Ty's eyes drop at Libby's question, and for the first time today, he seems to shut down. Thankfully, their order number is called, so he has an excuse to leave and come back with their food.
Once they've started eating though, Ty's had enough time to get over it. "Yeah." He takes bite of his chicken tender, dipping it again in the bbq sauce. "That's why I failed my driver's test... several times."
He shrugs lamely, his gaze remaining on his food as he tries to act as though the whole thing doesn't really matter. "I've had people try to help me before, Libby... I just don't have the smarts for it."
Pausing, he takes a sip of his drink then fools with another chicken tender bu delays a bite. "When I was a kid... in school... I didn't learn like the other kids. At first the teachers thought I was slow, so I got put in some special ed classes. I... didn't respond well to the teaching or my classmates."
Ty finally looks up at Libby. He had never told that to anyone. "Then they decided I was just being stubborn so they swapped me out again but by then I was behind the regular kids so I got put back a grade. Still couldn't read though. I got some stupid teachers who thought I was doing it on purpose 'cause I was doing alright in things like math and science - when no actual word reading was involved. So they forced me to do my work anyway with no extra help. I started failing. My adopted parents... they didn't give a flying rat's butt about why I was having a problem so I just got into trouble when I started getting F's."
Another shrug comes. He didn't know why he felt Libby deserved the story... no one else ever had, not even Katie. But maybe he was finally to the point where he really had given up. It just didn't matter anymore. "And now... I don't know... sometimes I can remember short words and sometimes I can maybe figure out parts of letters my mom sends me but not enough to really get the good stuff. Then if I don't keep trying, I just forget it all and it's like starting over from square one. If I could take my stupid driver's test orally, I'd be okay. I know all the answers, I just... don't know where they are on the page."
Shaking his head, Ty tries to concentrate on his food again. "I appreciate the offer... but I'm not convinced that any more help is really gonna do any good. I just can't do it."
1/3/10
Little eyes
Sitting with Ty and waiting for the food Libby enjoyed the light conversation with him. He was smart, and if never told so, and never put into the position she wouldn't have been able to tell he couldn't read. It crossed her mind that no one showed him, or maybe no one had the pasents to help. Oh how much he was missing not being able to at least read a little.
Giving a soft smile and a little nod Libby turns a little in her chair to look at the menu again. Starting at the top she started to read.
" Number one they have A spicy chicken sandwich, second they have chicken frys, third they have a ranch chicken wrap, fourth they have a bacon ranch chicken melt..."
Libby's words trail off as she looks down at Ty again. There was a bit of question in her eyes, and though the list was done she wanted to ask Ty something.
"Is that why you didnt pass your driving test Ty? Because if it is, I would be more than willing to help you. I always have a bunch of free time and I wouldn't mind at all."
Starting out again Amanda does her best to with talking. She new JT was getting tired and she couldn't blame him. Finally though as the car falls silent her question going unanswered she looks over to see JT sleeping. Adjusting the mirror to look in the back and see Bree was resting comfortable still two little eyes from under a blanker stared back at her. Amanda's heart went out for Bree again feeling bad for her. Giving a small smile she looks to the road and than back to Bree in the mirror.
"Would you like me to turn on some music so you have something to listen to? I'm not sure what we can get out here, but I am sure I can find something. Would you like that?"
Seeing the blankets move a little Amanda could tell Bree was shaking her head yes. Reaching out and turning on the music more in the backseat than the front so it wouldnt bother JT Amanda looks for something to listen to. Setting on a more soft but upbeat christam station she was she she had hurd the name of the bad before.
"Don't go anywhere, dont touch that dial, if you though the last band was good your going to love the next one. Jetstream coming to you with there new hit single."
Looking back in the mirror once more Amanda talks to Bree.
"There we go, something nice to listen too. If you want anything to drink there are some water bottle there by you by the floor. Try to close your eyes and get some sleep ok? We will be there soon, and your Uncle is right up here sleeping too. So you have nothing to worry about."
Focusing back on the road again Amanda cracks open her window a little to help keep herself awake as well. Singing softly to the music as it played on the radio the soft sun rise greeting her as she drove over the next mountain top.
Giving a soft smile and a little nod Libby turns a little in her chair to look at the menu again. Starting at the top she started to read.
" Number one they have A spicy chicken sandwich, second they have chicken frys, third they have a ranch chicken wrap, fourth they have a bacon ranch chicken melt..."
Libby's words trail off as she looks down at Ty again. There was a bit of question in her eyes, and though the list was done she wanted to ask Ty something.
"Is that why you didnt pass your driving test Ty? Because if it is, I would be more than willing to help you. I always have a bunch of free time and I wouldn't mind at all."
Starting out again Amanda does her best to with talking. She new JT was getting tired and she couldn't blame him. Finally though as the car falls silent her question going unanswered she looks over to see JT sleeping. Adjusting the mirror to look in the back and see Bree was resting comfortable still two little eyes from under a blanker stared back at her. Amanda's heart went out for Bree again feeling bad for her. Giving a small smile she looks to the road and than back to Bree in the mirror.
"Would you like me to turn on some music so you have something to listen to? I'm not sure what we can get out here, but I am sure I can find something. Would you like that?"
Seeing the blankets move a little Amanda could tell Bree was shaking her head yes. Reaching out and turning on the music more in the backseat than the front so it wouldnt bother JT Amanda looks for something to listen to. Setting on a more soft but upbeat christam station she was she she had hurd the name of the bad before.
"Don't go anywhere, dont touch that dial, if you though the last band was good your going to love the next one. Jetstream coming to you with there new hit single."
Looking back in the mirror once more Amanda talks to Bree.
"There we go, something nice to listen too. If you want anything to drink there are some water bottle there by you by the floor. Try to close your eyes and get some sleep ok? We will be there soon, and your Uncle is right up here sleeping too. So you have nothing to worry about."
Focusing back on the road again Amanda cracks open her window a little to help keep herself awake as well. Singing softly to the music as it played on the radio the soft sun rise greeting her as she drove over the next mountain top.
Silent
Ty stares up at the menu as Libby casually names some of the items off. It could all be Egyptian hieroglyphics and he wouldn't be the wiser, though he did recognize a few letters up there. Now if the board said "cat" and "run" he might be able to figure it out. At any rate, he was glad that Libby could find what she wanted.
He gives her a little grin. "You're welcome."
Finishing their order, he pays and they stand and wait until it's ready. While waiting, he looks back up at the menu again. "Hey, Libby..." He bites his top lip, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, swaying just a little. "Tell me what the choices are again? But... list them from top to bottom... then I can remember what numbers they are next time I come. I might... I might want to try something different sometime."
JT gives a short laugh. "Yeah..." He holds up his pop. "This just isn't cutting it."
He looks in on Bree again before shutting the door and wandering back around to the passenger front seat. Getting in, he just thinks for several moments. What had he gotten them into? Did they really do the right thing? Was there really no other way? Did this wrong really make a right?
Setting his pop bottle down in the cup holder, he points to the highway. "Just keep on going... when you hit Pine Valley, you'll wanna start heading south just a bit."
Leaning back in his seat, he tries to keep his eyes open and even tries smalltalk to stay awake. But it wasn't very many more miles before he was sound asleep.
"Who was the other man with you? ...What other information did you have? ....Who helped you, Brent?!"
Gunner sat at the table, his hands cuffed in front of him. His eyes remained glued to the wall behind the detective and his lips remained silent.
The detective's palm slams down on the table. "Breaking and entering! Assault! Attempted murder! Kidnapping! How long do you want the list, eh? We will find out who else helped you... and all of you will pay for this. But trust me... you want it to go easier, you start talking."
Silence.
"Fine. Sit here and think it over for a few hours. The chief will want to know about this."
The door slams shut and Gunner leans down to put his head in his hands. He would not give up JT, Scott or Dalton. Tomorrow he would start asking to see someone who maybe could help. But for now, he would remain silent.
He gives her a little grin. "You're welcome."
Finishing their order, he pays and they stand and wait until it's ready. While waiting, he looks back up at the menu again. "Hey, Libby..." He bites his top lip, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, swaying just a little. "Tell me what the choices are again? But... list them from top to bottom... then I can remember what numbers they are next time I come. I might... I might want to try something different sometime."
JT gives a short laugh. "Yeah..." He holds up his pop. "This just isn't cutting it."
He looks in on Bree again before shutting the door and wandering back around to the passenger front seat. Getting in, he just thinks for several moments. What had he gotten them into? Did they really do the right thing? Was there really no other way? Did this wrong really make a right?
Setting his pop bottle down in the cup holder, he points to the highway. "Just keep on going... when you hit Pine Valley, you'll wanna start heading south just a bit."
Leaning back in his seat, he tries to keep his eyes open and even tries smalltalk to stay awake. But it wasn't very many more miles before he was sound asleep.
"Who was the other man with you? ...What other information did you have? ....Who helped you, Brent?!"
Gunner sat at the table, his hands cuffed in front of him. His eyes remained glued to the wall behind the detective and his lips remained silent.
The detective's palm slams down on the table. "Breaking and entering! Assault! Attempted murder! Kidnapping! How long do you want the list, eh? We will find out who else helped you... and all of you will pay for this. But trust me... you want it to go easier, you start talking."
Silence.
"Fine. Sit here and think it over for a few hours. The chief will want to know about this."
The door slams shut and Gunner leans down to put his head in his hands. He would not give up JT, Scott or Dalton. Tomorrow he would start asking to see someone who maybe could help. But for now, he would remain silent.
Trauma
Exiting the arcade and taking a deep breath of air Libby puts her hands into her jacket pocket. It was chilly out, but the walk would defiantly be a nice change from driving.
Not taking long to get to the small restaurant Libby enters with Ty. She'd never been here before but she had heard about it. Standing next to Ty Libby looks up at the menu for a long moment. Taking into consideration what Ty had said where the best options that he new of.
Without even thinking twice about it Libby reads some things off the list talking to herself but saying it loud enough that Ty could here, and yet not feel like she was shooting him down.
"Lets see what we got here..spicy chicken sandwich, Onion rings, chicken frys, a ranch chick wrap...Mmmm...."
Libby brings a hand to her mouth for a long moment contemplating what she wanted.
"I think I'd like the chicken wrap and onion rings."
Turning to Ty and gives a smile her eyes give a small twinkle.
"Thank you, by the way!"
Getting out of the car to stretch her own legs and use the rest room Amanda makes her way back to the car. Leaning her back on the passenger side door she runs a hand though her hair before looking down and just watching Bree and JT for a long moment.
As the car door opens and a cool breeze enters Bree shivers slightly and pulls the blankets around herself. It had been a long night that started with a panic of not knowing quite where she was, that continued with horrible dreams and nightmare.
Looking up at her Uncle Bree's eyes held a little more life to them as they had before though much of her mind was still foggy, and the voice she so desperately wanted to use just wouldn't come, not yet.
Ranch, bed, sleep, where were they going? Her mind tried to process everything but it seemed so far away just to figure out the simplest of thing. Just moving her hand to place it back on the car seat Bree staired at the off color leather keeping the blanket Gunner had wrapped around her close.
Shaking her head Amanda lets out a small sigh. She felt so bad for JT and for Bree. She could only hope things would go right once they got to the ranch. She had seen these sighs before like Bree was showing without talking and most of the time it was dew to trama. It was good to see her awake though and one could hope her voice would finds its way back to her in time with rest.
Giving a soft chuckle at JT's offer Amanda shakes her head resting a hand on his shoulder.
"You can hardly say awake yourself JT. You've been through alot more than I have tonight and need the rest. I'll be ok for a few more hours. You try and get some sleep."
Not taking long to get to the small restaurant Libby enters with Ty. She'd never been here before but she had heard about it. Standing next to Ty Libby looks up at the menu for a long moment. Taking into consideration what Ty had said where the best options that he new of.
Without even thinking twice about it Libby reads some things off the list talking to herself but saying it loud enough that Ty could here, and yet not feel like she was shooting him down.
"Lets see what we got here..spicy chicken sandwich, Onion rings, chicken frys, a ranch chick wrap...Mmmm...."
Libby brings a hand to her mouth for a long moment contemplating what she wanted.
"I think I'd like the chicken wrap and onion rings."
Turning to Ty and gives a smile her eyes give a small twinkle.
"Thank you, by the way!"
Getting out of the car to stretch her own legs and use the rest room Amanda makes her way back to the car. Leaning her back on the passenger side door she runs a hand though her hair before looking down and just watching Bree and JT for a long moment.
As the car door opens and a cool breeze enters Bree shivers slightly and pulls the blankets around herself. It had been a long night that started with a panic of not knowing quite where she was, that continued with horrible dreams and nightmare.
Looking up at her Uncle Bree's eyes held a little more life to them as they had before though much of her mind was still foggy, and the voice she so desperately wanted to use just wouldn't come, not yet.
Ranch, bed, sleep, where were they going? Her mind tried to process everything but it seemed so far away just to figure out the simplest of thing. Just moving her hand to place it back on the car seat Bree staired at the off color leather keeping the blanket Gunner had wrapped around her close.
