Think you can

Once Rick was gone does Katie realize she had been holding her breath and finally lets it out. Jason was...slowly dieing? The thought seemed to hit her hard and almost stun her. Her best friend, the man she loved was...dieing? Rick could find a cure though right?

Looking back to Jason Katie's face was weary, and her eyes were sad. How could she deal with the thought of losing Jason? It hurt a great deal, and she was only happy that Jason couldn't feel her right now or it might upset him more than he already might be.

"I'd rather you didn't have this excuse for staying in bed."

Tightening her hand on Jason's just a little she looks down at it for a long moment. There fingers locked seeming not to be separated by any strength. Only now to be threatened once again.

"Rick is going to find this J. He and Misty will find a way, I just know it. They have to."

Pulling into the TJY parking lot Ryan sits in her car for a long moment just thinking. She'd went for a drive, she'd driven fast, and yet...she couldn't get her mind off getting to the bottom of the whole Alec thing. Something wasn't right she just new and she had to find out what happened. Even if that meant going into the lion's den.

Heading into TJY and down the steps Ryan new only a few people would be there still. Coming through the door that lead to the main floor Ryan scanned the area still she saw the one she had been looking for. Walking over to him Ryan sticks her hands in her pockets cocking her head just a little bit.

"It's Ty right?"

Ryan new about Ty a little from Alec and while here once she had met him. He seemed like an ok guy that might be willing to help her. He go to stay here at night alone anyways. He had all the time to try and find something for her.

"I think we met once before. Ryan McKade. Listen I was hopping maybe you could help me out with something."

Leaning aganst the wall for a long moment Ryan's eyes searched Ty's. She held her strong air, and her tough skin but deep in her eyes there was sadness. Maybe she wouldn't say it aloud but she was hurt, sad and angry.

"Recintly my boyfriend Alec has gone missing. Reese and Carson thing he went back to the Agency but that doesn't add up. They wont look into it, and I can't let it go. So I wanted you to get me any information on how one might get in contact with the Agency for me so I can do so and find Alec. No one will know it was you who gave me the information because I wont say a word. So think you can help me?"

Found

Taken by surprise by the dip, Susanne's eyes widen before she giggles. His words amaze her, simply because this whole thing was so unreal. "You're definitely hopeless," she agrees. "Is this the part where I get to swoon?"

She dramatically throws a hand back on her forehead and closes her eyes, suspended in Chuck's arms. "Take me to your castle, oh Prince Charming, where we shall live happily ever after." Opening her eyes again, she frowns. "No, scratch that. You'd probably have to fight off some dragon or something."

Sighing, she rights herself again, her cheeks flushed. When she speaks again, her tone is a little more serious, though not enough to ruin the moment. "When you say forever, I feel like I'm a victim of love at first sight. But since I don't believe in love at first sight, and I don't think you're some serial killer, that only leaves that you're absolutely bonkers."

Taking a step back, her hand slides down his arm to find his fingers and give them a little tug. "Let's walk. At the very least, I'll end this day having walked with a mad man."


Jason sighs and continues to absentmindedly run a hand through Katie's hair. He appreciated her concern, and he was concerned too. But he hated being forced to take actions like this - feeling as if there was no choice. It made him realize this was beyond control and that wasn't something he liked.

"Okay, we'll ask Rick," he relents.

"Ask me what?"

Jason looks over to the door where Rick had just reappeared with a glass of water and some pills. "About the antidote."

"Oh?" Rick approaches and hands Jason the water and pills. "Here. These will ease the pain. I've got someone bringing over some breakfast for you too."

Jason didn't feel like eating, but he wouldn't argue. Downing the pills, he gives back the glass. "Katie and I don't have to stay on the antidote, do we? I mean, since I'm awake and fine now?"

"Fine?" Rick quirks an eyebrow. He glances to Katie then back to Jason. "You're hardly fine, Jason. You've been asleep for two days and you can barely move. Does that sound like fine to you?"

Jason smirks. "Well I will be."

"Look, Jase... it will take some tests to confirm it, but I'm ninety percent sure that you had several seizures. Your entire body basically shut down from an overload, you hurt all over and your knee is in bad shape for apparently no reason. Now tell me how soon you'll be fine."

Jason swallows hard. He wanted to be mad... he wanted to tell off Rick and just power through this like he always did. He wanted to ignore the danger and pretend that everything really was alright. But his gut knew otherwise, and he also knew Rick was right. "So is that a no about getting off the antidote?"

Rick retrieves two syringes from his pocket, his facial expression grim but kind. "Yes. That's a no. I want to give you more time to heal before letting you go back to what's normal for you. If you don't heal and you have another attack... well... let's just not let that happen, okay?" He leans forward and gently takes Jason's arm, prepping it, then giving him the shot. Next, he goes around the bed to Katie, offering her a smile. "You're doing the right thing... I'm proud of you." Giving her a shot as well, he turns to go again. "I'll be back."

Jason's eyes follow him, but he doesn't let him leave yet. Something still wasn't right. Rick just wasn't acting like he usually did, and he'd never reverted to using the antidote like this before. He was usually more willing to experiment and let Jason fight things out. There was something else. Something he wasn't saying. "Rick."

He stops and turns around. "Yes?"

"Level with me."

Rick wanted to ask "about what?" but he didn't. He knew. Jason knew. "I'll have to wait and see the results from your bloodwork, and I've already scheduled you for a list of tests once we're back in Nevada. I won't know anything until then."

"Rick," Jason warns. "Your gut has been better than any test before. Tell me what you really think is going on."

Rick fiddles with the water glass in his hand. He didn't want to say it, least of all in front of Katie. But Jason wasn't giving him much of a choice. "Like I said, I won't know anything until I see test results so I can see what's going on in your body. But..." He sighs. He'd thought he could say it. Now he wasn't so sure.

Jason's arm was around Katie and it tightens slightly without him realizing it. "Say it."

Rick finally nods. "I could be wrong, so I'm not taking any actions until we have those tests. But without seeing the results yet... if forced to make a diagnosis... I'd say that whatever this is lately is killing you. And if you have another attack before you're fully recovered, I'm not sure you'd survive."

Jason grits his teeth. "Thank you."

Rick can't say "you're welcome." It just didn't seem right. "I'll be back shortly. I'll let your mom know you're awake now, too."

Left alone with Katie again, maybe Jason is glad she can't feel him right now. He did his best to hide how upset he was by turning to her and giving her a little smile. "And I thought having a twin brother was the most I had to worry about. At least I have an excuse to stay in bed, right?"


Outside the room in Angel's office, Rick sits at a little table again where all of his books and files were spread out everywhere. Who was he fooling? He knew without the tests what was going on. He and Angel already agreed that Jason had had seizures. They already both agreed his body was weakened and responding lethargically. They already agreed that he had symptoms of general physical failure. It was obvious without any tests that something was attacking Jason with fury. But what?

He slams a hand down on an open book, his frustration bubbling over.

"Rick?"

He whirls around and stands when he sees Cindy. "Cindy. Good morning."

She gives him a weary smile. "I heard Jason was awake."

"Yes... he is."

"Then what's... what's wrong?"

Rick sighs and leans back against he wall. Folding his arms, he closes his eyes, weary and having a headache. Telling Cindy was worse than telling Jason.

Cindy approaches him with worry and places a hand on his arm. Seeing her son would wait. "Rick?"

He opens his eyes and looks back at her, trying to remain strong and encouraging. "Lots of things are wrong but lots of things are good, too."

"What's happening? Is Jason going to be okay?"

Rick gently puts his hands on her shoulders. "If I have anything to say about it - yes."

Cindy isn't convinced. "Tell me the truth." Tears glisten in her eyes. It had been a long time since she'd felt this scared. "Tell me what's really going on."

Rick is silent for several long moments before he moves over to the set of chairs and sits with her. "Slowly but surely, Jason is dying."

One of Cindy's tears escapes to trickle down her cheek. "Why? How?"

"I'm not sure. Each emotional attack he has, makes him sicker and sicker each time. It's beginning to do more damage and eventually that damage will be permanent. Each time he passes out, he's in danger of brain damage. This time, he actually had several seizures which could have numerous side affects. We've got him on pain meds just for his bad knee, and he has no signs of outer trauma to that joint." Rick purses his lips grimly. "This... this emotional power or gift or curse he has, is killing him."

