Hard at Work

Travis accepted Angel’s help back into bed, finding himself grateful for her care. She was being so kind, despite the mess they were all in right now. He was embarrassed by his mother, and thankful Angel had taken the whole thing in stride. He wasn’t used to someone reacting that way and it was…nice. He watched Angel leave the room as his eyes started to drift shut again. He was so very tired.

Out in the other room, Lane leaned back against the wall, his arms folding across his chest. His eyes remained down, and he shook his head at Angel’s question. “No.” Unexpected tears sprang into his eyes and his voice wavered. “No, she wasn’t.”

He swallowed hard and nudged a crack in a floorboard with the toe of his boot. It took him a few moments to speak again after he’d swiped away a tear with the back of his hand. “She was quite lovely, actually. I loved her so much.” He said it as if the love was gone, but anyone could see the way he talked about her that even after all these years, he hadn’t been able to let go.

“I guess after we were married, she figured out it wasn’t what she really wanted. She started to be unhappy. Moody. Harsher. Then when she met Dirk…” He shrugged lamely. “He wasn’t good for her. Obviously she made the choice to have an affair with him – how I didn’t see it, I’ll never know. But she changed a lot that year, and seems to have just gotten worse ever since.”

Pain lingered in his voice. It was so obvious how hurt he continued to be by Amber’s words and actions. He still didn’t look up at his sister. “Dirk’s a lawyer and likes to draw blood. So any of Amber’s threats…I have to take seriously. Which pretty much leaves me helpless. To be honest, I have no idea why she let me have as much time with Travis as she did while he was growing up. Either a soft spot still exists, or she was just using me as a babysitter.”

Another long pause followed as his emotions churned, and eventually he pushed off the wall and turned to face Angel. “She likes the money she has now. Likes the power she holds over people like me, and…I don’t see that changing any time soon. I’m just sorry Travis has gotten caught in the middle. He’s the only good thing that came out of my marriage…and now I’m on my way to losing him too.”


Scott stood by for a moment and sighed. No, it wasn’t fair. Reese hadn’t said so, but he had a feeling there was more to Kirk being there than simply checking up on them. Seeing his sister’s tears, he came closer and knelt down by her chair to look up at her. “Hey… It’s gonna be okay. I know Gage has changed.” Those were quite the words coming from him, who had disapproved since the very beginning. But the fact was…he knew Gage was on the straight and narrow, and he couldn’t deny that.

“I know I gave you grief before…and I still have a hard time seeing any ex-Agency men… but you’re not wrong to be with him, and don’t let Kirk make you feel that way, okay?” He looked up into her teary eyes and his heart hurt. It had been a very long time since they’d sat together like this. When they’d been younger, they’d interacted like this often, battling hurt from bullies at school. But as adults…they’d just…drifted.

He remained on one knee, and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, and Kirk has no proof Gage would even think about turning bad.”


Hearing Katie’s comment, Jason couldn’t help his grin. “Naw. If you weren’t in here, he’d be making a fuss all on his own, so I’m used to it. I think he’s gotten bored lately.”

“Knock, knock.”

Jason looked to the door quickly, a new expression of pleasure crossing his face. “Con! What are you doing here?”

“Oh, just stopped by.” He smiled down at Katie and Trooper and shook his head. It had been a while since he’d been to the office at all, let alone stopped to talk. Even if he did make an appearance, it was usually brief and maybe he’d just give a wave to a few people then disappear again. But not today. “You look like you’re hard at work,” he teased Katie.


Carson slowed and pulled his car to a stop alongside the curb of the quiet street. It wasn't the most fantastic part of town, but certainly not the worst either. The houses in this area were rather nice - old, but at least it was a well-kept community. Then there was this particular house.

