Sitting with Ty Libby curls into him a little. Her bruises and cuts had healed, any only a few let some scars but the remnants of what happened was starting to fad other than the pain in ones heart. But with the help of those who cared it became a little easier to deal.
"Oh, thank you Ty. I had been looking in the paper but I felt strange living with someone I didn't know. But since you know Dani thats a little more comforting."
Taking the paper from Ty Libby holds it looking at it for a long moment. Turning her head to see Ty Libby leans over and gives him a soft kiss on his lips. She'd enjoyed staying with him and Wyatt but she also new that finding her own space would be nice too.
"Maybe after you go to work tonight I'll swing by Mom and Pop's to talk with her. Thank you Ty."
Hearing Justin talk about his mom again Beth listens. A small smile seemed to spread across her lips hearing about how she screamed over a little turtle. Though the smile once more was gone as fast as it came.
"Maybe only for a few hours she would have. My mom was always the one that liked different kind of strange things. Dad always hated them though and they didn't last long. "
Watching Justin again as he works with the fish again Beth gives a little cringe as she watches him with the pliers trying to get the hook out of his mouth. Not because it was slimy and gross but she couldn't help but wondering if the poor fish was hurting, even if it was just part of the food chain.
Hearing Justin's question asking if she wanted to reel the fish in Beth gives a little shake of her head as she pulls one of her knees close to her chest and leans her arm on it.
"No thank you. I'll....just...watch."
She didn't mind just sitting there and watching as her eyes still roamed the area. Just taking everything in it could almost be so easy to see it had been a long time since she had simply just enjoyed being outside for the fun of it.
Giving another laugh just because Chance himself was laughing Destiny shakes her head as she pulls the mugs out of the microwave. Putting the tea bags in and adding the milk and suger Destiny finally goes into the other room.
Coming over to Chance who was standing by the back of the couch Destiny gives a little laugh as she holds up the cup for him.
"Here you go just the way you like it."
Taking a sip of her own Destiny gives a smile and a small laugh again. Moving around to the couch Destiny eases down. The night was slowly coming to an end and now matter how she wanted it to stop it just wouldn't.
"How about we pop that movie in now?"
6/17/10
Another bass
Hearing Destiny start to laugh, Chance can't hold it in any longer and he starts to laugh too. Wandering towards the kitchen, he keeps his laughter quiet, though it doesn't last long. Leaning on the doorframe, he watches Destiny and shakes his head too.
"Next time I'll knock." He laughs some more, finding it even more funny with each passing moment. His eyes start to water and he puts a hand to his side as it aches. "I'm sorry but... but and... and the mouse and..."
Bending over, he has to walk away from the kitchen before he makes too much of a scene, going to lean on the back of the couch and trying to catch his breath.
A smile creases Justin's lips as he hears about Troy. At least Beth was talking to him. He'd been afraid she would simply lapse into total silence. "Troy, huh?"
He chuckles and sets the hook to begin a fight with another bass. "My brother and I had a turtle once... but when it got out of the aquarium, Ma made us get rid of it. Apparently she found it by the toilet in the bathroom though it's just as well we were down at the creek and couldn't hear her scream."
Landing the good-sized bass, Justin has trouble getting the hook out and has to revert to the pliers in his back pocket to finally dislodge it. "We never did bring critters in the house after that," he continues wryly. "I think we knew if we did, we'd be the ones kicked out and not the critter."
No sooner does he have the bass on the stringer with the other one, than the bobber on his other rod goes under the water. Acting quickly, he picks up that rod and sets the hook. "Feels like another bass," he muses.
Holding the bending rod steady, he looks over to Beth. "Wanna reel him in?"
Ty yawns and downs his glass of milk before wandering back into the living room and flopping down next to Libby to watch the rest of the B movie that was playing on television. He'd been asleep for several hours after getting home from work, and had opted to at least get some time in with Libby before he had to head out again tonight.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Fishing in his jeans pocket, he pulls out a piece of paper with a phone number scribbled on it. "Got a lead on a place for you. Someone looking for a roommate. Her name is Dani Banks... about your age." He thinks for a minute. "She's the blonde waitress down at Mom and Pop's... her brother works contract for TJY. Anyway... I know she's safe and all. Her brother got married and moved out a while back but she's wanting some company. So... I got her number for you. Or I guess you could drop by Mom and Pop's and see her too, if you're interested."
"Next time I'll knock." He laughs some more, finding it even more funny with each passing moment. His eyes start to water and he puts a hand to his side as it aches. "I'm sorry but... but and... and the mouse and..."
Bending over, he has to walk away from the kitchen before he makes too much of a scene, going to lean on the back of the couch and trying to catch his breath.
A smile creases Justin's lips as he hears about Troy. At least Beth was talking to him. He'd been afraid she would simply lapse into total silence. "Troy, huh?"
He chuckles and sets the hook to begin a fight with another bass. "My brother and I had a turtle once... but when it got out of the aquarium, Ma made us get rid of it. Apparently she found it by the toilet in the bathroom though it's just as well we were down at the creek and couldn't hear her scream."
Landing the good-sized bass, Justin has trouble getting the hook out and has to revert to the pliers in his back pocket to finally dislodge it. "We never did bring critters in the house after that," he continues wryly. "I think we knew if we did, we'd be the ones kicked out and not the critter."
No sooner does he have the bass on the stringer with the other one, than the bobber on his other rod goes under the water. Acting quickly, he picks up that rod and sets the hook. "Feels like another bass," he muses.
Holding the bending rod steady, he looks over to Beth. "Wanna reel him in?"
Ty yawns and downs his glass of milk before wandering back into the living room and flopping down next to Libby to watch the rest of the B movie that was playing on television. He'd been asleep for several hours after getting home from work, and had opted to at least get some time in with Libby before he had to head out again tonight.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Fishing in his jeans pocket, he pulls out a piece of paper with a phone number scribbled on it. "Got a lead on a place for you. Someone looking for a roommate. Her name is Dani Banks... about your age." He thinks for a minute. "She's the blonde waitress down at Mom and Pop's... her brother works contract for TJY. Anyway... I know she's safe and all. Her brother got married and moved out a while back but she's wanting some company. So... I got her number for you. Or I guess you could drop by Mom and Pop's and see her too, if you're interested."
Blade
Looking at Chance Destiny can see the humor in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth twitch. She couldn't help the grin on her own face as she turned around to head to the kitchen. Throwing a comment over her shoulder a little humor could be sounded in his own voice.
"You can laugh its ok. I know I was to laugh anyways."
Continuing into the kitchen laughter can be heard as Destiny just lets it out. She was so embarrassed that laugh was really the only thing she could do. Taking the glasses from the cupboard and filling them with water Destiny's face still holds the stupid grin.
"Well, I guess at least a was semi I dressed right? It could of been a lot more embarrassing."
Giving another chuckle and continuing to make the tea Destiny gives a shake of her head. This whole thing was really silly, and now thinking about there reactions it was a little silly.
Sitting the little ways away Beth watches as Justen sets up his both of his poles. Closing paying attachen to what he was doing but not saying anything. She had never seen someone set up a pole before and it was rather interesting. Once he was done though Beth returns her eyes to the water just watching the soft rippled, and taking in the quiet sounds around her.
Turning her head again as Justin draws closer and starts to talk Beth stays quiet just listing. So Justin had lost his dad too before he should have? Was that why he liked helping people because he had his own problems he new how to over come?
"It is pretty here. The sounds are really nice too."
Beth wasn't sure what to talk about. Should she talk about fishing? Nature? The dogs? Maybe a little about herself? That was a topic that seemed to make her more nervous just thinking about it. If she offered information would just keep asking more questions?
Picking a peace of grass Beth playing his it for a long moment, taking another peace and tieing it to the other, than taking another and tieing it.
"My sister and I had a turtle we found at a pond once. My mom said we could bring it home. His name was Troy."
Beth rolls her eyes at herself. That was really something great to talk about a turtle she once had. Real smart thinking. Just turning her eyes to the water again Beth's eyes wonder to where some noise was over in the brush but just realizing it was the Dog's Beth relaxes again.
"You can laugh its ok. I know I was to laugh anyways."
Continuing into the kitchen laughter can be heard as Destiny just lets it out. She was so embarrassed that laugh was really the only thing she could do. Taking the glasses from the cupboard and filling them with water Destiny's face still holds the stupid grin.
"Well, I guess at least a was semi I dressed right? It could of been a lot more embarrassing."
Giving another chuckle and continuing to make the tea Destiny gives a shake of her head. This whole thing was really silly, and now thinking about there reactions it was a little silly.
Sitting the little ways away Beth watches as Justen sets up his both of his poles. Closing paying attachen to what he was doing but not saying anything. She had never seen someone set up a pole before and it was rather interesting. Once he was done though Beth returns her eyes to the water just watching the soft rippled, and taking in the quiet sounds around her.
Turning her head again as Justin draws closer and starts to talk Beth stays quiet just listing. So Justin had lost his dad too before he should have? Was that why he liked helping people because he had his own problems he new how to over come?
"It is pretty here. The sounds are really nice too."
Beth wasn't sure what to talk about. Should she talk about fishing? Nature? The dogs? Maybe a little about herself? That was a topic that seemed to make her more nervous just thinking about it. If she offered information would just keep asking more questions?
Picking a peace of grass Beth playing his it for a long moment, taking another peace and tieing it to the other, than taking another and tieing it.
"My sister and I had a turtle we found at a pond once. My mom said we could bring it home. His name was Troy."
Beth rolls her eyes at herself. That was really something great to talk about a turtle she once had. Real smart thinking. Just turning her eyes to the water again Beth's eyes wonder to where some noise was over in the brush but just realizing it was the Dog's Beth relaxes again.
6/16/10
Never made it home
Startled at his computer, Chance shuts his laptop quickly and swivels in his chair. Seeing Destiny, the corners of his mouth quirk in a very peculiar manner.
"Tea... is always good." He nods. "Thank you."
Turning his attention back to the desk, he scratches the back of his head and stares at nothing, suddenly feeling much like laughing. However, not knowing if Destiny thought any of this was funny or not, he had no idea if laughing would be a good idea or if it would juts make thing worse. Regardless, it was very hard to keep it in.
Justin nods to Beth, really not minding what she did. He was here to catch his supper - nothing more. He did hope she wasn't just forcing herself to stay here though. He wanted this to be at least a halfway good experience so she'd continue to trust him.
Letting her have her space, he sets to work, taking one pole with a bobber and hooking a worm to it. Casting out a ways into the pond, the bobber lands on the water with a delighted plunk, settling on the little ripples to wait for any passing fish. Justin sets that pole down on the ground to let it sit. Next, he takes a different pole a little longer and fastens a fake lure to it. This one he would cast and reel... cast and reel. The rhythm he picks up is almost mesmerizing and for a while, he just stands along the edge of the pond, casting and reeling, remaining quiet, while the dogs root around in the brush some fifty yards away.
Inch by slow inch, Justin wanders just a little closer to Beth, still not crowding, but at least eventually within talking distance. A bite on his line though, delays what he was about to say. Setting the hook, he fights with a fish for a couple minutes, his pole bending and his line buzzing. Finally getting it close to shore, he produces a nice-sized bass, pleased with the catch. After unhooking it, he retrieves his stringer and slips it through the fish's gills before letting him be back in the water again and fastening the stringer to a nearby rock.
Back to his position, he casts again, hoping for another bass. Waiting a few more minutes, he finally speaks, but keeps his eyes out on the water. "Not to many people come back here... the property belongs to my mother's brother but it's rare anyone else comes. He lets me fish here and I come and weed whack every once in a while to keep it clean."
He pauses to cast again. "When I was a kid, I remember coming here once for a picnic. Didn't have any fishing gear with us though, but I thought it would be a perfect spot. My dad would take me fishing at a creek nearer our house - this was just far enough away that it felt out of reach."
Reeling in his line, he has to remove some moss before casting again. "When I was nine, my dad finally promised that when I turned ten, he and I would come up here for a weekend. I got so excited. We picked out a new tent, got our gear all ready to go - I even wanted to pack the food early, but thankfully my mom stopped me, seeing as though it was as month ahead of time."
Justin grins a little at the memory, reeling and casting once more. "My birthday was mid-week that year, so it came and went and I had to wait until the weekend. My dad left for work on Friday and said he'd be home early that day so we could finish packing and head up here."
His lure plunks in the water and he reels it slowly. "He never made it home that day. There was a car accident and he died instantly."
Pausing, Justin retrieves his lure and picks some more moss from it. Everyone had pain in their past. Some was more tragic than others. Some lasted longer than others. But everyone dealt with pain on some level almost every day. Even him.
"Took me ten years to ever come back here," he admits, casting once more. "I blamed myself for a while - figured if he hadn't been coming home early for me, he wouldn't have gotten in that wreck."
Another pause comes as he tries to set the hook but misses whatever had almost taken his lure. "Finally did come though and it's become one of my favorite spots. So quite... peaceful. It's where I can clear my mind and just... be."
Lapsing into silence again, he didn't really expect much of a response from Beth. He'd simply wanted to share the story with her just so she would know him a little better.
"Tea... is always good." He nods. "Thank you."
Turning his attention back to the desk, he scratches the back of his head and stares at nothing, suddenly feeling much like laughing. However, not knowing if Destiny thought any of this was funny or not, he had no idea if laughing would be a good idea or if it would juts make thing worse. Regardless, it was very hard to keep it in.
Justin nods to Beth, really not minding what she did. He was here to catch his supper - nothing more. He did hope she wasn't just forcing herself to stay here though. He wanted this to be at least a halfway good experience so she'd continue to trust him.
Letting her have her space, he sets to work, taking one pole with a bobber and hooking a worm to it. Casting out a ways into the pond, the bobber lands on the water with a delighted plunk, settling on the little ripples to wait for any passing fish. Justin sets that pole down on the ground to let it sit. Next, he takes a different pole a little longer and fastens a fake lure to it. This one he would cast and reel... cast and reel. The rhythm he picks up is almost mesmerizing and for a while, he just stands along the edge of the pond, casting and reeling, remaining quiet, while the dogs root around in the brush some fifty yards away.
Inch by slow inch, Justin wanders just a little closer to Beth, still not crowding, but at least eventually within talking distance. A bite on his line though, delays what he was about to say. Setting the hook, he fights with a fish for a couple minutes, his pole bending and his line buzzing. Finally getting it close to shore, he produces a nice-sized bass, pleased with the catch. After unhooking it, he retrieves his stringer and slips it through the fish's gills before letting him be back in the water again and fastening the stringer to a nearby rock.
Back to his position, he casts again, hoping for another bass. Waiting a few more minutes, he finally speaks, but keeps his eyes out on the water. "Not to many people come back here... the property belongs to my mother's brother but it's rare anyone else comes. He lets me fish here and I come and weed whack every once in a while to keep it clean."
He pauses to cast again. "When I was a kid, I remember coming here once for a picnic. Didn't have any fishing gear with us though, but I thought it would be a perfect spot. My dad would take me fishing at a creek nearer our house - this was just far enough away that it felt out of reach."
Reeling in his line, he has to remove some moss before casting again. "When I was nine, my dad finally promised that when I turned ten, he and I would come up here for a weekend. I got so excited. We picked out a new tent, got our gear all ready to go - I even wanted to pack the food early, but thankfully my mom stopped me, seeing as though it was as month ahead of time."
Justin grins a little at the memory, reeling and casting once more. "My birthday was mid-week that year, so it came and went and I had to wait until the weekend. My dad left for work on Friday and said he'd be home early that day so we could finish packing and head up here."
His lure plunks in the water and he reels it slowly. "He never made it home that day. There was a car accident and he died instantly."
Pausing, Justin retrieves his lure and picks some more moss from it. Everyone had pain in their past. Some was more tragic than others. Some lasted longer than others. But everyone dealt with pain on some level almost every day. Even him.
"Took me ten years to ever come back here," he admits, casting once more. "I blamed myself for a while - figured if he hadn't been coming home early for me, he wouldn't have gotten in that wreck."
Another pause comes as he tries to set the hook but misses whatever had almost taken his lure. "Finally did come though and it's become one of my favorite spots. So quite... peaceful. It's where I can clear my mind and just... be."