"But... but why didn't we see this before? He's had this condition for a long time now."

"I don't know. The only thing I can come up with is that his condition has worsened after he received that chemical dart a while back. Before that, he'd get sick and of course it didn't do his body any good - but it wasn't life-threatening. At least not as extreme or quickly. Eventually it would have wore on his body, but this is much more rapid and each attack is much more severe."

Cindy swallows hard. "Is there anything you can do?"

"I'm going to try. But it's going to take a lot of blood work and more equipment than they have here. We need to take him back to TJY so he can recover and so Misty and I can start a series of tests."


"Carson, they found your car." Reese paces by his desk as much as his phone cord would allow.

"Where?"

"It was abandoned along the highway up north." Reese's eyes catch movement in his doorway and he sees Ty, hesitating with the cart to gather trash. It was late evening and usually the offices were empty by now. Reese waves him in, letting him clean while he remained on the phone. "We think they switched vehicles so we'd lose the scent."

"They?"

"Yeah, we found some witnesses at a gas station and one other driver who saw them pulled over. Alec is traveling with a woman - probably this Yvette you mentioned."

"Aw, great. So when do I get my car back?"

"Tomorrow. I've got someone lifting prints and the like, then it'll be detailed and brought back here."

"Detailed?"

Reese rolls his eyes. "Don't ask. I will say that Alec is having himself a great time. Got himself a woman, we found cigarette butts and it looked like a bottle of pills had been spilled - looks like that drug he and Gage were on when they first got here."

"Nice. Well, let me know if there's anything I can do."

"I will. I'll keep you informed." Reese hangs up and sighs, standing out of the way as Ty returns his emptied trash can.

Ty finishes but doesn't leave right away. "Went back to the Agency, huh?"

"Mm-hmm." Reese sits down and sifts through a few papers.

Ty lingers, his curiosity growing. He'd heard bits and pieces since he'd gotten here tonight, and none of it sounded good. "The woman... old lover of his?"

Reese gives him a slightly annoyed glance. "If not an old one, she's a new one."

"Weird."

"Why's that?"

"I don't know." Ty shrugs. "Just hearing about him and whats-her-name... Ryan... didn't seem like he'd go off and cheat on her."

"Well, lots of things happen when you're in the Agency. There's no doubt what he's doing with the woman and there's evidence suggesting he's throwing himself back into his old life all the way. Some people never can completely break free. Some people always return."

Ty purses his lips, finding that statement sad. "I guess. You gonna be here late?"

"Um, just a while longer, then you can clean the floor."

"Got it." Ty leaves the office to continue his nightly work. Sometimes he felt left out of the loop as far as what was going on at TJY, but as long as he was just the janitor, it would probably stay that way. He'd learned how to keep his ears open though and had gotten pretty good at figuring out what was happening and who was on what cases just from listening. Came in handy sometimes. "Aw, Gunner." Ty looks at a handful of gum wrappers that had been thrown towards the cubicle trash can but hadn't quite made it. They were scattered over the floor instead. Even if he didn't know he was in Gunner's cubicle, he'd know it was him - he was the only one that chewed cinnamon gum.


Carson sinks down in the couch, tired, even though he'd left the restaurant work to the others for the day. It wasn't the sort of tired that told him it was bedtime though... it was a sort of tired that made him feel weary. He'd been thinking of Alec all day, fluctuating between being angry and being confused. It made perfect sense, yet didn't make any sense at all. Carson wanted to just believe all the evidence and know that Alec had simply returned to the Agency. But why his gut wasn't letting him fully believe it, he didn't know.

Long time

Continuing to just let her head rest on Jason's shoulder Katie thinks about his question. It was a hard one to answer. Part of her screamed yes she wanted it to wear off, but part of her was telling her no.

"I...yes, but no. I want you to be able to heal without the constant strain. I want to do whats best for you. Maybe we should ask Rick?"

Katie looks up at Jason a little bit. She was worried and she did hate being separated but she had to do what was right for Jason too. It wasn't always just about her.

As Susanne turns in his arms and slips her own arm over his shoulder Chuck can't help the small chill he got down his own spine. Even if it was something small and simple for Susanne it was a big step and Chuck was pleased.

"I think...hopelessly romantic suits me best."

Taking Susanne a little closer in his arms he leans her back into a dip and just holds her like that. Just looking down into her eyes Chuck's own reflected his emotions. Oh the feelings he felt, weather fast, or not he didn't care. What he felt now was true.

"Forever is a long time, but I think I'm willing to spend it with you."

Wildcat

Chuck's voice was so sweet and soothing. Susanne closed her eyes for a few moments, a smile spreading across her lips. Had he just made up those words? She wasn't sure but it was awfully cute.

"Oh, Chuck..." She sighs deeply and gives his hands a little squeeze as he tightens his arms around her. "You make it sound as though you're ready for the rest of our lives together, when you still hardly know me at all. I could count on one hand the times we've seen each other, and you already make it seem as though you want me forever." She would expect that from someone who had been dating for a year, not only a few days.

She cocks her head to glance up over her shoulder at him before turning around within his grasp and slipping her arms up over his shoulders. Looking up at him in the moonlight, she studies the features that still gave her goosebumps.

"Are you so blind that you would rush headlong into a future with someone you hardly know... or just that hopelessly romantic?"


Watching Ryan walk away, neither man tries to stop her. Eli wanders to the window as he hears the squeal of tires and he sighs. Turning around, his facial expression was not a happy one. "Alec's gonna pay for this," he mutters.

Carson folds his arms and sighs. "Hopefully. But it better not be by your hand or your sister's unless you want to get killed in the crossfire."

"I know."

"Keep an eye on her, will you?"

"As much as I can. But caging a wildcat only breeds more fury."

Without much more to say, Carson and Reese leave, heading back to TJY to begin an official investigation and get eyes on the lookout for Carson's car. Alec might have been cocky enough to steal it as a bold statement, but it would also serve as a mistake they could use. Wherever Carson's car was, that's where Alec was and that was their best bet in finding him.


"Got your stuff?"

"Mm-hmm." Yvette checks herself in her compact mirror, making sure she was all put back together again before taking one last glance in the car.

Alec rummages in the backseat, putting his shirt back on and grabbing his duffel bag. Moving to the other waiting car, he tosses the bag in that backseat instead and takes one last look at Carson's car. Looking to his palm where the lone car key was, he flicks it onto the gravel shoulder of the road where it lands near the front tire.

"Fingerprints?" Yvette questions.

Alec throws her a withering look. "As if they'll check the key and not all over the inside of the car."

She smirks. "I guess they'll find two sets then won't they?" She puts a hand to the side of her face, pretending to be shocked. "What ever shall we do?"

"I don't know, but be my guest if you wanna clean out your prints. Don't forget the back window."

"Nah. Let 'em wonder." Yvette wanders up to the other car. "We'll lose them after this anyway."

"Yeah." Alec squints into the setting sun before pulling down his sunglasses again. They'd made it the whole day without getting caught - that wasn't something just anybody could do. Lighting up another cigarette, he slides in behind the wheel. "Grab the map. I want to get there on time."


"Hey..." Jason's voice was soft as he ran his fingers through Katie's hair as she rested on his shoulder. He didn't need to feel her to see how upset she was. "It'll be okay." It had to be, right? He was in an awful lot of pain right now the way it was, but he felt worse for Katie and what she was enduring.

"Do you want to let the antidote wear off?" he asks quietly.

Susannnnnne

Just keeping his arms wrapped around Susanne Chuck liked the feeling of her leaning into him. Though he felt the tremble his arms tightened just a little bit. He wanted her to feel safe in his arms, and he wanted to be able to let her know he would protect her all he could.

"If you mess up I will continue to care just as much as I do now. It's not your acts that make me care for you, its who you are that makes me care. Sooner or late this prince is bound to fall as well. But as long as his princess is willing to work through it, the prince can do the same."

