Judge

Hearing the noise Ryan stops and turns looking back at the room. Contemplating on turning around and going back. Every fiber wanted to go back, make sure he was ok, stay talk with him.

Letting out a heavy sigh though she reminds herself what would he learn if she came running back other than throw a fit get your way. No...she had to leave him for now. Maybe tomorrow she would be back.

Giving a nod to Trooper Ryan continues forward with the dog. Dropping him off at Jason's office she offers him the rest of the food in the bag. Losing her own appetite she didn't want the food to go to wast.

Finally heading out Ryan gets into her car and decides to head over to the shop. It was her day off today but maybe Leo was around so they could take his break together.

Leaning back in her chair Angelica thinks for a long moment. putting both hands behind her head for a long moment she looks over twords the wall just stairing and thinking. Trying to work words, actions, and pictures in the court room in her own head.

"Mmmmm...that could work. But what if Bree's parents have the claws into the judge already? If thats true than sympathy wouldn't work. It is worth a shot thought."

Thinking again for a long moment Angelica finally sits back up in her chair and than stands. Pacing the floor of her office she just walks back and forth back and forth something she always did when thinking hard. Stopping abruptly she looks to David.

"Do you think there is a way we could get a judge in that Bree's parents wouldn't even know about. Post our doubt, not state facts just we have a reason to believe that something isnt right. We can tell them that they dont even have to use US who the judge is but that we would like a new one. That really could give us the upper hand to make this whole thing fair."

Taking a small sip of her OJ Karla looks up at Kip. Seeing his one hand on the table she scooted her own hand over to it and slipped her fingers on top of his own. Just looking at there hands for a long moment Karla lets out a small breath before moving her hand.

"I know you mean good Kip and I am honored. I've just never had it so good ya know? And that dosnt have anything to do with anything but its...kind of intimidating."

Karla pokes at her eggs for a long moment. She new she would be safe here, and Kip was her friend. It was obvious that he cared. It felt different, she never had that before. It made her feel warm, and good inside.

"I'll stay as long as Erik's mom says its ok and if I can still work here to earn my keep...and...Thank you."

Karla looks down at her eggs again picking at the tomato. Her cheeks a soft red color.

Temper temper

Alec's stubbornness and pride forces him to simply sit and watch as his one chance at a different meal went to the dog. He really couldn't believe that Ryan had actually gone through with it. The dog, of all things. He knew he had reason to hate the stupid brute. But he only had himself to blame for this one. She'd been ready to stay and let him have the food, but he'd had to play the tough guy.

Scowling at the wall, he doesn't say another word to Ryan. Once he knows she's left, he gets to his feet to find his runaway tennis ball. Clutching it in his hand though, his anger gets the best of him. Yelling a curse at nothing, he whirls around and gives the metal chair a swift kick. It crashes into the corner, breaking nothing but making an awful ruckus.

Seething, Alec leaves it in a heap and flops back down on the cot to stare up at the ceiling and count the tiles.

"Oooh, temper, temper." Hal swivels in his chair as he watches the security monitors. Taking a bite of his apple, he contemplates a moment before jotting down a note for Reese. Alec hadn't displayed any strong emotions in quite a while, lapsing into a quiet, stubborn state. Hal didn't know what the young woman had said, but whatever happened sure had set Alec off. It was an interesting circumstance to take note of.

Trooper is still smacking his lips as he follows behind Ryan, but stops and turns his head at the yell and banging in Alec's room. Seeing no one appear though, he keeps on course and starts ahead again, looking to Ryan as if asking if she were still coming.

"Hmmm..." David makes a note and looks to Angelica thoughtfully. "That might be one route. From what JT has told me about Gunner though, you might have a hard time getting him to take that stance. He sounds more like the type to say, 'stick the rules, you're wrong, I'm right,

without letting emotional pain get in the way. However..."

He thinks a moment, chewing on the end of his pen. "...he did do it for love, no? What about playing on the judge's sympathy? I mean, who hasn't been in love? Who doesn't know the feeling of willingness to do anything just for the sake of that love? Gunner stormed the castle for the love of his life... it doesn't get much more romantic than that. A tortured man, seeing the woman of his dreams being abused in a mental hospital... Who wouldn't go after her?"

Kip bites his lip, wondering if maybe he'd come on too strongly. He didn't want Karla to feel uneasy about being here. But he knew all too well the feeling of not wanting to accept an offer like this. He'd been there.

"I won't... force you to stay, Karla. I won't even try to convince you. I just..."

He stirs his eggs, picking out a green pepper to stab with his fork. "...want you to be taken care of, that's all."

His Way

Shaking her head at Alec Ryan wouldn't give in nor let Alec bother her. She grew up with two older brothers and her dad most of her life. If there was a game she played it and learned fast through them not to give in.

"Nope it wasnt a wast. I got my card back."

Turning from Alec Ryan takes a few steps twords the door before stopping. Reaching into the bag Ryan pulls out one of the burgers and unwraps it. Taking a bit she holds to rest out to Trooper and smile at the dog.

"Can't let this go to wast here ya go boy."

Tossing the burger twords Trooper it was one swift gulp and it was gone. Laughing at the dog Ryan giving a laugh.

"I guess he was hungry shesh did you even taste that dog?"

Continuing her rout to the door Ryan gives Trooper a pat on the head as she pass. Glancing over her shoulder to look at Alec. She did feel sorry for him, seeing out stubborn and cold he was, but what would he ever learn if people always gave into him and played his game.

Stubborn

Every fiber in Alec's being wanted to sit up and tell Ryan to stay - that he really was hungry and he didn't want her to leave yet. But his facial expression did not show those deeper feelings. Instead, his eyes blazed with a cold fire.

"Fine. I guess it was your waste of time to come then."

Crossing his arms, he stares at the back wall stubbornly.

Trooper huffs a sigh and sits down in the doorway, yawning and looking to Ryan, a little bit of drool escaping to drip onto the floor. He'd smelled the food too, but knew well enough not to beg.

Alec sees the dog and knows that there's a chance Ryan's threat wasn't an empty one. A hunger pain shoots through his stomach, but he sets his jaw tightly. If she was gonna play this game, he wasn't going to lose.

Past

Angelica thinks for a long moment. She'd thought about that option herself but she wasn't sure how that might play over. With Gunner's background but maybe there was a loophole somewhere. Than again if the right words were used, it was possable.

"Well I had thought of that myself but I wasnt to sure...You see Gunner has a past.."

Giving David the bref history on Gunner, his family what had happened recently and how he was in the hospetil she trys not to leave out details but doesn't go into to much depth on certain things.

"..So I had been thinking maybe we could see one of the reasons he broke Bree out was because of his own past with his family. He felt that it was his fault for what happened, that if he saved someone else it would in a way clean his past. I'd hate to dig up something painful like that with him but I think it might be a good opportunity if we word it just the right way. What do u think?"

Jotting a few things down Angelica pushes she pencil behind her eat and into her hair a little that was pulled back today to keep it out of her face. Looking up at David again she watchs him waiting to see what he thought as well.

