Joined by Beth, Justin grins. "Forever can be hidden in a moment if we just look hard enough."
Watching her sit down, he cocks his head, his grin widening. "Yeah... yeah things went pretty good today, actually. I think Scott finally had a breakthrough... seems he wants me to keep coming back again. Maybe he'll get out of here one of these days after all."
Still grinning, his eyes twinkle. "You're looking awfully cute today."
Hearing the door open and close then movement in the kitchen, Eli slips from his bedroom and wanders down the hall. Reaching the kitchen, he leans on the doorway and just watches Ryan for several moments.
"Hey, Speedy..." He hadn't been sure she'd even come home tonight. He'd been worrying about her all evening. "You alright?"
Carson sits at the little kitchen table in the apartment, shuffling the deck of cards absentmindedly. He didn't know why he still had them. It was the deck taken from Alec's place. If anything, he should have left them at TJY, but he'd forgotten to take them out of his pocket. He should have given them to Misty to take back, but for some reason, he found himself fiddling with them instead.
It was late at night. He and Misty had gone to bed a couple hours ago, but he'd been unable to sleep. Finally getting up, he'd read his Bible for a while then gotten something to drink, but was still restless. Finding himself at the table with the cards, he had nothing else to keep his mind occupied at the moment - other than that which he didn't want to think about. The subject of Alec weighed more heavily on his mind than he'd thought it would. He'd have his car back tomorrow, so what more was he supposed to be concerned about?
Laying out the cards, Carson stacks seven rows to play solitaire. Yes, what more should he be concerned about? Alec was a half-brother, but that didn't matter. Right? Ever since he'd arrived, Carson had battled with that thought. For sure, he didn't trust Alec, nor did he want to socialize with him as part of the family - especially after Alec got Dani in trouble so early on. And yet there was a small voice way deep down that reminded Carson that family was family, no matter what. He remembered what it was like to have a family... to be close to his sisters, even if their circumstances hadn't been the best. As far as he knew, Alec had never had any of that. But was that Carson's fault? Alec was still someone he didn't trust.
Three... three... jack of hearts... three... Carson turned over the cards three at a time, fishing for cards to play. Six of spades... ten of clubs... ace of.... wait, what? Carson frowns. He'd already played the ace of diamonds. Sifting through the cards in his hand, he realized he had two extra. He knew he'd counted the stacks right so... why were there extra? Confused, he gathers up all the cards and turns them over, sorting through them one at a time. In the end, he had one full set, plus two extra aces. That was odd. If Alec liked to cheat at cards, he certainly wouldn't have stored the two aces in the deck, lest someone find them.
Carson's mind automatically reverts back to finding the deck in Alec's apartment. The phone, the chain, the note... everything had all made sense. But why the deck of cards? The phone - a signal that he no longer wanted to be reached. The chain - a sign that he was done with his girlfriend. The note - his reason for taking off. The deck of cards - .......? Carson drew a blank. Come to think of it, he didn't even know why they hadn't questioned that in the first place. He and Reese had been so busy putting other pieces together that they hadn't asked each other why Alec would have left the cards there. Unless they went along with the chain and it was something between him and Ryan. But... why the extra aces?
Then a new thought strikes him. He wasn't sure he liked it, but what if it were true? He studies the cards for a few more minutes. Why would he be thinking this? It didn't make sense, did it? Surely, it didn't add up. But the more he thought about it, the more it did. The watch. The car. The deck of cards. The voicemail message.
So which theory was right? This one, or the one he and Reese had from the start? Alec siding with the Agency was the most reasonable, simple answer. It was obvious. This new theory was...
Carson shakes his head. No. It couldn't be. It was a silly thought. Stacking the cards all together again, he returns them to the box, including the two extra aces. But as he continues to sit at the table, his thoughts continue to wear on him. He needed to go back to bed before Misty woke and missed him, but his mind seemed to not allow him that luxury. No, sleep wasn't going to come easily tonight, no matter what.