Leaning his head on top of Susanne's Chuck looks out across the water his eyes just watching the reflections of the might sky, as the bull frogs song there songs somewhere, and the soft sound of water lapping filled the air. Natures providing the perfect mood as Chuck just swayed a little before a soft sweet sound came from him.

"Susannnnnnne, I might not be a perfect man, but I'm me. I don't always have the perfect plan Susannnnne. Put I'll do my best to be all I can be. I'll give you the moon, I'll bring you the stars, the world is a big open space and its ours. So when I fall, I'll do the best I can Susannnnnnne to get up again and show you how much you still mean to me. I'll leaned you my hand when you need it the most, I'll chase away all those wondering ghosts. Susannnnne, never has to worry about letting me down, because I'll still think she is the best woman around."

Letting his words die off Chuck gives Susanne's head a kiss before tighting his arms around her just a little more to keep her close. He really did feel that way about her. She ment a lot and in his eyes she was a princess and much much more.

Letting her eyes go between Carson and Reese again Ryan's eyes fall on Carson. He'd told her not to do anything dumb knowing she would. If they were going to think Alec had gone back to the Agency than she needed to investage herself. After being with Alec every day, sometimes morning noon and night as they cuddled on the couch Ryan new he wouldn't have gone back. Or had he fooled her so well too? It just didn't seem possible.

"When you figure whatever out, let me know. I'm going to go for a walk. Sorry Bro don't feel much like going to the beach anymore."

Slipping the necklace into her pocket Ryan makes her way around Carson and Reese heading for the door. Jumping off the porch and aiming for her car Ryan gets in revving the engine and squealing her tires a little bit as she pulled out of the driving way.

Letting her mind wonder as she drove Ryan didn't know where she was going she was just driving. Tonight she was happy there was no race her mind wouldn't be on it and she probably wouldn't go anyways. She needed to find information about how to get a hold of the Agency. If she could get in herself maybe she could figure out what happened to Alec. But how?

Squeezing Jason's had a little more and studying his eyes. She new this time it wasn't going to be easy. There was going to be ups and there were going to be downs. But this was going to be a time they needed each other like no other.

"I'm in it with you even if you told me not to be. I'd never turn my back on you."

Leaning forward and giving Jason another kiss on the lips Katie leans her head on his shoulder for a long moment. One small tear finally seeming to slip but she only lets that one holding the others at bay still.

"I know you love me J, and I love you so very much too."

Remain here

Acting like an idiot? Eric was about to argue, but something makes him hold his tongue. Maybe it was the look of warning that gleamed in this officer's eye. Or maybe it was her eyes themselves that held something... something alluring, even if that was the farthest thing from his mind.

Deciding to just shut up, he does as he's told, knowing good and well that he'd come out clean. Two tickets weren't surprising but it still made him mad. Back in his truck again, he watches the police cruiser pull away and shakes his head. Well, that was that. Next time he had to come this route, he'd take the next highway over.

Pulling back out onto the road, he checks the clock then his map. After his next stop, it was on to Phoenix. Hopefully his rig would make it that far without breaking down.


Hearing that they'd been given the antidote, Jason was a little surprised. He hadn't thought Katie would do that. But then... he wasn't sure just how bad of an episode he'd been having. Apparently it had been a bad one, and from the pain he was experiencing now, it must not have done him much good. But still... Katie had chosen to be separated? For his sake?

His fingers curl a little tighter around hers. "It's okay. I'm sure you did the right thing."

Growing a little more alert and being able to focus his eyes again, he searches Katie's gaze. She was worried - he could tell. So was he. "I'm... I'm in it for the long haul, if you are. I don't think I'm gonna be able to do this without you... not this time." He didn't want to admit that this time it was different, but it was. There was something very wrong, and he had a feeling that Rick might not have the answers this time. "You know I love you, right?"


Eli bristles at what's being said, but seeing his sister upset, a hand goes to her shoulder, trying to convey that he was there for her. The news angered him and seeing Ryan like this just made it worse.

Reese and Carson exchange glances. Neither were surprised at Ryan's response, but they couldn't agree with her - not with this evidence and Alec's past history. Reese looks at her a little more gently as he shakes his head slowly. "There's not a very big chance that it was a setup, but we're keeping an open mind. Our first step is to find him and figure out exactly what's going on."

Carson eyes Ryan carefully, trying to read her. He saw that look of determination and knew she had the guts to do just about anything. "It would be best if you remained here," he suggests strongly. "Go about your normal activities. That way, if Alec does try to contact you, he won't have a hard time locating you."

"In the meantime, I'll get an APB out on the car," Reese adds. "It hasn't been that long so with any luck, we should be able to trace it pretty quickly." He nods at Ryan. "If Alec does contact you, please let me know immediately. There may be a perfect explanation to all of this but... if it's what we think, it's very dangerous."


"Mmm, nice ride."

Alec looks over the top of his sunglasses out the open window of the car. His face bore no smile as he took in the woman's features. "Don't get used to it. We're ditching it."

"Figures." Yvette moves around to the passenger side and gets in, eying him suspiciously as he says nothing. "No hi, how are you? Good to see you? That's what I get for coming all the way out here to meet you?"

Alec turns his head, his expression dry. Reaching out, he grabs her shirt collar and yanks her close to him, pressing a rough, long kiss to her lips before releasing her again. "You look fine to me."

Yvette grins and runs a thumb along his lips to smudge off some lipstick. "So do you. When I got the call that you were back, I went right to the top to be put on the same case." She reaches into her purse and pulls out a pack of cigarettes to toss at him.

Alec catches them with one hand and turns them over to see the brand. "You never forget what I like."

Yvette's grin turns sly and her hand crawls to his leg. "Never."

Alec's eyes lower to her hand, then travel up her arm and to her face again. "Down, girl. We got a lot of road to cover before we get to our first stop."

"And your point is?" She scoots closer.

He lifts the pack of cigarettes. "I'm gonna need a light."


Feeling Chuck come up behind her and place his hands on her shoulders, tingles shot down Susanne's spine. Her breath quickens slightly, especially when his hands slide down her arms then move around her waist. She wouldn't have thought she'd let him do that, but something about it felt safe. Instead of feeling threatened, she felt like she'd just been wrapped in a warm blanket of protection. She felt herself leaning back into him a little bit, almost experimenting with what it was like.

His whispered words were so sweet, she really did feel as if she were in a dream. Chuck was reading straight from a fairytale - he had to be. He was just too perfect.

Starting to respond, Susanne stops as she realizes his face has drawn near over her shoulder and one of his hands had moved in order to tilt her own face towards his. She stares into his eyes, her own a little wide. She wasn't really scared... much... He'd kissed her before. But something about this setting made it seem all that much more real... that much more romantic.

As Chuck's lips brush hers for the first time, another chill runs through her. Frozen in place, she doesn't resist but is surprised when he comes back again, this time lingering longer. His lips felt... warm... soft... nice.

Her heart beat faster and her hand found his that was still around her waist, her fingers curling around his just as little. As he draws away again, she realizes that she's trembling, though she tries to hide it.

For a moment, her eyes are caught with his until she blinks and looks back out at the pond again. What was she supposed to do after a kiss? Saying something might break the moment. But was the moment over? What was proper? She could feel heat in her face all over again and she shivered - but not from cold.

She slowly, hesitantly, leans her head back to rest against his shoulder, her face close to his again while her back pressed against his chest. She held his arms around her waist. "I don't know if I can live up to being a princess," she mentions quietly. "What if I mess up? I couldn't bear to be the one to screw it all up."

Ermmm...it's late?

As Eric slides down out of the cab Stacy raises an eyebrow for a moment just looking at him. His grumbles not seeming to faze her much and his words just seeming to roll of her back. She'd had worse, and at least once a day she ran into someone who was cocky or though there words with rial her too.

"Are you done acting like an idiot yet? It's not my fault you were speeding and serving all over the road. It's my job to keep everyone safe including yourself. So cut the tough guy act and lets get this over with."

Shifting a little and coming close to Eric holding the breathalise up to his mouth Stacy can't help but catch sight of his deep blue eyes and for a moment it was almost like reading a book of emotion. Quickly looking away though Stacy back up a few steps waiting for the reading to come up. Once it does and was clean she pulls the pad of paper from her belt and write up on ticket than another for a little less.

