Boredom and Loneliness

Though Jim did hear Angel, he didn't respond. He was too deep in misery at the moment to let her words penetrate. He stayed in the office, resting for a while, until one of the guys came and helped him to the house where he would stay the rest of the day. He wouldn't be seen at supper either - Becky explained he wasn't feeling well enough to get up and come. She didn't express much feeling one way or the other about what had happened, remaining fairly quiet. Everyone else tried to just go on with the day, but it was hard not to think about the fight.

Seeing Chad approach, Rosalyn got to her feet. She wanted to be excited. She wanted to look forward to this evening. But after today, her spirits had been dampened to the point where she wasn't sure if she'd even enjoy a date. But it was better than staying here.

She couldn't help a look of surprise at seeing Chad all dressed up. He looked incredibly handsome, and it was quite obvious he'd made an effort to clean himself up tonight. His suit was rather dashing and fit him well. Would she ruin his evening since she wasn't in high spirits? Maybe she shouldn't have let him come.

Managing a small smile, she did her best to give him at least a halfway warm greeting. "Hi... You look awfully good for picking up a girl out in the middle of nowhere."

Being handed the bag, her brow furrowed in confusion. Looking inside as he explained what it was, her eyes widened. Blinking, she glanced back up at him, hardly able to believe he'd done this for her. He'd...he'd bought her a dress? And a nice dress too. She rarely got dressed up for anything, since dates were non-existent, church was casual, and dances were usually cowboy-style. This was something she'd never had before...let alone thought she was pretty enough to wear.

She swallowed hard as her emotions started to bubble. She couldn't accept such a gift from Chad - it obviously wasn't cheap. But she also knew to refuse it, she would hurt him more than she already had with this whole ordeal.

Still not saying anything, she took the dress out of the bag and held it up to herself. It was so pretty, and for a moment, she felt again like the princess he always made her feel like. She didn't realize a tear had escaped to trickle down her cheek. "Thank you," she whispered. "It's beautiful..."

...She'd go back into the ranch to get some shoes, but could borrow a pair from Jade so she didn't have to go back to her house at least. After that, she'd agree to changing at Chad's hotel room- she didn't want to stick around here any longer, and changing in the jeep wouldn't be easy. She'd be quiet on the ride to town. She didn't want to talk about the day, and she wasn't ready to tell Chad yet what all had happened. Her hand would remain in his though, as she tried to soak up any comfort she could find, in spite of the dim look her eyes wore tonight...

...Looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, Rosalyn took a deep breath. She wasn't used to dressing like this. If she were Jade, she'd put her hair up in some fancy way, but the most she could do was just let it be loose and fall over her shoulders. She didn't have any fancy jewelry, and her wrist was white where she usually wore a durable watch that wouldn't match tonight. The necklace she wore didn't really match either - a silver locket on a black cord. Most of the time, she wore it under her t-shirt, but she couldn't hide it with this dress. She wasn't going to take it off though - it was too special.

After putting on a little bit of lip gloss, she finally stood back and looked at herself one last time. It would have to do. She felt rather silly, feeling so nervous, but she couldn't help it. She wasn't used to making herself pretty for a man. Emerging slowly from the bathroom, her eyes drifted to the floor as she stood in front of Chad. She hoped he approved. 

Though hibernating in his cubicle the rest of the afternoon, Gunner does eventually check his cell phone, finding a bazillion voicemails. Some from Reese. Some from Pete. Then one from Bree. It was unusual that they didn't already have plans. They hung out all the time before, then even more after being engaged. He'd been so preoccupied the last few days though, that he hadn't realized tonight they hadn't talked about doing anything.

Rather than calling Bree back though, Gunner sends her a text instead, letting her know he'd be there after work. Avoiding much more for the short time left of the day, Gunner didn't get much done. But at least he wasn't getting yelled at anymore either. Eventually he does head out, going first to the store, then over to JT's. It really had become his second home. If he wasn't here with JT and Bree, he was over at Bree's, or she was over at his place. It felt nice to have a close friendship there, even with JT. Close enough that he was allowed to walk in without knocking.

"Honey, I'm home!" Entering the house, Gunner immediately smelled JT's "famous" spaghetti sauce. That answered his question of what on earth Bree's uncle would be cooking in such quantity. JT couldn't make his spaghetti sauce in small portions.

He poked his head into the kitchen and grinned a silly grin. "The army is here for supper," he teased. "And... me, myself and I brought fixings for rootbeer floats without the roots."

JT looked over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. "You guys and your floats."

"Hey." Gunner set the grocery sack down on the table and winked at Bree. "If he doesn't want any, that just leaves more for us, right?" Without waiting for an answer, he reached over and pulled her close for a quick hug and kiss. "Mm, are you a sight for sore eyes. Don't ask me about my day - it was incredibly dull."

JT shoots a new glance over his shoulder. Having Reese call him twice to see if he knew where Gunner was, implied more than a dull day, but somehow he sensed he shouldn't ask about it.

Jared sighed and removed the CD from his portable player, only to toss it into the waste basket beside his bed. It had already accumulated at least ten other discs. Only one, so far, was set aside to keep.

After putting in another CD and listening through his headphones, this time it only took a couple seconds before he threw away that one too. He had quite a collection from his car...but he didn't have anything better to do this afternoon. He still liked the hard music, but...the lyrics weren't exactly things he'd feel good about other people hearing. Not anymore. Not someone like Grace. It wasn't like they spent much time in his car, let alone listening to music, but he still didn't like having this stuff around anymore. Perhaps in a way, he was trying to throw away a part of himself that he no longer liked.

He'd been home from the hospital for a couple days, and, thankfully, he'd had no more unexpected mishaps so far. He was feeling better, despite his shoulder being forced to stay in a sling - except for therapy sessions - for a while now. Grace would help him with his shoulder now too, along with his legs...after he'd told the doctor he'd changed his mind and still wanted her to be his therapist.

"Jared? Would you like some soup for supper?"

He looked up to see his mother in the doorway, and removed his headphones. "Um..." He thought about how his stomach was feeling before he nodded. "Yeah, I think I can eat a little."

Lydia smiled. At least he was willing to try. He'd lost so much weight lately that he was all but skin and bones. "Okay. I will make some for both of us then." She cocked her head. "You are still listening to music?"

"Yeah, well...it's not like I can go take a walk instead."

Lydia just gave him a smirk. "When does Grace come back?"

"Tomorrow. I think." In truth, Jared wasn't a hundred percent sure. His days ran together so easily anymore. After returning from the hospital, the days just seemed to melt together in a mix of boredom and loneliness. It couldn't be helped, but it didn't make it any more fun.

"Well, I will let you know when the soup is ready, okay?"

"Sounds good." Jared waited until she was gone again before putting his headphones back on. He knew he had it good here. He knew he was lucky to have a mother who was so caring. Now if only he could get some kind of life back. Until then, this afternoon and evening would be like all the others...the same...as every other day.

Dress

Listening to Jim Angel rolls her eyes for a second with her back turned so Jim didn't see. Why was it people always seemed to revert to that same response when something happened. She never understood it but it seemed to always be like clock work when it came out.

   "I don't think people would be better off without you Jim and you know that. Just life moves to quickly sometimes and before we know it the ones we love are grown and wanted to learn things on there own."

Though this could pertain to Jim Angel was also talking about Wendy. She had grown up so fast and everything desition she made it was hard for Angel to sit back and just let it happen. Her baby girl was no longer a baby.

   "Guess thats life though we can't hold on forever least we lose the ones we are trying to protect."