Lapsing into silence again, he didn't really expect much of a response from Beth. He'd simply wanted to share the story with her just so she would know him a little better.
Tention
Seeing how awkward Chance was acting it just made Destiny blush even more. This whole things had turned into one big mess over a little mouse. If it hadn't of been in the closet it wouldn't have startled her to begin with. Now it just seemed all silly.
Still holding the towel around her Destiny new her face was still quiet red. Watching Chance as he took the mouse out of the bathroom she continues to look at the door standing there while it was closed. Was this something they would be able to laugh at later or would it cause an awkward tension.
Finally snapping out of her own thought Destiny moves quickly to get dressed in her jean shorts, and a tank top, pulling her hair back in a pony tail. Once finished Destiny makes her way from the bathroom to her own room putting her towel in the laundry to day.
Hesitating a moment before going into the living room again Destiny gives a little shake of her head. This was rediculace, they were both adults and it had been a simple accident.
Finally leaving her room and going into the living room Destiny gives a little smile and clears her throat trying not to let her cheeks get red again.
"Hey, I'm gonna make some tea before we watch the movie would you like some too?"
Following Justin's car Beth had no problems on the road. She pretty much new where she was though some roads farther out she had never been on. Giving time in her car alone Beth's mind ran in many different directions her nerves still growing a little.
Wondering where the pond was as they pulled over Beth sits in the car for a long moment. She didn't see a pond and it made her worry but seeing he was getting his fishing stuff Beth could only think there had to be a pond some where.
Getting out of the truck and walking twords Justin cautiously Beth follows him and the dogs through the little path. Coming out into the clearing and seeing the pond Beth is silent for a long moment as her eyes sweep the area. Taking in everything, where everything was, what was around them she than takes in how pretty it looked. The warm sun, the glissing water, and the soft sounds of nature.
Looking to Justin and all the gear he had Beth gave a little shake of her head. She didn't know how to fish and she wasnt to sure about trying. Maybe she would just let Justin.
"I'll...just sit and watch you. It is pretty here."
Beth takes a few more steps forward though swinging wide around Justin. This was his territory and it made her a little uncomfortable so keeping a little distance was ok, at least she was trying. Finding a nice grassy spot by the water but not to close Beth sits down and looks out at the glissing water.
Still holding the towel around her Destiny new her face was still quiet red. Watching Chance as he took the mouse out of the bathroom she continues to look at the door standing there while it was closed. Was this something they would be able to laugh at later or would it cause an awkward tension.
Finally snapping out of her own thought Destiny moves quickly to get dressed in her jean shorts, and a tank top, pulling her hair back in a pony tail. Once finished Destiny makes her way from the bathroom to her own room putting her towel in the laundry to day.
Hesitating a moment before going into the living room again Destiny gives a little shake of her head. This was rediculace, they were both adults and it had been a simple accident.
Finally leaving her room and going into the living room Destiny gives a little smile and clears her throat trying not to let her cheeks get red again.
"Hey, I'm gonna make some tea before we watch the movie would you like some too?"
Following Justin's car Beth had no problems on the road. She pretty much new where she was though some roads farther out she had never been on. Giving time in her car alone Beth's mind ran in many different directions her nerves still growing a little.
Wondering where the pond was as they pulled over Beth sits in the car for a long moment. She didn't see a pond and it made her worry but seeing he was getting his fishing stuff Beth could only think there had to be a pond some where.
Getting out of the truck and walking twords Justin cautiously Beth follows him and the dogs through the little path. Coming out into the clearing and seeing the pond Beth is silent for a long moment as her eyes sweep the area. Taking in everything, where everything was, what was around them she than takes in how pretty it looked. The warm sun, the glissing water, and the soft sounds of nature.
Looking to Justin and all the gear he had Beth gave a little shake of her head. She didn't know how to fish and she wasnt to sure about trying. Maybe she would just let Justin.
"I'll...just sit and watch you. It is pretty here."
Beth takes a few more steps forward though swinging wide around Justin. This was his territory and it made her a little uncomfortable so keeping a little distance was ok, at least she was trying. Finding a nice grassy spot by the water but not to close Beth sits down and looks out at the glissing water.
Oh
Only when Destiny goes for the towel does it suddenly don on Chance that she'd been standing there without all her clothes on. Her red face and her stumbling over her words proves there was no real danger, and his own face starts to turn hot. His eyes were still wide and he blinks, trying not to stare at her now as he uncocks his gun and looks around the floor.
"Oh, um... mouse... uh... right..." His eyes bounce around the bathroom and he tries to turn his back a little towards Destiny, but at the same time spots the mouse in the corner.
"Um, we'll just... here... um..." He sidles past Destiny, still trying to keep his face turned and grabs the only rodent weapon in the bathroom - the toilet plunger. "I'll just... corner him... and... right... just like this..."
A horrible ruckus ensues in the corner, along with a little squeal from the mouse, but in the end, it has become trapped under the cup of the plunger where he receives a quick death by a forceful blow... plunge.
Chance peeks under the plunger to make sure the mouse is dead, then looks back to Destiny, forgetting for a moment that she's in a towel still. Looking away again, his face is still red. "He's dead, we're good... I'll just take him out... and... um..." He shovels the mouse out of the bathroom as he backs out as well. "Uh... yes. Right. We're good now, so I'll... yeah." Turning around quickly, he shuts the door again, and just stands for a moment, staring at the wall.
It takes him several moments to come out of his own shock before he can go dispose of the mouse and wait in the living room again.
Justin waits patiently for Beth, not minding the quiet, air-conditioned lobby. Joined by Beth again, he grins and shakes his head. "It's really just a pond but... it's worth the drive. Come on. I'll be sure to drive so you don't have trouble following me."
And he did. There were several back roads that needed to be driven to get to the fishing hole so Justin drives carefully, keeping an eye on his rearview mirror to make sure Beth was still behind him.
About half an hour later, he pulls off the road into a smooth grassy lot, easy enough for a smaller car to drive through it too. Parking near a stand of trees, he gets out, letting the dogs out too, free to run without leashes. Sticking around his pickup to gather the poles and tackle from the bed of his truck, he gives Beth her space, not wanting to frighten her by bringing her out into the boonies alone with him.
There was no pond in sight, but Justin smiles, equipment in hand. "Come on. I got a secret passageway." Leading the way to the trees, there's a narrow parting of the underbrush, hardly noticeable unless one is up close. Justin disappears through it and waits for Beth to emerge with him on the other side. And on the other side is a beautiful, serene pond, surrounded by the trees. Sunlight bounced off the water and birds chirped in the treetops. A frog croaks nearby and something splashes - another frog or a fish perhaps. Reeds click gently in the breeze and the smell of fresh water and moss drifts on the air.
Danitza and Zora take off running through the grass, giving a bark and finding something to chase or sniff out, familiar with this territory. Stopping a ways from the water, Justin turns to Beth, still smiling. "Welcome to my haven. I got a pole if you want, or, there's a nice big rock over there that's nice for just sitting and enjoying the scenery."
"Oh, um... mouse... uh... right..." His eyes bounce around the bathroom and he tries to turn his back a little towards Destiny, but at the same time spots the mouse in the corner.
"Um, we'll just... here... um..." He sidles past Destiny, still trying to keep his face turned and grabs the only rodent weapon in the bathroom - the toilet plunger. "I'll just... corner him... and... right... just like this..."
A horrible ruckus ensues in the corner, along with a little squeal from the mouse, but in the end, it has become trapped under the cup of the plunger where he receives a quick death by a forceful blow... plunge.
Chance peeks under the plunger to make sure the mouse is dead, then looks back to Destiny, forgetting for a moment that she's in a towel still. Looking away again, his face is still red. "He's dead, we're good... I'll just take him out... and... um..." He shovels the mouse out of the bathroom as he backs out as well. "Uh... yes. Right. We're good now, so I'll... yeah." Turning around quickly, he shuts the door again, and just stands for a moment, staring at the wall.
It takes him several moments to come out of his own shock before he can go dispose of the mouse and wait in the living room again.
Justin waits patiently for Beth, not minding the quiet, air-conditioned lobby. Joined by Beth again, he grins and shakes his head. "It's really just a pond but... it's worth the drive. Come on. I'll be sure to drive so you don't have trouble following me."
And he did. There were several back roads that needed to be driven to get to the fishing hole so Justin drives carefully, keeping an eye on his rearview mirror to make sure Beth was still behind him.
About half an hour later, he pulls off the road into a smooth grassy lot, easy enough for a smaller car to drive through it too. Parking near a stand of trees, he gets out, letting the dogs out too, free to run without leashes. Sticking around his pickup to gather the poles and tackle from the bed of his truck, he gives Beth her space, not wanting to frighten her by bringing her out into the boonies alone with him.
There was no pond in sight, but Justin smiles, equipment in hand. "Come on. I got a secret passageway." Leading the way to the trees, there's a narrow parting of the underbrush, hardly noticeable unless one is up close. Justin disappears through it and waits for Beth to emerge with him on the other side. And on the other side is a beautiful, serene pond, surrounded by the trees. Sunlight bounced off the water and birds chirped in the treetops. A frog croaks nearby and something splashes - another frog or a fish perhaps. Reeds click gently in the breeze and the smell of fresh water and moss drifts on the air.
Danitza and Zora take off running through the grass, giving a bark and finding something to chase or sniff out, familiar with this territory. Stopping a ways from the water, Justin turns to Beth, still smiling. "Welcome to my haven. I got a pole if you want, or, there's a nice big rock over there that's nice for just sitting and enjoying the scenery."
Five shades
As the door is kicked in Destiny gives another jump as her attachen was still on the closet. Turning though and seeing Chance burst in Destiny's own eyes go wide as she screams again from pure shock and seeing his gun drawn.
Realizing though what was going on because of her scream Destiny could feel the color instantly come to her face in at least five different shades of red. Fumbaling around for a moment Destiny finally grabs a towel and throws it around herself.
"It...it was a....it was a mouse that jumped out of the linen closet at me...I...it shocked me because I..I didn't know what it was."
Destiny's face was still a bright color as Chance had just seen her in her most vulnerable moment. She was thankful he had come fast in case there was danger, but she was embarrassed too.
Realizing though what was going on because of her scream Destiny could feel the color instantly come to her face in at least five different shades of red. Fumbaling around for a moment Destiny finally grabs a towel and throws it around herself.
"It...it was a....it was a mouse that jumped out of the linen closet at me...I...it shocked me because I..I didn't know what it was."
Destiny's face was still a bright color as Chance had just seen her in her most vulnerable moment. She was thankful he had come fast in case there was danger, but she was embarrassed too.
Tada!
Still sitting at the desk, Chance is still typing on his laptop. As Destiny's scream echoes through the house though, he is on his feet in an instant. His blood runs cold as his handgun is immediately in his grasp. Sprinting from the desk, he vaults over the couch and races down the hall, his adrenaline pumping. "Destiny?!"
Skidding through her bedroom and seeing the closed bathroom door, he knew she'd been showering and there was a window in the bathroom. It was small, but an Agency man didn't need much.
With no hesitation, Chance's foot goes to the door. It bursts open, his gun at an upward angle, safe but ready to fire if need be. Seeing Destiny standing in the bathroom, his eyes go wide, not yet seeing the danger. "You okay? What is it? What happened?"
Skidding through her bedroom and seeing the closed bathroom door, he knew she'd been showering and there was a window in the bathroom. It was small, but an Agency man didn't need much.
With no hesitation, Chance's foot goes to the door. It bursts open, his gun at an upward angle, safe but ready to fire if need be. Seeing Destiny standing in the bathroom, his eyes go wide, not yet seeing the danger. "You okay? What is it? What happened?"
Line Closet
Still holding Sarah's hand while Justin talked to her Beth gave a small smile. She had a feeling he wouldn't act strangely around Sarah and it was nice to know her feeling had been right. Looking down as Danitza as she sniffed Sarah's hand Beth just watched her. But Sarah's expression did not changing and she hardly moved except a slight twitch of her fingers where the dog had sniffed her.
"Ok, lets get you back to your room and comfortable ok?"
Giving a nod to Justin that he would be in the lobby Beth starts forward again with Sarah walking at a slower pace. Talking with her softly along the way.
It doesn't take long for Beth get her sister settled before she was back in the lobby where Justin and the two dogs were. Still quite a it nervous Beth stops for a moment just watching them both. Should she really be going? Now she was having second thoughts.
Pushing them away though Beth gives a swallow before finishing making her course to where Justin was. Putting her hands in her jacket pocket she gives a slight nod.
"Ok, I'm ready. I'll just follow you to the lake."
Once home and inside Destiny waits for Chance to make sure everything was ok. Taking the movie and putting it on the coffee table Destiny lets out a long sigh and gives a stretch. She always got tired after she went swimming but maybe once a shower was taken she would be awake again. She had to stay awake, after all there was a movie to be watched and cuddling to happen.
Heading into her bedroom first Destiny gathers a few things together before she heads into the bathroom. Not to long after the door is shut the water was running. Just enjoying the warmth of the water and feeling of being clean Destiny stays in the shower a little longer than normal till finally the water is shut off.
Getting out and slipping her underclothes on Destiny lets her hair stay down as she runs a brush though it. Going back to the bathtub and making sure all the soap down the drain as to not leave any nasty scum marks.
Hearing a noise though Destiny stops for a moment. Had that noise been in the other room where Chance was or did it come from the linen closet that was in the bathroom. Slowing going to the closet Destiny could feel her heart rate pick up a few paces. Reaching out she goes to open the door slowly a blood curdling scream ringing through the air.
"Ok, lets get you back to your room and comfortable ok?"
Giving a nod to Justin that he would be in the lobby Beth starts forward again with Sarah walking at a slower pace. Talking with her softly along the way.
It doesn't take long for Beth get her sister settled before she was back in the lobby where Justin and the two dogs were. Still quite a it nervous Beth stops for a moment just watching them both. Should she really be going? Now she was having second thoughts.
Pushing them away though Beth gives a swallow before finishing making her course to where Justin was. Putting her hands in her jacket pocket she gives a slight nod.
"Ok, I'm ready. I'll just follow you to the lake."
Once home and inside Destiny waits for Chance to make sure everything was ok. Taking the movie and putting it on the coffee table Destiny lets out a long sigh and gives a stretch. She always got tired after she went swimming but maybe once a shower was taken she would be awake again. She had to stay awake, after all there was a movie to be watched and cuddling to happen.
Heading into her bedroom first Destiny gathers a few things together before she heads into the bathroom. Not to long after the door is shut the water was running. Just enjoying the warmth of the water and feeling of being clean Destiny stays in the shower a little longer than normal till finally the water is shut off.
Getting out and slipping her underclothes on Destiny lets her hair stay down as she runs a brush though it. Going back to the bathtub and making sure all the soap down the drain as to not leave any nasty scum marks.
Hearing a noise though Destiny stops for a moment. Had that noise been in the other room where Chance was or did it come from the linen closet that was in the bathroom. Slowing going to the closet Destiny could feel her heart rate pick up a few paces. Reaching out she goes to open the door slowly a blood curdling scream ringing through the air.
Showers
Justin takes in the scene with Beth and Sarah, now understanding so much more than he would have, had he not found out about the past. He wondered if Beth knew he had discovered it, if she would be upset.
Smiling as she approaches with Sarah, he nods and looks to Sarah's eyes, even though her expression was blank. Many people might look away or not know how to act, but Justin took it in stride. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Sarah. You're sure looking pretty today."
Danitza sniffs a little closer to Sarah as if sensing something was different about her. Justin keeps a tight leash on her though, not knowing if a cold, wet nose would scare Sarah or not. He nods to Beth, perfectly content with waiting for her. "I'll meet you out in the lobby."
Chance grins and shrugs at him picking the movie. "Okay. But you gotta at least help."
Before they knew it, they were back at the safe house. Chance scans the surroundings, then the interior of the house, giving it a quick once-over before he's satisfied everything is clear. Locking the door again, he sheds his shoes, heading down the hall. "I'm taking a quick shower too," he calls over his shoulder. Spending any time at that end of the house was quick - he didn't like being taken off guard with anybody approaching the front door.