Carson sat back and let his eyes roam the two-story house. It was white...or at least used to be. Now it was in dire need of a new paint job. At least one window was broken, and the roof over the front porch had been severely neglected. The yard was full of weeds, tall grass, and branches from two large maple trees. The property had potential though. Nestled in the center of the block, it had a nice-sized front yard and an even bigger back yard. The house's front porch ran the length of the house, and would be perfect for a swing or even some patio furniture. The driveway led up to a garage - small, but could serve its purpose well. Overall, it wasn't a bad property, if one was willing to put some time and effort into it.

A battered For Sale sign creaked in the wind. It hadn't taken much investigation to discover why the house had never sold. Poor management after the owner's father had died, had led to the disarray of the property, and few people had the time or motivation to get a place up and running again. Carson didn't have all that much time himself, although he was trying to take more breaks from the restaurant lately. As far as motivation went, the price on this place was unbeatable.

After a few more minutes, Carson finally pulled away from the curb and continued on his way. Would making a move like this be wise? He was so tired of sleeping at the restaurant. He could rent an apartment but he just didn't want to. Would this finalize his break with Misty, though? He'd been begging to come home. What if he had his own home? What would that do to them?

He stopped at an intersection and ran a hand through his hair. Then maybe she'd just have to come to him. He couldn't keep living in limbo just because he was afraid of what direction Misty might go.

Not Fair

Angel didn't like this woman at all and that was saying a lot. She liked or at least could tolerate almost everyone. But there was just something about Amber she couldn't look past, something about that bothered her to no end.

Seeing Travis move she winced herself knowing what kind of pain he was in. She didn't try to stop him though.

   "I don't think anyone should or will be paying for anything since no one did anything wrong."

As Travis stepped up to his mom she took a step back. As much as she wanted to defend her nephew she new he could handle himself too.

Not knowing what Travis had said Angel was shocked seeing Amber leave but was happy letting out a small sigh of releaf that Travis was staying here. He would be ok, but she wanted to keep an eye on him, just to make sure.

Taking ahold of Travis Angel helped steady him. His words to Lane cut through her own heart. Looking to Lane her eyes said she was sorry even if hadn't been the one who spoke the words.

   "Don't you worry none about your mom. I've been up against some of the hardest people before. It's just sad people have to live with so much anger it consumes them. Come on let's get you back in bed and resting sweety. I can give you a little something for the pain too."

Helping Travis back into bed and giving him something for the pain Angel made sure he was resting comfortably before leaving the room. Once out she ran a hand over her face and let out a long sigh before looking to Lane once more. She didn't know if Amber was gone gone or just lingering around the ranch but she hoped there paths wouldn't cross again.

   "She is quite a peace of work. Was she always like that?"

Once Kirk was gone Sapphire's anger turned to sadness and her heart ached. Letting out a long sign and sitting down in her chair she tried to keep herself together. She wasn't sorry for the slap, and she wasn't sorry for her words but inside it felt like everything was breaking. Gage meant the world to her even dispute his past and to have someone rip him apart and rip her apart for loving him made her think of things she hadn't in a long time and it hurt.

Hearing her brother voice Sapphire looks up quickly. She felt a little embarrassed that anyone had to hear her commotion. She had gone this long without anyone seeing ber temper. She was sure it shocked a lot of people.

   "Hey Scott."

She was trying to keep it together but her brother being there now she just couldn't. Tears streamed out of her eyes as she looked down at her desk and played with a sticky note that had been there. This was all so over whelming and emotional. 

   "No...no I don't think I am ok.  Gage is not a bad guy, hes changed so much...I'm not a bad person for loving him, none of us here are bad people. We are trying to do good, we are trying to help and yet someone like Kirk comes in and tries to rune it all. It's just not fair."

Entering Jason's office and being greeted so enthusiastic by Trooper Katie cant help but laugh as he licks her face continuously. Finally telling him to get down Katie sits on the ground with him and pets him.

   "Hey Trooper, have you been a good boy protecting Jason while Ive been away?"