Getting pulled into Mick's hug Rosetta nuzzles her head into his chest. He had always been her comfort and though it seemed she held it together so well without him she might not have. He really was important to her own strength and keeping it together more than he'd probley ever know.

   "Even without you know it Mick, it was your strength that helped me. On top of that you guys have always been family and thats what we do. Stick together...It's always just been us. The Pents and Hensons."

Six o'clock sharp Chad's jeep was coming down the dirt road as some music played. It seemed to be a nice evening out and he was happy for that. Dressed in a nice suit and his hair combed a little more neat the normal Chad pulls into the driveway spotting Rosalyn. A smile spread across his lips seeing her and that she was waiting. He didn't mind where it was as long as she was ready.

Getting out of the jeep but leaving it running he had a bag in hand. Inside was a nice red dress that sparkled. He'd hoped she liked it. Holding it out to her he can't help the sparkle in his eye and the smile that grew on his lips even more.

   "Hey there. I new you might not have had anything to ware tonight so I picked this dress up for you. Clint helped me a little with size, and what you might like since I never bought a dress before."

Chad can't help but blush just a little bit. It felt so odd buying a dress for someone but he was confident about it he just hoped it was Rosalyn's style too.

   "If you want to change in the jeep I can stay out here till your done, or I can take you back to the hotel, or even wait for you here to go up to the ranch. It is completely up to you and what you feel comfortable with."

    "Gunner JT and I wanted to know if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight. He's cooking and well...I guess he thought he was feeding an army or something. So give me a call back, we would love to have you come over. I miss you too."

Hanging up the phone and putting it into her pocket Bree gives a little smile and shakes her head going back to work. Tonight something just felt like she should invite Gunner over. For one reason or another she felt like he needed someone to just be with. Not to mention she did miss him and wanted to see him.

Yelled at

Jim was unresponsive as Angel talked, just lying on the bed with his aching eyes closed. If ever there was a picture of a beaten man - physically and spiritually - it was him.

Angel's question opened one eye though and he looked up at her dimly. "I'd be better if..." He paused as his jaw warned him not to talk too much. "If people'd quit tellin' me how'ta run my family."

He closed his eye again, and was apparently finished talking, but it was even more apparent that there was so much more below the surface. "I feel like I don't belong here anymore," he mumbled quietly. "Like everybody'd be better off without me around." 

"I don't know either," Mick agreed with Rosetta. "Other than stubborn pride. At this point, even if he got to know Chad and found he liked him, he'd probably keep his stance just because of the principle of the thing. It's like now he's fighting 'just because.'  Just because he's Rosalyn's father. Just because he doesn't like the idea of Chad. Just because he's in control and wants to prove it." 

He shrugged lamely. "I just wish I knew what to do. I honestly have no idea where Becky stands, and Clint is quiet, though I think he's taken Rosalyn's side. It just seems like there's always got to be some kind of family issue going on around here, whether it's Eric or Jim or Sparky, or...well, even me and Dylan. Unfortunately, there's no one to blame, like the Agency, for all of this. It's just...us. I know we all like the idea of having the family so close together, but I don't know...maybe it actually causes more problems." 

Looking at his wife, Mick sighed before he reached out and pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her head. "You used to always be the one to pull all us hotheaded guys together...how do you put up with us, hmm?" 

When Rosalyn's phone told her she had a new text message, it took her a few minutes to actually look at it. What she'd advised Chad to do - give up - was exactly what she feared, too. 

Still lying on the bunkhouse bed, she finally retrieved her phone and read his message. New tears pooled in her eyes. Why did he care so much? She just didn't understand. Or...did she? If things were reversed, she was pretty sure she wouldn't want to let go of him either. But he really did care about her that much? It was still mind-boggling. 

It would be several more hours before she would emerge from the bunkhouse. But even though she had slept, it had not been restful, and her bloodshot eyes proved that. She avoided everybody except Jade and Clint that afternoon, busying herself with work and preferring not to see her parents. 

By the time six o'clock rolled around, she wouldn't be found. Clint was the only one who knew where she was, and even then, Rosalyn wasn't a hundred percent sure Chad would really come. She believed his intentions, but she hadn't even replied to his message, and she wouldn't blame him if he changed his mind.

But even so, it was at the end of the driveway where Rosalyn sat, leaning back against the mailbox post. She didn't want Chad to pull all the way in, for fear there would just be another scene. It was better this way, and no one would be the wiser if Clint kept his promise of not telling anyone. 

Pulling her jacket around herself a little tighter, Rosalyn closed her eyes as she waited. She was exhausted, physically and emotionally. She hadn't changed clothes - she was still in her working jeans, boots and t-shirt. Her hair was in a messy pony tail, and her eyes looked like she'd not slept for days. This was not at all how she'd pictured a date night. But it was all she had. 

Reese was not at all pleased with Hope's response, and his eyes showed his displeasure. He wasn't surprised, but it still didn't make him happy. And her lack of information only proved to him that something was wrong - especially if Gunner needed to talk to someone. With his history, this wasn't good. 

Reese pursed his lips and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "Thank you, Hope. When he-" 

"Hey, Pete said you were looking for me." Gunner stepped partway into the office. "What's up?"

"Of all the..." Reese put his hands on his hips. "Where have you been?!" he thundered. "We've been looking all over for you!" 

Gunner cringed, recoiling half a step. "Sorry. I had to run some personal errands after lunch."

"Excuse me? And where was your phone all this time?" 

"It was off, I guess."

"You guess?!" Reese threw his arms in the air. "Since when did you suddenly forget you're an Elite agent?!"

Gunner's brow furrowed, and he kept himself from looking in Hope's direction, refusing to catch her eye. "I didn't forget. I told you I had some personal errands. It was a slow day - I didn't know you'd need me."

"That's why you have a phone! I needed you for a case, but it's too late now. What in blazes were you doing all afternoon?" 

"I told you." Gunner's tone turned cold. "It was personal." 

"Great. That's great. If you weren't such a good agent and we weren't so short-handed, I'd put you on suspension for pulling this stung. But as it sits, all I can do is give you a warning that next time you decide to go AWOL, think twice and either ask permission or at least keep your dang phone on!" 

There was an eerie, tense silence before Gunner eventually cleared his throat. "Yeah, I'll...I'll do that," he replied quietly. He didn't wait to get raked over the coals any more, and instead, left the office. 

It was his own cubicle he retreated to, but once there, all he did was push aside his leftover food and rest his elbows on his desk. His eyes stared a blank computer screen. With Reese this mad, he might as well just go home. But he didn't want to go home. He didn't want to be alone. He was afraid of being alone tonight. 

Other than today

Letting out a sigh and shaking her head a little bit she new better than to make any reply to what had happened. She thought the whole fight sounded silly and while Mick had his reasons for doing things, she really didn't think violence was the answer. But she would stay quiet since it had nothing to do with her.

Turning and heading into the infirmary and looking over Jim Angel couldn't help but feel he did deserve this just a little bit. With the way he'd been acting, and the fact he's hit Clint what goes around comes around. Right after thinking that though Angel felt bad She shouldn't think like that and it was wrong of her. 

   "Well I think your going to make it Jim. Sore for sure, but nothing to badly hurt. Your going to have to take it easy with your ribs, and rest your eyes but the swelling will go down and you'll be right as rain again."

Studying Jim for a long moment Angel cocks her head for a second studying him. She wasn't a shrink so she couldn't tell how someone was feeling on the inside but something was definitely going on with Jim and she couldn't help but feel it was more than just Chad. He was acting very out of character even if he was a Henson.

   "How have you been feeling other than sore now? Everything been going ok, feeling good?"

