Introductions

"Oh, well that would work." Jason nods and takes a bite of chicken. "You could meet Sandy then too. I think you'll like her. She's been dying to meet you, I know." 

"Jason!" 

Jason looks up quickly, his eyebrows rising. "Hey, man, what's up?" 

A young man approaches their table, grinning from ear to ear. His reddish blonde hair was cut short and spiky, his build medium-height and athletic. He eyes Katie for a moment before looking back at Jason. "Well what do you think? I'm hungry."

Jason smirks. "Go figure. I've been here how many times and never ran into you?" 

"No kidding. We meet up once and now we're everywhere." The guy laughs, his green eyes twinkling.

A new grin creases Jason's lips. "We had to have gone right by each other a million times." 

"Probably." He pauses and glances to Katie again. "This the phantom girlfriend?" 

Jason laughs and shakes his head. "A phantom, she is not. Sorry." Introductions had completely slipped his mind. "Rusty, this is Katie. Katie, Rusty. He's an old friend from high school." 

"It's true." Rusty extends his hand to Katie. "Everything but the old part. I'll always be a month younger than him." 

"Yeah, yeah." Jason waves him off. 

Rusty grins. "I'd love to stay and crash your party, but I got my own girlfriend to meet up with. I'll catch you later." 

"Right." Jason watches him walk away, then remembers something. "Oh. Rusty!"

"Hmm?" Rusty stops and turns around. 

"Saturday night. Pizza and bowling. Sandy's idea. You going?" 

"Of course!" 

"Alright. See you then." Jason relaxes again and picks up his fork to finish his food. "Okay, so where were we? Tomorrow? So you wanna come along to the park then?" 

Confused, but trusting Ryan, Tal lets her go and tries to relax. It isn't easy though. His leg was packed in tightly, and so was his right hand. Not to mention, a brace was holding his head still, and it felt like the side of his face was all bandaged up. Accident? What accident? Fighting to remember, flashes of the dark alley come to mind. Then he knows. 

It doesn't take long for the doctor to come in and check him over, asking him a ton of questions about how he feels and if he feels this or that or if such and such hurts. What Tal really wanted was just to get out of here. But after learning the extent of damage, he's a bit shocked and dismayed. He was going to be here for a little while. 

After what seemed like forever, Tal is finally left alone with Ryan again. Though exhausted, he was at least alert now. It was hard to talk - his jaw was incredibly sore. But apparently that was to be expected since it had been fractured. He was supposed to minimize his talking, but he didn't want to just lie around in silence. 

Finding Ryan's hand again, he holds it, trying to reassure her... or maybe himself too. "What have you been doing the last few days?" he mumbles. "Don't tell me you've been here the whole time."

Letting her ponytail loose, Ariel shakes out her hair as she enters her house. A morning of horseback riding with her brother had been fun - it always was. 

Humming to herself, she wanders to the phone to find there was a voicemail message. Whenever going out to clear her head, she never took her cell phone. It was a rule she'd started long ago. 

Picking up the phone, she listens as she aims down the hall to her bedroom. Hearing Trey's voice, she pauses what she's doing, to listen a little more carefully. He... needed someone to talk to? He sounded... different. 

Easing down to sit on the edge of her bed, Ariel thinks. Whether Trey knew it or not, he'd broken her trust in a few ways. She wasn't scared of him, nor did she hate him, nor did she not forgive him. But... remembering how he'd been that night... it still made her somewhat uncomfortable. And remembering how she'd needed to baby him and pretty much manipulate him in order to get him to stay and settle down... She might have succeeded, but it hadn't been fun. She was glad she didn't have to watch him for the Elite anymore. That helped. And he had been kind of sweet that evening at the party and going out for pizza. It was just... Did she want to keep hanging out with him?

Shaking her head, she stands and goes to find some clean clothes then goes to the shower. Letting the warm water run over her, she sighs deeply. Trey needed a good friend, and she knew that. He'd always been a gentleman when sober. She did like his eyes. And... she wasn't one to just turn her back. There was no reason to.

She lets her thoughts go for now and finishes up her shower.  Putting on her clean clothes, she wanders to the living room and flops down on the couch with her phone. Dialing, she waits to hear Trey's voice.  

"Hi, Trey. It's Ariel. Got your message. Sorry it took me a while to get back to you." 

She twirls a strand of hair around her finger. "Lunch sounds good if it's not too late. Want me to come pick you up?"

Backfire

Being sweeped up into Carson's arms Misty can't help but laugh a little as her arms go around his neck to hang on. Retuning the kiss and looking back into Carson's eyes Misty gives a smile leaning her head against him. His mood swings confused her but she continued to just keep moving on from them. Life sometimes had a funny way of making people like that sometimes and Misty could only hope it would pass quickly.

   "You get the plates and I'll finish putting everything into bowls and what not so we can sit and eat."

Turning to the counter and getting some serving bowls out Misty puts the mashpotatos into one, the beans into another and the rolls into one more bring them over and placing them onto the table. Grabbing two glasses she sets them down as well before looking to Carson.

   "What did you want to drink tonight? Beer, Milk, Juice or water?"

Feeling Tal's fingers tighten around her own again Ryan can feel her heart race. Was Tal really waking up, was he going to be ok. She didn't dare hope anymore but she couldn't help it, it was to late to stop it. Seeing his eye lids start to crack open Ryan stands so that Tal could see her better without having to move again. A smile spread across her face and small tears rolled down her cheek.

   "Just hold still Tal, you had an accident....give me a second I have to go get one of the Dr's I'll be right back, I promise."

Leaving the room Ryan goes to find a Dr letting them know what was going on. She wanted them to check Tal, make sure he was ok, look at everything she had to know he was going to make it. Tal was strong and Ryan new it...but she didn't want anything to backfire.

Taking a bit of her egg roll  Katie gives a nod to Jason. If he got time with Kaylee that would be fun for him and Katie wouldn't mind helping him with her. She enjoyed the little girls company and no matter what she always found a way to make her laugh.

About to say something Katie was cut off by the beeping of the phone as well. Just watching Jason she could feel something strange at his mention to it being Sandy and wanting to meet Kaylee as well. It was a feeling Katie had felt a few times before when Jason had said he was going to hang out with his friends. In a way...she felt left out. 

Looking down at her food and running her fork through her rice Katie doesn't look up again at Jason's next comment either. It almost felt like a slap to the face or a punch to the gut. Katie had always had Thursdays off for as long as she worked at TJY and now...Jason was forgetting that too?

   "Well, I'm pretty much caught up on all my work. I don't think Reese would have to much of a problem if I switch my day off for tomorrow with Friday. Than I can spend time with you guys too."

Fear

"Mm-hmm..." A beach sounded nice. Carson could almost feel himself sitting on the sand on the Australian coastline where he used to spend his downtime. 

Almost dozing off, his stomach suddenly growls very loudly. Opening his eyes wide, a grin forms before he laughs. "I guess I better feed that thing before it gets loose." 

Sighing, he finally rights himself and stands to stretch and yawn. Seeming to have renewed energy, he bends down to sweep Misty up off the couch, holding her in his arms. Smiling, he gives her a long kiss. "You're the best. And you always will be." He stares her in the eye as if looking into her soul. "Don't you ever forget that." Another kiss follows before he carries her into the kitchen and finally sets her down. 

"Want me to get the plates out?" 

Tal felt as though he were surrounded in a very thick fog, dulling all of his senses. But he did hear a voice. It was soft... familiar... safe. Trying his hardest to pull himself from this strange state, his fingers tighten again around Ryan's hand. 

Yes, I'm awake. I'm here. What's wrong? Where are we? I hurt. Are you okay? 

The words seem to get stuck between his brain and his vocal cords, piling up in his subconscious. Swallowing hard, his throat felt as though he'd just drank a box of nails. A strange piece of torn memory surfaces for a brief moment, making him feel again the tube being forced down his throat. It was gone now though. What was happening? 

Light. Yes, there it was. Light. He had to lift his eyelids. He must. He had to find out what was going on. The work required just to open his eyes felt exhausting. But slowly, slowly, they crack open, just enough to view a very blurry world. 