"One's for speeding, and the other is for your tail light thats out. Slow down and get it fix. Have a great rest of the day."

Placing the paper in her pocket again and handing Eric the his license and registration back Stacy turns on her heels and makes her way back to the cop again once more. Getting in writing a few things down and entering both tickets into a computer before pulling away and continuing her road patrol.

Once Rick was gone again Katie turns back to Jason trying to give him a reassured smile. She could see the worried look in his eye and could understand why. If it had been her she would of paniced too.

"Its ok J. After your attack and you passed out. I had Angel inject us to block out connection. I though you body should rest with out the constince push and pull of emotions. I thought it was what was best so your body could heal from what ever happen."

Bringing Jason's hand to her lips Katie gives it a kiss before leaning her cheek onto it. Something was wrong, she didn't have to be connected to Jason to be able to tell. The attacked had been different, and Rick was acting different.

"Sorry it startled you when you woke up. I just...didn't want it to harm you anymore than it already was at the moment."

Sitting at the dinning room island with her brother Ryan couldn't help but laugh a little. If someone asked Eli what he thought of Alec he wouldn't say much but it came to moments like this she could tell he liked him.

"Maybe he's just trying to get under your skin. I mean after all he see how much fun I have when I do it to you."

Sticking out her tong in a teasing manor as there was a knock on the door Ryan dosnt turn around figuring it would be Alec. But hearing that it was not and ti was Reese and Carson Ryan turns on the stool and sits up a little more. Ryan couldn't help that the moment she saw them her heart started to race. Did something happen to Alec? Was he ok?

Just hearing what they were saying about Alec it seemed to make Ryan's head swim. Stealing Carson's car, his apartment empty...and...Ryan's eyes come to the necklace she had given him and the cell phone too. It felt like someone had grabbed a hold of her gut and twisted. This all seemed so unreal.

Slipping off the stool Ryan takes the necklace in her hand and runs her fingers over the links. Even when Alec had tryed leaving the first time he'd still taking the necklace with him. Something didn't seem right. Just the other day they had been cuddled together, and were talking about planned and now they were saying Alec had went back to the Agency?

"No...there is no way he went back. He couldn't have gone back. He liked what mostly everything he had here. They must of set it up to look like He went back...Alec wouldn't have done it on his own. We have to find him."

Ryan looks to her brother somewhere in her eyes was pain, was a gut feeling that said this was all true. But over top of that was hope, and worry that maybe the Agency had set him up. But she wouldn't rest until she new, even if it meant going into the Agency's lion den herself. He could be in trouble...he...wouldn't have gone back...not now.

Chuck smiled once again as Susanne smiled and stood up saying tomorrow she would go with him. That warmth seemed to flow through his body again feeling so nice. Susanne was opening to her and he liked that. It made him happy.

Still sitting on the ground Chuck sits up and just continues to watch Susanne as she moves twords the water. Just watching her for the longest moment the glow the moon gave off on her small frame just made her glow just like the first day he had met her.

Standing and moving over twords her Chuck's movement was slow and careful not wanting to startle Susanne and make her feel uncomfortable. Placing his hands on her shoulder he lets them there for a moment before letting them slide down her arms and around her wast so he was holding her back to his chest. Not holding to tight for fear of making Susanne jumpy about the whole thing. Letting his voice come as a whisper he couldn't help how soft it was. The moment, everything it just seemed to match.

"This is a dream you wont wake from because every day you will be treated like a princess."

Leaning his head over her shoulder Chuck tilts her head tword him just a little as he lets his lips brush her for a moment before backing away almost asking if it was ok and if not she could stop him. Bringing his lips back to her again he press them a little more firmly just letting them linger for a few seconds longer before finally pulling away. His own cheeks were a little rosy from embarrassment that he had just done that, but he liked it and he only hopped Susanne didn't mind either.

Irritated

Hearing a woman's voice then glancing down out of the window, Eric is a little surprised. He'd expected a male officer for some reason. He sighs and reaches down his information without a word. He could try any number of tactics at this point, but looking at her... He looks in his side mirror to see her walking back to her car. No... there was an air about her that said she was not one for playing games. Great. Another score for his run of luck.

It seemed like he waited an eternity until the officer returned but unfortunately, it didn't look like this little visit was over. He can't believe what he's hearing. He wouldn't fight his speeding ticket but this... this was ridiculous and it only served to rile him even more. Apart from speeding, being dead tired was the only thing he was guilty of. Whether this officer was no-nonsense or not, he wasn't going to take this one lying down. "Are you nuts?"

Staring at her, he sees she's dead serious which just fuels his irritation. "I ain't had a drop of alcohol for a week, lady." Fuming, he slides down out of his cab and slams the door. His hat was still tilted back on his head and he sets his hands on his hips, his shirt half tucked in in the front around his belt buckle. "I've about had it with you dang women," he grumbles. "Every one of you tryin' to pull a fast one on me and now you get to do it while hiding behind your shiny little badge."

Spinning around, he glares down at her with several inches of height advantage. "You want me to touch my nose? Walk a straight line?" He stands on one leg and puts his arms out to the side to prove his balance. "Better make it quick, 'cause I ain't got all day."


Still unsure what was going on, Jason tries to keep track of Katie, forcing his eyes to open a little wider, even though they protested. "But what..." He gives up as she goes and gets Rick. He was so confused and still a little scared.

Startled by Katie's voice, Rick jumps and looks at her groggily for a moment until her words register. Once he realizes what she'd just said, he's on his feet in an instant, rubbing his face and trying to wake up. He follows her back into the other room to see that Jason was indeed awake. He smiles a broad smile of relief. "Well, Hotshot... welcome back." He approaches the bed and starts to check Jason's vitals once again. "How are you feeling?"

Jason shows something like a smirk. "You can guess if you want," he muses weakly.

Rick chuckles. "Rest easy. You've been through a lot."

"I have?"

"Mm-hmm." Rick sits on the edge of the bed. "Do you remember anything?"

Jason tries to think, but ends up shaking his head.

"What's the last thing you remember?"

"Um..." Jason furrows his brow and glance over at Katie as if trying to find the answer. "I was... visiting my mom." There, that was it. "I... I told her about Trey and then... then I went to bed." He looks back to Rick. "Am I still in Texas?"

"You are."

"Then what are you doing here?"

Rick chuckles again. "You gave us all quite a fright. You've been asleep for a couple days."

Jason's eyebrows rise. "I... really? What... how?"

"Well, we're not sure." Rick was careful, but he wasn't going to lie. "You had a pretty severe attack. They got you here to Angel's office from your mom's, then they called me."

"Am I... am I okay?"

"You're awake, and that's something to be thankful for." Rick pats his arm. "Are you in any pain?"

"I hurt all over," Jason admits. "Feel weird like I got trampled by a herd of horses or something." He moves a little bit and winces. "Did I wrench my knee again?"

Rick furrows his brow and moves down to Jason's left knee to take a look at it. "Not that I know of." He pokes and prods. "That hurt?"

Jason would have whacked him had he been within range, but he just grits his teeth instead. "Yeah."

"Hmm. Well, for now, I just want you to rest real easy, okay?"

Jason wanted answers, but he could tell that Rick was pondering something. "Aw... I wanted to go out for a day-long hike."

Rick grins, glad to see Jason still had a sense of humor. "As long as I can come with you. For now though, I'm going to go see if I can bring back something for you to eat and drink so we can get your energy back. I'll bring you something for that pain, too." He stands up and nods to Katie. He'd leave them alone for a short while.

Once the door is closed, Jason slowly turns his head back to Katie. Something told him that this experience had been one of the worst. And as always, he felt badly. This time though, he couldn't help it that some of his own fear had begun to form. He'd always just brushed off these attacks, but lately... and after this one... it was hard to deny that something was wrong. "Why can't I feel you, Katie? What happened?"


Carson breathes a sigh of relief as Misty comes out of the bedroom. His hands go to her shoulders and gives them a little squeeze. "I'm glad you're okay. Someone stole my car. Alec to be more precise." He holds up the watch. Irritation laces his tone. "He's good... better than I thought if he didn't even wake you up."