As intended, it only takes him fifteen minutes to be showered and dressed again, sitting at the desk in the corner of the living room. Typing in a chat box, he converses back and forth, waiting for Destiny to be through with her shower as well.
Smiling as she approaches with Sarah, he nods and looks to Sarah's eyes, even though her expression was blank. Many people might look away or not know how to act, but Justin took it in stride. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Sarah. You're sure looking pretty today."
Danitza sniffs a little closer to Sarah as if sensing something was different about her. Justin keeps a tight leash on her though, not knowing if a cold, wet nose would scare Sarah or not. He nods to Beth, perfectly content with waiting for her. "I'll meet you out in the lobby."
Chance grins and shrugs at him picking the movie. "Okay. But you gotta at least help."
Before they knew it, they were back at the safe house. Chance scans the surroundings, then the interior of the house, giving it a quick once-over before he's satisfied everything is clear. Locking the door again, he sheds his shoes, heading down the hall. "I'm taking a quick shower too," he calls over his shoulder. Spending any time at that end of the house was quick - he didn't like being taken off guard with anybody approaching the front door.
As intended, it only takes him fifteen minutes to be showered and dressed again, sitting at the desk in the corner of the living room. Typing in a chat box, he converses back and forth, waiting for Destiny to be through with her shower as well.
6/15/10
One fish, Two fish
Sitting comfortable on a couch in the rec room with Sarah Beth holds a book and reads to her. It was only a Dr. Seuss book but she looked so content just reading to her.
"One fish, two fish....red fish, blue fish. There is no yellow fish though. They diffidently should have put in a yellow fish don't you think?"
Giving a smile is was a real genuine smile. Beth could read the same book over and over again every day and she wouldn't mind. Being with her sister was something she loved, and being able to just let her listen to her voice so Sarah new she wasn't alone Beth wanted nothing more.
Feeling someone watching them Beth looks up and to the door. Seeing Justin she knows he was done with Scott and that meant they would be going to the pond now. It was always hard to say good bye to Sarah but there was always the promise of seeing her tomorrow.
"I just need to bring Sarah back to her room. Than I'll be ready."
Standing Beth helps her sister up and walks slowly to the door with her. The look on Sarah's face was blank like normal. The life once found in the girls eyes had been whipped out, and no movement caught them, no wonder of the new people entered. But non the less Beth stops in front of Justin and gives a small smile as she holds her sister hand.
"Sarah, this is my new friend Justin. Justin this is my sister Sarah."
Giving a laugh and putting her arm in return around Chance's wast Destiny leans into him. She couldn't help but find humor in the face that Toby kept Chance busy. Ether he was good at doing more than one thing or Toby really did dislike him and want him to quit.
"Mmmmm...I a hot shower and than snuggle with you to watch a movie sounds like a perfect ending to a great day."
Getting into the SUV Destiny waits for Chance to join her before she buckles up and slips her sandles off just while she sits in the car. Leaning her head back to rest against the seat Destiny lets out a small content sigh. The day had been a good distraction.
"You get to pick the movie this time though, I got to last time."
"One fish, two fish....red fish, blue fish. There is no yellow fish though. They diffidently should have put in a yellow fish don't you think?"
Giving a smile is was a real genuine smile. Beth could read the same book over and over again every day and she wouldn't mind. Being with her sister was something she loved, and being able to just let her listen to her voice so Sarah new she wasn't alone Beth wanted nothing more.
Feeling someone watching them Beth looks up and to the door. Seeing Justin she knows he was done with Scott and that meant they would be going to the pond now. It was always hard to say good bye to Sarah but there was always the promise of seeing her tomorrow.
"I just need to bring Sarah back to her room. Than I'll be ready."
Standing Beth helps her sister up and walks slowly to the door with her. The look on Sarah's face was blank like normal. The life once found in the girls eyes had been whipped out, and no movement caught them, no wonder of the new people entered. But non the less Beth stops in front of Justin and gives a small smile as she holds her sister hand.
"Sarah, this is my new friend Justin. Justin this is my sister Sarah."
Giving a laugh and putting her arm in return around Chance's wast Destiny leans into him. She couldn't help but find humor in the face that Toby kept Chance busy. Ether he was good at doing more than one thing or Toby really did dislike him and want him to quit.
"Mmmmm...I a hot shower and than snuggle with you to watch a movie sounds like a perfect ending to a great day."
Getting into the SUV Destiny waits for Chance to join her before she buckles up and slips her sandles off just while she sits in the car. Leaning her head back to rest against the seat Destiny lets out a small content sigh. The day had been a good distraction.
"You get to pick the movie this time though, I got to last time."
Observing
"Okay." Justin nods in agreement, not overenthusiastic, but enthusiastic enough for Beth to know he was glad she'd said yes. He was proud of her for not only recognizing that she wouldn't return if she left now, but that she was brave enough to overcome it and stay to force herself to go with him later. "I'll find you when I'm through with Scott."
Movement out of the corner of his eye catches his attention and he turns to see Scott a ways down on the sidewalk, standing and looking towards them as if trying to figure out if it was Justin or not.
"Speaking of which... that's my cue." Justin stands up and looks to Beth one more time. "I'll see you later then." Clicking his tongue to the dogs, both stand and move to his heel, ready to follow.
Ambling down the walk, he approaches Scott, offering a smile of encouragement. "Hey. How are ya?"
Scott shrugs, his eyes so weary. "For being up sick half the night I guess I'm okay."
"Good. You ready?"
Scott swallows hard, hesitating. He looks around Justin to see the young woman going the other way. "Girlfriend?"
Justin chuckles. "Hardly." He tries again. "What'll it be today?"
Scott bites his lip, trying to decide. "Matching game."
"Okay." Justin would neither argue or push. "Let's head over to the table."
It was the same routine as before. Starting out, Scott had difficulty focusing again, and Zora chimed in like a trooper when she was needed to snap Scott out of his ramblings of data.
Scott turns over another card, in the lead as far as matches went, but sweat poured down the back of his neck and his stomach churned. Another face stared him in the eye and he fights as hard as he can not to let the data spew from his mouth. Staring to speak, Justin cuts him off.
"Pineapple."
Scott blinks and looks to Justin before he could react to the data. "What?"
"Fruit. Or whatever your pleasure. Next time you turn a card over and I speak, I want you to say the first word that comes to mind - not in regards to the data, but in relation to what I'm saying."
Scott swallows and nods. He knew Justin was trying to help him divert the data by thinking of something else when he saw the images. Reaching for a card, it's a man who he's now seen several times on the cards. He opens his mouth, but again Justin cuts him off.
"Sleep."
"Uh-" Scott falters and closes his eyes, trying to focus. "Bed."
Justin smiles. "Very good."
A new card.
"Friend."
"Hope." Scott swallows hard.
Justin helps him move on quickly by taking his turn with the cards. This time it was a blonde woman. "Sky."
"Agent four three seven, class-"
"Sky."
"Class two-" Zora barks, making Scott jump.
Justin repeats himself. "Sky."
"Freedom." Scott lets out a slow breath, trying not to get sick again.
An hour later, the table was empty once again. Scott eases down on his bed, lying on his side and closing his eyes. Jenny was going to bring him some juice and crackers in hopes he could keep it down, but he had his doubts. The second session with fighting data had exhausted ever fiber in his body. Clutching his pillow tightly, a tear escapes to dissolve into the cotton fabric. He wanted a hug.
Justin takes a deep breath, trying to regain his own energy after sitting with Scott for so long. Each time Scott didn't have an episode, Justin was relieved. He knew that his tiredness was nothing compared to Scott's though. And though he'd like to go up and make sure Scott was okay, he knew his job for the day was done. Jenny would have to handle it from here until tomorrow.
Heading down the sidewalk, Justin shifts his mind to concentrate on the rest of his day. There was more ahead and he needed to be alert for it too.
Keeping a firm hand on Danitza and Zora's leashes, he heads into the other building where wards were kept under a higher security than where Scott was. After inquiring at the desk and getting approval for his dogs, he wanders down the hall, until he'd reached the quiet rec room.
Standing in the doorway for a moment, he finds Beth and just waits, watching her interact with her sister.
Chance rolls his eyes at Destiny's comment. "The work Toby gives me is always really odd. He likes to throw me the leftovers - stuff nobody else wants to do." A wry grin surfaces. "I guess I don't mind though. Keeps me on my toes. Would you believe he's got me going on three different things at once, even while I'm here?"
Shaking his head, he stands up with Destiny, stretching and yawning. "Sounds like we had quite a productive day," he muses with humor. "I don't think I'll report all this to Toby - he might not think I'm busy enough."
Grinning, he slings an arm around Destiny's shoulder to lead the way back to the SUV. "I'm thinking we might have to stop and grab a movie to watch tonight."
"That's the second time this week." Reese shakes his head in bewilderment. "We've got them cornered, pinned down, everything is set, we get there and they're dead."
"I know." Wyatt throws up his arms in frustrating after having just returned from an assignment to arrest someone they knew was Agency.
Reese paces his office, racking his brain. "But why?"
Wyatt shrugs. "Maybe the Agency wants to make sure they don't talk."
"So they kill their own men before we get to them?"
"It's the only thing I can think of."
"But then... how do they know we're getting close?" Reese searches Wyatt's eyes. "I would stand behind any man or woman in this department, you know that."
"But it sounds like we have a mole."
Reese grits his teeth. "Impossible. There's got to be some other explanation."
"Like what? Twice now, we've finally gotten leads on actual Agency men. That in itself is a feat but we're learning how to track them. And twice, they've been dead before we get there. Somebody knows what we're doing and what our plans are. How else would you explain it?"
Reese sighs deeply. "There's only one person around here that would be feeding the Agency information so they could kill their men to keep from talking."
"Alec."
"Yep."
"What are you gonna do?"
"At the moment? Nothing. We're going to wait until we have another lead, then watch him like a hawk. He'll hang himself if we give him enough rope. And Wyatt... don't tell anybody about this."
Movement out of the corner of his eye catches his attention and he turns to see Scott a ways down on the sidewalk, standing and looking towards them as if trying to figure out if it was Justin or not.
"Speaking of which... that's my cue." Justin stands up and looks to Beth one more time. "I'll see you later then." Clicking his tongue to the dogs, both stand and move to his heel, ready to follow.
Ambling down the walk, he approaches Scott, offering a smile of encouragement. "Hey. How are ya?"
Scott shrugs, his eyes so weary. "For being up sick half the night I guess I'm okay."
"Good. You ready?"
Scott swallows hard, hesitating. He looks around Justin to see the young woman going the other way. "Girlfriend?"
Justin chuckles. "Hardly." He tries again. "What'll it be today?"
Scott bites his lip, trying to decide. "Matching game."
"Okay." Justin would neither argue or push. "Let's head over to the table."
It was the same routine as before. Starting out, Scott had difficulty focusing again, and Zora chimed in like a trooper when she was needed to snap Scott out of his ramblings of data.
Scott turns over another card, in the lead as far as matches went, but sweat poured down the back of his neck and his stomach churned. Another face stared him in the eye and he fights as hard as he can not to let the data spew from his mouth. Staring to speak, Justin cuts him off.
"Pineapple."
Scott blinks and looks to Justin before he could react to the data. "What?"
"Fruit. Or whatever your pleasure. Next time you turn a card over and I speak, I want you to say the first word that comes to mind - not in regards to the data, but in relation to what I'm saying."
Scott swallows and nods. He knew Justin was trying to help him divert the data by thinking of something else when he saw the images. Reaching for a card, it's a man who he's now seen several times on the cards. He opens his mouth, but again Justin cuts him off.
"Sleep."
"Uh-" Scott falters and closes his eyes, trying to focus. "Bed."
Justin smiles. "Very good."
A new card.
"Friend."
"Hope." Scott swallows hard.
Justin helps him move on quickly by taking his turn with the cards. This time it was a blonde woman. "Sky."
"Agent four three seven, class-"
"Sky."
"Class two-" Zora barks, making Scott jump.
Justin repeats himself. "Sky."
"Freedom." Scott lets out a slow breath, trying not to get sick again.
An hour later, the table was empty once again. Scott eases down on his bed, lying on his side and closing his eyes. Jenny was going to bring him some juice and crackers in hopes he could keep it down, but he had his doubts. The second session with fighting data had exhausted ever fiber in his body. Clutching his pillow tightly, a tear escapes to dissolve into the cotton fabric. He wanted a hug.
Justin takes a deep breath, trying to regain his own energy after sitting with Scott for so long. Each time Scott didn't have an episode, Justin was relieved. He knew that his tiredness was nothing compared to Scott's though. And though he'd like to go up and make sure Scott was okay, he knew his job for the day was done. Jenny would have to handle it from here until tomorrow.
Heading down the sidewalk, Justin shifts his mind to concentrate on the rest of his day. There was more ahead and he needed to be alert for it too.
Keeping a firm hand on Danitza and Zora's leashes, he heads into the other building where wards were kept under a higher security than where Scott was. After inquiring at the desk and getting approval for his dogs, he wanders down the hall, until he'd reached the quiet rec room.
Standing in the doorway for a moment, he finds Beth and just waits, watching her interact with her sister.
Chance rolls his eyes at Destiny's comment. "The work Toby gives me is always really odd. He likes to throw me the leftovers - stuff nobody else wants to do." A wry grin surfaces. "I guess I don't mind though. Keeps me on my toes. Would you believe he's got me going on three different things at once, even while I'm here?"
Shaking his head, he stands up with Destiny, stretching and yawning. "Sounds like we had quite a productive day," he muses with humor. "I don't think I'll report all this to Toby - he might not think I'm busy enough."
Grinning, he slings an arm around Destiny's shoulder to lead the way back to the SUV. "I'm thinking we might have to stop and grab a movie to watch tonight."
"That's the second time this week." Reese shakes his head in bewilderment. "We've got them cornered, pinned down, everything is set, we get there and they're dead."
"I know." Wyatt throws up his arms in frustrating after having just returned from an assignment to arrest someone they knew was Agency.
Reese paces his office, racking his brain. "But why?"
Wyatt shrugs. "Maybe the Agency wants to make sure they don't talk."
"So they kill their own men before we get to them?"
"It's the only thing I can think of."
"But then... how do they know we're getting close?" Reese searches Wyatt's eyes. "I would stand behind any man or woman in this department, you know that."
"But it sounds like we have a mole."
Reese grits his teeth. "Impossible. There's got to be some other explanation."
"Like what? Twice now, we've finally gotten leads on actual Agency men. That in itself is a feat but we're learning how to track them. And twice, they've been dead before we get there. Somebody knows what we're doing and what our plans are. How else would you explain it?"
Reese sighs deeply. "There's only one person around here that would be feeding the Agency information so they could kill their men to keep from talking."
"Alec."
"Yep."
"What are you gonna do?"
"At the moment? Nothing. We're going to wait until we have another lead, then watch him like a hawk. He'll hang himself if we give him enough rope. And Wyatt... don't tell anybody about this."
Won't come back
Eating her ice cream while Chance was on the phone Destiny's eyes scan the area. Doing her best not to listen in he was there after all so she could hear his conversation. Nothing thinking much of it other than it being work and sounding a little strange Destiny just lets it go till Chance sits down once more.
"Sounded like quite the conversation. Toby has you doing some ether really odd work, or exciting I haven't figured out what one I would choose yet."
Giving a chuckle and scraping the rest of her ice cream out of the bowl Destiny gives a grin to Chance before standing and throwing the bowl into the trash and than returning to the table.
"Well, we went for a dip, I baked in the sun, we had something sweet, I think the only thing life is going home and just relaxing."
Trying to give another little smile Beth straightens a little just resting her head on Zora's head. Breathing she trys her best to keep herself calm. It was going to be ok. To anyone else this would be so minor, but to Beth this was one great step.
Hearing Justin mention about having to see Scott still Beth thinks for a moment about her options before she looks at Justin.
"If I go home I won't be back still tomorrow. I can go visit with Sarah for a little while longer, and you can....come get me when your done?"
Beth didn't mind spending more time with her sister it would be nice really. Maybe she could take Sarah for a walk, or take her to the recreation room for a little while.
"Sounded like quite the conversation. Toby has you doing some ether really odd work, or exciting I haven't figured out what one I would choose yet."