Eye Alec for a long moment Ryan gives a little shake of her head hearing the comment about not needing company. He looked pretty bored, and lonely to her. But he was cocky as ever, maybe even more so now than before.

Taking a few steps forward Ryan stops at his mention to not being hungry and than his strong stomach growl that followed after signaling he was indeed hungry along with the color that gave him away. If he was going to lie though about something stupid like this than she wasn't going to give in to it.

"Well, since you dont need my company I might as well take this..."

Ryan steps forward to take the card from the nightstand.

"...and leave. AND since your not hungrey I might as well bring it with me. Maybe Jason would like the whopper and frys. Or better yet maybe Trooper will eat it for me."

Seeing Shirley Karla gives a small wave. Though she had only been working there a few weeks now she had become quite fond of the older lady not to mention her cooking was always so good. Receiving the hug and accepting the kind words Karla gives a small smile before finally sitting down at the table.

Picking at her food for a long moment she new she was hungry she just had no ambition to eat. But knowing it was best if she did Karla took a few slow bites before taking the ketchup and pouring some of that on her eggs.

Just consternating on her food Karla's head snaps up as Kip mentions her staying there. She though maybe a night or two at the most but the way Kip said it sounded like he was saying longer than that. She didnt have anything right now, and staying there just felt kind of strange maybe?

" I couldn't do that Kip. You have already been so kind to me, and I don't want to disturb anything. I would just feel..."

Karla picks at her plat. She new around these people she shouldn't feel strange. They were nice, and they would never think anything low of her. Well...Erik already had but he sounded genuinely sorry. She just felt...strange anyways.

"....I..."

Karla lets out a sigh looking down at her plate and than back up at Kip again studying his eyes that already showed he could wake her one for saying what she did.

"...know I cant argue with you, and you will say if it was ok you wouldn't ask and stuff I guess I just feel...odd. Even though I know I would like it here."

Not hungry?

Grinning, David's eyes sparkle just a little, bantering with Angelica. But sometime he needed to buckle down and work. Straightening in his chair and retrieving some paperwork and a notepad, he nods. "Yep. Talked with him just this morning. He and Bree are quite safe. He's gonna see if Bree is up to an evaluation by a counselor today and if they can do it, he'll have the statement faxed directly to you."

Sifting through some papers, he bites the end of his pen - a habit he'd never broken. "Now as far as Gunner goes...  it's gonna take some fancy footwork to justify his moves no matter how righteous they were. What do you think of a temporary insanity plea?"

Alec was in his own little world, and Ryan's sudden presence makes him jump enough to make the cot jolt. His head snaps to the door, his eyes a little wide until he realizes who it was. Ryan. She really had come back. Interesting.

He's ready to hide the card, but there was no need. She'd figured it out just like he thought she would. And she obviously knew he'd taken it on purpose as well. There was no point in trying to hide it now.

Giving Ryan a once-over, he eyes her with a certain amount of suspicion, especially when she produces the food. Fingering the card he still held, he then tosses it onto the little table where she could retrieve it herself.

"Who says I took the card so you'd come back?" he challenges. "I don't need your company."

Still slouched and not making a move to sit up, his eyes follow her. Her question of whether he's hungry brings a quirk to his eyebrow. The smell of the Burger King food wafts to his nostrils. "No," he answers flatly.

His stomach growls loudly.

Not blinking, he holds his gaze. Though try as he might, he can't stop his cheeks from growing just a little warm.

"Oh... wow." Axel chuckles. "You really aren't like other doctors are you? I thought you'd say in like three weeks or something. But hey, I said I was ready and I meant it. I'll be over this afternoon."

Hearing the invitation, a smile spreads on his face. "Carson told me it was gonna be soon but we got interrupted. I wouldn't miss it and I'll be sure to see if Jess can come too. Thanks, Misty... I'll see you in a few hours."

Kip nods and offers Karla his hand. "Come on."

It didn't take long to show Karla to Twila's room where she could find some clothes that fit well enough to wear. Then once both of them were cleaned up and changed, Kip took her to the familiar little table in the kitchen, instead of the dining room.

Shirley was always kind, but finding out about Karla's situation brings forth a hug, some sincere words and an extra special breakfast.

Kip eats slowly, not as hungry as usual this morning, worried about Karla. Taking a bite of omelet, he reaches for the hot sauce and sprinkles a little on. "I'm gonna talk to Erik later, but I know they'll let you stay here," he assures. "The room down next to the one Twila beds down in is hardly ever used, so... yeah."

Cocking his head, he studies Karla as he chews thoughtfully. "We'll go when we're done here, but we won't stay all day... I don't wanna make you go through everything all at once."

"Word"

Angelica can't help but laugh at David leaning forward to give his arm a slap. Shaking her head humor danced in her eyes.

"I have dinner with you last night, this is a very important lady right here you know. I have to share my time with everyone. Anyways you might like having this office to yourself to work from for a little while. Not to mention we are going to have plenty of time together so you wont get lonely."

Shaking her head again the smile remains on her face. As she looks over the paper work, and a few other things till she finally looks up at David again.

"So, I got my friend digging a little deeper for us, text messages, phone call he is covering that. Did you happen to get a hold of JT?"

Seeing  the door was open like the last time Ryan steps into Alec's cell Trooper trustfully by her side. Just standing in the entrance as the lamp go crashing to the floor Ryan's arms are crossed. Her own saspition was comfermed seeing the card in Alec's hand.

Last night while her and Eli were playing cards she new right away something was off. Counting the cards about three times and than letting Eli count a card was indeed missing. Hunting around the house in a panic, and in the car trying to retrace all her steps. Finally Eli had calmed her down the best she could. It hadnt been till she was in bed, that she thought of the last place it could be, and she was right it was here.

"You know you didnt have to steal that to get me to come back. I would of done that on my own free will."

Entering the room a little more Ryan's arms fall to her side as she looks to the lamp on the ground and than back to Alec. She felt sorry for him that he thought he needed to take something from someone to get them back. Didnt he know she would of come on her own anyways?

"I told you I would be back and I ment it. Weather you took the card or not."

Looking down at Trooper and than back to Alec Ryan rolls her eyes a little bit. Digging into the bag that hung around her wrist she pulls out two bags of Burger King food.

"I brought us lunch this time like I promised I would. Are you hungry?"

"Word!"

Misty laughs at her own stupid joke rolling her eyes after it. Her humor was still dry even if she was picking some stuff up from Carson. More often than not her jokes made no sense at all.

"Ok, when don't you come by about three and we will start prepping you and what not. Bring a few personal items I want to keep you at least overnight if not longer to observe you."

Misty jots down on her calander when she told Axel to be there.

" Have a light lunch and make sure you drink lots of water too. Oh and Axel I dont know if Carson told you are not but your invited to our wedding in two weeks. Jess too!"

 Karla gives a little shake of her head looking up at Kip. Her face was tired, and you could see the stress and worry in her eyes even if she tried not to show it.

