Questions

Reese's eyes widen as he crosses his arms. Alec? How? Listening more to Ryan, he furrows his brow, confused and annoyed with the whole situation.

"Well first off, it's impossible that it was Alec, and secondly, even if it was and we knew about it, we would certainly not allow it!"

Heading down the hall, he motions for both Eli and Ryan to follow him. "Come on. I'll show you." Hal had been watching the monitors last night, and the tracers were always played back later to ensure nothing had happened. Reese had heard nothing from Hal, which meant nothing had happened.

"Hey, Hal? We need a minute."

Hal swivels in his chair in the control room and looks with curiosity at the small group. "Eli... Ryan..."

Eli simply nods.

"Last night - Alec." Reese points to the computer monitors. "Where was he?"

Hal quirks an eyebrow, confused, but checks anyway. He gestures to the screen which showed a minute-by-minute scan of Alec's whereabouts that could be printed if so desired. "He was in his apartment." His finger follows the timeline. "All night."

Reese looks back to Eli and Ryan. "I don't know what's going on here, but our equipment has not been proven to be faulty so far. Alec went to work this morning and we saw his every move. It was not a tracing failure, and he cannot remove his ankle bracelet without us being very blatantly warned."

Eli scowls, setting his hands on his hips. He looks at his sister, not questioning her own statements, but rather Tal's. "Could he have been wrong? Was it dark? Is he positive it was Alec?"


Tal tries to keep his head as still as possible, glad the side of his face was numb now but still feeling the pain of stitches. With Rick and Misty hovering over him as he lay on the table, he was feeling rather embarrassed about this whole thing and being the center of attention. He was grateful... just not quite sure how to feel.

Rick cleans off the third and last deep cut on Tal's face, prepping it for Misty to stitch. "Go ahead and finish that up, then I want to get a couple x-rays to see if anything on his spine or ribs is broken."

To anyone

Help Eli with Tal Ryan shuts the door and locks it behind them as they continue to the car. Getting there and sliding into the back Eli didn't have to tell her twice as she gentile put Tal's head in her lap and took his hand.

Feeling his hand tighten around her with every little bump Ryan new how much pain Tal really was in more than just looking at him. With every bump it hurt her a little more and a little more. She didn't understand how anyone could do this to another person. It only fed her anger even more.

Once inside Ryan dosnt leave Tal's side as Rick checks him over. She offers him a soft smile though her anger was still under the skin with every wince Tal made it only made it grow more and more. Looking up as Reese enters the room Ryan gives Tal's hand a gentile back before letting it go.

"I wont be far. I've just got to talk to Reese with Eli for a second...ok?"

Leaving Tal's side and going with her brother outside Ryan let her anger now show on he face. Reese had said he made it so if Alec went anywhere other than were they wanted than why had they not known Alec was at Tal's, why didn't someone come and stop.

"It was Alec! Tal said he broke into his house and told him to stay away from me or he was going to get worse next time than he did this time."

Ryan was trying not to let herself get anymore upset than she already was but she just couldn't help it. The more she talked about it the more her anger grey and the more it hurt her.

"He can't get away with this. He could of killed Tal Reese, and if there is a next time he just might. Something has to be done. Alec can't be aloud to do this to anyone."

Responsible

Eli can feel his anger building, but he keeps it under the surface for now. There was no point in losing his temper here when neither Tal or his sister were to blame. But she was right - Alec would pay.

Seeing how distraught Ryan was, Eli's heart aches. It was rare she was this upset, and even rarer that she would allow any tears to show. Reaching out, Eli sets his hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "It'll be okay... somehow... I promise."

In the living room, Tal manages to get himself up and slip on his sneakers. He'd go, but only because he didn't want to cross Eli. Whether anybody knew it or not, besides Ryan, Eli was his best friend. Tal wouldn't force him to drag him to TJY. And at least it was there and not the hospital. He hated hospitals.

Managing to find his keys, wallet and cell phone, the latter two really matter but he never went anywhere without them. Leaning against the wall, he closes his eyes, wanting to just slide down on the floor right here and call it a day. But he knew he couldn't.

A strong arm comes up under his own and he winces before turning to look at Eli, willingly shifting his weight to lean on him. "How bad do I look?"

Eli smirks. "I won't tell you. Come on," With his arm around him, he heads slowly for the door, nodding to Ryan to follow. Once outside and to Tal's car, Eli helps Tal ease into the backseat, though it was obviously painful. "I'll drive. Ryan, you sit in back with him."

The ride to TJY doesn't take long, but it felt like it. With his head in Ryan's lap, Tal felt every little bump in the road. He didn't utter a sound though, keeping the pain to himself. The only signal that it hurt was his grip on Ryan's hand...


..."Gunner?"

Gunner turns from his desk to see Eli and his sister, helping another man down towards the hall. "Whoa. What-"

"Have Reese come to the infirmary," Eli orders.

Gunner's eyebrows rise. "Well what do I-"

"Just do it!"

Gunner blinks as the three pass, but obeys, dialing Reese's office.

Making it slowly down the hall and finally to the infirmary, they push the door open. Tal is about ready to collapse, leaning more heavily on Eli with each step.

Rick turns from the counter, his eyes going wide. "Eli?"

Tal finds it rather strange that people around here knew Eli that well. He knew that Eli had kept an eye on Alec for them a while back but... was that really all there was to it? He sure knew his way around here well.

Eli nods to Rick. "Doc. This is Tal. You know Ryan."

"I do." Rick is quick to approach, gesturing to the table where Tal can lie down. "What happened?"

"He got beat up last night."

Rick immediately starts checking Tal over. "Why didn't you take him to the hospital?"

"Long story."

Poked and prodded, Tal winces, hating every moment. When Rick tries to roll him onto his back though, he stifles a cry of pain.

Rick wastes no time in pulling up the back of Tal's shirt.

Eli turns away for a moment, closing his eyes to maintain his composure. Did Alec know what he'd done? Had he been so vicious to harm someone to this degree on purpose? It made him sick.

Rick cringes at the sight of huge bruises on Tal's back. There was obvious swelling as well, but it was what was deeper that Rick was concerned about. Someone had done a good job with what he guessed to be hefty kicks. "Alright, stay on your side, it's okay." He turns to Eli and Ryan again. "This is going to take a little while to get him cleaned up and to check everything. You're welcome to-"

"What is going on?" Reese enters the infirmary, stopping short at the scene.

Eli swings around and immediately his temper flares. Stalking up to Reese, he stops only inches from him, just tall enough to look down into his eyes with a glare. "So much for keeping your dog on a leash," he hisses. "I hold you partially responsible for this."

"Whoa, whoa." Reese holds up his hands. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Can we-"

"Would you please take your conversation elsewhere?" Rick didn't mean to snap, but this was hard enough without an argument going on behind him.

Reese looks between Eli and Ryan and nods to the hallway. "Please explain what happened. Out here."

Once in the hallway with the infirmary door closed, Eli tosses his sister a look. "Go ahead. You know more than me."

Not Fair

Coming back to Tal once she was off the phone Ryan places a fresh cloth on his face. She new Eli would come and he would make Tal go get looked at. If she wasn't so angry she could of done it herself but she felt to horrible for many different reasons right now.

As Eli comes into the apartment Ryan stands. She didn't have to say anything yet as Eli talked to Tal and made him go with them. One way or another he was going Ryan just hopped it would be with his own free will.

Getting pulled into the hallway Ryan looks up at her brother her eyes still a blaze but also the look of sadness, and pure terror in them for Tal's own safety.

"Tal said Alec wanted him to stay away from me and thats why he did it. My guess would be he though if he beat Tal up enough it would scare him away and than he could get me back. But he's very wrong, I can't stand him even more now than I did before."