Looking right then left, Tal finally sees a blurry figure standing over him. He blinks, trying to bring things into focus. Trying to turn his head, only proves to shoot pain down his neck so he doesn't attempt that again. 

Ryan? 

He squeezes her hand again, trying one more time. Finally a whisper makes it to the surface. "Ryan?" He blinks again, his eyes opening a little wider, helping clear the fog. Bits and pieces of the room slowly come into focus and his ears pick up the sounds of beeping and whirring again. Was he in a hospital? Why? What was wrong with him? Was he okay? 

Fear suddenly races through his veins, raising his blood pressure. "What's happening?" he asks hoarsely.

Alec pries his eyes open and stares at the digital clock that rested on the floor next to his mattress. He should have met the road crew two hours ago. He closes his eyes again and rolls over the other way, pulling his blanket up farther. Someone would show up soon. He knew it. And he didn't care... 

..."Alec!" Wyatt bangs on the door, hearing nothing. Growling, he finds the right key and opens up Alec's apartment. It only takes a moment to see the sleeping figure at the far end of the living room. "Hey! Alec!" 

Nothing. Wyatt suddenly wonders if there was cause for concern. Walking quickly to Alec, he kneels down and gives him a shake. "Hey. You alive?" 

Alec's arm flies back to smack Wyatt's shoulder. "Off me," he grumbles. 

Wyatt's eyes narrow. "Are you sick?" 

"I'm sick and tired," Alec retorts, his face still turned towards the wall. 

"Tough." Wyatt stands and gives the mattress a kick. "You were supposed to report to work. What happened?" 

Alec glares at the wall. "I decided I didn't want to go to work today."

"And since when have you been allowed to make that decision?"

"Sue me." 

Wyatt shakes his head in disgust. Heading back across the room, he retrieves his cell phone and calls back to the office. "Alec's fine - he's just playing stubborn. You wanna force him out to work, I'm gonna need backup. You want me to bring him in, I will." 

Reese sighs. "Well what do you think?" 

"I don't know!" Wyatt throws up his arms. Things between him and his father were still tense, and he was not in the mood to go back and forth about what they should do. "Just tell me what to do and I'll do it." 

"Okay fine. Bring him in and we'll see what's going on. He was fine the other day." 

..."What's up, Alec?" Reese was tired. There was too much going on for him to have to worry about Alec's bad attitude. After recent events, his tolerance for Alec in general was pretty thin the way it was. Knowing Wyatt had to just about drag him here was not helping. 

Alec sits in the break room - surprised he wasn't locked in the interrogation room again. He stares up at Reese with dull expression. "I'm tired and wanted to sleep." 

"Well maybe you stayed up too late." Reese frowns as he stands in front of him. "You've shown up every day for work until today. Why now?" 

Alec shrugs. 

Reese shakes his head. "You're pushing the limit, Alec. I'm still waiting for proof of what you did to Tal Donahue. You refusing to work is just one more count against you."

Alec doesn't respond. 

"Look at me!" Reese bends to his eye level. "What is wrong with you?!" 

Alec flinches. "You wanna put me behind bars? Is that what you want?" 

"It sure would be a lot easier than dealing with you." 

"Fine." Alec stands up to face him and holds out his wrists. "Lock me up. Go report to Brown, or the judge, or whoever, that I'm going around beating guys up and refusing to work." 

Reese's eyes narrow. "What are you trying to do, Alec? What's your game?" 

"I don't have a game," he hisses. "Everything has been ripped out of my hands - what do you expect me to do?" 

"I expect you to be appreciative of the fact that you're not already behind bars! You have a record ten miles long, which includes multiple counts of murder! Do you realize how lucky you are to even be standing here?!" 

Alec's hands drop. "So arrest me and be done with it." 

"If I do that, my program dies." Reese grits his teeth. "So help me, I will not allow you to be the cause of this program failing. There are too many other people from the Agency that need our help. I'll be hanged if I let you tear this thing down." He takes a step back and points to the door. "You have off work today and tomorrow to get your head back on straight. Now move!" 

...Alec trudges from TJY, having refused a ride back home. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, his feet scuff the sidewalk. He feared prison more than anything else, for sure. Being stuck behind bars. Having no freedom at all. Yet at the same time, it almost seemed better than this. Out here, he was taunted with what he wanted just out of reach. It was like dangling a carrot in front of a horse but never letting it have it. At least in prison he'd know he was there for life and couldn't do anything. Out here... it was just pain. Mistakes, stupidity and pain. 

"...So Mom said she might leave Kaylee with me for a day." Jason eats his Chinese food at lunch, sitting across from Katie at Tou Han's. The last couple days had been fairly quiet. He'd spent some time with his mom. Some time with friends. A little time with Katie. Nothing too exciting. Well - at least not that he knew. It didn't feel exciting to him. He'd avoided talk of Trey with his mother though, not wanting to broach that subject again, and while at work, he had made sure he didn't see Trey at all. Other than that, things seemed... normal. Eating supper a couple times with his mom and Katie had been enjoyable though. At least he had felt that much.

"I thought that might be kinda fun. Thought I might-" He's cut off by his phone beeping. 

Taking it out of his pocket and reading the text message, he grins. "Or maybe not. Sandy wants to meet Kaylee." Replying to the message, his grin remains. "She'd get a kick out of that. Maybe she'll even meet me us at the park or something. Apparently Kaylee likes the ducks." 

Finished with his message, he looks at Katie again, then purses his lips. "Oh... you work tomorrow, don't you? I forgot, I've got off but you don't."

Hope

Being left in the room alone again Trey just continues to hold the paper. He didn't know what was to choose. He was being given freedom, something he wanted more than anything, a life outside this holding cell and for the first time, for the first time he was scared.

Reaching over to the phone on his night stand Trey takes a little paper out from under it that had Ariel's number on it. He wasn't sure if she was working or not today but he try calling anyways. He needed someone to talk to and...well...it always seemed easy with her even after he'd found out the whole thing was a set up.

   "Hey Ariel, I wasn't sure if you were working or not. Wondered if you wanted to grab a bit to eat or something. I...kinda need a friend to talk too."

Hanging up the phone Trey now wondered if Ariel would even call him back. He new things were far from perfect with them but  they were working on it. Would she be sad if he left? At one point Alec thought the answer would be yes but with everything that had went on...would she now?

Continuing to look down at Carson Misty gives another smile even though his eyes were closed. Sometimes she wished she could just run away too. When the stress became to much, when life just seemed to crazy Misty wouldn't have minded just getting away.

   "Maybe we should take a vacation and get away for a little while. Maybe a cruse, or a beach somewhere..."

The sound of a vacation did sound nice. Just getting away the two of them...just spending time with each other souly maybe thats what they both needed.

   "...Maybe thats what we both need."

Sitting in the chair next to the bed Ryan keeps her hand in Tal's. This was the position most people would find her in now adays. If she wasn't working she was sitting here with Tal, keeping her fingers locked with his so that if somewhere...deep down...he'd know he wasn't alone and he had someone fight for. 

Leaning her head back and closing her eyes Ryan felt so tired, but sleep only came in spirits. Feeling a movement on her hand Ryan's eyes fly open. Had she just dozed off and imagined that or had Tal's hand really moved. Getting up and moving to the edge of the bed Ryan looks down at him. With all her heart she wanted it to be true that Tal had just moved his hand. Even that would give her hope.

   "Tal...are you awake? Squeeze my hand again if you can...please sweety...I'm here."

Hand

"Take all the time you need," Reese agrees. He wasn't going to push Trey one way or the other. It was totally up to him what to do. Reese had briefly discussed this with Angelica too, making sure she was okay with all this as well. After all, she'd been the one who had pushed for the Elite to offer protection in the first place. Now - it was time to move forward in whichever direction Trey chose. 

The comment about curfew makes Reese chuckle and he shakes his head. "No. No more curfew and no more babysitters. Although I have a feeling Pete will miss having you around." 

Nodding, he turns to leave. "When you make up your mind, let me know."

"I sure do." Carson offers Misty a smile, though it's a weary one. Letting his eyes fall shut again, he wishes to stop time and just remain like this. 