Giving a chuckle and scraping the rest of her ice cream out of the bowl Destiny gives a grin to Chance before standing and throwing the bowl into the trash and than returning to the table.
"Well, we went for a dip, I baked in the sun, we had something sweet, I think the only thing life is going home and just relaxing."
Trying to give another little smile Beth straightens a little just resting her head on Zora's head. Breathing she trys her best to keep herself calm. It was going to be ok. To anyone else this would be so minor, but to Beth this was one great step.
Hearing Justin mention about having to see Scott still Beth thinks for a moment about her options before she looks at Justin.
"If I go home I won't be back still tomorrow. I can go visit with Sarah for a little while longer, and you can....come get me when your done?"
Beth didn't mind spending more time with her sister it would be nice really. Maybe she could take Sarah for a walk, or take her to the recreation room for a little while.
And gym socks
Chance grins and stands up, eating the rest of his ice cream cone before dialing his cell phone. Pacing a little by the table, he still keeps an eye on things while talking. "Hey, Toby... yeah, yeah, I know I should have called earlier. What? Yeah, things are going fine. Everything is in place and going smoothly. Mm-hmm."
He nods and paces a little more, glancing to Destiny then back out to the street as he listens. "I was wondering about that. Jut gonna find the right time and place, ya know? Yeah, I'll let you know. Hey, is my desk still empty? Thank you."
Turning around, Chance wanders beside the table, to the curb, then back again. "Yep, I got those files. I'll shoot them back to you tonight. Give me the list of other things you're working on and I'll start on them too. Okay... yeah. Bye."
Hanging up, he sinks back down in his chair and sighs. "Okay. Now that that nasty work is done... what's up next, princess?"
Justin is very surprised to hear Beth actually considering joining him to go fishing. He hides it though, not wanting to make it seem like a big deal. Hearing her stipulations, he turns to look at her, a warm grin spreading on his lips.
"No counselor." He holds up his right hand as if swearing an oath. Even if the other day his intention had been to be a friend, it had come across as a counselor and it was obvious now she felt that way. He would be more careful, no matter what he really wanted to say to her. "I promise. All I want to do is catch my supper."
He nods. "The dogs can come. They'd disown me if I didn't bring them along anyway."
Beth's last request makes him laugh. Not at her though. "I wouldn't ask my own mother to ride with me. My pickup smells like dogs, fish and gym socks. I would highly recommend you bring your own car and yes - stay as long or short as you want. If you want to fish too, it's a private pond so you don't even need a license and I've got extra gear."
He cocks his head, studying her eyes. She was scared, but she was saying yes. There really was hope there somewhere.
"I gotta see Scott and that'll take a little while. If you wanna go and come back in an hour or two, we can leave from here, or you can stick around. Up to you. The pond's about half an hour from here."
He nods and paces a little more, glancing to Destiny then back out to the street as he listens. "I was wondering about that. Jut gonna find the right time and place, ya know? Yeah, I'll let you know. Hey, is my desk still empty? Thank you."
Turning around, Chance wanders beside the table, to the curb, then back again. "Yep, I got those files. I'll shoot them back to you tonight. Give me the list of other things you're working on and I'll start on them too. Okay... yeah. Bye."
Hanging up, he sinks back down in his chair and sighs. "Okay. Now that that nasty work is done... what's up next, princess?"
Justin is very surprised to hear Beth actually considering joining him to go fishing. He hides it though, not wanting to make it seem like a big deal. Hearing her stipulations, he turns to look at her, a warm grin spreading on his lips.
"No counselor." He holds up his right hand as if swearing an oath. Even if the other day his intention had been to be a friend, it had come across as a counselor and it was obvious now she felt that way. He would be more careful, no matter what he really wanted to say to her. "I promise. All I want to do is catch my supper."
He nods. "The dogs can come. They'd disown me if I didn't bring them along anyway."
Beth's last request makes him laugh. Not at her though. "I wouldn't ask my own mother to ride with me. My pickup smells like dogs, fish and gym socks. I would highly recommend you bring your own car and yes - stay as long or short as you want. If you want to fish too, it's a private pond so you don't even need a license and I've got extra gear."
He cocks his head, studying her eyes. She was scared, but she was saying yes. There really was hope there somewhere.
"I gotta see Scott and that'll take a little while. If you wanna go and come back in an hour or two, we can leave from here, or you can stick around. Up to you. The pond's about half an hour from here."
Promise
Beth gives a laugh and shakes her head a little. Chance's way of doing things was different but it had his own flair to it and Destiny liked it. Having your own plan in her eyes was better than trying to follow someone elses.
"I don't mind if you call. I think I'm to busy enjoying this ice cream to pay attachen to you conversation anyways."
Shifting a little to make herself more comfortable Destiny takes another bit of her ice cream continuing to saver the tast. After this who knows when she would have ice cream again.
Having Zora lay her head in her lap Beth's hand moves to the dogs soft fur. Just petting her head and rubbing her ears it seemed to calm her nerves a little. Though she was still a little up tight.
Hearing his last comment Beth continued look at him, thinking, and processing his words. She guessed he was talking about swimming still but to here there seemed to be something else hidden in there, and it brings a sudden warmth that startled her.
"I...don't know."
Knowing Justin himself couldn't swim all that great kind of made Beth feeling good to know she wasn't an odd ball for not knowing how to swim. Looking down at Zora while still petting her Beth continues to thinks. She had an odd feeling that seemed to build inside of her maybe doing something differnt would be...nice?
"I'll go...but you have to promise not be a councilor, only.....a...friend. And if you can bring the dogs too."
Beth looks up as there was still a fear in her eyes but there was something new there too. Maybe a longing to have someone who would talk back to her. Beth was far from ready to open up, and dust the shadows from her path but maybe Justin's words the other day had, had a chance to sink in a little and make her think.
"Can....can I drive my car as well? So when I want to leave...I can?"
"I don't mind if you call. I think I'm to busy enjoying this ice cream to pay attachen to you conversation anyways."
Shifting a little to make herself more comfortable Destiny takes another bit of her ice cream continuing to saver the tast. After this who knows when she would have ice cream again.
Having Zora lay her head in her lap Beth's hand moves to the dogs soft fur. Just petting her head and rubbing her ears it seemed to calm her nerves a little. Though she was still a little up tight.
Hearing his last comment Beth continued look at him, thinking, and processing his words. She guessed he was talking about swimming still but to here there seemed to be something else hidden in there, and it brings a sudden warmth that startled her.
"I...don't know."
Knowing Justin himself couldn't swim all that great kind of made Beth feeling good to know she wasn't an odd ball for not knowing how to swim. Looking down at Zora while still petting her Beth continues to thinks. She had an odd feeling that seemed to build inside of her maybe doing something differnt would be...nice?
"I'll go...but you have to promise not be a councilor, only.....a...friend. And if you can bring the dogs too."
Beth looks up as there was still a fear in her eyes but there was something new there too. Maybe a longing to have someone who would talk back to her. Beth was far from ready to open up, and dust the shadows from her path but maybe Justin's words the other day had, had a chance to sink in a little and make her think.
"Can....can I drive my car as well? So when I want to leave...I can?"
Just in case
Justin cocks his head as he listens to Beth, a little surprised that she talked as much as she did. Was the swimming factor really the reason or just another good excuse? He wasn't sure. Nor was he sure why she almost seemed more nervous today than she had before. He remembered the first day they'd met... she'd been bold enough to speak first, give him a bad time about the baseballs, and seemed pretty confident. But the longer Justin saw her and spoke with her, the more timid she grew. Was it him? Had he done something wrong again?
Studying her eyes as she turns back to him, a new possibility enters the equation. Could it be that she was growing more nervous because she was getting closer to opening up? Perhaps in the beginning, he was not a threat to her. But now... if somewhere down deep she really did want to be friends, perhaps that's what was so scary to her and what made her nervous. That would explain why the position in which she sat was one of calm confidence... yet her voice and eyes portrayed fear.
And yet... why was Justin even still trying to figure it out? Had he not decided to let the whole thing go? He had all the facts now and had opted to just let Beth go whatever way she chose and not push or pull in any direction. But for some reason, sitting with her here again, he just couldn't ignore what he was seeing.
Another smile emerges. "Well, I'm not exactly a dolphin myself when it comes to swimming. Fortunately, the pond I go to has a shelf that goes out at least ten feet from the edge and it's only about a foot or two deep... not a whole lot deeper than a bathtub."
He shrugs and lets his hand fall down beside the bench to scratch Zora's head, giving her a subtle nudge. She gets up and looks at him, nuzzling his hand a little before ambling over to Beth and setting her head in her lap.
"Besides... that's what I'm there for. Just in case a foot slips off the edge."
Destiny's words make Chance smile, though his chuckle that comes out isn't quite as hearty as it had been before. "Wouldn't Toby be mad to actually see someone appreciates my work?"
Suddenly, his face falls. "Oh, crumb. I was supposed to call him today. He's going to have my skull."
Biting into his cone, he rolls his eyes. "I guess he'll just have to wait, unless you want to endure listening to me call him from here."
Studying her eyes as she turns back to him, a new possibility enters the equation. Could it be that she was growing more nervous because she was getting closer to opening up? Perhaps in the beginning, he was not a threat to her. But now... if somewhere down deep she really did want to be friends, perhaps that's what was so scary to her and what made her nervous. That would explain why the position in which she sat was one of calm confidence... yet her voice and eyes portrayed fear.
And yet... why was Justin even still trying to figure it out? Had he not decided to let the whole thing go? He had all the facts now and had opted to just let Beth go whatever way she chose and not push or pull in any direction. But for some reason, sitting with her here again, he just couldn't ignore what he was seeing.
Another smile emerges. "Well, I'm not exactly a dolphin myself when it comes to swimming. Fortunately, the pond I go to has a shelf that goes out at least ten feet from the edge and it's only about a foot or two deep... not a whole lot deeper than a bathtub."
He shrugs and lets his hand fall down beside the bench to scratch Zora's head, giving her a subtle nudge. She gets up and looks at him, nuzzling his hand a little before ambling over to Beth and setting her head in her lap.
"Besides... that's what I'm there for. Just in case a foot slips off the edge."
Destiny's words make Chance smile, though his chuckle that comes out isn't quite as hearty as it had been before. "Wouldn't Toby be mad to actually see someone appreciates my work?"
Suddenly, his face falls. "Oh, crumb. I was supposed to call him today. He's going to have my skull."
Biting into his cone, he rolls his eyes. "I guess he'll just have to wait, unless you want to endure listening to me call him from here."
Can't swim
Feeling Chance's fingers slip of hers Destiny moves her own fingers to wrap around Chance's. It felt good having him there, and knowing they were close.
"I know I'll be ok as long as your in charge."
Giving a smile to Chance Destiny pushes some of her hair behind her ear. She was happy Chance did well at his job in keeping her safe, she was also liked just knowing them had a bond even if it was for a short while it was still nice.
Letting out a long sigh she turns back to her ice cream to take another scoop eating it. The cold sweet liquid seeming to melt away the stress for now.
Continuing to just sit there Beth looks across the yard but was still listing Justin. It was going to be a nice day out. The sun always shined but Beth never enjoyed it, except for walking outside to get to where she was going. Sometimes she missed feeling the sun on her skin.
Just letting the silence continue to linger Beth was thinking more than normal. About her sister, about her, about what Justin had said the other day, and now about him again. He did seem nice, and he was always so kind to her, but why did Beth always feel so scared.
"I...I don't know how to swim."
It sounded like another excuse but really this time it wasn't. Beth didn't know how to swim and maybe being around water wasn't the best.
"I never went swimming before, and...I don't think the bath tub counts."
Beth gives a tiny laugh finally turning to look at Justin. Her own nerves were a ball right now, and in a way it felt so hard to say as much as she had already. Her thought bouncing all over.
"My day's been ok too."
Angelica gives a smile and a nod of her head. She was thankful Reese was going to help her. She wouldnt bock at Reese saying if Trey got into trouble they would have to keep him confined. She understood completely and agreed.
"I have no problem with that at all. I just keep hoping that he wont cause any trouble for us. Thank you again Reese this means a lot."
Knowing he had more work to do Angelica new to keep it short. Give smile a smile she turns to head back out of the room calling over her should.
"I'll see you for dinner tonight."
"I know I'll be ok as long as your in charge."
Giving a smile to Chance Destiny pushes some of her hair behind her ear. She was happy Chance did well at his job in keeping her safe, she was also liked just knowing them had a bond even if it was for a short while it was still nice.
Letting out a long sigh she turns back to her ice cream to take another scoop eating it. The cold sweet liquid seeming to melt away the stress for now.
Continuing to just sit there Beth looks across the yard but was still listing Justin. It was going to be a nice day out. The sun always shined but Beth never enjoyed it, except for walking outside to get to where she was going. Sometimes she missed feeling the sun on her skin.
Just letting the silence continue to linger Beth was thinking more than normal. About her sister, about her, about what Justin had said the other day, and now about him again. He did seem nice, and he was always so kind to her, but why did Beth always feel so scared.
"I...I don't know how to swim."
It sounded like another excuse but really this time it wasn't. Beth didn't know how to swim and maybe being around water wasn't the best.
"I never went swimming before, and...I don't think the bath tub counts."
Beth gives a tiny laugh finally turning to look at Justin. Her own nerves were a ball right now, and in a way it felt so hard to say as much as she had already. Her thought bouncing all over.
"My day's been ok too."
Angelica gives a smile and a nod of her head. She was thankful Reese was going to help her. She wouldnt bock at Reese saying if Trey got into trouble they would have to keep him confined. She understood completely and agreed.
"I have no problem with that at all. I just keep hoping that he wont cause any trouble for us. Thank you again Reese this means a lot."
Knowing he had more work to do Angelica new to keep it short. Give smile a smile she turns to head back out of the room calling over her should.
"I'll see you for dinner tonight."
Second try
Chance move his attention to Destiny, smiling a little as he takes another lick of ice cream. "Only thing you need to worry about is yourself and getting through it. I'm there so you don't have to worry about everything else."
He gives her a wink. "It'll all be fine."
He didn't have much else he could say. He was sorry she had to go through her parents' funeral. Despite her being so strong and able to cope, it was still hard and still a very tragic way to say goodbye to the people who raised her.
Sliding his hand across the table, he rests his fingers on top of hers. "I have this very strange feeling that you're going to make it, Destiny Rose."
Joined by Beth, Justin offers her a gentle smile as always, watching as she took the initiative to pet the dogs on her own today. They responded with wagging tails and licking her hands, though they remained lying down as they'd been told to do.
Justin shifts a little so Beth has enough room, and follows her gaze into the yard as she speaks. He grins at her mention of the bench though. Maybe she really didn't mind his presence after all.
"Oh, my day's been alright so far," he responds. "Just waiting here a while... thinking... letting the quiet keep my nerves where they should be."
He pauses, glancing up at the passing clouds. "Gonna be another good afternoon to go fishing. Caught enough bass for supper last night, maybe I can do the same today."
Glancing to Beth, his tone had not changed. "Wanna come along?"
Looking up from his desk, Reese pauses what he's doing to listen to Angelica. He nods with satisfaction. "Good. Then we don't have to send anyone down there. I'll be curious to find out if he was a willing party or not."
Thinking a moment, he nods again. "Yeah, I'll make sure he's got a place here to be kept, but I don't see why some of his stuff can't stay with you. How we keep him here will depend on his attitude - I know you know that. I'll go as easy as I can, but any sign of trouble or attitude and we'll have to keep him comfortable but constrained."
He gives her a wink. "It'll all be fine."
He didn't have much else he could say. He was sorry she had to go through her parents' funeral. Despite her being so strong and able to cope, it was still hard and still a very tragic way to say goodbye to the people who raised her.
Sliding his hand across the table, he rests his fingers on top of hers. "I have this very strange feeling that you're going to make it, Destiny Rose."
Joined by Beth, Justin offers her a gentle smile as always, watching as she took the initiative to pet the dogs on her own today. They responded with wagging tails and licking her hands, though they remained lying down as they'd been told to do.
Justin shifts a little so Beth has enough room, and follows her gaze into the yard as she speaks. He grins at her mention of the bench though. Maybe she really didn't mind his presence after all.