Shaking her head Amanda lets out a small sigh. She felt so bad for JT and for Bree. She could only hope things would go right once they got to the ranch. She had seen these sighs before like Bree was showing without talking and most of the time it was dew to trama. It was good to see her awake though and one could hope her voice would finds its way back to her in time with rest.
Giving a soft chuckle at JT's offer Amanda shakes her head resting a hand on his shoulder.
"You can hardly say awake yourself JT. You've been through alot more than I have tonight and need the rest. I'll be ok for a few more hours. You try and get some sleep."
Dawn
Ty gives Libby a sheepish look, then his own laugh. "Alright. We'll I'd probably end up getting in trouble too, so I'd say it's a good idea all around."
Tossing his cup into the trashcan, he nods to the door. "I know a place we can walk to, then come back and get your car when we're done." He stops and quirks an eyebrow. "I know just about every place we can walk to, come to think of it. Without wheels, one tends to know those things."
Heading back through the arcade, he pauses at the door for Libby, then exits with her. Walking to Buck's only takes five minutes and the little cafe was hardly busy. It was a family-owned restaurant, small with only one room to sit and a limited menu. But their specialty was chicken strips and fries, and they immediately became a favorite place to eat after anyone tried them for the first time.
Ty enters and stops a ways back from the counter, looking up at the menu board. "Their original chicken strips are to die for, or they got spicy. They also have...." He gestures to the lists. "...several other things, but I have no clue what they are, so you'll have to take your pick. And if I didn't say it before, this is on me."
JT cocks his head and just watches Amanda for several moments. He'd hoped she would help, but he had no idea she'd go this far out on a limb for him and Bree. He'd already said thank you, but... "Thank you... right now all we need is to get to the ranch. After that, we'll get you home... and if anyone questions you or tries to get you in trouble, I'm taking the heat... I don't want you pulled down with this."
Her offer for the napkins makes him grin a little. He knew he must look a sight. Looking in the mirror under the visor proves it and he cringes. "It's amazing you didn't just keep right on driving when you saw me." Taking the napkins he works at the makeup, eventually getting his face to the point where it maybe looked like he'd been in a mechanic's shop all day but no longer at war.
Several hours into the trip, the sky is turning gray, signaling that dawn is just over the horizon. One stop for gas and another stop to stretch their legs and JT was having a hard time staying awake. Ambling back to the car with a bottle of pop, he takes a swig, looking around the almost-empty parking lot. Going to the back of the car, he opens the door near Bree's head and squats down, reaching in to run his fingers through her hair. "Hey, Bree," he greets quietly. "How ya doin', huh? That water set with you alright? We're gonna be there soon, okay? Few more hours and we'll get you in a nice comfy bed where you can just relax and sleep."
He glances up to see Amanda. "They've got a doctor at the ranch... I'm hoping she's got the stuff we can set up for an iv once we get there so we can get some nutrition into Bree."
Sighing, he stands up. "You want me to drive for a while?"
Tossing his cup into the trashcan, he nods to the door. "I know a place we can walk to, then come back and get your car when we're done." He stops and quirks an eyebrow. "I know just about every place we can walk to, come to think of it. Without wheels, one tends to know those things."
Heading back through the arcade, he pauses at the door for Libby, then exits with her. Walking to Buck's only takes five minutes and the little cafe was hardly busy. It was a family-owned restaurant, small with only one room to sit and a limited menu. But their specialty was chicken strips and fries, and they immediately became a favorite place to eat after anyone tried them for the first time.
Ty enters and stops a ways back from the counter, looking up at the menu board. "Their original chicken strips are to die for, or they got spicy. They also have...." He gestures to the lists. "...several other things, but I have no clue what they are, so you'll have to take your pick. And if I didn't say it before, this is on me."
JT cocks his head and just watches Amanda for several moments. He'd hoped she would help, but he had no idea she'd go this far out on a limb for him and Bree. He'd already said thank you, but... "Thank you... right now all we need is to get to the ranch. After that, we'll get you home... and if anyone questions you or tries to get you in trouble, I'm taking the heat... I don't want you pulled down with this."
Her offer for the napkins makes him grin a little. He knew he must look a sight. Looking in the mirror under the visor proves it and he cringes. "It's amazing you didn't just keep right on driving when you saw me." Taking the napkins he works at the makeup, eventually getting his face to the point where it maybe looked like he'd been in a mechanic's shop all day but no longer at war.
Several hours into the trip, the sky is turning gray, signaling that dawn is just over the horizon. One stop for gas and another stop to stretch their legs and JT was having a hard time staying awake. Ambling back to the car with a bottle of pop, he takes a swig, looking around the almost-empty parking lot. Going to the back of the car, he opens the door near Bree's head and squats down, reaching in to run his fingers through her hair. "Hey, Bree," he greets quietly. "How ya doin', huh? That water set with you alright? We're gonna be there soon, okay? Few more hours and we'll get you in a nice comfy bed where you can just relax and sleep."
He glances up to see Amanda. "They've got a doctor at the ranch... I'm hoping she's got the stuff we can set up for an iv once we get there so we can get some nutrition into Bree."
Sighing, he stands up. "You want me to drive for a while?"
Compartment
It was nice seeing Ty smile. Though she hadnt know him for long she got the feeling it was something he really didn't do often and it made Libby feel good that she could help him do so.
Looking at the clock and seeing just what time it is she can't help but be a little surprised. Normaly she was good at keeping track of time but today...well it just slipped away.
Thinking for a long moment about dinner Libby new all she would do was go home, listen to her mom and step dad fight, have to deal with her brother stupidity and maybe for once she really just didn't want to deal with that.
"For dinner...I will probably be trying to stay out of trouble and...that might be a little easier if I had someone with me."
Libby gives Ty a side long glance as she puts her own guitar onto the small stands for now. Grabbing her pop she had been milking the whole time she takes one long sip of it before tossing it in the trash. Giving a shake of her head with a little giggle Libby looks at Ty again.
"Yes Ty, if your asking I will go to dinner with you."
Getting back into her own car Amanda waits for JT to get Bree situated in the back of the car before finally pulling out onto the road again. Just continuing down the dark back road Amanda follows JT's directions with no questions asked. Not being able to help but glance once and a while in the back seat admiring how gentile and caring he was with Bree.
As JT starts to crawl into the front seat Amanda moves a few things placing them on the ground in the back behind her, and just shoving over items like her gloves and what not. Her car wasnt the cleanest today and to her it almost like she was living it it, but most weeks she was so busy that she did live out of it.
Continuing to drive Amanda listens as JT starts to tell her about Bree, and himself and what had happened. It pained her heart to think someone would do that to another person when there was no need, especially when the person was there own child. Amanda didnt know Bree from a hill of beans but whenever she saw her in the hospital Bree had always been nice.
"Thats horrible all the stuff had to happen to Bree. She is pretty lucky to have someone like you around them.Well, I'm really glad I deiced to help. I know you would of done the same for me."
Giving a quick glance to JT in the passage side Amanda takes him in, and the look of love for Bree behind it eyes was amazing.
"I am glad I did come to help. You would of done the same for me. Just keep giving me the directions and I will get you to Texas in one peace. I really hope they can help you. If I can do anything else just let me know too. Ok?"
A soft smile comes to Amanda's face. Running a hand through her hand for a moment and than moving her glasses up on her face a little as they started to slide down her nose she lets out a sigh. She might have been tired before but she was awake now, with a destination, a promise in mind.
"In the glove compartment there, there should be some napkins and some lotion if you want to get that paint off your face.
Looking at the clock and seeing just what time it is she can't help but be a little surprised. Normaly she was good at keeping track of time but today...well it just slipped away.
Thinking for a long moment about dinner Libby new all she would do was go home, listen to her mom and step dad fight, have to deal with her brother stupidity and maybe for once she really just didn't want to deal with that.
"For dinner...I will probably be trying to stay out of trouble and...that might be a little easier if I had someone with me."
Libby gives Ty a side long glance as she puts her own guitar onto the small stands for now. Grabbing her pop she had been milking the whole time she takes one long sip of it before tossing it in the trash. Giving a shake of her head with a little giggle Libby looks at Ty again.
"Yes Ty, if your asking I will go to dinner with you."
Getting back into her own car Amanda waits for JT to get Bree situated in the back of the car before finally pulling out onto the road again. Just continuing down the dark back road Amanda follows JT's directions with no questions asked. Not being able to help but glance once and a while in the back seat admiring how gentile and caring he was with Bree.
As JT starts to crawl into the front seat Amanda moves a few things placing them on the ground in the back behind her, and just shoving over items like her gloves and what not. Her car wasnt the cleanest today and to her it almost like she was living it it, but most weeks she was so busy that she did live out of it.
Continuing to drive Amanda listens as JT starts to tell her about Bree, and himself and what had happened. It pained her heart to think someone would do that to another person when there was no need, especially when the person was there own child. Amanda didnt know Bree from a hill of beans but whenever she saw her in the hospital Bree had always been nice.
"Thats horrible all the stuff had to happen to Bree. She is pretty lucky to have someone like you around them.Well, I'm really glad I deiced to help. I know you would of done the same for me."
Giving a quick glance to JT in the passage side Amanda takes him in, and the look of love for Bree behind it eyes was amazing.
"I am glad I did come to help. You would of done the same for me. Just keep giving me the directions and I will get you to Texas in one peace. I really hope they can help you. If I can do anything else just let me know too. Ok?"
A soft smile comes to Amanda's face. Running a hand through her hand for a moment and than moving her glasses up on her face a little as they started to slide down her nose she lets out a sigh. She might have been tired before but she was awake now, with a destination, a promise in mind.
"In the glove compartment there, there should be some napkins and some lotion if you want to get that paint off your face.
The only one
A mixture of relief and gratefulness sweep through JT. He lets Amanda go and nods. "Alright. Let me move her into your car."
It takes some doing but he manages to move Bree from his car and into Amanda's. Climbing into the back seat with her, he gets Amanda's bag, not needing to ask where or what anything was. He doesn't bother turning around as he starts to work on Bree. "Just keep on this road until you hit thirty-five, then you'll hit a right." He tears into a pack of alcohol swabs, gently starting to clean Bree's wounds.
"Easy, babe," he croons. "Just relax. You're safe now. Everything is going to be okay." Before he's finished with her, he fishes a small digital camera from his pocket and snaps a few pictures of the bruises and signs of brutality or neglect. It would be their only proof of anything.
JT keeps to himself for the next half hour, gently working with Bree and not caring if Amanda heard his father-like comfort. Eventually, he gets Bree comfortably situated in a blanket and resting for now. He knew it would take a while for the meds to work out of her system.
Crawling into the front passenger seat, he rests his elbow on the door, leaning his head into his palm and closing his eyes as he tries to relax for the first time tonight. "Thank you... Amanda." His quiet voice proved his exhaustion. "Not many people would have helped without question."
Falling silent again, he eventually lifts his head and opens his eyes to stare at the dark road. "Bree had a bad upbringing. She always had a different way of thinking and doing things, even when she was a kid. Her parents - my sister and brother-in-law - showed her no love until she eventually tried to commit suicide. It was a good excuse for them to say she was unstable and they put her in Crescentview. Eventually, she got out and slowly recovered... thats when she and I started interacting a whole lot more. Her parents basically ignored her so I just... took on that role."
Pausing, JT reflects on the love he had for his niece. She deserved so much better than this. "Last handful of years, things were fine. Until about two weeks ago... Bree's parents forced her back to Crescentview with radical treatment, when she was perfectly healthy and stable. It had to do with money and there was no way we could get her out... until tonight."
He knew his appearance explained enough about how they had gotten Bree out. "And here we are. Until we can prove what really happened, I've gotta keep her safe and avoid the police. A friend of mine... Bree's boyfriend... he's probably already behind bars by now."
He takes a deep breath. "So, I'm headed to a ranch in Texas where there are people I can trust. They don't know we're coming but... I know they'll help."
Stopping again, he looks to Amanda, noticing for the first time that her appearance proved he'd gotten her out of bed. "I'm sorry..." He takes his sleeve and wipes of more dark paint from his face. "You were the only one I could think of to call."
Ty has a ball with Libby, relaxing and just having fun, ignoring his insecurities for one of the first times in a long time. As they finish up the game, he laughs and shakes his head, setting down the guitar. "I think it would be a while before I could beat you."
Stretching tall, he looks towards the clock on the wall. "Dang... I don't want to go home." Sighing, he cocks his head at Libby. "I gotta be to work at seven.... but what are you doing for supper?"
It takes some doing but he manages to move Bree from his car and into Amanda's. Climbing into the back seat with her, he gets Amanda's bag, not needing to ask where or what anything was. He doesn't bother turning around as he starts to work on Bree. "Just keep on this road until you hit thirty-five, then you'll hit a right." He tears into a pack of alcohol swabs, gently starting to clean Bree's wounds.