"Do you ever wish we were somewhere else?" he asks quietly. "Do you ever wish there was something more... something different?" Setting her free hand on his chest, his fingers stroke hers lightly. "I wanna run away." 

He swallows hard, suddenly finding it strangely difficult to control his feelings. It was a true rarity for him to become emotional at all, even when it was just him and Misty. Tears were something simply not shown. So they remain hidden even now, behind his closed eyes. "I wanna just take you and run where no one will ever find us." 

Days seem to all meld together in a hospital. Especially for those waiting for any news or change in a loved one's condition. Every minute drags on until time just doesn't seem to exist anymore. For the one lying motionless and quiet in the bed, time takes on a strange dimension, evolving into an odd mixture of dream, reality and thoughts that belong to neither world. 

Day two: No change. Eli and Ryan take turns working, sitting with Tal and taking care of Tal's dogs. Day three: Tal begins breathing on his own, allowing the doctors to remove the assistance of the machines. He remains asleep. Day four: Doctors are more positive about Tal's recovery. His lung is doing well, and his internal organs are functioning properly. Eli and Ryan continue their routine. Day five: All is quiet.

Tal's mind feels as though it's very far away. As if it has separated from his body to take an unplanned vacation, leaving him in a rather confused state. Where was he? Why did he feel as though his body was being restricted? He felt dizzy. In pain. There were strange sounds around him. Strange smells. He wants to see, but his eyes are so very heavy, as if he cannot even muster the strength to open them. But amidst the fear and confusion, there was a small spark of hope. Something warm. Something familiar. A hand. Ryan's hand, nestled in his own. His entire body felt immobile. But his fingers twitch. Slowly, they curl around Ryan's hand, giving it a weak squeeze.

Curfew

Looking up at Eli Ryan felt like a little kid again looking up for hope in her brothers eyes. He's been the strong one, he'd been the whole they fraught so desperately for them to stay together, he was the one who took on three jobs to support her and John. Now...now he was the strong one again and Ryan was grateful.

   "Alright...lets go look after Tal."

Backing away from her brother Ryan takes one last look at the window she new was Alec's before turning away and getting into her. Pulling out of the parking lot the going was slowing than coming. Though Ryan wanted to get back to Tal she didn't want to get back to the hospital.

Still sitting with Carson on the couch Misty continues to run her free hand through his hair knowing that he liked and enjoyed it. Hearing his words about just sitting there Misty's eyes filled with concern. Was it work, was it something at TJY, was it everything that had been happing with Alec. Misty didn't know where to start.

   "We can sit here like this for as long as you want my love. You know if there is anything bothering you...you can talk to me right?"

Looking up at Reese Trey eyes him for a long moment. He found it strange that the top dog was standing in his room. He hardly ever saw Reese unless he'd done something wrong. So it made him wonder why he was here now. The look in his eye though was much different than one he had seen before.

Hearing Reese's apologies Trey was a little surprised. It felt nice to hear it, though he had to admit he thought he never would. Reaching out and taking the paper from Reese Trey just looks at it for a long moment. He had freedom to go home and yet something...something made him a little sad about it too. He also could choose to stay and maybe...just maybe get to know his family a little more. If he stayed though he could always go visit his family in Mexico right?

   "I'll need to take some time to think about my desition if thats...ok?"

What suprised Trey even more was the fact that TJY would be willing to help him get on his feet if he stayed. It was strange to have so much kindness but as the same time he soaked it in like a sponge and enjoyed it too.

   "Just one thing though...if I stay and get my own place...I won't still have to have a curfew will I?"

Trey couldn't help but let the corners of his mouth upturn in a smile just a little bit his tone joking. Maybe this place wasn't so bad after all and they did have some good people here...In the while he'd been here Try had leaned many things. Maybe there really was more to everything than the little he had known.

Rare

The apartment was quiet. And very suddenly. So suddenly that for a moment, Alec wonders if he'd imagined this whole thing. But no.... no, his sides hurt... his arm hurt... his face hurt. And each tender spot was from Ryan's fist. But it wasn't even the physical pain that tormented Alec now. 

Going to the door and closing it, he slowly locks it again. Trudging to the window, he looks out to see Ryan buried in Eli's embrace. Brother and sister. Both hurting. Both angry. Both giving the other the shelter they needed. 

Alec glances over his shoulder. His living room was empty. His life was empty. His heart was empty. The sight of Ryan's tears haunted his thoughts. Her yelling at him. Her angry strikes. What had he done? Had he truly thought that beating up Tal would win her over? That she would accept him for doing that? Had he really believed that violence would bring her back? That even if she did break up with Tal, that she would even want anything to do with him? How? How could he have ever thought that? She hated him - to the core. She wanted to hurt him, not love him. She wasn't scared of him - she was angry with him. She wasn't intimidated - she was courageous out of righteous anger. How could he have ever believed that going after Tal would solve anything? 

Sinking down on the floor once again, the weight on his back seems to have grown ten fold. His eyes find the now-crumpled paper on the floor and it makes his stomach turn. He hadn't done the beating this time. He hadn't wanted it to be this bad. But he'd done it the first time - he'd hurt Tal enough for him to remember it. And he'd hired Cutter. Whether he'd intended it to just be a minor assault or not... it wasn't Cutter's fault. It was his own. And the entire thing had backfired. 

All of a sudden, Alec felt as if he were waking up from a terrible dream. Since returning, he'd been so full of anger and vengeance that he had completely blinded himself to the truth - the truth that Ryan didn't love him anymore. And he'd been so very upset and jealous that he had been willing to do anything to get her back - even harm someone she loved. It had made perfect sense before. And now it seemed the most ridiculous notion he'd ever had. 

But that realization had come too late.

Once outside, Eli hugs Ryan close. They weren't usually physically affectionate towards each other, so it was rather rare, but Eli didn't even hesitate. When his sister hurt, he hurt - it was just the way it was.

"I know," he answers softly. He'd blown up at Alec too and lost control. He knew exactly how she'd felt. Pulling away, he looks his sister in the eye, brushing back some hair from her face. "I'll follow you to the hospital, alright? We're just going to let this go for now and concentrate on Tal recovering, okay?"

Giving her a last squeeze, he nods his reassurance. They didn't have much of a choice right now, and so there was no point in trying to go after Alec again yet.


...At the hospital, Tal still lay in sleep, closely monitored, though visitors were allowed. 

Carson lets his eyes fall shut and he murmurs his approval of Misty's hand running through his hair. He could stay like this forever. 

"Dizzy spell huh? Sounds like you're too stressed at work." 

Hearing about supper, he opens his eyes and gives her a little nod. "Yeah... yeah, I'm hungry. I haven't eaten anything all day." He usually at least had a bite for lunch in the kitchen, but today he'd had a sour stomach. "Meatloaf sounds really good." 

Reaching up, he takes her free hand in his and kisses it lightly. "But can we just stay here a few minutes?" It was rare when he just wanted to sit and be with Misty. Usually he'd go for more than that. But tonight... tonight, he was quiet. And all he wanted was to feel her touch... and soak in her company. 

"Trey?" Reese knocks on Trey's door and waits until he has permission to enter. Coming in a couple feet, he pauses and nods to Trey. "Good morning." 

It was the next day at TJY, and things had been quiet, thus far. For that, Reese was grateful. Yesterday had been a nightmare. "I just wanted to come talk to you for a minute." His tone wasn't business-like as usual, nor was he upset with anything Trey had done. On the contrary, he held a somewhat soft air about him this morning. Something he usually didn't let Trey see.

"Actually, I wanted to apologize." Folding his arms and remaining standing, he purses his lips. "I, um...well, I don't think I have been very fair to you since you've arrived. I could blame the system, but... it's probably my own fault." 

He clears his throats, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "When you came here, I honestly didn't know for how long it would be and... I was worried about putting anybody else around here in danger. I realize the situation in Mexico was not good and I did want to help keep you from harm. But... someone reminded me yesterday that I probably could have done more than keep you here like one of our prisoners." He needn't say who that someone was.