Passing under light after light, the drive down the highway droned on and on. Alec kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other taking care of his cigarette. Yvette's words bounced off the inside of the car, some registering in his mind and some not.
Old habits never die,
Heading back to what I was.
Choices lead to gallows high,
But I don’t care.
Robbing hearts and stealing faith,
Hope don’t mean a thing.
Renegade on the loose,
I’m running… running.
"This wasn't part of the plan."
"So plans change." Yvette hands Alec the gun. "They want proof."
"Aw come on." Alec takes the gun and cocks it, flicking his cigarette out the parked car window. He looks out at the night sky before his eyes return to the little gas station. "They want to get me caught is what they want."
"They want to make sure you still know how not to get caught."
"Are you kidding me?" Alec scoffs. "I haven't been gone that long."
"Mm... I'd say you have." Yvette yanks him closer to plant a deep kiss on his lips. "Now go rip off the poor sap, shoot him and let's go. We're running out of time."
Alec's eyes narrow, still only inches from her face. "I call the shots," he hisses. "And I'll go when I'm dang ready."
Three minutes later, a shot shatters the peaceful night air.
Don’t look back. Shadows ahead.
Darkness fills my heart.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Fighting unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean tears for me.
Chains of guilt bind my soul,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
"Hotel Luxury. Here we are."
"I have eyes." Alec steers the car into the lot, checking the clock. "Five minutes early. And they thought I was rusty."
Yvette throws him a sly look. "You're anything but rusty, hot stuff."
Alec quirks an eyebrow as he parks the car. "Don't get used to it. We got work to do."
"What's a little work without a little pleasure?" Yvette gets out of the car first, starting to grab their bags.
Alec follows suit and within minutes, they're inside, checking in. "Yes, we're Mr. and... Mrs. Barrington."
"Oh yes." The man at the counter smiles. "The new couple. Welcome." He hands them the key cards to the newlywed suite and tells them where it's located. "If you need anything, please feel free to take advantage of room service."
Yvette grins. "I don't think we're going to need a thing." She links arms with Alec. "Come on, Honey."
It doesn't take long to be on the fifth floor and into the large suite. Yvette dumps her bags on the bed and takes a look around while Alec investigates windows and vantage points, setting up their laptop. "And... we're set to go. Twenty-four hours from now, the target will be down and we'll be gone."
Yvette leans over his shoulder as he sits at the computer desk, then moves her attention to kissing his neck. "That's an awfully long time from now."
History repeats itself,
Shouldn’t be surprised.
Lighting splits the worlds apart,
But I don’t care.
Crushing peace, loathing truth,
Freedom beckons me.
Renegade on the loose,
I’m running… running.
Don’t look back. Shadows ahead.
Darkness fills my heart.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Fighting unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean tears for me.
Chains of guilt bind my soul,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
Waking up at four a.m., Alec can feel Yvette sleeping soundly in his arms. Slipping noiselessly from her, he slides out of bed and pulls on his jeans before wandering to the kitchenette for a drink of water. Padding quietly to the bay window in the living room area, he looks out over the city lights. His course had been laid.
Fear an option never taken,
Love forgotten evermore.
Time means nothing,
Heart of steel.
Useless dreams erased.
Don’t look back. Shadows near.
Darkness fills the air.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Defying unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean shame for me.
Chains of guilt bind my heart,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
I run anyway.
1/24/11
Alone
Continuing to just look at Ty Ryan lets out a small low sigh. It was hard to keep everything in check right now when it seemed she was mixed with so many emotions. It was hard to figure out what emotions over road the other. But pain....pain seemed to ring through clearly. Pain for her heart being broken, or pain from anger she was not sure.
"Yeah alright. A few days and than back here at midnight. Thanks Ty, I owe you one."
Giving a nod and turning Ryan makes her way back across the floor again and back up the steps. Getting outside and taking in a deep breath of cool air it stung her lungs but she didn't let it bother her. Just closing her eyes and standing there for a long moment she tried to calm her quivering breath.