"Easy, babe," he croons. "Just relax. You're safe now. Everything is going to be okay." Before he's finished with her, he fishes a small digital camera from his pocket and snaps a few pictures of the bruises and signs of brutality or neglect. It would be their only proof of anything.
JT keeps to himself for the next half hour, gently working with Bree and not caring if Amanda heard his father-like comfort. Eventually, he gets Bree comfortably situated in a blanket and resting for now. He knew it would take a while for the meds to work out of her system.
Crawling into the front passenger seat, he rests his elbow on the door, leaning his head into his palm and closing his eyes as he tries to relax for the first time tonight. "Thank you... Amanda." His quiet voice proved his exhaustion. "Not many people would have helped without question."
Falling silent again, he eventually lifts his head and opens his eyes to stare at the dark road. "Bree had a bad upbringing. She always had a different way of thinking and doing things, even when she was a kid. Her parents - my sister and brother-in-law - showed her no love until she eventually tried to commit suicide. It was a good excuse for them to say she was unstable and they put her in Crescentview. Eventually, she got out and slowly recovered... thats when she and I started interacting a whole lot more. Her parents basically ignored her so I just... took on that role."
Pausing, JT reflects on the love he had for his niece. She deserved so much better than this. "Last handful of years, things were fine. Until about two weeks ago... Bree's parents forced her back to Crescentview with radical treatment, when she was perfectly healthy and stable. It had to do with money and there was no way we could get her out... until tonight."
He knew his appearance explained enough about how they had gotten Bree out. "And here we are. Until we can prove what really happened, I've gotta keep her safe and avoid the police. A friend of mine... Bree's boyfriend... he's probably already behind bars by now."
He takes a deep breath. "So, I'm headed to a ranch in Texas where there are people I can trust. They don't know we're coming but... I know they'll help."
Stopping again, he looks to Amanda, noticing for the first time that her appearance proved he'd gotten her out of bed. "I'm sorry..." He takes his sleeve and wipes of more dark paint from his face. "You were the only one I could think of to call."
Ty has a ball with Libby, relaxing and just having fun, ignoring his insecurities for one of the first times in a long time. As they finish up the game, he laughs and shakes his head, setting down the guitar. "I think it would be a while before I could beat you."
Stretching tall, he looks towards the clock on the wall. "Dang... I don't want to go home." Sighing, he cocks his head at Libby. "I gotta be to work at seven.... but what are you doing for supper?"
1/2/10
Kit
As Ty takes the guitar Libby smiled and gave a small nod. She was happy her new found friend would play the game with her. Giving a chuckle at his comment she did nothing to draw attention to it.
After a few moments of setting the game up and than reading off the songs so Ty could pick the one he wanted the game started. Laughter rang from the room as Libby showed Ty how to play, did her own stuff and even tryed to be silly about it.
"Oh Green....red, red....AHHH they had to throw in an orange and mess me up didn't they."
Laughing again and moving on to more songs time passed quicker than anyone realized. It deffintly was nice having someone worth wild to hang out with. Singing along with the song on the last few notes Libby does a fake bow as it ends. Panting for breath as she turns to Ty.
"Your pretty good at this. Keep practicing and you might give me a run for my money."
Giving a little jump at JT's firm tone Amanda backs away a little bit. Not that she was scaired but only shocked for a moment still not knowing what was going on. Being pulled back to look at JT Amanda now notices how he was dressed and found it slightly odd. Though in the back of her mind she couldn't help but see his more charming features in the black getup.
"You will have a chance to tell me while we drive than. Get in the back with Bree, here is my medical kit. See if you can clean her arms up a bit they look like they are getting infected."
Not thinking twice Amanda goes to her car again she didnt know what she was getting herself into or why. But she could tell by the look in JT's eyes he needed the help badly and that was good enough for her.
After a few moments of setting the game up and than reading off the songs so Ty could pick the one he wanted the game started. Laughter rang from the room as Libby showed Ty how to play, did her own stuff and even tryed to be silly about it.
"Oh Green....red, red....AHHH they had to throw in an orange and mess me up didn't they."
Laughing again and moving on to more songs time passed quicker than anyone realized. It deffintly was nice having someone worth wild to hang out with. Singing along with the song on the last few notes Libby does a fake bow as it ends. Panting for breath as she turns to Ty.
"Your pretty good at this. Keep practicing and you might give me a run for my money."
Giving a little jump at JT's firm tone Amanda backs away a little bit. Not that she was scaired but only shocked for a moment still not knowing what was going on. Being pulled back to look at JT Amanda now notices how he was dressed and found it slightly odd. Though in the back of her mind she couldn't help but see his more charming features in the black getup.
"You will have a chance to tell me while we drive than. Get in the back with Bree, here is my medical kit. See if you can clean her arms up a bit they look like they are getting infected."
Not thinking twice Amanda goes to her car again she didnt know what she was getting herself into or why. But she could tell by the look in JT's eyes he needed the help badly and that was good enough for her.
Pun
Relieved that Amanda was coming, JT hangs up his phone and waits. He swivels in his seat to lean back and check on Bree, checking her pulse and responsiveness. He wasn't happy, but she was stable at the moment and that's all he could ask for.
Not long after his call, he spots headlights in the distance. He braces himself in case it is not a friend, but as it pulls up behind his car, he sees it's Amanda. He's out of the car by the time she gets to the back door and doesn't even have time to step into the lights from her car or to say anything before she's checking on Bree.
"No!" His response was short and harsh. "I've got to get her out of town."
Knowing that Amanda might fight him because of the doctor in her, he takes her by the shoulders and moves her away from the car so she can actually see him. He was still in black, his hair matted and sweaty and his face was still showing smeared face paint.
Looking her in the eye, his tone is stern. "Look, I don't have time to explain everything now. I got a whole squad of cops on my tail." His gaze begs her to believe him, his hands still on her shoulders. "I've got to get to Texas. Now if I can borrow your car, I'll have it driven back. Either that, or you'll have to come with us and drive so I can help Bree. But no matter what, I've got to get out of state. Please, Amanda... I'd only be asking you for this if I really needed it. Bree and I both need this vehicle, with or without you. Please... you have to trust me. But you've got to tell me in the next thirty seconds."
Ty squints a little at Libby, a smile playing with his lips again. She really was different. Shaking his head, he rolls his eyes and sets his cup down. "Cakewalk, huh?."
Reaching out, he takes the guitar and puts the strap up and over his shoulder. If Libby wanted him to play that badly, he would. He thought it looked like fun and if she didn't care he couldn't get through the words, then he didn't have a problem sticking around. "Alright. You read and I'll follow."
Not long after his call, he spots headlights in the distance. He braces himself in case it is not a friend, but as it pulls up behind his car, he sees it's Amanda. He's out of the car by the time she gets to the back door and doesn't even have time to step into the lights from her car or to say anything before she's checking on Bree.
"No!" His response was short and harsh. "I've got to get her out of town."
Knowing that Amanda might fight him because of the doctor in her, he takes her by the shoulders and moves her away from the car so she can actually see him. He was still in black, his hair matted and sweaty and his face was still showing smeared face paint.
Looking her in the eye, his tone is stern. "Look, I don't have time to explain everything now. I got a whole squad of cops on my tail." His gaze begs her to believe him, his hands still on her shoulders. "I've got to get to Texas. Now if I can borrow your car, I'll have it driven back. Either that, or you'll have to come with us and drive so I can help Bree. But no matter what, I've got to get out of state. Please, Amanda... I'd only be asking you for this if I really needed it. Bree and I both need this vehicle, with or without you. Please... you have to trust me. But you've got to tell me in the next thirty seconds."
Ty squints a little at Libby, a smile playing with his lips again. She really was different. Shaking his head, he rolls his eyes and sets his cup down. "Cakewalk, huh?."
Reaching out, he takes the guitar and puts the strap up and over his shoulder. If Libby wanted him to play that badly, he would. He thought it looked like fun and if she didn't care he couldn't get through the words, then he didn't have a problem sticking around. "Alright. You read and I'll follow."
Late Hour
Searching Ty's face for a long moment. Being informed he couldn't read Libby didn't bat an eye. Thinking for a long second she picks up her drink and take a long sip. She could tell by the look on Ty's face he was embarrassed and the last thing Libby wanted to do was embarrass him even more.
Continuing to hold the guitar out to Ty Libby's air doesn't change. Its the same as when he first came into the arcade. She did in fact still want to play with him. Not being able to read was a silly reason to be held back from having fun.
"Here, you can play anyways. I'll just read off the song we are able to play right now and you can tell me what one sounds like a good one to try. Than from there its a cake walk. I know you will have fun playing."
Letting out his own frustrated growl Dalton wanted to do more. Interrupt radio signals, or something. He felt so helpless just having to sit back and watch.
Giving a glance over to Scott he gives a nod. He would never be able to sleep even if he tryed right now. So he might as well stay with Scott.
"Lets take to clear this stuff down while we wait. I'm not going any where eather."
Rolling over in bed at the sound of the phone Amanda sits up in bed squinting at the alarm clock. It wasnt unusal to get a phone call this late from the hospital but normally they would use her pager.
Sitting up and flipping the little bedside light on Amanda takes her glasses from the dresser and puts them on before picking up the phone. Her voice was sleepy evident that, that is what she had been going.
"Hel...lo?"
Hearing JT's voice on the other line Amanda sits up a little straighter, it wasnt every day he called her let alone at this time of night. Something had to be wrong. Hearing that JT needed to use her Amanda was a little hesitant not knowing all the details. But she new she could trust JT and if she was there too what would be the harm.
"Give me about ten minutes and I will be there."
Hanging up the phone Amanda is quick to get out of bed, throw on some sweat pants, and over sized sweat shirt, and pull up the hood. Something told her to bring her Dr bag as well so she did.
In under 5 minutes Amanda had her stuff together, and was locking the door behind her. The drive sixty-two wouldn't take long. She could make it there in less than 3 minutes.
Once on the road Amanda slows her speed down not sure exactly where JT was on this dark road. But seeing the reflection of the car in her headlights She pulls behind the car and gets out.
"JT, whats going on?"
Glancing into the back seat and seeing the condition of his passenger Amanda's heart leaps knowing who she was. Not really giving him a chance to reply she had the back seat open and was leaning in looking over Bree.
"What happened? You need to get Bree to a hospital not take her out of town. You should know that from looking at her."
Amanda's eyes held worry and question not knowing what was going on and what had happened to Bree.
Continuing to hold the guitar out to Ty Libby's air doesn't change. Its the same as when he first came into the arcade. She did in fact still want to play with him. Not being able to read was a silly reason to be held back from having fun.
"Here, you can play anyways. I'll just read off the song we are able to play right now and you can tell me what one sounds like a good one to try. Than from there its a cake walk. I know you will have fun playing."
Letting out his own frustrated growl Dalton wanted to do more. Interrupt radio signals, or something. He felt so helpless just having to sit back and watch.
Giving a glance over to Scott he gives a nod. He would never be able to sleep even if he tryed right now. So he might as well stay with Scott.
"Lets take to clear this stuff down while we wait. I'm not going any where eather."
Rolling over in bed at the sound of the phone Amanda sits up in bed squinting at the alarm clock. It wasnt unusal to get a phone call this late from the hospital but normally they would use her pager.
Sitting up and flipping the little bedside light on Amanda takes her glasses from the dresser and puts them on before picking up the phone. Her voice was sleepy evident that, that is what she had been going.
"Hel...lo?"
Hearing JT's voice on the other line Amanda sits up a little straighter, it wasnt every day he called her let alone at this time of night. Something had to be wrong. Hearing that JT needed to use her Amanda was a little hesitant not knowing all the details. But she new she could trust JT and if she was there too what would be the harm.
"Give me about ten minutes and I will be there."
Hanging up the phone Amanda is quick to get out of bed, throw on some sweat pants, and over sized sweat shirt, and pull up the hood. Something told her to bring her Dr bag as well so she did.
In under 5 minutes Amanda had her stuff together, and was locking the door behind her. The drive sixty-two wouldn't take long. She could make it there in less than 3 minutes.
Once on the road Amanda slows her speed down not sure exactly where JT was on this dark road. But seeing the reflection of the car in her headlights She pulls behind the car and gets out.
"JT, whats going on?"
Glancing into the back seat and seeing the condition of his passenger Amanda's heart leaps knowing who she was. Not really giving him a chance to reply she had the back seat open and was leaning in looking over Bree.
"What happened? You need to get Bree to a hospital not take her out of town. You should know that from looking at her."
Amanda's eyes held worry and question not knowing what was going on and what had happened to Bree.
Desperate
Ty watches Libby play, grinning as he sees how good she is. Leaning back against the wall, he tucks one hand halfway in his jeans pocket, cocking his head a little. This young woman was different... nice. And she actually wanted to interact with him. It was definitely better than nodding off on the couch while watching a boring B movie to kill the free time.
