different, and just simply was different. Almost like he didn't belong here, he was an outsider but yet someone the others trusted.

Staying quiet she could see him studding her, and her eyes pierced back at him. Searching his face, taking in all she could and trying to learn what she could from him. Hearing his question about Garret though her thoughts shifted. He was wanting to see her really badly? Made sense if he new she was here, but at the same time it confused her just a little bit more. 

   "I have no idea why he does."

It was a half turth at least. She could of gone into detail about how he was the one who kept her going day to day, and how without him life just didn't seem like life...but really she'd rather not. What if they used that against them.  

Katie shakes her head before coming around to the other side of the wall. Leaning down her slings Jason's arm over her shoulder helping him up slowly. With any luck Jason would be as right as rain in a few days Katie did know that. He was impossible to keep down.

   "I can't turn down a coffee and I'm sure everyone would be mighty happy with you for calming the beast in me."

Scooting over just a little to let Laura in next to him Nate did what he could to mask the pain that went shooting though his shoulder. He wasn't going to miss this moment to be close to her, and he wasn't going to turn away the opportunity to comfort her as well.

   "I feel....like I've been shot. But I am guessing it should be worse."

Giving a small smile Nate leans his head down to give Laura a kiss on the head before letting his just rest softly on hers taking in the smell of her shampoo. Going over what had happened he tried to piece things together. 

   "I remember bits and pieces. I was talking with Garret, I was shot, and than Garret saved my life....I think. It just all so cloudy its hard to remember everything. I do know one thing though...Garret had a clear chance to run, and he didn't. So I dont think this was his doing."

Why?

Victoria's heartless comment made Wyatt's blood boil, and he kept his eyes on his notepad, his grip tightening on his pencil. Seriously? Why did he have to ensure this? They weren't going to get anything from her, so why not just turn her over to the police for attempted murder and be done? But something told him that there was more here they needed to investigate, no matter how much of a pain it was.

He sighed before looking back up at Victoria. "In our world, we don't use human beings for target practice. And since you stepped into our world, we take it just a tad personally. I'm sure trying to play on your sympathies won't do a thing, because I'm pretty sure like every other Agency operative, you have no heart. So..." He shut his notepad. "I think we should probably be done for now. Just sit tight though. This is far from over."

Leaving the room, Wyatt took a moment out in the hall to take several deep breaths. He was worried about Nate, and angry with having to deal with the Agency like this. They weren't going to get anywhere without knowing more. But how could they know more? It was a nightmarish circle.


"What happened?" Justin watched Garret on the security screen with Hal. 

"Sniper. Shot Nate. Apparently Garret helped save Nate's life - though I'm not sure why. We caught the perp - a woman. Garret found out and went berserk when Reese would let him see her. Forced him back downstairs, and...here we are."

Justin frowned as he watched Garret pace in the small cell. Such a behavioral change was worth looking at more closely. Something had happened. Something had been a game changer. But what? 

A few minutes later after a rather tense discussion with Reese, Justin pushed open the door to the interrogation room. Garret was in no shape to talk calmly at the moment, so there was only one other angle. All Justin could lose was time and...he was in this now and wanted answers. 

"Victoria." He greeted her with a slight nod before sitting down where Wyatt had been just a little while ago. His eyes roamed her face and took in every little detail about how she was dressed, how she was sitting and how she held herself. It was an open book he was fascinated to read. 

"So here's the thing. I know its not a coincidence you're here, and I know you're probably not gonna tell me your reason for showing up today. So I'm not gonna waste my breath. I only have one question though. Garret is mighty upset he's not being allowed to see you. I wanna know why." Justin cocked his head. "Why does Garret want to see you so badly?"


Jason looked to Katie quickly, not even having noticed her presence. He gave her a wry grin before shaking his head. "Naw...she's got enough to worry about. I'll be okay." He wasn't positive about that, but hoped he could shake this off after a few minutes. He knew his knee had just reacted to the wrenching impact if Garret's kick, and other than a brace, there probably wasn't much else that could be done.

He rolled his eyes. "And no...you know me... I never learn." He chuckled. "Or at least it takes me a while anyway." 

Another sigh, and he gave in partially at least. "Help me to my office without telling anyone, and I'll owe you a coffee."