Starting up again Ryan gets to her car and gets in. Taking a swipe at her eyes and wipes the escaped tear from her eye. She felt foolish for crying. It wouldn't change anything so why would she? Starting the car it doesn't take Ryan long to get home. She didn't know if Eli was home or not but it didn't matter she really didn't want to talk one way or another.
Getting into the house and going right to the kitchen Ryan grabs on of the beers. Opening it and just taking a sip a new felling seemed to settle in. She was alone, Alec was always over, he always spend the night...but now...she was...alone. It had been a long time since she had felt like this, and she swore never to feel alone again but now...now she remember why she had made that vow. Because it hurt more than anything.
Giving a sigh Katie sits up a little bit and searches Jason eyes. She new if she didn't go spend a little time with her family she might make Jason feel worse, but how was she to have a nice time when she would be worrying even if he told her not too.
"Ok, I'll go visit with them for a little bit. But if you need anything or anything changes will you please call my cell phone?"
Katie new Jason didn't want her to worry but she would. It was hard not to while they weren't connected. Not to mention on top of that she felt so...different. Like she didn't even know who she was. She felt like a whole different person.
Coming down the sidewalk Beth's stride was slow like normal but today there was something slightly different about her. Taking a closer look someone might notice she got her hair cut. It was now shoulder length with a cute style. Much different from the normal but it made her feel good, and pretty in a way. It had been a giant step for her but she had done it.
Getting to the bench Beth gives a smile. It was good to see him here again. That meant that his friend really did want his help again and Beth new that would make him happy. She also wondered if Justin would notice and if he would like it.
"It seems like such a long time ago was the first time I ment you here. When really, it hasn't even been a year yet."
Giving both the dogs a gentile pat on the head Beth moves around to the other side of the bench and sits down next to Justin. Over the last few days they had really become good friends. Mean with each other, talks it really was nice to just have someone else there. It really did make her feel good.
"So how did it go? Better?"
"Yeah alright. A few days and than back here at midnight. Thanks Ty, I owe you one."
Giving a nod and turning Ryan makes her way back across the floor again and back up the steps. Getting outside and taking in a deep breath of cool air it stung her lungs but she didn't let it bother her. Just closing her eyes and standing there for a long moment she tried to calm her quivering breath.
Starting up again Ryan gets to her car and gets in. Taking a swipe at her eyes and wipes the escaped tear from her eye. She felt foolish for crying. It wouldn't change anything so why would she? Starting the car it doesn't take Ryan long to get home. She didn't know if Eli was home or not but it didn't matter she really didn't want to talk one way or another.
Getting into the house and going right to the kitchen Ryan grabs on of the beers. Opening it and just taking a sip a new felling seemed to settle in. She was alone, Alec was always over, he always spend the night...but now...she was...alone. It had been a long time since she had felt like this, and she swore never to feel alone again but now...now she remember why she had made that vow. Because it hurt more than anything.
Giving a sigh Katie sits up a little bit and searches Jason eyes. She new if she didn't go spend a little time with her family she might make Jason feel worse, but how was she to have a nice time when she would be worrying even if he told her not too.
"Ok, I'll go visit with them for a little bit. But if you need anything or anything changes will you please call my cell phone?"
Katie new Jason didn't want her to worry but she would. It was hard not to while they weren't connected. Not to mention on top of that she felt so...different. Like she didn't even know who she was. She felt like a whole different person.
Coming down the sidewalk Beth's stride was slow like normal but today there was something slightly different about her. Taking a closer look someone might notice she got her hair cut. It was now shoulder length with a cute style. Much different from the normal but it made her feel good, and pretty in a way. It had been a giant step for her but she had done it.
Getting to the bench Beth gives a smile. It was good to see him here again. That meant that his friend really did want his help again and Beth new that would make him happy. She also wondered if Justin would notice and if he would like it.
"It seems like such a long time ago was the first time I ment you here. When really, it hasn't even been a year yet."