Ryan's hands clenched at her sides. She couldn't remember the last time she was this mad. It had been a very very long time and she wished she'd never had, had to have thing anger come out again but this...Tal he was someone she loved, part of her family and someone had hurt him.

"Alec can't get away with this Eli, he just can't. Tal is lucky to be alive in there let alone the wounds we can't see. I don't know what the heck is wrong with Alec's head."

Looking back into the living room Ryan can feel a hold tear run down her cheek as she looks at Tal. This wasn't fair, it wasn't right and he shouldn't have had to go through this. He'd done nothing wrong. It had been Alec that was wrong, about everything and with everything he did. So why did Tal have to pay?

Why

Eli didn't usually keep his phone on him at work, but today he had, hoping he'd hear from Ryan about Tal. His friend's lack of communication this morning was a bit worrisome, though Eli figured there must be a good explanation.

Feeling his pocket vibrating, he sets down his tools and answers it quickly, covering his other ear to keep out the loud sounds of the shop. "Yeah? Ryan? What's up?"

Hearing her tone, a chill runs down Eli's spine. She was angry, and he could tell. But why would she want to kill Alec? And why did she want Tal to go to TJY? It didn't make any sense. Unless...
His heart skips a beat. Had Alec done something to Tal? There were too many questions to ask over the phone.

"Okay, I'm on my way. Sit tight and don't do anything stupid, whatever you do." He still had no clue what was going on, but he knew his sister - the same blood that flowed through his veins flowed through her too, and once a McKade was angry, it was awfully hard to keep a lid on it.

Heading out of the garage, he clocks out immediately, still talking on his phone. "I'm leaving right now. Be there in ten minutes."

....Arriving on his bike, Eli is quick to dismount and head to Tal's apartment. He doesn't bother knocking. Getting inside, it only takes one sweeping glance to notice Tal lying on the couch. And even from here, it was obvious that he was in bad shape.

"Have mercy..." Eli approaches quickly, taking a knee next to the couch. "Holy cow, Tal... what bus ran you over?"

Tal pries open his eye enough to give Eli a withering look. "Funny."

"No it's not." Eli removes the cloth Tal had been holding and forces Tal to turn his face for Eli to see. "You need help."

"No..."

Eli gets to his feet and gives Ryan a look that was angry, worried and determined all in one. Looking back at Tal, he sets his hands on his hips. "You're in no shape to argue. Even if you try, all I gotta do is pick you up and carry you and there's nothing you can do about it. So get up, get whatever you need and we're going to the Elite infirmary."

Grabbing Ryan's arm, he drags her into the hallway, leaving Tal to make up his mind. "Alec did that?" he hisses. "Why?"

Rage!

Hearing that it was Alec anger burns even more through Ryan. Did her really think this would get her back? Did Alec really think this would cause her to love him again? He was wrong because all it was doing was confirming why she didn't want to be with him anymore. That the choose she'd made was the right one.

"One good hit is better than no good hit specially when it comes to someone like Alec. I hope Trey your not going to listen to him."

Ryan turns her head a little bit. She new her gaze held a fire that maybe Tal had never seen before but it was not for him. She held compassion, love and worry that he would be ok. The anger, that McKade fire was for Alec, that dangerous flam burned so bright she wished she could just smash a hole into him and if she was to see him she new she would do it.

"Wait here ok, I am going to go see if I can get you some more ice. I need to call Eli too, to let him know your ok. When you didn't show up this morning I had called him to see if he saw you."

Letting go of Tal's hand Ryan goes to the kitchen and leans against the counter for a moment before bringing her fist to it in a swift punch that sent its own wave of pain through her arm.

Finally pulling out phone and dialing Eli Ryan paces the kitchen waiting for him to pick up. When he finally does Ryan can't help the growl she lets out thinking she had waited to long already.

"Eli I need you to come over to Tal's apartment right now. If you don't your going to be less one sister because I killed Alec. I also need to try and get Tal to go to TJY to get looked at and he wont come with you. I know you can convince him. Please come and hurry."

Yeah

Tal should have known better than to think Ryan couldn't guess who his attacker had been. Right about now, he'd like to get up, growl a little, pace and hit something. But he hurt too much to even move, let alone get up. And all it did was feed his frustration.

His one eye stares at his hand that was held for several moments before finally daring to look up into Ryan's gaze. She was so worried... In a strange sort of way, it felt good, knowing that she cared that much about him to be that worried. But her worry changed nothing. The fact of the matter was that he'd been beat up by some jealous bully and Ryan knew exactly who it was.

He finally nods slowly. He was a horrible liar to begin with - he might as well not even try. "Yeah... yeah, it was him. He, um..." He moves his thumb to rub Ryan's hand. "He wanted me to stay away from you."

He gives a quiet scoff. "I never even saw him coming. I got off one good..." He pauses as a new wave of pain rushes through him. "...one good shot and that was it. So much for... being able to handle myself."

Was it...

Continuing to look at Tal Ryan's heart ached for him. It hurt her so much to see him in so much pain. Someone who wanted to get back at him? There was only one name that came to mind for that. Tal wasn't a person who had to many enemys.

"Who would want to get back at you Tal? It was Alec it wasn't it?"

Ryan softly takes Tal's hand in her own. Cocking her head a little more to look at him she almost wanted to cry for Tal. Just seeing him like this was so hard.

"Tal you have to tell me. We can't let him get away with this. Was it Alec Tal?"

Bad liar

Tal doesn't like the idea of going anywhere, and his expression showed it. "It'll be fine," he mumbles. "Please... I don't... don't wanna go anywhere." All he wanted was some more pain killers, but he'd already reached his max dose and didn't dare take any more yet.

Ryan's adamant question causes him to look away again. Closing his eyes, he swallows. Even that hurt. "I dunno... it was dark... I guess it was just somebody who wanted-" A muscle spasm in his back causes him to suck in a sharp breath. "...wanted to get back at me for... for something."

Feeling a little trickle down his cheek, he realizes the movement of talking must have disturbed one of the cuts, causing it to bleed again. Reaching to the table, he grabs one of the cloths he'd used earlier, and holds it lightly to his face.

Who

Watching Tal as he talked, moved, walked and sat down she could tell Tal was far from ok. He was injored pretty bad and he needed medical attachen and Ryan new it.

Following Tal into the living room Ryan sits down on the table in front of Tal. Her heart raced and her anger rawred for whoever had done this to Tal. He was one of the nicest, sweetest people in the world who wouldn't hurt a fly.

"Tal your not ok. You can hardly sit without being in pain. Not to mention a bunch of the gashes on your face are going to need stitches or your going to have scars. Not to mention the stuff we can't see. I just want to take you some where to get looked at..."

Hearing Tal once again mention someone had broken in Ryan takes a quick look around the room. It didn't look like anything was disturbed or stolen. So why would someone break in, beat up Tal and not take anything. A sicking feeling hit's Ryan's gut as she squints a little. She hopped she was wrong.

"Who was it that broken in Tal? You had to have known his voice, or at least from what he said he wanted? How would ever want to hurt you? That makes no sense. Tal you need to tell me who it was!!!"

Fine

Tal inwardly cringes at Ryan's reaction. It could have been worse, though, right? Slowly closing the door again, he shakes his head....slightly.

"No..." He hadn't spoken a word in the last few hours and only now does he realize how much it hurts is jaw and face to talk. "I'm... I'm fine." Maybe it was a good thing he hadn't talked to her on the phone - his slurred speech made it sound like he was drunk, not hurt.