If Trey's attitude had remained the same as when he'd arrived, Reese wouldn't be saying these things now. But there was no need in pointing that out. He didn't need to rub it in that Trey had given everyone a bad impression to start out. Now though, Reese did acknowledge a change in the young man. It was obvious that the chip on Trey's shoulder had shrunk. 

"That said... I've made some calls, and it seems the level of danger has reduced in Mexico. It's still not good - but it's not as bad as it was. I don't know if you were planning on returning or not, but if you want to, we'll make it happen. If you don't..." 

Reese nods slowly. "Then the Elite will help you find a place of your own around here and assist you for a reasonable amount of time until you can support yourself. It hasn't been fair to you, making you live here. You deserve your own place." 

Father

As Alec puts his arms around Ryan to stop her from hitting him her tears continue to fall as she fights against him trying to get free. Now being to tired though she can't break free. His arms around her takes her to when that use to be a gesture of love, a time when she'd welcome those arms and just fall into them. Now, now she didn't want them around her or anywhere near her. He's cheated, lied, and beat a person she cared very dearly for within an inch of his life.

Ryan didn't know how long Eli had been there but when she hears his voice a bit of her was happy. She taken herself to a dark place she didn't like and if he hadn't shown up Ryan wasn't sure what would of happened.

As Eli comes over and takes her from Alec she welcomes her brothers strong arms around her. In so many ways Eli had reminded Ryan of there father. Caring, strong, ready to stand for his children and always trying to keep them on the right path. Weather Eli new it or not he had pick up the finer trats.

Finally getting outside Alec's apartment the tears still streamed down Ryan's fast as she buried her face into her brother chest. Crying was not something Ryan did not since a long time ago and now that she was she hated it even more. Lifting her head a little bit she looks up at Eli.

   "I...I don't know what happened. I just wanted to yell at him and than I saw him and I...I just snapped."

Leaning into her brother again Ryan had no excuse for what she did, she had no what ifs or and ways to get out of it. If someone asked her would tell them it was her and she would of done it again too. Not that it was over though she did feel a little guilt. This wasn't her, she wasn't a bully, and beating on Alec, it was uncalled for.

   "I think I am going to go sit with Tal at the hospital. I'd like to be there if anything else happens."

Just continuing to sit there and rub Carson's back Misty got a strange feeling in her stomach. Something was wrong she could feel it and to not have Carson tell her about it made the worry grow even more. It was very unlike him to not share what was on his mind. Having the subject switch for a moment Misty pushed her feelings aside. The last few days she'd felt strangely maybe all this, was just a part of that.

   "Oh I'm doing ok. Had a dizzy spell today but it was nothing big. Just the lack of sleep I think. The rest of the day went well though."

Shifting a little so she was under Carson's head Misty sets his head in her lap. Just running her fingers though his hair. Maybe he was just having a hard time with something he didn't want to share right now but she didn't have anything to fear right? When he was ready he'd let her know.

   "I made meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans for dinner if your rehung."

Memories

Having his sister leave so suddenly and with such a look of anger on her face, Eli calls after her, but she doesn't turn around. Where was she going? Just to blow of steam, or something more than that? He glances back to the bed where his friend lay - so still... so weak... so helpless. It was a sight he wished he'd never remember, yet would be burned in his mind forever. "Hang in there," he whispers. 

Turning and leaving, he follows after Ryan, trying to keep her within his sights. She might just be going to take a drive to the desert and race out her frustrations. Or, she could be following through with her previous statement about Alec. Either way, Eli only wanted to make sure she was okay and didn't do anything stupid. 

Once outside, he sees Ryan take off in her car, and he's quick to mount up his bike. Heading after her, he loses her for a moment or two, then picks her up again, speeding to keep behind her. Sure enough, she was heading to Alec's. 

Not paying attention to much else, Eli suddenly realizes the traffic light was turning red and there were cars coming across the intersection. Hitting the breaks, he skids on the pavement, his muscles straining to keep his bike upright. Barely coming to a stop in time, he plants his feet on the road, growling in frustration. At least he wasn't too far behind Ryan.

Having Ryan force the door open wider, Alec takes a step back. His eyebrows rise slightly, but he was too leery to show surprise. What was she doing? 

Before he can react, Ryan's angry words are hurled in his direction with deadly venom. Unable to get his own word in and never having thought she would get physical, he never even saw the first punch coming. His head jerks to the side and he catches his balance, snapping his eyes back up to her. His gaze was a mixture of shock, anger... and pain. 

Another punch comes and he takes several more steps back, but Ryan still comes. Alec's reflexes screamed at him to react. Every muscle strained to fight back. To throw his own punch. To take down his attacker. But this was Ryan. This was the woman he'd wanted. The woman he'd been trying to get back. How could he hit her?

Another punch from her, and his fist clenches, ready to defend himself with force. But in that same moment, Ryan's words hit him like a dagger to the heart.  

"I hate you." 

And in an instant, Alec is suddenly very far away. He's in the holding cell, being brought a home cooked meal. He's in Ryan's car with her, dreaming of freedom and wishing he could run away with her. He's being handed a gift that he can't understand but treasures. He's on the beach, learning how to have fun for the first time. He's kissing her... holding her... telling her how she had changed his life around. He's falling asleep with her on the couch, having never felt so peaceful and safe. He's meeting her for lunch and laughing at silly jokes or nothing at all. He's learning how to be a friend and accept friendship. He's allowing her to teach him how to live. He's falling in love with her. 

Another hard hit to his arm brings his mind back to the present and his eyes focus in on the same woman who he had spent so much time with. Had become so close to. Had loved. And she hated him. She hated him so much that she was willing to physically beat him. Every tear that streamed down her face was like a new lethal stab, pushing him farther and farther into a place that he did not like. There was guilt here. Pain. Agony. 

And he had brought it all upon himself. He was the one who had caused Ryan to change from the smiling, confident, fun girlfriend, to this hateful, tormented woman. 

It was all. 

His. 

Fault. 

Catching Ryan's last blow before it reaches him, Alec comes to his senses and grabs her shoulders, spinning her around. Like lightning, his arms latch around her in a bear hug from behind, holding her arms to her sides so she could no longer hit him. Locking his muscles, he does not strike, but only prevents her from hitting him further. 

"Let her go, Alec."

Alec's eyes shoot up towards the door. Eli. He doesn't let go yet, with Ryan still struggling hard against him. "You come get her." 

Eli steps into the apartment, his eyes blazing with fire. He'd been standing there for several moments already and had seen enough to know what was going on. Why Alec had not fought back though, was a mystery to him. Approaching with long strides, he remains ready for anything, but doesn't want this fight to continue. Somebody would get very hurt, and even though he wanted to push Alec out the window and watch him fall, he knew that two wrongs would not make a right. 

Prying Ryan loose from Alec's grasp, he holds Ryan closely - tightly. "Calm down, Ryan," he soothes calmly, forcing himself not to use this opportunity to fight Alec himself. "Don't do this... please." 

Alec takes a step back, putting several feet between them. His eyes were dim... hollow. His hands were up, but only to protect himself, lest Ryan come at him again. But his shoulders were bent. His face the face of a man who had been beaten - on the inside.

Feeling Misty's hand on his back, Carson's muscles automatically relax - it never failed. Her touch was magic.

But no, everything was not okay. "Mm-hmm," he mumbles into the pillow.

Finally he rolls onto his back and squints up at her tiredly. He lifts a hand to run a finger down the side of her face lovingly. "You're beautiful, you know that?"

He sighs deeply and lets his hand drop. "I'm just tired I guess. Sorry." He'd said the same thing every night for a week now. Misty was bound to know something wasn't right. It was unusual for him to be this tired and distant for more than a day or two, tops. He'd always told her everything about what was bothering him. But... not this time. And he didn't want her asking either.

"How was your day?" He moves the subject along quickly to avoid questions.

Fight

As Alec opens the door and Ryan searches his face Ryan can feel her temper flare even more. His expression held no remorse, no feeling of being sorry it showed nothing and that made Ryan even more angry just looking at him.

Slamming her hand on the door and opening it all the way Ryan steps into his apartment. Pointing a finger as his chest her anger just poured out. No one hurt someone she loved...EVER! No matter what there history was, no matter what there reason was.

