It pained Carson to see Misty hurting so badly. But just having her fall into him for strength was like a soothing river to his soul. She needed him...she still needed him, even after everything had happened. Finally...maybe he could help her heal. He knew they had a long way to go yet - it wasn't over, and the future was still uncertain. But at least he had enough hope to carry him through the storm.
Just holding her as long as she wanted, he desired nothing more than to simply be there for her. He had failed at protecting her too many times. He wouldn't fail again.
As she finally pulled back and expressed wanting to stay and help, a smile creased his lips. "No bloke in his right mind would say no to having a sheila like you hang around a while." He nodded to the back room. "Clean yourself up, grab an apron and you can help me whip up some more pizza sauce before we run out." He wasn't going to push. He wasn't going to ask for anything more. He was just going to enjoy what he had in this moment.
Garret raised an eyebrow at Nate, not really knowing why he was thanking him. After all, that's why he was here. Without a promise to help, he'd wind up in prison, so obviously he'd assist. "Um. Sure." He shrugged. The corner of his eye caught Dalton and Scott leaving. He wouldn't chance anything else today. Besides, Susanne would probably be back from lunch soon anyway.
"I...guess I'll head downstairs." Maybe he'd work out for a while in the rec room since he skipped his routine this morning to go to Brookshire. There was little else to do the rest of the day anyway.
Scott nodded to Dalton. He agreed. To accuse Garret without proof could cause an even greater mess. "Okay. Let's go see if we can recover the logs and see what he was after." At least it would get his mind back on track after the whole Kirk incident.
It took a little doing, but between the two of them, they were finally able to retrieve the information they were looking for. When they did though, Scott's face went pale. Garret had been looking into files about Scott's history, particularly after his abduction and his stay at Brookshire. He'd been hunting for the Agency's records on the entire incident.
"Why?" Scott whispered. Was Garret planning something more? Was he going to reintroduce Scott to that terrible event in order to somehow inform the Agency of how their plan played out? Was he searching for exactly what had happened in order to continue the torture in some way?
Scott glanced up at Dalton, fear in his eyes. "I...I can't... I can't deal with more... I just can't."
Rosalyn wrapped her fingers around Chad's and managed to give him a smile. None of this was his fault, and she truly was happy she was with him, no matter what other issues were going on around them. "I know... thank you."
Leaving her friends hadn't been easy. Leaving her family hadn't been easy. But she knew she needed to stay positive. And what awaited her truly was a new adventure that she could be excited about.
Scooting as close as her seatbelt would allow, she leaned over to rest her head on Chad's shoulder. Oh, how warm and comforting he was. "Are we there yet?" she teased.
Travis just had to grin as Ashlee went off in her little ramble. He wondered if she was like this all the time, or if she was just excited to have a new ear to listen. Either way, he didn't mind. He kind of liked listening to her.
"Hopefully I'll be at dinner," he agreed. "Even if Angel makes me eat soup." He tossed her a wink before turning to put the brush away. "See ya later."
Left to his own devices, he walked back outside and just got his bearings, again wondering at exactly what all the buildings were. People were here and there. The air was a little tense. Because of the threat? That whole thing was still mind-boggling. Sighing, he aimed back for Angel's. Helping Ashlee had been enough, and his body was tired again...
...Travis had slept on and off all afternoon, but his stomach was ready for something solid and Angel had been kind enough to show him the way to the main house for dinner, where now he found himself at a table with Ashlee, and a young family he found out was his cousin Wendy with her husband Clint and their two little kids - a toddler and a baby. There were a couple other young people... Jade, and her fiance was just a bit older, then her brother Dylan was almost the exact same age as Travis, but he sat off to the side by himself, seeming to not want any interaction with anyone.
The room was full...but it had a peaceful atmosphere, even despite everything that had happened. It was a bit overwhelming, meeting so many people at once, but all of them treated Travis as if he had always been a part of the family.
Sitting at a nearby table with Angel, Luke, Sparky and Faith, Lane's eyes continued to shift to where his son was. Things had not been settled between them, and it hurt. But at least he seemed to be doing okay and was at least up and interacting.
Travis took another slow bite of one of "Becky's amazing hamburgers" that Ashlee had bragged about. It really was one of the best he'd ever had, especially with the added cheese and the bits of onion in the meat. The only problem was that his jaw was still so sore, taking big bites and chewing was rather difficult. He elbowed Ashlee and nodded after he'd managed to swallow his bite. "You were right. They're good."
10/3/16
FireFlys
Feeling Carson's hands on her face Misty leans into them. She had forgotten how tender Carson could be. How rough his hands were, and yet so soft. There just had always something about the way he cared for her that Misty couldn't deny.
"I...I realized today that I've never made things easy on you, and I'm sorry too. "
Just being pulled into the hug Misty wraps her own arms around Carson and gives a squeeze that causes her to cry a little more. She never really dealt with everything that had been going on and being wrapped in Carson's arms safe it just made all those feeling surface. She might not be able to talk about it yet, but she could cry, and feel the love off someone through it.
Misty didn't know how long she had stood there with Carson. Seconds, maybe minutes but her tears had stopped for now. Stepping back and giving a half smile up at Carson she searched his eyes for a long moment. Something was different, not a bad different but something was. She wasn't sure what, but she could help but wonder, maybe time would tell that too.
"Do you mind if I stay for an hour or so and help cook pizzas? I'd really just like to spend time with you. Not doing anything fancy just....being here."
"Yeah I definitely saw what you saw. Maybe I scared them off while I slowed them down."
Looking out of the office with Scott Dalton eyes Garret for a moment. Had it really been him? What was he doing and why? Was he trying to feed the Agency information? Surly not or at least he hoped not.
"I agree with you it more than likely is him. Almost everyone else has the clearance so wouldn't need to hack, I think before we go asking him though or accusing him we should see if we can figure out what he was doing."
If they had to accuse someone of wrongful doings that better have good proof. Specially with Agent Young around. Last thing they needed was to make a wrong call, or mess something up. On top of that...at least this would give him and Scott something to do.
Taking the files from Garret Nate nods. He new this probley wouldn't be an easy task but he was happy Garret was taking it with stride and doing such a good job. About to say something Nate catched Scott and Dalton standing across the way. What on earth were those two doing? Shaking his head he looks back to Garret again.
"We should have that footage tomorrow I am hoping. Dr Hawks said he'd have someone drop it off. I'm hoping that will be a little more help. Thanks Garret for looking into this for me."
Looking over at Rosalyn Chad could see the tear in her eye and his head hurt for her. He wished there was another way, and he wished things were different. He new leaving her family was hard, going somewhere completely different was harder. Reaching over and taking her hand he gives it a little squeeze.