Nuzzling her face into his neck she smiles looking up at Jason again. She really had missed this. Just being here, care free, enjoying her time with Jason and Trooper. They had been such a big part of her life to have it gone, it had hurt, but knowing things were getting better, and a friendship was being formed again made her happy. That was better than nothing.

Looking back down at Trooper Katie kept petting him as he rolled to his back, and than up to lick her again. Her laughter was loud and she new it but it was hard to keep in. Looking to Jason with a grin and than back to Trooper she whispered loud enough for Jason to hear.

   "Shhhh...if we are to loud Trooper Jason is going to kick me out of here and that will be no fun at all." 

Whispered Words

As Katie accepts his offer, Jason can't help his grin. At least this broke up the day a little bit. He led the way to his office, and once the door was open, Trooper stood from where he'd been laying. Spotting Katie, he gave a deep but quiet woof and his tail started to wag. Coming over to her, he, very easily, put his front paws up on her shoulders and started licking her face.

Jason let Katie fend for herself, knowing good and well the giant of a dog wouldn't hurt her. They were friends, after all. Actually, without any incidents as of late, the dog might actually have a chance at being around every day like he used to be.

Sitting in his chair, Jason just watched Katie and Trooper, still smiling. As much as he tried to ignore his feelings...he missed this. There was no way he could ever go back to what once was. They'd both played a part in destroying what could have been. But...at least there were moments here and there...right? 

As he watched Katie, he noticed the light bouncing off her red hair, making it sparkle. Her eyes were lit up as she played with Trooper, making them oh so deep like never-ending pools. Her...

Jason halted his thoughts and dropped his gaze to try and concentrate on work. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. 


Kirk's eyes had gone wide and his hand touched his face tenderly where he'd just been slapped. She had quite swing, and he was glad it hadn't been a fist. Listening to her go off on him, his expression didn't change much, and before standing, he wrote a couple more notes. 

Getting to his feet, he sighed deeply. "I can exit myself, thank you. But know this, Ms. Johnson... you're not helping the Elite by losing your temper. The FBI sees facts, and the fact is, you're walking on thin ice." 

He nodded to her. "Thank you for your time." 

Many eyes had snapped to the scene as Sapphire's voice had risen, and now those same eyes followed Kirk as he exited. Once he was gone, a new face slowly poked around the corner.

Scott's expression was a worried one. He'd heard the commotion and was going to interfere but Kirk had left too quickly. He and Sapphire might not have the greatest relationship but that didn't mean he wouldn't defend his sister. "You okay?" he asked softly.


Angel's slamming pencil brought Lane's attention up and his eyes widened as she entered the room. Still at a loss, he simply straightened to watch, wondering if anything she said could even make a difference. 

Amber gave Angel a disinterested look as she explained herself and the situation further. She folded her arms and sighed. "I'm sure you are very good at what you do," she replied coolly. "But I don't need to see any medical records. You see, I'm his mother, and I know exactly what he needs." 

Travis slowly got to his feet, hiding how much it hurt. 

Amber smiled in satisfaction and glanced back to Angel. "See? He'll be just fine. And don't worry, I don't blame you. You're not the one who will be paying for this absurd incident." 

Travis stepped closer to his mother, his height above hers now obvious as he looked down at her. "I'm sorry...but I can't go with you." 

"Of course you can." Amber frowned at him. "Get your shoes on." 

Travis' eyes went first to his father, then Angel, then back to his mother. Bending down close, he whispered something in her ear.

She recoiled, her face paling slightly. Glancing around, she composed herself and tilted her chin in the air. "Alright. Fine. You know the consequences." 

"And so do you," he replied evenly. There was a biting edge to his tone that could send chills down one's spine.

Amber swallowed hard. "I hope you're happy," she responded. "Because when you finally get home, things are going to be much, much different." Spinning on her heel, she stomped out of the room, then back outside, letting the door slam behind her. 