Hearing Nate's voice, it took Laura moment to remember where they were, and her head shot up. "Oh, Nate." She took his hand and kissed it before bringing his palm to her face. "I'm so glad you're awake. You had me so worried."

She moved to sit next to him on the bed and ran a finger through his hair. "How do you feel? Do you remember what happened?"

Practice

Sitting in the chair, with the table between the man interrogating her Victoria's eyes scanned the room. It was simple, nothing much to it, and really no escape either. It was really something one might expect. Hearing Wyatt's attempt to compromise Victoria chuckled. Did they really think her that dumb? 

   "What's a name matter? If you try and look me up you wont find anything. As for trying to help me...I dont nee...."

Victoria's voice faded as a bang on the door sounded. She'd couldn't hear much of anything else no matter how she strained but she could imagen but the scuffle that it might possibly be Garret. Maybe he was trying to let her know he was there. 

Bringing her attachen to Wyatt again a smile spread across her lips as she sat there. It was only a matter of time, and if she could keep them running in circles maybe it would detract them enough it would give her the opportunity to get a lay of the land so to speak.

   "My name is Victoria, and your agent was the target, as to why...I needed the practice."

Katie just stood and watched as the commotion broke out with Garret. She found herself skilled, but he took a different kind of skill she didn't have. She new when to pick her battles and since she wasn't called in this would be one she would sit out of.

As things died down Katie looked over her wall down at Jason sitting on the floor. He was in pain and it was pretty clear to see that. Katie felt bad, but she wanted to try and at least make light of the situation. Coming around and kneeling down next to him Katie smiles just a little bit resting her hand on Jason's shoulder.

   "You just wont ever learn will you J? Want some help to see Misty about your knee?"

Opening his eyes it took a moment before everything came into focus. Nate new he was in a hospital and his shoulder killed. He could remember bits and pieces and for some reason he remembered Garret helping him.

Moving his fingers he feels a familiar softness run though them. Looking over to the side he saw Laura's form. She was a sight for sore eyes, and if he wanted to see anyone when waking up, it was her. Just letting his fingers run through her hair again he gave a small smile.

   "Hey Beautiful!"

Outburst

Laura jogged the length of the hospital hallway, her face pale and stricken with worry. She'd dropped everything at home, leaving Brian with Janet as soon as she'd gotten the call about Nate. Almost going right past the waiting room, she didn't even see someone try to stop her until they caught her arm.

Whirling around, she skidded to a stop in front of Rick. "Where is he? How bad is it?"

"Calm down," Rick directed gently. "He's in surgery now."

Tears filled her eyes. "Is he going to be okay? Tell me the truth."

Rick pursed his lips in thought. He'd come on the scene right before the ambulance, and had ridden with them to the hospital, so he'd seen everything done, and was aware of Nate's true condition. "I think so. He was shot in the upper chest and shoulder area, but it missed his heart. There is going to be damage, but the person with him minimized loss of blood."

Laura ran a hand through her tousled hair, and sniffed as a tear ran down her cheek. "Who was with him?"

"Funny thing, that. Our prisoner. I haven't heard anything from Reese yet, but I assume there's a connection there. For all we know, the bullet wasn't even meant for Nate. But answers to that will come. For now, why don't you just sit in here and wait? I'll go find out how things are going."

It seemed like forever until Laura got the news from the doctor that Nate really was going to be okay. They wanted to keep him overnight, but if nothing happened in the next twenty-four hours, he could go home. More than relieved, Laura found his room and sat by his bed to wait for him to wake up. She worried about him now more than she used to, what with Brian and all. She didn't know what she'd do if she lost Nate, especially like this. 

Leaning forward, she folded her arms on the edge of his bed and rested her head next to him.


"Uh-huh." Gunner's eyes continued to sweep the area. Normally they would have sent more than two agents but this situation called for instant action. Even now, the sniper could have gotten away already. 

"Come on." Gunner motioned for Katie to follow as they made their way down the side of the building. All of a sudden, movement caught Gunner's eye. Someone was just running around the far corner. "Hey!" He yelled. "Freeze!" Breaking into a sprint, he held his gun low and ready. Cautiously rounding the corner, he was surprised to see their target had stopped, hands in the air. It was a woman, and it seemed she had just dropped her rifle. "Hold it right there," he ordered before he nodded to Katie. "Cuff her."