Sidling past her and entering the bedroom, he goes for the closet to find a clean shirt. "He is in way over his head to be messing with me. I'm gonna need a ride to TJY when you go to work. I want to go to Reese with this one in case it's bigger than a prank..."


"...No. Since it was Alec, I figured it would be better to come to you rather than the police." Carson drops Alec's watch on Reese's desk. He'd long since checked on Dani then asked her to take care of the restaurant with Thirteen and Aerith and to call Herb if they needed his help. He'd also called Wyatt and asked him to go check on things at the restaurant too in case Alec was up to something. Maybe he was paranoid but he'd rather be safe than sorry.

Reese sighs and picks up the watch, studying it in his hand. "No note? No sign of anything?"

"Not a thing. He got into my house, turned off the security system, took my keys then took my car. He's not answering his phone either."

"Have you checked his place?"

"No. He could just be playing a prank he thinks is funny, but if not, I didn't want to go to his place alone."

Reese nods. "Wise choice." He stands up and takes a sidearm out of his desk drawer. "I got time. I want to see to this myself." He was the one who had set Alec free - he felt responsible for anything that would happen. "You carrying?"

Carson's pistol was hidden under his jacket and he nods. "Lets just hope that he was stupid enough to want a joyride and that's all there is to it."

"Let's hope." But Reese wasn't convinced. Alec had been very quiet as far as the law went. He'd played by the rules and had stirred up no trouble since being set loose. An immature act like stealing his brother's car for a joyride didn't fit his profile.

Arriving at the apartment, Carson and Reese both note that Carson's car is not present, but Alec's motorcycle is. They proceed with caution, carefully going up the stairs and to Alec's door. They knock first, in case he was home, but when there's no answer, Reese goes for the doorknob. Surprisingly, it was not locked.

Both enter slowly, but a quick scan proves that the apartment was indeed empty. Reese sighs and sets his hands on his hips, looking around the living room. "Well... if he went for a joyride, he's still out there."

"Hey." Carson points to the kitchen table. "What's he got there?" Going for a closer look, he shakes his head. "I don't think it was a joyride, Reese."

"Oh?" Reese comes up beside him and stares down at the items that looked as though they'd been tossed here haphazardly. Alec's cell phone. The gold chain he always wore. A deck of playing cards. And a note in his scribbled handwriting, that simply said, Freedom. "What do you make of all this?"

"I'm... not sure."

Reese looks to Carson uneasily. "You think it's Agency, don't you?"

Carson's jaw muscles work off his tension as he tries to ignore the uneasy feeling in his gut. "That would be my first guess." He picks up Alec's phone and fiddles with it a moment, guessing correctly at the password numbers to access the voice mail. A message from Eli... from Ryan... from Ryan... from... He listens intently for a moment, then looks back to Reese. "Okay, we really do have a problem now."

"What is it?"

"A man's voice, telling Alec he's going to meet up with Yvette."

"Familiar to you?"

"The only Yvette I know of is Yvette Lentz - level four Agency scum with an itchy trigger finger."

Reese frowns and looks at the items on the table again. "So it is pointing towards the Agency."

"I should have known." Carson shakes his head. "I never did trust him. Do you know how much Elite information he's got? The damage he could do?"

"Well let's hope there's a better explanation. There are plenty of women named Yvette - maybe it's something work-related. And maybe now he just decided to leave town... start somewhere fresh."

"And steal my car? And leave his phone? And the necklace his girlfriend gave him?"

"Yeah, okay. But-"

"It's gotta be the Agency. Why else would he steal my car?"

"Well but why would he make it so obvious?"

"It's the perfect mockery and sign that he's in control. And isn't that what he wanted all along? Freedom by way of his own control?" Carson leans on the table, battling with a strange and sudden inner doubt. "It all fits," he reasons. "He laid low for long enough that we'd leave him alone, and then picked the right time to slip out under our radar."

Reese is still wishing there was some other answer. "He was doing so well. And I know he and that McKade woman were really close."

"Maybe he took her with him."

Reese looks up quickly. "Grab this stuff. We're going over to her apartment..."


"...Aw, come on." Eli hung up the phone again with a growl. He looked to his sister with a withering glance. "Even on your boyfriend's days off, he's late." The three of them plus Scarlet were supposed to spend the whole day at the lake but so far, Alec was forty-five minutes late meeting them at the apartment. "Smart man - doesn't answer his phone when he knows he's late."

He looks at Ryan again. "He did say he'd meet us here, right? I mean, we're not sitting around here for nothing, are we? I gotta call Scarlet for the tenth time to let her know we're still going and I say if Alec doesn't show up in another ten minutes, he can just miss out. This is-"

A knock at the door interrupts Eli and he rolls his eyes. "That better be him." Going to the door, he opens it up, his mouth open, ready to scold Alec. But it's not Alec he comes face-to-face with. "Reese? And...Carson, right?"

Reese nods. "Can we come in?" He and Carson had already noticed that the car wasn't here either.

"Uh, yeah, sure." Eli opens the door and throws a wary look over his shoulder to Ryan. "Something we can help you with?"

"I hope so." Reese nods. "Have you seen Alec today?"

Eli lifts his eyebrows. "No, actually. He was supposed to be here close to an hour ago and we can't seem to get a hold of him. Why? Is he in some sort of trouble?"

"He may be." Reese hesitates, unsure of what to say.

Carson felt as though they were being made to look like fools - something an Agency agent would love to see happen... something the Agency was very good at. But something seemed off kilter. Something wasn't quite right about this whole thing. He shakes his head, once again letting the feeling pass. "He is in trouble," he states flatly.

Reese sighs. He didn't like it, but he couldn't deny the clues that were piling up. He looks between Eli and Ryan. "We believe he may have gone back to the Agency. Do you know of anyone named Yvette?"

Eli folds his arms, his muscles tightening. "No. Why do you think he went back to the Agency?"

"It seems he stole Carson's car this morning and..." Reese motions to Carson.

Carson reaches in his pockets and holds out Alec's phone and the gold chain, particularly looking to Ryan. "We found these on his kitchen table, along with this." He adds the note of freedom. "And seeing as though he didn't show up here when he was supposed to... it doesn't look like he's planning on coming back."


"Tomorrow..." Susanne glances over her shoulder at Chuck, a response on her lips until she hears his next remark. "You realize if you keep saying that, I'll come to expect it all the time." Maybe teasing was the only way to try and hide her reddened cheeks.

Looking back at him though, something about the quiet scene sent Susanne's heart racing again. He thought she was pretty? He himself was drop-dead gorgeous. Realizing her train of thought, she bites her lip and looks back out at the pond before a quiet giggle slips out. She was sitting alongside a moonlit pond with a total hunk. Now who in their right mind would say no to that?

"Tomorrow sounds lovely," she finally answers.

Rising, she brushes off her pants and takes a few leisurely steps closer to the water and just stands watching. It was hard to see much detail in the dark, but the moonlight traced everything in a soft silver glow. "If I'm dreaming, I don't ever want to wake up," she breathes softly.

Ticket

Hearing the tone of Carson's voice Misty sits up quickly in bed squinting a little as the sun beams shone through the window. What time was it? Was she late? Something was wrong she could hear it in Carson's voice.

"Carson, I'm in the bedroom whats wrong?"

Pulling the sheets back and swinging her legs to the floor Misty stands grabbing her white silk bathrobe from its hook and putting it on. Coming out the door she almost runs right into Carson but stops looking up at him.

"Whats wrong? Whats going on?"

Getting out of her cruiser Stacy shuts the door looking for any traffic before walking along side the semi truck. Her pad of paper in her hand and a pen clipped to her shirt. The speed in witch the truck was going was the first thing Stacy had noticed, along with the slow swerving that was going on and to top it off the busted tail light.

"License and registration please."'

Stacy's hair was short, but was tucked nicely behind her ears to keep what little strands she did have out of her way. The red and blond glittered in the sun light as she wore no hate today. Her uniform just bringing out the bright color in her eyes. But no smile formed on her lips, and no joke laid in those deep eyes. This was her job and she took it seriously, but though her face was farm and showed she was not joking there was a softness about her too.