"Oh, my day's been alright so far," he responds. "Just waiting here a while... thinking... letting the quiet keep my nerves where they should be."
He pauses, glancing up at the passing clouds. "Gonna be another good afternoon to go fishing. Caught enough bass for supper last night, maybe I can do the same today."
Glancing to Beth, his tone had not changed. "Wanna come along?"
Looking up from his desk, Reese pauses what he's doing to listen to Angelica. He nods with satisfaction. "Good. Then we don't have to send anyone down there. I'll be curious to find out if he was a willing party or not."
Thinking a moment, he nods again. "Yeah, I'll make sure he's got a place here to be kept, but I don't see why some of his stuff can't stay with you. How we keep him here will depend on his attitude - I know you know that. I'll go as easy as I can, but any sign of trouble or attitude and we'll have to keep him comfortable but constrained."
A little joke
Taking her helmet and slipping it onto her head Ryan waits a second before pushing it down all the way. It was rare she rode with her brother but once and a while she liked it.
"Mmmm....How about we grab something to eat? I think Chinese sounds pretty good to me."
Ryan gives a grin to her brother. She was always in the mood to eat, yet she was active enough to lose it before she gained it, another trate picked up from there father no doubt.
Pushing her helmet down the rest of the way on her head Ryan was ready. It was a nice day out and she new the ride would be a nice one.
Taking a scoop of her chocolate mint ice cream Destiny looks at it for a moment just sitting with Chance. Finally picking it off the spoon she savers the taste a moment before saying anything. It had been some time since Destiny had, had ice cream and it tasted good.
Finally turning her head and looking to Chance Destiny study's him for a long moment. The detraction had been nice but she couldn't help that her mind had come back to the same topic of tomorrow.
"So how is everything going to go down tomorrow? I guess it would be important to know so I don't mess something up."
Destiny gives a small chuckle trying to make a little joke out of it. It seemed easier to give a little laugh about it than to just sit and be so serous.
Heading out of the hospital Beth talks the walk down the sidewalk twords the parking lot. She'd been in earlier today to see Sarah. Stopping at the bench like normal seeing Justin she wondered if she would see him today or not since it wasn't her normal time.
"Your here early today. I didn't think I'd be able to see you today."
Looking down at the dogs she gives a little nod to them before bending down to give there heads a pat.
"Good Morning girls. Here to help out again today huh?"
Sitting down on the bench next to Justin Beth stretches her legs out and cross them at her ankles. Drawing quiet for a moment Beth just looks out across the yard.
"I was going to sit here, if you weren't here already and keep it warm for you for a few a little bit. But your here...so..now your keeping it warm."
Thinking again for a second Beth felt so awkward, but yet she sat there. She liked talking to Justin even if it was hardly about anything. There was really something different about him no matter how she tried to tell herself differently.
"How....has your day been so far?"
Knocking on Reese door Angelica waits for him to answer before opening the door and entering softly closing the door behind her. Coming to Reese desk she gives him a smile.
"I know your busy so I wont take long. I just wanted to let you know Trey is being put on a plane Saterday, and he should be here Sunday night about seven."
They are going to ship some of his belonging here as well, and I figured since we don't have to much room here I could at least keep some of his items at my place and give him the stuff he really needs.
"Mmmm....How about we grab something to eat? I think Chinese sounds pretty good to me."
Ryan gives a grin to her brother. She was always in the mood to eat, yet she was active enough to lose it before she gained it, another trate picked up from there father no doubt.
Pushing her helmet down the rest of the way on her head Ryan was ready. It was a nice day out and she new the ride would be a nice one.
Taking a scoop of her chocolate mint ice cream Destiny looks at it for a moment just sitting with Chance. Finally picking it off the spoon she savers the taste a moment before saying anything. It had been some time since Destiny had, had ice cream and it tasted good.
Finally turning her head and looking to Chance Destiny study's him for a long moment. The detraction had been nice but she couldn't help that her mind had come back to the same topic of tomorrow.
"So how is everything going to go down tomorrow? I guess it would be important to know so I don't mess something up."
Destiny gives a small chuckle trying to make a little joke out of it. It seemed easier to give a little laugh about it than to just sit and be so serous.
Heading out of the hospital Beth talks the walk down the sidewalk twords the parking lot. She'd been in earlier today to see Sarah. Stopping at the bench like normal seeing Justin she wondered if she would see him today or not since it wasn't her normal time.
"Your here early today. I didn't think I'd be able to see you today."
Looking down at the dogs she gives a little nod to them before bending down to give there heads a pat.
"Good Morning girls. Here to help out again today huh?"
Sitting down on the bench next to Justin Beth stretches her legs out and cross them at her ankles. Drawing quiet for a moment Beth just looks out across the yard.
"I was going to sit here, if you weren't here already and keep it warm for you for a few a little bit. But your here...so..now your keeping it warm."
Thinking again for a second Beth felt so awkward, but yet she sat there. She liked talking to Justin even if it was hardly about anything. There was really something different about him no matter how she tried to tell herself differently.
"How....has your day been so far?"
Knocking on Reese door Angelica waits for him to answer before opening the door and entering softly closing the door behind her. Coming to Reese desk she gives him a smile.
"I know your busy so I wont take long. I just wanted to let you know Trey is being put on a plane Saterday, and he should be here Sunday night about seven."
They are going to ship some of his belonging here as well, and I figured since we don't have to much room here I could at least keep some of his items at my place and give him the stuff he really needs.
Strange new knot
Chance laughs and nods. "Oh yes, a hidden talent. It's buried with all the rest of them, brought out only for special occasions."
Grinning a little, his eyes drop as he thinks for a moment, almost as if losing his train of thought. Standing up though, he's back up and going again. "Alright. Ice cream it is then, before someone finds out I've let you out this long and has my hide."
It doesn't take long to gather their things, dress and get back to the SUV. Finding a nearby ice cream shop is easy, and in no time, Chance is sitting with Destiny at a little table outside the shop, shaded by the table's umbrella. He licks his chocolate ice cream cone, his eyes roaming the street as cars go by. His mind was now dwelling on tomorrow and if things would go smoothly at the funeral or not. He knew his job and knew the plans that were in place. After the last couple days though... a strange new knot had formed in his gut.
Eli nods with satisfaction. "Alright then. We're set to go." Cleaning up a little bit around the car, he grabs his helmet and tosses his sister's to her. "Not often we've got the same day off, let alone you riding with me - anywhere you want to go?"
...It was a warm morning. Justin had arrived at Brookshire to find out that Scott had been sick in the night and wasn't up yet. He would wait though, instead of taking the journey home just to come back again.
Sitting on the familiar bench, he has the dogs lie down next to him so the three relax and wait. Justin's mind was far from relaxing though. All night he'd wrestled with what to say or do or not say or do around Beth. There seemed to be no clear answer. No clear direction.
Grinning a little, his eyes drop as he thinks for a moment, almost as if losing his train of thought. Standing up though, he's back up and going again. "Alright. Ice cream it is then, before someone finds out I've let you out this long and has my hide."
It doesn't take long to gather their things, dress and get back to the SUV. Finding a nearby ice cream shop is easy, and in no time, Chance is sitting with Destiny at a little table outside the shop, shaded by the table's umbrella. He licks his chocolate ice cream cone, his eyes roaming the street as cars go by. His mind was now dwelling on tomorrow and if things would go smoothly at the funeral or not. He knew his job and knew the plans that were in place. After the last couple days though... a strange new knot had formed in his gut.
Eli nods with satisfaction. "Alright then. We're set to go." Cleaning up a little bit around the car, he grabs his helmet and tosses his sister's to her. "Not often we've got the same day off, let alone you riding with me - anywhere you want to go?"
...It was a warm morning. Justin had arrived at Brookshire to find out that Scott had been sick in the night and wasn't up yet. He would wait though, instead of taking the journey home just to come back again.
Sitting on the familiar bench, he has the dogs lie down next to him so the three relax and wait. Justin's mind was far from relaxing though. All night he'd wrestled with what to say or do or not say or do around Beth. There seemed to be no clear answer. No clear direction.
6/14/10
Talents
The smile stays on Kaite's face as her eyes fall shut again just enjoying Jason running his hand through her hair. She loved these quiet moments just as much as the up beat ones. Just being able to enjoy there slow emotions.
"Mmmmm...I think we could survive a few days apart, maybe."
Katie gives a laugh her eyes still closed her hand finds Jason as she brings it to her lips and than rests her head in his hand as she gives a content sigh. Though she'd like to spend the whole time away from Nevada with Jason she understood Reese might have him doing a few things. She couldn't hold that against him nor would she even want to.
Receiving the playful gesture back Destiny's smile grows a little bit more as she returns the nudge once again herself. Chance really was a nice guy who genuinely seemed to care, Destiny liked that.
Sitting up and drawing her legs to her chest Destiny's skin had not taken on a light bronze color from sitting out in the sun. Resting her head on her knee for a moment she gives a little nod.
"Right about now ice cream would really hit the spot. You just know how to keep making things get better and better don't you? One of your hidden talents no doubt!"
Giving another smile the sun reflects off her eyes for a moment as she swings her legs over the reclining chair and she slips on her sandles before leaning forward a little a stretching her back out.
Hearing the beep of her phone Ryan pulls it out and takes a look at it. A smile cross her face but she doesn't reply again for the moment. Looking over at her brother she gives a slight nod.
"Alic said after dark he'll be at our place. So it sounds like we are good to go."
Ryan was happy Alec would be coming again tonight, and she had liked he had been coming to visit more often she only one of these days Reese wouldnt get fed up with him sneaking out and put a lock on his door.
"Mmmmm...I think we could survive a few days apart, maybe."
Katie gives a laugh her eyes still closed her hand finds Jason as she brings it to her lips and than rests her head in his hand as she gives a content sigh. Though she'd like to spend the whole time away from Nevada with Jason she understood Reese might have him doing a few things. She couldn't hold that against him nor would she even want to.
Receiving the playful gesture back Destiny's smile grows a little bit more as she returns the nudge once again herself. Chance really was a nice guy who genuinely seemed to care, Destiny liked that.
Sitting up and drawing her legs to her chest Destiny's skin had not taken on a light bronze color from sitting out in the sun. Resting her head on her knee for a moment she gives a little nod.
"Right about now ice cream would really hit the spot. You just know how to keep making things get better and better don't you? One of your hidden talents no doubt!"
Giving another smile the sun reflects off her eyes for a moment as she swings her legs over the reclining chair and she slips on her sandles before leaning forward a little a stretching her back out.
Hearing the beep of her phone Ryan pulls it out and takes a look at it. A smile cross her face but she doesn't reply again for the moment. Looking over at her brother she gives a slight nod.
"Alic said after dark he'll be at our place. So it sounds like we are good to go."
Ryan was happy Alec would be coming again tonight, and she had liked he had been coming to visit more often she only one of these days Reese wouldnt get fed up with him sneaking out and put a lock on his door.
Shock
Jason leans back against the tree, his fingers running through Katie's hair. He'd shut his cell phone off on purpose, having no intention of having Reese call him back to the office.
Glancing down at Katie, a smile creases his lips. He knew sometimes she missed the ranch, and he couldn't blame her. "Texas vacation, huh?" He breathes in the fresh air deeply, leaning back again and closing his eyes. "I might be able to do that. I don't think Reese wants me to go anywhere right now though. Might have to wait a while."
He resumes running his fingers through her hair. "I don't mind if you take off though, if you wanted to go sooner. I don't know how I'd survive, but I'd manage." His emotions are just a little silly, wanting Katie to know that he'd miss her, but he wouldn't protest her leaving.
Relaxing in the chair next to Destiny, Chance lets himself dry off from the swim. Thought it would be easy to close his eyes and doze in the warm sun, he forces himself to sit straight and keep an eye on the pool and their surroundings.
Hearing Destiny's thanks, he turns to her, squinting one eye in the sunlight. A grin emerges. "No need to thank me. Not like I've hated getting out of the house for a while."
He nudges her arm back. "I some ice cream might be in order though. My treat... if you'll let me."
The phone in Alec's pocket beeps to let him know a text message has arrived. Glancing to the side, he sees Hal giving him an odd look. "What?" Reese had asked Hal to babysit Alec for a while in the control room and Alec was bored and just about ready to walk out. "Problem?"
Hal quirks an eyebrow. "Since when do you have a phone?"
"Since I got one."
Hal holds out his hand.
"Aww, no."
"You can't tell me Reese approved that."
"I've had it for a week and nobody noticed! Come on, Hal... just let it go, huh?"
"Give it here."
Scowling, Alec knows he doesn't have much choice. Digging the phone from his pocket, he slaps it in Hal's palm grudgingly.
Hal flips it open and reads the message. Scanning the words, a little snicker slips out. "Hot stuff?"
"Give me that." Alec snatches it back and reads the message from Ryan, knowing it was about getting Roth's car back to the garage.
"You know, Reese could think that was an Agency encoded message, right?"
Alec scoffs. "As if I'd have them contact me by cell phone."
"So what do "Ry" and Eli need an extra pair of hands for?"
Alec's eyes narrow, his voice lowering. "I wouldn't want to shock you." Getting up from the chair, he leaves the control room without permission to head downstairs. Once on his cot, he flips the phone open again to reply to Ryan.
Gotta shake the dogs. After dark. Your place. I'll be there.
Justin's eyes scan his computer screen, the words blurring after hours of reading. The story was the same though, every time he found it.
Shutting his laptop, he leans back in his chair, his hand automatically falling to the side and landing on Danitza's head. So that was it. That was what Beth's past was all about. Losing both parents. A murder and suicide. And Sarah had been there and that's why she was now at Brookshire. If Beth had been there that night too, she probably would be in a hospital as well.
Justin heaves a weary sigh. It was late and he needed to head to bed. It was hard though, realizing all that Beth must have gone through. It had been a tragic enough story that it had made headlines for a week. It hadn't been some little hurt in Beth's life that had made her feel sorry for herself. It had been more, just like his uncle had implied. Had Justin known, he would not have said the things he said... eventually maybe, but not as soon as he had. It was obvious now why she had responded negatively.
Standing up, Justin wanders into the kitchen for a glass of water before bed. Now what? Beth was an even tougher case than he'd thought. What did he want from her? A friendship? Acquaintance? More? Less? He had thought that if he could get her to trust him, then they could form a friendship. But maybe that was simply too much to ask. She was set in her ways... used to being alone and like she'd said... she liked it that way and had no time for letting other people into her life.
Taking a swallow of water, he sets the glass in the sink and looks out the window at the dark yard. He'd dealt with trying to help people before, looking for friendship and hoping for that trust one day. But all it did was cause strain and frustration on a relationship that never would be. He wasn't going to do that to himself again. It looked like it was going to be a surface relationship with Beth after all. And he'd just have to be satisfied with that. If she moved forward, so be it. But if not, he wouldn't push.
Glancing down at Katie, a smile creases his lips. He knew sometimes she missed the ranch, and he couldn't blame her. "Texas vacation, huh?" He breathes in the fresh air deeply, leaning back again and closing his eyes. "I might be able to do that. I don't think Reese wants me to go anywhere right now though. Might have to wait a while."
He resumes running his fingers through her hair. "I don't mind if you take off though, if you wanted to go sooner. I don't know how I'd survive, but I'd manage." His emotions are just a little silly, wanting Katie to know that he'd miss her, but he wouldn't protest her leaving.
Relaxing in the chair next to Destiny, Chance lets himself dry off from the swim. Thought it would be easy to close his eyes and doze in the warm sun, he forces himself to sit straight and keep an eye on the pool and their surroundings.
Hearing Destiny's thanks, he turns to her, squinting one eye in the sunlight. A grin emerges. "No need to thank me. Not like I've hated getting out of the house for a while."
He nudges her arm back. "I some ice cream might be in order though. My treat... if you'll let me."
The phone in Alec's pocket beeps to let him know a text message has arrived. Glancing to the side, he sees Hal giving him an odd look. "What?" Reese had asked Hal to babysit Alec for a while in the control room and Alec was bored and just about ready to walk out. "Problem?"
Hal quirks an eyebrow. "Since when do you have a phone?"
"Since I got one."
Hal holds out his hand.