Wiping her wet hands off on the towel she study's Mick and his own battle wounds. She new he really did feel badly about the fight. He's been so good about controlling his temper and not using fighting as his answer for everything. It had to be strange now to have let go like that.

   "I know you feel horrible about it Mick, and I can't say I agree with what happened but it does seem like Jim was asking for it too. I am not quite sure whats gotten into him lately."

To: Rosalyn
From: Chad

Sounds to me like you need a 
get away more than ever now.
I'm not giving up, I'm not 
letting go. I'll be there about
six and don't worry about whats
your going to ware. Even non 
fairytale have happy endings. 
I'm going to get you your's
if it kills me. I'll fight for 
both of us.

Looking down at the ground for a second than to Susanne and than back to Reese Hope shakes her head a little bit at him. He's could demand she tell him but she couldn't and wouldn't. Though it felt strange having to say no to the boss she new the rules of HIPPA as well and to be broken could cause many problems.

   "I'm sorry I can't disclose that to you, but I can tell you Gunner needs to talk to someone soon."

Giving a nod and a small smile to Reese she hoped he would understand her reply without her actully saying what she thought and breaking pashent confidentiality. It was the best she could do.

   "Anyways I just wanted to let you know that I had seen him last."

Tears

Jim only had enough energy to move his head away from Angel's touch, but not to fight any more. Both eyes were swelling up fast, making it hard to see, let alone react to anything. 

Mick wiped his lip again and shook his head at Angel. "No... it wasn't normal." He glanced around at the other men. "How 'bout we talk about it in your office before the audience grows." 

Too late. Becky had caught wind of the fight and came running. Seeing Jim, she was immediately at his side, the tears glistening in her eyes. It only took a moment for her gaze to rise to Mick though and she stood again. "What do you think you're doing?!" She shouted. "How could you do this to him?!" Taking a step closer to Mick, she aimed her fists at his chest, but Sparky was quick to intervene. 

"Hey, hey, settle down. Jim's fine."

"He is not fine! Look at him!" 

By now, Jim was trying to get to his feet, but was unable to until Eric gave him a hand, and even then he wobbled unsteadily while keeping his arms wrapped around his ribs and stomach. 

Sparky knew Jim was in pretty poor shape, but panicking wasn't going to do anything to help. "You need to calm down," he ordered Becky sternly. "If you can do that, then you can come to Angel's office with us. Otherwise, you're welcome to go to the house and wait." 

A tear rolled down Becky's face but she backed off and went to Jim again, helping him walk with Eric's aid as well. 

Mick's eyes were all but proud as his brother headed towards the office first. He looked to Angel with pain in his gaze. He hurt more on the inside than out at this point. "It started with Jim complaining about Rosalyn," he explained quietly as they walked a ways behind Jim. "I told him I didn't agree with how he was handling things with Chad and that he had no right to tell Chad he couldn't be here. We had an argument about who was really in charge here and he just got more and more riled. I finally told him if he really wanted to fight, to go for it. And... he did." He touched his eye tenderly. "I thought after the first few hits, he'd give it up, but he just kept going. I didn't have much of a choice but to pummel him, unless I wanted to be the one beat to a pulp." 

By then, they'd reached the office, so Mick kept quiet again, not wanting to make things worse. All he needed was a couple little bandages on his face, and he knew he'd be sore. Otherwise, he really didn't have much damage, and was just as happy to leave quickly so nothing else got started. 

Jim, on the other hand, was in much worse shape. His face was battered and he was seeing less and less out of his swollen eyes. His ribs screamed with pain, and his shoulder had taken a beating as well, when he'd fallen once. He could barely talk, his jaw was so sore, and thought he was obviously still very angry, all fight was gone, and he couldn't argue with Angel's care. 

Becky finally left to take care of some work she'd left hanging, which left Jim and Angel alone, though there wasn't much he could do but just lie on the bed and wince as she worked on him.


"... I feel terrible but I didn't know what else to do." Mick leaned on the kitchen counter in the house, glad to have found Rosetta alone with BJ outside for a while where he couldn't see his dad's black eye and split lip yet. 

Mick stared into the dish water draining in the sink and shrugged lamely. "He just wouldn't let it rest. It was like he was just waiting for me to throw the first punch. I didn't, but he ended up doing it himself anyway. Maybe I taunted him into doing it, but he just wouldn't walk away. It was like having an all-out brawl was the only way he was gonna stop. I could have just protected myself, but we'd still be out there with him beating on me if I hadn't taken the upper hand." 

He really did feel terrible. He used to fight all the time... but he'd tried to stop. He'd tried to get a hold of his temper and be the bigger man. He'd tried so hard not to be the hothead he used to be. And today, it was as if that was the only thing that would get Jim to stop. 

He sighs and looks at Rosetta sadly. "I tell you what though... all this has really made me stop and think about how I treat Jade." 


Rosalyn had finally emerged from the house, but only to go see Clint and make him tell her the conversation he'd overhead in the barn. About the argument. About how Jim had talked about not letting Rosalyn see Chad, and how Mick had tried defending them. Rosalyn had known...but she'd wanted to know for sure. And when she did, it was the empty bunkhouse she'd fled to. Chad wasn't there, but he had been, and that was all she had right now. 

Curling up on the bed, the tears flowed freely, sobs kept quiet in the pillow. She couldn't keep doing this. She couldn't keep on seeing Chad at the expense of her family. Her father had been hurt badly, and Mick hadn't had an easy time either. And it was all because of her. Because she was too stubborn to let go. 

Only after the tears had been spent did she have the nerve to pull out her phone. 

To: Chad
From: Rosalyn

Im sorry. I cant meet u tonight.
Probably not any night. Im
just causing too much trouble.
I cant take it anymore. I know
u said u wouldnt give up but
maybe u should. Im too tired
to fight anymore. Maybe in
another lifetime we can meet
again. This isnt a fairytale. It
doesnt have a happy ending.


Reese was standing by his desk when Hope entered the office, and he nodded a greeting. By his body language though, it was apparent that he was feeling the stress of the afternoon. 

Hearing what Hope had to say, he lifted his eyebrows in curiosity. Gunner had had lunch with her? That was unusual. He exchanged a quick glance with Susanne, which confirmed she had sensed the same oddity in the situation. 

"What do you mean you don't know what's going on with him? I didn't know anything was going on with him." Reese gave Hope a stern look. "If this has anything even remotely to do with his ghost hunting or suicidal tendencies, you better tell me now."


Alec nodded slowly as he processed Misty's answer. Not all that long ago, he would have called someone like Misty weak for being so generous and compassionate. But Misty was anything but weak. On the contrary, she was one of the strongest people he knew. Could it be that all this time, he'd had things backward? That her character traits were what made her strong? 

He gave her a crooked grin. "Well, from a guy that's been down on his luck, I'm sure Clay appreciated tonight."

After a little wave, he turned to go. "Goodnight, Misty..." It still felt a little strange to go out back to the shed that was now his own personal space. It was cozy, and he was proud that he'd fixed it all up by himself. And...he was glad he was still near enough to spend time with Misty and even Jason. Being alone wasn't all that grand.


Carson lay on his back on the small bed of the bedroom at Mom and Pop's. The ceiling never changed, but it seemed rather difficult to give up the habit of staring at it.

Finally turning on his side, he reached over to the nightstand to turn on the tiny lamp. The soft glow illuminated a worn picture frame and Carson's eyes fell upon the photo that he studied every night. And every night, he felt as though he fell in love with her smile all over again. And every night, that sweet joy was overshadowed by the stabbing pain in his heart.