Keeping his gun on her, he went to pick up her rifle. Why had she stopped? Why had she dropped her gun so quickly? He automatically scanned the area again, afraid this had been some kind of trap. Yet they seemed to be the only ones here.

He looked back to Katie and nodded. "Let's take her in before anything else crazy can happen..."

It didn't take long to get the woman into the Elite building and straight to the interrogation room where they left the handcuffs on. And it was soon after that Wyatt was alone with her, seated at the table and trying to figure things out. She'd admitted she was with the Agency, but that was all they had. 

"Okay...so you're Agency." Wyatt sighed. He never had much patience for this sort of thing, but everyone else was busy, and Carson wouldn't be free until later. "Once again...what is your name, and why did you shoot one of our agents? Cooperate, and we might be able to help you as far as the law is concerned."


“Get up.” Hal’s voice was stern as he gestured to Garret with his shotgun. “Reese wants to see you.” 

Garret’s clothes were still bloody, and was back in cuffs once again, even while left in his cell. No one had told him how Nate was. No one had talked to him about what had happened. It felt like he’d been tossed into a dark corner with no access to reality and it was very quickly wearing on his nerves. The way Hal was treating him now signaled that they blamed Garret, or at least assumed the attack had something to do with him. Of which, they were probably right. 

He slowly rose and resisted little as he was shoved towards the stairs. He didn’t like being treated like this, but until he found out what was going on, he’d hold in his retaliation. Once upstairs, he was surprised to be taken to Reese’s office. Sitting in the chair, he glanced at his surroundings, taking in how the office was arranged. It was more cluttered than he’d imagined, but then…this was a busy place. There was a lot of information tucked away in here.

Reese turned in his desk chair, his face showing total displeasure. “Want to tell me what happened out there today?”

Garret’s eyebrows rose slightly. “I don’t know.”

“Was the bullet meant for Nate, or were you the actual target?”

“I don’t know.”

“Would the Agency send someone to kill you?”

“I don’t know.”

Reese’s patience was growing extremely thin, and his voice rose. “I have an agent in the hospital because he was outside with you. Now you better start giving me some answers, or you’ll be locked up for so long you won’t remember what the sky looks like.”

The threat was one of the few that could make Garret’s insides lurch. “I don’t know what happened today or who the shooter was, and I don’t know who their target really was.”


Reese’s jaw tightened before he swiveled his laptop around to show the live feed from the interrogation room. “Know her?” 

Garret’s face remained motionless, even though his heart had just started racing. They had Victoria? Here? Sine when? Was she the shooter? How had they caught her? Had she wanted it that way? Was she here to get him out like he’d hoped? He tried to keep his body still. “Is that the sniper?” 

“Just answer the question.”

Garret cocked his head. “Looks sort of familiar. Agency…maybe? So is she the sniper?” 

“It would seem that way. Gunner and Katie just brought her in. Caught her trying to flee that building you so conveniently pointed out.” 

“So if you caught her, why are you asking me all the questions instead of her?”

“Call me paranoid, but for some teeny tiny reason, I have a feeling you know more than you’re letting on. And besides that, we do know she’s Agency but she’s not giving us anything else. So…you gonna live up to all your recent promises to help, or prove you really just have an ultimate plan here to ruin us?”

Garret gestured to the computer screen. “That’s the interrogation room, right?”

Reese quirked an eyebrow. “It is.”

Garret got to his feet. He wasn’t going to waste time playing this game. “Let me see her, and maybe then I can provide more intel.”

A bit surprised, Reese stood as well. “Not a chance. Tell me what you know. Is she in on some infiltration plan of yours?” 

Garret’s pulse pounded in his head. He had to get to Victoria before something else bad happened. Who knew what she’d do to get him out of here? She’d already shot Nate. Who might she kill? He couldn’t let that happen. The Elite had to trust her as well as him if this all was going to work, but he had to convince her first that this was the best choice for them. She was flying blind and he couldn’t let anything else happen before the truth came out. “Just let me talk to her.” 

“No.” 

“I’m only asking to be polite.”

Reese’s chin rose. “Sit. Down.”

Garret gritted his teeth before he turned and aimed for the door, but he only made it two steps. 

“Stop.” Reese had retrieved his handgun and now had it pointed at Garret as he closed the gap between them. 