"Aww, no."
"You can't tell me Reese approved that."
"I've had it for a week and nobody noticed! Come on, Hal... just let it go, huh?"
"Give it here."
Scowling, Alec knows he doesn't have much choice. Digging the phone from his pocket, he slaps it in Hal's palm grudgingly.
Hal flips it open and reads the message. Scanning the words, a little snicker slips out. "Hot stuff?"
"Give me that." Alec snatches it back and reads the message from Ryan, knowing it was about getting Roth's car back to the garage.
"You know, Reese could think that was an Agency encoded message, right?"
Alec scoffs. "As if I'd have them contact me by cell phone."
"So what do "Ry" and Eli need an extra pair of hands for?"
Alec's eyes narrow, his voice lowering. "I wouldn't want to shock you." Getting up from the chair, he leaves the control room without permission to head downstairs. Once on his cot, he flips the phone open again to reply to Ryan.
Gotta shake the dogs. After dark. Your place. I'll be there.
Justin's eyes scan his computer screen, the words blurring after hours of reading. The story was the same though, every time he found it.
Shutting his laptop, he leans back in his chair, his hand automatically falling to the side and landing on Danitza's head. So that was it. That was what Beth's past was all about. Losing both parents. A murder and suicide. And Sarah had been there and that's why she was now at Brookshire. If Beth had been there that night too, she probably would be in a hospital as well.
Justin heaves a weary sigh. It was late and he needed to head to bed. It was hard though, realizing all that Beth must have gone through. It had been a tragic enough story that it had made headlines for a week. It hadn't been some little hurt in Beth's life that had made her feel sorry for herself. It had been more, just like his uncle had implied. Had Justin known, he would not have said the things he said... eventually maybe, but not as soon as he had. It was obvious now why she had responded negatively.
Standing up, Justin wanders into the kitchen for a glass of water before bed. Now what? Beth was an even tougher case than he'd thought. What did he want from her? A friendship? Acquaintance? More? Less? He had thought that if he could get her to trust him, then they could form a friendship. But maybe that was simply too much to ask. She was set in her ways... used to being alone and like she'd said... she liked it that way and had no time for letting other people into her life.
Taking a swallow of water, he sets the glass in the sink and looks out the window at the dark yard. He'd dealt with trying to help people before, looking for friendship and hoping for that trust one day. But all it did was cause strain and frustration on a relationship that never would be. He wasn't going to do that to himself again. It looked like it was going to be a surface relationship with Beth after all. And he'd just have to be satisfied with that. If she moved forward, so be it. But if not, he wouldn't push.
Text Message
Ryan can't help but laugh again as her brother takes the pictures. This was defiantly a memories worth having not to mention Scarlet couldn't miss out on it. Pictures were better than nothing.
"This is going to be great, totally priceless. He sure will learn not to mess with a McKade, or anyone we care about."
Taking another look at the car and letting her brother snap more pictures Ryan places the tarp over the car again. It didn't even look like the same car anymore except for the license plate that was Roth's trade mark.
Pulling out her cell phone she gives a smerk to her brother. Ryan had given Alec one of her old phones to barrow so she didn't have to go through TJY lines whenever she wanted to talk to him.
"I'll text him and see what he says about coming out tonight."
Hey Hot stuff, Eli and I were wondering if you were gonna make it tonight. Have some stuff we could use an extra pare of hands on and were hopping that would be you. Let me know...ttyl ~*~Ry~*~
Ryan new her message was a little cryptic but Alec would understand. That way if anyone happened to intercept it that wouldn't know what was going on.
"Ok, its sent now I just need to wait for a reply. Are we finished here or do we have more to do? You've deprived me of lunch and now I am starving."
Laying in a grassy spot by the lake Katie's head rested in Jason's lap as the soft breeze blew. Lunch had of been good and now just a little time to relax was even better. Turning her head to look at Jason just a little Katie smile her eyes twinkling in the sun.
"So I was thinking about taking a few days vacation time and maybe going out to the ranch just to see everyone. I though maybe you would like to come too. Seeing your mom would be nice and maybe having dinner with her even better since Wes was gone. What do you think?"
Katie new Jason liked seeing his mom and she liked seeing her family too. Not to mention she had been missing them a little with the nice weather coming. If Jason would come too it would be all to perfect but she wasn't sure if he wanted to or not.
Laying in one lounge chairs by the pool after swimming for at least an hour now Destiny was just relaxing and soaking up some sun. Her eyes closed but far from sleeping her mind was just traveling from one thing to the next. Tomorrow, tonight, The Agency, what would happen when this was all over.
Moving her head a little and opening one eye to look at Chance she gives a smile before reaching out and giving his arm a little push.
"Hey, I just wanted to say thanks for this. Its nice to free my mind even if its just for a little bit."
She was thankful for it, and thought it was pretty nice of Chance to get her mind off things. Not many people would of thought of that, but he had.
"This is going to be great, totally priceless. He sure will learn not to mess with a McKade, or anyone we care about."
Taking another look at the car and letting her brother snap more pictures Ryan places the tarp over the car again. It didn't even look like the same car anymore except for the license plate that was Roth's trade mark.
Pulling out her cell phone she gives a smerk to her brother. Ryan had given Alec one of her old phones to barrow so she didn't have to go through TJY lines whenever she wanted to talk to him.
"I'll text him and see what he says about coming out tonight."
Hey Hot stuff, Eli and I were wondering if you were gonna make it tonight. Have some stuff we could use an extra pare of hands on and were hopping that would be you. Let me know...ttyl ~*~Ry~*~
Ryan new her message was a little cryptic but Alec would understand. That way if anyone happened to intercept it that wouldn't know what was going on.
"Ok, its sent now I just need to wait for a reply. Are we finished here or do we have more to do? You've deprived me of lunch and now I am starving."
Laying in a grassy spot by the lake Katie's head rested in Jason's lap as the soft breeze blew. Lunch had of been good and now just a little time to relax was even better. Turning her head to look at Jason just a little Katie smile her eyes twinkling in the sun.
"So I was thinking about taking a few days vacation time and maybe going out to the ranch just to see everyone. I though maybe you would like to come too. Seeing your mom would be nice and maybe having dinner with her even better since Wes was gone. What do you think?"
Katie new Jason liked seeing his mom and she liked seeing her family too. Not to mention she had been missing them a little with the nice weather coming. If Jason would come too it would be all to perfect but she wasn't sure if he wanted to or not.
Laying in one lounge chairs by the pool after swimming for at least an hour now Destiny was just relaxing and soaking up some sun. Her eyes closed but far from sleeping her mind was just traveling from one thing to the next. Tomorrow, tonight, The Agency, what would happen when this was all over.
Moving her head a little and opening one eye to look at Chance she gives a smile before reaching out and giving his arm a little push.
"Hey, I just wanted to say thanks for this. Its nice to free my mind even if its just for a little bit."
She was thankful for it, and thought it was pretty nice of Chance to get her mind off things. Not many people would of thought of that, but he had.
File
Justin gives Beth a little wave, waiting to sigh until she was gone. Zora rests her head on his lap and gives a small whine. He pats her and nods. "Yeah... I know. This one's gonna stay at arm's length, isn't she?"
He stares after Beth, his mind wandering. He would probably continue to ask her if she wanted to do things with him... but he wondered if it really was just wasting his breath. Whether he'd made a mistake yesterday or not, he was convinced that even if it had never happened, nothing would be different anyway. "I don't know if I should try for more or not. I guess if she wants to stay away then there's not much I can do about it, huh?"
Zora licks his hand and cocks her head as if wondering what exactly he was talking about that shifted his mood.
"Why can't I just let things go, hmm?" Sighing again, Justin finally stands up, gathering his backpack and leashes. "Come on, girls. Lets go home."
Eli grins and moves to the side where he retrieves a camera. "She won't be back by race time tomorrow... but that doesn't mean she won't get to visualize Roth's face when she sees our beautiful artwork."
Stepping back a couple paces, he snaps a few pictures of the car at good angles to catch the flowers and especially the hood. "Captured in time forever. Priceless. Now... can you get a hold of Alec to see if he's gonna make it tonight? You and I can pull it off ourselves but it would be nice to have a third person and if he can't sneak out, we need to nab someone else."
Reese makes his way from Angelica's office, grinning a little to himself before getting his mind back on task. Heading to his own office, opening the door, he stops short, seeing Alec at the filing cabinet. "Oh, I didn't realize this was public property."
Alec looks up casually, folder in hand. "It's not. I was snooping."
"And may I ask what for?" Reese does his best to keep his temper as he crosses his arms.
Alec shrugs. "Wanted to finish up that report but I forgot the names you wanted me to check into. You were gone so I figured I could find it in here somewhere." His eyes go back to the file he was holding. "You know, I did find it interesting that-"
"I don't care if I'm gone or not," Reese cuts him off sternly. "You do not come in here and just start taking things." He approaches and grabs the file out of Alec's hand to see what it was. It wasn't anything too important, but it was the principle of the thing.
Alec shrugs lamely. "Whatever. Get me the stuff then."
Reese's eyes narrow. "You know... I'm this close to letting you go, but with an attitude like that, you're not making it easy for me."
Alec holds up his hands then lets his arms drop. "I don't think I'll ever please you, Reese, so maybe you should just stop trying to make that happen." He scowls, frustrated with his whole situation. "I'll be downstairs if you want me to ever finish that project." Spinning on his heel, he stalks out.
Reese groans and tosses the file aside, flopping down in his chair.
He stares after Beth, his mind wandering. He would probably continue to ask her if she wanted to do things with him... but he wondered if it really was just wasting his breath. Whether he'd made a mistake yesterday or not, he was convinced that even if it had never happened, nothing would be different anyway. "I don't know if I should try for more or not. I guess if she wants to stay away then there's not much I can do about it, huh?"
Zora licks his hand and cocks her head as if wondering what exactly he was talking about that shifted his mood.
"Why can't I just let things go, hmm?" Sighing again, Justin finally stands up, gathering his backpack and leashes. "Come on, girls. Lets go home."
Eli grins and moves to the side where he retrieves a camera. "She won't be back by race time tomorrow... but that doesn't mean she won't get to visualize Roth's face when she sees our beautiful artwork."
Stepping back a couple paces, he snaps a few pictures of the car at good angles to catch the flowers and especially the hood. "Captured in time forever. Priceless. Now... can you get a hold of Alec to see if he's gonna make it tonight? You and I can pull it off ourselves but it would be nice to have a third person and if he can't sneak out, we need to nab someone else."
Reese makes his way from Angelica's office, grinning a little to himself before getting his mind back on task. Heading to his own office, opening the door, he stops short, seeing Alec at the filing cabinet. "Oh, I didn't realize this was public property."
Alec looks up casually, folder in hand. "It's not. I was snooping."
"And may I ask what for?" Reese does his best to keep his temper as he crosses his arms.
Alec shrugs. "Wanted to finish up that report but I forgot the names you wanted me to check into. You were gone so I figured I could find it in here somewhere." His eyes go back to the file he was holding. "You know, I did find it interesting that-"
"I don't care if I'm gone or not," Reese cuts him off sternly. "You do not come in here and just start taking things." He approaches and grabs the file out of Alec's hand to see what it was. It wasn't anything too important, but it was the principle of the thing.
Alec shrugs lamely. "Whatever. Get me the stuff then."
Reese's eyes narrow. "You know... I'm this close to letting you go, but with an attitude like that, you're not making it easy for me."
Alec holds up his hands then lets his arms drop. "I don't think I'll ever please you, Reese, so maybe you should just stop trying to make that happen." He scowls, frustrated with his whole situation. "I'll be downstairs if you want me to ever finish that project." Spinning on his heel, he stalks out.
Reese groans and tosses the file aside, flopping down in his chair.
6/13/10
Vacation
"Because if I didn't anyone could walk in at any moment, and well...that might be a little embarrassing for us both."
Giving one last squeeze to Reese Angelica lets go and backs up a few steps. Bringing her hand to Reese face one more time to run her thumb over his cheek she lets her hand fall. Moving back to her desk and sitting down she gives a nod.
"I look forward to dinner tonight. I'll make sure we talk about work before we leave as well so our night is not interrupted with work."
Giving a wink to Reese and a smile Angelica new she had to get back to work now or at least talking about work and her mind back into gear too.
"Well at least Alec will be happy to hear that, and thats one less thing you will have to worry about. But there is always something huh? I think we need a vacation."
Feeling herself tense up at his comment of not seeing him again Beth's mind runs. Was he going to lecture her again? Try and be her councilor? She didn't know what was going to come next. Almost like a panic mode her mind reels. But letting him finish and hearing him tell her to keep the bench warm she gives a little nod.
"I can do that. Good Bye Justin."
Turning Beth takes her path back inside like so many other days. Knowing it so well now if blind folded she would have no problem making her way through the building.
Standing back with her brother Ryan's arms were crossed over her chest as a large smile was across her face. It took all she could not to let her laughter roll again. Eli had done a great job and the flowers on the sides looked great too. She truly couldn't wait to see the look on Roth's face.
"Hey maybe Roth will like it so much he'll keep it."
Giving a side long glance to her brother Ryan finally breaks the silence and lets her laugh go. If Roth ended up like this than Ryan didn't know what she would do. There was just no way Mr. Maco would enjoy being embarrassed like this.
Turning to her brother again she holds her fist out to him for a fist pound. She couldn't help but feel the pride inside of her that this was her brother.
"So is your girl gonna be home in time to enjoy this sweet little victory or is this one of those she wont know what kill her things?"
Giving one last squeeze to Reese Angelica lets go and backs up a few steps. Bringing her hand to Reese face one more time to run her thumb over his cheek she lets her hand fall. Moving back to her desk and sitting down she gives a nod.
"I look forward to dinner tonight. I'll make sure we talk about work before we leave as well so our night is not interrupted with work."
Giving a wink to Reese and a smile Angelica new she had to get back to work now or at least talking about work and her mind back into gear too.
"Well at least Alec will be happy to hear that, and thats one less thing you will have to worry about. But there is always something huh? I think we need a vacation."
Feeling herself tense up at his comment of not seeing him again Beth's mind runs. Was he going to lecture her again? Try and be her councilor? She didn't know what was going to come next. Almost like a panic mode her mind reels. But letting him finish and hearing him tell her to keep the bench warm she gives a little nod.
"I can do that. Good Bye Justin."
Turning Beth takes her path back inside like so many other days. Knowing it so well now if blind folded she would have no problem making her way through the building.
Standing back with her brother Ryan's arms were crossed over her chest as a large smile was across her face. It took all she could not to let her laughter roll again. Eli had done a great job and the flowers on the sides looked great too. She truly couldn't wait to see the look on Roth's face.
"Hey maybe Roth will like it so much he'll keep it."
Giving a side long glance to her brother Ryan finally breaks the silence and lets her laugh go. If Roth ended up like this than Ryan didn't know what she would do. There was just no way Mr. Maco would enjoy being embarrassed like this.
Turning to her brother again she holds her fist out to him for a fist pound. She couldn't help but feel the pride inside of her that this was her brother.
"So is your girl gonna be home in time to enjoy this sweet little victory or is this one of those she wont know what kill her things?"
If I don't see you again...
Reese smiles as Angelica admits her love as well. When she mentions her aunt and uncle though, he sighs. "Why did you have to remind me we were in the middle of working?"
He kisses her forehead and lets her go. "We'll just have to pick up where we left off at dinner tonight. As for this whole ordeal... keep me informed and in the meantime, I guess I'll give Alec what he's been wanting all along so we've got the extra space around here."
"Okay." Justin holds his smile, having known Beth would turn him down. "These girls won't scare the fish too much - they just like to splash around in the water and I make them do that far enough away not to interfere."
His chuckles and rubs Danitza's head before speaking to Beth again. "Have a good day, huh? And if I don't see you again..." He cocks his head a little, knowing that's how he'd started out yesterday. "...keep the bench warm for me."
"Well... there she is." Eli gives one last polishing swipe to the front of Roth's car, the paint shiny and dry. "Hellooooo, Kitty."
The car was finished, done up with a pink base, white and yellow flowers, and on the hood, proudly staring back at viewers was a very happy looking Hello Kitty, bow on the head and all.