"The only other place to go now is the shelter and see if they have room since I am homeless now. I think I could rather be here with you though."

Standing Karla's tummy growls just a little. Wrapping her arms around herself she was ready to follow Kip. She could find the way herself she was sure, but this part she was unfamiliar with because she didn't clean it often.

"I guess I am a little hungry too."

Ready

"Um, ok... yeah... sure." Reese nods as his own smile surfaces. "I'm not going anywhere today so just... yeah... let me know."

Standing awkwardly for a moment, he glances at David once more then back to Angelica. "Have fun. Brown's looking for answers so the sooner we got something, the better."

David watches as Reese leaves the office before looking to Angelica again. "Nice guy," he muses. "For a chief I mean. Doesn't seem too hard-nosed, not even when it comes to dinner."

Quirking an eyebrow he cocks his head, looking her in the eye. There had been no kiss. No wink. Not even a flirty smile from Reese. So either Angelica was just as clueless as with him, or this thing between them wasn't all that serious. "Now I'm jealous," he teases. "Left all alone tonight, slaving away on files while you enjoy dinner with your boss. Tsk..." He feigns being distraught. "Woe is me!"

Alec tosses his tennis ball to the wall, letting it bounce back for him to catch it again. He'd seen Hal already this morning, but he'd only eaten part of his breakfast. It was just another day being stuck here and hardly worth getting excited over. He'd rather be tossed to the dogs than this, he'd decided. At  least the other way would be a quick death, where here, he was just rotting away behind cement walls where no one really cared. Oh, they said they did... Hal... Reese... Hope. But he didn't believe them.

Crash. The ball ricochets in the wrong direction, slamming into the nearby lamp and sending it to the floor. Alec cringes but doesn't get off his cot. He lacked motivation to retrieve the ball. Sighing, he leans back against the wall, then slips his hand to his back pocket to withdraw the single playing card. There wasn't much he could do with it, but it gave him a bit of pride. He hadn't lost his touch yet if he could still pull one over on his opponent.

"Hey, Misty, it's Axel." Pacing his kitchen, he holds his phone to his ear. "I got your message and... I'm ready whenever you are. Just say the word - my calendar is empty."

Once Karla is sitting up, Kip follows suit, bringing his legs together to sit cross-legged. "First off... don't be sorry. I'm not in trouble, and even if I was, it wouldn't be your fault. It's my own stupid fault Erik doesn't trust me."

He gives a little nod for emphasis, not wanting Karla to feel any worse than she already did. "And second, yes, I'll come with you. I can drive so we don't have to walk in the cold and... I won't leave you alone. It'll all be okay."

Sliding off the bed to stand, he stretches and scratches his head. "Let me go swipe another set of Twila's clothes just for today, alright? Then we can eat some breakfast then go. And then you're coming back here. I insist you stay here until things get settled, unless you got somewhere better or where you'd be more comfortable."

"Scott... you ever see Ryder?"

Scott tinkers under the table with all the wires and cords he'd originally hooked up for Mick. The dining room was almost empty as breakfast was over. He'd promised some play time with BJ though, so he was trying to get his work done. Trent had been sitting at a nearby table all morning, but now was the first time he'd spoken to Scott. "Um... once in a while he drops in. Reese uses him on occasion. He's got a job at the zoo now though so he's not in the office regularly. Why?"

"Oh... just curious." Trent fiddles with his paper and pen, staring out one of the windows. "How's that girl doing?"

"Thirteen?"

"Yeah."

"Fine, as far as I know. Smiling every time I see her, but I think that has to do with Ryder. She's working at Mom and Pop's now... so I think she's getting more exposure to the outside world."

"Good..." Trent nods slowly. "Good."

Definatly Yes

Just watching Erik leave Karla was still a little jumpy not really replying to him before he went. She was still shaken from everything last night and than this. Though they were for two different reasons, they still went hand in hand.

Tilting her head slightly to see Kip's face a little better Karla gives a small nod. Even if she was shook up all over again she was alright.

"No need to be sorry. I...should of known better. Sorry if I got you in trouble."

Swiping the tears from her eyes Karla sits up just a little letting out a long sigh. Today was going to be harder than yesterday she was going to have to fill our reports and go to what was left of the building and pick through the ash to see if anything was saved or happened to survive. It was doubtful but worth a shot.

"Would...you come with me back to whats left of...the apartment? I...have to see if anything made it through that I can salvage. Not going...to be to pretty and I just thought maybe it would be nice to have you there."

Looking up at Reese enters Angelica's eyes give a small unnoticed twinkle. She always liked when he popped in to talk to her unexpected. and long ago she told him if the door was open he could walk right in. It didn't bother her any. He had that right.

"Company, pst this is my partner for a few days till everything with Gunner is cleared. David, this is Mike Reese, Mike this is David."

Moving a few things around on her desk Angelica finally stop fiddling for some reason she had her own bit of awkwardness coming on and she wasn't even quite sure why. Trying to shake it off though the smile remains on her face as she leans forward on her desk.

"Well, as long as I can get at least some of the stuff I need to do with the Gunner case this morning and afternoon done than we are still on for dinner. I needed to talk to you about a few things anyways so that might give me a chance. I am sure I will see you again..."

Angelica's smile widened a little bit. She usely did see him more times in a day than one would think. Sometimes she even found a reason to go to his office just to see him.

"..before you leave and I can tell you my definite answer ok? I am pretty sure it will defiantly be a yes though. With both us working I think we can get a good foothold."

Awkwardness

As Karla starts to cry and explain, Erik's shoulders drop. His expression softening, he approaches the bed and sits down at the foot, sighing deeply. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I didn't mean to jump on you guys like that."

By now, Kip's face is bright red, having been reminded of his past lapse in judgment, in front of Karla no less. He wanted to retort that Erik did mean to, but he holds his tongue this time. Instead, all he shares is a glare.

Erik purses his lips, genuinely sorry and he pats Karla's leg. "I'm sorry about what happened last night, too. Anything you need, you just say so."

Back on his feet, he looks to Kip. "We're headed to Theo's. You can stay here... make sure Karla gets take care of, alright?"

Kip nods. "I will." Watching Erik leave, he swallows hard, trying to get over his embarrassment. Turning his head a little so he can see a bit of Karla's face, he pull her hair back out of the way. "I'm sorry," he mentions quietly. "You okay?"

David enters the office and sets down his briefcase, taking up the chair Angelica offers. "What? Pass up working with you for a tour? Never." He grins. "Well, at least until we need a break. Then you can show me all around."

A knock comes to the door then opens, interrupting their conversation. Reese is looking down at some papers in his hands, not even noticing that Angelica isn't alone. "Hey, Angelica... I was going over those reports and I..." As his eyes move upward, he suddenly realizes that David is present. "Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had company."

David recognizes Reese immediately, and if one looked closely, they might see the hairs on his neck stand up. But a smile is on his face anyway. "Company? Hardly. I think we've met before."