Garret glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. “I tried to do this the easy way,” he commented dryly. Almost too fast to even see, he spun around, disarmed Reese and sent his palm into Reese’s nose. 

Reese fell backward to sprawl across his desk, papers flying everywhere. 

Garret threw the gun in the corner before stalking out the door and heading across the main floor. He was halfway to the hall before Reese staggered to his door. “Stop him!” he yelled. 

It was Gunner who was closest, having just dropped off some paperwork to Susanne. Though unsure what was going on, he automatically grabbed Garret’s arm. “Hold it right there.” 

Garret yanked his arm away and scowled as the contact made his adrenaline kicked in. “Don’t touch me,” he warned. 

“You don’t call the shots,” Gunner retorted and reached for him again. But Garret was in no mood. Blocking, then stepping in, his elbow connected with Gunner’s face before his foot caught an ankle, sending him to the floor. “Do you ever learn?” Before he could get much further, he had Jason and Pete coming at him. Ducking a swing from Jason, he spun out of the way and sent a boot right into the side of Pete’s head, taking him down. 

Justin had arrived only moments before, backpack slung over one shoulder, but he stopped in his tracks as the fight broke out. His eyebrows rose and he stayed put, knowing better than to try intervening without an ounce of training. 

Jason and Garret collided like two angry dogs. Despite being the smaller of the two, plus still being cuffed, Garret held the upper hand all too easily. It wasn’t until after he delivered several blows to Jason’s ribs and to his jaw that a strong kick was aimed at Jason’s bad knee, making him crumble to the floor. By now though, Gunner and Pete were back on their feet and ready to pounce. It took both of them just to pause Garret’s route, although even that was a task. 

“Let me go!” Garret shouted, his eyes blazing. With Pete on one side and Gunner on the other, he hauled back using all his weight, and forced their heads to collide. Set free, he only got a few steps further in his quest before Hal showed up. “Don’t,” he warned, pointing a finger at Hal. “Step aside.”

Hal’s eyes flickered with irritation. “Not on your life. Stand down or be taken down.”

Garret pursed his lips. “You’ve been warned.” 

Jason was still on the floor, leaving it three to one, yet Garret still managed to hold his own, making it way too simple as he proved his training. It didn’t matter that he was outnumbered – he wasn’t the one bruised and bleeding like the others were. Reese finally made it closer to the chaotic scene while holding his bleeding nose. “Take. Him. Down!” he barked angrily. 

Jason drew his gun. That alone caused just a long enough pause in the fight for Gunner and Hal to each grab an arm at a safer angle this time and hold Garret in place, while Pete’s fist finally made contact with his mouth. “Let me go!” Garret fought against the three men, in spite of his now-bloody lip, but at this point, it did little good – he’d fallen for the threat of the gun and it had cost him the fight. He could still get out of this if he wanted, but he’d get himself hurt in the process, and his survival instincts warned him it wasn’t the wisest move. But it didn’t lessen his anger. “Let go of me!” he shouted again and tried to rip himself free, but a swift kick to the back of his legs brought him to his knees. Now it was more than adrenaline surging through his veins – it was emotions. Emotions brought on from the unpleasant memory of humiliation surrounding him being in this very same position a very long time ago – on his knees, forced into submission. 

Breathing heavily, he glared up at the Elite agents. “You have no idea what you’re doing,” he hissed. “Either you let me see your new prisoner, or the blood is on your hands.”

Pete’s arm retracted to strike again, but it was stopped by a new, strong hand. He looked quickly to the side, surprised by Justin’s sudden appearance. 

“Stop,” Justin warned calmly. “He’s had enough.” 

Still trying to catch his breath, Garret looked up at Justin, his eyes pleading with him. “I need to see her,” he begged.

Hal and Gunner yanked him to his feet and both of them manhandled him towards the hallway – but their destination was back downstairs to the holding cell. Justin watched helplessly as they took him away, having no idea what had gone on today to cause any of this. But that look in Garret’s eyes…it wouldn’t leave him quickly. 

Down the hallway, Garret had quit fighting, but as they passed the interrogation room, he tried to break free, but by now, Hal and Gunner were wiser and quicker to bring him under control. He got off one swift kick to the door in an attempt to break it open, but he wasn’t successful. 

From the inside, Wyatt jumped at the bang to the door, but had no idea what was going on outside. 