As soon as she was gone, Travis started to collapse, and he grabbed Angel to keep from falling. The stress of the situation had been too much. Lane automatically stepped forward to help, but Travis held up a hand to stop him, followed by a glare. "Don't even." 

Lane drew back, the pain returning to his face. Obviously he was still bitter about being left in the dark. It was Lane's own fault and he knew it...but his son's rejection still hurt like nothing else. 

Travis leaned heavily on Angel, wincing as his ribs retaliated against the movement, and his head spun. "I'm sorry about my mother," he apologized. "She won't be coming back." 

How could he be so sure? Lane's brow furrowed. "What did you say to her?" 

"That's between her and me." Travis turned back to the bed, needing Angel's help so as not to fall.

Throw you Out

Listing to Kirks reply Sapphire can feel her emotions bubble, and a new anger raise. She didn't like getting mad, She didn't like not being in controle, and she didn't like the people she cared about being spoken badly when they didn't even know them. It was one thing that bothered her more than anything else.

Before Sapphire even new what she was doing or even why her hand met Kirk's face hard with a loud slap. Her voice raising higher than she even new.

   "No one has seduced me, and it is not your place to even say so. If you really new anything you'd know Gage would not do that at all. He HAS changed, he has become a different person, and he wouldn't hurt a fly."

Relising she had been talking loudly and sure someone else might of heard her Sapphire stood and cleared her throat. Kirk hadn't even been here that long but it had been long enough already. 

   "Gage has changed and if your narrow mind can't see or comprehend it than that is your problem but don't you dare go around smearing someones name in the mud just because you have a different idea of how things work. Now get out of my office or I will throw you out myself."

Sapphire walks to the door in the office and holds it open for him. She'd had enough and was already upset and didn't want it to continue. Work was her safe place and Kirk was ruing that.

As Jason starts to walk away Katie was ready to go back to her own work when she hears Jason tell her Trooper was there. It had been a long long time since she saw her fuzzy friend. 

Pushing all better sense aside Katie stands and walks to catch up with Jason. A little time away from work wouldn't hurt anything.

   "Paper work is no fun. Lets forgo it for a littel while longer, and visit with Trooper."

Giving a smile to Con she was happy she was able to help. Giving his hand a pat she stood and walked back over to her desk and sat down. 

   "Embrace the day Con, you've got so much to be happy about."

It made her feel good to have helped him as well. She lived for these moments, to see the smiles return, to help those who needed it. Today she had helped, and it made her feel good.

Standing as someone came in the door she had hear a commotion outside and was on guard in case it was the Agency again. Seeing Lane enter her face held worry that got worse being introduced. She had heard enough about Amber to know she didn't like her already. How she had hurt her brother, and how she had walked all over him. Angel did not take kindly to that one bit.

About to introduce herself Angel just steps back as they go into the other room her eyes following them. Just staying back she would stay out of this for now. She didn't know what was going to happen and she'd rather stay out of the family matter. Sitting back down she just waited.

As Amber raised her voice again a few moments later Angel had, had enough. Slamming her pencil down on the table she stood and walked into the other room putting herself in front of everyone. She did not like the way Amber talked about her brother, or her home.

   "Excuse me...I am Dr. Angel Trahern. I have a full medical degree, and this is just as good here as going to the hospital. Nothing unlawful happened in this office. This might not be a big fancy hospital, but I have just as much knowledge as any other doctor."

Eyeing Amber she looks to Lane fire in her eyes mixed with sarrow. How could he ever love someone like this. The only answer she use to be much much different than she was now.

   "Travis needs to continue to rest and now be moved. If you take him not you run the rise of doing more harm than good. Even if you take him to a hospital. He just needs a few more days of rest, and he will be right as rain. I can go over everything with you in his medical records if you'd like."

She was trying to be nice even if she didn't like her. For everyones sake, she was trying.