"We'll be back before you even know it. I promise."
Hearing Travis liked to oil saddles too Ashlee perked up and couldn't help the grin on her face. It was an odd hobby, but it was something she loved doing since she got here. It was calming, and just nice. She loved oiling saddles with Eric, maybe it would be fun with Travis too.
"Maybe if you'd like to come to the mess hall for dinner we could do some saddle oiling afterwards, You've gotta see the ranch at night, its so peaceful. Fireflys, if you are up in the hayloft dots of lights from houses in the distance."
Realizing she was going on a tangent Ashlee stops feeling her cheeks go red a little. She didn't mean to talk Travis ear off, but she hoped he didn't mind. This really had been a nice afternoon, and a good way to pass the time.
"Well I guess she is brushed as she'll ever be for now. Thanks for keeping me company. It was really nice. I do hope to see you at dinner tonight."
"I...I realized today that I've never made things easy on you, and I'm sorry too. "
Just being pulled into the hug Misty wraps her own arms around Carson and gives a squeeze that causes her to cry a little more. She never really dealt with everything that had been going on and being wrapped in Carson's arms safe it just made all those feeling surface. She might not be able to talk about it yet, but she could cry, and feel the love off someone through it.
Misty didn't know how long she had stood there with Carson. Seconds, maybe minutes but her tears had stopped for now. Stepping back and giving a half smile up at Carson she searched his eyes for a long moment. Something was different, not a bad different but something was. She wasn't sure what, but she could help but wonder, maybe time would tell that too.
"Do you mind if I stay for an hour or so and help cook pizzas? I'd really just like to spend time with you. Not doing anything fancy just....being here."
"Yeah I definitely saw what you saw. Maybe I scared them off while I slowed them down."
Looking out of the office with Scott Dalton eyes Garret for a moment. Had it really been him? What was he doing and why? Was he trying to feed the Agency information? Surly not or at least he hoped not.
"I agree with you it more than likely is him. Almost everyone else has the clearance so wouldn't need to hack, I think before we go asking him though or accusing him we should see if we can figure out what he was doing."
If they had to accuse someone of wrongful doings that better have good proof. Specially with Agent Young around. Last thing they needed was to make a wrong call, or mess something up. On top of that...at least this would give him and Scott something to do.
Taking the files from Garret Nate nods. He new this probley wouldn't be an easy task but he was happy Garret was taking it with stride and doing such a good job. About to say something Nate catched Scott and Dalton standing across the way. What on earth were those two doing? Shaking his head he looks back to Garret again.
"We should have that footage tomorrow I am hoping. Dr Hawks said he'd have someone drop it off. I'm hoping that will be a little more help. Thanks Garret for looking into this for me."
Looking over at Rosalyn Chad could see the tear in her eye and his head hurt for her. He wished there was another way, and he wished things were different. He new leaving her family was hard, going somewhere completely different was harder. Reaching over and taking her hand he gives it a little squeeze.
"We'll be back before you even know it. I promise."
Hearing Travis liked to oil saddles too Ashlee perked up and couldn't help the grin on her face. It was an odd hobby, but it was something she loved doing since she got here. It was calming, and just nice. She loved oiling saddles with Eric, maybe it would be fun with Travis too.
"Maybe if you'd like to come to the mess hall for dinner we could do some saddle oiling afterwards, You've gotta see the ranch at night, its so peaceful. Fireflys, if you are up in the hayloft dots of lights from houses in the distance."
Realizing she was going on a tangent Ashlee stops feeling her cheeks go red a little. She didn't mean to talk Travis ear off, but she hoped he didn't mind. This really had been a nice afternoon, and a good way to pass the time.
"Well I guess she is brushed as she'll ever be for now. Thanks for keeping me company. It was really nice. I do hope to see you at dinner tonight."
10/2/16
Errand
Carson knew Agent Young had been hanging around the Elite, and had been informed along with everyone else to cooperate with him, but so far he'd avoided any interaction. He hadn't known he'd been hounding people, let alone Misty, let alone about him. And it made Carson's blood boil.
Taking Misty's face gently between his hands, his thumbs wiped away her tears. "I am...so sorry." It wasn't fair Misty was still suffering because of his past mistakes. He should be the one dealing with it - not her. She's been through enough and deserved none of this. "That never should have happened," he assured softly. "You're not at fault for anything, and that guy can't hurt you."
He kissed her forehead before pulling her back into a hug again. "You stay as long as you need...I'm not going anywhere." Until later. Once she was gone. He would have an errand to run.
Scott nodded to Dalton. He was still shaken up from dealing with Kirk, but they needed to find out what was happening now. "Yeah. Let's go." Letting Dalton lead, he followed him out, down the hall, through the cubicles and towards Susanne's office by Reese. Once there though, the desk was empty.
Scott sat down quickly at the computer, but it had been shut down. He glanced up at Dalton. "You saw it too, right? Someone was just here."
He stood and looked out across the cubicles. Most were empty as usual lately since things had grown so quiet. But his eyes landed on the figure who seemed to be lazily leaning against Nate's wall. "Garret. It has to have been him. Nobody else would have any reason to break through our system." Just thinking about approaching Garret though, made Scott's pulse race, and he stood a little behind Dalton, feeling safer that way.
At Nate's cubicle, Garret had just arrived. After having shared lunch with Nate, he'd set to work looking through files about Scott's case and any information on his stay at Brookshire. There hadn't been a whole lot, but he'd set up in the interrogation room...until a few minutes ago when he'd slipped into Susanne's office to use the computer. But someone had caught on way too fast, so he'd gotten out quickly. Now seeing Scott and Dalton out of the corner of his eye, he knew it had been a close call. Reese would not approve of him being ten feet from a computer, let alone trying to access the Agency.
He handed Nate some of the files he'd been given. "Not a whole lot here," he mused. "It's gonna take more digging and getting that footage from Hawks before we can know for sure if the Agency's been there all along."
So Ashlee had a few years of school left? That at least hinted she was indeed younger than Travis. He was getting closer. "I guess you're right..." He glanced to his side where she'd join him. "Rushing life isn't any fun anyway." He smiled. "And just for the record...I like oiling saddles, too." He cocked his head, his smile remaining. "Which is something I think I could handle at this point, so maybe you'll have to introduce me to the tack room."
Love you too. Text you again soon.
Rosalyn ended the message to her mother, and tucked the phone back in her pocket. Sitting in the passenger seat of Chad's jeep, her bare feet up on the dash, she closed her eyes, letting the sunshine warm her skin. It was hard. Leaving. But she knew it was best, for now. For safety.