"I think we have." Reese curls the papers in his hand as an awkward silence follows. He glances to Angelica, trying to remember what it was he was going to say. "Um... yeah. We still on for supper tonight?"

David quirks an eyebrow and looks between Angelica and Reese, waiting to see if Angelica would really sacrifice prime investigation time to go out to dinner with her boss.

Crack of Dawn

Moving a little at the feeling of the bed moving Karla's head snuggles into Kip's chest a little more. Deep into sleep she wasn't even sure where she was, but it was comfortable like she was on a cloud.

As Erik bursts through the door Karla gives a jump thinking she was back home and someone just broke into the house. But all to soon she remembers where she was, and what happened last night. Trying to pull away from Kip a little bit she felt his arms tighten around her and all she could do was lean into his chest a little more. It was a bit embarrassing to be caught like this even if her and Kip hadnt done anything just the thought of someone thinking so.

Just letting Erik and Kip going back and forth for a moment Karla trys to choak back her tears. Till the room goes silent and Erik's last question hands in the air. Searching for her own words to talk She can feel a few tears slip out of her eyes. Just thinking about it hurt all over again.

"La...last night I woke in the middle of the night and my....my apartment was on fire. I love everything...everything I owned even if it was hardly anything. Even my best friend if gone now. Kip...He's telling the truth. I...fell asleep on him I guess why he was comforting me."

Looking up and seeing David Angelica's smile widens. She would be picking up David later but seeing him now was just as good. Giving a shake of her head thought at his mention to walking.

"Well I'll be, I guess a lost puppy can find his way home sooner or later. You nincompoop you still should of called."

Standing and clearing off a spot of her desk for him to use to place his stuff on Angelica also grabs an extra chair pulling it up to the opposite side of the desk.Her office here was small but she didn't mind, and if they needed the extra room she was sure Reese wouldn't mind if they used one of the interrogation rooms.

"Sit down take a load off, this is my office small, but comfortable. And don't worry I wont tell you I was up at the crack of dawn. So we can work now tour later, or tour now and work later, but not to much later. I leave the choose to you."

Surprises

David gives Angelica a teasingly sly look. "I am trying to keep you away from work... just for tonight. For old time's sake. So the movie's on me."

Finishing up his ice cream, he stands, holding out his hand to Angelica. "Shall we? You get to pick the movie and I promise I won't complain, even if it's a chick flick."

...Several hours later, David is waving after Angelica's car as it drives away from the hotel. Watching until the taillights disappear, he finally picks up his bags and goes through the door to check in.

Lying awake for a long time after getting into bed, David's mind wanders. Tonight with Angelica had really been like old times... only better. She was so full of life. Not everyone saw it because she hid behind her work. But so had he for many years. But when he'd taken over the firm, he'd realized that becoming a workaholic was only killing him. There was more to life than winning cases... and tonight had been a stark reminder.

Unfortunately, there was just one problem. Angelica. She'd laughed, she'd smiled and she'd talked about old times. But David could see in her eyes, that she really had no idea what she'd done to him all these years. A lot of women had come his way, but none had outshined her. Would she ever see?

Rolling over, David finally turns off the lamp and tries to get some sleep. It would be an early morning.

Letting Karla just remain in silence, eventually, Kip realizes that she has fallen asleep. He doesn't mind, comfortable enough to stay.

Going for the remote, he shuts the tv off, then reaches back to flip off the bedside light. A dim light in the corner casts a slowly swirling mix of colors onto the ceiling - a mesmerizing display that could put anyone to sleep. And it did. Soon Kip was sound asleep as well, his arm still draped over Karla.

The night, like all nights, passes under the watch of the moon and the light of the stars. Hope rose beyond the horizon, even though shrouded in a mist of grey.

Kip stirs and licks his dry lips, shifting a little on his bed before he realizes that he's being kept warm by another body. For a second, he almost panics before the evening before comes back to him. Karla, the fire...

Moving his arm a bit, he stretches his neck, feeling the crick in it from half-sitting up all night against his pillows. He didn't even know what time it was but... he was surprisingly comfortable.

"Hey, Kip." Erik bursts through the door without knocking. "Out of bed. Theo called and-" His statement comes to a screeching halt as he looks at the bed and blinks. "Kip..."

Kip's eyes widen. "Erik, just hang on. It's not-"

"What in the name of this green earth do you think you're doing?!"

"I was resting peacefully until you came in," Kip retorts. His arm tightens around Karla, making sure she knew he didn't want her to leave. "Get your mind out of the gutter."

Erik crosses his arms, not amused in the least. "I can't change the history."

"Neither can I." Kip throws him a glare, his voice turning to ice. "I'd appreciate it if you held your tongue in present company, and show a bit of compassion here."

"Compassion for what? You sleeping with-"

"Something wrong with sleep?" Kip counters. "A friend's bed is better than the street, don't you think?"

Erik's eyes narrow, now confused. "Somebody want to explain what's going on before I really get upset?"

Angelica's door is ajar and David easily pushes it open with a finger, peeking inside. "Well, there she is." A smile spreads on his face as he sees her behind her desk. He'd agreed to be picked up at the hotel after breakfast, but he'd shown up to TJY early, unannounced in his jeans, white button shirt and light brown leather jacket.

"Thought I'd stretch my legs so I took a walk and lo and behold, I found the great Elite headquarters." He still grins, his dark eyes twinkling. "Don't tell me how long you've been here already - I don't wanna know 'cause I'll feel guilty for sleeping so well last night."

Probably kiss you

Taking the kleenex from Kip Karla pats her nose and her eyes so she didn't get Kip's shirt anymore wet than it already was. He was being so sweet and nice to her, trying his best to help. His words were soft and sweet, at least he was trying to comfort her. Really it was the only comfort she had ever known so to her, it was the best.

Gently tucking her hand under her head again the kleenex still close Karla just stairs across the room focusing on the wall. Tears still roll down her cheek as Karla thought about her lost friend, but a little bit of comfort had washed over and at least for now, helped calm her.

Finally as the minutes tick on, the tears take there told, and the stress of the night wears away at Karla's body. Slowly thought she tried to fight it, her eyes drift shut. With a mind so full right now, and heavy worry on the heart one would wonder how sleep could come, but it did and before she new it Karla was out of it.

Angelica lets out a laugh at Davids mention to staying at her place. It was funny to hear him joking so much but at the same time it was a nice refresher. Being able to joke, and just kick back felt good, even if her mind was on there case anyways.

"Ha, I'd tell them all to mind there own business and probably kiss you as a joke of course just to make them talk more. But I guess that wouldn't be a good thing huh? So I do know a good motel down the road from my place we can get you a room. Its a clean place, with warm water."

Taking the last bit of her ice cream Angelica pushes the bowl forward a little as she leans onto the table. Just shaking her head for a long moment the smile doesn't leave Angelica's face.

"I am going to start thinking you trying to keep me from my work. I probably wont sleep much tonight anyways. I never do when I have a case on my mind.There is a movie theater about a block and a half from here. A little more fun couldn't hurt I guess before I buckle down."