   "What in blue blazes do you think you were doing? Where you that jealouse....that scared...that upset that Tal was more of a man to be able to keep the woman he liked than you..."

Ryan's intent was to yell at Alec, to ream him out but  now as she stood here she wanted Alec to hurt, she wanted him to feel the pain Tal did and before she even new it Ryan's right hand flew up and cracked into the side of Alec's jaw. Another punch followed to his arm pushing him backwads.

   "You almost killed him Alec, and your not going to pay anything for it. Did you think this would make me love you again?"

Another fist was delivered to Alec as tears streamed out of Ryan's eyes. She lost all contentiousness of whatw as going on and what she was doing all that was there was pain, anger, and hate.

   "...did you think this would win me over? You couldn't be farther from the truth...Your the scum of the earth and I hate you."

Ryan's fists moved faster and harder at Alec if they landed on him or not she didn't know nor did her care. 

   "Tal never hurt anyone...He was a good guy and now he might die because of you...and you get to walk around free."

Ryan's words seemed to drowned out by her tears her own fists starting to burn but she didn't care. Seeing Tal laying in that bed, thinking about Alec being free it only drove her feather and she hated Alec had gotten her to that point. The point that would not be easy to come back from.

Hearing the front door open Misty waits for Carson to come into the kitchen. As a few minutes pass She takes a dish towl and whipes her hands off. It was odd Carson didn't come into greet her not even to tell her he was home. 

   "Carson?"

Walking into the living room and seeing Carson on the couch Misty was a little worried. Going over and sitting down she lays a hand on his back and gives it a little rub.

   "Hey Babe...everything ok?"

Little Boy

Eric chuckles and gives Ashlee's cheek a quick brush with his finger. "Good. Right now though, I'm one hungry cowboy so I'm gonna get me something to eat. If you wanna find your mom, she's probably still with Angel, though I'm sure she'll come here next." 

"What's this?" Alec looks up at Reese after having a sheet of paper slapped down on the interrogation table in front of him. 

Reese frowns and folds his arms, remaining standing. "Read it." 

Alec had been in here for over and hour and honestly didn't know why. After he'd been questioned when Eli was here, he'd just been left alone. He'd sat, he'd paced, he'd used the intercom to complain to Hal, but nobody had come. He'd begun to think they'd forgotten about him, when finally Reese had shown up. And now Alec still had no idea what was going on. 

Looking down at the paper, he picks it up to see Reese's handwriting. "Numerous contusions and abrasions," he reads aloud. "Broken jaw and cheekbone... broken leg.... crushed hand..." Alec pauses and swallows hard. He doesn't dare look up. Was this what he thought it was?

"Keep reading," Reese orders sternly. 

"Multiple broken ribs. Punctured lung. Concussion.... fractured spine." Alec stops, refusing to read the last sentence and finally looking up at Reese. "What in the world is this, and why are you keeping me here anyway? What's the deal?" 

Reese slams his palm down on the table so hard it makes Alec jump. "Finish reading," he hisses. 

For the first time since setting foot in TJY that fateful night after attacking Scott, Alec feels a fear of Reese. He obeys. "Chances of survival, 50/50." 

Reese snatches up the paper, folds it in thirds and stuffs it into Alec's front shirt pocket. "You're free to go. But you take this list with you. And you read it again when you get home. And you think about it. And you dream about it. And you live with it. And you pray that the 50/50 chance swings around to better odds." 

Alec stands calmly, even though on the inside everything felt like it was churning and going haywire. "You haven't told me who this is about," he comments dryly. 

Reese glares at him. "I don't have to. You may have beaten the system, Alec Banks, but you get one thing clear right now - I don't believe you're innocent. We may never be able to prove it. And you may walk away a free man because you figured out how to fool us. But everybody pays eventually. Everybody. If you have any speck of a conscience left, I suggest you listen to it  - that is, if you can stand seeing the blood on your own hands." 

Alec had never seen Reese this angry. Nor had he ever felt such a shock of emotions. Earlier today, he'd been walking tall, knowing exactly what he wanted and how he'd get it. And right about now, it felt as though he'd been slammed over the head with a baseball bat. How someone's words could do that, he didn't know. But what he did know was that Reese was right. He was guilty. Whether they could prove it or not. And for some reason he couldn't explain... his triumph didn't feel all that triumphant. 

Walking silently to the door, Alec opens it slowly before glancing over his shoulder. But what could he say? Nothing, lest he admit his guilt and be taken to prison. Perhaps those prison bars were what he feared the most, without even realizing it. Turning, he exits the room and speaks to no one as he leaves TJY...

...Back at his apartment, Alec sits on the floor below the living room window. With his knees pulled up partway to his chest, he rests his arms on them, completely lost in his own thoughts. The paper that Reese had forced on him was resting on the carpet beside him.

The problem with the scene was not that Alec had committed a crime or betrayed someone's trust. It was not that he had lied, hurt someone, or gone mad with jealousy. Though certainly unacceptable in every way, shape and form, it was not those that caused the true problem as he sat staring into space. No... the problem lay within his heart. For it was not the heart of a man raised to be strong, wise and caring. It was not the heart of a man who had been taught the value of loyalty, the differences between right and wrong, or the acceptable ways to control one's heightened emotions. No.... rather, it was the heart of a little boy. A little boy that had not figured out where true happiness resides. A little boy that had become a man before his time. A little boy that felt tormented by feelings of loneliness, insecurity and confusion. What little boy would not fight back with fists against whom he felt was an intruder? What little boy would not react with anger when feeling pushed aside? Or with harmful vengeance against the emotional trauma of jealousy? With hate against that which made him hurt inside his soul?

The problem was not with the man sitting alone in the poor situation he had created. No, the problem was the little boy sitting alone in a world full of chaotic emotions. 

Guilt. Alec tries to swallow the acidic taste in his mouth. Something makes him pick up the paper again. He'd read it five times already. Tal. It was about Tal. Tal was lying in the hospital bed barely alive... and it was all because of him. Why wasn't he happier? Why wasn't he celebrating? They would know now he meant business. They would know now how serious he'd been about getting Ryan back. They would all know that he was one to be feared and respected. ...Right? 

Picking up the nearby phone he'd been allowed to hook up only days before, he dials the number still scribbled on his arm.

"Cutter? Alec." His tone was icy. "What in the world do you think you're doing?!" 

"Whoa, whoa, what are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the job I hired you to do."

"And? I did it. Or didn't you hear?"

"I heard alright. I heard that Tal's in the hospital half dead because of you." 

"I'm impressed he survived."

"You were supposed to just give him a scare!" Alec raises his voice. "You were supposed to just rough him up a bit! I could have put him in the hospital myself the first time if I'd wanted to!"

"Hey, man, I did exactly what you told me to do. Far be it from me to take my job seriously."

"Seriously?! That's what you call this? You broke bones, Cutter! You almost killed him! It wasn't supposed to happen like that and you know it!" 

"Look, if you're not happy with the job, then I'm sorry. But you better still pay up, or you're gonna be next." 

Alec's eyes narrow. Cutter was a big guy, but Alec could take him down if he wanted to. "That won't be necessary. I'll pay. But don't expect me to ever ask you for anything again, and don't expect me to help your reputation any. I should have known better than to hire a bloodthirsty goon like you." 

Slamming the phone back in its cradle, Alec thinks he might be sick. He blamed Cutter for the severity of the attack. But in reality...it was still his fault. Why didn't he feel good about it?! Why was he feeling guilty??? He didn't understand!

A sudden pound on the door makes him jump. No one ever came here. What could anybody want? He remains silent and listens. If it was someone from the Elite, they would have said so. Nobody else cared to see him. Odd. 

Standing and trudging to the door, his socks scuff on the carpet. He was in no mood for any company - good or bad. Peering through the tiny peephole in the door, his eyes widen and he takes  a step back. Ryan. Ryan was here? Why? A cold chill runs down his spine as he remembers seeing Eli earlier. The anger. The bloodstains. The ire to kill. And the look on Ryan's face now was not much different. 