A tear escaped to trickle down her cheek, and she swiped it away quickly, hoping Chad hadn't seen. She didn't want him to think she didn't want to be with him, because that wasn't it. She'd just never thought she'd have to leave - at least not like this.
Taking Misty's face gently between his hands, his thumbs wiped away her tears. "I am...so sorry." It wasn't fair Misty was still suffering because of his past mistakes. He should be the one dealing with it - not her. She's been through enough and deserved none of this. "That never should have happened," he assured softly. "You're not at fault for anything, and that guy can't hurt you."
He kissed her forehead before pulling her back into a hug again. "You stay as long as you need...I'm not going anywhere." Until later. Once she was gone. He would have an errand to run.
Scott nodded to Dalton. He was still shaken up from dealing with Kirk, but they needed to find out what was happening now. "Yeah. Let's go." Letting Dalton lead, he followed him out, down the hall, through the cubicles and towards Susanne's office by Reese. Once there though, the desk was empty.
Scott sat down quickly at the computer, but it had been shut down. He glanced up at Dalton. "You saw it too, right? Someone was just here."
He stood and looked out across the cubicles. Most were empty as usual lately since things had grown so quiet. But his eyes landed on the figure who seemed to be lazily leaning against Nate's wall. "Garret. It has to have been him. Nobody else would have any reason to break through our system." Just thinking about approaching Garret though, made Scott's pulse race, and he stood a little behind Dalton, feeling safer that way.
At Nate's cubicle, Garret had just arrived. After having shared lunch with Nate, he'd set to work looking through files about Scott's case and any information on his stay at Brookshire. There hadn't been a whole lot, but he'd set up in the interrogation room...until a few minutes ago when he'd slipped into Susanne's office to use the computer. But someone had caught on way too fast, so he'd gotten out quickly. Now seeing Scott and Dalton out of the corner of his eye, he knew it had been a close call. Reese would not approve of him being ten feet from a computer, let alone trying to access the Agency.
He handed Nate some of the files he'd been given. "Not a whole lot here," he mused. "It's gonna take more digging and getting that footage from Hawks before we can know for sure if the Agency's been there all along."
So Ashlee had a few years of school left? That at least hinted she was indeed younger than Travis. He was getting closer. "I guess you're right..." He glanced to his side where she'd join him. "Rushing life isn't any fun anyway." He smiled. "And just for the record...I like oiling saddles, too." He cocked his head, his smile remaining. "Which is something I think I could handle at this point, so maybe you'll have to introduce me to the tack room."
Love you too. Text you again soon.
Rosalyn ended the message to her mother, and tucked the phone back in her pocket. Sitting in the passenger seat of Chad's jeep, her bare feet up on the dash, she closed her eyes, letting the sunshine warm her skin. It was hard. Leaving. But she knew it was best, for now. For safety.
A tear escaped to trickle down her cheek, and she swiped it away quickly, hoping Chad hadn't seen. She didn't want him to think she didn't want to be with him, because that wasn't it. She'd just never thought she'd have to leave - at least not like this.
No Rush
Feeling Carson's arms around Misty just melted into his arms. Feeling there strength while she was weak. More tears flowed from her eyes as she just couldn't hold them in anymore. She had been so strong for so long. She just wanted to be held, just wanted to have someone else strength while hers was fading.
Staying silent for a few moments after Carson asked what was wrong she just tried to gather her thoughts. She wanted to at least stop crying a little to be able to talk to Carson. She felt so many things it was so hard to just land on one.
"There is this FBI guy at the Elite and he's been....hounding everyone. Well it was my turn a little bit ago."
Drawing silent again what had happened today filled her mind again. Oh how she hated the whole thing. How it had hurt, and dug up so many unwanted feelings.
"He new lots of things about us, about our life. My time in the Agency, you, everything you've done in the past. He just keep asking questions, wanting answers, nothing was good enough. He wanted to know what I would do if you went back to the agency, its your pattern he said, and...he...just said terrible things."
Misty starts to tremble as she explains all that happened. In her state it really shook her up. That was now how she wanted to end her day, and she almost felt like not going back to work till Kirk was gone, but who new when that would be.
"The Elite will always want you Scott, and will always have you. You are part of our family and no one will ever change that."
Dalton new that was true without even ask anyone. Scott was so important to them all. He was part of the family, part of the team, and one of the best hackers Dalton had even known. He couldn't imagen his office without Scott again.
Having his thoughts halted by Scott's discovery Dalton stands and comes over to the computer. Leaning over Scott's shoulder he hits a few buttons letting out a small grumble. This was really odd indeed.
"Well that should slow them down a little. Should we see who it is and why?"
Hearing more about Travis Ashlee couldn't help but just soak it all up. He seemed so interesting and listing to him talk was nice. From what little she new of his dad Travis seemed to take after him a lot, from the sound of his mother that was probably a good thing.
"I have an odd hobby of oiling saddles. Don't me why it just brings me comfort. I also like to read, look at the stars at night, go for hikes, and I draw a little, but haven't in some time."
Finishing up her side of brushing Ashlee walking over to where Travis was working and started to help. Thinking for a second she back tracks a little in the conversation.
"I dont think you should feel bad about not having any real plans yet. Why wast the money if you dont know what you want to do yet. I'm not sure I know what I want to do either. I've still got a few years to figure that out though. No point in rushing life."
Staying silent for a few moments after Carson asked what was wrong she just tried to gather her thoughts. She wanted to at least stop crying a little to be able to talk to Carson. She felt so many things it was so hard to just land on one.
"There is this FBI guy at the Elite and he's been....hounding everyone. Well it was my turn a little bit ago."
Drawing silent again what had happened today filled her mind again. Oh how she hated the whole thing. How it had hurt, and dug up so many unwanted feelings.
"He new lots of things about us, about our life. My time in the Agency, you, everything you've done in the past. He just keep asking questions, wanting answers, nothing was good enough. He wanted to know what I would do if you went back to the agency, its your pattern he said, and...he...just said terrible things."
Misty starts to tremble as she explains all that happened. In her state it really shook her up. That was now how she wanted to end her day, and she almost felt like not going back to work till Kirk was gone, but who new when that would be.
"The Elite will always want you Scott, and will always have you. You are part of our family and no one will ever change that."
Dalton new that was true without even ask anyone. Scott was so important to them all. He was part of the family, part of the team, and one of the best hackers Dalton had even known. He couldn't imagen his office without Scott again.
Having his thoughts halted by Scott's discovery Dalton stands and comes over to the computer. Leaning over Scott's shoulder he hits a few buttons letting out a small grumble. This was really odd indeed.
"Well that should slow them down a little. Should we see who it is and why?"