Once downstairs and shoved back into the holding cell, Garret whirled around, only to be met with the closing door. Pounding it with his fists, he shouted a few threats, but he knew the two men had walked away. Growling, he fought his handcuffs before pacing the cell liked a caged animal. This couldn’t be happening. He had to see Victoria. No matter what, he had to see her.

Back upstairs, Reese and the others had gone to the infirmary to have Misty fix up their minor wounds, although with all the commotion, Jason was still on the floor. His knee hurt…badly, and he didn’t want to try getting up yet. Rolling to sit up, he leaned back against the cubicle wall, not even realizing it was Katie’s. Gritting his teeth, he rolled his eyes to the ceiling, waiting for the pain to pass, but it wasn’t. 

Later

  "I don't care what you were just doing. I told you to stop and you didn't"

Victoria looks back out the window watching Garret undue his handcuffs. She wondered if he really was going to run now? Something still seemed off, did he know it was them or did he think it was someone else. A million things ran through her mind at once, nothing made sense.

Still watching Victoria couldn't believe what she saw next. Garret was helping the agent down there. This was all even more confusing. Looking at Aarson Victoria could only feel anger twords him.  Maybe she was mad at Garret too, but she wasn't sure. All she new was she didn't like the feeling it left her with.

   "Good let them come."

Seeing the agents coming there way Victoria acted fast. Aaron was packing up but this was her opening to get caught and get to the bottom of everything. Coming up behind Aaron and taking the butt of her gun she hit him over the head.

   "I'll deal with you later."

Moving fast she navigated her way out of the building. Only one of them needed to be caught and she wanted it to be her. She didnt know what would happen next but she was pretty good at just taking things as they came. This could be no different.

Following Gunner Katie squinted up at the building scanning it quickly. This whole thing was a mess, Nate was shot, who know if he was the target or not Katie didn't know what to think.

   "I'd get a good advantage on the third floor at least. This building has been closed for a long time now, all the elevators dont work anymore, and as far as I know there is only one way up or down. I'd say if we move quickly we might just intercept our shooter before they get away."

Wrath

As Nate was hit, Garret's instincts sent him flat to the ground as well. Who was shooting? Why? He was out in the open with nowhere to hide, but obviously Nate was the target, not Garret. That meant there was a good chance it was Agency. And if it was Agency, that meant there was a good chance they were here to get Garret out.

His eyes jumped to Nate's bleeding form. He was still breathing, but was in obvious danger, as blood was already soaking his shirt. And this right here could be what sent Garret to prison. His fault or not, who would believe him? Reese would blame him, and all this would be over. The smartest thing for him to do now would be run. Run and lie to the Agency, and at least he wouldn't rot behind bars. It wasn't what he wanted, but his plan had very obviously failed, and in a big way. He should have known the Agency would kill to rescue him. He'd been a fool to think he could handle this.

All of that went through his mind in but an instant. And it only took another split second for him to act. Moving to Nate, he first dug the keys out of Nate's pocket and released a wrist and an ankle, freeing his limbs.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Aaron glared at Victoria, not caring anymore whether or not she was in charge. "I just gave Garret his chance, and you want to stop that?! What is wrong with you?" He grabbed his binoculars to check on the scene. "See?" He pointed. "Our boy is letting himself loose, no thanks to you." 

Seeing how badly Nate was bleeding from his chest, Garret immediately put pressure to the wound. He growled his frustration with a curse under his breath. Risking to release him for only a moment, he tore into Nate's shirt sleeve, wadded it up and stuffed it underneath him where the bullet had gone through, before returning pressure to his shoulder. No one was coming outside. No one had seen what happened. If he and Nate stayed, whoever had fired would be here and things would escalate. Thinking quickly, Garret felt around Nate with one hand until he found his cell phone. It was simple to get in and find Reese's number. "Get out here now," he ordered, "and call an ambulance."

He tossed aside the phone and both hands went back to Nate, the blood pressing out between his fingers. "You're not gonna die on my watch," he muttered. He hadn't wanted anyone to get hurt, and though he had no proof, he knew this had to do with him. He knew someone had just tried to free him. And whoever it was...they would see him now, put two and two together, and he'd be a marked man much sooner than expected. But something stopped him from running. Something held him here. And watching Nate now, he had the same churning in his gut as he'd had when pulling the trigger on Victoria's mother. It was a feeling he didn't like, and didn't want.