Eli stands back and folds his arms, surveying his work. He nods, glancing to his sister, the only one present for the unveiling. "And tonight, once Alec gets to our place, this gets put back in her own garage." He grins. "I think this is one of my best jobs yet. Pitty I'm sure it won't last long."
He kisses her forehead and lets her go. "We'll just have to pick up where we left off at dinner tonight. As for this whole ordeal... keep me informed and in the meantime, I guess I'll give Alec what he's been wanting all along so we've got the extra space around here."
"Okay." Justin holds his smile, having known Beth would turn him down. "These girls won't scare the fish too much - they just like to splash around in the water and I make them do that far enough away not to interfere."
His chuckles and rubs Danitza's head before speaking to Beth again. "Have a good day, huh? And if I don't see you again..." He cocks his head a little, knowing that's how he'd started out yesterday. "...keep the bench warm for me."
"Well... there she is." Eli gives one last polishing swipe to the front of Roth's car, the paint shiny and dry. "Hellooooo, Kitty."
The car was finished, done up with a pink base, white and yellow flowers, and on the hood, proudly staring back at viewers was a very happy looking Hello Kitty, bow on the head and all.
Eli stands back and folds his arms, surveying his work. He nods, glancing to his sister, the only one present for the unveiling. "And tonight, once Alec gets to our place, this gets put back in her own garage." He grins. "I think this is one of my best jobs yet. Pitty I'm sure it won't last long."
Who is Who
Seeing Zora wanted a little more attachen Destiny rubs behind her ears before giving her a soft pat to the head. They were really nice dogs and now seeing a few of there differinces Beth tried to memories them quick so if they ever saw them again she could get there names right.
"I'll remember who is who for next time."
Standing up again and hearing Justin offer Beth thinks for a moment. She new she would say not today because after she was done seeing her sister she had to work, but she was wondering if she didn't if she would feel comfortable or not.
Searching Justin's eyes for a moment Beth finally looks away not know what she would of done. Giving a little shake of her head she looks up again.
"Sorry, I can't today. Once I am done here I have to head to work. Have a good time though and don't let these guys scare your fish away."
Just continuing to look up at Reese Angelica's smile holds. His words warming her heart as she can feel the color coming to her face. Wrapping one of her own arms under Reese's shoulder to hold him as well.
Feeling Reese's lips brush her Angelica's eyes fall shut and she softly return it. Than feeling Reese return in again for a more passiont kiss once again Angelica returns it her arm tighting around him. Just letting her own passion flow through her and to Reese returning her approval.
As he pulls away and his words hit her ears Angelica pulls away a little more to look up into his eyes. Seeing his meant his words Angelica's smile grew even more her eyes twinkling.
"I never thought throws words would ever feel so good to hear. I do believe I am falling...no...I know I am falling in love with you too. And once I call my Aunt and Uncle back I'll fill you in on the rest of the details."
"I'll remember who is who for next time."
Standing up again and hearing Justin offer Beth thinks for a moment. She new she would say not today because after she was done seeing her sister she had to work, but she was wondering if she didn't if she would feel comfortable or not.
Searching Justin's eyes for a moment Beth finally looks away not know what she would of done. Giving a little shake of her head she looks up again.
"Sorry, I can't today. Once I am done here I have to head to work. Have a good time though and don't let these guys scare your fish away."
Just continuing to look up at Reese Angelica's smile holds. His words warming her heart as she can feel the color coming to her face. Wrapping one of her own arms under Reese's shoulder to hold him as well.
Feeling Reese's lips brush her Angelica's eyes fall shut and she softly return it. Than feeling Reese return in again for a more passiont kiss once again Angelica returns it her arm tighting around him. Just letting her own passion flow through her and to Reese returning her approval.
As he pulls away and his words hit her ears Angelica pulls away a little more to look up into his eyes. Seeing his meant his words Angelica's smile grew even more her eyes twinkling.
"I never thought throws words would ever feel so good to hear. I do believe I am falling...no...I know I am falling in love with you too. And once I call my Aunt and Uncle back I'll fill you in on the rest of the details."
Invitation
As Angelica draws near, Reese is a little surprised. He hadn't really expected her to like his suggestion or to have been worried about her. But apparently he'd been wrong.
A grin toys at the corner of his mouth as her hand glides down his face. "You being special has nothing to do with me. Maybe I just recognize it quicker than others."
His hands slip around her waist, pulling her against him. "I'm glad I do though... otherwise someone might have whisked you away before I had a chance."
Smiling, his eyes grow softer as he looks down at her. It was a look reserved only for her... one that only ever was shown to someone he cared for deeply. Bringing his face closer, his lips brush hers lightly before returning for a more passionate kiss.
Pulling back, his eyes search hers. "I do believe I'm falling in love with you, Angelica. I'm glad you agree about Trey - otherwise I'd worry way too much."
Justin could hear a bit of timidity in Beth's voice, and sensed that a barrier had been raised again. It frustrated him, but he didn't lead on to his feelings. He'd gain back her trust... somehow.
"Kinda like a mother having twins I guess." He chuckles. "See Danitza there has more spots on her ears and Zora... she's just a little bit smaller. Once you're around them enough though, it's easy to tell whose spots belong to who. Their personalities are different too."
Justin lets Zora lick his hand before she turns back to Beth's attention. "Danitza is more adventurous. Zora has a natural ability to sense when someone is distraught - she catches on a little quicker than Danitza and doesn't get as board as quickly. When it really comes down to it though, both are good dogs and they know when it's time to work. So yeah... I think they did some good last night and this morning. They'll be back."
Quiet for a few moments, Justin watches Beth as she stands. He quirks a little grin. "Yeah, I'm still coming. I, uh... couldn't give up, ya know? Even if I did get frustrated."
He cocks his head, squinting a little in the sun as he looks up at her. "I'm taking these girls fishing this afternoon. Wanna come along?"
A grin toys at the corner of his mouth as her hand glides down his face. "You being special has nothing to do with me. Maybe I just recognize it quicker than others."
His hands slip around her waist, pulling her against him. "I'm glad I do though... otherwise someone might have whisked you away before I had a chance."
Smiling, his eyes grow softer as he looks down at her. It was a look reserved only for her... one that only ever was shown to someone he cared for deeply. Bringing his face closer, his lips brush hers lightly before returning for a more passionate kiss.
Pulling back, his eyes search hers. "I do believe I'm falling in love with you, Angelica. I'm glad you agree about Trey - otherwise I'd worry way too much."
Justin could hear a bit of timidity in Beth's voice, and sensed that a barrier had been raised again. It frustrated him, but he didn't lead on to his feelings. He'd gain back her trust... somehow.
"Kinda like a mother having twins I guess." He chuckles. "See Danitza there has more spots on her ears and Zora... she's just a little bit smaller. Once you're around them enough though, it's easy to tell whose spots belong to who. Their personalities are different too."
Justin lets Zora lick his hand before she turns back to Beth's attention. "Danitza is more adventurous. Zora has a natural ability to sense when someone is distraught - she catches on a little quicker than Danitza and doesn't get as board as quickly. When it really comes down to it though, both are good dogs and they know when it's time to work. So yeah... I think they did some good last night and this morning. They'll be back."
Quiet for a few moments, Justin watches Beth as she stands. He quirks a little grin. "Yeah, I'm still coming. I, uh... couldn't give up, ya know? Even if I did get frustrated."
He cocks his head, squinting a little in the sun as he looks up at her. "I'm taking these girls fishing this afternoon. Wanna come along?"
Special
Hearing the dogs didn't bite Beth gives a little nod as she looks at the dogs for a long moment before squatting down. Putting her hand out to let the dogs sniff it Destiny moves it slowly to pet the one dog's head and than to pet the other one.
"Pretty names. They both look a lot alike how do you tell them apart?"
Beth's voice sounded a little different today than it had days before almost like starting at square one again. But she was still putting forth some kind of effort to make any kind of conversation with Justin.
"I hope they were able to help since they stayed with you."
Petting the dogs still and talking to them a little asking how they were Beth finally stands. Returning her hands into her pockets again Beth shifts a little awkward before looking to Justin again. Studying him for a long moment she lets out a short breath. Not sure what else to say.
"I guess I better get going. I'm glad to see your still coming here for now."
Stopping her pacing and turning to Reese with her arms crossed Angelica just looks at him for a long moment. Not to long ago a suggestion like that would have upset her and maybe even offended but something had happened over the months. Slight changes had been made and now Angelica couldn't help the smile that spread across her face as she stepped closer to Reese her eyes searching his.
"I could yell at you and insist he stays with me, but...I think your to darn hot to bother. Not to mention its kind of nice feeling that someone cares. I wont argue with you he stays here. I do want to stay in the loop on everything though the best I can!"
Bringing a hand to the side of Reese face Angelica searches his eyes for a long moment a smile still on her lips. Running her thumb over her cheek she just takes in everything about him she had fallen for.
"Thank you for making me feel so special."
"Pretty names. They both look a lot alike how do you tell them apart?"
Beth's voice sounded a little different today than it had days before almost like starting at square one again. But she was still putting forth some kind of effort to make any kind of conversation with Justin.
"I hope they were able to help since they stayed with you."
Petting the dogs still and talking to them a little asking how they were Beth finally stands. Returning her hands into her pockets again Beth shifts a little awkward before looking to Justin again. Studying him for a long moment she lets out a short breath. Not sure what else to say.
"I guess I better get going. I'm glad to see your still coming here for now."
Stopping her pacing and turning to Reese with her arms crossed Angelica just looks at him for a long moment. Not to long ago a suggestion like that would have upset her and maybe even offended but something had happened over the months. Slight changes had been made and now Angelica couldn't help the smile that spread across her face as she stepped closer to Reese her eyes searching his.
"I could yell at you and insist he stays with me, but...I think your to darn hot to bother. Not to mention its kind of nice feeling that someone cares. I wont argue with you he stays here. I do want to stay in the loop on everything though the best I can!"
Bringing a hand to the side of Reese face Angelica searches his eyes for a long moment a smile still on her lips. Running her thumb over her cheek she just takes in everything about him she had fallen for.
"Thank you for making me feel so special."
Meet a friend
Chance laughs as he's splashed and has no trouble splashing right back before he springs off the wall to get further away. Ducking under the water, he disappears skillfully holding his breath while swimming down deep and coming up behind Destiny. "Boo."
Reese stands up with Angelica, his shoulders squaring a bit as he hears her suggestion. "Well, if Trey doesn't want to come but they get them here, then that's one less thing we have to worry about. However... I'd prefer it he not stay with you."
His tone implies that he's serious. "As Elite chief, I think it would be better to keep him under custody at least until we figure out where his loyalty lies. And as... as someone who cares about you, I'd prefer you not be in that position."
Justin had seen Beth coming up the walk, and he had wondered if she would stop. Whether she did or walked on would hint if there were any consequences from yesterday's little episode in the rain. He still knew no more - he had thought about it all night, wondering if he'd missed something... missed signs or looks in her eye. But his uncle was right... he couldn't paint an accurate picture without all the pieces and he couldn't get those pieces until he discovered where they were.
Not wanting to maker Beth uncomfortable, Justin doesn't make eye contact, but rather focuses on the ground until he hears her voice. A smile curls on his lips, relief hidden somewhere down deep.
Looking up, his smile meets her gaze. "Naw... they don't bite unless I tell them to." He gives Beth a wink before giving a little tug on the leashes. "C'mhere, girls... I want you to meet a friend of mine."
The dogs stand and come to Justin's legs, both sitting and sniffing at Beth with curiosity.
"The one on the right is Danitza, my morning star, and this one is Zora, the dawn. They came to spend the night here with me last night." He gives Danitza a loving scratch behind her ear before looking back up at Beth. "You can pet them if you like."
Reese stands up with Angelica, his shoulders squaring a bit as he hears her suggestion. "Well, if Trey doesn't want to come but they get them here, then that's one less thing we have to worry about. However... I'd prefer it he not stay with you."
His tone implies that he's serious. "As Elite chief, I think it would be better to keep him under custody at least until we figure out where his loyalty lies. And as... as someone who cares about you, I'd prefer you not be in that position."
Justin had seen Beth coming up the walk, and he had wondered if she would stop. Whether she did or walked on would hint if there were any consequences from yesterday's little episode in the rain. He still knew no more - he had thought about it all night, wondering if he'd missed something... missed signs or looks in her eye. But his uncle was right... he couldn't paint an accurate picture without all the pieces and he couldn't get those pieces until he discovered where they were.
Not wanting to maker Beth uncomfortable, Justin doesn't make eye contact, but rather focuses on the ground until he hears her voice. A smile curls on his lips, relief hidden somewhere down deep.
Looking up, his smile meets her gaze. "Naw... they don't bite unless I tell them to." He gives Beth a wink before giving a little tug on the leashes. "C'mhere, girls... I want you to meet a friend of mine."
The dogs stand and come to Justin's legs, both sitting and sniffing at Beth with curiosity.
"The one on the right is Danitza, my morning star, and this one is Zora, the dawn. They came to spend the night here with me last night." He gives Danitza a loving scratch behind her ear before looking back up at Beth. "You can pet them if you like."
Bite
Thinking again for a second Angelica was happy that Reese though this would work. She didn't want to try and pull anything over on anyone but maybe this was the better of two evils. For all she new maybe Trey was willing and think would be all a lot easier than she though.
"I honestly don't know if he's willing or not. Hope would make think he is willing and just got with the flow but my common sence says thats not how its gonna work. He's got everything living with his parents. They are respected in Mexico so in turn they respect him. He eats off a gold plate always having money and getting what he wants. I'd say he is going to be a little less than happy."
Letting out another sigh Angelica stands and starts to pacing her office, it always helped her to think better when she was weighing options.
"I can let him stay with me so you dont have to worry about him getting into trouble here or so we don't use up the room we need for more important things. As for how he would get here, my Aunt and Uncle would be having him come by plane and have his items and stuff shipped. Than we would just have to pick Trey up at the air port."
Coming up the side walk Beth's stride shortens a little as her eyes meet Justin on the bench. She didn't know how she felt about seeing him today after yesterday. She was happy she liked Justin he was nice but...would he try and lecture her today too?
Swolling her own feelings Beth tried to tell herself what Justin said shouldn't matter but for some reason it did and for some reason walking past him without saying hi would make her feel sad.
Catching movement down by Justin's feel Beth sees the two dogs and a little smile forms inside. Those must be his dogs he was telling her about. They were very pretty and looked like they behaved very well.
Drawing closer Beth puts her hands in her jacket pocket fiddling with her keys for a moment. Before clearing her voice a little.
"Your dogs are very pretty. Do they bite?"
Watching Chance Destiny just laughs not even trying to beat him in. Giving a little clap as he goes for the dive she makes her way over to the water. Walking down the steps and finally getting all the way in she goes under the water getting her hair wet before coming back up again and swimming over to deepened where Chance was.
"Mmmm...the water really does feel good on a day like this. Nice a relaxing that for sure."
Giving a little grin Destiny brings her hands in front of her and gives a little splash twords him a laugh following.
"I honestly don't know if he's willing or not. Hope would make think he is willing and just got with the flow but my common sence says thats not how its gonna work. He's got everything living with his parents. They are respected in Mexico so in turn they respect him. He eats off a gold plate always having money and getting what he wants. I'd say he is going to be a little less than happy."
Letting out another sigh Angelica stands and starts to pacing her office, it always helped her to think better when she was weighing options.
"I can let him stay with me so you dont have to worry about him getting into trouble here or so we don't use up the room we need for more important things. As for how he would get here, my Aunt and Uncle would be having him come by plane and have his items and stuff shipped. Than we would just have to pick Trey up at the air port."
Coming up the side walk Beth's stride shortens a little as her eyes meet Justin on the bench. She didn't know how she felt about seeing him today after yesterday. She was happy she liked Justin he was nice but...would he try and lecture her today too?
Swolling her own feelings Beth tried to tell herself what Justin said shouldn't matter but for some reason it did and for some reason walking past him without saying hi would make her feel sad.
Catching movement down by Justin's feel Beth sees the two dogs and a little smile forms inside. Those must be his dogs he was telling her about. They were very pretty and looked like they behaved very well.