Hearing more about Travis Ashlee couldn't help but just soak it all up. He seemed so interesting and listing to him talk was nice. From what little she new of his dad Travis seemed to take after him a lot, from the sound of his mother that was probably a good thing.
"I have an odd hobby of oiling saddles. Don't me why it just brings me comfort. I also like to read, look at the stars at night, go for hikes, and I draw a little, but haven't in some time."
Finishing up her side of brushing Ashlee walking over to where Travis was working and started to help. Thinking for a second she back tracks a little in the conversation.
"I dont think you should feel bad about not having any real plans yet. Why wast the money if you dont know what you want to do yet. I'm not sure I know what I want to do either. I've still got a few years to figure that out though. No point in rushing life."
10/1/16
Questions
It usually took a lot to startle Carson, but as he realized it was Misty who has just come up beside him, his eyes widened in surprise and he almost jumped. What on earth was she doing here? He said nothing as she helped him finish off the pepperoni pizza, bewildered by her presence. Her comment threw him for an even bigger loop and he finally turned to face her. "Of course you're not a bother...you're never a bother."
Seeing her tears, he suddenly realized something was wrong. Was it something he'd done again? If it was, she probably wouldn't be standing here, though. "Hey, hey, what's wrong, ay?" he asked softly. His eyes glanced up to Aerith and he nodded to the oven for her to take over.
Taking Misty to the side out of the way, he pulled her into a strong, warm hug, just holding her for several moments. "It's okay," he assured softly and kissed the top of her head. "You wanna tell me what happened?"
Scott didn't look up at Dalton as he talked, but he was listening. Still so thin, he pulled his feet up on his chair and wrapped an arm around his legs, while he took another sip of pop. Sometimes it bothered his stomach, but it was a comfort food for him. He stared at his computer screen in silence for a few minutes until he finally nodded. "Thank you..."
He took another sip of pop. Maybe he'd made progress like Dalton said. But would he ever feel normal again? Would he ever feel even close to how he used to? A vague reflection of his face could be seen on the outer edges of his computer screen. No matter what, every time he looked at himself, his grey eye was a stark reminder of things he wished he could erase from his mind. He never would be back to his old self, would he? It was impossible. The old Scott had been brave enough to live life. To even propose marriage to Katie. Now, he hid away in his house after work hours, and could hardly carry on a normal conversation with Hope...someone he loved deeply. How unfair it was to those around him, and he just couldn't seem to pull himself out any further.
"I don't know what I'd do without the Elite," he admitted quietly. "Anywhere else, they'd never let me keep working, and I'd prolly wind up on some sort of disability and never leave my house." He sighed deeply. His panic had passed. For now.
A message on his screen caught his attention, and he put his feet back on the floor, leaning in to look more closely. "Um...someone just navigated through our system and is trying to hack into something... Agency files. I recognize the coding. It's coming from in our building, but whoever it is didn't have access, 'cause they had to go through a back door." He did some quick investigating. "Susanne's computer? But she's gone to lunch." He glanced at Dalton. Odd. Who was using her computer to access things they shouldn't, let alone be trying to hack into the Agency? If they didn't know what they were doing, it could backfire and the Elite would be left wide open.
Travis couldn't really imagine being homeschooled. Not that he had very many friends, but being alone just sounded boring. Although living somewhere like this would probably help. He chuckled and shrugged. "Not much to tell about myself, really. I just graduated and have no plans, which irritates my mom. But...I like to fish and work with horses."
He paused as he worked a tangle out of Stardust's mane with his gentle fingers. "I like movies...music...I like to paint a little, but I'm not nearly as good as my dad. He's amazing." He leaned on the mare's back and looked over at Ashlee. She hadn't said which grade she was in, and he still couldn't guess her age. One minute he'd guess maybe young teen, and the next, she talked like she was older than he was. Regardless, she was being super nice, and he was glad she was around so he had someone to interact with while he was here. Not to mention, she didn't seem to let his condition faze her.
He gained a new crooked grin. "So...your turn again. What do you like to do, besides ride?"
Seeing her tears, he suddenly realized something was wrong. Was it something he'd done again? If it was, she probably wouldn't be standing here, though. "Hey, hey, what's wrong, ay?" he asked softly. His eyes glanced up to Aerith and he nodded to the oven for her to take over.
Taking Misty to the side out of the way, he pulled her into a strong, warm hug, just holding her for several moments. "It's okay," he assured softly and kissed the top of her head. "You wanna tell me what happened?"
Scott didn't look up at Dalton as he talked, but he was listening. Still so thin, he pulled his feet up on his chair and wrapped an arm around his legs, while he took another sip of pop. Sometimes it bothered his stomach, but it was a comfort food for him. He stared at his computer screen in silence for a few minutes until he finally nodded. "Thank you..."
He took another sip of pop. Maybe he'd made progress like Dalton said. But would he ever feel normal again? Would he ever feel even close to how he used to? A vague reflection of his face could be seen on the outer edges of his computer screen. No matter what, every time he looked at himself, his grey eye was a stark reminder of things he wished he could erase from his mind. He never would be back to his old self, would he? It was impossible. The old Scott had been brave enough to live life. To even propose marriage to Katie. Now, he hid away in his house after work hours, and could hardly carry on a normal conversation with Hope...someone he loved deeply. How unfair it was to those around him, and he just couldn't seem to pull himself out any further.
"I don't know what I'd do without the Elite," he admitted quietly. "Anywhere else, they'd never let me keep working, and I'd prolly wind up on some sort of disability and never leave my house." He sighed deeply. His panic had passed. For now.
A message on his screen caught his attention, and he put his feet back on the floor, leaning in to look more closely. "Um...someone just navigated through our system and is trying to hack into something... Agency files. I recognize the coding. It's coming from in our building, but whoever it is didn't have access, 'cause they had to go through a back door." He did some quick investigating. "Susanne's computer? But she's gone to lunch." He glanced at Dalton. Odd. Who was using her computer to access things they shouldn't, let alone be trying to hack into the Agency? If they didn't know what they were doing, it could backfire and the Elite would be left wide open.
Travis couldn't really imagine being homeschooled. Not that he had very many friends, but being alone just sounded boring. Although living somewhere like this would probably help. He chuckled and shrugged. "Not much to tell about myself, really. I just graduated and have no plans, which irritates my mom. But...I like to fish and work with horses."
He paused as he worked a tangle out of Stardust's mane with his gentle fingers. "I like movies...music...I like to paint a little, but I'm not nearly as good as my dad. He's amazing." He leaned on the mare's back and looked over at Ashlee. She hadn't said which grade she was in, and he still couldn't guess her age. One minute he'd guess maybe young teen, and the next, she talked like she was older than he was. Regardless, she was being super nice, and he was glad she was around so he had someone to interact with while he was here. Not to mention, she didn't seem to let his condition faze her.
