Back Pain

Mick pursed his lips in thought. He'd wondered if Stacy would pick up on the same vibes at dinner - and she had. He wasn't surprised, and in all honesty, a little relieved he wasn't the only one. Now though...what was really going on?

He nodded. "Thanks. I appreciate you coming to me. I was a bit leery all evening myself." Leaving the door open, he turned the corner to slip on his barn boots. His senses were quickly waking back up again as his mind tried to figure out the possibilities of Lane's strange behavior.

Slipping outside, he gestured to the barns. "I'll go see if I can find out what's up. Keep your eyes open though, just in case." He wanted to add, If I'm not back in fifteen minutes, come looking for me, but he knew he didn't need to. Stacy knew her job and knew it well...


...Lane remained on his knees in the pasture, but he knew he couldn't stay there. No matter how sick this whole thing made him feel, ignoring it was certainly not an option. It wouldn't fix itself. He had to do what he'd come to do.

Finally rising to his feet once more, he wandered a while before aiming back towards the barns. Just rounding a corner, he ran right into Mick. Staggering backward, his eyes shot wide open and his hand went to his chest. "Good land, Mick... you're gonna give me a heart attack."

Mick had not been startled in the least, and just gave him a small grin. "Sorry. I needed to check on a few things. Can't sleep?"

"What? Oh... naw..." Lane tried to recover. "I'm a night owl."

"Ah. Looked like you were pretty tired earlier. Figured you'd be out til morning."

"Guess I got my second wind." Lane shifted uncomfortably. "Anything wrong?"

Mick had a hard time seeing his face in the shadows, but guilt hung in the air so thick he could almost smell it. Stacy had been right to wake him up. "I don't think so. I was gonna ask you the same thing."

Lane ran a hand through his hair. "Oh. No. I'm good. Just headed back to my bunk." He sidled past Mick.

Mick wasn't done, though. Turning with Lane, he reached over to give him a friendly pat on the back. "I'll walk with you."

At Mick's touch, Lane jumped and whirled to the side, ridding himself of Mick's hand. It was so sudden that Mick stopped in his tracks. "Whoa, take it easy."

Lane's face had paled - visible even in the dim light. "Sorry, no... it's... no... just startled me."

Mick eased back and let silence reign for just a couple moments. "What's wrong, Lane?" Why was he so jumpy? "What's really going on?"

"Nothing." Lane forced a weak laugh. "It's late, there's a full moon, and it's been a long day. Didn't mean to alert anyone, sorry." He started forward again - rather stiffly, Mick observed.

"It's fine." Mick walked beside him until they'd reached the barn. "Just get some rest. You're supposed to unwind here, not have your nerves shot."

Lane just kept walking and waved over his shoulder. "Goodnight."

Mick stood in the doorway of the barn until he saw Lane disappear in his bunk, before he himself  turned to go back to the house. He could have kept Lane longer. He could have demanded answers. He could have sat him down for an honest talk. But...something told him to let it be...for now. Stacy was right - something was up. But until they observed Lane more, there was nothing to go on, and nothing to accuse him of...

The next morning, Lane joined the others for breakfast, although his eyes looked like he hadn't slept a wink all night, and he downed at least two cups of coffee before going out to the barn with the other guys to help. He seemed to perhaps distance himself from Mick, although most might not even notice...

 "...Far as I can tell, they have no plans.... Yeah.... No, they don't know." Lane spoke quietly on his cell phone in the empty stall in the barn. Morning chores were almost done, and he'd disappeared to the back of the barn for privacy when his phone had rung. He paced a small circle, one hand tucked in his pocket. "No, I don't think they're going to act. They're just...well, no.... Look, I'm doing all I can!" He bit his tongue and lowered his tone. "No... not that I'm aware.... Okay, okay, yeah, I'll stick around. Let me talk to Travis." He sighed. "Fine. ...Tomorrow? I need more time than that... I can't perform miracles!" he hissed. "I'll have a report like I promised. Just give me one week like I was told."

Ending the call, he growled and stuck his phone back in his pocket. Exiting the stall, he turned and came face to face with Sparky - who was not happy. "Sorry. Didn't see you."

"Obviously." Sparky folded his arms and didn't let him pass. A very bad feeling sat in the pit of his stomach. He'd just chatted and laughed with Lane while feeding the horses, but that pleasure had come to a screeching halt. "Wanna explain what that was all about?"

"What?"

"Seriously?" Sparky's eyes narrowed. "Who were you telling that you'd stick around here? And why are you reporting to them?"

"It's nothing. It's nobody important."

Sparky took a step closer. "And why don't I believe you?"

Lane simply tried to leave again, but Sparky sidestepped to block him. "I want answers."
"Do you eavesdrop on everybody, or what?" Lane's tone grew louder. "That was a private conversation about a business transaction. What else do you want?!"

Hearing the loud voices, Mick stuck his head around the corner. "Yo, guys, I got some riding students coming - what's the commotion?"

Sparky glanced over his shoulder. "I'd bet half my savings that our dear old friend was sent here by the Agency."

Lane's face paled. "That's ridiculous!"

"Is it?"

Mick frowned in concern and joined them. The previous night's events came back to him, along with his apprehensions. "That's a pretty serious accusation," he warned his brother. "Lane?" He gave him a stern look. "What's up?"

"Nothing! For crying out loud!" Lane threw up his hands. "Sparky heard one side of a conversation on the phone and he made some pretty crazy assumptions."

"Well who were you talking to?"

"That's no one's business! But if you're that interested, it's a colleague of mine and I'm supposed to be doing some long-distance work, and I'm late. That's all!"

Mick glanced at Sparky, who gave him a look of distrust. He returned his attention to Lane, still sensing there was more, and even more suspicious now than he had been yesterday. "How about we sit down and talk about this?"

"There's nothing to talk about!"

"Why are you getting so riled?"

"Because you look like a couple of lions ready to pounce!" Lane turned to head the other way out of the barn, but Sparky came around to stop him there, too.

"Hey, get out of my way. C'mon!"

Sparky shook his head. "Uh-uh. Not until we get the truth."

"I already gave it to you!" Lane moved forward and gave him a shove out of the way.

Sparky reacted on instinct by quickly grabbing Lane's arm and yanking him around to the side before slamming him back up against the wall. Lane's cry was loud enough and severe enough that it startled Sparky into letting him go and backing off, his eyes wide. Lane crumpled to one knee, his face contorted in pain as he struggled to breathe. Mick was just as surprised as Sparky - the little scuffle hadn't been that big of a deal. Something wasn't right. After a moment, he stepped forward and reached out his hand. Lane didn't accept it, and instead, got to his feet on his own, failing at hiding how much it hurt to move.

Mick suddenly recalled how he had reacted to his touch last night, and wondered if there was a connection. "You alright?"

Lane just nodded and eventually managed to speak without wincing. "I will be if y'all would take a hike and leave a guy alone instead of throwing ridiculous accusations around. So much for the warm welcome yesterday."

Sparky started to say something, but Mick held up his hand to stop him, still looking at Lane. "I know you're lying about something. I don't know what, and I hope it's nothing that will put our families in jeopardy. But until you're ready to talk about it, this conversation is closed."

"Are you kidding me?!" Sparky threw up his hands. "Since when do we stare down the barrel of a gun without ducking?"

Mick ignored him and continued to speak to Lane. "I also think you're hurt, so I'd suggest you go see your sister and at least let her help you."

Lane swallowed hard, not knowing what to think. He opened his mouth to say something, then changed his mind and turned to leave the barn.

Sparky gave Mick a rather unhappy look. "What's with the whole good guy routine all of a sudden?"

"I'm not sure," Mick admitted. He was still troubled by all of this. "I just think that for once, we need to show some trust first. If he really is into something as bad as the Agency, my gut is telling me that he'll come clean. I don't know why or how, but taking action isn't the right choice this time. All I have to rely on is my gut though, so if you want to have a family meeting over it, we can." He and Rosetta had already discussed the strangeness of last night but had both agreed nothing could be done until they had some answers.