It was ten minutes before he finally shut the light off. But the darkness wasn't very comforting. There was something else he did every night, and that was consider the papers in his bottom dresser drawer. He knew Misty and Jason were getting more serious about each other every day. He knew she was finding happiness with another man. And he new she was falling in love. As much as it hurt, he wondered if signing those papers and letting her go would be the better choice. But every time he got pen in hand, he couldn't bring himself to sign his name. There had to be some way to win Misty back. There just had to be.

Rolling onto his stomach, Carson buried his face in the pillow with the futile hope that it might subdue the silent tears. 

Everyone

Hope lets out a long sigh as Pete leaves the room.  She told Gunner she wouldn't say anything but had it come to the point where she should. Pete was right though if someone didn't tell Reese something than he would call Bree and make her worry. The last thing Hope wanted was to cause more stress than needed and if something bad did happen to Gunner than it would be her fault.

Standing and heading to Reese office Hope gives a little knock on the door before entering. Looking at Susanne and than at Reese she gives a small nod before clearing her throat. She hoped she wasn't intrusting anything more.

   "Sorry for bothering you guys but I heard you were looking for Gunner. I had lunch with him today to chat, but it was cut short when he up and left. I am not sure where he went but I am not sure what is going on with him yet."

Saying her goodbyes to Clay than Jason Misty was back in the kitchen cleaning a little more before bed. Wiping down the counter Misty stops at Alec's question. Studying him for a second she finally smiles back at him. She new this whole thing was just something else new to him and she was more than happy to try and explain herself to him. 

   "Well, Clay is someone who is down on his luck. I guess its always been in my nature to try and help those kind of people. Not to mention everyone needs friends and to have a good time now and than."

Throwing the paper toweling out that she had been using Misty walks over to the table where Alec was and grabs her coffee taking a sip. Letting the warm liquid slid down her throat for a second before speaking again.

   "Clay does seem pretty nice and I feel bad he's not had the best of luck in life. I figure to we all could relate with that and it might make him a little more comfortable too."

Hearing about the fight Angel was fast to arrive as she often did when she hear any of the Hensons or Pents had gotten into a fight. Neither familys new how to back down or give up and it always ended messy. So preparing for the wast was always a must and she new it.

Getting to the scene and seeing Jim on the ground and Mick standing both my bruised and bloody Angel wasn't sure what man to look at first. Jim seemed to look worse down on the ground so Angel figured she would start with him. Bending down and putting her hand under his chin she slightly tilts his head twords her looking at the bruses and cuts before looking back at Mick.

   "What happened? This doesn't look like the normal tiff."

Fight

Pete cocked his head as the wheels in his mind turned. Gunner had been to lunch with Hope. And he'd cut it short? There were obviously pieces Pete was missing, but something still didn't feel quite right. 

"I don't know if he's okay or not," he finally answered. "But his cell is either dead or turned off, which isn't normal, and he's got no active cases he's supposed to be out working on at the moment. And...he doesn't usually go out to lunch with you, let alone cut things short before he had time to eat." He paused to study Hope's eyes. "I saw the leftovers on his desk. If there's anything Reese needs to know, now would be a good time to tell him. I'd rather he not call Bree as soon as she gets off work and worry her too."

It felt a little strange, having Misty be so kind - after all she hardly knew Clay. It really had been a fun evening though, and he felt like maybe he could be friends with Jason and Alec, given a few more opportunities. They seemed like cool guys, and at least they'd let him in on their evening. 

It didn't take long for Clay to say goodbyes and thanks one more time before he left. By then it was late enough for Jason to head home as well, so soon it was just Alec left in the kitchen with Misty. It was about time for him to head back out to his shed, but instead, he took a moment to look at Misty inquisitively. 

"So...Clay seems like an alright kind of guy, but..." He shrugged, not even sure how to ask without sounding rude. "What made you invite him over without actually knowing him?"

"...then I thought we could use up those chicken breasts that have been in the freezer and-" Rosalyn's voice trailed off as her thoughts are diverted from talking with Jade, to outside where her eyes had wandered. "What on earth...?" 

Jade followed her gaze. They were at just the right spot in the dining room to see out towards the barn where it looked as though two people were in a fistfight. 

Rosalyn squinted out the window before her eyes widened. "Dad..." Rising quickly, she sprinted for the door and was outside within seconds. Running towards the barn, she didn't even notice Jade was hot on her heels. When she neared the barn though, it was Sparky who stopped her dead in her tracks. He stood in front of her with hands on her shoulders, blocking her view. "Go back inside," he directed sternly. 

"No! What's going on?" She shrugged off his hands and looked around him, now clearly seeing her father and Mick involved in a fight. And not only that, but Jeff, Eric and Luke were all standing there too, not doing a thing about it. Seeing Jim take a hard blow to the ribs, she tried again to get past Sparky. "Let me go! He's hurting him!"

"He's fine," Sparky returned. "Jade, take Rosalyn back to the house. Now." 

Jade's eyes were wide as adrenaline pumped through her veins. She had no idea what was going on, but seeing her dad and uncle attacking each other so violently was not something she liked. She numbly took Rosalyn's arm to pull her away from the scene, but Rosalyn refused. "No! Tell me what's going on!" 

Distracted by Rosalyn, Mick took a hit to the face before blocking Jim's next throw and countering with an uppercut to his brother's gut. Jim doubled over, only to have a knee slammed into his jaw hard enough to send him reeling backward. Though his world was spinning, he managed to stay on his feet, his defiant glare still in tact. 

"Stay down!" Mick barked. "It's over!" 

Jim responded only with another swinging fist. Mick reacted quickly, evading the punch, then sweeping his foot low, taking Jim's feet right out from under him. Jim hit the ground hard and winced as his head took the brunt of the fall. He already had a bloodied lip, bruised face and skinned knuckles, let alone his battered ribs, but he pulled himself to his feet anyway. 

Mick had a purple eye himself, along with a split lip, but he was in better shape so far. Enough so that he rolled his eyes. "Will you just give up?" 

As the fight continued, Rosalyn struggled against Sparky, tears now streaming down her face. "How can you let them do this to each other?!" 

"Come on." Clint had appeared out of nowhere, and took Rosalyn's arm, dragging her back towards the dining hall. 

"What's going on? What happened? Why are they fighting?" Rosalyn shook in fright over the whole thing, but had enough sense not to fight her brother. 

Clint shook his head. "They're just fighting to see who the alpha dog is." 

Rosalyn stopped short near the porch and looked back to where the fight was still going on. "No. It's more than that." Her teary eyes met her brother's, and all at once, she knew. It was in his eyes. He couldn't hide it from her. "It's about me, isn't it?" 

Clint swallowed hard. "Just let it go. They'll be fine." 

"But I-"

"Let. It. Go." 

Rosalyn swallowed a sob before turning and running not for the dining room, but for home. 

By now, Jim was on all fours, unable to stand, but still swinging at Mick's legs. He could barely see out of his swollen eyes now, and Mick was spitting out blood from having bit his tongue. The other men watching still let no one interfere. 

Seeing Jim gasping for air, Mick knelt next to him in an attempt to help him up. But it was the wrong move. Knuckles met his already-bloody lip, just making it all the more worse, and sending him backward onto the ground too. "Of all the..." Mick wiped some of the blood off with his sleeve. "You don't know when to quit, do you?" 

Jim's glare had retreated to the ground. "And neither do you," he hissed. 

The fight was over though. It was obvious Jim's energy was spent, and to allow anything more would not be right. It was only then that the other men finally stepped in to separate Jim and Mick, while someone went to go get Angel. 