Giving both the dogs a gentile pat on the head Beth moves around to the other side of the bench and sits down next to Justin. Over the last few days they had really become good friends. Mean with each other, talks it really was nice to just have someone else there. It really did make her feel good.
"So how did it go? Better?"
Promise
Ty wasn't sure if Ryan had reacted to the news of Alec's activities or not. He was a little surprised, perhaps, that she hardly batted an eye. Did she really even care about the guy? Maybe she wasn't surprised - maybe Alec had made a habit of running around on her. No matter the reason, Ty shrugs it off. This whole thing really was none of his business.
Thinking for a moment or two, he finally shrugs. "Yeah, I can help you. Wouldn't be the first time I did something under their noses around here. I'll need a couple days though so nobody gets suspicious."
He grabs his broom again, letting his glasses fall back on his face, and he sweeps up some dirt he'd missed earlier. "Come back here two days from now... but come later than this. About one in the morning is when it's the most dead. I'll have something for you."
He pauses his work and looks at her again. "In the meantime, lay low. The last thing we want is any attention drawn to yourself if you're gonna hook up with someone from the Agency."
Jason sighs a little and lets his thumb run over Katie's hand in slow circles. "You're right... there's absolutely nothing for you to be sorry about. If anyone should apologize, it's me."
Thinking a few moments, he tries to pull himself up to sit a little straighter. Hiding the pain, he manages not to wince like he wanted to. "You really should see your family though. I'll be fine here for a little while - I promise." He lets go of her hand to brush her cheek softly. "One day you'll run out of 'see them anytimes.' I'm probably in better health than your dad is anyway."
He tries to prompt Katie to stop worrying so much. "I'm awake now, I feel fine, and I'm not going anywhere. Besides all that, this thing won't kill me in the next couple hours so you have plenty of time to go enjoy your visit then come back. I'll still be here."
Walking slowly up the sidewalk with Danitza and Zora, Justin spies Scott to the far right on the familiar picnic table. Jenny had told him that Scott had been sitting there for the past several days - a sign that he was not only willing to see Justin again, but wanting to.
Approaching cautiously, he takes a seat across from Scott and quietly tell the dogs to lie in the grass. Looking at Scott for several moments, he cocks his head. "Hi."
Scott looks back at him, then lowers his gaze, his hands staying safely tucked in his pockets. "Hi."
"So what's up? Heard you wanted to see me."
"Yeah, I... I guess so."
Justin lets a pause linger. "Still hate me?"
Scott's eyes shoot back up again. "Just partly."
A wry grin curls the corner of Justin's mouth. "Fair enough. So what is it you want to see me about then?"
"You already know." Scott's look is a dry one. "Dr. Hawks called you, told you everything, and you just want me to explain so I'll verbalize it."
Justin leans his arms on the table and gives a little sigh. "Back to that again, are we?"
Scott shrugs. "I just..."
Justin waits. "You just what?"
"I'm still mad at you for not telling me about Hope. But you're the only one that has any idea how to help me."
Justin manages a small smile. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For not telling you about Hope."
Scott's eyes wander then come back up to Justin. "I thought you figured it was best."
"I did it because I knew it was Hope's wish to not make things harder for you. If I hadn't respected her so much, I probably would have told you. I know it felt awfully unfair when you found out. And for that, I apologize."
Scott mulls it all over for a few moments before shrugging. "I guess I... well I guess I can't stay too mad at you then."
Though Justin's facial expression and body language showed a quiet confidence and understanding, inside he was relieved and happy... happy that perhaps he was getting a second chance with this. "What about your sister? And Dalton?"
Scott's jaw tightens.
Justin wishes Scott could have seen the look on Dalton's face when he'd informed him that Scott didn't want to see him anymore. "Wasn't easy telling them not to come back here."
"Why not?"
"Because they care. I knew it hurt them." Justin cocks his head. "My own mother has rejected me. I know how it feels. But I did it to those who love you anyway because I knew you'd just get upset if they did show up."