Sparky let out a long sigh, regaining control of his temper. "I trust you. But if anything screwy starts happening, I'm not gonna sit back and do nothing."

"I don't expect you to. I'm just saying wait. That's all."


Lane walked towards Angel's office - slowly - stiffly - despite the urge to go in the opposite direction. Mick was right. He needed some help. He didn't want it, but at this rate he wouldn't be able to stand it. Once in the office, he couldn't even smile at Angel - just nod his greeting. His eyes were half glazed from his weakening attempt to control the pain. "I, um... prolly could use a bit of help," he admitted quietly. It was no one else's fault here. Sparky hadn't meant to be so rough, and that's not what had injured him anyway, so there was little point in telling Angel about all that.

It was several awkwardly silent moments before he moved again. Untucking his t-shirt, he pulled it up and turned around. His whole back was covered in long, deep wounds from what would appear to be a whipping. Though probably a week old, many lacerations had become infected and were now swollen and red around deep bruising that had yet to heal. His being slammed into the wall a few minutes ago hadn't helped any either.

He let his shirt back down - carefully - and turned back to Angel. He'd done a good job of hiding this pain until today. "Don't ask me what happened," he begged softly. "Nobody else knows. Just... I could use something to take the edge off 'til I'm healed up." The truth was, after helping with barn chores, he could hardly move at all, and if he really wanted to take care of himself, he needed a lot more help than just pain killers. But if it hadn't been for Sparky, he probably would have just gone to rest in his bunk for a while until he could function again and no one would have been the wiser. Mick was getting suspicious though, which put all his actions under scrutiny. If asked, maybe Angel would just tell him that Lane had some back pain - which would be the truth. Could he trust her to keep quiet? 


Realizing he was scaring Beth, Justin forced a small smile and brushed her cheek with his hand. "I'm sorry. Something has happened and I just want to make sure you're safe." Pulling her close, he hugged her... a little tighter than normal. 

"My brother's girlfriend - Grace - we think she may have been abducted. They called Jared and told him to talk to me, so I'm afraid someone is trying to get to me." He drew back, trying to remain reassuring. "If that's true, I want you safe. It could be some former client of mine whose upset with how I treated them. Who knows." Or it could be the Agency. The thought came up in his mind again, but he didn't want to voice it to her yet. She knew very little about it, and he didn't want to worry her any more than she already would be. Besides, thinking it was the Agency without any proof was pointless. They needed more facts.

"I want to take you to North Springs with me," he continued. "Someone's going to watch over my mom and brother, so I'll take you there, then I need to go to the Elite and figure out what's going on. Visiting your sister will have to wait until I'm sure no one is going to try to get to me through you."


"Awesome." Levi shook his head. "Don't worry about a resume unless you've already got one made up. We'll just chat, okay?" He smiled again and walked Karla back to the door. "Noon. Tou Han's. See you there." 

Once she was gone, he sighed and turned around to find his dad off the phone, arms folded and staring at him. "What?" 

Keith cocked his head. "Oh...nothing. Just watching my son hire somebody we know absolutely nothing about."

"I didn't hire her," Levi defended. "It's an interview. How can we turn that down after we just decided to look for somebody?"

"From one businessman to another, you're moving awfully fast there, Bud." 

"And... you're not happy about it?"

"Well, a little conversing with me would have been nice." Keith came closer and patted his son on the shoulder. "But I trust you. Just remember to think with your head, huh? We need someone who can actually handle the job - not just someone who's friendly and cute."

Levi's cheeks flushed again and he turned to go back to his desk. "Sorry I got so enthusiastic. I just...had a feeling."

"Your spidy-senses kicking in again?"

Levi grinned over his shoulder. "Maybe. I dunno. She just seemed...like the perfect fit."

"Without even knowing if she's got the skills we need?"

"...Yeah."

Keith shrugged. "Okay."

"You wanna come with us to lunch tomorrow?"

"Nope. You've got the reins on this one. Find us a secretary..."

...It was the next day at five til noon. Levi sat at a little table in Tou Han's, slowly nursing his glass of iced tea while he waited. A folder sat near his elbow with a notepad, and his fingers fidgeted with the pen he'd brought. His napkin was already full of doodles. He'd been here for ten minutes already, just because he'd wanted to get settled, even though he had a hard time sitting still without anything to do. Maybe his dad was right - he'd acted awfully fast on this one. But he still had a gut feeling that it wasn't a coincidence Karla had found them yesterday.

But I Thought...

Hearing the knock on the door Beth's ears perk up. She wasn't expecting Justin till later so she wondered how it was. Turning it she didn't even have to move anymore as Justin was now already in the kitchen. The look on his face startled her. 
     
     "North Springs? What...why? Justin...whats going on you are scaring me? I thought we were going to see Sarah tonight?"

Beth couldn't help all the questions she was asking this was all just so confusing, and very unlike Justin to just pick up like this and change plans without even asking. Whatever was going on must be serous and she new it.

As the door opens Stacy has a look of concern but also an apologetic look. It was clear to see Mick had been sleeping and she felt bad for waking him when she really didn't know if she should be or not.

   "Hey Mick sorry to wake you. I just a little concerned about Lane. I saw him wonder to one of the pastures and he was just acting kind of odd. I'm not sure if its really anything to be worried about, but I thought you might like to know. I got a strange feeling at dinner and just didn't want to let this go in case it was something."

Karla couldn't help but smile once again. Levi's energy was great and so the sense of humor it was clear to see he had. At the mention of Chinese food Karla's stomach growled slightly reminding her she hadn't eaten yet today. It had been long, and it had been stressful but at least something good seemed to be happening.

   "Tou Han's sounds perfect. Need me to bring a resume or anything?"

   

Overnight Bag

Hearing Grace wouldn't be coming today, Lydia sighed. She hoped this had nothing to do with what happened yesterday, but was also a little concerned. Grace didn't usually do things like not call in to work.

Jared took out one earbud as his mother came to his open doorway. "What?"

She gave him a bit of a motherly look. "Grace is not coming today. And I do not blame her after how you treated her."

Watching his mother simply leave, Jared's eyes narrowed. Sure. Blame him. Why not? He didn't care anyway. Grace had left him on the ground yesterday. If she didn't want to come back, then so be it.

Just as he was starting to listen to his music again, he felt his cell phone vibrate. Without a number her recognized, he almost let it go to voicemail, then on a whim, he decided to answer it. "Yeah?" As soon as he heard Grace's strained voice, his blood ran cold. "Grace, what... what happened, whats.." He was cut off as the male voice came on the line. And when the call was over, his heart was racing. What was happening? Where was Grace? Who was the man? Was she okay? Why was she hurt? Who had hurt her? And why on earth did they want him to talk to Justin? Justin. He was just a counselor. Wait, no, he did something for the cops or something right? Was he involved in something heavy? Why would anyone harm Grace?
Feeling utterly helpless, he went to dial Justin but realized he didn't have his number. "Mom!" he yelled. "Mom!"

Lydia came quickly. "What on earth is wrong?"

"Justin. His number." Jared couldn't speak clearly and held up his phone, frustrated. "What's Justin's number."

Lydia frowned. "Why, what..."

"Just give me his number!"

"Alright, alright!" Lydia scowled at him before reciting the memorized number. "Now tell me...." She gave up as Jared was already dialing, and walked away, more annoyed than anything.


Justin was just walking out of one of the wards at Brookshire when his phone rang. Coaxing the two dogs up into his pickup, he fished his phone from his pocket. "Hello?"

"Justin? I just got a call about Grace. I think she's hurt and some guy said I needed to tell you. What's going on?"

"Whoa, whoa." Justin slid in behind the wheel. "Slow down."

"How can I slow down?! Grace is hurt and I don't know where she is!"

Justin began to realize that something really serious was going on. This was no joke. "Okay, tell me exactly what happened."