Alec is tempted to not even answer the door. But what kind of coward was he? Whatever Ryan had to dish out, he could take. Whatever she had to say couldn't hurt him. She might know that it was his doing that got Tal in the hospital, but that still didn't mean she had any proof. And if she was just angry with him, eventually she'd get over it. This was what he wanted, right? 

The fragile naivety of a little boy's heart can often lead to false confidence, lined with pure hope that wrongdoings can somehow turn out right. Yet those hopes can also be quickly destroyed, leaving yet more confusion in a searching soul.

Alec unlocks the doorknob and the deadbolt and slowly opens the door halfway. He stares into Ryan's eyes, his expression blank. It was a blankness that hid the yearning below the surface. "Yes?"

Carson enters the house after a late evening at the restaurant. He needed a shower, but at the moment, he was tired. Slipping off his shoes, he heads straight for the couch. He could hear Misty working in the kitchen - she probably had waited up for him to make sure he got a good meal. He'd usually go in and greet her first... but not tonight.

Hitting the couch, he lies on his stomach and buries his face in a throw pillow.

Pay

Ryan gives a nod to her brother. Somewhere inside she new this wasn't her fault but she couldn't get head to agree with her. She still felt like this was on her shoulder, and if it wasn't for her Tal never would of gotten hurt. She should have known better.

Following her brother into the room Ryan wasn't sure what she expected but it wasn't what she saw. Coming closer to Tal Ryan could feel her heart race and her eyes start to pool a little more. It was so hard to see Tal like this he looked....horrible.

   "Oh Tal..."

Softly Ryan places her arm on his shoulder as she looked down on her. Her anger for Tal increased even more as she continued to look at him. How could anyone do this to someone as sweet as Tal. Alec had no right to get off and if she was the one to teach him a lesson than she would.

   "You hand in there you hear me Tal, you dont give up."

Looking to her brother and than to Tal Ryan shakes her head and whipes a tear away. It was rare for Ryan to cry but she couldn't help it this time around. Turning around from Tal Ryan looks to Eli a flame in her eye. She was beyond upset, hurt, and sad.

   "Alec can't get away with this I wont let him."

Leaving the room there was nothing more she could do here right now so her next destination was Alec's apartment. Exiting the hospital she dosn't look behind her and if Eli was calling to her she had no idea. Her mind was focused on one thing. Getting to her car and hopping in Ryan revs the engin before taking off with a screech. 

...Getting to Alec's apartment Ryan parks her car and gets out seeing his bike parked there he new he was back home now. Getting inside and knocking on the door loudly Ryan stands there the fire in her eyes and her arms cross over her chest.

Looking up once more and seeing what Eric was saying was the truth Ashlee gives a smile. It was nice to know that Her mom and Eric were still friends and he wasn't mad at her. It was a releaf and Eric was so soft about it, it was nice.

   "Thanks Eric that means a lot."

Feeling the tug on her poneytale and hearing Eric still wanted her in the barn in the morning made her eyes light up and she smiled even more.

   "You bet I'll be there. Wouldn't miss it for anything."

Still Friends

Eli's own face relayed his worry - he hoped beyond hope that Tal really would be okay. This was so very unfair and wrong. He'd done nothing but be kind, and this was how he'd been repaid. It was despicable. 

Eli turns to stand facing Ryan, taking her by both shoulders and staring at her sternly. "This is not your fault. Not yours, not mine, not Tal's. This is completely Alec's fault and I don't want to ever hear you say it's yours again." 

He didn't know what would happen now. Whether or not Tal survived would determine what kind of reactions would come next. Would Alec pay? He hoped so. But he also knew the Elite's hands were tied. He didn't blame Reese, though he was angry with the system. Something had gone wrong somewhere. 

"Alec will get what he deserves one way or the other. Whether it's now or ten years from now. But in no way shape or form is it your fault, do you understand me?" Eli loses no sternness. He loved his sister to death and would not tolerate seeing her blame herself for something like this. "We did take Alec seriously - we just didn't know how far he'd go. But even if we had, this still might not have been prevented." 

Pulling Ryan in for a tight hug, he kisses the top of her head, never realizing how much like his father he was being. Stubborn. Proud. Loyal. Loving. "It's gonna be okay." His voice had lowered to a softer level. "It's all gonna be okay." 

The minutes couldn't possibly go by any slower. The hours dragged on. Finally, finally, the doctor returns to tell them that Tal had made it through this initial surgery and they'd done what they could on his lung. He'd been moved to a room in the ICU and was not awake, but they could go see him briefly if they wanted. He was far from out of the woods and they were monitoring him closely - right now, it was a 50/50 chance he would survive the night.

Eli leads the way to the room, determined to see Tal for himself. Only when they'd arrived does he give his sister a solemn glance. Though he'd seen Tal in his worst condition in the alley, Ryan hadn't, and this would probably be somewhat of a shock. 

Inside the little room, monitors and machines beeped and whirred. On the bed, Tal lay silently...unmoving. A tube from his mouth ran to a breathing machine, while wires connected him to multiple monitors and an IV rhythmically dripped. The right side of his face was covered in bandages, as well as part of his head. He had been cleaned up, but stitches and bruises could still be seen, and his closed eyes were dark purple and swollen. A neck brace held him immobile. His right hand was bandaged and in a brace, while his leg, under the sheet and blanket, was elevated slightly, wrapped and in a splint. If one did not know what had happened, they quite possibly would not even recognize him. 

Ashlee's apology and the sight of her tears makes Eric's heart crumble. He'd feared she had noticed his offishness, but he hadn't known if she knew about his and Stacy's argument. Apparently she at least knew they'd fought. Tipping his hat back on his head a little, he scoots closer and sets his hand on Ashlee's shoulder. His eyes are gentle and reassuring.

"Let me tell you something... First, you ain't caused any fights. Your mom and I had a bit of a misunderstanding and things probably should have been handled differently - but you didn't do anything wrong, okay?" 

He didn't want her to feel badly - none of it was her fault in the least. "Second... your mom and I had a good talk to day and we're still friends. I'm sorry if I ain't been around as much the last couple days, but I hope we can get back to normal." That was the best he could do without telling her too much. 

"And third..." He leans a little closer. "If I'm ever mad at you - which is nearly impossible - I will always talk to you about it so we can work it out. But as it sits right now, nobody's mad at anybody so there just ain't nothing for you to worry about." 

He lifts his hand from her shoulder, reaching back to give her ponytail a teasing little tug, and he grins. "So tomorrow I better see you in that barn ready to help me out."

He's got to be

Ryan could feel her own blood boil as Eli talks about how once again they said nothing could be done because there was no proof. She new what Eli had done to Alec was wrong but he deserved it and would not scold her brother. Shaking her hear she was about to say something but stops at the dr comes in. Standing with Eli she just listens.

Hearing everything he had to say Ryan couldn't believe the damage that was done to Tal. How could anyone do that to someone so nice? Even if they had been jealous or  mad and now the one who inflicted the harm was getting away scott free? That wasn't far and Ryan new it.

Ryan can feel a tear form in her eye. From anger, hurt, sadness it all mixed together and she wasn't sure what one she was feeling more. Eli's hand in her own was a comfort though she couldn't even imagine what Tal looked like.

   "No he doesn't, if we had just taken what Alec said seriously...this wouldn't have happened Eli. This is my fault."

Ryan would stay till they were able to see Tal than she had something she needed to do of her own. Her mind reeling...she wasn't sure if the whole thing with Tal could of been avoided but she felt guilty about it anyways. She hated Alec for what he did and there was no way he could get away with it. She'd give him a peace of her mind, and let him know there was no way this changed anything with them.

   "He's gotta be ok Eli, he's got to be!"

Looking up from the table Ashlee gives a smile at Eric. She was happy he'd gone to look for her mom after he had been so upset with her. She thought she new the reason but there was so much more she didn't know too. 

   "Thanks Eric for being the one to find my mom."

Glancing down again and running her finger along the table for a second Ashlee couldn't help the small feeling of guilt for making her mom and Eric fight. Looking up again she her eyes held small tears that were trapped behind them. Maybe it was joy her mom was ok, or the fact that she had caused a fight or maybe it was both.

   "I'm sorry I got you and my mom into a fight. I didn't mean for that to happen. I just...I don't want you to be mad at me for it."