"I still would."
"Why?"
"They betrayed my trust."
"So did I."
"That's different."
"Why?"
Scott sighs. "I don't know why. It just is."
"Maybe it's because you care about them so it hurt more."
Scott picks at a splinter on the table. Maybe. He loved his sister. And Dalton was his best friend. He could understand Justin keeping something from him, but not them. They should have told him about Hope.
Justin watches quietly for a few minutes before reaching into his backpack and pulling out the familiar deck of cards. "How ya feeling today?"
Scott eyes the cards as a shiver of fear runs down his spine. But instead of shrinking away, he looks back up at Justin. "I'm feeling like kicking some Agency butt."
Justin's smile couldn't have been wider. Determination. It really was there. Finally, finally after so many long months, Scott's will was returning. "Sounds awfully good to me."
Scott nods and watches as Justin spreads out the cards face-down on the table to begin the matching game of Agency-related faces that would trigger his data. "I... I guess maybe I realized the other day that... that if I could control this thing then maybe... I could use it against the Agency. I was able to retrieve some data on my own to help with a case and... maybe I realized it would be a waste of a whole lot of valuable information if I gave up."
Justin sits back, his head cocking slightly. Even with a revelation like that, Scott's attitude change was still a miracle. It wasn't going to be easy. No, just because he was determined today didn't mean he would be tomorrow. But it was a step - a definite step. And with or without the change in Hope's condition, or Scott helping with a case, Justin knew that when it really boiled down to it, God deserved the credit for this one. He'd always had hope for Scott and knew that a breakthrough was possible, but if looking at the raw facts and going over all that Scott had been through - he should be in the permanent mental ward here, not still trying to get out. Yes... today marked the day of one small step. And now Justin felt the burden of making sure that no steps were taken backwards. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
Scott nods then looks down at the cards. Though his hand trembles, he reaches for the first one and turns it over...
It was a couple hours later that Justin is finally walking back down the sidewalk. Satisfied but weary, he eases down on the same old bench, the dogs automatically lying in the grass. He sighs deeply and runs his hand over the back of the bench. He'd met Beth here so many times - it really was amazing to see how far they'd come since then... to see how much Beth really had grown.
Opening his backpack, he fishes to find a granola bar to temporarily satisfy his growling stomach. He'd already made plans to meet up with Beth here while she visited her sister, then they would meet later for supper.
Thinking for a moment or two, he finally shrugs. "Yeah, I can help you. Wouldn't be the first time I did something under their noses around here. I'll need a couple days though so nobody gets suspicious."
He grabs his broom again, letting his glasses fall back on his face, and he sweeps up some dirt he'd missed earlier. "Come back here two days from now... but come later than this. About one in the morning is when it's the most dead. I'll have something for you."
He pauses his work and looks at her again. "In the meantime, lay low. The last thing we want is any attention drawn to yourself if you're gonna hook up with someone from the Agency."
Jason sighs a little and lets his thumb run over Katie's hand in slow circles. "You're right... there's absolutely nothing for you to be sorry about. If anyone should apologize, it's me."
Thinking a few moments, he tries to pull himself up to sit a little straighter. Hiding the pain, he manages not to wince like he wanted to. "You really should see your family though. I'll be fine here for a little while - I promise." He lets go of her hand to brush her cheek softly. "One day you'll run out of 'see them anytimes.' I'm probably in better health than your dad is anyway."
He tries to prompt Katie to stop worrying so much. "I'm awake now, I feel fine, and I'm not going anywhere. Besides all that, this thing won't kill me in the next couple hours so you have plenty of time to go enjoy your visit then come back. I'll still be here."
Walking slowly up the sidewalk with Danitza and Zora, Justin spies Scott to the far right on the familiar picnic table. Jenny had told him that Scott had been sitting there for the past several days - a sign that he was not only willing to see Justin again, but wanting to.
Approaching cautiously, he takes a seat across from Scott and quietly tell the dogs to lie in the grass. Looking at Scott for several moments, he cocks his head. "Hi."