"I just did! Grace called. She was upset and said she was hurt. I didn't even have time to talk to her and a guy got on and said I needed to get in contact with you if I ever wanted to see Grace alive again. Justin, what the heck is going on?!" 

The wheels in Justin's mind were already turning - quickly. This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all. He started his pickup. "I don't know. But I'm going to find out, okay? Just hang tight."

"As if I could do anything else. What are you involved in? Why did they want me to call you?"

"I don't know, Jared!" Justin looked both ways before peeling out of the parking lot. He didn't want to be mean to his brother, but right now was not the time to try and explain all he did every day. He had never yet been targeted by the Agency. Had that now changed? "Just don't do anything. I'll be in touch as soon as I know something."

"Shouldn't I call the police?"

"No. Don't. Just stay put and call me back if you get another call." Justin hung up on his brother and dialed with one hand as he drove. "Reese? We might have a situation." He explained what Jared had just told him. "I don't know what this is about. It could be some disgruntled client of mine, but I'm more afraid it's the Agency, just because whoever it is actually took the long way around to get to me, and that seems to be one of the Agency's talents."

"Agreed. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'll start looking into this. Where are you at?"

"I'm on my way to pick up my girlfriend and get her somewhere safe, then I'm coming in."

"Good man. I'll send someone to your brother's to make sure he and your mother are okay."

"Thanks. I'll be there as soon as I can." Justin tossed his phone into the passenger seat as he sped down the highway. He made it to Beth's in record time. Knowing it was her day off work, he hoped she was home, and after knocking on her apartment door, he didn't wait for her to answer, but went on inside. "Beth? Beth," he called. Finding her in the kitchen, he set his hands on her shoulders, relief covering his face that she was okay. "Pack an overnight bag - you're coming with me. I'll explain on the way to North Springs."


Mick had just dozed off when the knock at the door sent him jerking bolt upright in bed. He blinked in the dark before hearing the knock again and realizing what it was. Who on earth would bother them at this hour? Maybe some of the horses got loose or something.

Yawning, he gave Rosetta's shoulder a gentle pat. There was no need to get everybody out of bed. "I'll be back," he informed sleepily. "Don't go anywhere." He pulled on a pair of jeans and threw on a open flannel shirt over his tee before trudging to the door in his bare feet.

Turning on the porch light as he opened the door, he was surprised to see Stacy. Then he was concerned. "Stacy... what's wrong?"


Lane remained on his knees in the pasture, but he knew he couldn't stay there. No matter how sick this whole thing made him feel, ignoring it was certainly not an option. It wouldn't fix itself. He had to do what he'd come to do. 

Finally rising to his feet once more, he wandered a while before aiming back towards the barns.


Levi's smile widened as Karla responded to everything he'd said - positively and with enthusiasm. He opened his mouth, then stopped at her final comment, his eyes going wide. Spinning around to see his dad, he bit his lip. "Oops."

Keith smirked at him and shook his head before turning his concentration back to his phone call. 

Levi cringed inwardly. His dad didn't like something he was doing. He could tell. But it was too late now. He looked back to Karla. "Okay, so let's start with lunch tomorrow and see what happens. Is that slow enough?" He grinned. "How's Tou Han's Chinese sound to you? On me. We'll call it an interview."

Dead or Alive

Hearing the woman answer the phone the voice on the other end was very professional. Grace hadn't show up to work today and though they were annoyed that now they had to cancel all her appointments they new it was there job anyways.

   "Hi Ms. Hawks,  Sorry to bother you this is Kim from the hospital. I was just calling to let you know Grace never showed up for work today. So she wont be making it to your sons appointment this afternoon."

Continuing to let the phone ring the person on the other end just waited, and wait till finally a voice answered he other end. Handing the phone off again, giving a look that could kill anyone.

As the phone is brought up to her ear Grace can't help the tears that streamed down her face. She hurt all over and the scent of blood was strong. She wasn't sure what was going on or what had happened. After she left Jared's house yesterday she'd been so out of it everything just became a blur.

    "Jared....I don't know what they want. Please....everything hurts...."

Before she could say anything more the phone was yanked away from her and a gag put back over her mouth. What was going to happen to her? Was this going to be the end? Was this it for her?

   "If you ever want to see your girlfriend alive again I'd get in contact with your brother before she bleeds to death."

Nothing more was said as the line went dead. 

Doing her rounds was never hard, but she was always alert, and something about the new visitor made her hair stand on end. Mick seemed a little tense around him and the face she wasn't introduced as anymore than just Stacy made her even more concerned. So tonight she made sure that every corner was searched, every bunk was locked, or occupied. 

Movement catch the corner of her eye. Stay a bit away seeing the figure step out of the shadow she see its lane and her hair again stands on end. Maybe he was just looking around but why would he do that now? It was late, and he could do it just as easy with his sister in the morning. Something just wasn't right and Stacy didn't like it.

Continuing to watch her concern grew and grew till Lane feel down in the field. She needed to tell Mick. There just wasn't something right with this whole thing and she couldn't just let this slid. Even if it was nothing she'd rather tell someone and find that out than let it slide and it be something more.

Heading right to the main house Stacy hated having to wake anyone but she had to. Knocking on the door loudly she hoped she wouldn't wake the little one too.

Karla can't help but laugh again as Levi seemed to move a million miles and hour and just seemed to excited that she wanted to work with them. She needed these laughs and she was thankful for them. She could only think of one person who had control over this situation and he new exactly what she needed.

   "Pay dosent concern me, I don't have any other job at the moment, three days a week sounds good too and yes...lunch tomorrow sounds lovely. Only...if you promise to slow down a little bit. You are going to end up hurting yourself and I think your dad might hurt himself too if you dont take notice he is trying to flag you down."

Tired and Sore

Mick tossed Rosetta a wink as he returned her smile. He knew she'd read his face, and he'd express his concerns to her later when they were alone. He wouldn't voice them now - especially when Angel was enjoying her brother as much as she was...

...As soon as it felt appropriate, Lane said his goodnights. It might have seemed just a little early, but he was tired, and though he wouldn't admit it, he was overwhelmed and just needed some quiet. Going to bed early was the best excuse, with the promise he'd see everyone tomorrow, and help out in the barns...

...Everyone else was in bed. At least Lane assumed so, since it was after midnight and no lights were on. Despite being exhausted though, his mind was wide awake - and had been since he'd left the group earlier. He slowly wandered out past the barns, his eyes roaming the dark surroundings. This place really had changed and grown. It wasn't the same ranch he remembered.

Reaching the back gate, he unlatched it and let himself into the pasture. Once he went a short distance, he stopped to stare up at the starlit sky. Thousands upon thousands of stars could be seen tonight. And normally, he'd enjoy it. Normally he'd take it all in with wonder and imagine how he could capture such a scene. But not tonight. It was uncertain how long he'd stood, before the weight came crashing down on him.

Falling to his knees he hung his head, closing his eyes shut tight. The people here...his sister...everyone... How could he follow through with this? How could he destroy such goodness, peace and kindness? He couldn't. But he had to. He had no choice. But it was already destroying his soul.


Jared didn't look at Grace as she spoke. He heard her alright though, and it stung. But he refused to respond, and instead he just stayed where he was to wallow in his misery. His wet, painful misery.

Eventually, long after Grace was gone, he made it to his feet and to the door, where Lydia finally came to help. He didn't talk to her about what happened, but simply let her help him into some dry clothes and into bed where he spent the rest of the day, refusing supper.

The following day, Lydia couldn't get him out of bed. It wasn't that he wasn't able - although he was mighty sore from the previous day - but he simply refused. By the time Grace was to come in the afternoon, he still hadn't even eaten anything. 

Tired and sore, he lay stretched out on top of his bed, propped up with pillows. Eyes closed, he listened to music through his headphones in an attempt to drown out the world.


"A band? Sweet!" Levi's eyes lit up. "You serious about wanting the job? I mean, really?" It seemed too good to be true. "I was half-kidding, but we could definitely use some organizing around here."

He hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets as he grew at ease. "We were just ready to throw a help-wanted sign in the window. It's not like we don't wanna be more organized or can't - we've just been so busy that it's been a nightmare keeping everything straight."

Keith talked on the phone while listening with one ear to his son's conversation, and waved at him but failed to get his attention.

Levi nodded to his own desk. "We offer advertising services. I do a lot of graphic designing, and we make connections for folks for like, say, business cards or brochures, or connect their businesses to newspapers or radio to help boost awareness. We do all the designing and footwork so the businesses don't have to. And...business is booming at the moment, so...it would be awesome to have someone to help clean things up and maybe handle the phones and stuff."

Keith waved again, a little more frantically, but Levi still didn't see him.

"I can't quote you what we can pay since we hadn't yet decided on the details, but I can definitely say we'd love to have someone here three days a week to start out. And we'd train you, of course. How about tomorrow?"

Realizing he was going very fast, Levi halted his thoughts and his mouth as he bit his lip. "Unless, of course, you're already working another job and need time or something. Or maybe three days a week won't even work for you." He stopped again as his brain took off once more. "I know - can you do lunch tomorrow? We can talk details then."

Over at his own desk, Keith threw up his hands while maintaining his phone conversation. Intervening now was pointless.

Good Start

Karla can't help the look of surprise as she looked around again. Now that she took a little more time to look one could they really didn't have a secretary  and they did need help bad. She chuckled to herself a little. Though a lot of bad had happened today she couldn't help but wonder if maybe this was another door opening for her. She was going to have a lot of time on her hands now, and filling it with something good not to mention putting a little money in her pocket was a good thing.

   "Yeah....I think you guys did bite off a little more than you thought."

Karla couldn't help but let her eyes go wide as she just watched Levi throw the papers on the desk without a care. This place needed a lot of organization, a lot of love, and a deep deep clean for sure. Looking at Levi again for a long moment there was something about him Karla couldnt put her finger on.

   "So when do you need me to start? I've never been a secretary before, but I did work with a band for a while so I know how to be organised. Maybe just start a few days a week and if you like me I can do more."

Giving a smile Karla realized she hadn't even introduced herself. She could kick herself right now.

   "Wow what a good start I haven't even introduce myself. I'm Karla!"

Looking down at Jared she quirked an eyebrow at him. She wasn't sure what was going on with him today but she didn't like it. Maybe he really had, had to much. No matter the reason his words stung and cut her deep. 

     "I'd be coming back tomorrow even if you told me not to Jared. You dont get to tell me when to come or not come because it's my job to come. I get paid to come for an hour and try and help you. The other three or four hours those...those are my time trying to be a friend, maybe the only friend you got left. So if you want to push me away so be it...I'll just come for my hour, collect my money and leave."

Turning Grace makes her way down the steps before stopping and turning to face Jared the rain still coming down. In a way she was happy for the rain. It masked the tears that rolled down her cheeks as she looked at her and it felt like her heart was breaking.

    "Just so you know....I didn't think it was a good idea that's why you weren't alone. Just because you can't see someone doesn't mean they are not there and it looks like you did fine getting home, so at least I know you got the drive to do that."

Turning again Grace makes her way to her car. She would be back tomorrow, but right now she was hurting more than she had in a long time.

Feeling Mick's foot under the table Rosetta couldn't help he smile that spread across her face as she studied her husband across the table. She could see in his eyes something was wrong and she couldn't help but feel the same a little. There was a lot unanswered on Lane's part. There just seemed more to the story even if she couldn't put her finger on it.

Conflicting

Levi finally shook himself loose from the chair and got himself to his feet. "Secretary? What secretary?" He took the rescued papers from the visitor, his hand brushing against hers as he did. "Thanks. We just, sorta, um..."

"What he's trying to say," Keith interrupted, "is that we've bit off more than the two of us can chew and we don't have a secretary, let alone one on vacation."

"We will though." Levi tossed the papers onto the desk in yet another haphazard pile. "Soon. We hope to, I mean. We're looking." He stopped, his cheeks finally back to their normal color, and gave her a crooked smile. "I'm Levi." He offered her a handshake. "You're not looking for a job are you?" he teased.

Keith rolled his eyes. "No, she tripped over my cleaning supplies out there and was gracious enough to bring them in with a stiff reminder not to forget them out there again."

Levi's eyes twinkled as he looked down at her. "Good, 'cause when I tried that, he didn't listen. You sure you don't want a job?"

"Levi!" Keith chided. The phone rang again an he sighed before going to his own desk to answer it.


Lydia was confused at seeing Grace come in the back door, but obeyed and kept quiet. Once she realized what was really going on as she peeked out from behind the curtains, tears pooled in her eyes. She would want to help anyone - but this was her son. So staying inside without going to help him hurt her heart.

Jared glanced up as Grace came out on the porch, unable to help the surprise that flashed in his eyes, even though he tried to hide it. The surprise was quickly replaced by his irritation though, and he looked away before taking the box of bandages. Able to get to his knee through the tear in his jeans, he simply covered the wound with a couple bandaids until he could clean it more thoroughly.

"You can come tomorrow," he growled, "but don't expect any cooperation from me. Not after you decided leaving me out there on my own was a good idea." He hurt all over. He was wet. He was cold. He was embarrassed. And he was angry.

"If that's what therapy is, you can take it and shove it."


"Oh..." Lane blinked. "Yeah...yeah, sure." Being the center of attention wasn't quite what he'd had in mind, but Angel was right - there would be a lot of questions from more than on person, most likely.

The door suddenly opened again. "Hey, Angel would you..." Luke's voice trailed off as he saw Lane. He was about ready to apologize for interrupting, thinking it was just a ranch visitor, but then, no one was scheduled to arrive today, and...did he know him?

Lane turned to see him, his eyes taking in everything from how Luke had aged, to the leg braces, to the cane he used. "Hi, Luke."

Luke glanced at Angel, then back again, silent until it finally dawned on him. "Mississippi?"

"The one and only."

"Oh wow..." Luke slowly stepped all the way into the office, his eyes wide. "What...brings you here?"

"Just in the area." Lane smiled. "Thought it was about time I saw my sister again."

"I'd say so. It's been what...?"

Lane shrugged. "I've never been too good at math."

Luke tried to think that far back, but it wasn't easy. He at least knew Mississippi had never met his niece so it had been a very long time. "Well it's good to see you. Staying long?"

"I've got some time to spare, so I'd like to hang around a few days and see everyone."

"Good...good." There was an awkward pause before Luke looked back to Angel. "Um..." He paused, then chuckled. "I have no idea why I came here," he admitted. "I'd retrace my steps, but I don't think my legs will let me." He rolled his eyes and eased down in a chair so he wouldn't fall down. At least today he was up and moving. Yesterday the pain had been so bad, he hadn't even been able to get out of bed. "Um, the bunk next to Eric's is open, I think. Number five," he mused before looking to Lane. "Unless you wanna stay in the house with us. We've got a spare room - I'm sure Angel wouldn't mind."

"Oh, no, it's okay, I'll stay in the bunk." Lane waved off the offer. "I wanna see y'all, not impose. Angel was just gonna get folks together," he continued so Luke wouldn't argue with him, "so I wouldn't have to repeat myself a hundred times. I didn't mean to cause a stir."

"Well, it's not every day someone from that far in the past shows up without warning."

"Right..." Lane finally slapped his hat back on his head and glanced back to Angel. "I'll, um... grab some of my stuff outta my truck, if that's okay. I can find the bunk alright."

Only after he'd left did Luke look to Angel, his eyes still a bit wide. "This is certainly a surprise. I wonder what made him decide to come here after all these years..."

...Lane made himself scarce until about suppertime when Angel managed to gather most everyone in the main house. It was awkward at first, and not everyone remembered him at first, but once they realized who he was, the memories started coming back...

"Wow..." Mick was the first to step forward and offer a handshake. "Been a long time, Mississippi."

Lane grinned and shook his hand. "Lane, please. Mississippi is such a mouthful. And yeah, I guess it has been a while."