"Stay with me, Nate, come on," he coaxed.

Still peering through the binoculars, Aaron swore before waving a hand in frustration. "What is he doing? Why is he staying and helping that agent?" Forgetting he was mad at Victoria, he looked over at her again. "I can't believe I'm seeing this. They're gonna come for us now, and all because he didn't make a move."

Receiving the call from Nate's phone, Reese immediately called Hal and made it quickly outdoors, gun drawn. Seeing Garret - free and leaning over Nate's bloodied body - he stopped and raised his weapon. "Garret! Back off now!" he ordered.

Garret didn't budge, and only lifted his eyes, speaking very calmly. "I will, but only if you want Nate to bleed out. Otherwise, I'm not moving my hands until the squad comes."

"You expect me to believe that? What happened? Who shot him?"

"If you want your agent to live, don't make me move. As far as who shot, I don't know." He glanced back across the street. Did he dare try to expose the shooter? If they were smart, they'd be gone by now anyway. "But I'm pretty sure the shot came from that building, so if I were you, I'd send someone over."

It took Reese a moment to decide what to do, but he finally lowered his weapon and ordered Hal to call for an ambulance before he knelt next to Nate and checked his pulse. "Nate? Nate, can you hear me?"

"He blacked out," Garret mentioned, still refusing to move his hands. "Bullet hit above his heart though, so he's got a chance..."

...It felt like an eternity, but in reality, the squad arrived quickly. Garret never moved until the paramedics were fully ready to take over, and as the ambulance drove away, he was left standing still half-cuffed, blood on his clothes and hands, watching the vehicle leave. There were so many unanswered questions now.

"Back inside." It was Hal ordering him around now, and once again, a gun had appeared.

Garret sighed, but did as he was told. If he escaped prison now, he'd be the luckiest person in the world. It was back to his cell to wait for Reese's wrath...

"...Come on." Gunner waved Katie behind him as they carefully but quickly crossed the street on foot, ready for anything. He motioned around the corner to the fire escape stairs that led to the roof. "If I were a sniper, that's where I'd go. What do you think?"

By now, it was obvious the Elite was coming, and Aaron was already packing up. "You coming?" he asked Victoria. "I'm certainly not going down here."

Idiot

Hearing Aaron shuffle around Victoria gave once glance at him seeing him get into position to take his shot. It didn't matter to her or not if the guy down there with Garret died or not. All she new is Garret was there and from some reason he looked as though he didn't mind. It made little to no sense and caused Victoria to believe that they had done something to him, or were holding something over his hear in order to make him stay. What she didn't know, she didn't know a whole lot of anything.

Looking back out the window for a moment Victoria catches Garret move slightly and look over her shoulder right in there direction. Did he know they were there? If he did was this a message to them...could they have this all wrong and this was a bigger part of a plan he had? Not wanting to take a chance Victoria can hear her voice come out strong.

   "Aaron...NO, WAIT!"

Seeing he was not heeding her words Victoria is quick to move next to him and give him a shove jerking his arm. It was to late though and the gun still goes off. Growling under her breath and pushes off of Aaron and stands up.

   "You stupid idiot...I said to wait."

Looking to see where the bullet went Victoria can see it hit the intended target as he slumps to the floor. Anger flashed in her eyes even if she wasn't looking at Aaron. He could of cost Garret everything.

   "Reese is a softy because he takes care of his own. We are all family to him, and he'd do anything for family. I know it probley seems strange but.."

Nate's words drop off as Garret's eyes move to behind him the hairs on his own next stand on ends. In Garret's eyes there was question and Nate wondered if he sensed something. There was no time to react though as the sound of a gun fired, and than a sharp burning pain hit him in the chest. He'd been shot, was that the intention, did Garret know, was Garret the target.

Falling to the ground in a pool of his own blood Nate doesn't move as so many things ran through his head of once. Was this it, was this the end, was Garret still there or did he take off. Nate's mind slowly quieted as things started to spin the pain increasing till finally everything went dark.

Bye Bye

Garret's brow furrowed slightly and he shook his head at Nate. "See...that's what gets me. Reese is the head of a force of Elite agents whose goal is to take down a nearly impossible foe...yet he's a softy?" His own experiences dictated that he be confused. Any commanding officer he had ever known was far from soft. On the contrary, they were all very harsh and very hard to convince anyone was worth trusting. It's how they got their jobs done. 