Scott looks back at him, then lowers his gaze, his hands staying safely tucked in his pockets. "Hi."
"So what's up? Heard you wanted to see me."
"Yeah, I... I guess so."
Justin lets a pause linger. "Still hate me?"
Scott's eyes shoot back up again. "Just partly."
A wry grin curls the corner of Justin's mouth. "Fair enough. So what is it you want to see me about then?"
"You already know." Scott's look is a dry one. "Dr. Hawks called you, told you everything, and you just want me to explain so I'll verbalize it."
Justin leans his arms on the table and gives a little sigh. "Back to that again, are we?"
Scott shrugs. "I just..."
Justin waits. "You just what?"
"I'm still mad at you for not telling me about Hope. But you're the only one that has any idea how to help me."
Justin manages a small smile. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For not telling you about Hope."
Scott's eyes wander then come back up to Justin. "I thought you figured it was best."
"I did it because I knew it was Hope's wish to not make things harder for you. If I hadn't respected her so much, I probably would have told you. I know it felt awfully unfair when you found out. And for that, I apologize."
Scott mulls it all over for a few moments before shrugging. "I guess I... well I guess I can't stay too mad at you then."
Though Justin's facial expression and body language showed a quiet confidence and understanding, inside he was relieved and happy... happy that perhaps he was getting a second chance with this. "What about your sister? And Dalton?"
Scott's jaw tightens.
Justin wishes Scott could have seen the look on Dalton's face when he'd informed him that Scott didn't want to see him anymore. "Wasn't easy telling them not to come back here."
"Why not?"
"Because they care. I knew it hurt them." Justin cocks his head. "My own mother has rejected me. I know how it feels. But I did it to those who love you anyway because I knew you'd just get upset if they did show up."
"I still would."
"Why?"
"They betrayed my trust."
"So did I."
"That's different."
"Why?"
Scott sighs. "I don't know why. It just is."
"Maybe it's because you care about them so it hurt more."
Scott picks at a splinter on the table. Maybe. He loved his sister. And Dalton was his best friend. He could understand Justin keeping something from him, but not them. They should have told him about Hope.
Justin watches quietly for a few minutes before reaching into his backpack and pulling out the familiar deck of cards. "How ya feeling today?"
Scott eyes the cards as a shiver of fear runs down his spine. But instead of shrinking away, he looks back up at Justin. "I'm feeling like kicking some Agency butt."
Justin's smile couldn't have been wider. Determination. It really was there. Finally, finally after so many long months, Scott's will was returning. "Sounds awfully good to me."
Scott nods and watches as Justin spreads out the cards face-down on the table to begin the matching game of Agency-related faces that would trigger his data. "I... I guess maybe I realized the other day that... that if I could control this thing then maybe... I could use it against the Agency. I was able to retrieve some data on my own to help with a case and... maybe I realized it would be a waste of a whole lot of valuable information if I gave up."
Justin sits back, his head cocking slightly. Even with a revelation like that, Scott's attitude change was still a miracle. It wasn't going to be easy. No, just because he was determined today didn't mean he would be tomorrow. But it was a step - a definite step. And with or without the change in Hope's condition, or Scott helping with a case, Justin knew that when it really boiled down to it, God deserved the credit for this one. He'd always had hope for Scott and knew that a breakthrough was possible, but if looking at the raw facts and going over all that Scott had been through - he should be in the permanent mental ward here, not still trying to get out. Yes... today marked the day of one small step. And now Justin felt the burden of making sure that no steps were taken backwards. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
Scott nods then looks down at the cards. Though his hand trembles, he reaches for the first one and turns it over...
It was a couple hours later that Justin is finally walking back down the sidewalk. Satisfied but weary, he eases down on the same old bench, the dogs automatically lying in the grass. He sighs deeply and runs his hand over the back of the bench. He'd met Beth here so many times - it really was amazing to see how far they'd come since then... to see how much Beth really had grown.