Maybe it was the lack of having a father that cause Ashlee to be scared that Eric would not want to spend time with her anymore now. Or that her mom might have been so upset that she said he couldn't be around her but Ashlee hoped that wasn't the case. Over the last few days she new he was avoiding her and it killed her to think they couldn't be friends anymore.

Just Fine

Eli nods his head numbly and finally straightens to look to the side at his sister. "I talked to Reese. Alec was in his apartment all last night, so... we're in the same spot we were the last time." 

Pausing, he looks down at his hands. They were mostly clean now, but he rubs a little at a lingering bloodstain around his fingernail. Should he tell her the rest? He didn't want to upset her more than she already was. But he'd never withheld information before and he didn't want to start now. 

"I saw Alec while I was there," he admits. "I... blew up at him." He shakes his head slowly, not daring to look Ryan in the eye. "He had guilt written all over his face. There's no proof... He's still got that dang ankle bracelet on and it shows he never left his place either time. One of the guys questioned him while I was there and he denied everything quite adamantly."

Sighing in frustration, he finally glances at Ryan. "I'm sorry. I don't know what else to do, short of strangling the guy and going to jail myself for murder." If he wasn't so worried about Tal right now, he'd be just as hot as he'd been at TJY. Or maybe he was trying extra hard not to lose his temper in front of Ryan - that would just make things worse for her. But one thing was certain - his anger had not subsided one bit, and his mind searched wildly for some way of taking Alec down.

"Excuse me..."

Eli stands up quickly as a doctor enters the room. "Yes?" 

"Hi, I'm Doctor Brannigan." He offers a handshake to both Eli and Ryan. "I was told that you two are close friends with Talon Donahue." 

Eli nods. "Tal. Yeah. What's happening?" 

The doctor shakes his head. "I have to tell you that I was shocked your friend was even still alive when he was brought in. He lost a lot of blood and had probably been left unconscious for eight hours at least." 

Eli's hand finds Ryan's shoulder. It felt like every muscle in his body was tightening with worry as he prepares for the worst. "Go on." 

"I'm even more shocked he's made it this far. We almost lost him several times - his heart stopped, but we able to get it started again. To be honest, I don't know how we didn't lose him, other than his apparent stubbornness and will to survive." 

Eli manages a small smile. "He's a fighter, no doubt." 

"Mm... that's what I'm hoping for. We've stabilized him for now but he has many injuries to deal with."

Eli doesn't like the pause, and he nods. "Please... don't spare us. We need to know how bad it is."

The doctor purses his lips and studies them both for a moment before relenting. "He has several fractures in his upper spine. His right hand is broken - several bones were crushed. His jaw and right cheekbone were fractured, and he has a bad concussion." He stops for a moment to check his clipboard. "His... right leg is broken in several places. His internal organs appear to be okay at the moment, though there was mild trauma, apparently from forceful blows. He's been taken to the OR for surgery to repair his lung and surrounding area, but that's all we dare do today. If he remains stable and makes it through the next several days, we will proceed with surgeries on his hand and leg, and/or deal with any other complications that arise." 

Eli's hand had tightened on Ryan's shoulder, and he swallows hard. "When will we be able to see him?" 

"Probably in another hour or two." 

"Doc... what kind of a chance do you give him?" 

Doctor Brannigan shakes his head. "It's hard to say. Like I said, he should've been dead several times now. His body could keep on fighting, or give up after so many tries. Only he knows. He's far from being out of the woods at this point. But we're doing all we can."

Eli nods. "Thanks... we appreciate the update." As the doctor leaves, Eli's eyes rise to the ceiling and he takes a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. "Of all people," he mutters. "He doesn't deserve this." 

Alec sits at the table in the interrogation room, angrily strumming his fingers on the table as he waits to be released. His throat still hurt from Eli's attack, as did his pride. As did.... something deeper. Never had he seen Eli so angry.

It didn't seem like all that long ago he and Eli had been friends. They hadn't been best buddies, but they'd gotten along and had started to enjoy each other's company. The evenings spent at his and Ryan's apartment... Alec still remembered them like yesterday.... and he wished he could have them all back to live through them again.

Wanting to get up and kick a chair, Alec refrains. If he got too upset, they might think he really was guilty and then he'd be in major hot water. As it was, nobody had any proof of anything. But what Alec would like to know was how bad a shape Tal really was in. He'd told Cutter to rough him up a bit but hadn't said to nearly kill him. What had happened? If Tal did die...

Alec would rather not think about that. It made his stomach churn for some unknown reason.

"Yeah... okay." Eric can't help but wonder about that strange glint in Stacy's eyes. What did she look at him like that? What did it mean? 

Shaking it off, he lets Stacy head to Angel's office, while he takes Static to the barn. Giving his horse a quick rubdown, he puts him away and gives him a bit of grain as a thanks for the long afternoon. 

Tired and hungry, Eric aims for the mess hall. His leg was killing him after riding for so long, but he'd take a look at it later. 

Choosing the back door to the dining hall, he almost runs into Mick. "Whoa. Sorry." 

"Hey, Eric - you made it back. So what happened out there?" 

"She hit a downed tree and got thrown from her four-wheeler. She went to Angel's just a bit ago but I think she's just fine." 

"And the four-wheeler?"

"Don't know. Didn't take a close enough look. Tomorrow we can take a  truck up close to it and see if we can haul it back here to have Clint look at it." Spotting Ashlee at a nearby table, Eric cuts off the conversation. "Talk to you more later." Sidling up to the table and slipping in the chair next to Ashlee, he gives her shoulder a little nudge. "Hey." He offers her a smile. "Your mom's okay. Got a bump to the head after she took a fall from the four-wheeler but she's gonna be alright. Angel's working her magic on her right now."

Alone!

Sitting in the waiting room Ryan felt so rest less, the minutes felt like hours, and the seconds felt like days. Waiting for the news on if Tal was going to be ok or not could not come soon enough and she felt so alone. The last time Ryan had felt like this had been when they had all waited to see if there father would make it or not. It hurt, a lot and if Tal didn't make it...Ryan didn't know. That alone put tears in her eyes.

Standing once more Ryan walks over to one of the windows and leans against the wall resting her head on the cool surface. If this was Alec than it was her fault. Alec did this because of her and a anger burned inside but a sadness too. This was the second time...If she stayed with Tal would it continue? It was something Ryan didn't want to think about right now but the question lingered anyways.

Moving away from the wall and glancing down the hall Ryan goes to the chair once again and sits down. She couldn't sit still, she couldn't think...she just wanted to this be over and Tal to be ok. He didn't deserve this at all.

Looking at her brother as he sat down next to her Ryan was happy he was back. She didn't want to be alone, but she understood he needed to do something. Now it was just nice he was back with her.

   "No, nothing yet. I don't know if thats a good thing or a bad thing Eli. Did you get to talk to someone at TJY?"

Giving a nod Stacy new she could trust Eric not to say anything to Ashlee. As they start up again Stacy keeps her hand locked with Eric's and leans against him slightly. The right back was a nice one though she was a little sore.

Back at the ranch and looking around Stacy could tell she worked to much when the first thing she thought about was doing her rounds. Eric's suggestion though was a smart one and than letting Ashlee know she was ok was the next.

Though there was something strange that seemed to loom in the goodbye for the night she wasn't sure what it was. Knowing Eric wasn't upset with her anymore helped but there was something else though she couldn't put her finger on it.

   "Thanks Eric for coming to look for me. If you happen to see Ash just let her know I went to see Angel. I'll....see you again soon ok?"

It was now in the light of the moon that Stacy saw how good Eric looked tonight. There was something about his tough dimeanure that just did it for him. There was no denying he was good looking indeed.

Rage

Seeing Ryan, Eli halts his pacing, relieved that she was finally here. Setting his hands on her shoulders, concern was everywhere on his face. "I don't know if he's going to be okay or not." There was no point in beating around the bush - not with his sister - she was too smart for that.

"I found him out back of work a while ago in the alley - he'd been beat up so bad that..." He grits his teeth against his rising emotions. "I don't know how long he'd been there, but I think it had been at least half the night. It's... it's bad, Ry. Real bad."