He gained a new crooked grin. "So...your turn again. What do you like to do, besides ride?"
Belong
Looking up from his computer at Scott's words Dalton was happy Scott had opened the can and was now sipping it. It wasn't the best think in the world to be drinking but at least it was something, not to mention there favorite snack of all time.
Hearing Scott's words Dalton disliked Kirk even more for making Scott doubt himself. He had issues, but didn't they all in one way or another. They all had baggage, and things they needed to work through. No one was perfect not even Kirk, he was sure somewhere he had a battered past too.
"I believe Scott, that if it came down to it, life or death, you would be able to pull it together enough to help someone. I don't just say that because you are my friend, I saw it because its true. We all make mistakes sometimes on cases unfortunately. They are delicit situations that we don't always know the outcome. We are human after all."
Leaning back in his chair and studying Scott for a long moment Dalton really believe that push come to shove Scott would be able to do a job if he had too. Afterwords he might crumble, and need a shoulder to lean on but in the moment, and even after he new he'd be ok. It was just a feeling he had for knowing his buddy for as long as he had now.
"You really have come a long way Scott. You belong here, just as much as anyone else in this building."
Looking up at Rick Misty gives a nod. Taking the rest of the day off sounded nice. She didn't want to leave her work unfinished but she just wanted to get out of there. She'd had enough for one day.
"Thanks Rick, I'll be back tomorrow."
It didn't take Misty long before she left work, and driving home. But it wasn't home that she was heading instead it was Mom and Pop's. Carson should be at work now, and she wasn't even sure why but something was pulling her that way.
Getting out and heading inside Misty smiles at the girls before going to the back. Standing in the doorway she just watches Carson work for a long moment. Would he be happy to see her? Why was she here? She wasn't even sure but it felt like the right place to be.
Still not saying anything Misty enters and comes up along side Carson grabbing some cheese and starting to sprinkle it over the pizza. Her heart hurt it hurt more than maybe even Carson new. From his blunders, to lose her baby, to losing Alec, now on top of everything Kirk. She didn't know how much more she could take.
"I hope I'm not being a bother I just...I didn't want to be at work anymore, and I didn't want to be alone."
Misty can't help the tears that rolled down her cheek. It was rare for her to cry, but it seemed as of late it became a lot easier for her to do so. She just hoped coming here wasn't a mistake, and she wasn't causing any trouble or stress on anyone else.
Giving a wave to Eric as he left and being left alone with Travis again Ashlee's smile had grown. Today was turning out to be a pretty good day for her. Starting to brush Stardust again she gives a nod to Travis question.
"You could say that. I'm home schooled. I pretty much teach myself since my mom is busy a lot, but when I have through I ask her or sometimes I just pick the brains of the other here. My mom does all my grading though and paperwork."
She missed going to a regular school but at the same time she liked being able to learn at her own speed too. Maybe one day she'd go off to college and than she could get the experience of being with a group of other. But till than she was pretty content. Things could definitely be worse than doing school here.
"What about you? You know all this stuff about me but I hardly know anything about you. What are something you like to do?"
Hearing Scott's words Dalton disliked Kirk even more for making Scott doubt himself. He had issues, but didn't they all in one way or another. They all had baggage, and things they needed to work through. No one was perfect not even Kirk, he was sure somewhere he had a battered past too.
"I believe Scott, that if it came down to it, life or death, you would be able to pull it together enough to help someone. I don't just say that because you are my friend, I saw it because its true. We all make mistakes sometimes on cases unfortunately. They are delicit situations that we don't always know the outcome. We are human after all."
Leaning back in his chair and studying Scott for a long moment Dalton really believe that push come to shove Scott would be able to do a job if he had too. Afterwords he might crumble, and need a shoulder to lean on but in the moment, and even after he new he'd be ok. It was just a feeling he had for knowing his buddy for as long as he had now.
"You really have come a long way Scott. You belong here, just as much as anyone else in this building."
Looking up at Rick Misty gives a nod. Taking the rest of the day off sounded nice. She didn't want to leave her work unfinished but she just wanted to get out of there. She'd had enough for one day.
"Thanks Rick, I'll be back tomorrow."
It didn't take Misty long before she left work, and driving home. But it wasn't home that she was heading instead it was Mom and Pop's. Carson should be at work now, and she wasn't even sure why but something was pulling her that way.
Getting out and heading inside Misty smiles at the girls before going to the back. Standing in the doorway she just watches Carson work for a long moment. Would he be happy to see her? Why was she here? She wasn't even sure but it felt like the right place to be.
Still not saying anything Misty enters and comes up along side Carson grabbing some cheese and starting to sprinkle it over the pizza. Her heart hurt it hurt more than maybe even Carson new. From his blunders, to lose her baby, to losing Alec, now on top of everything Kirk. She didn't know how much more she could take.
"I hope I'm not being a bother I just...I didn't want to be at work anymore, and I didn't want to be alone."
Misty can't help the tears that rolled down her cheek. It was rare for her to cry, but it seemed as of late it became a lot easier for her to do so. She just hoped coming here wasn't a mistake, and she wasn't causing any trouble or stress on anyone else.
Giving a wave to Eric as he left and being left alone with Travis again Ashlee's smile had grown. Today was turning out to be a pretty good day for her. Starting to brush Stardust again she gives a nod to Travis question.
"You could say that. I'm home schooled. I pretty much teach myself since my mom is busy a lot, but when I have through I ask her or sometimes I just pick the brains of the other here. My mom does all my grading though and paperwork."
She missed going to a regular school but at the same time she liked being able to learn at her own speed too. Maybe one day she'd go off to college and than she could get the experience of being with a group of other. But till than she was pretty content. Things could definitely be worse than doing school here.
"What about you? You know all this stuff about me but I hardly know anything about you. What are something you like to do?"
Thinking...
As Dalton entered the room, Kirk looked up in surprise. And leaned back in his chair a bit, his eyebrows rising higher. The giant of a man was so calm...yet his words were spoken in such a way it sent a chill down Kirk's spine.
Left alone again, he turned over a piece of paper with a list of names. His pen ran down the column, coming to a stop next to Dalton's name, and he pursed his lips. "Let's...not," he said aloud to himself before crossing out Dalton's name. He wanted to survive this whole ordeal, and he had a feeling if he tried anything with that man, he'd be lucky to get out of here alive.
There was something though... He jotted down a few extra notes on Scott's file. Then sighing, he flipped to a new page with two profiles. Jason Stevenson and Katie Pent. And he just sat, thinking.