Opening his backpack, he fishes to find a granola bar to temporarily satisfy his growling stomach. He'd already made plans to meet up with Beth here while she visited her sister, then they would meet later for supper.
Broken
Katie looks up at Jason he was always so thoughtful and hated taking her away from what she was doing even if it didn't bother her non. But this time she didn't know if she would be able to walk away and enjoy the rest of her time here.
"I can't Jason, not when I can't feel you to know your ok. I can visit my family any time, and I know they will understand."
Letting out a small sigh Katie couldn't help how she felt. While some people would think being linked was odd and something hard to get use to Katie had, and now having that broken off that was the odd and hard thing to handle.
"I'm sorry this all happened again. I know I don't need to say it but I am anyways."
Still leaning against the cubicle Ryan didn't know if Ty would help her or not she could only hope. As Ty starts to talk Ryan shifts a little standing a little straighter as once he gets to the part where they found Carson's car. Ryan's heart pick up as she continued to listen.
Searching Ty's eyes she looks to see if he was telling the truth or not. But why would he lie when he had no reason. He didn't know her, and he didn't know Alec what would be the point of that.
"I still want the information Ty. So I can find out why myself."
Though Ryan's expression didn't change much and her still held her strong shell inside it felt like her heart had been ripped apart. The pain was great and numbing, her anger seemed to boil. She didn't know if she wanted to punch something or break out into tears. But not here...she had to be strong, she had to get through this, let someone make her cry.. yeah if anyone could do it, it was Alec she'd really gotten attached to him and fallen head over heals. But she wouldn't let someone see her hurt like this.
"So, can you help me?"
"I can't Jason, not when I can't feel you to know your ok. I can visit my family any time, and I know they will understand."
Letting out a small sigh Katie couldn't help how she felt. While some people would think being linked was odd and something hard to get use to Katie had, and now having that broken off that was the odd and hard thing to handle.
"I'm sorry this all happened again. I know I don't need to say it but I am anyways."
Still leaning against the cubicle Ryan didn't know if Ty would help her or not she could only hope. As Ty starts to talk Ryan shifts a little standing a little straighter as once he gets to the part where they found Carson's car. Ryan's heart pick up as she continued to listen.
Searching Ty's eyes she looks to see if he was telling the truth or not. But why would he lie when he had no reason. He didn't know her, and he didn't know Alec what would be the point of that.
"I still want the information Ty. So I can find out why myself."
Though Ryan's expression didn't change much and her still held her strong shell inside it felt like her heart had been ripped apart. The pain was great and numbing, her anger seemed to boil. She didn't know if she wanted to punch something or break out into tears. But not here...she had to be strong, she had to get through this, let someone make her cry.. yeah if anyone could do it, it was Alec she'd really gotten attached to him and fallen head over heals. But she wouldn't let someone see her hurt like this.
"So, can you help me?"
Update
Jason offers Katie a smile and a reassuring wink. "Rick always finds away. He's too bullheaded not to." Inside, he had his doubts, but staying positive right now was a must.
"Few years from now, we'll look back on this and laugh about how our vacation was ruined by this silly thing again." He wriggles her hand. "You should make time to be with your family like you planned. I'll be okay here."
Sweeping the main floor, Ty had his headphones on and wasn't paying a whole lot of attention when Ryan approaches. Startled, he takes off his headphones and looks at her with surprise. It wasn't usual that someone appeared here at this time of night. Hal must have seen her on the security cameras, but she wasn't anyone they needed to be on alert for.
Ty nods that she got his name right. "Yeah. I remember you." He was a little leery at this point. No one ever came to see him. As she stands back and studies him for a moment, he looks her straight in the eye, unafraid while anyone was on his turf. There was something odd in her eye... he wasn't quite sure what it was, but he could imagine she was going through a little bit right now with the whole Alec thing.