Angelica liked having her old friend around again, it really was nice. She liked everyone at TJY and spending time with them its just with David, they had spend so much time in law school and than there firm afterwords that they really did know eachother so well. It was just a whole different feel to it.

 

Movie theater

Kip rubs Karla's arm and lets his head lean down to rest on hers. "I know it's not fair," he answers quietly. "I always ask God the same thing... and I'm always reminded that life just... isn't fair. Every time my dad calls, the question arises again... but the answer never changes."

He knew that Karla didn't know the whole story about his past - his family situation and the way his father was. But even so, it was a good enough comparison. Sometime he'd tell her about it... at a better time than this.

Reaching over to his bedside table, he grabs a kleenex or two and hand them to her for her eyes and nose, then he returns to holding her. "I know it hurts... you lost everything and that's not easy for anyone." He knew she probably hadn't been able to afford any extra insurance and most likely wouldn't get much if anything from her losses.

"But all you can do is go up from here. As long as you stick with us, we're not gonna let you down... you have my word."

Not sure what else he could possibly say, he just holds her. As long as she wanted to stay, he'd let her, even if it was all night. He'd deal with the others in the morning.

David chuckles as he takes another bite of ice cream. "What? Me stay at your place? And have the neighbors talk? Surely you jest."

Grinning, he throws Angelica a wink. "Don't worry about me. Find a hotel with a shower and I'm set."

Scraping his spoon in the bowl, he works his way around the edges of the cold dessert. "In about five minutes, I'm gonna be done with this ice cream, but I don't wanna start work again. Figure I'll make a few calls in the morning... have a fresh head. You know."

He shrugs and sucks on another bite as it melts. "Got a movie theater around here?"

Sleep

Hearing that Kip wouldn't let Karla go back out in the cold wasn't a surprised yet in a way it did anyways. Maybe it was the state of shock she was in that kept what she new at bay, and was replaced by the feeling of dread that Kip seemed to sooth.

Feeling Kip's arms around her Karla doesn't resist as she is pulled into his lap. Just leaning her head on his chest Karla puts her hand under her face. His arms around her felt so warm, the comfort was nice and it helped her feel good but Karla couldn't help the tears that starts to come again. Not as song, but they were there are her mind wondered.

"Why? Why did this had to happen? Things seemed to be going so well...and now...its not fair Kip."

Taking her flowers with her and walking hand and hand with Sparky back to the bunk Faith couldn't be happier. Though she was worried about tomorrow she felt a tiny bit of comfort knowing there was someone who cared.

Getting into the bunk the last kiss from Sparky lingers as she looks out her window just watching him walk away. It felt strange missing him already when he had only just left, but the feeling lingered. Maybe this was how it was meant to feel being away from someone you cared about so much. Maybe this was love.

Hearing that Gunner loved her too Bree looks up at JT a bit surprised  that Gunner loved her let alone had told JT.

"He....he said that?"

Thinking for a long moment Bree just looks up at the sky again her face straight with the lack of emotion. But if one were to look close, the small smile that was hidden behind the pain was there. A tiny warm feeling entering her heart giving her a bit of hope.

Her jacket pulls around her Angelica was warm despite the cold treat she was enjoying. Her own bowl held mint chip ice cream with a tiny bit of carmal on top. Taking a bit Angelica cant help the small laugh that escapes her lips.

"This is the best place around to have ice cream."

Thinking about David's question Angelica thinks for a long moment. She hadn't been to Cali since the meeting she had gone to. She missed home from time to time maybe it would be nice?

" It would be nice to come for a visit. Seeing my mom again would be nice, she's been lonely since grandma passed away. I think it would be pretty nice to see how the ferm is doing under you too. I am sure its great but seeing old faces is nice."

Another bite of her ice cream is eaten as she thinks once again.

"I do have some vacation time coming up. Maybe I will come out to Cali and see ya.  So...I have an extra room at my place if you want to stay there, or we can find you a nice hotel to stay in while you are out here."

Reassurance

Kip is fooling around in the corner when Karla emerges from the bathroom. Turning around, he's glad to see she's cleaned up, but the look in her eye is gut wrenching.

Sitting down next to her on the bed, he bites his lip. He didn't know what to do or how he could help her. But he did have an answer to her question. "I don't know... but we're not gonna send you back out in the cold."

A little hesitant, his conscience reminds him that he'd been caught with a girl in his room before and it had ended quite badly. This was very different though, and he wasn't going to leave Karla alone or rouse the house. If they thought he was wrong, so be it.

Taking Karla's hand, he scoots up to sit at the head of his bed, bringing her with him. Sitting against his pillows, he pulls her up between his legs so she can lean against his chest. HIs arms wrap around her in a strong embrace, not caring that her hair was still wet.

"It's going to be okay," he assures. He felt sick, thinking about what she'd just gone through and what she'd lost. "You're alright. You got out safe and that's the main thing. It's going to be okay."

Sparky gives Faith's hand a squeeze. "Everything's gonna be alright with that. I know it is." Though in the pit of his stomach he suddenly had a great fear, he didn't let it show.

"Come on..." He guides Faith from the stall then shuts the door and latches it. "I'll walk you to your bunk."

Grabbing his hat, he puts it back on, then hands her the flowers once more. Heading out of the barn, he checks on a few stalls and shuts of some lights, then walks beside Faith to the bunk houses. Once last kiss goodnight, and he's on his own again, meandering to his own bunkhouse. It felt just a little darker and a little colder tonight.

JT rubs Bree's arm comfortingly. Her words surprised him just a little. He knew she had strong feelings for Gunner, but wasn't expecting her to admit it aloud yet.

"Gunner loves you too, ya know... he told me so."

Looking at his niece, JT is suddenly overcome with the realization that one of these days, it might be Gunner taking care of her and not him anymore. The other man in her life that had just been a friend was becoming more and more, and soon, JT would be looking at her from a distance. He knew they would always be close but there was an element there that hurt just a little. And for the first time, he maybe felt just a small part of what a parent might feel.

Bree was as grown woman, no doubt. But they'd shared such good times during the last few years that it was hard to imagine anything changing.

"You'll see him soon... soon."

A smile spreads on David's face at Angelica's acceptance. "Well alright then - ice cream it is. But I have a feeling that after that, it's going to be awfully close to closing up for the night."

Putting away his own papers, it doesn't take long to be ready to leave Mom and Pop's. He gathers his bags and follows Angelica, at her mercy as far as transportation went.

Soon, they have arrived at a little ice cream shop and wind up outside under the lights, even though it's a bit chilly after sunset. David has a small dish and sucks on his spoon thoughtfully. "Mm... it's been a long time since I've had good ice cream."

Eyeing Angelica a moment, a smile surfaces. "So after we've won this case, how about coming back to California for a visit?"

Shower

Feeling Kip's comfort and his gentile arm around her Karla doesn't resist as he directors her to the bed. Just looking up at him as he tells her to wait Karla's eyes follow him out of the room till once he was gone they go to the ground.