He knew that Ryan and Tal had formed a very close relationship and that if anything happened, she would take it very hard - even harder than he would. He gives her shoulders a squeeze. "He wasn't conscious so I don't know what happened. They're working on him in the ER now and I haven't heard anything. What I wanna do, though, is run over to the Elite."

Eli's eyes searches his sister's. He knew she suspected Alec as he did. How could they not? It could have been a freak coincidence that Tal got mugged but the odds of that happening were low. Instinct pointed towards Alec. "I want to talk to Reese personally and report this directly to him. But I want you to stay here in case anything happens or if the doctor has any news, okay?"

He tries his best to give Ryan reassurance, but he knew it was weak. How could he tell her it was going to be okay when he himself didn't know? He hadn't felt like this in many many years.

Pulling Ryan in for a rare hug, he lets her go quickly and slips from the waiting room before she could ask where all the blood on his clothes had come from. Back outside and to his motorcycle, he makes a fast job of getting his helmet on and is soon heading down the street faster than the limit...


Arriving to TJY, Eli wastes no time in getting inside and heading across the main floor. He knew where Reese's office was, and he was in no mood to deal with anybody else. Last time was bad enough. Today... today was way beyond acceptable and he would not stand for it.

With each stride, his anger grew. He had absolutely no proof that this was Alec. Tal couldn't tell them anything right now. But his sixth sense continued to nag him. It was way too big of a coincidence, and besides, Tal was a lousy target for a mugging.

Halfway to Reese's office, Eli suddenly skids to a halt, staring at the opening of the hallway. Alec? Alec was here? His growing anger rises another notch.


Alec rolls his eyes and sighs at Hal. "Just tell Reese I checked in like a good little boy and the evaluation is done, okay? I got things to do so I'm not gonna stand around here just to tell him everything I told you."

Hal shakes his head, but agrees. The monthly evaluation was done. Alec was seemingly doing well with the program, working every day and staying in town, though he did ride his motorcycle around and leave his apartment when he shouldn't. But Reese had allowed him that, so Hal wasn't going to call him on it. "Alright, get out of here, and keep your nose clean. One of these days maybe you'll actually be free again."

Freedom. Alec wanted it so badly he could taste it. But he wouldn't let on. "Sure. I'll believe it when I see it."

"Of all the dirty, low down, cowardly...!"

Alec's eyes widen at Eli's raised voice, taken completely off guard by his presence. Backing up a step into the hall, he has no idea what's going on.

Eli was closing the gap - and fast. His glare could pierce a steel wall. "You!" He points a finger at Alec, his tone dripping with ire.

Almost panicked by Eli's demeanor, Alec glances to Hal then back to Eli, lifting his hands in surrender to whatever was happening. "What did I-"

Before he can even react, Eli's forearm slams into his chest, pressing him against the wall - hard. He winces and brings his hands down to try and free himself, but Eli presses his arm into his throat.

"You are the scum of the earth," he hisses. "I ought to take you down right now for the stunt you just pulled."

"What... what are you talking about?!" Alec claws at Eli's arms and all of a sudden realizes that his feet aren't on the floor anymore as he was held up by his throat, still pinned by Eli's arm. Gasping for air, he takes a swing at Eli's face, but misses.

Eli sends a knee into Alec's gut. "I'm talking about what you did to Tal!" he shouts.

"Hey, hey, Eli! Let him go!" By now, Hal was joined by Gunner, both of whom try to pull Eli off of Alec.

"No!" Eli plants his feet, still almost cutting off Alec's air supply entirely. "This man deserves life in prison, not a slap to the wrist and a life among society!"

Gunner and Hal keep trying, to pull him off, but it did little good. Finally Reese himself arrives on the scene and joins them, pushing and pulling to get Eli to release Alec.

"Let me do this!" Eli screams. Being unable to to withstand the strength of all three men, he's torn away from his target, his feet dragging on the floor. "You rat!"

Alec, now back on the floor, bends and coughs, putting a hand to this throat and trying to catch his breath. Looking up at Eli trying to fight off the other men, he catches his eye. It was only for a split second, but it was enough. He saw the blood stains. And he knew. Guilt floods his gaze. And Eli sees it.

"That man deserves to hang!" Eli rips an arm loose from Reese's grasp but is quickly held back again.

Breathing heavily, Reese has no idea what's going on. "Eli, calm down! What happened?"

"Tal Donahue is in the hospital, beaten to within half an inch of his life! He may not even make it! And it's thanks to that coward right there, whom you say you have been watching!" Eli struggles to free himself. "Let me go!"

He'd been paying little attention to everyone in the building who was now staring at the scene, and only now realizes that Con had approached and was leading Alec down the hall out of sight.

"No! Don't do this!"


...An hour later, Eli was on his way back to the hospital. And no less angry. More so, if anything. He had seen the guilt on Alec's face, and he knew beyond a doubt now. But he remained clean. Nothing showed Alec had strayed from his apartment. There was no proof. Nothing. And as such, the Elite couldn't hold him. Reese had admitted he wanted to believe Eli and wanted to help, but he was bound by the law, and without proof, Alec could not be held.

Still steaming as he pulls up to the hospital, Eli tries to calm down. It didn't do much good though.

Going back inside and heading back to the ER waiting room, he finds Ryan once more, and flops down on the small couch, burying his face in his hands. "Any news?" he mumbles.

"You have my word." Eric agreed that Ashlee need not know about Rich. It was something she didn't have to deal with or worry about. 

Finally dropping his hand, he straightens again and urges Static forward once more, his arm still tucked around Stacy. 

By the time the ranch came into view, it was dark. The clouds were gone though, and stars dotted the sky. Coming up to the barn, Eric saw lights on in the dining hall and knew that's probably where most everyone was. Pulling Static to a halt, he slides off first, then helps Stacy down as well. 

"I'd advise you to see Angel about your head... I'll take care of Static and finish up here." He wasn't really sure how to part now... for some reason it felt just a little awkward.

"I'm... glad you're okay."

Fear

Feeling Eric's arm tighten around her slightly Stacy didn't mind. The shelter he was offering, the comfort and kindness was accepted well and Stacy's fingers tightening around his hand slightly was a silent was of saying it was ok.

Hearing his words and confirmation that everything would be ok and that there was no way Rich could take Ashlee was refreshing. She new that it would imposable for him to take her but just hearing it from someone else other than herself was an extra but that Stacy needed.

As Eric whips the tear from her cheek and rests his hand on her face Stacy bends a little bit to rest it even more. The feel of his skin was rough but it was a working man's hand and to her it felt nice and we welcomed the warmth it offered. The strange butterfly's that fluttered in her stomach did not go unnoticed but not attachen was drawn to them.

   "It's been a long time since I trusted anymore but hearing you say that...without a shadow of a doubt I believe you!"

Giving a little smile Stacy really meant what she has said. Eric's words comforted her and she really did trust him when he said everything was ok. Why She didn't know but there was just something about hi that Stacy just seemed to be drawn to. 

   "I haven't told Ashlee that Rich called and I don't plan on it. I think he would only confuse and upset her.  So can you just...keep this conversation between us?"

Hearing Leo call her Ryan looks up from her work bench giving a smile. Seeing the look on Leo's face though she new something was wrong. Before he said anything next a million and one things went through her mind on what it might be. Her heart starting to thump a feeling of dread overcoming her.

As Leo tells her that Tal had been hurt Ryan can feel a lump form in her throat at the look of fear pass over her eyes. How had he been hurt? What happened? It was so bad he had to be at the hospetil? Did it happen at work? Was it Alec again? A million and one questions ran through Ryan's mind.

Standing she wastes no time at at all standing and throwing her rage on the work bench and grabbing her jacket. She new she was in the middle of a car but she didn't care. The car could wait this could not. without saying anything else Ryan was out the door and on the way to meet Eli.

...It didn't take long and Ryan was coming through the Er doors. Seeing her brother she just about sprints over to him laying a hand on his shoulder. The last time she'd been or felt like this with her brother was when they were waiting for word on how there father was doing. 

   "Eli...what happened? Is he going to be ok? Whats going on?"