Agree

Hearing the knock on the door Hope looks up giving a smile to Pete. It was different to see him coming to her. Out of all the people in TJY he was one of the more level headed people she new. Seeing the look in his eye though told her something was up.

   "Hey Pete, come on in."

Having Pete tell her that Gunner was still not back Hope cocked her head a little bit. She wondered herself where he went and if he was ok. Maybe he needed time, but to much time could be bad? Hope didn't think he would try and do anything again. Not when he had so much to look forward to and Bree as well but still.

   "I saw him at lunch but it was cut short when he really didn't want to talk anymore. I am not sure where he went. You think he is ok?"

Giving a smile again Misty nods and stands taking the plates and cups into the sink and come back again. Dinner was great and dessert was good too. The game went over good, and helped them all get to know each other more and get comfortable. It was a good time and she was pleased.

   "You're always welcome here Clay. This was a great night and I am sure we all agree. You fit in nicely and I would like to have you again."

Asleep

Reese slams down his phone in frustration before rising and heading out to Susanne's desk. "Have you found him yet?" 

"No. You didn't want to send anybody to look for him, so there's not much I can do."

"Well call his apartment office to see if his car is there! Call his favorite restaurants! I don't care, just find him!" 

Susanne grits her teeth, keeping silent since she knew it wasn't her that Reese was upset with. "I've done those things and he isn't anywhere I can find." 

Reese growls and runs a hand over his face. "I know he was having a slow day, but leaving for a three hour lunch is ridiculous, let alone shutting his phone off!" 

Just outside, Pete backs away and slowly turns around. He had some paperwork for Reese but...he'd wait. Heading back across the floor, he stops by Gunner's desk and sees leftover food waiting. If Gunner had been gone for three hours, why was his food back here and not him?

Changing directions, Pete heads down the hall instead. Arriving at Hope's office, he taps on the open door. "Hey. Didn't wanna bug you, but Reese is on a rampage trying to find Gunner for some specific case he'd been on. Anyway, I had a hunch you and Gunner had lunch together so I was wondering if you knew where he went from there." 

Gunner remains in his car, having never left his spot near the intersection. A cop had come by, but all it had taken was Gunner's badge for the guy to leave him alone. He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he really didn't care either. His mind kept him glued here to this spot where his nightmares were conceived.

The stress though had made his body weary to the point of him falling asleep, letting even more time slip by. 

Alec's jaw drops and he puts a hand over his heart. "I'm crushed!"

Clay grins and stands, grabbing Jason's chair and dragging him away from his spot, so he could put his own chair there. "Sorry guys, but...she obviously has good taste." 

Jason and Alec exchange smirks before Jason grabs some more paper. "You're on. And Misty...if you win..."

Alec snickers. "What? You gonna dump her?" 

"I'll...I'll...think of something." 

The evening didn't slow down, nor did the laughter. After several more games though, it was getting late, and all knew that they had to call it a night sometime...

Clay stands and stretches tall, trying not to yawn. "Well, I suppose I should get on over to Rick's before he comes looking for me." 

Jason grins as he rocks back in the kitchen chair. "I bet he's been in bed a good long while already." 

"You have a point." Clay shakes his head and glances at Misty. "Thanks for having me over...I had fun." 

Rosalyn smiles before returning her phone to her pocket and continuing her work. It was hard not to act excited about tonight, but she knew she had to keep it to herself. She'd figure out later how she'd dress nicely and slip away without someone questioning her. It would be nice if she could just be open about it but...it was safer this way. 

Despite her heart being hopeful though, something in the pit of her stomach warned her that today might not turn out the way she wanted. 

Hope, Hopes

Watching Gunner fidget in his seat Hope watched his carefully. She could see how uncomfortable with this whole thing he was. Hope wished he would just talk to her, she wished he would open up again. There was something deep down that was still bother and Hope new it.

   "Gunner I..."

About to say something more Hope stops as Gunner gets up from the table. Just watching him Hope could feel the dispair in his voice. Continuing to watch him Hope new there was nothing she could do. She could try and keep him from leaving but at this point it would only make things worse. 

Getting a few boxes and packing up the food she grabbed his to put on his desk for later. She really did hope he'd come back and talk to her. He needed it and it scared her to think what might happen if he didn't.

Misty can't help but let out a shreek of laughter. Dinner and the light chatting had gone good. Now sitting around playing a game was going even better. Looking at the smiling faces she was happy yo see everything was going over well and the boys were having fun. Seeing Clay smile was nice too.

   "Me cheat...Well I never...I..."

Misty choks on a laugh and than finally lets it go. She couldn't help it as it just rolled off her thong, The whole thing was silly and playing it up was even better. Trying to guess was a challenge but made it just that much more fun.

   "We can switch partners...but if we do...I want Clay."

Getting Rosalyn's message Chad smiles. He was looking forward to tonight as well and the though made him even more excited. This would be there first real date and he couldn't wait. On top of that hearing there was no fights made him happy as well.

To: Rosalyn
From: Chad

Happy all is well and quiet. I am looking
forward to tonight. It should be lots of
fun, I'll pick you up around 6. Let me 
know if anything changes.

I miss you lots and lots too.

Intersection

Bree? Gunner is quick to look up and shake his head. "No...no. How would you like to know your fiance was losing his mind?" His frown intensifies. "If she didn't call things off, JT might convince her to. Or maybe that's my job. Maybe I should be the one to call things off. If this is gonna keep happening, I can't put her through it with me. It's not fair to her." Bree had been through enough without worrying about a mentally unstable husband. Acting crazy together was one thing - having it be a literal problem was another.

Dropping his eyes, he picks up his fork to run it through his rice as Grace talks about bridges. He knew he wasn't alone...he was simply choosing to be. He should just get up and leave now. He could. He knew Hope wouldn't stop him. He knew he could leave right now and she'd never bring this up again unless he wanted her to. And yet... something kept him in his seat.

"I know I've got people that care about me," he mentions softly. "I know I've got a lot to live for. I've got more now than I did before, it's just... the stuff that happens in my head, it... it's like it's too much to handle and the only way out is... to just... be done."

Though he hadn't even taken a bite of food yet, he sets his fork down. Rubbing his face wearily, he sighs before resting his chin on his hands and looking across the table at Hope. He wondered if his eyes were as tired as they felt.

Words were on the tip of his tongue. An explanation as to what was really bothering him was right there. But they were his own private thoughts. But what if he didn't talk to her and things got worse? At least if he talked to her and Reese found out, he'd be seen as trying to work things out, right? If he didn't talk to Hope, things might go worse for him in the long run, as far as his job was concerned. But it just all felt so stupid. The whole thing. He didn't understand why he couldn't work through this on his own...why it wasn't going away...why this was the only thing he couldn't seem to control.

The stinging sensation of tears right below the surface was the last straw.

"I'm sorry." Gunner stands too quickly, his shin connecting with the leg of the table hard enough to almost spill their drinks. Without explanation, and still without having eaten, he heads for the door.

Once outside, he takes a deep breath of air. He'd never considered himself claustrophobic, but being out here sure felt better than inside the restaurant. Getting to his car and starting it, he opts not to go back to work but instead, pulls out in the opposite direction on the street. He felt badly about leaving Hope, but he'd told her not today. He never should have stopped by her office in the first place. He never should have made himself so vulnerable.

It was fifteen minutes before he stopped driving. Pulling over into a small area off the shoulder where cops would sometimes sit with radar, he cuts the engine. Just leaning back in his seat, he fiddles with the keys in his hands. And resting his head against the window, he keeps his eyes ahead on the nearby intersection. The intersection that had stolen his parents and his memory.