Her stomach gave a growl but she wasn't hungry. Emotions bubbled and churned, pain and hurt coarse through her. It hurt even more than telling people where she lived, or that she was pretty poor.

As the door opens again Karla looks up quickly with a little jump being pulled out of her thoughts. Seeing the clothing in his hand it made Karla hurt just a little bit more as she took them from her. What would she do now?

Getting into the bathroom Karla closes the door and looks around the big bathroom for a long moment. It was roomy, and big defiantly able to tell a it was a man's bathroom but it was still neat. Going over to the shower Karla opens the curtain and looks for a moment on how to operate it still finally the water was running.

Getting into the warm shower the water felt good on her cold skin. But as the water warmed her it seemed her strong wall broke. Letting out a sob the tears finally came as they ran down her cheek mixing with the water. Just standing there for a long moment she finally pushed her face under the water to let it wash what remained of the dirt and tears away.

About 10 minutes later the door to the bathroom finally opens. Her hair wet, but the soot makes were gone, and the dark dirty trails the tears had left were gone as well. The clothes were a little big on her as she hadnt eaten much lately so she had lost a little bit of weight. But they were comfy non the less. Entering into the room she looks at Kip, her eyes were still sad but at least she was clean, and felt a tiny bit better.

"Thank you. I'm sorry to have come here so late...I...just...didn't know where else to go."

Going back over to the bed Karla sits down on the edge her arm around her again as she looks at the ground. She hated feeling this way, and she new not to worry but she couldn't help it. So many things ran through her mind and she felt so alone.

"Wha...whats going to happen now?"

Her question was more of a whisper, maybe to Kip or just to herself out loud.

Clean

As Kip realizes what had happened, the knot in his stomach tightens. Karla hadn't had much, but it had been everything, and now it was gone. And Rin... Kip had liked her dog very much and he couldn't imagine how she must feel right now to have lost one of her best friends like that.

"Oh, Karla... I'm so sorry." Kip wasn't sure even what to do. She looked cold, dirty and was probably in some state of shock. He didn't want to wake the whole house though - he knew that she wouldn't want a crowd just yet. And if she had wanted a hospital, she would have stayed and not come here. But should Kip get help anyway?

Debating, he looks at her eyes, so sad and he felt something stir in his heart. Reaching out, he puts his arm around her shoulders and guides her to his bed to sit down. "I'll be right back... just sit tight."

Slipping out of his bedroom, Kip is gone for only a few short minutes before returning. Closing his door quietly, he's sure not to alert the rest of the house. There really was no need to wake anyone right now... Karla didn't need that kind of attention yet.

Going back to her, he gently prompts her back to her feet and aims her to his bathroom. From under his arm, he hands her some of Twila's clothes that she kept here - clean sweat pants a tee and undergarments. "Clean yourself up," he directs softly but firmly to be sure she did it. "Then come back out and I'll be here, okay?"

Fire

Staring back at Kip thought the open window, she has seem him go head over heels off the bed. She couldn't help but feel bad for startling him. Her eyes were just a little dull as they looked back at Kip before climbing into his window.

Keeping her arms wrapped around herself Karla gave a sniff. Just thinking about it brought tears to her eyes. Everything she had, what little it was...was important and now it was gone. She was lower than low. Looking up at Kip her sad brown eyes searching his for a long moment. Fight the urge to cry again Karla's words come out soft.

"There....there was a fire down below me. I was in bed already for the night. I sleep like a log sometimes, and I didnt even know anything was wrong...I lost everything. Its all in a pile of ash where the build I use to live stood...and"

Karla takes in a deep breath as she goes into a coughing fit from all the smoke she had inhaled. She hadnt even bothered going to the hospital to make sure she was ok. Lost in a daze and winding up here was all that mattered.

"...if...if it hadn't been for Rin waking me I probably would of been burned alive. I couldn't even save him..he needed me he saved me, he was always there for me...and I just let him die in there."

Karla did her best to hold back the tears but actually saying the dog she had, had for more than 10 years stung. Rin had been her protector, her best friend and now she would never see him again. It hurt, and Karla couldn't help some of the slow tears than ran from her eyes.

Scared

Kip's eyes are almost shut when he hears a strange sound. Was it the tv? No. Odd. Hearing it again, he turns to look at the window. Seeing a face staring back at him, he gives a start, his eyes widening. "Holy cr-" Before he can stop, his own jolt sends him off the side of his bed and he disappears.

Crawling to peek around the foot of his bed, hen then recognizes the face. "Karla? What on earth..."

Confused, Kip gets to his feet and shuffles to the large window, unlocking it and swinging it open. "Karla, what..." His voice trails off as he sees her face and his stomach makes an uncomfortable twist.

The cold night air was coming in fast and he motions her inside. "Get in here out of the cold."

Once she's in his room, he shuts and locks the window again, turning to look at her in the light. He could smell the smoke from here and the black smudges on her face and clothes were further evidence of what Kip dreaded to ask. His eyes meet her, his gaze full of genuine concern. "What happened?"

Smoke

Leaning her head into the crook of Sparky's neck and shoulder Faith rested her head soaking in his warm hug. It was so comfortable here with him, his arms wrapped around her. If given the chance she would surly fall asleep. Faith's emotions ran so deep, in a way it kind of scared her but she would not fear them. They were to inviting, and brought her so much joy.

Smiling up at Sparky as he finally helps her up Faith lets out a content sigh. She'd been worried, but what for? In Sparky's eyes she could see the feelings, the emotions, He really didnt care what the others said, and nether did she.

"I feel the same and more. Your different Tyler than any other person I ever met. and I love it."

Standing on her tip toes and leaning into Sparky again Faith brings her nose to his and rubs it back and forth for a brief moment they smile on her face so big one might think it was stuck that way. Backing away a few steps again she holds his hand.

"I guess I should get some sleep too. Its gonna be a long day at the Dr. tomorrow."

Bree can't help the laugh the escapes her lips at JT's comment about Gunner and the guards. Even thought a few tears still escaped her eyes Bree couldn't help the small smile the formed on her lips just thinking about Gunner with the guards.

"I....can see him doing that too."

Giving a sniff Bree shifts a little sitting up now. Her eyes were bloodshot, her face was red but she didn't care. Her uncle has seen her when she had just woken up before, what was the diffrance when she was crying? It didnt happen much so maybe she was a little embarrass but who cared.

Tilting her head back Bree looking to the moon for a long moment. Whispering her goodnight to it, maybe hoping it would float on the wind to where Gunner was.

"I....really think I love him."

It sounded strange to admit that out loud, love was a word Bree had almost never spoken. Something she thought was not  met for her to ever find. But that day, in the cafe when she had first met Gunner her whole world had changed. A few more tears falling from Bree's eyes the smile stays on her lips, though she was hut, though there was much pain now, she would see Gunner again.

"Why dont you try calling him? He might have his phone still."