 

Brute

Kirk pursed his lips in thought, and made a note or two, but didn't seem phased by Sapphire's strong response. "I'm not judging," he corrected. "I'm simply going by the facts. And what I see is an ex-Agency man, first allowed to roam the streets free, second to actually obtain assistance from the Elite, and third to seduce a young Elite agent so he can get his foot in the door whenever he wants and destroy this place little by little, right under everyone's noses." 

He leaned forward slightly. "That...is the risk I see. That...is the danger I see. He may not have interfered yet, but who says he won't? A leopard can't change its spots. What makes you think Gage can change his?" 


Feeling Katie's light touch, and looking down into her eyes, Jason sensed a tingle run all the way down his spine. Not good. At all. ...Right? He swallowed hard, fighting the urge to take her hand in his. What? No. Definitely not good. Was he staring? He blinked.

"Hawk eyes? Oh, right. Yeah." A new smile formed. "Of course. And thanks." He nodded. "You're right...I can't put my life on hold. I keep telling Reese that. You'd think I'd take my own advice." 

He gave a light laugh and straightened up with a little sigh. "Well, now that that's settled, I gotta go do some paperwork. Fun, fun, fun." He turned to leave, then stopped and glanced back over his shoulder. "Oh, by the way, Trooper is with me today, in my office if you wanted to see him." 


Listening to Hope, Con felt something inside of him crack. A wall, perhaps, that he hadn't even realized was there. Looking down at the floor, tears stung his eyes, and he was quiet for a long while, afraid if he spoke, his voice might crack. He finally nodded and took a deep breath. She was right. He had friends. Family. He was loved. And none of them were afraid of him, let alone thinking of him as a monster. It was his own lack of confidence that was gnawing at him - not facts. 

"Thank you," he finally whispered. "I think... you're right." He turned to look at her, appreciating her gentleness and honesty. "And I think... I have some people I need to go say hi to... so I can remember what they really think of me." 


Lane flinched as he was whacked upside the head, his eyes going wide, then even wider as his sister called him by his old nickname. As she continued though, his shoulders sank a little, as did his eyes. Strayed? Indeed. How could she forgive him? 

"Thank you..." Nearing, he wrapped his arms around her in a strong hug. "I know I said it before, but I'm so sorry. I'll try to make it up to you...and everyone else here...


...The sun hadn't quite set yet as it laid its golden rays like a blanket over the ranch. It was peaceful tonight. Despite everything, somehow peace was able to dwell here in this very special place. 

Mick sipped a cup of coffee as he stood on the porch after supper, leaned back against the wall, just looking out over the ranch yard. Chores were done. Supper had been eaten. Things were quiet. That was a good sign. Stacy would be making her extra rounds. Sparky was on schedule to also make rounds, and Xander would be keeping an eye on the camera monitors tonight. They had a system, just like Con wanted them to and Mick only hoped that it wouldn't last long. As soon as they were confident the Agency wouldn't try any tricks, they could relax again. 

Movement caught Mick's eye, and he straightened, squinting down the driveway. "What the..." Was that someone approaching on foot? They had closed the gate at the end of the driveway and padlocked it. Who in their right mind would come traipsing in like this, if not to cause trouble? 

Slipping back in the house, he set his coffee mug down and grabbed his shotgun once again. "Stay alert," he mentioned calmly to those still at the tables. "We got company." 

He exited once more and seeing the figure had neared even more, he cocked the gun and put it to his shoulder, still walking to meet them. "Stop right there," he barked.

It was a woman. She had been paying very little attention, and now realizing a gun was being aimed at her, she stopped in her tracks with a gasp. Her hands went up into the air, and her cellphone was dropped on the ground. "I-I-I'm just... I didn't mean... I'm sorry. I-I just..." 

Mick's eyes narrowed. She was well-dressed. High heels. Dress pants and nice shirt. Designer purse. The fear on her face appeared to be genuine. "Who are you and what do you want?" he asked sternly.