Clay and Alec exchange cordial nods as they're introduced. At Misty's request, Alec retrieves some plates and silverware. "So... just visiting or sticking around?" 

Clay wanders to the table, helping distribute the forks. "Guess that depends on if I can find work."

"Well there's lots of it around here." Alec rolls his eyes. "Trust me, I know. I've done enough job hunting for an army."

Clay quirks an eyebrow. "Lots of jobs but still lots of hunting?" 

"Yeah, well... when you've got a record ten miles long, people tend to not hire you." 

"Ah." Clay was naturally curious as to why this guy had a record, but as the new guy, he wouldn't ask. 

The evening started out a little awkwardly but as they ate together then started a game, the atmosphere lightened up to the point of relaxation and laughter.

"Yes!" Jason threw his pencil in the air as Misty guessed the right answer to his drawing. 

"Nooooo!" Alec grabbed Clay's paper to squint at what he'd guessed to be everything from a farmyard to a swamp. "What is it?"

Clay cringes. "A beach?" 

"A beach?!" Alec's eyes widen. "That thing?"

"Well I told you I couldn't draw!" 

Alec swipes Jason's paper from across the table and chokes on a laugh. "There's no way Misty guessed the right answer." 

"She did too!" Jason defends. 

"They're cheating." Clay took a sip of Mountain Dew and nodded matter-of-factly. "You thought they were just playing footsie...they've actually got a code to tell each other what they're drawing." There's a following pause of silence before they all crack up.

"I vote we switch partners," Alec suggests. "No more boyfriend/girlfriend teams. It's not fair." 

To: Chad

From: Rosalyn

No fights last night. This morning

things are quiet. Hoping that

means I can still get away

tonight. Is it possible I can miss

you even though I just saw you

yesterday? 

Hitting the "send" button, Rosalyn tucks her phone back in her pocket and resumes fixing breakfast. She really was looking forward to tonight and a real date. It sent a flutter through her stomach to think about it. If only she really could last all day then slip away without being noticed. That would be the best way.

Remember

As the food comes Hope sits back for a second letting the plates be put down in front of them. Pondering Gunners words for a long moment. She wondered if he new how loud they screamed for help even though he was saying he didnt want or need any. Once the waiter was gone Hope leaned her elbows on the table cocking her head to one side.

   "And do you know what will happen if people find out whats going on and you haven't come to see me to get help?  Reese, Bree...you have to talk to someone Gunner before you go off the deep end. So if not me than talk with Bree."

Hope new words spoken to Gunner had to be worded right and pushing him to do something would never work. It had to be his choice and his alone. Hope new he almost always did the right thin but still she hoped he would continue to be strong.

Taking a bite of her food Hope lets the silence blanket them as she enjoys the taste. It had been a little bit since the last time she had, had chinese and it was oh so good. Finally speaking again she searches Gunner's face again looking for the truth in the mans eyes.

    "Bridges can be a dangerous thing for anyone not jst the crazy. Specially when we can't see what kind it is. No matter what though we have to remember we are never alone so why pretend we are."

As Jason comes back with Clay Misty turns and gives a smile. She was happy he really had come. She could feel this was going to be good for him and maybe all of them. Meeting new people was healthy.

    "It's not a problem at all Clay. You didnt miss the food or hold it up."

Looking to Alec Misty smiles and gives a nod of her head. She new both men were a little nervous meeting each other.

    "Clay this is my brother is law Alec. Alec this is Ricks nephew Clay. Supper should be ready shortly if you would like yo help set the table up."

Mistake

Sitting across from Hope, Gunner's knee bounces under the table. He wished the food would come so he'd have something to do with his hands, while at the same time, he wasn't so sure his stomach was ready for food at the moment.

Hope's question is heard, but it isn't enough to bring his eyes up from the table as he tries to ignore other people in the small restaurant. "I don't know," he admits. "Although the short ones wouldn't get the job done very well."

He takes a sip of water before clearing his throat. He really didn't know why he was even here or why he'd talked to Hope in the first place.

"Look, I'm...sorry. This was a mistake. I got enough going on in my head right now without somebody else tromping through it too. I'd rather work this out on my own than end up at Northside again, and that's what will happen if anybody else finds out I came to you."

"...So he's Rick's nephew?" Alec peers over Misty's shoulder at the kitchen counter, wondering what she was making for supper. He'd spent most of the day puttering in the shed, then fell asleep in the afternoon, but woke up about the same time Misty had gotten home and was more than willing to come to he house for supper with her and Jason. In his old jeans, t-shirt and bare feet, he was still just a little sleepy.

"Uh-huh." Jason sits at the table and takes a swig of Mountain Dew. "Guess he ran into some bad luck. Anyway, Misty invited him over, but he was gonna drop some stuff off at Rick's first."

"I see." 

"Yeah, apparently Misty convinced him we were all gonna play Pictionary tonight." 

Alec snickers before going to the fridge and hunting for something other than water to drink. "That should be good." 

Before Jason could respond, there was a knock at the door. Standing, he nods to Misty. "I'll get it." It was only a minute or two before he returned to the kitchen, joined by Clay. 

Clay gives Misty a little wave and eyes Alec warily, wondering if this was the brother-in-law. "Hey, sorry I'm kinda late. Got hung up at Rick's." 

Shallow?

Just letting Gunner stumble over his words Grace didn't push him, or try to make him hurry with his answer. She new he would figure it out on his own and make the right desition or so she hoped since he had made it this far already. Searching his face and see him finally come to the desition to go to lunch with her Hope was satisfied.

   "Ok, lets meet in fifteen minutes at the little Chinese place down the road ok?"

...and in fifteen minutes like planned Gunner and Hope were sitting down at the table. Food ordered, drinks had come and a strange silence seemed to follow. Searching Gunner's eyes as she took a sip of her water Hope new this was hard for him. It had been the first time and she new it would be again. With some people it just always worked that way and she understood.

   "So...tell me about these bridges you are seeing again. As long, and deep as last time, or just starting off short and shallow?"

Looking up at Rick Misty smiles. Maybe there was more than one reason she was put here. Maybe it was more than just helping the sick, maybe it it was to just help. Either way it made Misty feel good and she enjoyed the smiles.

   "It's my pleasure...you know that Rick."

Kiss and make up

Gunner hesitates, his free hand resting on the door frame while his fingers strummed a nervous beat without him even realizing it. Lunch? Now? He'd just said not today. But he really didn't have much of an excuse. He was in between cases at the moment, and oddly enough, he had some free time. And on top of that, Bree couldn't meet him for lunch today.

"Well, I don't know," he stalls. It's not all that urgent or anything." Wasn't it? The twist in his gut said he'd just lied.

"And I've got lots of work..." As his eyes lock with Hope's, his voice trails off. She could see right through him and he knew it. "But yeah, okay. I can meet you somewhere." He at least wanted an escape route, should this not go the way he wanted. "Just, um...tell me where."

Jason can't help a snicker as he remembers his an Alec's epic fail at pictionary, although they'd laughed a lot. "Yeah, I hear it's lots of fun too," he teases.

Clay sensed there was an inside joke there, but grins anyway. "I'm not sure my artistic abilities could even warrant a game of pictionary, but I'm game." He pauses. "No...pun intended."

Jason laughs. "At least we'll have even teams if we play." He gives Misty's shoulder a squeeze. "I gotta go, but I'll plan on coming over after work then." He glances back to Clay. "And it looks like I'll see you later."