Angelica gathers her paper work up moving it out of the way so it didnt get messed up. Placing it back into her briefcase Angelica looking up at David again and gives a smile.

"I always work late."

Giving a laugh and shaking her head it was true but funny when she admitted it. She did work a lot unless she Reese asked her out to dinner, or a movie. Maybe some ice cream wouldn't be so bad?

"Ice cream huh? I guess I can sacrifice a few hours for some ice cream. But than after is back to work...ok?"

Walking down the street black smuges were bore on Karla's face. Walking slowly down the road in her pajamas the smell of smoke still rolled off her.

The first had been unexpected no doubt someone fell asleep while smoking again. But in the old building it took nothing to go up in flames. She had a little money but not enough for anything, she was cold, and the tears were dried to her skin now.

Where she was going, Karla didn't know but when she found herself standing outside the large house she was a bit surprised. Kip's house...why...He was her best friend someone she could always talk to but would he be sleeping would the rest of his family be in bed? Karla didnt know but she didnt want to just knock on his from or unless.

Skinny enough to slip through the bars Karla makes her way slowly up the driveway. Strange enough there was no shadow by her side it was empty for the first time in quite a while.Making her way around the side of the house Karla finds the window she is looking for. Knowing where Kip's room was made it easy enough. Now to get his attachen. In a hushed horse whisper she calls.

"Kip...KIP."

Her voice wasn't as loud as she wanted, the emotions and tears holding her words back so her voice wasn't quite that loud as she wanted. Scanning the sidding She spots a pipe. Going over to it and pulling it was secure with nice bolts to put her feet on.

Starting to climb Karla makes it up to the top in record time. Crawling across the porch roof Karla finally makes it to Kips window. Just leaning against the wall for a moment Karla takes a deep breath trying to control her own emotions that were raging. She didnt know what she was going to do, but she had to talk to someone.

Giving a light rap on the window Karla looks in seeing the TV on, but not being able to see deeping into the room she couldn't tell if Kip was awake or not.

Restless

With his arms still around her, Sparky chuckles and shakes his head at the horse. "Thanks a lot, Twilight."

His eyes move back to Faith and after a moment of simply studying her features, he pulls her close again for a strong hug. Just holding her warmly, he embraces her, wishing that life could be as simple as his feelings ran. He was falling in love with this woman - it didn't get any more complicated than that.

Drawing back, he moves his hands to tuck her hair behind her ears and leans his forehead down to rest against hers. "I thought this world didn't have any hope left... then God sent me an angel."

Sighing, Sparky knows that they couldn't stay here all night. He was tired and sore from a long day and sitting here in the straw with Faith was way too comfortable. But even if this growing relationship felt like a dream, they still lived in a real world where nights only lasted so long, and temperatures only stayed so warm.

He shifts his weight and lets go of Faith to stand then help her up. Brushing straw off of her and himself, he gives her forehead one last kiss. "You've given me something worth living for, Faith... I don't care what others say. 'Cause even if my heart winds up in pieces, it was worth this time with you. I only hope that... that you feel the same."

JT doesn't move or make Bree get up. He just holds her, rocks her and lets her cry. Though he felt like breaking down too, he forces himself to stay a strong shelter for her. He'd have plenty of time to break down later.

Rubbing her back, he croons softly to her, while silent prayers run through his mind to take all this pain away. It just wasn't fair... for a heart as pure as Bree's, to be tortured so.

Feeling her calming down and hearing her words, JT moves his head to look down into her eyes. "You don't need to thank me for anything," he responds quietly. "You're like my daughter, you know that... I couldn't just leave you there."

He kisses the top of her head and pulls her a little closer. "Gunner will be just fine. He's a fighter. If anyone can get out of this mess, it's him." He forces a smile. "Can you imagine the trouble he's giving the guards down there? He's probably already got them convinced he's a vampire that drinks rootbeer floats instead of blood."

Glancing up to the sky, JT points. "See that moon? Even if you can't find the right stars, what do you bet Gunner's looking at that same moon right now?"

David stares across at Angelica, once again his expression seeming not to fit the conversation, but something else that might be on his mind - one that made a smile appear just below the surface.

"Great - sounds like a good idea. The more we can dig up the better. Have your guy check it out. In the meantime I need to try and find JT to see if he got anything else that night. It'll be a while before anyone realizes I'm in town, so I'm safe for a few days."

Finishing the rest of his water, he pushes his plate aside a little. "So do you still work 'til the wee hours of the morning, or could I convince you to go get ice cream somewhere?"

"How's this?" Kip picks out the notes on his bass guitar, sending  the thumping rhythm through the upstairs of  the house.

Kyle and Erik nod. "I like it," Kyle confirms. "That should work better." Standing up from the chair, he stretches and yawns. "I'm hitting the hay, guys." The rest of the house was already asleep for the night. Wandering from Kip's room, only the two men are left.

Kyle passes his room and aim's for Alice's instead. Knocking on the door, he opens it just a crack. "Night you," he calls softly. "Don't forget we're doing breakfast tomorrow, just you and me."

"So..." Erik cocks his head at Kip. "Think this is gonna work?"

"I hope so." Kip nods. "Looking forward to showing our stuff. Can't no more than do our best I figure. Kyle seems pleased with how everything is going."

"Yeah, I think we sound good." Erik rises and aims for the door. "We got an early practice tomorrow... you better get some shuteye like the rest of us."

"Yeah, yeah." Kip waves him out the door, left on his bed to play around with his bass for a few more minutes before putting it on its stand. Stretching out on his bed, he stares up at the ceiling, his mind too full to sleep. Things had been going well with the band. They were getting closer and closer to being ready to perform and they sounded good. No one else would believe they could come together like this so well in such a short time, comparatively speaking.

Around the house, things were going well, too. The band was practicing here now instead of Theo's - it was just too cold in his garage now and his heaters weren't cutting it. A thick frost was forming on the grounds tonight... they were predicting snow in a couple days. The band was getting anxious to move forward, but after their first tryout had been postponed, they were now waiting for the phone call that would tell them when they could come perform.

Kip was enjoying seeing Karla around the house too. Whenever he got a chance, he'd wander around until he'd find where she was cleaning so he could sit and talk with her. Sometimes he'd make sure he ate lunch at the same time she did too so they could eat together. Erik's mom had told him that Karla was doing a great job and had even gone the extra mile by getting the mail or answering the phone a couple times when everyone else was busy. Kip was thrilled it was working out, glad that Karla could get some money so she could take care of herself.

Sighing, Kip rolls over, his light still on. It was getting late, but after all that had been going on, one more thing had still been added to the pot. His father. He'd shown up yesterday, drunk. Erik's dad had sent him away but not before Kip had seen him from a distance. It had put his stomach in knots and the phone call an hour later had just made it worse. Erik had told him not to take the call but he just...had to.

Giving a groan, Kip rolls over the other way and flips on his television. Maybe a B movie would put him to sleep.