Finally catching her eye, he feels the stupidity he knew would come. He'd been beaten up in his own home. What kind of a wimp did that make him?

Saying nothing more yet, he slowly shuffles back to the couch, easing down carefully. He winces. No... sitting didn't feel good. It hurt his back too much. Sliding back down onto his side, it felt a little better.

"It was just some guy," he mumbles. "Broke in last night... I'm fine... really..."

Head On

Still standing at the door Ryan feel a wave of releaf wash over her as she hears the door unlock. Tal was there and he was ok, but that just leads to a whole another group of questions. Maybe Tal forgot about breakfast? That would of been odd though they had been doing breakfast quite often lately it really was almost normal now. Maybe he over slept?

"What did you're alarm not go off or did you just want to blow me off this..."

Ryan's voice trails off and the smile quickly fades from her face as Tal opens the door all the way and she takes one look at his face. Stepping inside she can feel her heart start to race all over again it looked like he had been hit head on by a car and it frightened Ryan wondering if it was really as bad as it looked.

"Oh my goodness Tal...What happened? Are you ok? Do you need to go to the Hospital, please tell what what happened?"

Taking the hair tie from her wrist Ryan quickly puts her hair in a pony tail to get it out of her face. Bending down a little to get a better look at Tal's face it looked like he needed stichs in a few places, and to tick his head on the freezer for others. It was really bad.

Stupid

Tal pries open his one eye, hearing Holly whine. His pulse quickens as for a moment, fear reenters his veins. He'd just dozed off... how long had he been asleep? Why was Holly anxious? Was someone here again?

Lying still, he hears Ryan's knock, not realizing she'd already been knocking for several minutes. Although her muffled voice sounded worried, Tal was somewhat relieved it was only her. Of course... that presented a whole new set of problems.

Setting aside the ice pack, he swings his legs off the couch, stifling a groan. His back hurt so bad, as did his ribs. Managing to stand, he keeps one arm around himself, but forces his body to straighten up. trudging to the door, his bare feet scuff the carpet. He was in his ratty jeans and t-shirt... hardly dressed in a fashion fit for company. But it wouldn't matter anyway.

Reaching the door, he slowly unlocks it. He'd been stupid. He should have answered his phone. He should have done something. Anything. Now he'd worried Ryan and had to face her instead of just telling her he wasn't feeling well. Why hadn't he thought of something better than this?

Swallowing hard, he musters up the nerve to open the door... slowly... partway... all the way. His gaze, however, remains glued to the floor. It would take just one look to see the damage on his face and he knew it. There was no hiding it. Stepping back so Ryan can come in, he still doesn't look up at her.

Heartbeat

"Alright Eli thanks. Yeah I'll let you know whats going on if I find anything out. Thanks, later."

Hanging up the phone with Eli and putting out of her parking lot Ryan's heart thumped in her chest. It was confirmed through her brother that Tal had not shown up at work today, nor had he showed up for breakfest before work with Ryan today. Now he was also not even picking up his phone. It made Ryan worry because it was not like Tal at all. Her next option now was going over to his place.

A few minutes later Ryan pulls into Tal's driveway. Seeing his car parked in the parking lot she found it a little odd. No lights were on in the house by why would his car be here if he wasn't? Ryan could feel her heart start to race even more. Had something happened? Was he ok? Many questions entered her mind.

Getting out and quickly walking to the door Ryan knocks. Getting no answer she trys to look in the window on the door, and than the window by the door. But the shades were drawn and it was dark. Knocking again a little louder Ryan just wanted Tal to answer to know he was alive.

"Tal, are you there? Come on...You're worrying me."

Michaela liked listing to Rocky talk about his day. To some people it might bore them but not to her. She liked knowing what was going on in someone elses life and it was nice not to have to talk about school work at the same time.

"You're going to have to let me know when you consort is. I really would love to go and watch you guys place. It's usually for a good cause you guys use the money for too so I don't mind helping in that way either as long as I have the extra."

Leaning forward on the table again Michaela pushed a lost strand of hair behind her head as she grins a little bit her eyes giving a silly little twinkle.

"But if I go I have to get your autograph. Might be worth something someday you know."

Attack

"Rocky's world..." Rocky chuckles. "Oh, it's as interesting as normal. Which isn't saying much." He shrugs. "Got a concert coming up. First one Cryptic has had in a while. I think we're all half wanting things to pick back up again and half enjoying a normal life. As long as we still got locals who want to hear us, I guess that's alright."

His fingers fiddle with the salt shaker. "And work is... well, it's work." Actually, it had been quite hectic lately. He'd had to take over a different delivery route which meant longer hours and less time at home or with the band. But he had to pay his bills.

What else to talk about? Studying Michaela's face, he notices the sunshine coming through the window and caressing her cheeks in a gentle glow while bouncing off her eyes. His smile softens. "I guess... that's about it."


Alec chews on the inside of his lip, thinking about how much time he'd need. He'd wanted more than an hour, but he was already pushing it by contacting Trey this late. He'd make it work.

"An hour is fine. Your smokes will be brought at midnight and left around back by the dumpster for you to find."

He pauses, looking over his shoulder at the apartment parking lot. "If you can't get the job done, call 555-0382 by one-thirty. That's the pay phone I'm using. Otherwise, I'll assume we're good to go." He thinks for another moment. "If it falls through and they catch me... you're going down too. Just remember that."

Ending the call, Alec heads inside and up to his apartment. He could take a cat nap and rest for a while, but he was too hyped up for that. No, he would think. He would plan. And at two o'clock, he'd be leaving...


Tal laughs. "Yeah, he'll be surprised all right. If he complains though, just tell him that you got the house training covered - tell him you've had plenty of experience training him, so he needn't worry about a puppy."

His eyes twinkle with humor and he gives Ryan another quick kiss.

"Are we ready to order?"

Tal's face reddens slightly, but his grin remains, even though he know the waiter had caught them. "Um yes... I believe we are..."

...The whole evening had been as close to perfect as ever. Tal stretches and yawns, shutting off the kitchen light after checking on Holly and the puppies one last time. After dinner, Ryan had come over and they'd had an absolute ball playing with the puppies. They'd talked and laughed and had totally lost track of time.

Ryan had picked out which pup she wanted - it was the special one of the litter - the only one with a white marking. It had also been rather rambunctious and seemed to take to Ryan more than any of the others. The only other oddball was the runt, and Tal wasn't sure if it would have problems later or not after its rough beginning. He also didn't know if his buyer would want that one or not. He'd have to wait and see. Though the runt was cute, he was just glad that Ryan had chosen the one she had - it would be easy to remember and would always be identifiable by its markings. Ryan had been so excited too... the whole thing was worth it just to see her face light up like it had.

Yes... the evening had been perfect. Tal shuts off the rest of the lights and flops down on the couch, turning on the television. He didn't have to be to work until noon tomorrow, and though exhausted right now, his mind was still very much awake. If he could fall asleep to a late night show, he'd be able to rest...

Alec approaches Tal's door quietly, having avoided being seen thus far. He'd had someone deliver the cigarettes to Trey at midnight and had not received a phone call, so he hoped everything was set. If not, he was dead meat. But if it worked out... then this would send his message loud and clear that he was not to be forgotten or replaced.

He reaches for the door handle and isn't surprised to find it locked. Fishing a small tool from his pocket, he knew he'd be inside within seconds.

Tal's eyes flutter open. He'd finally fallen asleep on the couch and the television was still droning on with the volume set at a quiet level. What had woken him?

Holly's low growl comes from the kitchen and Tal is immediately on edge. His dog rarely growled or barked at nothing. Sitting up, he listens carefully over the television but heard nothing. As Holly insists something is wrong, Tal finally stands up and aims for the kitchen to check on the pups. His timing couldn't have been worse.