"Like...twenty years?" Trent was the last to walk in the back door and came up slowly.

Lane smirked a little. "Trent. Wondered when you'd show up. I'd say it's been a little more than that, but who's counting?"

Trent grinned. "Not me."

Once everyone who had known Lane had a chance to greet him, Mick set his hands on his hips. "So what in the world brings you here?"

"Oh, just...chasing the wind." Lane fiddled with his hat. "Passing through, had a nostalgic moment and thought I'd drop in."

Trent quirked an eyebrow. "Where you at nowadays anyway?"

"I hang my hat wherever it falls." Lane shrugged. "Guess that part of me hasn't changed much over the years."

Mick glanced at Rosetta before clearing his throat. "Well, um, if you're gonna stick around, what say we all catch up over supper? Becky's got something cooking in there that smells awfully good."

"I don't know how I could say no to that." Lane tossed Angel a look. "Guess you're stuck with me..."

...A couple hours later, Lane sat at one of the dining room tables with Angel, Luke, Wendy, Clint and the kids. He'd interacted with almost everyone, rather overwhelmed by so many wanting to talk to him. Not that he'd expected a poor reception, but they all seemed to be even more gracious than he remembered.

Though his eyes were tired, he tried to stay alert. Dinner was over, but the fellowship continued, and Lane was still the center of attention. Listening to something Luke said, his attention was diverted when he felt something on his leg. Looking down, his eyes met those of Kaylee. She grinned up at him and said something no one could interpret. Lane chuckled and moved his chair back a little. "And to what do I owe this visit?"

Kaylee reached up her hands and giggled.

"Boy, you're a friendly little tyke, aren't you?" Lane didn't mind, and lifted her up onto his lap to bounce her and make her giggle even more.

Across the table, Clint had his own lap full of Chase, who had conked out half an hour ago. "She kinda claims everybody around here as her own," he commented wryly.

Lane chuckled. He could see Wes in the little girl's eyes. "I don't mind."

"You seem pretty comfortable with it."

Lane just shrugged without really responding. He glanced over at Wendy for the umpteenth time though, lost in thought.

Luke saw it and quirked an eyebrow. "Hard to believe that much time has gone by huh?"

Lane snapped back to attention before giving Kaylee a pat and sending her on her way. "Yeah...yeah, sorry," he apologized to Wendy. "Just glad I finally got to meet my niece. I heard you were born, and today you're all grown up with kids of your own." His eyes flitted to Angel, then back again. "Time...really does fly."


Mick's eyes continued to watch Lane as they had all evening. He was glad to see their old friend. Their paths has crossed only for a short time, but that time had been good. After so many years though, no one was ever the same. And showing up out of the blue like this... Mick couldn't help but be alert. So far, his observations were somewhat conflicting.

Lane had laughed and smiled with everyone, yet physically, he sat rigid and on edge, not having relaxed once. He conversed easily, yet there were very few questions he'd answered straight - after several hours, it was still unclear where he lived, where he'd been or what he did for a living. He appeared to enjoy everyone's company, but had yet to actually be clear about what brought him here. He asked questions and conversed, but somehow it seemed he was surprised by nothing, as if he was already familiar with everyone here. Seeing kids like Wendy or Dylan, Luke's condition, hearing Trent had a daughter, finding out about Wes' time in the military - none of it seemed to surprise him. At the very least, Mick would surmise Lane wore many layers, built up by a past he wasn't willing to share. At the very most...Mick wasn't sure he wanted to assume the worst, but something just didn't feel right. He just hoped it was something simple that would take care of itself.

Realizing he'd been neglecting his own table, Mick glanced across to Rosetta. Eying her with mischief, he slid his foot under the table to nudge her playfully. 

Million and One

   "Old man??? You better not let anyone hear you say that since you are younger than us all."

Angel couldn't help the laugh that escaped. Pulling away from her bother and looking up at him she eyes were filled with so much. Amazement, wonder and questions. She was so happy her brother was here, but at the same time it was just a tiny bit odd.

    "There is always room for family, even if there really wasn't. We would figure it out and go from there. Not to mention the ranch had grown a lot since the last time you were here."

Going back over to her desk Angel had a million questions she wanted to ask but she wondered if maybe calling the group together would be a better idea.

    "As happy as I am to see you there are a million and one questions that everyone is going to want to ask. Let me call everyone together so we can all catch up and you wont have to answer the question more than once."

Just continuing to look down at Jared his words stung. She new he was frustrated, and upset but non the less his words hurt and it took all she could not to show that hurt. Turning quickly Grace walked away. She'd meant it, if he wanted to pout than he could pout and have a pitty party on his own. She'd done all she could to keep that from happening and now she was just tired herself of holding it together and being fought tooth and nail. Getting far enough away that Jared couldn't see her anymore Grace ducks behind some bushes and continues to watch Jared. She felt like a creeper but as much as she wanted him to think she left him there she didn't really want to leave him there.

It seemed like forever but seeing Jared finally get up and make his way to home Grace smiled a little to herself before taking an alternative rout back to the house and slipping in the back door. Seeing Lydia she smiles and held her finger to her lip. She new she would be confused, but she didn't want Jared to know she had really come back here, not yet anyways. 

Giving Jared enough time to sit there Grace heads out with a box of bandages and drops them in his lap. She cared, she cared maybe more than he even realized. Maybe thats why she did all she did because she cared to much.

   "Glad you made it back. I'll be back again tomorrow same time and we can start again."

   "Yes, I think I am ok for the most...."

Karla's word trailed off at the comotion that was coming from behind Keith. Her eyes widened slightly slightly and it took as she could not to full out laugh at the sight that was happening before her, but a smile did spread across her lips. She had no idea what was going on right now, and maybe this business was running differently than most but she was happy she'd deiced to come in today. Through all the pain and hurt she at least got to smile a little.

   "Hi, yeah...I think it's your dad...who helped me. But it looks like you need more help than I do."

Bending down Karla starts to help pick up some of the papers that had fallen. She kinda felt bad. It really look like they were struggling here with everything going on all at once. She couldn't help but wonder if they were understaffed, or everyone was on vacation.

   "You guys sure do have your hands full. Is your secretary on vacation?"

A very pretty female visitor

A smile automatically came to Lane's face as Angel called him by his nickname. And how long had it even been since he'd heard her voice at all? Receiving her enthusiastic hug though, he stiffened before laughing and prying her away. "Whoa there... I'm an old man now, ya know." Still smiling, he held her at arm's length for a moment and just looked at her. Had he sent her a birthday card about ten years ago? He thought maybe he had. Other than that though...this was the first real contact in a very, very long time. His sister had no idea what his life was like now...or even who he really had become.

Emotions filled his eyes and his expression softened. "It's awfully good to see you," he mentioned quietly. Finally dropping his arms, he cleared his throat. "So, um...I was in the neighborhood and... thought maybe there was a chance I could stick around a few days or something. Spend some time with you... say hi to some of the others..." Question lingered in his gaze. Obviously Angel was glad to see him, but it might be bad timing, or there might not be a free bunk. After all...his arrival was certainly a surprise after not being seen for half his life. So much had changed. No one here even knew where he lived now or anything about him.

Realizing he was still staring at her, he shifted his eyes. A strange awkwardness seemed to settle over him, and he toyed with his hat. "Um... so yeah." He gave her a new smile. "That's why I thought maybe I shoulda called first."


Jared hadn't known what to expect from his little outburst, but a tongue-lashing wasn't it. Staring up at Grace as the rain came down on his face, his expression changed into a glare. Too caught up in his negativity to care about his language, this time his curse was aimed directly at Grace. "If you're so enthusiastic about getting back to the house, then just go! Leave me here. What do I care?! I never needed you or your help in the first place!" 

Maybe he didn't really think she'd actually walk away. Maybe he didn't really think she'd leave him here by himself. But...he was wrong. Swearing again was the only thing he muttered as she walked away, and for a good long few minutes, he did just sit there on the wet sidewalk. By himself. Now soaked to the bone. And miserable. 