Taking the papers from Eric she goes back to the cruiser and running the papers Stacy also grabs a few more things from the car to bring back with her again. Once the papers cleared Stacy leave the car again walking back to Eric. Still holding his papers she looks up at him squinting a little in the light.

"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to step out of the truck. Also have you been drinking today?"

Stacy continues to study him. His eyes looked a little glossy but that could be from many things not just drinking. The only thing she had to go on right now for that was his speed and swerving on the road. If he had nothing to hide it shouldn't be a problem right? Quick breath test, a few other things and if he was clean than he was good to go.

Being startled a little by Jason's voice and than the slight movement of his hand Katie takes a moment to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Had Jason really just talked, had she felt him move. Waiting in the quiet of the room Katie holds her breath for a moment till she hears Jason's voice again.

Sitting straight up and looking over at him a smile spreads across her face. Standing and leaning down to place a kiss on Jason's head a tear rolled down her face.

"Oh J...your ok. You've been sleeping for a while, and we were so worried about you."

Sitting up again and going to the door Katie looks out to find Rick. Seeing he was sleeping still Katie didn't much care.

"Rick...Jason is awake."

Hunk

"Tomorrow..." Susanne glances over her shoulder at Chuck, a response on her lips until she hears his next remark. "You realize if you keep saying that, I'll come to expect it all the time." Maybe teasing was the only way to try and hide her reddened cheeks.

Looking back at him though, something about the quiet scene sent Susanne's heart racing again. He thought she was pretty? He himself was drop-dead gorgeous. Realizing her train of thought, she bites her lip and looks back out at the pond before a quiet giggle slips out. She was sitting alongside a moonlit pond with a total hunk. Now who in their right mind would say no to that?

"Tomorrow sounds lovely," she finally answers.

Rising, she brushes off her pants and takes a few leisurely steps closer to the water and just stands watching. It was hard to see much detail in the dark, but the moonlight traced everything in a soft silver glow. "If I'm dreaming, I don't ever want to wake up," she breathes softly.


The little room in the ranch doctor's office remains quiet throughout the day... too quiet. Cindy hates the silence, knowing that it meant her son had not yet woken up. She leaves for a while to check on Kaylee and make sure Wendy had everything she needed, then comes back to Angel's to sit and wait... and wait some more.

Finally, Rick shows up, bringing more documentation than anything else. He was still stumped and still determined to find out what was going on. Though he knew Angel had already checked Jason over, he does as well, finding him stable. It was hard to see Jason like that... so still and lifeless. And even harder to see Katie, trying her best to be strong but Rick knew she hated the separation.

He couldn't confirm if Jason had indeed experienced seizures, but any in-depth examinations would have to wait for more advanced equipment than what they had here. Rick could only hope that if that was the case, that no brain damage had occurred. As for the rest of Jason's physical state, only time would tell, now. Was he in pain? They didn't even know. All they could do was wait. And all of them hated waiting. Rick made the decision that if Jason remained asleep for too much longer, he would want to have him moved to a hospital where they would be able to monitor him more closely and determine if he were simply resting as they thought or if it had moved past that into a coma. In the meantime though... it was still a waiting game.

By the next morning, everyone was even more weary, more from worry than activity. Rick had fallen asleep in one of Angel's office chairs while Cindy had relented to go sleep in one of the guest houses so she could rest better in a real bed. And in the back room of the doctor's office, there is finally, finally a sign of life.

Jason slowly opens his eyes, finding even the dim light painful. Swallowing, it hurt from the dryness in his mouth and throat. Lying still, he tried to sort through where he was, but it was difficult. His half-open eyes roam the room, finding it unfamiliar. Just a little scared, he tries to move, then stops with a quiet groan. His entire body felt like one big lead weight that had been run over by a freight train.

"Katie?" he mumbles. Was she near?
Where am I?
He suddenly realizes that he's sending no signals at all... he's simply talking to himself in his own mind. Come to think of it... emotionally he wasn't feeling much of anything. What was going on? Slight panic set in. What had happened? Where was Katie? Why couldn't he feel her?
"Katie?" he mumbles again, finding it just a little hard to speak clearly. Squinting, he tries to bring things into focus but the light felt so bright to his eyes. Was that her hand he felt in his? "Where am I? What's happening?"


Brown smiles widely and nods at Stacy. "I think Reese is going to like you. I'll get a hold of him and let you know when he wants to meet." He looks around his desk. "And... I guess that's it. You're dismissed."


"You've got to be kidding me." Eric glances in his side mirror to see the flashing lights before looking back at his speedometer. Not now... not this evening... He was already late for a pick-up and now was going to be even later. He hadn't been going that much over the speed limit... kind of... sort of... okay, so he'd definitely been speeding. But it was still light enough out, maybe the cop hadn't noticed that he had a tail light out on the trailer... maybe? Hopefully?

Grouchy the way it was, getting a ticket was just icing on the cake. There went the spare money he thought he'd have left at the end of this run. Pulling off to the side of the road, his truck complains with rattling and grinding, making him cringe. He couldn't afford repairs. Not now. And stopping at the moment wasn't helping matters any. He didn't have time for this. He wasn't in the mood for this. Everything lately was going to pot... why not this?

Putting the semi in park, he watches in his mirror. Sure enough, the police cruiser came in behind his trailer. Great. Sighing, he retrieves his wallet and hunts for his truck registration. He wasn't going to try and fight this one - there really was no point. Straightening in his seat, he glances over to the empty passenger seat and swallows the lump in his throat. This was one truck run that would go down in history as his very worst. And this time through town, he wasn't stopping to see anybody. He couldn't stomach crow right now.

Tilting his cowboy hat back on his head and rolling down the window, he waits for the stern face to appear at his door. Holding out the papers he knew they'd ask for, he just sits, unamused.


Carson slows his run to a jog then a walk, breathing heavily in the still-dark morning air. He tucks his hands in his hoodie pockets and pulls his baseball cap down a little more against the chilly breeze. It wasn't that he liked getting up before the sun, but if he wanted to get in a good run outside rather than on the treadmill, he had to do it before work.

Checking his watch, he noted it had been half an hour, so he turns right to swing back around to the apartment complex. Once he reaches the house though, he stops and cocks his head, looking at the driveway. He hadn't parked his car in the garage last night... had he? No, he'd left it out. But... it wasn't here now. Had Misty taken it for some reason?

He approaches the driveway slowly, his eyes catching a small object exposed by the beam from the street light. Bending down, he picks it up to see that it was a watch with a broken band. A man's watch. A watch that had "ADB" scratched into the back of it out of boredom at some point.

"What on earth..." Carson heads straight for the front door, noting that it was not completely latched - he'd locked it when he'd left the house earlier and he did remember that. Getting inside, he saw the security system had been turned off. "Misty?"

He goes through the kitchen, spotting immediately that his car keys were gone from their place on the counter. He heads straight for the bedroom where he'd left Misty sleeping earlier. It didn't look like she was up yet, but at this point, he needed to make sure she was okay. "Misty?"

Help Choosing

Leaning back on his arms after everything was cleared from the blanket Chuck lets out a content sigh. It felt nice, and warm just knowing Susanne was there was comforting and Chuck was happy this night had happened.

"So tomorrow I was wondering if you didn't have plans for lunch we could grab some ice cream and take a walk on the pier. It's nice in the afternoon with the soft sound of a band playing in the afternoon."

Still leaning on his arms and looking over to Susanne the peeking moon shines its light down on Chuck as the wind softly blows his hair. His eyes seeming to twinkle as he looked at Susanne someone that seemed to light up his heart so.

"You really are pretty Susanne, and thats not a lie."

Sitting next to Jason Katie's hand never left his. Feeling his warmth, it was the closest she could get to him right now and it would have to do. Looking up at Cindy as she strokes her hair Katie's eyes followed her over to the window. She wanted to say something but what was there say?

Leaning into Jason a little bit Katie leans her head on his hand. A soft pray come from her lips. It was the best thing she could do. She didn't want to lose Jason, she couldn't. She needed him.

Coming down the steps Stacy was dressed and ready for another long say at work. This morning before she left she would be able to talk to Ashlee. Last night when she got home it had been late and she had been in bed already. Stacy didn't want to wake her if she didn't have to.