As soon as Alec has the door unlocked, he opens it a crack and is surprised to see Tal moving about by the light of the television. Though it changed things a little, it wouldn't ruin the end result.

Turning on the light in the kitchen, Tal looks around and reaches over the child gate to pat Holly's head. "What's wrong, huh? I don't see or hear anything."

Holly bristles even more and her growl becomes a vicious bark with her teeth barred as she stares behind her master.

Tal whirls around, completely unprepared for the fist that meets his mouth. He's hit with such force that he stumbles back into the wall, sinking to the floor. Dazed, he tries to get past the pain in his jaw to see what was going on, but for several seconds, everything spins. He hears Holly growl again, someone wail in pain, then a sharp whimper and dull thud. Fear grips him as his heart races. Regaining his senses, he shakes his head and pulls himself to his feet just in time to receive a kick to the gut. Brought to his knees, he swings blindly at his attacker, only to have his face struck with the hard knuckles again.

"Who are you?" he demands, gasping for breath and now on his hands and knees. "What do you want?!"

Alec glares down at his prey, landing another hard kick to Tal's gut - hard enough to send him reeling back on the floor. Pouncing, he sits atop Tal's gut, pinning him down. "I want you gone," he hisses.

Tal struggles under the weight, trying to see his assailant was, but it was difficult with only dim lighting. The man was dressed all in black, his face hidden in in dark combat makeup. Was this a robbery gone wrong? Was this a personal attack? What? Who? Why? Tal bucks his hips and rolls, gaining the upper hand long enough to land a hit to the attacker's jaw. It lasts only a moment though before he's on his back again with several hard punches to his face. The taste of blood floods his mouth and his eye stings to the point he cannot open it. "Who are you?" he wheezes.

"Your worst enemy," Alec growls. "What you get tonight is nothing compared to what you'll get if you don't stay away from Ryan."

A cold chill runs down Tal's spine. Alec. "You swine!" He swings at Alec's face but misses, resulting in a crushing blow to his ribs. Crying out in pain, he's released and doubles over on the floor.

He wouldn't remember much after that. Everything was a blur...

...Tal finds himself surrounded by quiet darkness. Swallowing hard, he tries to get his bearings. The feeling of carpet brushes his face and he realizes he's still on the living room floor. Rolling onto his side, he yelps and abandons the effort for a moment. Rolling the other way, he succeeds in getting to his hands and knees. The kitchen light was off and so was the television.

Crawling forward, he gropes for the lamp by the couch, accidentally knocking it onto the floor. After fumbling for a few more moments, he finally gets it upright and turned on. His head and face were throbbing as was his ribcage. He squints around the room, his left eye not wanting to open all the way.

Spotting a still black form by the kitchen, his heart leaps into his throat. "Aw no... no... Holly?"

Crawling over to her, he kneels, forgetting his own pain for now. Running his hand along her head and neck, he croons to her, tears filling his eyes. "Holly... c'mon, Babe... please..." His voice cracks. "Please be okay..."

Holly's eyes flutter open and she gives a start, but relaxes under Tal's hands. Looking around for a moment, she rights herself and stands, unbalanced for only a few seconds. Relief sweeps through Tal's veins. She must have hit the wall and been knocked out, but she seemed to be alright. He runs his hands all down her back and over her sides, finding a tender spot along her ribs where she might have been kicked, but nothing seemed to be broken.

Sliding to the kitchen doorway, Tal opens the gate and coaxes Holly back inside to be with her pups before latching the gate again. Sitting on the floor, he realizes just how much everything really did hurt. Finally pulling himself up on his feet, he bends, cradling his ribs. The room spun and he leans against the wall until he can regain his balance and make his way to the bathroom...

...It was nearing ten o'clock. The phone had rung five times. Tal knew it was Ryan. He was supposed to meet her for breakfast this morning but he hadn't dared leave his apartment. She was probably worried about him by now. He should have answered his phone. But he still didn't know what he was going to tell her.

Lying on his side on the couch, he didn't try to move. Half his face was purple and swollen, along with his left eye that now he couldn't even open. He had several bruised ribs, if none were broken, and his back was too sore to even lay on it. He'd managed to get a glimpse of his back in the mirror and it was plenty black and blue as well - probably from Alec's motorcycle boots.

First aid paraphernalia was spread out on the cluttered coffee table. Bandages, bloody washcloths and more. Setting a cold icepack on his face, Tal winces but keeps it there, trying to get the swelling down. What was he going to tell Ryan? He was so very angry. Alec's actions were childish and cruel. Tal knew Ryan would feel badly though, and he didn't want that. He didn't want her to feel like she was the cause. And, selfishly, he didn't want her to know he'd been unable to handle Alec. No... he didn't know how he was going to tell her.

He glances to the phone. If Ryan called again, he'd need to talk to her or else she'd show up at his door and he'd never be able to hide any of this.


Alec stares himself in the cracked mirror of his tiny bathroom. His eyes scowled back at him. He felt no better now than he had last night. Maybe even worse.

Scoffing at himself, he throws some water on his face and dries with a towel. Checking out the bite mark on his arm, he covers it with a bandage and pulls his sleeve down over it. Nobody would know. There would be no proof. It had gone without a hitch. So why...

He looks at himself again. So why was he not feeling good about it all?

Rocky World

"Oh I'm doing pretty good. Had a bit of a rough patch there for a little while but I got through it."

Smile at Rocky Michaela leans back again as she lets out a small sigh. Over the last month things had been a little rougher with money. Not as many people needed tutoring, and that made the money coming in a little less too. Now things had started picking up again she would be alright.

"The turkey on a bagel is good here. I personaly love the Turkey on a wheat roll with sharp cheddar cheese. They usally know that when they see me."

Michaela gives a little laugh her eyes twinkling.

"So how about you? How's Rocky's world?"

Pulling away and grabbing her glass of water Ryan takes a long sip from the straw the smile still spread across her lips. She ran through her head all the puppy's Tal had and what one she would want. She'd have to go there again and look at them, play with them and just see what one she wanted.

"That sounds great. Boy is Eli going to be surprised when he comes home to find a dog in the house one night."

Taking Tal's hand in her own Ryan gives it a squeeze as she smile couldn't fade. She felt so happy in this moment. All the bad had been washed away and right here and now was...perfect.

Picking up his phone and hearing Alec's voice on the other end Trey leans against his wall. He wondered when Alec would been calling and he's been waiting. Hearing his request Trey thinks for a long moment. It was late notice but Trey could still figure it out.

"Bring the smokes to me tonight, Late notice for me, a little inconvenience for you. I can get that done for you at two."

Trey thinks for a long moment running through his head when rounds where and how much time there would be in between and everything else.

"You'll have till three to get back before they know your gone. Will that be enough time or am I gonna have to do a little more finagling?"

Tonight

Scott gives a quiet little laugh. "Ditto."

Sighing, he looks around one last time. "Well... I guess I better let you get back to work. I'll um... I'll be around."


Rocky gives Michaela a wide grin and sets his menu down. "Yeah, well ya know... someone said they were gonna come here for lunch with me today."

Laughing, he shakes his head. "I've actually never been here before. I like it. Cute. Not to mention, their turkey bagel sounds really good."

He leans forward with his elbows on the table and just looks at Michaela's face. "So... how've you been anyway?"


Tal had expected Ryan to be pleased, but had not been prepared for quite that big of a reaction, and his eyes go wide. "Yes, I- mmm..." Caught in her kiss, he leaves his sentence hanging as he willingly returns the gesture. Laughing as she cuddles into him, he slips his arm around her, giving her a hug.