His eyes searched Nate's face as if looking for answers. There were few things that ever threw him for a loop - but this place and these people did. If it weren't for his determination to see his plan through, he might turn and run back to the Agency, simply because it made more sense. But something kept him here. Something bigger than he could see, but he sensed it...and it was almost frightening.

Garret dropped his gaze before returning to face the sky. He needed to take advantage of being out here, since he had no idea when he'd be let out again.


Fed up with the entire thing, Aaron reached for his rifle. "I don't know what they've done to him to make him so passive, but it ends now." Rolling back on his stomach, he used the building's short ledge to steady his sights, bringing the Elite officer into focus through the scope. He settled the cross hairs on the man's head. He couldn't stand seeing Garret like this, and he was done waiting. "One shot to the skull and bye bye agent," he mused. "And hello, Garret." His finger squeezed the trigger.


Out of nowhere, a strange sensation made the hair on the back of Garret's neck stand on end. Turning, he looked over his shoulder, his eyes traveling the distance to a nearby building where a small glint in the sunlight caught his gaze. And trusting his instincts, he knew they were being watched. But was it friend or foe?

Big Softy

They'd been there for a few hours now, seen people come and go and it almost seemed hopeless. But right as she was going to give up and get something to eat the door opened once again and Garret stepped out along with another rather large guy. Victoria's heart races as her eyes fell on him as a million questions ran through her mind. Garret seemed....to not even care he was there or caught. Now he was outside as well and yet he wasn't trying to get free?

Victoria didn't even answer Aaron's question, she forgot he was there all together for a few long moments. This just all didn't make sense at all. It was confusing, shocking and just not right at all. Remembering that Aaron was there Victoria turned to him with confusion all over her face.

   "I dont know what the heck was going on but I need to get in there as soon as possible. This is not like Garret at all. He could take that guy down no problem and yet, he hasn't. Something is not right, and I dont like it."

Bringing Garret out again Nate was happy himself to get out of the office. It was stuff in there, even for him. Looking over at Garret Nate just let him walk about, and find his own spot to bask. He had little worry that Garret would run away even though he was on alert anyways.

Standing in the sun Nate lets out a small sign looking around. There really wasn't much of a view here, but it wasn't the worse either. Hearing Garret as him a question Nate looks to him for a moment. Reese had let this all up to him it was a great honor, and an even greater responsibility. 

   "I think you are on a pretty good path the way it is. Keep it up, and I think it will be right around the corner honestly."

Shifting a little Nate turns so the side that has still been in the shade was now in the sun too. It was to nice out not to enjoy it. Days where getting shorter now so he might as well enjoy it while he could.

Nate really did have a good feeling about Garret. He couldn't explain it, and he didn't even fully understand it himself but there was just something about him.

   "Reese can seem pretty hard at times but its only because he wants to keep us all safe. I can't blame him for that. Once you get to know him though, and he trusts you he's a good guy, with a good heart and hes a big old softy. "

New Questions

Garret sat on the cold floor, his knees tucked up close to his chest as he leaned back against the wall. It didn't change much from day to day - his position, that is. Rarely did he choose to sit on the cot, or even the chair. The floor was extremely uncomfortable, keeping him from letting his guard too far down. At least twice, if not three times a day, he exercised as much as he could in these close quarters, then returned to the floor. It was so quiet, he had to force himself to continually think on any subject, lest his mind wander and he was caught unawares.

Today, his breakfast still sat on the table as well. After going through his fight routine, he'd left the coffee, eggs and toast untouched, and by now they were cold. His body was hungry, but his mind was too stressed to want to eat. Slowly rubbing his hands, he glanced down to two skinned knuckles. He'd been fighting the air, but had come too close to the cinder block wall once. It wasn't like him to be that out of focus, and it worried him. He needed to stay in control, or this whole thing could fall to pieces.

Hearing the lock in the door, he glanced up, surprised to see Nate. He wasn't expecting to see anyone until lunchtime, and at least hadn't planned on attacking any cameras today. He didn't move yet though, and was doubly surprised at the offer to go back outside.

His eyebrows rose, and for just a moment he stayed seated, trying to decide if this was some kind of trick or trap, but it didn't feel like it. Nate seemed different than the others, and Garret's gut said he could trust him - as much as he could trust any Elite agent.