Drawing closer Beth puts her hands in her jacket pocket fiddling with her keys for a moment. Before clearing her voice a little.
"Your dogs are very pretty. Do they bite?"
Watching Chance Destiny just laughs not even trying to beat him in. Giving a little clap as he goes for the dive she makes her way over to the water. Walking down the steps and finally getting all the way in she goes under the water getting her hair wet before coming back up again and swimming over to deepened where Chance was.
"Mmmm...the water really does feel good on a day like this. Nice a relaxing that for sure."
Giving a little grin Destiny brings her hands in front of her and gives a little splash twords him a laugh following.
Breakthrough
Chance chuckles and leads the way outside. "Maybe we'll get lucky and we won't have to share too much."
Getting to the pool , it was a pleasant surprise to find only a few people. Having come at just the right time, apparently, most of the few who were there were simply lounging and socializing in the patio area where there were tables and chairs.
Paying, entering and finding a good spot at a table for their things, Chance keeps an eye out, taking in all the people, who was there, what they looked like, and traffic on the nearby street. "Everything looks good," he comments to Destiny. Pulling off his shirt and shedding his jeans to be in his swimming trunks, he looks at the almost-empty pool. "Last one in is a rotten egg."
Making a dash to the diving board, he's up, on, bounces once and flips a somersault in the air before straightening for a sleek dive into the water. Surfacing, he finds Destiny and laughs. "Water's great."
Reese nods absentmindedly. "I think if we bring Trey officially to question him, we could get away with it. Perhaps under the truth, that your relatives contacted you, and it's a perfect 'in' for us to gain information on a drug ring that most assuredly brings drugs into the US at some point. Even though it's not a current case, why should we not follow up? No one should have a problem with us at least investigating this."
He thinks for a moment longer, truly wanting some way to work this out. He cared about Angelica and her sister and brother-in-law. He didn't know how someone could threaten that Bret or Charlotte could wind up in jail, but anything was possible with people as ruthless as this. "How are we going to get Trey back here though? Do you even know if he's a willing party?"
Justin stands at the window and sips a cup of coffee with ice. He'd been told he was strange, but he never had enjoyed hot drinks. It was the caffeine he wanted this morning.
A light fog had enveloped Brookshire, making it feel as though it were some fanciful wonderland.
Hearing movement, Justin turns from the window and sees Scott pulling himself up to sit on the bed. Zora hops off onto the floor, sensing her overnight duty was done. Justin wanders over and eases down next to Scott. "Morning." He cocks his head to study Scott's tired, dark eyes. "You alright?"
Scott nods numbly. He didn't remember Justin coming last night, but he remembered being calmed. "I think so."
"Want some breakfast?"
Scott shakes his head.
Justin looks in his cup. "Cold coffee?"
Scott glances at the ice and a slight laugh surfaces before he shakes his head again.
"Okay, well, why don't you get cleaned up and... I'll go get you some apple juice, alright? It'll be easy on your stomach, but you need something."
Scott nods obediently and stand a little unsteadily to head to the shower.
Justin finishes off his coffee then takes Danitza and Zora out, getting some apple juice from Jenny on his way back in.
Half an hour later, Scott is sitting on the bed again, cleaned up, clean clothes and working on keeping down the juice. Looking at Justin, who was now sitting on the floor with the dogs, Scott's eyes move to Zora and he lightly pats the bed. She obediently gets up and comes to him, wagging her tail and licking his fingers. He scratches her head and enjoys her pure affection. "I miss Domino," he mentions quietly.
Justin could understand. "I can bring her to visit if you want."
Scott shakes his head. "It would just confuse her." Sipping the last of his juice, he succeeds in finishing it, and sets the glass down on the nightstand. Thinking a moment and petting Zora some more, he finally looks back to Justin. "I want to play the matching game."
Justin tries to hide his surprise. "You sure?"
Scott hesitates then nods. "Yeah. I'm... I'm ready for the rain."
Justin's heart skips a beat. Scott had heard him. "Okay. You want to go outside?"
"Yeah. Can the dogs come?"
Justin smiles. "Sure..."
...The cards are spread face down on the table. One of Scott's hands rests on Zora's head, the other hovering over the cards. Justin sits across from him and waits patiently as the morning sun brings the warmth for the day. Scott's pulse races, but he knew he had to do this. Justin was right. He could either face this or let himself die.
Justin says nothing and simply waits. If it took Scott all day or even if he gave up before turning over a single card, Justin had seen a step forward today.
A bead of sweat rolls down the side of Scott's face, his hand still hovering. Whose face would he see? What kind of trigger would it be? What would he experience? Swallowing hard, his hand lowers, his fingertips resting on the smooth card. And finally, with great determination, the card is flipped over and Scott's hand retracts quickly as if the card were on fire.
Though the card was now face up, Scott's eyes had closed and he just sits for another several moments before mustering up the courage to face this giant. Staring down, he sees a face that he would not recognize, had it not been for the Agency data. He had a rough look, and a jagged scar down the side of his face, adding to he glare he had for whatever camera had taken his picture.
Scott sucks in his breath. As the data emerges. Name, birthdate, rank, number, history...
Justin sees Scott getting lost in a stare. He remembered all Alec had told him about diverting Scott's mind and helping him concentrate on something else to keep him from going into overload or shock. When Scott remains motionless, Justin looks to Zora and give her several short nods while snapping his finger. She gets the signal and her ears perk up as she gives a short bark.
Scott is startled from his stare as the data vanishes. He blinks and tries to breath again, his hands having started to shake. "That's... that's Patrick Deluthe."
Justin nods. "Can you find him again?"
Scott knew the odds weren't good for him to find a match before any other cards had been turned over, so it takes him a few moments to gather his nerves once more. Turning over another card, this time, it's a woman. Again, the data surfaces, taking over Scott's thoughts as he begins to murmur. "Angela Hobring. Agent three three two. First of the-"
Zora's bark makes Scott flinch, though again, he's brought quickly back to reality. It was amazing, even to himself, that without having worked at this, he had no defenses built up at all. It was an instant reaction to the visual stimulations, over which he had no control. It was even more instantaneous than it had been before - a grim sign that time was running out.
Drawing in his breath, Scott turns the unmatched cards back over. "Your turn."
As long as Scott didn't back off, Justin would let the play continue. So he goes for his first card and quickly the second. Again, Scott has no control, automatically starting to rattle off information before again, Zora provides the distraction needed. Justin hadn't known if the dog would help, but seeing that it worked, he would continue to use her.
Back and forth, the matching game continues. By the last round Scott can take, he's managed to hold off reciting the data for a couple seconds after seeing the faces. It was just a little achievement, but it was an achievement nonetheless, and it brought something even more important than that: hope. Hope that eventually, he really could overcome this.
"I... I'm tired." Scott wipes sweat from his brow, still trembling as his stomach churns.
Justin immediately calls the game to a close by gathering up the cards. Looking to Scott, he offers a smile. "You did very well, Scott."
"Did I?" Scott licks his lips, not realizing his hand was still petting Zora's head. "I... I feel like I just got run over by a truck but... but I don't remember everything I talked about."
"It's okay. Your mind needs time to adjust. This is the first time you've used it like this."
"I didn't black out... did I?"
"No, you didn't." Justin smiles again. "No blackouts, and you didn't even run away." He knew this had been a very painful process, but he was proud of Scott. "Let's go for a little walk, okay? After that, you can go rest."
Scott looks up at him, fear in his eyes. "I'm going to have nightmares tonight, aren't I?"
"You might. But they're only dreams, Scott. They can't hurt you."
"But they can stimulate triggers and I could-"
"You won't," Justin states firmly. Scott had yet to fall into shock because of a dream. "Believe in yourself, Scott. You just proved you're strong enough to overcome this."
...An hour later, after a walk and getting Scott back inside, the sun had risen to welcome mid-morning. Justin was exhausted. He'd gotten little sleep last night, and this ordeal had drained him of all his energy. Scott's case was far from normal - if this morning didn't prove that, nothing would. No other case had worn Justin out quite like this before and he just hoped that he had the endurance to see it through, now that Scott was showing signs of improvement.
Justin walks wearily down the sidewalk, Danitza and Zora at his side. It was rare he used them with clients, but when he did, he was always glad he had put them through a training program. They could be troublemakers and goofballs at home, but once again they'd proven they could get down to business with the drop of a hat.
Needing to just sit and regroup before heading home, Justin finds the familiar bench along the sidewalk, and eases down with a sigh. The dogs lie down at his feet, yawning and panting just a little in the warm morning temperature.
Getting to the pool , it was a pleasant surprise to find only a few people. Having come at just the right time, apparently, most of the few who were there were simply lounging and socializing in the patio area where there were tables and chairs.
Paying, entering and finding a good spot at a table for their things, Chance keeps an eye out, taking in all the people, who was there, what they looked like, and traffic on the nearby street. "Everything looks good," he comments to Destiny. Pulling off his shirt and shedding his jeans to be in his swimming trunks, he looks at the almost-empty pool. "Last one in is a rotten egg."
Making a dash to the diving board, he's up, on, bounces once and flips a somersault in the air before straightening for a sleek dive into the water. Surfacing, he finds Destiny and laughs. "Water's great."
Reese nods absentmindedly. "I think if we bring Trey officially to question him, we could get away with it. Perhaps under the truth, that your relatives contacted you, and it's a perfect 'in' for us to gain information on a drug ring that most assuredly brings drugs into the US at some point. Even though it's not a current case, why should we not follow up? No one should have a problem with us at least investigating this."
He thinks for a moment longer, truly wanting some way to work this out. He cared about Angelica and her sister and brother-in-law. He didn't know how someone could threaten that Bret or Charlotte could wind up in jail, but anything was possible with people as ruthless as this. "How are we going to get Trey back here though? Do you even know if he's a willing party?"
Justin stands at the window and sips a cup of coffee with ice. He'd been told he was strange, but he never had enjoyed hot drinks. It was the caffeine he wanted this morning.
A light fog had enveloped Brookshire, making it feel as though it were some fanciful wonderland.
Hearing movement, Justin turns from the window and sees Scott pulling himself up to sit on the bed. Zora hops off onto the floor, sensing her overnight duty was done. Justin wanders over and eases down next to Scott. "Morning." He cocks his head to study Scott's tired, dark eyes. "You alright?"
Scott nods numbly. He didn't remember Justin coming last night, but he remembered being calmed. "I think so."
"Want some breakfast?"
Scott shakes his head.
Justin looks in his cup. "Cold coffee?"
Scott glances at the ice and a slight laugh surfaces before he shakes his head again.
"Okay, well, why don't you get cleaned up and... I'll go get you some apple juice, alright? It'll be easy on your stomach, but you need something."
Scott nods obediently and stand a little unsteadily to head to the shower.
Justin finishes off his coffee then takes Danitza and Zora out, getting some apple juice from Jenny on his way back in.
Half an hour later, Scott is sitting on the bed again, cleaned up, clean clothes and working on keeping down the juice. Looking at Justin, who was now sitting on the floor with the dogs, Scott's eyes move to Zora and he lightly pats the bed. She obediently gets up and comes to him, wagging her tail and licking his fingers. He scratches her head and enjoys her pure affection. "I miss Domino," he mentions quietly.
Justin could understand. "I can bring her to visit if you want."
Scott shakes his head. "It would just confuse her." Sipping the last of his juice, he succeeds in finishing it, and sets the glass down on the nightstand. Thinking a moment and petting Zora some more, he finally looks back to Justin. "I want to play the matching game."
Justin tries to hide his surprise. "You sure?"
Scott hesitates then nods. "Yeah. I'm... I'm ready for the rain."
Justin's heart skips a beat. Scott had heard him. "Okay. You want to go outside?"
"Yeah. Can the dogs come?"
Justin smiles. "Sure..."
...The cards are spread face down on the table. One of Scott's hands rests on Zora's head, the other hovering over the cards. Justin sits across from him and waits patiently as the morning sun brings the warmth for the day. Scott's pulse races, but he knew he had to do this. Justin was right. He could either face this or let himself die.
Justin says nothing and simply waits. If it took Scott all day or even if he gave up before turning over a single card, Justin had seen a step forward today.
A bead of sweat rolls down the side of Scott's face, his hand still hovering. Whose face would he see? What kind of trigger would it be? What would he experience? Swallowing hard, his hand lowers, his fingertips resting on the smooth card. And finally, with great determination, the card is flipped over and Scott's hand retracts quickly as if the card were on fire.
Though the card was now face up, Scott's eyes had closed and he just sits for another several moments before mustering up the courage to face this giant. Staring down, he sees a face that he would not recognize, had it not been for the Agency data. He had a rough look, and a jagged scar down the side of his face, adding to he glare he had for whatever camera had taken his picture.
Scott sucks in his breath. As the data emerges. Name, birthdate, rank, number, history...
Justin sees Scott getting lost in a stare. He remembered all Alec had told him about diverting Scott's mind and helping him concentrate on something else to keep him from going into overload or shock. When Scott remains motionless, Justin looks to Zora and give her several short nods while snapping his finger. She gets the signal and her ears perk up as she gives a short bark.
Scott is startled from his stare as the data vanishes. He blinks and tries to breath again, his hands having started to shake. "That's... that's Patrick Deluthe."
Justin nods. "Can you find him again?"
Scott knew the odds weren't good for him to find a match before any other cards had been turned over, so it takes him a few moments to gather his nerves once more. Turning over another card, this time, it's a woman. Again, the data surfaces, taking over Scott's thoughts as he begins to murmur. "Angela Hobring. Agent three three two. First of the-"
Zora's bark makes Scott flinch, though again, he's brought quickly back to reality. It was amazing, even to himself, that without having worked at this, he had no defenses built up at all. It was an instant reaction to the visual stimulations, over which he had no control. It was even more instantaneous than it had been before - a grim sign that time was running out.
Drawing in his breath, Scott turns the unmatched cards back over. "Your turn."
As long as Scott didn't back off, Justin would let the play continue. So he goes for his first card and quickly the second. Again, Scott has no control, automatically starting to rattle off information before again, Zora provides the distraction needed. Justin hadn't known if the dog would help, but seeing that it worked, he would continue to use her.
Back and forth, the matching game continues. By the last round Scott can take, he's managed to hold off reciting the data for a couple seconds after seeing the faces. It was just a little achievement, but it was an achievement nonetheless, and it brought something even more important than that: hope. Hope that eventually, he really could overcome this.
"I... I'm tired." Scott wipes sweat from his brow, still trembling as his stomach churns.
Justin immediately calls the game to a close by gathering up the cards. Looking to Scott, he offers a smile. "You did very well, Scott."
"Did I?" Scott licks his lips, not realizing his hand was still petting Zora's head. "I... I feel like I just got run over by a truck but... but I don't remember everything I talked about."
"It's okay. Your mind needs time to adjust. This is the first time you've used it like this."
"I didn't black out... did I?"
"No, you didn't." Justin smiles again. "No blackouts, and you didn't even run away." He knew this had been a very painful process, but he was proud of Scott. "Let's go for a little walk, okay? After that, you can go rest."
Scott looks up at him, fear in his eyes. "I'm going to have nightmares tonight, aren't I?"
"You might. But they're only dreams, Scott. They can't hurt you."
"But they can stimulate triggers and I could-"
"You won't," Justin states firmly. Scott had yet to fall into shock because of a dream. "Believe in yourself, Scott. You just proved you're strong enough to overcome this."
...An hour later, after a walk and getting Scott back inside, the sun had risen to welcome mid-morning. Justin was exhausted. He'd gotten little sleep last night, and this ordeal had drained him of all his energy. Scott's case was far from normal - if this morning didn't prove that, nothing would. No other case had worn Justin out quite like this before and he just hoped that he had the endurance to see it through, now that Scott was showing signs of improvement.
Justin walks wearily down the sidewalk, Danitza and Zora at his side. It was rare he used them with clients, but when he did, he was always glad he had put them through a training program. They could be troublemakers and goofballs at home, but once again they'd proven they could get down to business with the drop of a hat.
Needing to just sit and regroup before heading home, Justin finds the familiar bench along the sidewalk, and eases down with a sigh. The dogs lie down at his feet, yawning and panting just a little in the warm morning temperature.
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