"I take it you like it then?" He laughs again and cocks his head down to see her face that was half-buried against him. "I've been planning this for ages, you know. Soon as I found out you could have a dog at your apartment."

Kissing the top of her head, he squeezes her again. "You're very welcome. You can come pick out who you want, then in just a few more weeks or so, you can take it home."


Still listening, Alec's napkin had become a pile of shreds on the table. The rest of his food was forgotten as his stomach churned. He could hear everything going on behind him. He could visualize it all, knowing from the sounds and the booth jostling that Ryan had very enthusiastically accepted Tal's gift. Knowing they'd just kissed too though... that's what sent Alec's blood to the point of boiling.

He couldn't stand it. He couldn't sit here for who knows how long and listen to all of that. Ryan had been his. He'd been hers. He'd been the one allowed to kiss her... hold her. He'd been the one she'd been excited to see. He'd been the one spending the evenings with her and cuddling on the couch until they fell asleep. It had been him. And now... he was forgotten. He didn't matter anymore. All their good times... it was all lost in the wind. Everything they'd said and done... it was fading history. He meant nothing to her anymore.

Alec's eyes shoot to the back of the diner. There was an exit sign above a door that probably led out into the back alley. If he was careful, he could slip outside without being seen. He couldn't stay here any longer. Swallowing the growing lump in his throat, he quietly eases from his booth without turning around and heads to the back, going unnoticed by any other customers.

It took him a while to get back to his apartment, but when he did, he stopped by the pay phone first. "Trey? It's Alec. I know it's short notice, but can you do that favor for me tonight?" His fingers curl around the phone cord as he stuffs his hurt down deep and lets himself be angry instead. "I got your smokes and can get them to you tonight if you want payment first. I need to look as though I'm at my apartment at about two in the morning for an hour and a half. Can you do it?"

Dull Moment

Dalton gives a smile to Scott. He new Scott had been hurt and had a right to have been angry at him He couldn't hold that against him. Giving Scott a nod anyways Dalton new it would make Scott feel better not to have him protest.

"You are forgiven and very welcome. There is no way I could even think about replacing you. Your one of a kind and I love ya for that."

Entering the Cafe and scanning the room Michaela giving a smile and wave to the younger man behind the counter. She had been here many times before with some of the people she tutored. It was quiet, they had good stuff to drink and it didn't cost a lot.

Seeing Rocky sitting at one of the far tables she walks over and slides in across from him giving a smile. She didn't need a menu she already new what she would get without even looking.

"Well howdy stranger! Fancy meeting you here."

Michaela gives a grin as she leaned on the table a few stray strange of hair falling in her face. She was happy that Rocky and herself were able to finally come up with a time to meet up again. It was nice to chat with a friend and just share some fellowship.

Entering the dinner and sitting down with Tal Ryan can't help but laugh picturing everything Tal was talking with Eli. It was all to funny that she couldn't help that her laughter was loud. Spending time with Tal had become more and more and Ryan loved every moment. It was getting to the point that if one was around than the other was close by too.

"Thats my brother never a dull moment."

Looking down at the menu Ryan tried to deiced what she wants to eat. There were always so many things to choose from she had a hard time picking. All was last though as Tal's next comment follows. Ryan's head shoots up and her eyes go wide for a moment as she looks at Tal. A puppy, she could pick out a puppy, anyone she wanted...one for her very own. She's always wanted a dog and never dreamed Tal would give her one.

"You really mean it?"

Not being able to contain the squiel Ryan gets out from the both and goes over next to Tal throwing her arms around him and planting a big kiss on his lips before nuzzling her head into his neck. She felt like a little kid all over again being able to FINALLY have the pet she always wanted. Ryan was so happy, so excited she just couldn't wait.

"Oh Tal...I...thank you...thank you so much. This is the best gift ever."

Feeling

Scott nods slowly, knowing that Dalton was right. He did need to take things slow. Just because he was out of Brookshire didn't mean he was perfect, and the last thing he wanted was a relapse.

"Yeah... you're right. I guess I just want to feel settled again... and it's going to take longer than I wanted." He sighs and looks around the office once more before his gaze lands back on his friend again.

"Thanks for, um... for keeping my place here open and... and still being my friend... after I treated you so poorly. I'm... I'm sorry."


Rocky enters the quaint little cafe and scans the room before noting that he'd beat Michaela here. Finding a waiter, he asks if it's okay if he takes the table for two by the window.

Getting seated, he puts his sunglasses up on his head and checks out one of the menus. He'd never been to the Tea Cup before, nor was he sure if he ever would have just stopped in by himself. It was kind of cute though, and it looked like they had some good sandwiches.


"...so then your brother dropped the toolbox and scared everybody half to death." Tal was still laughing as he opens the door for Ryan at the little diner. He rolls his eyes. "It was not our day. But... now I get to spend the evening with someone much prettier than Eli."

Taking her hand and heading for a nearby booth, he slides in across from her. It wasn't exactly an extravagant location, but it was good enough, and Eli and Scarlet were occupying the apartment tonight, so Tal had promised he'd keep Ryan out late.

Browsing a menu, Tal's mind wasn't only on food though. "So... after this, maybe a movie? Or my place?" An odd twinkle lights his eyes as he keeps his sights on the list of food options. He hadn't said anything to Ryan about this yet, but he'd been planning it for a while now. There were just a few more weeks left, so the timing was good. He just hoped she'd take him up on the surprise. "You still have to come over and pick out which puppy you want."


Alec's ears perk and he lifts his head as he recognizes familiar voices. Remaining seated in his booth, his grip on his napkin tightens. They were sitting right behind him. Both of them. Ryan and Tal. He'd come in here this evening for a quiet bite to eat with a few spare bucks, and now he had to be sitting behind the one person he wanted, and the one person he hated. Great.

Scowling, he nibbles on another french fry, opting to just stay put. He'd rather they not know he was here, and... it might be interesting to hear what was going on in their world anyway.


Jason pulls his pickup to the curb and cuts the engine. He hadn't been out and about too much lately - recovering and taking it easy seemed to be all he was doing, but he was starting to go stir crazy. Just wanting to get out and do something different, he'd taken a drive through town. Coming across the hair stylist shop, it had reminded him that he'd wanted to get a haircut for weeks now and needed it badly at this point.

Exiting the truck and giving his knee a moment to stretch out, he then locks everything before heading inside while favoring his right leg. Entering the shop, he has to squint a little to let his eyes adjust after being out in the sun.

"Hello."

He turns to the smiling middle-aged woman at the main counter, and nods his greeting. He hadn't been here before. He usually let Jen cut his hair or went to another shop that had closed a couple months prior. "Hi. Do you take walk-ins?"

"We sure do. What do you need?"

"Just a cut." Jason runs a hand through his thick hair. "Something with less shag than this."

The woman chuckles. "That, we can do. We'll have an opening in about five minutes if you want."

"Sounds great." Directed to the little waiting area, Jason hangs up his leather jacket and lowers himself into one of the chairs, leaning back to wait. Getting his hair cut wasn't exactly something fun, but at least he wasn't cooped up at home or at the office. It was a good distraction for a little while anyway.

"Okay, you can come over now."

Waved to one of the stations, Jason gets up again and ambles over to the chair. It's the woman at the desk who gets him settled. "Someone will be right with you," she informs.

Swiveling a little as he waits, Jason looks at himself in the mirror, wondering how many people noticed his scar. Was that a gray hair on his head? He squints a little.

"Good afternoon," a cheerful voice greets. A young woman with short reddish brown hair approaches, her eyes down as she fiddles with scissors and combs in her apron. "How are we today?"