"I-I'm looking for...for someone," she stammered. "Isn't this th-the R/M ranch?"

"Didn't you see the gate?" 

"Well yes, b-b-but I didn't think...I mean...please, I-I just...I didn't mean to trespass." 

Back inside the house, several people had glanced out the window or stepped out on the porch to see what was going on, ready for anything. Lane, inside, drew back a curtain to see. As soon as he did, his eyes widened. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me." Hurrying outside, he came up behind Mick. "Whoa, she's alright, you can put the gun down."

Mick wasn't so sure, and kept his eyes on the woman. "Who are you?" he repeated. 

She was too shook up to even answer, so Lane stepped in front of her to force Mick to lower the gun. "She may be stupid, but she's not here to hurt anyone." 

The woman's face turned into a scowl. 

"This is Amber," Lane finished explaining. He turned to face her, hands on hips. "And I would like to know why on earth she is here." 

"Are you crazy?!" Her hands came down to give his chest a shove, causing him to take a couple steps back. "What kind of sick place is this and where is my son?!" 

Lane took off his hat to run a hand through his hair, then slapped it back on his head. This...was not good. "How did you find me?" 

"That is not the question here!" Amber picked up her phone and stuffed it in her purse. "Where is Travis? Tell me, or so help me I will have you arrested for kidnapping!" 

"For crying out loud!" 

Mick's eyes had widened, and he slowly backed away from the scene so as not to be involved, but still within earshot. This was clearly a personal matter. 

Lane set his hands on his hips. "He's eighteen years old. He's an adult, Amber. What possessed you to come looking for him?!" 

"What possessed me was knowing the kind of man you are! You've threatened more than once to take him to Mexico, so tell me - where is he?! I will call the police." She held up her phone to threaten him. 

Without warning, Lane snatched it from her hand and held it up out of her reach. "You will do no such thing."

"Give me my phone back!" Amber ordered. When he wouldn't, she tried hitting his chest, then his arms, then his ribs. 

He was okay until she got to his ribs. Blocking with his free hand, he grabbed her arm, twisted it and spun her around so her back was held against his chest, and he was holding her in a partial bear hug. "Cut it out!" he demanded. 

"Let go of me!" she shrieked, trying to get away. "Get your hands off me, you brute!" 

Lane let her go...with a slight shove. Stumbling forward, her ankle rolled on her high heel, and she wound up on all fours on the driveway. Glaring up at him, her words came out ice cold. "You lay one more finger on me, and I will have you arrested for assault so fast your head is going to swim."

Lane visibly winced at the harshness in her tone before he growled and tossed her phone back to her before putting his hands up behind his head. He knew she wasn't bluffing. Her husband would see to it he'd lose in court, and he'd be behind bars quicker than he could blink. Pain was the most pronounced emotion on his face in this tormented moment. 

Amber stood again and brushed herself off before continuing her glare at her ex-husband. "Now. You tell me where my son is." 

How she'd found them, Lane didn't know. But he wished he could have seen this coming. So much for smooth sailing. 

Mick startled him. "Lane...you need any help?"

Lane knew he was offering to get Amber off the property, but if he did, who knew what kind of lawsuit she'd bring to the ranch? Lane couldn't let that happen. He shook his head. "No...I was just going to take her to see Travis." His shoulders had dropped in surrender. 

Amber nodded her approval. "That's much better."

Feeling - and looking - like a whipped puppy, Lane trudged towards Angel's, knowing that stuff hadn't even hit the fan yet. It was about to get worse and there was nothing he could do to stop it. His stomach tied itself in a knot and his head hurt. It was all his own fault though...so he might as well face the music. 

Following along behind him, Amber's stride matched her irritation. If one looked closely, they might see fear behind her eyes, but in no way did it dictate her actions at this point. She was out for blood - Lane's blood. Once they were at Angel's, Lane opened the door for her to enter first, then followed. 