Smelling the coffee as she hit the bottom of the steps a smile spreads across her face. Ashlee was always so sleep if she was up before hand and it always amazing Stacy. Entering the kitchen Stacey's face grew even more as she saw the table set and breakfast waiting Ashlee sitting patiently along with it. Walking over to her daughter and place a kiss on her head Stacy sits down.

"Good Morning sweetheart."

"Morning Mom."

Saying a quick prayer with her daughter Stacy strikes up a little small talk with Ashlee finding out how he day was and everything else. Finally though the conversation changes a little and she bring forth what Brown had come to her with yesterday.

"So, I got a new job offer today. But I don't know if I am going to take it or not."

Ashlee looks up from her eggs and cocks her head a little bit. Her eyes searched her moments for a long moment.

"And...? Why wouldn't you take it? You've been wanting to move up for, forever now. The only reason you would say no would be because...we'd have to move wouldn't we?"

Stacy shakes her head a little at her daughters keen memorie and understanding. She could often tell something before Stacy even had to say something. It was funny in a way.

"We would have to move yes. There is a boy in Texas who needs to be protected from some very bad people."

Ashlee squints her eyes a little as she looks at her mom for a long moment and than back down at her eggs. Having her mom the body guard of someone...thats seemed so strange and dangerous on top of it. But than again her mom was out fighting crime all day and thats was dangerous too.

"So you would be the bodyguard of the boy?"

"Well its more like I would be the bodyguard of the ranch really."

Ashlee's head shoots up and she looks across the table at her moment. Almost a look of shock in her eyes.

"Did you say ranch? Like with horses and stuff?"

Stacy can't help but smile at her daughters enthusiasm. She new if she mentioned anything to do with horses Ashlee would be all ears. She love any kind of animal with so much passion.

"Yes a ranch is Texas. It's quite a trip away though."

"Yeah but its a ranch and there would be kids there, and you wouldn't have to worry so much about me. And it could help with my school to mom. "

Stacy can't help but smile again. It was funny listing to her daughter try and reason. Stacy didn't think she would be so excited but it would seem other wise.

"Do you wouldn't mind going?"

"Are you kidding me? It will be something new, and fun. I'll be able to explore and even learn new things. I think it would be fun. And a great opportunity for you too."

"I think your right sweety thank you."

...."I've decide I will take that position in Texas. So when ever Reese wants to give me the interview, and than I'm off just let me know so I can get everything together."

Stacy was a little excited about this whole thing after seeing how Ashlee had gotten excited too. It was a change, maybe a changed they needed. She often worried about Ashlee not interacting with others very much. This could be a chance to change that and hopefully get Ashlee to interact with others more.

Something

Though Susanne's eyes are still down, another little smile does slip through. "I still can't decide if you're serious or if you're just an expert at flattery."

She looks up and studies his eyes. "But I guess either way, you make me feel good."

Giving a little sigh, she cleans up the small mess from supper, gathering her wrappers to throw away later. Pulling her knees up, she wraps her arms around her legs and looks out at the pond, not knowing what Chuck had planned now, if anything. It was a little strange, feeling as content as she did. A few hours ago, she was ready to go back to being alone without any excitement in her life at all. And now... What had happened since Chuck had shown up tonight? What had finally broken down that barrier in her heart?

She rests her chin down on her knees, a few stray strands of hair blowing gently in the breeze as the sky grows dimmer and dimmer. Maybe she'd simply made up her mind to not allow her fear to dictate her. It still existed, but maybe after seeing how determined and genuine Chuck was had finally convinced her that it was worth the risk. No matter the reason...

Her eyes drift across the softly rippling water.

...it was a nice feeling now. It would take a while for her to be completely relaxed and to let Chuck see who she truly was, but perhaps tonight was the first step in the many to come.


Cindy tries to stay out of the way as she watches the others gently take Jason to the car. Her heart screamed at her to go to him but she knew that there was nothing she could do and she knew she shouldn't interfere.

Once he was out of the house and Angel looks back at her, Cindy nods. "I'll... I'll get Kaylee ready and take her to Wendy and Clint, then I'll come over to the office to be with Jason."

It happened as planned - Cindy made sure that Kaylee was taken care of, and took her bag along with clothes for the next day, unsure what would be happening at that point. She always trusted Wendy and Clint though - not only were they close, but Cindy saw how they were with Chase and she trusted them with Kaylee.

At Angel's office, Cindy finds Jason in the back room in bed, Katie sitting beside him, and an IV hooked up to keep him nourished and hydrated. It brought tears to her eyes, even though she tried to be strong. He just looked so weak and pale... such a contrast to the normally healthy, strong son she was used to. He was always the strong one... always the one to conquer and be the best at anything. And now he was here, simply at God's mercy...

...Morning light streamed through the window and Cindy stirred in her chair. Her neck was so stiff it hurt when she moved and she tries to sit up a little straighter. She didn't know when she'd fallen asleep, but she hadn't slept well. It wasn't because of the chair though - it was because of her worry. All night, she had hoped Jason would wake, but he hadn't. Even now as she looks over to the bed again, he hadn't moved at all. Was he really resting a peacefully as it seemed? Was he in pain? Would he wake at all?

She sighs and stands up, rubbing her arms a little to warm up. Wandering past Katie, she gives her hair a loving little stroke before reaching the window and looking out at the morning. It was her favorite time of day. But today she felt so very alone.


Rick grumbles to himself as he flips through the pages of his medical diary. Sighing deeply, he rubs a hand over his face and glances out the Elite jet window. Nothing much could be seen though, through the thick clouds. It's how his mind felt at the moment.

Looking back at his personal notes, he tries again to find the answers.
Jason's first signs of something more than normal emotions. His and Katie's connection. Jason's flashbacks.
Rick remembers telling Jason that the emotions needed a way out, so they'd chosen his worse memory - his abduction. That was then. Was it still true?
Periodic episodes, some worse, some less. Katie's presence a real need. The antidote. The decision to cease the antidote. The worst episode in their history.
That had been a nightmare. Rick leans his head back, remembering the team returning and the scars on Jason and Katie's palms that would forever be a reminder. It had been chemically induced. What about now? Was that the key? Was it that point in time that things had changed?
Jason and Katie had improved. Stronger connections. Ease of communication and control. Jason's episode at the safe house.
That had been brought on by memories of his abduction. It had also been the first episode since he'd been shot with those chemicals. It had rendered him ill for days. Rick rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Katie's help eased the symptoms. Jason's latest episode.
That one had been different, brought on by mere shocking news. Even so, it had also rendered him quite ill - weakened for a worrisome amount of time. No flashback though... no conduit for the emotions to go through. Just simple, raw, dangerous emotions that were once again subdued by Katie.

Then there was this time. From what he gathered from Cindy it was not a flashback that had contributed to this episode - she hadn't mentioned that at least. So was there even a connection? Were they even related? Was any of this connected at all?

Rick slams his journal shut and growls. There had to be an answer. He knew that Jason would probably experience bad bouts the rest of his life - it was an unfortunate truth. But Rick had thought it would be limited to flashbacks, triggered by circumstance. The last two times though... neither one were connected to flashbacks. That meant Rick had missed something. But what?

He racks his brain. One episode with a flashback. Two without. He scribbles on a new page in his journal. So at the very least, it meant that his flashback theory was still relevant - Jason's worst memory still provided a release valve for his emotions. And apparently he had other triggers now as well.

What if Jason's first flashback since the chemically induced blowup triggered an anomaly, that in turn triggered some kind of new response system that caused episodes without the aid of a flashback? Rick shakes his head. His brain hurt. He had to be missing something. There had to be something he could do... something... something...

Coming

Feeling Susanne's own hand come to the side of his face. Her touch was soft and warm. Giving a little smile that it was ok Chuck tilts his head into her touch again as she ran her hand a long his face and through his hair. It was soft, light and it had been a long time since Chuck had felt a tenderness like this from a woman.

"Mmm..."

Chuck couldn't help the small happy sound that came from his lips. He felt very content in this moment now and he wouldn't change it for anything. It might have been a rough start but Chuck was sure things would go ok now.

"I'd really like it that you would want to come. I think you would have a blast, and I know my church would really enjoy getting to know another sister in Christ."