His eyes glanced back down the route to the house. One block. That was all. It really wasn't all that far. But Grace was nowhere in sight. She really had left him. A new kind of fear mixed in with his anger. He'd said he hadn't needed her. But in reality, he'd never have made it this far without her. And now she'd called his bluff. 

It was a few more long minutes before he eventually tried standing again. With just one crutch for support, he fell several more times before finally being able to balance and support his own weight. His knee was still bleeding, and still hurt. His hand that had skidded on the pavement hurt. His back ached. Every muscle he could thing of was screaming at him to just stay on the ground and give up. But he made one step. Then one more. Without the support of someone else's arms, it was inevitable that he fall again. And he did. But this time at least, he was close enough to his abandoned crutch that he could crawl to it and now have two to work with. 

He wasn't sure how long it took him to make it back to the house, but when he finally did, he collapsed on the porch steps. Pulling himself up to where he was at least out of the rain now, he leaned back against the railing, utterly exhausted. He was too tired, too hurt and too angry to be proud of himself, though. He needed to get a bandage on his knee, but moving anything just took too much effort for the moment.


Glancing up as the door opened, Keith blinked when he saw the young woman with his cleaning supplies. "Oh, Hun, I'm so sorry." He quickly came over to her and took the bucket to set it aside out of the way. "I got so wrapped up in my work I totally forgot about this." It wasn't hard to see her red eyes, but it seemed perhaps the tears had come earlier than this incident. That didn't mean she hadn't hurt herself just now, though. "Are you alright?"

Back at his desk, Levi was ignoring everything else as he handled yet another phone call. “Yes, of course… Right… Yes, I’ve got it right here…” He glanced around, shifted a stack of papers that fell over to mix with a different stack, then looked under the desk calendar, still not finding the paper he was looking for. “Uh-huh…” Swiveling in his chair, he spotted it on top of an open filing drawer. Rolling towards it, he leaned backward to reach it, only to have one of the chair’s casters snap off. Crashing to the floor, his legs were mangled in the chair, while the rest of him got impossibly tangled in the phone cord.

Keith interrupted his short conversation with Karla to spin around at the loud commotion, eyes wide.

Now almost spread-eagle on the floor – except for one leg that was somehow wrapped around the chair’s armrest – Levi groped for the paper without even skipping a beat on the phone. “Yep, I’ve got all the numbers you emailed us yesterday… Right… Perfect…. Thanks, Joe. Talk to you again soon…. Bye.” Once he’d heard the click on the other end, he tossed the receiver aside and groaned. He’d twisted his knee, got rug burn on his elbow, and the chair that had been held up with duct tape for a whole year had finally bitten the dust. His eyes finally glanced up. And to top it all off, they had a visitor. His cheeks grew hot. A female visitor. A very pretty female visitor.

Keith's eyes were still wide as he looked back at Karla. “Um…excuse me for just a tiny moment.” He wandered over to Levi and had to try really hard not to laugh. “You, uh…okay there, Son?”

Levi propped himself up on his arms as if everything was perfectly normal. “Yeah, why?” His face remained red, despite his calm demeanor. “Found that info on Joe.” He gestured to the paper that was now on the floor as well. “And by the way, we need to buy a new chair.”

“Apparently so.” Keith folded his arms. “Need help getting up?”

“Naw, I was just getting comfortable.” Levi tried to pull his leg loose, but the cuff of his jeans had somehow gotten caught, and no amount of pulling was going to free him. Giving up, his eyes rose to the young woman again and he gave a little wave from where he was. “Hi,” he greeted calmly. “Have you been helped?”

Crap

Sometimes Karla wished she had a car. Today would be a nice day for that. To just get away and not have people staring at her because it was easy to see she had been crying. Leaving Kip standing there was one of the hardest things. It took all she will power not to turn around and run back to him.

Completely lost in though Karla dosnt even notice the bucket of cleaning supplys in front of her till it was to late and she already tripped over them with a loud clatter. Shaking away the fog of what just happened Karla eyes the bucket and than looks up to where she'd fallen. McAlister & Son Advertising.

   "Well McAlister..maybe you should learn to pick up your crap."

Standing Karla takes hold of the bucket and goes inside just standing there for a moment looking around at the mess. It sure did explain why the bucket was left outside, everything was a mess in here too.

  "Umm...excuse me? You left this outside and its going to get someone killed. Since I already tripped on I thought I'd return it to you."

Walking and taking Jared's own pace was nice. Grace didn't mind it one bit and the cool rain felt nice on her skin. Just staying silent they walked. It wasn't till Jared stumbled that Grace jerks a little trying to catch him but she just couldn't. 

As he threw a cuse into the air, and sate there salking had, had just about enough. She'd been easy going with him, didn't push but now...it had gone one enough. Jared needed to snap out of it. Bending down in front of him.

   "If I felt sorry for myself every time I fell down I wouldn't be where I am now. Now get up off your butt, and try again or I'm going to leave you here to wallow in misery by yourself while I go back to the house to dry off and have coco with your mom."

Standing again Grace looks down at Jared. She new she was being a little harsher than normal but it was about time it needed to be done. Jared needed to get it together.

   "So whats it going to be..are you going to give up, or try again?"

Looking down at the file in front of he Angel rests her head on her hand. Today had been a long day and she was sleepy. Everything around her just seemed to fade away. So when someone came into the office she didn't even look up from what she was readying.

Hearing a voice Angel's head shot up started for a moment. Squinting her eyes for a second she hadn't been expecting anyone but there was something familiar. Letting her eyes adjust she couldn't help the look of shock on her face as she jumped up realizing who it was.

   "MISSISSIPPI.....!!!!"

Running over to her brother and throwing her arms around him she gives him a big hug nuzzling her face into him. It had been a long time, to long since the last time she had seen him. Not a day went by she didn't think of him, and she missed him more than most people new.

   "Of course you didn't have to call. You know you are always welcomed here. I missed you so much..." 

Long lost face

If the earth would have opened up right there to swallow him, Kip would have let it. Karla's words struck him to his very core, even though it was all his own fault. Her tears hurt like nothing else...yet he was helpless to comfort her...not when he'd been the one to cause her pain.

Realizing she really was going to walk away without giving him another chance, his hand slipped from her shoulder as she left and didn't even turn around. Though everything in him wanted to continue begging, the burn in the pit of his stomach told him that it would only make things worse. She was gone. And this may very well have been the last time he'd ever see her.

That thought alone sent new tears into his eyes. He'd just lost the best thing that had ever happened to him. He'd just lost his best friend. All because he was a wretched loser. There was no going back. No fixing it. No second chance. He was alone.

He didn't know how long he stood on the porch, but the image of Karla walking away would be burned into his mind forever. At some point, he ended up back in his room, curled up on his bed as his tears fell silently into his pillow. And for the moment, he was sure that he'd never be able to forgive himself for what he'd done.


“Yes…yes, we’ll have the designs sent right on over to the printers. Uh-huh…sure thing. Right.” Levi nodded, even though the client on the other end of the line couldn’t see him. He jotted down another note on a piece of scratch paper. “Yep. It’s all taken care of…. Right, I’ll get those other bids to you this week… Okay… Have a great day… Goodbye.”

After hanging up, he stood from the cluttered desk and pinned his note – which looked like it was full of chicken scratches – to the cork board on the wall. “Mr. Hollingsworth is pleased with our progress, and wants those bids on the business cards and posters as soon as possible.”

“Nicely done.” Keith nodded to his son before continuing to clean the two large windows that overlooked the street. “How are we doing with the designs for that pet store?”

“Great! I…think.” Levi turned to stare at the desk. “It’s somewhere between the Hollingsworth job and the….oh, shoot, do I need to call the newspaper today for the Jackson event?”

“Um…” Keith paused his work. “I think so. Didn’t we write it on the calendar?”