Libby's question though, brings him back to reality. Looking her in the eye, he knows he really doesn't have a choice here. He could fake it and maybe get away with it, but Libby was smart. And if he declined, she might think he didn't want to play the game with her, which wasn't true.
Sipping on his rootbeer, he knew that he was taking an awfully long time to answer her. He wanted to avoid this. Most of the time, people either decided he was too stupid to do anything, or they tried to baby him through whatever it was they were doing. Even on the rare occasion that a friend genuinely wanted to help, his embarrassment and frustration kept that at a distance. No matter what, it always ended badly.
Finally, Ty shrugs. "I can give it a whirl, but... I can't pick the songs or anything." His thumb taps on the lid of his cup, making nervous noise. "Look, Libby..." He tries not to be embarrassed. He tries not to let it show, but he knew his eyes would give him away. She'd find out sooner or later anyway. "...I can't read."
He purses his lips and nods once. It was a fact. "So yeah... my choices of games are a bit limited here."
Gunner has never known quite the same pain in his heart as he feels right now, looking into eyes so empty that were so full of life the last time he saw them. "Oh, Bree." Taking her hand, he kisses it gently, putting his own palm against her face. "What did they do to you, huh?"
Standing up, he takes Bree and shifts her in the bed, making sure one blanket stayed wrapped around her. Then slipping his arms under her, he lifts her up so her head can rest on his shoulder. "Alright... let's get you out of here."
Just as Gunner is ready to leave the room, JT suddenly backs through the door, shutting it almost all the way. He puts a finger to his lips and Gunner holds Bree a little tighter. Passing footsteps are heard out in the hall. Once they die away, JT cracks the door and makes sure the coast is clear. Before leaving though, he takes a step towards Gunner, reaching out to touch Bree's hair. Righteous anger flowed through him. It was hard to see her in the dark, but her lack of movement and response told him that she was not in good shape. She was strong, and she could recover, but JT didn't know if he could ever forgive his sister and brother-in-law for this.
"We gotta go," Gunner urges.
JT shoves aside his feelings for now and turns back to the hall, leading the way.
"You're clear on hall two." Scott doesn't take his eyes off the cameras. "Dalton, bring up cam five."
Gunner walks easily with the precious cargo in his arms. JT stays in the lead, his gun drawn, but hoping he did not have to use it. Only having to duck into a supply room once on Dalton's cue, they made it down to the ground level once again, heading to the same door they'd come in.
Scott sees movement on one of the cameras the same time Dalton does. "Gunner, JT, don't go around that corner. Repeat, don't move. Two bogies at the door."
Gunner and JT skid to a halt and look at each other with worry. JT is quick to glance around. There were no doors. No empty rooms. The only escape route was through the two men or back down a long hall.
"Get of there," Scott warns. "They're coming your way." He gives Dalton a worried glance. Where the two doctors had come from, he didn't know. Somehow they must have slipped under the other cameras. The only good thing was they hadn't gone outside yet and discovered the guard who was... Scott's eyes widen. He'd thought too soon.
The unconscious guard is spotted. The doctors reach the emergency phone by the door.
Scott's stomach churns. "Gunner, they called the cops. Get out of there, now."
Gunner and JT had just turned around to go for the hallway, and now break into a run. "Scott, what happened?" Gunner hisses.
"They found the guard."
"Great. What's door three look like?"
"Locked down, but head for it. Go." Scott brings up another screen and hands the task off to Dalton. "Get that thing unlocked. I'm gonna try to find out how long they got before the cops get there.
The next few minutes are a nightmare. The two doctors had found Gunner and JT and had cornered them near one of the exits, but a shot from JT had forced them to stay back. Panic was setting in and it wasn't good.
"We gotta get out of here." Gunner holds Bree close, breathing heavily. "Hang with us, Bree... we're gonna get you out."
JT waits for the click of the door, his hand resting on the handle. "Alright, lets move."
"You're too late guys," Scott warns. "The cops are right outside." The outside security camera showed five cruisers and about eight officers with flashlights and guns drawn. "They're armed and know you two are inside. I intercepted the communication - they don't know who you are, but they know you've got Bree."
"Great." Gunner leans against the wall and tries to think.
"What if we-"
"We're going out." Gunner cuts off JT. "I'm taking Bree and you're gonna walk behind me with the gun so nobody fires. We're going to walk straight down to the car."
"Are you mad? They'll gun us down."
"Not with a patient they won't. Bree's our ticket out." Gunner looks up to one of the cameras, speaking into his mic. "Dalton... Scott... your job is done. I want you to close up and go home so you've got an alibi. Shut down our communication link so they can't trace it." He pauses, giving a nod. "Thank you."
Once JT signals he's ready with his pistol, the door is unlatched and they walk out into the beams of flashlights and the shouts to halt and lower weapons. But when the police see JT's got a gun and that he patient is still with them, they back off, trying to talk them out of it.
Gunner squints in the lights, but continues to walk, straight and tall. His eyes remain on the walkway down through the open gate and to the car across the street. Lights flash and shouting resounds in his ears, but he ignores it all. Fire blazed behind his gaze, his tight jaw hidden under the black and green of paint that had become war paint.
JT's back pressed against Gunners as he walked backward, his handgun stretched out and threatening any officer who made a move towards them.
Scott throws off his mic with a growl and runs his hands through his hair. "They're never gonna get out of there... I knew they needed a bigger team." Sighing, he looks to Dalton. They could still hear the police radio communication, but it didn't look good. "I don't know about you, I'm not going home until I know what happened."
Gunner and JT walk across the street and to the car, Gunner managing to get the door open and setting Bree in the back seat. He runs his hand along her face for a moment, not wanting to leave her. But he knew he had to. "Hang in there... I'll see you soon. I promise."
Standing again, he shuts the door and looks to JT, who was still threatening the police. "I want you to take her out of here."
"But what about you?"
"If we both go, they're going to follow us and we'll never make it. If I stay and give myself up, it'll give you enough of a head start to get out of here."
"But-"
"You gotta do it, JT... please... give me the gun and go."
JT's eyes fill with indecision. But right now, Bree was most important to him. "Alright."
Handing off the handgun, he slips into the car and starts the engine.
Gunner is quick to step away and wave the gun around, keeping the cops away. When an officer advances, he puts the gun to his own head. "Back off!" he barks.
"Sir, calm down. Take it easy."
Gunner knew that the police would always try to avoid a suicide. He keeps the gun to his head. "Take it easy?" he shouts angrily. "I'll take it easy." He fires a shot in the air, then puts the barrel back to his head. He hears the car leaving down the street and knows that JT is out of sight.
Keeping the police occupied for a few more minutes, he finally lowers his gun. They quickly advance on him with ready handcuffs. It was over.
Heading down the road, JT guns it, not caring about red lights or stop signs. He heads to the edge of town, continually looking in his mirror to make sure the cops have not found out yet. Just as he hits the back road that will lead him straight to the highway he was aiming for, his car gives a sputter.
"No... no, no, not now, you bucket of bolts!" JT slams his hand on the steering wheel, but it doesn't do any good. "No!"
The car gives one last lurch before he has to baby it onto the shoulder where it dies. He knew that there was no point in trying to get out and see what was wrong. "God, now what do I do??" He was desperate. Throwing off his baseball cap, he wipes some of his face paint off and takes off his gloves. He turns to check and make sure Bree was okay, giving her arm a gentle pat. "Hang in there, kiddo."
Taking his cell phone, he stares at it. He couldn't call Scott or Dalton. Once the cops figured out who Gunner was, they'd be all over other Elite agents and they'd never get out of the state. But who else was there?
One name came to mind but JT hesitates. Was it worth the risk? At this point, it was the only chance he'd get. He knew she wasn't working tonight.
Dialing, he waits, knowing that he probably will have woken her. "Amanda? It's JT... Jack Timble... look... I don't have time to explain and I'm sorry.... but I need a car and I need it bad. I'm out on sixty-two with a dead engine and I've got to get out of town tonight. Please... you're the only one I could call. Can you help me?"
Libby's question though, brings him back to reality. Looking her in the eye, he knows he really doesn't have a choice here. He could fake it and maybe get away with it, but Libby was smart. And if he declined, she might think he didn't want to play the game with her, which wasn't true.
Sipping on his rootbeer, he knew that he was taking an awfully long time to answer her. He wanted to avoid this. Most of the time, people either decided he was too stupid to do anything, or they tried to baby him through whatever it was they were doing. Even on the rare occasion that a friend genuinely wanted to help, his embarrassment and frustration kept that at a distance. No matter what, it always ended badly.
Finally, Ty shrugs. "I can give it a whirl, but... I can't pick the songs or anything." His thumb taps on the lid of his cup, making nervous noise. "Look, Libby..." He tries not to be embarrassed. He tries not to let it show, but he knew his eyes would give him away. She'd find out sooner or later anyway. "...I can't read."
He purses his lips and nods once. It was a fact. "So yeah... my choices of games are a bit limited here."
Gunner has never known quite the same pain in his heart as he feels right now, looking into eyes so empty that were so full of life the last time he saw them. "Oh, Bree." Taking her hand, he kisses it gently, putting his own palm against her face. "What did they do to you, huh?"
Standing up, he takes Bree and shifts her in the bed, making sure one blanket stayed wrapped around her. Then slipping his arms under her, he lifts her up so her head can rest on his shoulder. "Alright... let's get you out of here."
Just as Gunner is ready to leave the room, JT suddenly backs through the door, shutting it almost all the way. He puts a finger to his lips and Gunner holds Bree a little tighter. Passing footsteps are heard out in the hall. Once they die away, JT cracks the door and makes sure the coast is clear. Before leaving though, he takes a step towards Gunner, reaching out to touch Bree's hair. Righteous anger flowed through him. It was hard to see her in the dark, but her lack of movement and response told him that she was not in good shape. She was strong, and she could recover, but JT didn't know if he could ever forgive his sister and brother-in-law for this.
"We gotta go," Gunner urges.
JT shoves aside his feelings for now and turns back to the hall, leading the way.
"You're clear on hall two." Scott doesn't take his eyes off the cameras. "Dalton, bring up cam five."
Gunner walks easily with the precious cargo in his arms. JT stays in the lead, his gun drawn, but hoping he did not have to use it. Only having to duck into a supply room once on Dalton's cue, they made it down to the ground level once again, heading to the same door they'd come in.
Scott sees movement on one of the cameras the same time Dalton does. "Gunner, JT, don't go around that corner. Repeat, don't move. Two bogies at the door."
Gunner and JT skid to a halt and look at each other with worry. JT is quick to glance around. There were no doors. No empty rooms. The only escape route was through the two men or back down a long hall.
"Get of there," Scott warns. "They're coming your way." He gives Dalton a worried glance. Where the two doctors had come from, he didn't know. Somehow they must have slipped under the other cameras. The only good thing was they hadn't gone outside yet and discovered the guard who was... Scott's eyes widen. He'd thought too soon.
The unconscious guard is spotted. The doctors reach the emergency phone by the door.
Scott's stomach churns. "Gunner, they called the cops. Get out of there, now."
Gunner and JT had just turned around to go for the hallway, and now break into a run. "Scott, what happened?" Gunner hisses.
"They found the guard."
"Great. What's door three look like?"
"Locked down, but head for it. Go." Scott brings up another screen and hands the task off to Dalton. "Get that thing unlocked. I'm gonna try to find out how long they got before the cops get there.
The next few minutes are a nightmare. The two doctors had found Gunner and JT and had cornered them near one of the exits, but a shot from JT had forced them to stay back. Panic was setting in and it wasn't good.
"We gotta get out of here." Gunner holds Bree close, breathing heavily. "Hang with us, Bree... we're gonna get you out."
JT waits for the click of the door, his hand resting on the handle. "Alright, lets move."
"You're too late guys," Scott warns. "The cops are right outside." The outside security camera showed five cruisers and about eight officers with flashlights and guns drawn. "They're armed and know you two are inside. I intercepted the communication - they don't know who you are, but they know you've got Bree."
"Great." Gunner leans against the wall and tries to think.
"What if we-"
"We're going out." Gunner cuts off JT. "I'm taking Bree and you're gonna walk behind me with the gun so nobody fires. We're going to walk straight down to the car."
"Are you mad? They'll gun us down."
"Not with a patient they won't. Bree's our ticket out." Gunner looks up to one of the cameras, speaking into his mic. "Dalton... Scott... your job is done. I want you to close up and go home so you've got an alibi. Shut down our communication link so they can't trace it." He pauses, giving a nod. "Thank you."
Once JT signals he's ready with his pistol, the door is unlatched and they walk out into the beams of flashlights and the shouts to halt and lower weapons. But when the police see JT's got a gun and that he patient is still with them, they back off, trying to talk them out of it.
Gunner squints in the lights, but continues to walk, straight and tall. His eyes remain on the walkway down through the open gate and to the car across the street. Lights flash and shouting resounds in his ears, but he ignores it all. Fire blazed behind his gaze, his tight jaw hidden under the black and green of paint that had become war paint.