He slowly got to his feet and willingly held out his wrists to be cuffed. "You seem to know the one thing I can't resist." His insides wanted to smile - wanted to show his gratefulness for being let out again. But his face wouldn't allow it. He'd trained himself too long not to let his true emotions show.

It only took a few minutes to be outside in the warm morning air. Garret felt as if all his nerve endings were thanking him as he found a patch of sunshine. Ever since that time years ago when he'd been locked in a dark underground room for over a month, the sunlight had meant more to him. At the time, he'd viewed it as a training exercise he'd bravely endured and passed. And now...it was difficult to decide whether the Agency had really been helping him or just hurting him for pleasure.

Bringing his mind back to reality, Garret glanced over to Nate, down to his cuffs and shackles, then back up again. "So...what's a guy gotta do to gain a little trust around here?" It was a genuine question - he really did wonder how long it would take to either be accepted or thrown in prison.


The coffee wasn't the greatest, but at least it had caffeine, and that's all Aaron really cared about. It didn't take long for him and Victoria to leave the hotel and head across town. They'd already scouted out a building that was across from TJY, that would serve as a good vantage point. As it turned out, they were able to get up top on the roof readily without drawing any attention, giving them a perfect view of TJY and a good angle to try and listen in...

...Aaron, lying on his stomach, took off his headphones in disgust and closed the laptop. "They're below ground and surrounded by concrete. All we've been getting for an hour is a garbled mess." It was impossible to pick up any distinguishable words or conversations that would tip them off about Garret. They'd seen people come and go already this morning, but still nothing of significance, and Aaron was concerned the only way to really find out if Garret was here would be to go in blind...and that would be a huge risk.

New movement caught his eye, and he grabbed his binoculars. And what he saw immediately removed all doubt. It was Garret himself being led outside by an Elite agent. It was obvious he was a prisoner. He was wearing handcuffs and shackles, and the agent appeared alert with a sidearm at the ready. "What in the..." Aaron continued to watch. Though bound, Garret was skilled enough to get himself out of that situation. No one else was around. He could take down that agent with his eyes closed, cuffs and all. Why wasn't he making a move? Why was he standing so casually and conversing with the agent? Had he been sedated? It didn't seem like he'd been drugged though, as well as he was standing. 

A curse was muttered under Aaron's breath. This didn't make any sense. How had Garret been caught in the first place? And why, especially being out in the wide open, was he not doing anything to get away? He was acting like a humiliated prisoner - the opposite if who he really was.

Aaron lowered his binoculars and glanced over at Victoria. All of his questions showed in his eyes. Surely she saw the same things he did.

Fresh Air

   "Yeah, I'll take some black coffee."

Getting out of the shower Victoria threw some of her clothing on before putting her hair up. With any luck it wouldn't be to long of a day, but something told her she wouldn't be that lucky. She'd more than likely have to sit there all day and listen to Aaron chatter on and on. The sooner they started the sooner it would be over.

   "I'm ready when you are, or whenever the coffee is done. I just want to know sooner than later if Garret is there or not."

Victoria sits down at the small table that was in the room and pulls out some papers. She was going to study them one more time before they headed out just to make sure she remembered everything.

Nate sat in the chair across from Reese just looking at him deep in though for a long moment. Leaning back he let out a small breath of air. He really wasn't sure how he felt about this. It was something he'd done before but it had been a long long time since than.

   "It's been a long time since I've done anything like that Reese...But I'm willing it give it a shot if that means giving Garret a chance. There is just something about him thats familiar but different and I'd like to see how this all turns out."

After accepting Reese's offer and leaving his office Nate makes his way back to his desk sitting down for a second. This was a big responsibility but Nate was ready, and he really was being honest with Reese about Garret. There was something hidden deep, something he didn't want anyone to know, and yet his eyes told so much. Nate was not a master at reasoning people, but he was pretty good with his intuition, and something told him Garret wasn't t here to cause harm.

Getting up again and holding the fresh set of keys in his hand Nate makes his way to the holding cells. Looking in the window he unlocked the door before opening it and stepping inside. Holding out the handcuffs to Garret he gives a small grin. He might feel Garret was not there for bad, he still wanted to be werry.

   "Want to get some more fresh air?"