Rick shook his head, disgusted with the job Kirk had done on Misty. He wished he could help, but he wasn't sure anything he said would do any good.
"I'm sorry. He doesn't have the power to knock you down too far. Just remember that."
He gave her shoulder an extra pat before turning to leave, then stopped. "If you want to take the rest of the day off, that's okay with me."
Even if he didn't respond, Scott did hear Dalton, and appreciated the support. It was just so hard. He'd been through so much and had struggled for so long. To have it all shoved back in his face was traumatizing in itself. His mind flooded with images he wanted to forget. His emotions ricocheted back and forth, up and down. And the tears and shaking wouldn't stop.
He wasn't sure how much time had passed. He knew Dalton had gone and come back at some point, and was grateful for his friend's willingness to just let him be and calm down in his own time.
Slowly lifting his face, he saw Dalton back at his desk, and spied a fresh can of mountain dew. Gradually, he got to his feet to sit in his chair, his head hanging in defeat. He did pop open the can though and took a long sip. His fingers fidgeted nervously with the can. He knew he shouldn't listen to Kirk, but he couldn't forget his words.
"Do...do you think.... do you think I'd get someone in trouble or killed if...if I had a bad moment during a case? Do you think I'd fall apart when it counted most?"
Eric smiled at Asked and nodded. He was pretty sure Stacy wouldn't mind watching the girls for a little while either. Her willingness to step in and help was absolutely amazing to him, and he'd be forever grateful.
Travis was a little surprised at Ashlee's explanation. It seemed kind of complicated. He cocked his head. "I always heard the name Mick Henson associated with this place."
Eric chuckled. "Well, since they're married, there ain't really no separation, but technically speaking, Rosetta owns the place as far as who's name is on the deed. Just don't remind Mick unless you want the stare of death."
Travis could tell he was teasing, and grinned. "Thanks for the warning."
"So, you ride?"
"Yeah. I was just telling Ashlee I'm not real good at it. My dad wanted to make sure I at least knew how to handle horses, so I've had some experience. Just haven't logged many hours in the saddle."
"Well, you're at the right place."
Was he? Travis feared by the time he was well enough to go riding, he'd have worn out his welcome.
Eric sighed and continued on his original route. "Alright, I'll see you in a while, Ash."
Alone with Ashlee again, Travis resumed brushing Stardust. "So what else do you do around here, besides riding? You go to school somewhere?"
Left alone again, he turned over a piece of paper with a list of names. His pen ran down the column, coming to a stop next to Dalton's name, and he pursed his lips. "Let's...not," he said aloud to himself before crossing out Dalton's name. He wanted to survive this whole ordeal, and he had a feeling if he tried anything with that man, he'd be lucky to get out of here alive.
There was something though... He jotted down a few extra notes on Scott's file. Then sighing, he flipped to a new page with two profiles. Jason Stevenson and Katie Pent. And he just sat, thinking.
Rick shook his head, disgusted with the job Kirk had done on Misty. He wished he could help, but he wasn't sure anything he said would do any good.
"I'm sorry. He doesn't have the power to knock you down too far. Just remember that."
He gave her shoulder an extra pat before turning to leave, then stopped. "If you want to take the rest of the day off, that's okay with me."
Even if he didn't respond, Scott did hear Dalton, and appreciated the support. It was just so hard. He'd been through so much and had struggled for so long. To have it all shoved back in his face was traumatizing in itself. His mind flooded with images he wanted to forget. His emotions ricocheted back and forth, up and down. And the tears and shaking wouldn't stop.
He wasn't sure how much time had passed. He knew Dalton had gone and come back at some point, and was grateful for his friend's willingness to just let him be and calm down in his own time.
Slowly lifting his face, he saw Dalton back at his desk, and spied a fresh can of mountain dew. Gradually, he got to his feet to sit in his chair, his head hanging in defeat. He did pop open the can though and took a long sip. His fingers fidgeted nervously with the can. He knew he shouldn't listen to Kirk, but he couldn't forget his words.
"Do...do you think.... do you think I'd get someone in trouble or killed if...if I had a bad moment during a case? Do you think I'd fall apart when it counted most?"
Eric smiled at Asked and nodded. He was pretty sure Stacy wouldn't mind watching the girls for a little while either. Her willingness to step in and help was absolutely amazing to him, and he'd be forever grateful.
Travis was a little surprised at Ashlee's explanation. It seemed kind of complicated. He cocked his head. "I always heard the name Mick Henson associated with this place."
Eric chuckled. "Well, since they're married, there ain't really no separation, but technically speaking, Rosetta owns the place as far as who's name is on the deed. Just don't remind Mick unless you want the stare of death."
Travis could tell he was teasing, and grinned. "Thanks for the warning."
"So, you ride?"
"Yeah. I was just telling Ashlee I'm not real good at it. My dad wanted to make sure I at least knew how to handle horses, so I've had some experience. Just haven't logged many hours in the saddle."
"Well, you're at the right place."
Was he? Travis feared by the time he was well enough to go riding, he'd have worn out his welcome.
Eric sighed and continued on his original route. "Alright, I'll see you in a while, Ash."
Alone with Ashlee again, Travis resumed brushing Stardust. "So what else do you do around here, besides riding? You go to school somewhere?"
Sneeze
Seeing Scott enter the room Dalton was about to ask him a questions but stops. Seeing the look on his friends face sent his worry sky high. He didn't like to see Scott distraught, he'd been through enough of that and deserved to have a break, a peaceful day at work.
Coming over and kneeling down next to Scott Dalton layed a hand on his arm. His friend didn't need to tell him what was wrong. He new Kirk had been talking with him, and He'd also new the cruelty he had shown several other people. Why this man thought it was his right to tare people down, to rip scabs off wounds He did not know. But what he did know was it wasn't right.
Coming over and kneeling down next to Scott Dalton layed a hand on his arm. His friend didn't need to tell him what was wrong. He new Kirk had been talking with him, and He'd also new the cruelty he had shown several other people. Why this man thought it was his right to tare people down, to rip scabs off wounds He did not know. But what he did know was it wasn't right.
"Don't let him get to you...He's an idiot who reads files. He doses not get to see us every day, how far we have come and the improvements we have made. I dont know what he said but I can guess and just know he's wrong."
His heart hurt for his little friend, and he wished Kirk would leave everyone alone. Why pick on the smaller people, the people who were more frail. Misty, Scott, Scott's sister...he didn't understand it, but he also didn't like it. How come someone be like this weather is was his job or not. These were good people here, even if they had rough pasts.