JT's back pressed against Gunners as he walked backward, his handgun stretched out and threatening any officer who made a move towards them.
Scott throws off his mic with a growl and runs his hands through his hair. "They're never gonna get out of there... I knew they needed a bigger team." Sighing, he looks to Dalton. They could still hear the police radio communication, but it didn't look good. "I don't know about you, I'm not going home until I know what happened."
Gunner and JT walk across the street and to the car, Gunner managing to get the door open and setting Bree in the back seat. He runs his hand along her face for a moment, not wanting to leave her. But he knew he had to. "Hang in there... I'll see you soon. I promise."
Standing again, he shuts the door and looks to JT, who was still threatening the police. "I want you to take her out of here."
"But what about you?"
"If we both go, they're going to follow us and we'll never make it. If I stay and give myself up, it'll give you enough of a head start to get out of here."
"But-"
"You gotta do it, JT... please... give me the gun and go."
JT's eyes fill with indecision. But right now, Bree was most important to him. "Alright."
Handing off the handgun, he slips into the car and starts the engine.
Gunner is quick to step away and wave the gun around, keeping the cops away. When an officer advances, he puts the gun to his own head. "Back off!" he barks.
"Sir, calm down. Take it easy."
Gunner knew that the police would always try to avoid a suicide. He keeps the gun to his head. "Take it easy?" he shouts angrily. "I'll take it easy." He fires a shot in the air, then puts the barrel back to his head. He hears the car leaving down the street and knows that JT is out of sight.
Keeping the police occupied for a few more minutes, he finally lowers his gun. They quickly advance on him with ready handcuffs. It was over.
Heading down the road, JT guns it, not caring about red lights or stop signs. He heads to the edge of town, continually looking in his mirror to make sure the cops have not found out yet. Just as he hits the back road that will lead him straight to the highway he was aiming for, his car gives a sputter.
"No... no, no, not now, you bucket of bolts!" JT slams his hand on the steering wheel, but it doesn't do any good. "No!"
The car gives one last lurch before he has to baby it onto the shoulder where it dies. He knew that there was no point in trying to get out and see what was wrong. "God, now what do I do??" He was desperate. Throwing off his baseball cap, he wipes some of his face paint off and takes off his gloves. He turns to check and make sure Bree was okay, giving her arm a gentle pat. "Hang in there, kiddo."
Taking his cell phone, he stares at it. He couldn't call Scott or Dalton. Once the cops figured out who Gunner was, they'd be all over other Elite agents and they'd never get out of the state. But who else was there?
One name came to mind but JT hesitates. Was it worth the risk? At this point, it was the only chance he'd get. He knew she wasn't working tonight.
Dialing, he waits, knowing that he probably will have woken her. "Amanda? It's JT... Jack Timble... look... I don't have time to explain and I'm sorry.... but I need a car and I need it bad. I'm out on sixty-two with a dead engine and I've got to get out of town tonight. Please... you're the only one I could call. Can you help me?"
Blank
Libby gives a laugh at Ty's comment about not knowing music to be able to play the game. So far she had, had a blast showing Ty everything. He seemed intrested in what she had to say as well witch was always a plus.
Bruses lined Bree arms and wrists, makings left by the meds that had been injected, the straps that hald her down and the dark circles from the shock treatments. This kind of treatment was held off for the worse pasents, the ones who really were crazy and yet it still was hardly used. The fact alone that Bree wasnt in a coma was amazing.
Looking up at a voice Bree looks at Gunner scanning his face, but the only look on her own was a blank stair. There was no light in her eyes, there was no hidden smile, or smart joke emptiness is what looked back.
But moving her hand slowly Bree reached out to touch Gunner's face. Running her fingers over the side, his cheek in his jawbone as if she was trying to pull herself awake again but just couldnt.
"Thats actually true to an existent. If you know how to play the guitar normally your going to always want to play the way your really meant to. So that can really mess you up when starting out. But knowing the beats so you can get into the rhythm of the song helps as the same time."
Setting the extra guitar down Libby smile. She was happy that at last Ty would watch and than maybe try afterwards.
Pulling the strap around her shoulders and than putting it into place Libby starts it up. Stopping on the song page she just looks at it for a long moment deciding what song she wanted to choose.
"Lets see, how about we try...Living on a Prayer first. Thats one of my favorites."
Standing up the phone Libby puts her fingers into place on the guitar lining them up with the different colors. As the music starts Libby becomes totally focused on the screen as the different color buttons come up and her fingers move at the same time hitting the colors show to make the beat. Her foot seems to tap to the beat as well trying to keep rhythm for her.
After a few minutes the song ends and Libby seemed to be panting for breath. Wiggling her fingers she looks back to Ty and smiles.
"You want to try with me now with me? Its pretty easy once you get the hang of it and I promise not to put it on expert mode till you think your ready."
After making sure the mics were working and everyone was coming in clear Dalton's eyes scan the computers as his fingers continue to work.
"Watch on your way out, the east hallway. Not always but sometimes I have seen a nurse walking there. Doing who knows what i dont know."
Continuing to just watch Dalton inserts the video feed where needed so no one was the wiser on who was in the hallways or even Bree's room. It was risky, and Dalton didn't know how long he could hold it but his only hope was that everything would be smooth as fast.
"Ok, camera's are good go on through."
In the still corner of the room an almost lifeless body is curled up. The gentil rocking was the only movement she made. Bree's mind had retreated to the dark corners to hide, and block out any pain.
"Watch on your way out, the east hallway. Not always but sometimes I have seen a nurse walking there. Doing who knows what i dont know."
Continuing to just watch Dalton inserts the video feed where needed so no one was the wiser on who was in the hallways or even Bree's room. It was risky, and Dalton didn't know how long he could hold it but his only hope was that everything would be smooth as fast.
"Ok, camera's are good go on through."
In the still corner of the room an almost lifeless body is curled up. The gentil rocking was the only movement she made. Bree's mind had retreated to the dark corners to hide, and block out any pain.
Bruses lined Bree arms and wrists, makings left by the meds that had been injected, the straps that hald her down and the dark circles from the shock treatments. This kind of treatment was held off for the worse pasents, the ones who really were crazy and yet it still was hardly used. The fact alone that Bree wasnt in a coma was amazing.
Looking up at a voice Bree looks at Gunner scanning his face, but the only look on her own was a blank stair. There was no light in her eyes, there was no hidden smile, or smart joke emptiness is what looked back.
But moving her hand slowly Bree reached out to touch Gunner's face. Running her fingers over the side, his cheek in his jawbone as if she was trying to pull herself awake again but just couldnt.
First
Scott is glad for the extra swig of sugar and caffeine and accepts the can from Dalton, giving him a grateful look. Most days he was fine, but then every once in a while if he was taken by surprise, the old fear came back.
Gunner listens intently to what Dalton had to say, nodding as he processed. "Sounds great." He glances to JT. "You still in this?"
JT gives a little scoff. "You kidding me? I hit the end of my limit today, Gunner. We're getting her out of there."
Gunner would have smiled had he been in a better mood. Instead, he looks back to the two other men. "Alright... give us all you got."
They had an hour and a half. At that time, they would have a window to get in past the guards at the security gate. Once they were past, they'd head for the side entrance. They would have to get around or go through one guard - there was no way around that one, but Gunner didn't let that pause their plans.
While they made their way inside, Dalton and Scott would work on the inside security cameras, making sure hallway one, five, three, seven and eleven were secure, along with Bree's room. Gunner's plan was to slip in unnoticed, get Bree, then simply slip back out again. The trick would be avoiding the night workers. There wouldn't be as many during the day, but it was still a risk. It was agreed that if someone saw them, they would high-tail it. But no one was to be harmed unless their own lives were in danger. JT and Gunner both agreed to this.
An hour after arriving at TJY, Gunner and JT were now armed with sidearms. Each had donned black gloves and both still wore their caps. Dark face paint had been applied, giving them ample cover in the dark. The only light areas were those of their own eyes.
Scott surveys them from behind the desk. "It looks like you're going to get dropped into deep Africa or something."
"Feels like it." Gunner smirks. "At least in Africa we'd have trees."
Scott nods and sighs. It was going to be a long night. But both he and Dalton had agreed to work as late as required. "Good luck, you two. Test out the mics as soon as you get there but before you get out of the car."
"Right." Gunner nods and looks to JT. "Ready?"
"I was born ready."
Watching the two men leave, Scott shakes his head. "I hope they know what they're doing. They should have more backup than this." He knew the reasons they couldn't, but it was going to make the mission much harder...
The car was parked across the street from Crescentview. Gunner didn't like being that close, but they would need the vehicle nearby for when they came back out with Bree. Both men check their earpieces and mics.
"Testing... one, two, Scott, buddy, you there?"
Scott grins, hearing Gunner's voice. "Roger that." He looks to Dalton to make sure he was up and running too. "All's clear. JT?"
"Hearing you loud and clear."
"Good deal." Scott's eyes look at both screens, working together with Dalton seamlessly to bring up the right camera shots for the facility. "Two guards at the front gate, ready to switch. One of 'em is smoking at the moment."
Gunner takes his binoculars and zooms in on the security booth. "Got 'em."
"Watch your left flank going in. We got a blind spot, but I think there's nothing but a bush." Scott looks back and forth between computers. "Be ready to go in five... four... three..."
Gunner and JT slip out of the car and are sure to shut the doors quietly before slinking across the street and sticking to the shadows. Right on time, the guards leave their posts. There was a thirty-second window where JT and Gunner could scale the gate.
As soon as it's clear, both start climbing, neither saying a word, and concentrating on just getting to the other side. Both drop silently to the ground, crouch, then sneak into the bushes right as the new guards come.
Gunner makes eye contact with JT and gestures to the side of the building. JT nods.
Scott waits, knowing that the two men were quiet for a reason. If he and Dalton didn't see them on camera, it was a good thing.
Gunner and JT wait for a passing light before jogging along the perimeter and then flattening themselves up against the building. Making their way around the side, they met the guard that could cause the most trouble. Staying hidden, Gunner waits a moment, then takes a deep breath. Stepping out of the shadows, he grabs the guard from behind, disarming him and putting a hand over his mouth at the same time. The guard gives a cry but it's too muffled for anyone to hear. He struggles with Gunner for several moments, but after being put in a chokehold, it's not long before a lack of oxygen puts him to sleep. Gunner lets him slide to the ground and is breathing heavily. He looks to JT and nods, keeping his voice low.
"Alright, Dalton, we're going in the east door."
JT grabs the guard's key card and swipes it on the pad by the door. It clicks and they know they're in.
"Kill the cameras," Gunner whispers to Dalton.
Entrance into the building and down the hall went without a hitch. There were even fewer people than planned on and Gunner and JT had a relatively easy job getting through the building and up to Bree's room. Heading down the hall, JT's gun is drawn and he watches Gunner's back as he waits for Scott and Dalton's signal that the electronic door was open.
Slipping into the dark room, Gunner squints, trying to figure out where everything was. His leg bumps a table and he stops, then he spots the small bed in the corner and the figure curled up and still. His hear leaps into his throat and he tries to keep his emotions at bay for now.
Approaching quietly but quickly, he kneels in front of the bed. "Bree?" he whispers, running a hand through her hair. "Bree... it's me.... I'm getting you out of here... can you wake up?
Ty follows along behind Libby, finding most of what she had to say interesting. Some games he recognized and tagged them in his mind for the future. Games he knew were the safest.
Getting to the last room, Ty quirks an eyebrow. He'd heard about this game before, but had never played it. A smile quirks the corner of his mouth. "I've been told you don't have to know a lick of music to play."
Taking another sip of his pop, he eyes Libby a moment, contemplating her offer for him to try. He didn't know what it entailed, and that was dangerous. "Let me watch you first," he suggests.
Gunner listens intently to what Dalton had to say, nodding as he processed. "Sounds great." He glances to JT. "You still in this?"
JT gives a little scoff. "You kidding me? I hit the end of my limit today, Gunner. We're getting her out of there."
Gunner would have smiled had he been in a better mood. Instead, he looks back to the two other men. "Alright... give us all you got."
They had an hour and a half. At that time, they would have a window to get in past the guards at the security gate. Once they were past, they'd head for the side entrance. They would have to get around or go through one guard - there was no way around that one, but Gunner didn't let that pause their plans.
While they made their way inside, Dalton and Scott would work on the inside security cameras, making sure hallway one, five, three, seven and eleven were secure, along with Bree's room. Gunner's plan was to slip in unnoticed, get Bree, then simply slip back out again. The trick would be avoiding the night workers. There wouldn't be as many during the day, but it was still a risk. It was agreed that if someone saw them, they would high-tail it. But no one was to be harmed unless their own lives were in danger. JT and Gunner both agreed to this.
An hour after arriving at TJY, Gunner and JT were now armed with sidearms. Each had donned black gloves and both still wore their caps. Dark face paint had been applied, giving them ample cover in the dark. The only light areas were those of their own eyes.