Even though his mind did think of Alec, Ty is still surprised at Ryan's request. Putting aside his broom and setting his glasses up on his head, he folds his arms, his turn to study her. He'd helped people before - sometimes to his demise. What Ryan was asking was pretty serious - Ty's first responsibility would be to report it. The Agency was nothing to play around with and Reese would have a cow if he knew Ty helped Ryan get in. On the other hand, Ty couldn't blame her for wanting to find out more. Unfortunately, he knew that she probably didn't yet know the latest.
"First off, just so you know, Reese is looking into things and trying to get Alec back. They're not just letting him go and washing their hands of him." He shrugs. "They don't want him leaking information, first off, but if you knew Reese, you'd know he cares and wants to find out what really went wrong. Second..."
He pauses and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He knows he shouldn't be the person telling Ryan this. She probably shouldn't know any of this at all - for that, he could get into trouble. But if it was Libby that had gone off the deep end, he'd want to know, and he wasn't going to keep Ryan in the dark.
"They did find Carson's car this evening, abandoned along a highway. They, um... they know that Alec is traveling with a woman." He searches Ryan's eyes, letting that sink in first. "They think it's someone he was with before, from the Agency." He purses his lips, thinking about which words to choose. "And they do know that... it's not just a business relationship. They're without a doubt intimately involved and right now the Elite is trying to track them down and find out their plan."
Ty cocks his head. "I want to help you, Ryan... I can understand your frustration. Give me some time, and I'd be able to get you in under the Elite radar. But first I gotta know... in light of this new information... do you still want to find him?"
"Few years from now, we'll look back on this and laugh about how our vacation was ruined by this silly thing again." He wriggles her hand. "You should make time to be with your family like you planned. I'll be okay here."
Sweeping the main floor, Ty had his headphones on and wasn't paying a whole lot of attention when Ryan approaches. Startled, he takes off his headphones and looks at her with surprise. It wasn't usual that someone appeared here at this time of night. Hal must have seen her on the security cameras, but she wasn't anyone they needed to be on alert for.
Ty nods that she got his name right. "Yeah. I remember you." He was a little leery at this point. No one ever came to see him. As she stands back and studies him for a moment, he looks her straight in the eye, unafraid while anyone was on his turf. There was something odd in her eye... he wasn't quite sure what it was, but he could imagine she was going through a little bit right now with the whole Alec thing.
Even though his mind did think of Alec, Ty is still surprised at Ryan's request. Putting aside his broom and setting his glasses up on his head, he folds his arms, his turn to study her. He'd helped people before - sometimes to his demise. What Ryan was asking was pretty serious - Ty's first responsibility would be to report it. The Agency was nothing to play around with and Reese would have a cow if he knew Ty helped Ryan get in. On the other hand, Ty couldn't blame her for wanting to find out more. Unfortunately, he knew that she probably didn't yet know the latest.
"First off, just so you know, Reese is looking into things and trying to get Alec back. They're not just letting him go and washing their hands of him." He shrugs. "They don't want him leaking information, first off, but if you knew Reese, you'd know he cares and wants to find out what really went wrong. Second..."
He pauses and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He knows he shouldn't be the person telling Ryan this. She probably shouldn't know any of this at all - for that, he could get into trouble. But if it was Libby that had gone off the deep end, he'd want to know, and he wasn't going to keep Ryan in the dark.
"They did find Carson's car this evening, abandoned along a highway. They, um... they know that Alec is traveling with a woman." He searches Ryan's eyes, letting that sink in first. "They think it's someone he was with before, from the Agency." He purses his lips, thinking about which words to choose. "And they do know that... it's not just a business relationship. They're without a doubt intimately involved and right now the Elite is trying to track them down and find out their plan."
Ty cocks his head. "I want to help you, Ryan... I can understand your frustration. Give me some time, and I'd be able to get you in under the Elite radar. But first I gotta know... in light of this new information... do you still want to find him?"
1/23/11
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?"
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.
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.
1/22/11
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."
"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.
"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."
"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."
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."
1/21/11
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.
"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.
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."
"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."
1/20/11
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?"
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?"
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