Giving a gentile pat to Scotts arm Dalton stands and heads for the door. Leaving the office he heads straight for where he had seen Kirk and Scott last. Seeing he was still at the table he enders not even asking first. He was in no mood to play, and he was in no mood for games. Leaning his hands on the table he towered over Kirk, His facial expression held no emotion, his body language neutral. His eyes the dark pools they always were, and his voice so calm that along could scare someone.
"I don't care who you are, if you so much as sneeze in Scott's direction for the rest of your stay...I'll be the one you have to take to jail,"
Saying nothing else Dalton turned and exited the room before Kirk could even reply. Heading for the break room he'd grab some fresh mountain dew and jerky for himself and Scott. Even if he didn't want it right now, maybe he would. He'd be there though so if Scott needed him.
Looking up at Rick Misty shakes her head. There had been so much going on lately, and Kirk had just been the icing on the cake. She new not to pay him any mind but that didn't mean what he said still didn't hurt.
"I've been trying so hard to get my life back, to pull myself out of this pit I am in and...now I just keep like I was pushed down even farther."
Signing Misty looked down again and just tore at a piece of paper on her desk, She just wanted things to be normal again. The thing was though, even if she got better, even if her and Carson came back things would never be the same again. Things had happened to change her forever and she wasn't to sure how she felt about that.
Jamie laughs again as she springs up from her chair and dashes for the door. She could never beat Con in a race but in these close quarters she did have a fair chance. Darting between cubicles, and chairs she get to the door in record time, but knows Con is close on her heels. Turning she laughs again.
"Ok, you can pay for lunch but its your good, maybe I'll pay for dessert."
Giving a smile seeing Eric Ashlee was happy they had run into him. He'd been so busy as of late she missed there interactions, and working on the horses together. She new sometimes that happens in life, but she couldn't help the little feeling she had deep down of just another person pushing her aside. She new that wasn't wasnt what Eric was doing, it just was all an adjustment even for her.
"I'd really like that. I'm sure Mom wouldn't mind watching the twins for a little bit."
Looking back at Travis and giving a smile she could see a slight look of question on his face. She'd forgotten he didn't know much about this place or the people.
"Eric is Rosetta's brother. She owns the ranch. He is also my moms boyfriend. He has two twin daughters, and is the one who is teaching me how to ride."
Dispite everything Ashlee was still honored to know Eric, and have him in her family. He was the only father she ever new and he did a great job being there for her and filling that gap.
Looking up at Rick Misty shakes her head. There had been so much going on lately, and Kirk had just been the icing on the cake. She new not to pay him any mind but that didn't mean what he said still didn't hurt.
"I've been trying so hard to get my life back, to pull myself out of this pit I am in and...now I just keep like I was pushed down even farther."
Signing Misty looked down again and just tore at a piece of paper on her desk, She just wanted things to be normal again. The thing was though, even if she got better, even if her and Carson came back things would never be the same again. Things had happened to change her forever and she wasn't to sure how she felt about that.
Jamie laughs again as she springs up from her chair and dashes for the door. She could never beat Con in a race but in these close quarters she did have a fair chance. Darting between cubicles, and chairs she get to the door in record time, but knows Con is close on her heels. Turning she laughs again.
"Ok, you can pay for lunch but its your good, maybe I'll pay for dessert."
Giving a smile seeing Eric Ashlee was happy they had run into him. He'd been so busy as of late she missed there interactions, and working on the horses together. She new sometimes that happens in life, but she couldn't help the little feeling she had deep down of just another person pushing her aside. She new that wasn't wasnt what Eric was doing, it just was all an adjustment even for her.
"I'd really like that. I'm sure Mom wouldn't mind watching the twins for a little bit."
Looking back at Travis and giving a smile she could see a slight look of question on his face. She'd forgotten he didn't know much about this place or the people.
"Eric is Rosetta's brother. She owns the ranch. He is also my moms boyfriend. He has two twin daughters, and is the one who is teaching me how to ride."
Dispite everything Ashlee was still honored to know Eric, and have him in her family. He was the only father she ever new and he did a great job being there for her and filling that gap.
Last one to the door...
"True to yourself..." Kirk pursed his lips in thought. Misty's tears didn't escape him. He glanced through his files, finding more he could bring up. Thinking another moment though, he shifted some papers to the bottom instead. "So, if you -"
"I think you're done here." Rick came up beside the desk his face proving his displeasure at this entire scene. It had gone on long enough. Misty didn't deserve this, especially now when she was still fragile. He scowled at Kirk. "Kindly take your accusations and leave."
Kirk didn't move right away, but eventually shrugged and stood up, gathering his things. "Have it your way. Just remember...failure to cooperate doesn't look good on reports."
Once he was gone, Rick set a hand on Misty's shoulder. "You alright?"
Out in the hallway, Kirk took a moment, leaning back against the wall and closing his eyes. No one would know what was going through his mind.
After the short break, he finally looked at his notepad again to see the list of names. Not everyone was on it. But he still had several people he needed to talk to...
"So, Mr. Johnson. Hopefully this won't keep you from your work too long."
Scott sat at the meeting room table with Kirk, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. He'd been asked to come in here for a brief talk, but after what had happened with his sister, he was not here because he wanted to be. "Hopefully."
Kirk spread out some papers on the table and looked them over for a moment. "Let's see. It...says here you spent quite a while away from the Elite. Care to elaborate?"
Scott's stomach turned. "It's all in the reports. You have the details already."
"Forgive me. I'd like to hear it in your own words if it's alright. The reports help but that doesn't help me get to know you."
"You want to know me? Like you wanted to get to know my sister? How'd that work out for you?"
Kirk leaned back in his chair and lifted one eyebrow. "I'm here now to talk about you. Not Sapphire. My file on her is finished."
Scott's eyes narrowed. "Then what is it you really want to know?"
"Says here you spent quite a long while at Brookshire Mental Care Facility."
"And?"
"And I have to admit, it sounds like a pretty heroic story. A rookie field agent gets kidnapped by the Agency, comes back, recovers, backslides, goes to Brookshire, then comes out the other side ready to return to work. That's pretty amazing."
Heat crawled up the back of Scott's neck. "What's your point?"
Kirk shrugged. "Do you think you're well enough to be here? Working, I mean? That was pretty traumatic stuff. At one point, you even insisted they keep you homebound because you were afraid you'd been brainwashed to sabotage the Elite."
"So?"
"So don't you find that just a bit unnerving? What if you were just a civilian? Would you trust someone like you to be working for the Elite?"
Scott's hands slid beneath the table, out of sight as they started to tremble. "I trust Reese's judgment to allow me back on the force."