Scott surveys them from behind the desk. "It looks like you're going to get dropped into deep Africa or something."
"Feels like it." Gunner smirks. "At least in Africa we'd have trees."
Scott nods and sighs. It was going to be a long night. But both he and Dalton had agreed to work as late as required. "Good luck, you two. Test out the mics as soon as you get there but before you get out of the car."
"Right." Gunner nods and looks to JT. "Ready?"
"I was born ready."
Watching the two men leave, Scott shakes his head. "I hope they know what they're doing. They should have more backup than this." He knew the reasons they couldn't, but it was going to make the mission much harder...
The car was parked across the street from Crescentview. Gunner didn't like being that close, but they would need the vehicle nearby for when they came back out with Bree. Both men check their earpieces and mics.
"Testing... one, two, Scott, buddy, you there?"
Scott grins, hearing Gunner's voice. "Roger that." He looks to Dalton to make sure he was up and running too. "All's clear. JT?"
"Hearing you loud and clear."
"Good deal." Scott's eyes look at both screens, working together with Dalton seamlessly to bring up the right camera shots for the facility. "Two guards at the front gate, ready to switch. One of 'em is smoking at the moment."
Gunner takes his binoculars and zooms in on the security booth. "Got 'em."
"Watch your left flank going in. We got a blind spot, but I think there's nothing but a bush." Scott looks back and forth between computers. "Be ready to go in five... four... three..."
Gunner and JT slip out of the car and are sure to shut the doors quietly before slinking across the street and sticking to the shadows. Right on time, the guards leave their posts. There was a thirty-second window where JT and Gunner could scale the gate.
As soon as it's clear, both start climbing, neither saying a word, and concentrating on just getting to the other side. Both drop silently to the ground, crouch, then sneak into the bushes right as the new guards come.
Gunner makes eye contact with JT and gestures to the side of the building. JT nods.
Scott waits, knowing that the two men were quiet for a reason. If he and Dalton didn't see them on camera, it was a good thing.
Gunner and JT wait for a passing light before jogging along the perimeter and then flattening themselves up against the building. Making their way around the side, they met the guard that could cause the most trouble. Staying hidden, Gunner waits a moment, then takes a deep breath. Stepping out of the shadows, he grabs the guard from behind, disarming him and putting a hand over his mouth at the same time. The guard gives a cry but it's too muffled for anyone to hear. He struggles with Gunner for several moments, but after being put in a chokehold, it's not long before a lack of oxygen puts him to sleep. Gunner lets him slide to the ground and is breathing heavily. He looks to JT and nods, keeping his voice low.
"Alright, Dalton, we're going in the east door."
JT grabs the guard's key card and swipes it on the pad by the door. It clicks and they know they're in.
"Kill the cameras," Gunner whispers to Dalton.
Entrance into the building and down the hall went without a hitch. There were even fewer people than planned on and Gunner and JT had a relatively easy job getting through the building and up to Bree's room. Heading down the hall, JT's gun is drawn and he watches Gunner's back as he waits for Scott and Dalton's signal that the electronic door was open.
Slipping into the dark room, Gunner squints, trying to figure out where everything was. His leg bumps a table and he stops, then he spots the small bed in the corner and the figure curled up and still. His hear leaps into his throat and he tries to keep his emotions at bay for now.
Approaching quietly but quickly, he kneels in front of the bed. "Bree?" he whispers, running a hand through her hair. "Bree... it's me.... I'm getting you out of here... can you wake up?
Ty follows along behind Libby, finding most of what she had to say interesting. Some games he recognized and tagged them in his mind for the future. Games he knew were the safest.
Getting to the last room, Ty quirks an eyebrow. He'd heard about this game before, but had never played it. A smile quirks the corner of his mouth. "I've been told you don't have to know a lick of music to play."
Taking another sip of his pop, he eyes Libby a moment, contemplating her offer for him to try. He didn't know what it entailed, and that was dangerous. "Let me watch you first," he suggests.
1/1/10
Guitar Hero
Looking up from the computer Dalton gives a short nod as the two men enter giving a quick look to Scott he pushs a can of Mountain Dew twords him not wanting to make a big deal for Scott's sake but letting him know it was ok.
"Easy there buddy."
If anyone wanted to try and get to Scott they would have to go through him first and that was not an easy task.
Typing a few more things Dalton finally looks up at Gunner. A grin moves across his lips. He liked doing this even if it was against the law. It was still fun and it was to help someone else so it felt even better.
"I can do that. It will take a few moments after you guys get there to get the snap shots so the times are right. I can even get one of Bree's room as long as she stays still."
Dalton gave a sidelong glance to Scott. They both had seen that Bree had done little moving for the last days as they watched her, and the whole hospital without anyone knowing. He didn't want to come right out and say that to Gunner though. He was already worried enough.
"We have some mics set up for you guys to keep in contact with us. Scott can brief you on them. They are not like normal TJY issued ones so TJY cant get in trouble for all this. If anything goes wrong it will only be our butts on the line."
Sliding off the stool Libby grabs her own drink after it was refilled throwing some money on the counter. Starting to walk away from the counter she makes sure Ty is close behind before starting to point things out. It was nice today was not a busy day so it would be easyer to get in some game time too.
"This room here is the older games and when I mean older I mean old school. Zelda, Pac Man, Wave Racer, Punch Out, you man an old arcade game you use to play and I am sure its here."
Libby goes from mashean to mashean in the first room pointing out games, giving little background on them and just actually enojying having someone to listen to.
The rest of the tour goes pretty quick of the last 2 rooms with differnt games, and the small fast food place connected, where the bathrooms were, and just a place to sit and chat if you wanted while music played.
Circling around to a room they had not been to yet Libby gets a smile on her face as they enter. Here, was a single game that stood alone. On the side it read Guitar Hero.
"This here, is my most favorite game to play. They were going to take it out a little bit ago because the Guitar's kept breaking, but they said if I could fix it they would keep it. So now its still here and I love playing it. Look..."
Libby points to the screen. The top three high scores were hers with the initials LAS. Picking up both the Guitar's Libby holds one our to Ty with a smile.
"Wanna give it a try with me. Its real easy and addicting once you get the hang of it."
"Easy there buddy."
If anyone wanted to try and get to Scott they would have to go through him first and that was not an easy task.
Typing a few more things Dalton finally looks up at Gunner. A grin moves across his lips. He liked doing this even if it was against the law. It was still fun and it was to help someone else so it felt even better.
"I can do that. It will take a few moments after you guys get there to get the snap shots so the times are right. I can even get one of Bree's room as long as she stays still."
Dalton gave a sidelong glance to Scott. They both had seen that Bree had done little moving for the last days as they watched her, and the whole hospital without anyone knowing. He didn't want to come right out and say that to Gunner though. He was already worried enough.
"We have some mics set up for you guys to keep in contact with us. Scott can brief you on them. They are not like normal TJY issued ones so TJY cant get in trouble for all this. If anything goes wrong it will only be our butts on the line."
Sliding off the stool Libby grabs her own drink after it was refilled throwing some money on the counter. Starting to walk away from the counter she makes sure Ty is close behind before starting to point things out. It was nice today was not a busy day so it would be easyer to get in some game time too.
"This room here is the older games and when I mean older I mean old school. Zelda, Pac Man, Wave Racer, Punch Out, you man an old arcade game you use to play and I am sure its here."
Libby goes from mashean to mashean in the first room pointing out games, giving little background on them and just actually enojying having someone to listen to.
The rest of the tour goes pretty quick of the last 2 rooms with differnt games, and the small fast food place connected, where the bathrooms were, and just a place to sit and chat if you wanted while music played.
Circling around to a room they had not been to yet Libby gets a smile on her face as they enter. Here, was a single game that stood alone. On the side it read Guitar Hero.
"This here, is my most favorite game to play. They were going to take it out a little bit ago because the Guitar's kept breaking, but they said if I could fix it they would keep it. So now its still here and I love playing it. Look..."
Libby points to the screen. The top three high scores were hers with the initials LAS. Picking up both the Guitar's Libby holds one our to Ty with a smile.
"Wanna give it a try with me. Its real easy and addicting once you get the hang of it."
Brief Terror
Ty gives a little smirk before taking a sip of his pop. He'd told Libby when she'd picked him up from the road that he'd failed a test, but she didn't know how many times or why. Trying again wouldn't make any difference, unless his guessing got better. "I... don't think I'm gonna try again." He shrugs it off, moving on quickly as listens to her talk.
"Yeah well... this twenty-two-year-old doesn't always fit in a prefab mold either, so you're safe with me." Sliding off the stool and grabbing his cup with straw, he gestures to the other side of the arcade. "Lead the way, I'm all ears with time to kill."
It was dark. Gunner knew that just a few people remained at TJY, two of whom he'd asked to stay so he knew they'd be there. It was quiet on the main floor though with only a few overhead lights on, creating a bit of an eerie atmosphere.
JT follows behind Gunner, his nerves running high. He didn't like this secrecy and tip-toeing around TJY, but he'd reached his limit. He might have argued with Gunner in the beginning, but enough was enough. The old adrenaline from helping the Texas gang so many years ago was returning to his veins and there was a determination in his stride.
Scott works alongside Dalton, working past security barricades and swapping information. Gunner had called earlier and asked them to get as far as they possibly could... and had implied he would need them after hours.
A knock on the door makes Scott jump and he looks up to see two men dressed in black. For a split second, his blood runs cold and he knows that he just put the edge of the desk in a vice grip. It was a nightmare that only lasted less than a second, but it made his stomach flip and his face pale. It was Gunner.... it was just Gunner and JT.
Gunner sees the brief look of terror on Scott's face and gives him a glance of apology. "Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you."
"Yeah." Scott lets his breath out and eyes Dalton a moment before trying to concentrate again. "Yeah, it's fine. We got all the stuff you wanted."
Gunner ambles forward. He and JT both were in black jeans, hoodies and baseball caps. Leaning on the desk, he eyes Dalton. "Scott said earlier there wasn't a cam in some of the rooms, including Bree's - most likely so no one could ever find a tape. But he said you'd gotten into the security system for all the hallways and main entrances. Can you swap out clean shots so we can get in undetected?"
"Yeah well... this twenty-two-year-old doesn't always fit in a prefab mold either, so you're safe with me." Sliding off the stool and grabbing his cup with straw, he gestures to the other side of the arcade. "Lead the way, I'm all ears with time to kill."
It was dark. Gunner knew that just a few people remained at TJY, two of whom he'd asked to stay so he knew they'd be there. It was quiet on the main floor though with only a few overhead lights on, creating a bit of an eerie atmosphere.
JT follows behind Gunner, his nerves running high. He didn't like this secrecy and tip-toeing around TJY, but he'd reached his limit. He might have argued with Gunner in the beginning, but enough was enough. The old adrenaline from helping the Texas gang so many years ago was returning to his veins and there was a determination in his stride.
Scott works alongside Dalton, working past security barricades and swapping information. Gunner had called earlier and asked them to get as far as they possibly could... and had implied he would need them after hours.
A knock on the door makes Scott jump and he looks up to see two men dressed in black. For a split second, his blood runs cold and he knows that he just put the edge of the desk in a vice grip. It was a nightmare that only lasted less than a second, but it made his stomach flip and his face pale. It was Gunner.... it was just Gunner and JT.
Gunner sees the brief look of terror on Scott's face and gives him a glance of apology. "Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you."
"Yeah." Scott lets his breath out and eyes Dalton a moment before trying to concentrate again. "Yeah, it's fine. We got all the stuff you wanted."
Gunner ambles forward. He and JT both were in black jeans, hoodies and baseball caps. Leaning on the desk, he eyes Dalton. "Scott said earlier there wasn't a cam in some of the rooms, including Bree's - most likely so no one could ever find a tape. But he said you'd gotten into the security system for all the hallways and main entrances. Can you swap out clean shots so we can get in undetected?"
Not much
Hopping back up on her own stool next to Ty, Libby grabs her own pepsi giving a little laugh of her own at Ty's comment of a root beer in place of a beer. It was nice having someone there that she actually care what they had to say.
Perking up a little at the mention to a car Libby's brain worked as she new a place that could help Ty with cheap prices.
"Getting your bike fixed would be a good thing, but I think a car would even be faster. If you take your test again and pass...I know a place you can get cars cheap I could show ya."
Taking another sip of her pop Libby swivels back and forth on her chair a little bit the smile still on her face. Finishing the drink off Libby turns all the way around resting her back against the bar.
"I guess you could consider it a hang out. A 22 year old sanding most of her time around video games. I think most people think its strange. I like playing games though, and it keeps me out of trouble."
Turning her head to look at Ty over her shoulder Libby flashs him a smile as her eyes seem to twinkle in the dim lights.
"It's not much but I can show you around if you like?!"
Perking up a little at the mention to a car Libby's brain worked as she new a place that could help Ty with cheap prices.
"Getting your bike fixed would be a good thing, but I think a car would even be faster. If you take your test again and pass...I know a place you can get cars cheap I could show ya."