“Yeah…” They both looked at the wall calendar which was full of handwritten notes – most of them barely readable. Levi grimaced. “You mentioned a couple weeks ago something about hiring a secretary…”

Keith tossed his dirty paper towels into a nearby trashcan. “Evidently we need an extra set of hands.” He grinned sheepishly. “Guess that’s what happens when you outgrow your basement.”

“Guess so. Progress, right? I looked at the books last night…we can’t afford to pay too much, but if we find the right person, it would be nice to have someone to at least keep track of our deadlines. Maybe handle the phones.”

“Agreed.” Keith walked over to the second desk and woke up his computer. “Let’s not advertise too widely yet. How about just putting a sign in the window and seeing if anybody bites?”

“Sure. If nothing happens and this place gets worse, we can put an ad in the paper.”


Though he didn't say so, Jared was glad for Grace's reassuring arm as he stared down at the porch steps. Fumbling his way around inside the house was one thing. Going down stairs - quite another.

It took all his strength to balance on his crutches as he slowly took it one step at a time. Four steps never seemed so tall. Once on the sidewalk, the rain pelted his face, and he took a moment to just breathe in the warm, wet air. They'd both be soaked in minutes, but he didn't care.

Eyes glued to the sidewalk, it was slow going. He remained quiet, still tucked safely back in his own little world, while also requiring most of his concentration just to get his muscles to cooperate. Each crack in the pavement could have been three-foot hurdles. Each slick spot, a trap for his crutches. A few times, he had to rely on Grace to keep him steady as his legs tried to buckle.

The length of one block. And he was absolutely exhausted. His hands ached from holding all his weight on the crutches, and his back had gone almost numb from the pain. Any strength left in his legs was just about gone. Soaked to the bone, his t-shirt and jeans clung to him as he turned around and stared back towards the house. The block may as well have been a mile. But Grace couldn't carry him. Walking was the only way back.

Only a few more steps, and Jared's legs had had enough. Unable to lift his foot anymore, his toe caught on an uneven spot in the sidewalk. With weakened arms, and too much weight for Grace, falling was inevitable. Hindered by the crutches made it even worse, and when it was all over, he was sitting in a heap on the wet sidewalk, one hand with scraped knuckles, and a tear in the knee of his jeans where blood was already showing through.

The physical pain hurt. The emotional pain hurt. And it was all he could take.

Yelling a curse into the wind, he took one of his crutches and sent it flying where it landed quite a ways away, narrowly missing someone's mailbox. Sitting on the wet ground as the rain continued to fall, Jared ignored his bleeding knee. He was sick of hurting. Sick of needing to rely on everybody else. He knew he was on blood thinners and shouldn't risk even a little injury like this, but he just didn't care anymore.

"I can't take it anymore!" he shouted angrily. "I can't do this!" His eyes glared up at Grace, even though she really wasn't the target of his anger. "It's stupid to keep trying! I'll never be the same again! I have no life anymore, no job, no future, and it sucks!"

Tears mingled in with the rain that ran down his face. "Why me?! Why didn't I just die?!"


Aaron slowly opened his eyes, trying to bring everything back into focus after being knocked out by Garret. Seeing someone standing over him, he lurched against the restraints in his bed.

Justin didn't flinch, but simply remained standing, his arms folded as he observed this angry and desperate man. "Ya know - you're not gonna break loose. I mean, I don't care if you keep fighting, but honestly, there's no point unless you're trying to build up your muscles or something."

Aaron glared at him. "Who are you?"

"Why does everybody always ask me that?" Justin sank down in a chair and grabbed his notepad. "Aaron, huh? Heard you were a pretty good agent."

"You the one that's brainwashed Garret?"

"Why do you think he's been brainwashed?"

"That's the only reason he'd be trying to keep me here instead of going back where we belong." Aaron pulled against the straps again. "But I'll never give in," he growled. "You can try all you want. I'm not going to stay here. I'm not going to give anybody any information, so just give up now and leave me alone!"

Justin smirked. "Really? That's all you got?"

Aaron's glare remained, but he stopped struggling. "What do you want, anyway?"

"Nothing, really. Just wondered what kind of material you're made out of. Garret speaks pretty highly of you."

"Garret's a traitor, and obviously far less intelligent than I ever gave him credit for."

"Ya think?" Justin cocked his head. "What if he found something better than being a soldier for the Agency?"

"There's nothing else for guys like us," Aaron hissed.

Justin made a note. "How'd you wind up in the Agency anyway?"

"I was recruited 'cause they knew I'd make a good agent. And I didn't disappoint." Aaron flexed his wrists once more against the restraints.

"Mmm. And Garret? How'd you end up with him?"

"I was good enough to be on his team. Period."

"So he's one of the best."

"He was," Aaron muttered. "Now he's just a nobody who's lost all my respect."

Justin nodded and made another note. "You wanna get out of those restraints?"

Arron frowned. "Of course I do."

"Good." Justin turned to Rick. "Hey, Rick? Wanna come help me a second?"

Rick had been listening, and now gave him a very leery glance. "I don't think that's such a good idea."

Justin shrugged. "He didn't get very far the last time."

Aaron pulled again and threw him a new glare. "Just give me on second and I'll have you flat on your back."

"Oh yeah?" Justin set his hand on his knee and squeezed, making Aaron writhe back in pain. "I...kinda have a feeling you and I are gonna get along alright." With Rick, he freed Aaron's wrists and ankles.

Aaron didn't try to get up, but just flexed his joints, confused at Justin's behavior. "You can't expect me to stay in here."

"What are you gonna do? Walk away? From what I hear, it's gonna be a while before you're gonna walk straight again. So if I were you, I'd just cool my jets and chill out. Can't beat laying around all day and getting three square meals for free."

"It's not free when I'm a prisoner."

"Ya know...maybe if you really respected Garret as much as you did, you should take a second look at what he's done. You might be surprised at what you find."

"I doubt it."

"Suit yourself." Justin made another note before wandering over to the phone and dialing. "Hal, listen, we could use some eyes for a while... Yeah. Just to make sure Rick and Misty don't get bushwhacked by this maniac... Okay, thanks."

Aaron rolled his eyes. "So you think I can't run away, but you're still gonna put a guard on me."

"Only because if I didn't, Reese would have my hide. I don't think you're going to run away again, and I don't think you're going to hurt anyone. There's no point."

Aaron fell silent, and the short session was over. Justin would digest their interaction and give his report to Reese in due time. And surprisingly enough...Aaron wouldn't try again that day to escape.


A small, black pickup pulled into the ranch driveway and slowly approached the main buildings. It was an older truck - evident through the rust around the edges, and a dent in the side that had never been fixed. After parking, the driver sat for several moments, just scanning the area before he exited. Squinting out from under his old cowboy hat, he silently took in all the sights. He appeared to perhaps be in his forties, though one might believe life had not been easy on him. He held his tall, lanky frame with confidence, while weariness laid behind eyes of deep green that seemed to speak a thousand languages of emotion.

He shed his denim jacket and tossed it through the truck's open window before making sure his t-shirt was tucked into his jeans and wiping the dust off the top of his worn cowboy boots by using the backs of his pant legs. Though it would seem he was a stranger, he aimed towards Angel's office rather than the main house where most people would go. The eyes that glanced his way from the barns and paddock didn't interrupt his steady stride.

Reaching the porch, he started to knock, then realized the door was already partway open. Only then did he hesitate. For a moment, his hand simply rested on the doorknob as if he couldn't decide if he really wanted to be here or not. Eventually though, he quietly opened the door and stepped inside. Letting his eyes adjust, he spotted Angel at her desk.

A melancholic sort of smile creased his lips, and he took off his hat. "You haven't changed a bit," he mused quietly. Coming a few steps closer, he swallowed hard, the emotions churning in his gaze. Did she recognize him? Would she remember him? It had been so very long. Twenty years? He'd lost track. His driver's license said Lane Lachey. But those here from his past might know him only by Mississippi. "I know I prolly shoulda called first..."