In a few moments, Clay is alone with Misty again, and he gives her a small but grateful smile. "Thanks." The last batch of people he'd hung out with had all ended up drunk. But he had a feeling this was going to be a lot different.

It wasn't until Clay excused himself to use the restroom that Rick had a chance to talk to Misty alone. Coming over to her desk, he shakes his head, giving her a wry grin. "That's why you're perfect for this job. You always know how to make people feel important."

He pauses, leaning against her desk. "Thanks for inviting Clay over. He's become quite a loner the last few years and I'm not sure he's got anybody he can really call a friend. He's not the most motivated guy, but I think that's part of the aftermath of a long string of bad luck and no one to support or encourage him." He sighs. "I love my brother, and I've never been a parent, so I can't judge but...well, I guess if Clay was my son, I'd treat him a whole lot differently than his dad has. I'm gonna try to keep Clay around here - see if he'll stay with me and Janet for a while until he's got his life back together again. He's stubborn though, so I don't know how much help he'll accept. In the meantime, I'm grateful for you helping him find friends he can trust."

Happy that Grace didn't mind granting him affection, Jared returns her kiss. Realizing she was willing to let the exchange linger, he deepens his own kiss, perhaps testing to see if she'd allow him to kiss her as passionately has he had before. 

Letting go of her hand, his own comes up to gently stroke the back of her neck. It wasn't so much that the kiss itself was that intense or that extraordinary - he'd kissed and been kissed by an awful lot of women. But kissing Grace was undoubtedly different. Not because of how she kissed, but simply because of who she was. 

Only drawing away after several lighter kisses, Jared's hand still keeps Grace just a few inches from him. A smile creases his lips as his eyes study hers. "If that's what it means to kiss and make up... I think I like it." 

New Day

Giving a nod to Clint Wes new it was getting to be that time and he should be heading home too. Mornings at the ranch always came to soon and being so far out it still affected them a little bit as well. It was just part of the ranch life and another thing Wes would welcoming. Morning chores, the feeling of accomplishing something and being able to see that accomplishment.

Making the treck home Wes walked slow. Enjoying the air, enjoying the night, and enjoy the feel of anticipation of seeing his family when he got to his destination.Getting home Wes enters the house quiet to make sure not to wake anyone who was more than likely sleeping. It was easy to move quietly through the house for him. Checking all the doors it was habit to make sure they were locked even if the ranch was safe.

Slipping into Kaylee's room Wes walks over to her crib watching her sleeping form. She was so preshish and had gotten so big while he had been gone. No one would know how thankful he was she remembered and accepted him as well as she did. Not many people got that lucky. Leaning down and giving her a kiss on the head Wes slips out of rhe room again heading to his and Cindy's bedroom.

Just watching her for a long second Wes finally sheds his clothing and slips to the bed next to her. Putting his arm around her Wes pulls her a little closer to him feeling her soft skin aganst his. Nuzzling his head into her hair Wes takes a deep breath and letting the smell fill him. Just holding Cindy gave him so much comfort. He was so thankful for them that it was almost over whelming. But sleep would come, and comfort was now easy to find with her in his arms.

Looking up at Gunner's voice Hope was a little surprised but met him with a smile. There was something in his eyes though and it made Hope search them a little harder. Hearing his words they confermed what she saw and it made her heart jumo a little bit. She'd asked Gunner hope he was doing last week but now...now it seemed he hadn't been telling her the truth.

   "We are all going a little crazy huh?!"

Grace didn't like putting that label on people so if she put it on everyone it was a little better or so she thought. She was worried about Gunner though but was happy he came to her. That was a step up from the last time he was thinking of bridges.

   "I was actually going to head out for some lunch. I always hate going alone. Maybe you would like to tag alone and we can chat over some good food?"

Feeling Jason's hand on her shoulder Misty leans her head to the side on top of it. She loved feeling him close to her. It made her feel safe, she always did when he was near to her and she loved every moment of it.Turning her head a little bit to look at Jason she smiles at him.

   "Alec should be around. At least last I talked to him he said tonight he would join us."

Looking back to Clay she smiled. He had back luck but things were going to change for him. She could feel it. HE was going to meet some new people, have a great place to stay with Rick and he was going to be ok.

   "Maybe we all can play some games. I always hear pictanary is fun."

Giving a little laugh Grace comes closer to Jared and sits on the bed looking down at him. He said he didn't know about Sunday but he didn't say no so that was good. She would ask him again when the day came a little closer. 

   "Mmm...thats a good way to say thank you. I could get use to it."

Leaning in closer Grace brings her lips to Jared's and lets her feels just flow. She loved the way his lips felt on hers. They were warm and welcoming. Bringing her hand to the side of his face to cradle it Grace just continues the kiss. She'd never felt like this before, and she liked it. The warm tingle that ran through her.

Bridges

It was interesting for Jared, hearing Grace talk. He'd experienced the whole forgiveness thing from his family - mostly his mother - but as far as he could remember, he'd never met a woman who was so willing to look past his faults and keep trying. Not to this extent anyway.

He wasn't so sure about her invite on Sunday. Without her saying so, he knew it must be a church group. He'd been asked in that sort of roundabout way before by other people, but eventually they'd given up. Even his brother. At the moment, he didn't know if he was really ready for a group of church people. He knew they must be nice or else Grace wouldn't have suggested it, but...after having been away from that scene for so long, it made him rather apprehensive. The last time he'd gone to church was right before he'd left home after high school. After that, he'd had  nothing to do with it. Maybe he'd had a faith once. Maybe his commitment as a younger man wasn't a farce. But somehow he'd become bitter. Was it after his father's death? Maybe. 

Bringing his thoughts back around, he realizes that again, he'd left the conversation in silence. But looking at Grace, he really didn't mind. The sunlight was shining through the window, putting her face in a soft glow. And for the first time perhaps, he wondered if her being his therapist was more than just mere chance. And his heart gave a little lurch. 

Tugging her hand a little, he gives her a crooked grin. "Well... we'll play the whole Sunday thing by ear. But... as far as the hurting each other's feelings and making up part... I'd gladly make up with you now, except I hurt too much to move. So if I'm gonna be able to kiss you, you're gonna have to come to me."

Hearing Misty's introduction, Jason glances over their way and gives as low, "Woof." 

Clay cracks a new smile and shakes his head. As crazy as people were around here...he liked them. 

"What's gotten into you?" Rick thumps Jason upside the head. 

"Um...too much caffeine?" Jason gives him a wide-eyed look. "Need to stay awake to work, ya know." 

"Not sleeping well?" 

The lighthearted banter suddenly took a nosedive as Jason cleared his throat. "Could be," he answered more quietly. 

Rick glanced at Misty then back to Jason, sensing this was something he didn't want to talk about in present company. "Okay, well, keep working on your diet and come see me again next week. Or sooner if anything else comes up." 

"You got it." Jason slides off the table and wanders over to Misty, leaning down to give her a soft kiss on the lips. "Hey, beautiful. Who's your friend?" 

"Clay Johnston." Clay holds out his hand. 

Jason readily accepts the handshake. "Nice to meet you. What are you in for?" 

Clay rolls his eyes. "Bad luck. Although maybe that luck is turning. Misty invited me to hang out with you guys tonight. However... I might be just a little scared." 

Jason grins as his hand goes to rest on Misty's shoulder. "Good. We like it that way." He looks down at Misty. "So what's the game plan for tonight then? Alec gonna be around?"

Scott stared down his arm and over the short barrel of the hand gun. A bead of sweat trickled down his face. Images flashed through his mind. Images of torture. Pain. Anguish. What he'd been put through. What he'd endured. And all for the sake of what? They'd ruined him. Torn him apart. Left him a broken, barely-alive man with nothing but emptiness inside.