Taking another sip of her pop Libby swivels back and forth on her chair a little bit the smile still on her face. Finishing the drink off Libby turns all the way around resting her back against the bar.
"I guess you could consider it a hang out. A 22 year old sanding most of her time around video games. I think most people think its strange. I like playing games though, and it keeps me out of trouble."
Turning her head to look at Ty over her shoulder Libby flashs him a smile as her eyes seem to twinkle in the dim lights.
"It's not much but I can show you around if you like?!"
Hellooooo Ty
Entering the arcade, Ty can't be too surprised to see Libby, since he was wondering if he'd see her anyway, but he was a bit surprised by her greeting. He lifts his eyebrows as she chides him for taking so long to show up and he blinks, really not sure how to react from the enthusiastic welcome. On a certain level though, it did do something for his ego to think that she'd been waiting to see him again.
"Um..."
He really doesn't have time to react as Libby takes his hand and pulls him towards the counter. "Well..." Sitting down on a stool, a smile finally forms on his face. His laugh is one that's quiet and light, but it has a warmth to it. Not many people had the opportunity to hear him laugh.
"Alright then... if I can't have a beer, it might as well be root beer." He nods to the person behind the counter, knowing that they'd heard him. Swiveling the stool around to see Libby, he cocks his head. "Yeah, takes me a while to get around, ya know. Hoofing it tends to be slow. Though I think tomorrow I'll have time to take my bike down to the shop and see if they can fix it."
He shrugs, his eyes roaming the arcade. It was a quiet day here today with not many people. "A car would fix all those problems wouldn't it though?" He rolls his eyes and turns around in time to receive his rootbeer and retrieve some change from his pocket. "So... this is your hangout, huh?"
"Um..."
He really doesn't have time to react as Libby takes his hand and pulls him towards the counter. "Well..." Sitting down on a stool, a smile finally forms on his face. His laugh is one that's quiet and light, but it has a warmth to it. Not many people had the opportunity to hear him laugh.
"Alright then... if I can't have a beer, it might as well be root beer." He nods to the person behind the counter, knowing that they'd heard him. Swiveling the stool around to see Libby, he cocks his head. "Yeah, takes me a while to get around, ya know. Hoofing it tends to be slow. Though I think tomorrow I'll have time to take my bike down to the shop and see if they can fix it."
He shrugs, his eyes roaming the arcade. It was a quiet day here today with not many people. "A car would fix all those problems wouldn't it though?" He rolls his eyes and turns around in time to receive his rootbeer and retrieve some change from his pocket. "So... this is your hangout, huh?"
Worth it
Sitting at the bar style counter Libby suck on the straw watching the her pop start to go down. Today was a rather boring day with nothing else to do. Coming here was the only thing keeping her from finding trouble or trouble finding her as it often did.
Hearing the small bell on the door ring over the sounds of the video games in the background Libby looks to the door like she often did. Maybe day someone worth it would walk through those doors. Today, it just seemed to be her lucky day.
Twirling around in the stool Libby jumps down from the sigh perch. A little bit on the shorter side she still stood tall with an air about her that was not cocky, but she was comfortable and maybe sometimes full of herself but that didn't come often. Walking over to Ty she smiles placing her hands on her hips.
"Its about time you found your way here. I was starting to think I'd come to come and hunt you down myself just to see you again."
A grin forms on her face as she stairs back at Ty. Even if she didn't know a lick about Ty it was nice to have someone here she actually would like talking too. Reaching out Libby catchs some of Ty's fingers in her hand. Starting to walk she gently pulls him twords the bar.
"Come on lets get you a drink and than I can show you around."
Stopping Libby looks over her shoulder and gives a smile to Ty.
"A drink of pop that is. If you want anything stronger this is NOT the place to look for it. Come on."
Hearing the small bell on the door ring over the sounds of the video games in the background Libby looks to the door like she often did. Maybe day someone worth it would walk through those doors. Today, it just seemed to be her lucky day.
Twirling around in the stool Libby jumps down from the sigh perch. A little bit on the shorter side she still stood tall with an air about her that was not cocky, but she was comfortable and maybe sometimes full of herself but that didn't come often. Walking over to Ty she smiles placing her hands on her hips.
"Its about time you found your way here. I was starting to think I'd come to come and hunt you down myself just to see you again."
A grin forms on her face as she stairs back at Ty. Even if she didn't know a lick about Ty it was nice to have someone here she actually would like talking too. Reaching out Libby catchs some of Ty's fingers in her hand. Starting to walk she gently pulls him twords the bar.
"Come on lets get you a drink and than I can show you around."
Stopping Libby looks over her shoulder and gives a smile to Ty.
"A drink of pop that is. If you want anything stronger this is NOT the place to look for it. Come on."
Tell me
Laura doesn't say a word at first, just watching Nate's reaction. She was scared to death, giving him this kind of news. It was life-changing, and unplanned. Would he be happy? Upset? Sad?
But seeing the look in his eye as he turns to her, all fear seemed to vanish. She saw happiness. She saw an excitement she had never seen there. Fear, yes, but they were both scared of this new step. But there was excitement... true excitement. And that look alone made her beam. Nate was happy. This was making him happy. Maybe she still was unsure and she still needed to come to terms with this, but knowing that this was making him happy made it all worth it.
Wrapping her arms around him as he hugs her close, she trembles from all of the overwhelming emotions. Being pulled back to see his eyes once more, her face hurts as she can't quit smiling. A tear runs down the side of her face and a laugh comes out. "Me? The strong one? That's a switch."
She sniffs and is glad when he embraces her again. "I love you too... so much."
Taken into his kiss, she doesn't hold back any passion from him. All she wanted right now was to be the wife he deserved and make sure that the things she did pleased him and made him happy. She had loved him when she had married him, but each day it had grown more and more. She hadn't thought she could love him any more, but today, she did.
Her eyes were closed and she cocks her head the other way, reaching up through his embrace to let her fingers slide through his hair. She loved the way it felt on her fingertips and how warm and strong he felt against her as he kept her close.
This was their moment. This was their time.
"Another dead end." JT hangs up the phone and sinks into a kitchen chair. "Another dead end, Gunner. How can people have so much power?"
"Because they're cheats and liars," Gunner states flatly. He leans against the doorway, looking at Bree's uncle. He himself hadn't eaten anything in two days and sleep was something he no longer wanted.
JT sighs. "What about you?"
"I got everything I need."
JT looks up to see Gunner's eyes. "What do you mean?"
Gunner grits his teeth. "I don't think you want to hear about it."
JT knew all too well what he meant. "I told you-"
"I don't care." Gunner's eyes flash. "It's been too long, JT, and you know it. Who knows what kind of shape Bree is in by now. Do you know what kinds of medications they've got her on? Do you know the schedule of shock therapy they're putting her through?"
"No."
"Well, I do." Gunner takes some folded papers from his back pocket. Dalton had given them to him earlier. "See these? These are records. And there's more where they came from. We've got a tap on their security cameras. We've got security schedules. We've got doctors' names and sample IDs. We've got the works. Now when are you gonna give in and see this is the only way?"
For once, JT doesn't yell. "I just don't want to lose her... One wrong step and I will lose my niece forever... can't you understand that?"
"And I'll lose the only person that I've ever loved."
JT's eyes flicker. He didn't know that Gunner's feelings ran so deep. "You think I don't want to go along with your plan? You think I haven't wanted to since the beginning? I'm itching to grab my shotgun and go. But think about what will happen if we fail."
"Then we don't."
"But how can you be sure?"
"Do you really want to hear about it?"
JT sighs deeply. He was at his wits end. He had stuck the side of the law through this whole thing, fighting Gunner tooth and toenail to stay on the right side. And every day he had fought with himself, battling his own disagreements with what to do. Could he give in so easily now? After he'd been so firm with Gunner? Could he really give in now?
The phone rings. Jumping, he answers it immediately. It was his lawyer. But it wasn't good news. They'd taken several steps backward today. There was more than one judge under the control of money but they couldn't prove where that money was coming from whether they thought it was Bree's father or not. And JT's lawyer was getting scared. He was ready to back out.
JT hangs up the phone, feeling as though they'd hit the last brick wall. If his lawyer backed out, they were done. He looks up at Gunner, who was still standing in the doorway, having listened to half the phone conversation. It was obvious by the look on his face that he knew it wasn't good. JT swallows hard, looking back down to his phone.
When he glances up again, there was an anger in his eyes that he had held at bay up until this point. His voice comes out as cold as ice. "Tell me your plan."
Ty trudges down the sidewalk, kicking an abandoned pop can as he went. Maybe it was a childish thing to do, but it was better than kicking people in the head like he wanted to. He'd worked half the night cleaning at TJY and was getting pretty tired of emptying garbage. Not because he hated it, but because he knew that's all he was smart enough to do.
His bike still had not been repaired and he'd given up taking his driving test anymore, so he was stuck walking everywhere. Wyatt offered to take him places but he didn't like that idea either. At least with walking he was getting exercise and not mooching.
One more swift kick and the pop can goes too far out of his path to bother chasing it down. He sighs. He'd taken the long way home today, gotten a bite to eat, tried to find something good on tv, taken a nap then had headed out again for no apparent reason. He had no friends. He had nothing he enjoyed doing. His parents had invited him to the ranch for Christmas, but he didn't really feel like he fit there either.
Continuing down the sidewalk, Ty stops by the lighted window of the video arcade. He passed by here every once in a while, but bad experiences on his tail always pulled him away before he could get himself in trouble. One memory stuck in his mind though, of a young woman who had been very nice to him. He'd like her, but hadn't seen her since she'd given him a ride. He did remember she'd mentioned the arcade though.
Feeling he had nothing to lose, Ty pulls open the door. At the very least, he could grab a soda pop and hang out. He was pretty out of practice when it came to any of the games.
But seeing the look in his eye as he turns to her, all fear seemed to vanish. She saw happiness. She saw an excitement she had never seen there. Fear, yes, but they were both scared of this new step. But there was excitement... true excitement. And that look alone made her beam. Nate was happy. This was making him happy. Maybe she still was unsure and she still needed to come to terms with this, but knowing that this was making him happy made it all worth it.
Wrapping her arms around him as he hugs her close, she trembles from all of the overwhelming emotions. Being pulled back to see his eyes once more, her face hurts as she can't quit smiling. A tear runs down the side of her face and a laugh comes out. "Me? The strong one? That's a switch."
She sniffs and is glad when he embraces her again. "I love you too... so much."
Taken into his kiss, she doesn't hold back any passion from him. All she wanted right now was to be the wife he deserved and make sure that the things she did pleased him and made him happy. She had loved him when she had married him, but each day it had grown more and more. She hadn't thought she could love him any more, but today, she did.
Her eyes were closed and she cocks her head the other way, reaching up through his embrace to let her fingers slide through his hair. She loved the way it felt on her fingertips and how warm and strong he felt against her as he kept her close.
This was their moment. This was their time.
"Another dead end." JT hangs up the phone and sinks into a kitchen chair. "Another dead end, Gunner. How can people have so much power?"
"Because they're cheats and liars," Gunner states flatly. He leans against the doorway, looking at Bree's uncle. He himself hadn't eaten anything in two days and sleep was something he no longer wanted.
JT sighs. "What about you?"
"I got everything I need."
JT looks up to see Gunner's eyes. "What do you mean?"
Gunner grits his teeth. "I don't think you want to hear about it."
JT knew all too well what he meant. "I told you-"
"I don't care." Gunner's eyes flash. "It's been too long, JT, and you know it. Who knows what kind of shape Bree is in by now. Do you know what kinds of medications they've got her on? Do you know the schedule of shock therapy they're putting her through?"
"No."
"Well, I do." Gunner takes some folded papers from his back pocket. Dalton had given them to him earlier. "See these? These are records. And there's more where they came from. We've got a tap on their security cameras. We've got security schedules. We've got doctors' names and sample IDs. We've got the works. Now when are you gonna give in and see this is the only way?"
For once, JT doesn't yell. "I just don't want to lose her... One wrong step and I will lose my niece forever... can't you understand that?"
"And I'll lose the only person that I've ever loved."
JT's eyes flicker. He didn't know that Gunner's feelings ran so deep. "You think I don't want to go along with your plan? You think I haven't wanted to since the beginning? I'm itching to grab my shotgun and go. But think about what will happen if we fail."
"Then we don't."
"But how can you be sure?"
"Do you really want to hear about it?"
JT sighs deeply. He was at his wits end. He had stuck the side of the law through this whole thing, fighting Gunner tooth and toenail to stay on the right side. And every day he had fought with himself, battling his own disagreements with what to do. Could he give in so easily now? After he'd been so firm with Gunner? Could he really give in now?
The phone rings. Jumping, he answers it immediately. It was his lawyer. But it wasn't good news. They'd taken several steps backward today. There was more than one judge under the control of money but they couldn't prove where that money was coming from whether they thought it was Bree's father or not. And JT's lawyer was getting scared. He was ready to back out.