Snort

Sparky's returned kiss, his arms around her, his hands running up and down her back sent shock waves up and down Faith's spine. She could feel her knees start to weaken, as her heart seemed to race faster than ever before. Time around her seemed to stop, as everything faded away. It was just Sparky and herself, in this moment with theses emotions.

Feeling Sparky start to move to the ground Faith was all to thankful to continues the kiss but sit in his lap before she fell down. His sweet lips seemed to be almost like an addiction and one more kiss would never be enough. His warmth, his tastes, the way his arms wrapped around her it offered so much. Safety, love, Friendship that ran much deeper, as there heart over flowed. Time stoped, yet time slipped by, and seconds turned into minutes that they sat there in the moment.

All to soon though Faith hears a snort behind her, and can feel the horses breath close to them. She didn't want this moment to end, she didn't want to kiss to stop but she cant help the small giggle that escapes her lips breaking the kiss. Keeping her arms around Sparky's neck a million sorrys shown in her eys as she cocks her head and gives a head jolt motioning to the horse behind her.

"I think we have an audience interested in what we are doing."

Faith looks over her shoulder as she is met by a wet noise. Shaking her head and laughing at Twilight, before looking back at Sparky and smiling her eyes dancing, the dark shadow of doubt seemed to be chased away. After this, she new Sparky cared to much to walk away, as she did for him.

Hope

Faiths words and actions blended together in such a way to make Sparky's pulse race. He didn't know what she did to him... but it was mesmerizing. The way her hand brushed his forehead as she took his hat... the soft determination in her voice... the way she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her lips to his. Everything... absolutely everything pulled him to her as if there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Returning her kiss, his arms slip around her waist, his one hand gently running up and down her back. Retreating just to cock his head another way, he continues the kiss, his heart beating loudly in his head. With his eyes closed, he couldn't see the world around him - all he could do was feel Faith in his arms, taste her kiss and dream.

Leaning back against the wall, Sparky slowly slides down into the clean stall bedding, forcing Faith to sit in his lap. Not breaking the kiss, he just holds her close as if thinking maybe if he hoped enough, the moment wouldn't end.

Retreat

Angelica gives a nod and a small laugh as she looks up at David again. She had worked with him for so many years she new it wasnt hard for him to tell when she liked something or not.

"I...think I am having way to much fun."

Thinking for a long moment as she took another bite of her salad Angelica mulled over Davids words. Fax, text message, mail, letters...Text message. Sifting through the papers that Dalton had given her Angelica looks for something that might have caught her eyes. Finally finding it she smiles.

"Bree's parents use Sprint for there cell phone. My sister happens to use sprint as well and I remember her complain once about when she wants to delete a text she has to go online and delete it as well. I wonder...if we can get into there account and pull up there texts. There might be something there that would help."

Angelica smile as she sips her water again just looking across the table at David. His features now seemed softer than when she had last seen him. Still professional but more layed back. He fallen into the roll nicly and still held such profession, Angelica was happy to know he was doing well.

As JT's arms wrap around her Bree curls tighter into his arms. The comfort she was seeking was there, maybe not from the man she was hopping but her Uncle would always be just as good.

Leaning her head into his shoulde Bree just crys a million tears seem to come out, it had been so long if ever since she had last cryed. And now she was letting it all out.

The time slowly went by and Bree's tears turned to sobs, than whimpers, but finally stopped as she still layed nestled and curled up in JT's lap. Moving her head a little showed she was still awake, but she felt so drained now. just shifting a little she looks up at her Uncle trying to give a small smile her tired whisper comes forth.

"I never...got to say thank you. For rescuing me. Gunner will be ok...right?"

Feeling Sparky's hand on her face Faith leans her head into it a little closing her eyes. So soft, and light his touch was and how it made her heart jump.

"Because if things were easy, it just wouldn't be life."

Opening her eyes again, she studys his own as he talks. Knowing and understanding what he was saying Faith thought for a long moment. Retreating for a moment one might think she was walking away but reaching over the stall Faith sets the flowers on the bail of hay on the other side.

Than coming back to where Sparky was standing she stepped up close to him not saying anything. Her heart thumbed, and her stomach seemed to flutter even more. Reaching up Faith removes his hat tossing it over the the stall to land next to her flowers.

Wrapping her arms around his neck and standing on her tip toes so she was eye level with him. A smile formed on her lips, and a glint in her eyes.

"If you stand to close to the edge, I'll stand with you. So if you fall I can catch you and you wont ever have to find the peaces of you heart again."

Leaning in Faith press her lips to Sparky letting the emotion flow through her, but pulling away for a moment she smiles searching his eyes again.

"I don't know how it happend, but I am head over heels for you. These emotions, and feelings I feel I can't stop them nor do I want to."

Coming back again Faith press her lips to Sparky's the kiss, the sweetness, it washed over her as her one had found the back of his head, and the other was still wrapped around his next. This was her answer to him, heartache is not what she saw, and trying was all to worth it.

Pieces

Somewhere in the middle of Angelica's talking, David is far away, half listening. Instead of his eyes on the papers, they were lingering on his hand where she'd brushed against him. Sighing, he realizes she's stopped talking. "Hmm? Oh... no, I think we're even. I think we got everything covered that we can at this point." 

Returning to his partially warm food, he takes another bite. "We do need some harder facts though. We need to get a hold on something written... an agreement... money changing hands... financial records... anything that would prove the hidden dealings. Anyone like this always messes up somewhere or misses something. They think they've got it covered, but eventually..." He gestures with his fork. "Eventually they slip up. Voicemails... text messages... things they don't think anybody else will ever see."

Leaning back, he looks into Angelica's eyes, seeing their spark. She loved this work even more than he did, if that was possible. A grin tweaks the corner of his mouth. "You're having way too much fun with this."

Nodding, he thinks some more. "If this guy of yours wants to do more digging, let him. Just have him be careful. If he got this far without getting caught, I got a pretty good idea he's good."

JT had thought his heart couldn't hurt more, but he'd been wrong. Seeing Bree's tears and hearing her words, his heart feels like it's breaking into a million pieces. As she lies her head in his lap, he rubs her shoulders and runs a hand through her hair. "It's okay, Bree... it's okay," he soothes.


Taking her hands, he stops her from hitting the ground anymore, and he pulls her in even closer so he can wrap his arms around her. "Everything's going to work out, you'll see. You'll get to see Gunner again, I promise."


Rocking a little, he closes his eyes, begging God to end this pain, if not his own, then just Bree's. "Shh... just relax. It'll be okay."

"Tyler." Sparky grins and cocks his head, looking down at Faith. His tone is deep and mellow. "For some reason, I don't mind it when you call me that."

Reaching out, he brushes the side of her face with his hand. "Why can't just one thing in life be simple? Why do people have to go and make it more complicated than it has to be?"

Pursing his lips, he gives a little sigh, but doesn't break eye contact. "What do you think, Faith? Is it worth a go? Or is heartache down the road for both of us? Tell me now because I'm so close to the edge that if another second passes and it ends up failing, I'll never find all the pieces of my heart again."