"Fine, thanks." Jason settles back, waiting to be asked how he wanted his hair cut, but when the silence lingers, he looks back to the woman again. He finds her staring at him with wide eyes. Speaking of his scar... "You okay?"

She recoils slightly. "Jason?"

He studies her more closely. "Yeah...?"

Her eyes brighten as she smiles. "Oh my goodness. You don't remember me, do you?"

He tries hard for a moment, not having a clue. He knew a lot of people from a lot of different places. Then it hits him. "Sandy? Sandy......Morris?"

"Well, I'll be. You do remember." She laughs and gives his arm a little nudge. "Long time no see! How have you been?!"

Jason grins, still a little stunned. He hadn't seen Sandy since high school. "I've been okay." He rolls his eyes. "The way my life is, if I'm alive and walking, I'm doing great. And you? I didn't even know you were still living here."

"I wasn't for a while. Moved with my parents right after graduation, then I went to beauty school. Wound up back here though - I guess I'll always be a homebody."

Jason smirks. "I'm still here too, ya know."

"Oh, and you don't want to be labeled as a homebody?" Sandy laughs and swivels Jason around in the chair, looking at him in the mirror. "Don't worry - I would have guessed you were the farthest thing from a homebody anyway."

"And why's that?"

"Well you were never around, you know. I hardly ever got to see you. One minute you'd be in class and the next, you'd be gone. The bell hardly had enough time to cool off and you were out of sight." She thumps the back of his head. "Rumor had it you were with the CIA."

Jason can't help his laugh as he reaches back to swat at her hand. "Close, but no."

"What? Close to the CIA?"

"Well, in a way."

Sandy's eyes widen. "You're not kidding me, are you?"

Jason shakes his head. Pulling aside the cape, he reveals his badge on his belt. "We're the Elite now. Used to work under the law's radar but we eventually developed into a new branch of enforcement."

Sandy's eyes were still wide. "Wow. That's... I mean... in high school? That's what you were doing?"

"Mm-hmm. I was in training for quite a while - wanted to just quit school and work but my mom wouldn't let me."

"So like... undercover, top secret sort of stuff?"

"Yeah, I guess you could say that."

Sandy laughs. "Well, no wonder I couldn't ever find you."

"I didn't think anybody looked for me."

"You kidding? You were only the hottest guy in the school." Sandy rolls her eyes. "All the hotheads, macho guys and fruitloops were always easy to find. You? Never. After graduation, I thought for sure you just dropped off the face of the earth."

Jason can feel a little bit of heat in his face, though his smile remains. He remembered noticing Sandy more than once - especially on days when he'd see her practicing with the other cheerleaders. She was right though - he never did have time to stick around for anything in between or after school. He'd been completely immersed in TJY work. At the time, he'd loved it. Thinking back now, he maybe wished Austin would have let him have half a normal social life. "Yeah well... I guess I kinda did. Didn't think anyone cared, to be honest."

"Really?" Sandy furrows her brow, realizing he was serious. "I wish I woulda known that at the time. I woulda called you instead of waiting for you to call me all the time."

Was she hitting on him? Jason looks up over his shoulder at her, quirking another grin. "Me? Call you? You were so far out of my league I couldn't even see you."

"What?!" Sandy realizes she'd just spoken a bit too loudly and looks around, smiling her apology at the other hair stylists before turning back to Jason. "And what league was that?"

"The whole cheerleader... football... thing." Jason fishes for the right description, but now that he thought about it, it really didn't make much sense anymore. "Well, at the time I remember you being out of my league."

Sandy lifts her eyebrows and leans down closer to his shoulder, lowering her voice. "So you did notice me?"

"I..."

Seeing she'd rendered him speechless, she laughs and straightens again, patting his shoulder. "I'm just giving you a bad time. It's good to see you again, Jase. Before I get fired for yacking though, what is it you want me to do with this good-looking head of hair?"

By the time Jason's hair was cut, he'd relived all of high school, from Mr. Solowski's chemistry lab, to history with sleepy Mrs. Yelts, to the awful grilled cheese sandwiches in the cafeteria on Fridays. Jason hadn't thought about any of it in years, and only now did he realize he really had seen Sandy a lot during classes or in the hall. He'd just been so preoccupied with other things that he'd never taken the time to socialize. It was kind of nice to relive all of that today... to talk about old times and find conversation about something other than Texas or the Elite...

"JetStream? Really? I had no idea!" Sandy runs her fingers through Jason's damp hair one more time, checking for stray long strands. "I remember you being in the school choir and being one of the best but I didn't know you were actually that avid."

Jason shrugs. "I fell in love with the guitar and got some lessons but mostly picked it up on my own. Apparently I get my voice from my father. JetStream needed a lead singer at one point and viola."

"That is way cool. I've heard a song or two on the radio and I've heard about charity concerts and stuff but never had a real reason to go. Now I'm gonna have to."

"We don't have anything lined up for a little while yet but when we do, that'd be great." Jason looks in the mirror and looks at his hair, grinning. "I dare say that's one of the best cuts I've had. Pretty soon you'll be running this place."

Sandy laughs. "I actually do want my own salon sometime. Not sure what God has in mind though. We'll see."

Relieved of the towel and cape, Jason stands up, brushing off his shirt. "Yeah, He's got me baffled on my own future most of the time." Glancing down at Sandy, he catches the peculiar look of amusement on her face. "What?"

"I forgot how tall you were." She grins, her eyes twinkling. "Now I remember why I always thought you should be on the basketball team."

Jason returns the grin and shakes his head. "Me and sports never did get along." He looks over to the counter and sighs. "Guess I better go and let you get to your next waiting customer."

Sandy bites her lip, her expression one of disappointment. "Maybe we can get together sometime?" Seeing some hesitance on his face, she adds more. "You could bring your girlfriend. Or we could even make it a group thing. Will Kampton and Rusty Pultzer would love to see you, too."

Jason can't help a little laugh. He remembered Will - he'd been a nice kid. And Russel, whom everyone called Rusty, wasn't too bad either. He hadn't known them all that well, but if they were half as enthusiastic as Sandy, it might be worth a get-together. He finds himself saying yes. "That sounds good. Um..." Spying a scrap of paper and pen by the mirror, he scribbles down his cell phone number and gives it to her. "Here."

"Oh, cool. Thanks." Sandy tucks the paper in her jeans pocket before sighing but with a smile. "It was great to see you again. I'll call you soon."

Leaving the shop, Jason felt a little... different. Like a little bit of gloom had been lifted. Maybe God had helped him postpone a haircut until today for a reason. Getting into his truck, he just sits for a moment, trying to go through what he was feeling. Was he actually... feeling? It was sort of small... but... but it was definitely there. He'd just had... fun. And it felt... good.

Your time

"Sounds good to me. Take care and see you soon Dylan."

Giving a smile and turning to leave Ashlee gives one last glance over her shoulder before slipping out the door softly shutting it behind her. Walking into the kitchen again Ashlee stops and looks at her mom for a second before going over to her and giving her a big hug.

"Thanks for letting me see Dylan for a little bit."

Stacy wraps her arms around Ashlee and gives a smile. Her daughter was growing up so fast in front of her it was hard to think soon she would be gone. So much time had been gone by. It sometimes felt like just yesterday Stacy had help Ashlee in her arms at the hospital. She sure would miss her.

"You're very welcome sweetheart. I figured right now the best thing for Dylan was to have his friends around. You have a good heart, I new I could trust you to make a judgment call."

Dalton gives a thoughtful not to Scott as he leans forward on his desk. He understood Scott's fear. If he was in his place he might even feel the same way. But Dalton also new about how much Hope cared for Scott and something told him she'd wait forever to him because her heart would never belong to anyone else and she'd never regret a moment.