Lead the Way

Stopping and feeling Kips hand on her shoulder Karla couldn't help the tears that ran from he eyes. She once loved Kip's touch, and she loved to have him close, but things had changed now and that's just not how it was anymore. Karla new Kip didn't understand, but it was how she felt, and it was how she saw things. Her voice cracked as she struggled to find words.

   "If you only had feeling for me Kip, this wouldn't have happened. I needed you too". 

Not turning around to look at Kip Karla wiped the ears from her eyes. Oh how she wished she was stronger, how she wished she could of pushed the tears away, but she couldn't.

   "Now when I look at you, or feel your touch I see Whitney too. Knowing that while we were together you were with her, even if it was just night. What was one day be sacred with us, is marked by someone else. I'm sorry Kip, but that is to important to me to just forget about it. I'm sorry."

Slipping out from under Kip's hand Karla continued on her path down the steps. She had to get out of there, she felt like she was suffocating. She just need to get out, clear her head, cry, and start a new tomorrow, alone once again.

Grace didn't know how much time had passed that they sat there and she didn't mind. The sound of the rain drops were nice, the cool wind and rolling thunder, it was just peaceful to her. As Jaded stired she moved her arms to give him the freedom to do what he liked while she just watched. Upon his request Grace smiles. Sometimes the best therapy was no therapy at all.

Coming up along side Jared Grace tucked her arm around his. Still letting him walk on his own but wanting herself to hold onto him. Giving his arm a gentile squeeze and a no of her head Grace waited to go at Jared's pace.

   "Lead the way, I'm just along for the ride."

I need you...

As Karla talked, Kip sank down on the bed. His face showed everything from shame to surprise. He knew he'd done wrong. He knew he'd been stupid. But...she was really going to cut things off? Just like that? Without giving him a second chance?

He blinked in shock as she turned to leave. That was it? He sat stunned for a moment before getting to his feet. He had to fix this. Sprinting through the house, he caught up with Karla on the porch. "Karla, wait...please." He reached out to set a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "I'll do anything," he begged softly. "Just give me a chance to prove it'll never happen again."

Tears stung his eyes. Never had he felt so stupid and ashamed. "I don't have feelings for anybody but you." His voice started to crack as a tear rolled down his cheek. "Please don't leave me. I need you."


Jared's eyes remained closed as he began to relax under Grace's touch. He was so tired, and her hand running through his hair felt so good...

...He pried his eyes open and groggily tried to get his bearings, not realizing he'd been sleeping for over half an hour. A new rumble of thunder made him jump, and he looked up quickly, just now realizing he was still using Grace's lap as a pillow. Slowly bringing his mind out of its fog, he squinted out at the rain and sighed. 

Without saying anything, he gradually sat up and managed to get his legs in a normal position again. Then looking over at the crutches, he gritted his teeth. He could get to them if he really wanted to. Still saying nothing to Grace, he used the swing's chain to pull himself up until he was standing, then let himself fall against the wall of the house where at least his target was within reach. Though unsteady, he managed to get a hold of the handles and strap them to his forearms by himself, then turned towards the steps. 

It was still pouring rain, but in this moment...that's what he wanted. He just wanted to feel the coolness on his skin. He wanted to hide in the wet curtain and feel the thunder. Outside. Where he wasn't caged in. 

"I wanna go for a walk," he requested hoarsely.


Though Jason was a little disappointed he hadn't received a more positive response from Misty, he knew his little speech wasn't entirely wasted. And he was glad she still viewed him as a friend. He knew he'd always treasure her friendship...and the short time they'd had as more than friends. But just to gain back some normalcy would be nice. For now, he'd just have to be patient.

He smiled a little as he stood up and came over to her, gently taking the cold cup from her hand. "I'm a master at making hot tea," he teased. "And as far as the donuts are concerned, the offer goes for any day." He gave her shoulder a pat before heading to the door to make another cup of tea for her.


Off to the side, Garret watched the little scene in confusion. He knew the history there because of all the Agency had done to Carson. He knew Jason had stepped in, then left - though he didn't know why. But the bottom line was, he'd left her. Yet here they were, still friends. Misty was broken, no doubt, but even so, she didn't have to forgive Jason. But she did. Why? It didn't make sense.

Rubbing his wrist a bit gingerly, he realized he must have torqued it in his scuffle with Aaron. Glancing over to the unconscious form, he sighed. Maybe his efforts really were in vain after all.

"You alright?

Garret shifted his eyes to Rick, who had just strapped Aaron to the bed again. "What?"

"Your wrist." Rick gestured to him. "Hurt yourself?"

"Nah. I've had worse."

"I'm sure." Rick rolled his eyes and gestured for Garret to follow him to the counter. "You've got more in common with the agents around here than you think." He prodded Garret's wrist for a few moments. "That hurt?"

"A bit."

"Mmm." Rick retrieved an ace bandage to wrap it. "Slight sprain is all, I'd say. Just try not to get in any fights for a few days, okay?"

Garret watched dumbly as Rick bandaged his wrist. Why did this guy even care? The longer he was here, the more he wondered if these people really had all their sanity in tact.

Rick glanced up and gave him a wry grin. "What? Think I'd strap you to a bed, too?"

"Guess I wouldn't put it past you to try," Garret mused. He flexed his wrist and nodded. "Thanks." Wandering out of the infirmary and finding the hall empty, he aimed for the main floor. He'd already worked out this morning and was going mad with boredom...again. Heading for Nate's desk, his path was blocked by the newcomer.

Kirk was just setting up his laptop in an empty cubicle, and had stepped out to find some extra paper. Seeing Garret, he stopped. Despite the recent scene, his eyes showed no fear - only caution. "Reese tells me you're the newest member of the Elite rehabilitation program."

Garret quirked an eyebrow. He wasn't so sure he liked that label. "And you are?"

"Kirk Young. I'm with the FBI, here to evaluate the Elite."

Garret gave him a once over with his eyes. "Here to evaluate, or here to shut it down?"

"Would you like it if I shut it down?"

"Why would I?"

Kirk shrugged. "I guess maybe it depends on where your loyalties really lie."

Garret started to move closer, when Reese's voice from behind stopped him. "Garret, come with me, please."

Despite wanting to take a swing at this FBI agent, Garret refrained, and turned to follow Reese over to Nate's cubicle. Reese gave Nate a stern look. "Would you mind keeping a short leash on this guy until Kirk is out of our hair, please? One more scene like that, and we don't stand a chance." Spinning on his heel, he stalked back to his office.

Garret leaned on the cubicle wall and looked at Nate without much humor. "You can chain me up out back, if you want," he suggested sarcastically. "That would probably keep everybody happy."


Medridge Stared at his map on the wall. One would have to try very hard to even realize it was a map anymore, with so many notes and strings covering it. Faces. Names. Connections. It was only a small glimpse into what his mind must look like on the inside.

"It's been too quiet in Texas," he mused aloud.

Natasha stood nearby, notepad in hand. With Agent Mathis on the Stevenson case in Nevada, she was left to delegate jobs for Medridge as she saw fit. His comment though, made her brow furrow in question. "Sir?"

"Yes...yes, indeed." He paced in front of the map and scanned some of the names before turning around to study Natasha's business-like demeanor. Her dark hair was pulled back into a bun, glasses on top of her head, and her choice of clothing was a smart blouse and skirt outfit. Anyone would guess she was an ordinary secretary, perhaps for a law firm or the like. It satisfied Medridge. She could blend in if he ever needed her on the field. For now though, her job was just to take notes and put men on jobs for him.

He wandered to his desk and took pen and paper to scribble out a name, then handed it to Natasha. "Find him. I want to know all about him. Everything. Then report back to me."

Natasha read the name, still confused. "I thought you were referring to the ranch."

"I am. But we need new eyes. We need someone who can report back to us exactly what's going on inside. That means someone they will trust." Medridge nodded in satisfaction. "But we must trust him, too. Find his weakness. Then he'll be ours to control."

"Yes, sir." Natasha tucked the note in her pocket for safe keeping. "I'll get right on it."