JT hangs up the phone, feeling as though they'd hit the last brick wall. If his lawyer backed out, they were done. He looks up at Gunner, who was still standing in the doorway, having listened to half the phone conversation. It was obvious by the look on his face that he knew it wasn't good. JT swallows hard, looking back down to his phone.
When he glances up again, there was an anger in his eyes that he had held at bay up until this point. His voice comes out as cold as ice. "Tell me your plan."
Ty trudges down the sidewalk, kicking an abandoned pop can as he went. Maybe it was a childish thing to do, but it was better than kicking people in the head like he wanted to. He'd worked half the night cleaning at TJY and was getting pretty tired of emptying garbage. Not because he hated it, but because he knew that's all he was smart enough to do.
His bike still had not been repaired and he'd given up taking his driving test anymore, so he was stuck walking everywhere. Wyatt offered to take him places but he didn't like that idea either. At least with walking he was getting exercise and not mooching.
One more swift kick and the pop can goes too far out of his path to bother chasing it down. He sighs. He'd taken the long way home today, gotten a bite to eat, tried to find something good on tv, taken a nap then had headed out again for no apparent reason. He had no friends. He had nothing he enjoyed doing. His parents had invited him to the ranch for Christmas, but he didn't really feel like he fit there either.
Continuing down the sidewalk, Ty stops by the lighted window of the video arcade. He passed by here every once in a while, but bad experiences on his tail always pulled him away before he could get himself in trouble. One memory stuck in his mind though, of a young woman who had been very nice to him. He'd like her, but hadn't seen her since she'd given him a ride. He did remember she'd mentioned the arcade though.
Feeling he had nothing to lose, Ty pulls open the door. At the very least, he could grab a soda pop and hang out. He was pretty out of practice when it came to any of the games.
Scared
Taking the small package from Laura Nate holds it in his hand for a long moment before unwrapping it. Still unsure of what was going on and why Laura didn't just give this to him when they opened gifts with everyone else.
Slowly opening the small package Nate is cafel being able to feel through the paper this time was smell and fragile. Moving the last peace of paper out of the way Nate looks down at it for a long moment. He'd always been a father to Maggie, so maybe this made Laura think about that for him. But something still felt odd. Why would she take him all the way out here just for that?
Looking up with question on his face Nate searches Laura's eyes and right before he was about to ask the glint was seen, and the glow formed. Nate felt as thought his words were stuck in his own throat. A wave of being nervous himself, to a wave of being happy seemed to pass over him all at once.
His eyes slightly wide, his mouth hug open for just a second his own words just didnt want to form.
"I...are you sure? I mean of course your sure but...I mean...we hadn't planed this..and I though we were being carful. I.."
Nate's words trail off as he looks down at the ornament again and than back up at Laura. A smile finally passing across his lips, as his own glow seems appear off him.
A baby, a father, a child...a family.
Standing again he reaches out to Laura and pulls her into his strong arms as he holds her tight leaning his head down into her hair smelling the sweet fragrance of it. His heart seeming to beat a million times faster than before.
"A baby, we are going to have a baby."
This had to run second best to marrying Laura, and having there own little family with Maggie. Now it would grow with another, He would be a father, Laura a mother, and Maggie would be an aunt. Nate had never felt a time when he had been so excited and so scared at the same time.
Pulling away just a little and looking down into Laura's eyes Nate had a few tears in his own. Not sad ones, but happy ones. His heart felt like it was going to explode from every single emotion that was running through it.
"I love you Laura with all my heart. Your going to have to be my solid ground on this one because this big lug is scared he is gonna break something now."
Brushing a little hair from Laura face Nate tucks it behind her ear. Just looking deep into her eyes. His own had his emotions of excitement and though he was scared, that was a normal reaction for anyone expecting there first child.
Leaning into Laura Nate holds her close to him as his press his lips to hers on more time. All his emotions seeming to come through in that one kiss. The moment lingering as they were alone, with no one to see the intimate kiss that took place.
Slowly opening the small package Nate is cafel being able to feel through the paper this time was smell and fragile. Moving the last peace of paper out of the way Nate looks down at it for a long moment. He'd always been a father to Maggie, so maybe this made Laura think about that for him. But something still felt odd. Why would she take him all the way out here just for that?
Looking up with question on his face Nate searches Laura's eyes and right before he was about to ask the glint was seen, and the glow formed. Nate felt as thought his words were stuck in his own throat. A wave of being nervous himself, to a wave of being happy seemed to pass over him all at once.
His eyes slightly wide, his mouth hug open for just a second his own words just didnt want to form.
"I...are you sure? I mean of course your sure but...I mean...we hadn't planed this..and I though we were being carful. I.."
Nate's words trail off as he looks down at the ornament again and than back up at Laura. A smile finally passing across his lips, as his own glow seems appear off him.
A baby, a father, a child...a family.
Standing again he reaches out to Laura and pulls her into his strong arms as he holds her tight leaning his head down into her hair smelling the sweet fragrance of it. His heart seeming to beat a million times faster than before.
"A baby, we are going to have a baby."
This had to run second best to marrying Laura, and having there own little family with Maggie. Now it would grow with another, He would be a father, Laura a mother, and Maggie would be an aunt. Nate had never felt a time when he had been so excited and so scared at the same time.
Pulling away just a little and looking down into Laura's eyes Nate had a few tears in his own. Not sad ones, but happy ones. His heart felt like it was going to explode from every single emotion that was running through it.
"I love you Laura with all my heart. Your going to have to be my solid ground on this one because this big lug is scared he is gonna break something now."
Brushing a little hair from Laura face Nate tucks it behind her ear. Just looking deep into her eyes. His own had his emotions of excitement and though he was scared, that was a normal reaction for anyone expecting there first child.
Leaning into Laura Nate holds her close to him as his press his lips to hers on more time. All his emotions seeming to come through in that one kiss. The moment lingering as they were alone, with no one to see the intimate kiss that took place.
#1
A laugh escapes Laura's lips as her nervousness is overcome with humor for a moment. Looking up at Nate, she shakes her head. "If I was breaking up with you, would I drag you all the way out to one of my favorite spots?" She laughs again, standing on her tip toes to give him a little kiss. "No... no, I'm not breaking up with you."
Sighing, she looks out over the land again and rests her head on Nate's shoulder. Her hand was still trembling, though she squeezed his fingers to try and cover it up.
All of a sudden, she gives a little jump as if surprised. "Oh. How could I forget?" She hadn't forgotten, but it was a good line. Straightening, she reaches into her jeans pocket and pulls out an object wrapped in red tissue paper. "When Paula and I were shopping yesterday, I picked this up for you. I thought we could hang it on the tree at home."
Handing it to Nate, she waits. She'd seen it in the store and had known it was what she wanted. It was only a simple ornament in the shape of a Christmas wreath, all pretty with red and green and a little bit of gold. Ceramic... nothing special. But on the bottom was as place for words, and the words on this one were "#1 Daddy."
Sighing, she looks out over the land again and rests her head on Nate's shoulder. Her hand was still trembling, though she squeezed his fingers to try and cover it up.
All of a sudden, she gives a little jump as if surprised. "Oh. How could I forget?" She hadn't forgotten, but it was a good line. Straightening, she reaches into her jeans pocket and pulls out an object wrapped in red tissue paper. "When Paula and I were shopping yesterday, I picked this up for you. I thought we could hang it on the tree at home."
Handing it to Nate, she waits. She'd seen it in the store and had known it was what she wanted. It was only a simple ornament in the shape of a Christmas wreath, all pretty with red and green and a little bit of gold. Ceramic... nothing special. But on the bottom was as place for words, and the words on this one were "#1 Daddy."
Breaking up!
Following Laura's directions Nate doesn't say much as they drive even though he is confused. Twisting and turning Nate's curiosity builds until Laura tells them to stop. Turning off the car and hesitantly getting out a smile formed on his face though he didn't understand what was going on.
Following Laura and listing to her Nate's mind wonders to a million different things. Why was she bringing him here, and what was going on? Feeling Laura's hand slip into his he gives it a gentil squeeze. The view here was pretty, but than feeling her tremble a little she turns to her and cocks his head.
"Are you breaking up with me?"
Nate can't help the small grin that made it to his lips, he had to joke or he was going to go crazy with wonder and worry.
Following Laura and listing to her Nate's mind wonders to a million different things. Why was she bringing him here, and what was going on? Feeling Laura's hand slip into his he gives it a gentil squeeze. The view here was pretty, but than feeling her tremble a little she turns to her and cocks his head.
"Are you breaking up with me?"
Nate can't help the small grin that made it to his lips, he had to joke or he was going to go crazy with wonder and worry.
Lost?
Laura gives Nate another hug. "Thank you. Won't take me but a minute to get my jacket."
It ended up being more than just a minute with all the greetings that had to go around, but eventually, Laura is with Nate in the car on the way to town. It wasn't the shortest drive, but she didn't mind. She rather like it today. The length, that is. It gave her more time to think.
Though having been enthusiastic starting out, now butterflies in her stomach were bothersome. She'd become quiet as well and her mouth felt dry. Looking out the window, her hands fidget in her lap.
"Oh, turn here," she suddenly directs Nate. "It's a different way." Nodding, she points down a back road. Eventually though, she makes him take another few turns, then says they might be lost. Seeming to be just a little flustered, it's not surprising that she might be lost, but having Nate slow, Laura waves him down. "Oh, oh.... stop here."
They were in the middle of nowhere.
Grinning, she unbuckles and gets out of the car before Nate can stop her and she gestures for him to follow her. Waiting for him to join her, she takes him by the arm and almost drags him to a stand of trees. Then right on the other side is a wide valley hidden from view from the car.
Laura just stands and closes her eyes, breathing in the air. "I'm sorry," she apologizes. "I didn't think you'd come if I told you we were going out in the middle of nowhere."
She looks up to give her husband a sheepish smile. "Con and I... we used to come here when we were younger. If we had a fight or had something important to talk about, we'd come here. Our voices could echo off the rocks and bounce back in our faces, but no one else could hear. This is where our hearts were shared."
Slipping her hand down into Nate's, her fingers have started to tremble.
It ended up being more than just a minute with all the greetings that had to go around, but eventually, Laura is with Nate in the car on the way to town. It wasn't the shortest drive, but she didn't mind. She rather like it today. The length, that is. It gave her more time to think.
Though having been enthusiastic starting out, now butterflies in her stomach were bothersome. She'd become quiet as well and her mouth felt dry. Looking out the window, her hands fidget in her lap.
"Oh, turn here," she suddenly directs Nate. "It's a different way." Nodding, she points down a back road. Eventually though, she makes him take another few turns, then says they might be lost. Seeming to be just a little flustered, it's not surprising that she might be lost, but having Nate slow, Laura waves him down. "Oh, oh.... stop here."
They were in the middle of nowhere.
Grinning, she unbuckles and gets out of the car before Nate can stop her and she gestures for him to follow her. Waiting for him to join her, she takes him by the arm and almost drags him to a stand of trees. Then right on the other side is a wide valley hidden from view from the car.
Laura just stands and closes her eyes, breathing in the air. "I'm sorry," she apologizes. "I didn't think you'd come if I told you we were going out in the middle of nowhere."
She looks up to give her husband a sheepish smile. "Con and I... we used to come here when we were younger. If we had a fight or had something important to talk about, we'd come here. Our voices could echo off the rocks and bounce back in our faces, but no one else could hear. This is where our hearts were shared."
Slipping her hand down into Nate's, her fingers have started to tremble.
Ok
Looking back at Laura Nate just stands for a moment. He'd been driving since this morning and was quite tired to be honest. But looking down into Laura's eyes and seeing how much she wanted to go how could he say no? He'd do anything for Laura.
Peeking into the screen door and seeing Maggie already with the other kids putting the second batch of gifts he had brought under the tree Nate new she would be ok.
"Ok, we can go. Go grab a jacket and I will say hi to everyone fast and let them know we will be back."
Peeking into the screen door and seeing Maggie already with the other kids putting the second batch of gifts he had brought under the tree Nate new she would be ok.
"Ok, we can go. Go grab a jacket and I will say hi to everyone fast and let them know we will be back."
Could we?
Laura giggles as Nate picks her up, and slings her arms around his neck. "I could never catch cold with you holding me."
Once they're up on the porch, she slides down but doesn't let him go inside yet. "Paula and I found this great new little diner in town... and they've got this huge Christmas tree that's just gorgeous... and it's just beautiful. I was hoping you and I could go eat lunch there? Paula said she'd watch Maggie..."
Laura's eyes plead with Nate's to say yes. "Alone time before family dinner? Could we?"
Once they're up on the porch, she slides down but doesn't let him go inside yet. "Paula and I found this great new little diner in town... and they've got this huge Christmas tree that's just gorgeous... and it's just beautiful. I was hoping you and I could go eat lunch there? Paula said she'd watch Maggie..."
Laura's eyes plead with Nate's to say yes. "Alone time before family dinner? Could we?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