"Just give you and Hope time. If will go the way God wants it too."

Hearing Scott mention working again a small smile spread across his face. He couldn't wait for when Scott could come back to work. It was always fun when Scott was there. He seemed to fill the down time with challenges to each other and just talking. That was what Dalton missed the most.

"Work will come in time and when it does, your desk is still waiting for you along with your name plates. Take it slow, maybe one day a week or something but only when you think your ready. Don't push to fast were are not going anywhere and will always be waiting. I know Reese will offer your job."

Unsure

Dylan glances down at Ashlee's hand, finding her touch as surprise. She really did care, didn't she? He wasn't sure why. He'd hung out with her a bit... tried to be nice to her too... but why did she feel strongly enough to come see him today? If he were in his shoes, he'd be a bit leery of someone like him after what he'd been into. But not her. He'd suspected she had a bit of a crush on him, but there was more than that to her. She wasn't shallow. No... she was a pretty smart cookie. Maybe her mom had something to do with that.

Looking back up at her, he nods. "Okay." He knew in a couple more days he'd be well enough to get back outside and start trying to rebuild a routine again. A thought strikes him that Ashlee's birthday was supposed to be sometime around here. Had he missed it? He didn't know, but didn't think he should ask.

"I'll see ya around, Ash. Thanks... for coming to see me."


Scott was grateful for Dalton's offer and he knew that probably he'd take him up on it at some point. He wanted to try being alone again. He wanted to give it his best shot. But he also knew that it wasn't going to be easy. He trusted Justin thought, and if he said it was time, then he'd try.

A half a smile emerges and he nods about Hope. "Yeah... I just... she's willing to go slow, but I'm not sure that it's headed to anything more than this," he admits. "I mean... I miss... what we had and all but..."

His face reddens slightly. He hadn't said this to anybody, and his gaze lowers. "But I guess I'm not so sure I'll ever be ready for that again. I just don't want to string her along or... or keep her waiting forever if I'm... if I'm never going to get to that point again."

He bites his lip and dares a look back up to Dalton. "But there's a lot of things I'm not so sure of. Like working." He runs his hand along the desk's edge. "I'm afraid of days of doing nothing. The Elite is... well, they're taking care of me, ya know... since I was on a case when all this started. But I don't wanna get bored. My mind wanders too much."

He eyes the computers. "But I'm not sure I can handle doing anything but nothing."

Proud

Dalton gives a nod as he listens he thought Scott was doing better and maybe being on his own was good. The most important thing though was if Scott could think he could do it. There was a look of determination in his eye now and Dalton new He was going to try his best.

"You might still have somethings to work through but than again we all do too. If you're by yourself Scott and you ever need someone you know you can always call me. Even if its just to sit with you. I don't mind at all. After all your my little buddy and its never a dull moment with you. Who else can I talk computers, and codes with."

Hearing that Scott had been seeing Hope a little a new smile spread across his lips. Even if it was only as friends that was a great start and Dalton was happy that there was still a friendship there. He wondered though if Hope was disappointed there wasn't more there.

"Oh on her end maybe there is a little bit of sadness but I bet thats overruled by the pure joy she has that she gets to at least spend time with you and be friends. Hope's pretty understanding, and I know she cares enough about you to go as slow as you need again."

Dalton offers a smile to Scott and gives a small nod. He new maybe it was hard for him but Dalton new everything would work out. They had so far and now Scott was here and doing a little better than he was for sure.

Continuing to smile Ashlee sways back and forth a little bit her hands folded in front of her. She didn't feel very awkward but she did feel a little sad. Dylan looks so hurt laying there in bed though she'd been told it was a lot better than he had been looking it still made her slightly sad. Though she wouldn't let the look slip through. She didn't want to make Dylan feel worse anymore than he was feeling already.

"Once a friend always a friend. I could never dream of leaving when you needed friends the most."

Reaching out and laying her hand on Dylan's for a moment Ashlee new her visit was short but it was going to be over soon. Dylan needed he sleep, more time to recover and if she was there it probley wouldn't happen. She just didn't feel ready to leave yet. She felt like there was so much more to say but she wasn't sure how to say it.

"I'm proud your fighting through this keep up the good work. I'll be waiting for you when you can brave the out doors again ok?"

Thanks

As Dalton returns to his desk, Scott wanders forward a little to continue the conversation, but not wanting to invade. It felt strange, knowing that this wasn't his own office too.

"Wow... that's great." He'd wondered about Dalton and Dani and was glad to know they were still together and doing so well.

What had Scott been doing? He shrugs as his eye wanders the office. "Not much. Just, um... trying to reintegrate myself I guess." It wasn't like it was a secret he'd spent a year in a mental hospital. There was no point in acting like he hadn't. "There's been a guy from Brookshire staying with me. Brian. But Justin's been talking to me this last week about me trying it on my own. I... I still got some problems, ya know?"

He pauses, studying the computers for no real reason other than he was too embarrassed to look up at Dalton yet. He shrugs again. "I've been seeing Hope a little bit though. Not dating or anything - just hanging out. It's been good, but... I think she's disappointed."


Dylan was just setting aside his empty plate and sliding down a little in bed when Ashlee enters. He couldn't help it that he was surprised. First, that she'd want to be here, and second, that her mom had let her. "Hey..."

Accepting the card, he runs his finger over the colorful picture, feeling rather undeserving of Ashlee's efforts. It wasn't like he had the flu. He was here because of his own stupidity. Did she know that? Most likely. She was smart enough to figure it all out.

"Thanks..." He nods and looks up at her with appreciation. "You're pretty artistic. That's cool."

Keeping the card with him, he lays his head back in his pillows, still turned to see Ashlee. He knew he must look awful. He felt rather awful still. Not as bad as he had, but he had no desire to get up and do anything.

Studying his friend for a moment, a new kind of feeling descended. Guilt. He'd run away, he'd gotten into bad stuff, he'd got himself hooked on drugs, and he'd tried to hide it from everybody, including her. That made him a pretty lousy friend.

He swallows hard and drops his gaze. "Look, um... I... thanks for... for still being my friend, I guess. I mean... after all this."

Card

Stacy gives a nod to Mick she didn't mind staying in the house again. It was nice and comfortable here and she really didn't feel out of place. She always find something to do and kept herself busy one way or another.

"No hurry, I don't mind lookin out for him."

Once Mick was gone Stacy sits down at the table and opens the book she was reading. About to start again she stops hearing a soft know on the door. Odd. Going and opening it she is suprised to see Ashlee and it seemed she was surprised to her her as well.

"Hey Ash, whats up? Everything ok?"

Holding the card she had made for Dylan Ashlee was suprised her mom answered the door. She'd seen Mick leave but figured Rosetta was here. Recovering though she gives her mom a smile and holds up the little homemade card.

Stacy gives a smile at Ashlee. Her daughter had compassion, she had a big heart and no matter what she always surprised her. Dylan was doing alright today other than being a little tired and she was right out here if anything happened. Maybe a visit from a friend would be ok.

"Alright come on in. I'll let you visit with him for a little bit. Down the hall there and to the right. If he's sleeping though don't wake him up ok?"

...Wondering down the hall and finding the room Ashlee gives a knock on the door lightly before opening the door. Seeing Dylan was still awake she gives a smile as she enters more.

"Hey, I just wanted to see how you were. I made this for you."

On the front of the card was a rainbow that said get well soon and since were some flowers, a pasture with horses and tress. School just isn't the same when your not around! Feel better soon! Ashlee liked the card she had worked on it made her feel good being able to do something. She hopped Dylan liked it too.