He couldn't help but feel his heart race a little bit. He was excited to know Susanne wanted to come, and that she would be able to meet his church family. They were such nice people he new for sure they would lover her.

Finishing off his sub and taking another sip of his water Chuck can't help but smile a little bit bigger. The night was turning out so well Chuck was pleased.

"I am glad you don't think I am repulsive. If it means anything, I don't think your silly, or a ninny. I think your wonderful the way you are."

Going back to Jason while Cindy wanted to call Angel and than Rick Katie just waited with him. Keeping her hand rested with his is was the only thing she could do to feel his warmth to just feeling. It wasn't the same but it was all she could do.

Pulling into the driveway Angel moves fast waving for Dan to follow her. Everyone else was busy with there family's right now and though she knows they would be more than willing to help she didn't want to bother them. She'd just need him to help carry Jason so it wouldn't be to much.

Knocking on the door and than entering at Cindy's voice Angel gives her a smile Dan following close behind. Moving into the living room Angel bends down to where Katie was and lays a soft hand on her shoulder and a smile before moving to Jason and checking his vitles quick before turning to Dan.

"Ok Dan, we are just going to take is nice and slow. Katie I want you to sit in the back and keep Jason's head in your lap. Cindy, if you want to come you are more than welcome too. Wendy already said if you needed someone to be with Kaylee you could bring her over there."

Slowly and carefully Angel, Katie, and Dan move Jason into the car Katie getting in and setting Jason's head in her lap. Softly running her hand through his hair, and keeping her other hand locked with his.

Before getting into the car with them Angel looks back to Cindy with question not sure if she wanted to come or not. Angel thought it might be best if she did so she to could be with Jason but it was her choose.

Timid

An invite to go with Chuck? Though it brought on a little bit of fear, there was a warm feeling that Susanne liked. Would him actually wanting to be around her always make her feel so good, or would it wear off? She wouldn't mind if the feeling was always there. No man had ever paid attention to her. This feeling was... worth keeping.

As Chuck reaches over to brush away the strand of hair and his fingers glide across her cheek, Susanne can feel her heart begin to race. Staring into his eyes, she wonders if it was disappointment or relief she felt that he had retreated.

She'd never felt things like this before... it was a scary thrill, almost like a riding a rollercoaster. But looking into those never-ending eyes... she felt a strange urge to let him know she was okay... that she wouldn't slap him away. Lifting her hand, she slowly stretches it out until her fingertips lightly brush his face, almost mimicking his own movements. She withdraws quickly, her gaze turning to one of asking permission - it felt rather silly, but at the same time, it was something she wanted to do.

Swallowing hard, her hand moves forward again until her palm is resting against his cheek. Her eyes roam to every curve and line, studying his face as her thumb moves past his mouth to touch his lips, down to his chin, then up again. Her fingers wander to trace under his eyes, up to his forehead then down his hairline by his ear to follow his jawline. His skin under her touch sent tingles up her arm and her fingers wander down his neck and around to his hair in the back, then up through his hair to his face again. When her palm rests on his cheek where it had started, her eyes look into his once more and her lips curl into a little smile, even though she's blushing.

"I... I think I'd like to go on one of those trips with you," she responds softly... timidly. Her hand slowly moves back to her own lap and her eyes finally drop. "I don't find you repulsive in the least."


Hearing Katie, Cindy turns around in the kitchen, doing her best not to panic. Jason wasn't waking up? It was what she'd feared. Though she wanted to trust Katie, at this point, she was going to go with her gut instead.

"No... I'd rather call Angel now. I don't want to prolong it if there's something really wrong." She turns off the stove and goes for the phone. "Keep trying though," she prompts. "Maybe you can rouse him by the time Angel comes."

Picking up the phone, she calls Angel to let her know what was happening and what Rick had told her about moving Jason and putting him on an IV. And after hanging up, she calls TJY. Getting the answering service, she knew it was late, so she dials his home phone instead. How she remembered it, she didn't know. She remembered a lot of things from the good old days of living near TJY. It felt like a lifetime ago. "Rick, I'm so sorry to call you at home."

"Cindy? No, no, it's okay. What's up?"

"Katie can't wake Jason. I already called Angel and told her what you said so we're going to move him if Katie still can't get him up."

Rick sighs deeply. This wasn't good. Jason had been very tired after attacks before, but never had he been to the point of not waking up. This really had been a bad one. "Okay." He speaks calmly and gently. "You're doing the right thing. As long as he's resting, that's a good thing, okay? It means his body is trying to recuperate."

Cindy tries to hold on to his assurance. "Okay."

"All Angel needs to do is make sure he remains stable and get some fluids into him. He's probably dehydrated, but I'm sure she'll see that."

"What if... what if he still doesn't wake up?"

"Don't worry about a thing. Jason is going to be alright. I promised you things would be fine - I still mean it. Now... I'm going to pack my things, grab some stuff from the office, and fly a jet down tomorrow. If anything changes, you just call my cell phone, okay?"

"Okay. But... but why are you coming? What can you do here?"

"Oh, I just want to talk with Angel a little and see how Jason's doing. I've got a bit more information than she does about what's been happening with Jason, and it's easier to relate in person than over the phone."

Cindy swallows hard. "No, you're just worried about him and it's your last ditch effort to do something that probably won't be any different than Angel."

"Cindy... What I told you was true. There's no last ditch efforts here at all. The fact that Jason is asleep is good, okay? Trust me." All Rick had said was true. But it was also true that he wanted to see Jason for himself and make sure he ended back up in Nevada in one piece. He trusted Angel and he trusted Katie. But he'd been looking after Jason for a long time and wasn't about to leave him now. "Remember - call my cell phone if anything changes. Otherwise, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright." Cindy sees headlights reflecting through the window and knows someone has arrived. "Someone's here now. Thank you, Rick."

"Goodnight, Cindy."

Moo...Moon light?

Looking up at Cindy hearing her voice and feeling her hand rest on her arm Katie gives her a small nod. Her eyes were still tired, and lacked some of the spark that was normally there but maybe it was just from being drained still.

"Ok I'll see what I can do."

Once Cindy was gone Katie shifted a little bit on the couch but kept Jason's head in her lap. Looking down at his still form watching him sleep it was so very strange not to be able to feel his emotions, to know if he was really ok, if he was in pain or what was going on inside him. In a way is scared Katie even more not knowing than if she did. She still hated the feeling of being normal, but she had done what she thought was best.

"J...your mom is making some soup. Try and wake up? J..babe..."

Giving Jason's arm a gentile shake Katie waited to see if Jason movies, but not seeing him move hear him Katie could feel her heart pick up a little. Cindy had told her what Rick said made Katie worried, and feeling Jason was ok...was worse.

Moving slowly and setting Jason's head down on the couch. Leaning down she gives Jason a kiss on the forehead. It made her very nervous that he didn't wake but Katie new she had to keep her cool. Even if her emotions couldn't cause any harm to anyone else she still new to be level headed.

"Cindy, I couldn't get Jason to wake. He's still breathing normally and everything but he's in a really sound sleep. I can try again in a little while, and if still nothing we can bring him to Angel ok?"

Katie tried to stay calm though there was worry in her eyes. What was to come, or was happening now was uncertain and to not be able to see that was something she feared more than anything else. What if she could of been helping Jason right now? Had she done the right thing? She could only hope.

Listing to Susanne and some of the stuff she liked to so Chuck didn't find her boring only much different from himself, But that wasn't a bad thing. Sometimes liking things that were different was a good thing and a good way to do new things.

Cocking his head a little bit Chuck's eyes give a twinkle in the dull light. He felt at peace right now, comfortable and happy. It was nice eating with Susanne even after all the strange encounters.

"Well...maybe one time you can come on a bike trip with me, and in return you can show me your rose bushes. As for being lonely...we all get lonely but as long as your don't fine me to repulsive I can help fill that empty time for both of us."

Reaching out to Susanne Chuck pushes a peace of stray hair out of her face as he continues to smile. Her skin was soft under his fingertips. Realizing he let his hand linger longer than he had intended Chuck pulls it away. Susanne had just started opening up he didn't want to scare her away already.