Focusing again, he saw the eyes that stirred hate within him. And though his muscles shook, he squeezed the trigger.

The shot ricocheted through the lower-level practice area as the bullet ripped through the target straight where one's heart would be. Another shot followed, and another until all rounds had been fired. Scott's heart was beating rapidly in his chest as he shakily lowered the gun.

"Nice."

Scott turns quickly, startled at Gunner's presence. "Oh. Hi."

Gunner folds his arms and looks at the 'dead' target. "And here I thought you spent all your time behind a desk."

Scott shrugs and glances down to the gun in his hand. "You know I usually do," he responds quietly. "Just, um... trying to... um..."

"Kill some demons?"

"Yeah. Justin, he... thought it might help." Scott wasn't sure that it really had helped, but maybe in a small way, even if none of this was real, he did feel more in control. Maybe killing enemies, even if just in his mind, would help him overcome some of his fear.

Gunner nods thoughtfully before leaning on the safety rail and studying the target. "Well... I guess maybe it can help sometimes. A way to sorta vent."

"I suppose." Scott reloads his handgun before offering it to Gunner. "Wanna try it?"

Gunner chuckles. "I don't think I got any demons after me today."

"Don't you?"

Gunner straightens and cocks his head at Scott's pensive tone. "No..."

Scott shrugs. "I guess I figured it's something like that when a man thinks life isn't worth living anymore."

Gunner blinks, his mouth opening slightly in surprise. "What... gave you that idea?"

Scott finally withdraws the gun that was not being taken from him. "When I look in your eyes, it's kinda like looking in a mirror when I'm real low. Except, you do a good job trying to hide it."

"You haven't said anything to anybody else, have you?"

"No... but you probably should before you go and try something stupid again."

Gunner sighs deeply and shakes his head. How Scott could read him so well, he didn't know. Maybe it was simply because Scott really did recognize the look in his eyes. But it didn't really matter. No one else had figured it out. Not even Bree. He'd done too good a job hiding it from her. And JT. And Reese. And Hope. But it was starting to wear on him. The nightmares were back full-force. He was being haunted all over again about his parents' deaths. His subconscious was trying to remember again and it was driving him mad. Maybe Scott was the one who had noticed because he could relate to the madness. "I, um... better get back to work."

"Yeah, okay." Scott opts to unload the gun rather than shoot anymore. Glancing over his shoulder, he watches Gunner leave. He wasn't in such great shape himself, but he hoped his friend would either pull through or get some help before it was too late.

Back upstairs, Gunner heads down the hall, with much more on his mind than when he'd been here just a short time earlier. Scott had gotten to him, and he really didn't like it at all. And yet...

Stopping at Hope's office door, he hesitates. He'd avoided this. He'd done everything in his power to keep everybody out of his head. His mind was his private solitude. His thoughts were his and his alone. 

"Hey, Hope?" Though his inner argument continued, he found himself tapping his knuckles on her door before poking his head around the corner. A smile was void today. "Sorry to bother you, I just um... well I thought maybe sometime... like... not today or anything, just... sometime..." 

He pauses to cease his stammering, while his eyes drift to the floor against his will as his mind is invaded with images of the day Con and Hope had stopped him from throwing his life away. He could still feel the cool rail of the bridge. Con's firm grip. Hope's reassurance. 

"I thought maybe we could talk about... you know...bridges." He forces himself to look back up at her again while mustering up a short chuckle. "I'm... pretty sure I'm going crazy."


Clint looks at his uncle for several moments, feeling a bit of sadness for him. He'd obviously been through so much while away. So much horror. Fear. Pain. It was for that reason, Clint didn't understand Wes' desire to get other men to do the same. Clint loved his country, but he wasn't so sure he'd volunteer to go help fight someone else's war. He'd stand his ground here for his family, but to go through so many terrible things...and want to send other men out to do the same...he didn't get it. Yet he didn't feel it was his right to question Wes either. His job was to accept the responsibility of his work here, even though Wes was apparently not going to be back full-time like he had been before. Clint was disappointed, but he wouldn't say so. He wouldn't spoil the blessing of having Wes alive and back with the family again. He'd work like always and just hope he could at least use Wes' name to gain back some customers so the business didn't die.

"It's good to have you home," he responds quietly. After giving Wes' shoulder a firm pat, he shuts out the lights in the shop and closes the door.

"Have a good night and I'll see you tomorrow." Turning, he smiles. It did feel good to be able to say that again.

Tucking his hands in his pockets, he ambles across the ranch yard, headed for home. Once there, he wasn't surprised all the lights were out, and he was extra careful to be quiet so he didn't wake Chase. After cleaning up, he slips into bed behind Wendy, sliding his arm around her and giving the back of her head a gentle kiss. For having so much, he should feel better than he did. Maybe tomorrow things would look different.

Peace

Continuing to just look back at Jared Grace held her smile as she let him search her eyes. She didn't mind it, not one bit. She liked being able to look back into his own and see the depth of him. Yes there were many things in his life that had been wrong but there were going to be so many things that would turn out right. A past did not define a person it was what they did to change the wrong that made them who there were. She really believed that anyone could change there way with a little extra help from God and a push in the right direction.

   "I forgive you Jared, and I really dont want to stop coming either. Sooner or later, your going to end up hurting me, and I am going to end up hurting you. It's part of life and we all make mistakes because we are not perfect. But you want to know what the best part is? Making up and learning, growing together and not doing it again."

Grace's smile grew just a little bit more. Jared was special to her for one reason or another. She enjoyed his company, the light that shown in his eyes, and the conversation she had with him. He was special, and she was so glad she got to know the true him.

   "Well...I am happy I get to be the first in the new circle of friends oh Mr. Jared Hawks. It's an honor, and privilege. If you want when you can finally get out of here...I know a good place on Sunday we can go and I can guarantee you will leave having made some new friends..sound like a plan?"

And Grace did know a good place to go for fellowship, and to meet new people. She wouldn't push church on Jared right away but he church was having a lunch in after service and everyone was welcome. Grace would be more than happy coming to get Jared and bringing him to fellowship too.

 Misty can't help but laugh. She new Clay was going to fit in fine with the other guys. They were always open to meeting new people and being able to take a joke was a must. Seeing Clay could Misty new it would be fine.

About to say something else Misty stops as Jason comes into the infirmary. Giving a little laugh as he relizes that he'd just barged in Misty can't help but shake her head and roll her own eyes. It was really normal for people to just come walking into the infirmary but she couldn't help but wonder what outsiders thought sometimes. 

   "Uh huh.."

Looking back to Clay and his question Misty grins.  She always did enjoy introducing Jason to other people who asked. She was just proud to say he was her. He had good looks, a sense of humor, and was so very kind. It was hard to not enjoy it.

   "That would be my boyfriend. His name is Jason and his bark is worse than his bite."

Coming up along side his nephew and looking out into the dark Wes enjoyed the quiet, the soft sounds, and the noice even the wind made. It was comforting, a blanket, it the quiet to him meant everything was ok.

   "I've learned to cherish the quiet more than I once did. Being on the battle field silence is something you don't get and when you do, its only the quiet before the storm. The sounds of guns, screams, bombs, and men groaning in pain becomes normal."

Sometimes when Wes closed his eyes hear could still hear all those sounds, smell the blood, see the faces of his men. It was clear as day, but opening them again the silence, the safty, the dark of the ranch it was his comfort in knowing he was far away from that now, he was safe.

   "It really is good to be home."