Still smiling Dalton goes back to his desk and sits down. He could see Scott was having a hard time figure out what to say. Dalton didn't mind though he was really happy that Scott was here. He looked better than when he's seen him last.

"I"m doing really good. Works been kinda lonely, but things with Dani are going well. I'm thinking about asking her to marry me soon."

Giving a big smile Dalton is quiet for a moment thinking again. If he asked Scott how he was doing what that be good? Its not that he didn't know what to say it was of how to ask.

"So what about you? What have you been up to since you have been out?"

Taking the file from Gunner Katie thumbs through it reading over. She wondered if the Agency really was involved. She wouldn't be surprised if it was after all. This could be interesting after all.

"Yeah I'll go in with you. Just lead and I'll follow."

She didn't know as much yet about the case so she would wait, watch and listen. She needed to know more before she really said anything, this would be a good chance to do so.

Long days

Gunner keeps his eyes on his computer screen for a few more seconds before turning to look up at Katie. His eyebrows lift slightly, wondering why she was trying to find work on his end of things. Maybe the day was a slow one in other areas.

"Um, well..." He shrugs. "I guess if that's what he said then that's what we should do, huh?" He grins a little and stands, picking up a folder from his desk. Maybe having Katie's help would make the rest of the day go faster. Ever since he'd gotten back from the camping trip, every day seemed too long. All he wanted was a little more time off and a little more time with Bree. Every moment with her was heaven, and he had no problem telling that to anyone, especially since everybody now knew that they were engaged.

"Alright, well, I got a guy in the interrogation room." Gunner heads in that direction, gesturing for Katie to follow. "His name is Kent Brackston. He's got a short list of misdemeanors - nothing serious. However, recently we got word that he's had some contact with the Agency. Kent's a big racer and usually hangs out with that desert racing crowd the cops like to ignore. Apparently at his last race, somebody's car blew up. He was blamed and he's clammed up about it."

Gunner turns the corner and aims down the hall. "Personally, I don't think he's guilty. I think he knows who did it and is covering for them. Might be Agency. Might not. I think Reese wants to eliminate that theory because of people like Eli McKade and his sister who are usually around that crowd - I think he's worried that if there's Agency close by, those two might be in danger."

He shrugs as he reaches the interrogation room. "On the other hand, it could just be some off-base drug dealer or something that needs a kick in the seat and that's all there is to it. Or - I could be wrong and Kent could have blown up the car on purpose. Thankfully, nobody was hurt though."

Stopping at the door, he hands Katie the file. "Take a peek. Right now we're just trying to get him to talk. Wanna come in with me?"


Relief washes over Scott as he sees Dalton's reaction. He shouldn't have been surprised, but he really had been worried that Dalton might not want anything to do with him anymore.

Accepting the handshake, he nods, looking up at his friend. "Been better, but been worse too," he admits. "Sorry I didn't get in to see you sooner. I, um... I've been trying to settle back in, ya know?"

He glances around the office. Not a whole lot had changed. A few things here and there. After all, he'd been gone quite a long time. He was rather surprised not more was different. "So, um..."

He fishes for something to say. Now that he was here...what was he supposed to say? "How... how are things with you?"


Mick gives Stacy a weary but grateful smile. "Thanks. You've done more than I could have asked, and I really appreciate it. If you want to stay here just a little bit longer, I'll go see how Rosetta's doing then come right back and take over again."

...As planned, he does return shortly and resumes his watch in Dylan's room. The next couple days went by in a blur. Only once did Mick have to restrain him, but it wasn't quite as bad as when he'd gotten outside. Settled again, that was the last of the angry outbursts, although his raging fever was hard to beat...

Dylan licks his dry lips and groggily opens his eyes as a cold cloth is being placed on his forehead. He ached all over and felt so hot. Was he awake or asleep? It was rather hard to tell.

Looking up, he brings Mick's face into focus the best he can before closing his eyes again. "I shoulda pulled it," he mumbles.

Mick is sitting on the edge of the bed, and furrows his brow. Was Dylan dreaming or was he awake? It was two in the morning, but time didn't really matter at this point. The last few days had all melted together anyway. "Shoulda pulled what?"

Dylan shakes his head slowly. He felt terrible. "The trigger."

Mick frowns. "What trigger?"

"On the... the gun."

Mick's pulse quickens. Was this the fever talking or was this something serious? "Dyan, what are you talking about?"

Dylan pries open his eyes again, though it hurt just try and focus. "When I was... when I was gone."

"And?"

"And I... I was alone." He swallows hard and shivers. "I was gonna shoot my...myself."

Mick feels as though his heart stops beating completely and it takes all he has not to shake his son further awake so he could know the whole story. Dylan had wanted to use a gun on himself? He'd actually thought about ending his life? Panic fills Mick's gaze, though his voice remains steady. Not only did he need to stay calm for Dylan, but Rosetta was trying to sleep across the hall. "What stopped you?"

Dylan's eyes close again. "Dan."

They'd had contact while Dylan had been gone? Mick hadn't known that. "Why do you think you should have gone through with it?"

Dylan's brow furrows. "This is... it's too much. I don't wanna... keep going."

Mick turns the cold cloth over again. "You have to," he urges. "You're almost there, I promise. Just a little while longer."

"Why?" Dylan's voice quivers as he opens his eyes once more. "Why is it... so hard? I'm too tired."

"I know you are." Mick squeezes his hand. "I know. But you're strong too. You're very strong. Just hang in there. You've got this thing beat."

A tear trickles from Dylan's eye and he nods numbly. "I... I'm sorry."

Mick blinks back his own tears, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I know. I forgive you. But promise me one thing, okay?"

Dylan's eyes begin to droop, his voice barely audible. "What?"

Mick leans down closer. "If you ever... ever want to end your life again... I don't care where you are or what you've done... you come talk to me... okay?"

Dylan sniffs and seems to drift closer to sleep. "Okay."

It would be another full day and then some before finally Dylan's fever would break and he would become more alert...

"How ya feeling?"

Dylan pulls himself up in bed to sit as Mick brings him a cheese sandwich Stacy had made, and some apple juice. "Um... better... I think." He sighs and looks towards the window, noting that it looked around noon. But which day it was, he didn't know. He rubs some sleep out of his eyes and blinks. Accepting the tray off food on his lap. "I think I'm actually hungry."

"That's an improvement." Mick sits on the edge of the bed. "Had us worried there for a while."

Dylan takes a nibble of the sandwich, relieved that his stomach wasn't churning with the thought of food. "How long have I been here?"

"Oh... four or five days."

Dylan was a bit surprised. He would have guessed a day or two. "Oh."

Mick sees his downcast gaze, and he pats his leg before standing back up. "I gotta go for a while, but Stacy's here in the house if you need anything." Or to keep him here, but Mick didn't think his son had the energy or the desire to take him anywhere. He'd still have cravings for a while, for sure, but the worst was over.

Dylan nods. "Okay." Left alone again, he takes another bite of his sandwich, taking his time eating it. Though awake and alert, his body had been through a lot, and he was exhausted. One look at his gaunt, pale face and dark circles under his eyes would prove that. He'd be here for another couple days before his strength returned.

Mick heads towards the front door, stopping a moment in the kitchen. "I'll be back," he informs Stacy. She'd been in and out the last few days, helping whenever needed, and he was still grateful. "He's awake and eating but I'd be surprised if he didn't fall asleep again within the hour. I don't think he's going anywhere, but if you want to keep an eye on him until I get back, that would be great. I think by tomorrow I can let him make up his own mind if he stays here or goes back to his own bunk."