He looked to Angel with pained apology. "Angel, this is Travis' mother, Amber. Amber, this is Angel Trahern. My sister."

Amber's eyes widened and her gaze snapped up at him. "You don't have any family." 

"Actually, I do." Before she could argue further, he pointed to the back room. "Come with me." His jaw was set with tension as he led her to where Travis was. 

Seeing him in bed with his battered face, Amber gave a little wail. "Travis!" 

He'd been asleep, and now blinked his eyes open groggily. "Mom?" 

Her hands covered her mouth as she came closer. "Oh, what happened? Who did this to you?" Her eyes automatically found Lance, accusation in her stare. 

Lane held up his hands angrily. "What do you think I am?!" 

Travis pulled himself up a little. "Mom, what are you doing here?" 

"What am I doing here? What are you doing here? I've been trying to get a hold of you for days!" She sat on the edge of the bed and gingerly touched around some of the bruises on his face. "What happened to you?" 

Lane stepped forward. If she didn't get satisfactory answers, this was going to get even uglier. "He was abducted by a crime organization that I helped fight against years ago, before we even met. They were trying to use me for their benefit, and holding Travis until I did what they wanted. These people at this ranch have been fighting this organization almost all their lives - this is where I lived at one time. So I called on them for help. We rescued Travis and brought him back here to recover." 

Amber's mouth was hanging open. Standing, she came within inches of Lane. "You mean to tell me you called on some friends, rather than the police?" she hissed. "You brought him to a stinking horse ranch instead of a hospital? What were you thinking?" Her voice started to rise again. "How could you even do such a thing, and without even a single word to me? His mother?! What kind of a father are you?!" 

Lane's anger was boiling as he tried to keep his cool. Anybody could see how deeply her words were hurting him. "I did what I thought was best," he replied calmly. "Calling the police - or you - would have gotten him killed. As it is, he's recovering and will be quite well in a few day's time." 

"For your sake, I certainly hope so." Amber swiveled to see Travis again. "Can you walk?" 

Travis frowned. "What? I think so. Why?"

"Because we're leaving. Now."

"He's not going anywhere," Lane intervened. They hoped Travis was out of the woods, but with Agency poison, one could never be sure. "He needs to rest." 

"What he needs is a hospital!" 

"He's getting the best possible care right here." 

"Do you have any idea what I could do to you right now?" she threatened. "You failed to report a kidnapping, you failed to report criminal activity, you failed to give someone the medical attention they needed, and now you are deliberately interfering with an attempt at giving them the care they need. Do you realize I could put you away for this? Do you?!" 

Lane had nothing to say. He had no defense. All he could do was stare at her as his emotions boiled inside. 

She lifted her chin before focusing back on her son. "I'm calling the police, then you're coming with me." 

Travis had been scowling during the entire episode, and now shook his head slowly. "No. Dad's right. Don't call the cops. And I'm not going with you."

"Do not defy me, young man," she reprimanded. "You may be eighteen, but I'm still your mother, and there is no way on God's green earth I am letting you stay here. And if I have any control, which I do, you will be seeing far less of your father because he is going to pay for this."

Lane's hands became fists at his sides. It felt as though he'd just been stabbed through the heart...multiple times. He was completely helpless. There was nothing he could do. If he fought, she'd have him thrown in jail - and she could do it, too. Without any options, he turned and left the room, then braced himself against a wall, his head hanging as he continued to listen. He didn't have the strength to even look up at Angel. He was a coward. Weak. Powerless. Embarrassed. Hurt. And probably the worst father to walk the face of the earth. 

Back in the room Amber tapped her foot impatiently. "You said you could walk," she prodded Travis. "Was that the truth?"

"It was. But that doesn't mean I'm going with you." 

"It does unless you want to see your father behind bars." 

Travis gritted his teeth and pulled back the covers, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, prepared to stand.