"He seems like a reasonable man. But don't you think there was some guilt involved there? Don't you think he probably blames himself for what happened, so he'd do anything to keep you happy and comfortable to ease his conscience?"
Scott started to scowl. "Of course not. He has more integrity than that."
"So you don't think he blames himself."
"I didn't say that."
Kirk folded his hands up behind his head. "From an outsider's perspective, there's a lot of scary stuff happening here. You've got your hands in all the tech work here - you have incredible power through the computers, dealing with life and death scenarios. Do you really believe you're stable enough to handle that?"
Scott felt anything but stable. He'd tell anyone that. But he didn't think he was doing a bad job...was he? He'd faltered a lot. But...not when it counted...right? He'd messed up a few times. But he was still a valued part of the team...wasn't he? "I..." He swallowed hard.
"If I asked Justin, do you think he'd give you a clean mental bill?"
"I... well... I-I think so. I mean...."
Kirk blinked. There was the hesitation he was looking for. "You think so? You're not sure? You're working for a strategic law enforcement branch and you don't even know for sure if you can mentally stand up under the strain?"
Scott's trembling spread from his hands into the rest of his body. "It...I'm... I've come a long ways," he finally defended.
Kirk let his arms drop and he leaned forward to sift through some more papers. "There's documentation here that indicates you can't even handle seeing the faces of Agency operatives. If someone's life is on the line, what happens then? You panic, hesitate too long, and someone dies. Tell me I'm wrong."
Scott's pulse had started to race, and his breathing was becoming more shallow. Yes...that was his worst fear. That he would fail because of his issues, and someone would get hurt because of him. But he was doing so much better now than he had been...right? "I've...I've got more control than I used to."
"So you can tell me with absolute certainty that your post traumatic stress disorder will not affect future cases in which you're involved."
Scott fought the urge to bolt from the room. He glanced at the closed door. "As...as much as the next person...yes."
Kirk's hand came slamming down on the table, causing Scott to almost jump out of his skin. "Look me in the eye and tell me that," he demanded.
Scott's one good eye roamed Kirk's face as his own began to pale. "Yes," he repeated. "I'm...I'm sure. I wouldn't...I mean... if...if I wasn't stable enough, Reese wouldn't let me be here."
"That's why he makes you share an office with a babysitter?"
Scott sucked in his breath. "Dalton is anything but a babysitter," he hissed. "We're a team."
"Because you can't handle the job on your own."
"Because there's too much work for one person."
"Especially when you still aren't well enough to work full-time."
It was true, Scott wasn't working a full forty hours, but he'd been trying so hard to increase his workload. A long pause followed before he spoke again. "Is this how you try to get to know me?"
Kirk shook his head. "I'm just looking for answers, Scott. You've done a pretty poor job at convincing me that you even believe you belong here."
But he had nowhere else. This was his life. His family. Scott didn't know what he'd do without the Elite. Emotions flooded his gaze.
Kirk held up a photo of one of the Agency men that had held Scott after his kidnapping.
Scott stood so fast that his chair sprawled across the floor, and he backed up against the wall, physically trying to distance himself from the memory. "Put that away," he begged.
"Case in point." Kirk put the photo back down. "I'll ask you again. If you were a civilian, and you or your daughter or son was being held by that man - would you trust you to not panic in the heat of the moment and risk getting someone killed?"
Scott fought back tears. He had known this would be hard, but he hadn't known just how hard. "No," he finally admitted shakily. "No, I wouldn't trust me."
Kirk sighed. "Then why are you here?"
"I just..." Scott continued to shake all over. "I... because they believe in me here...even if I don't." Unable to take any more, he went for the door. He couldn't do this. He knew he had just failed the test miserably, and the Elite would probably pay for it. But he couldn't stay in here any longer. With his hand on the door handle though, he suddenly stopped and looked over his shoulder, his stare an icy one as he processed his next words. "If anyone doesn't belong here, it's me. But the people here look out for their own and they have brought me back from the brink of insanity - or worse - simply because that's how much they care about others. I may not be the man I once was, but without this organization, more people would have died already than even you would care to count. So if you're going to crucify someone, go ahead and crucify me since I can't meet your standards - but don't crucify the Elite just for keeping me around. It's not their fault I'm a mess." Not allowing Kirk to respond, he left the room.
Just a few doors down, he entered his own office again where he felt safer. Dalton's presence helped. Still shaking, he walked around behind his desk, but instead of sitting, he backed himself up into the corner, and slide down to sit on the floor, bending so his face was hidden against his knees. He couldn't help it that the tears started to escape, which made him feel even worse. Maybe Kirk was right. Maybe he was just endangering lives by being here. Maybe if he wasn't here, the Elite would have a better chance at survival. Maybe he really didn't belong here any more.
Con draped his arms over Jamie's shoulders, and quirked an eyebrow. "I hate to break it to ya, Hun, but I'm pretty hard to miss."
A new grin emerged. "But we can at least move fast." Spotting her purse, he grabbed it for her. "Last one to the door pays for lunch."
Agreeing to Ashlee's suggestion, Travis slowly followed her to the barn, where he sat on a hay bale while she hosed down Stardust, then got up to help towel and brush her.
"Well, well, you're looking better."
In the barn aisle, Travis turned to see a man he didn't recognize. "I'm getting there."
"Good. I'm Eric, by the way." He glanced at Ashlee. "Looking good out there," he complimented. He hadn't had time for any actual lessons lately, and he felt bad, but for now, most of his attention was on pulling his weight, taking care of the twins, and now keeping a watchful eye on everything.
Travis returned to brushing the horse gently with his good hand, while also trying to figure out the relationship between Eric and Ashlee. She'd mentioned a mom but not a dad, but Eric acted closer than a friend. Maybe he was a relative?
Eric gave Stardust's hindquarters a pat. "I should have some free time this afternoon if you wanna work in the corral for a little while. I need to get on Static a while before he breaks down his stall."
"I think you're done here." Rick came up beside the desk his face proving his displeasure at this entire scene. It had gone on long enough. Misty didn't deserve this, especially now when she was still fragile. He scowled at Kirk. "Kindly take your accusations and leave."
Kirk didn't move right away, but eventually shrugged and stood up, gathering his things. "Have it your way. Just remember...failure to cooperate doesn't look good on reports."
Once he was gone, Rick set a hand on Misty's shoulder. "You alright?"
Out in the hallway, Kirk took a moment, leaning back against the wall and closing his eyes. No one would know what was going through his mind.
After the short break, he finally looked at his notepad again to see the list of names. Not everyone was on it. But he still had several people he needed to talk to...
"So, Mr. Johnson. Hopefully this won't keep you from your work too long."
Scott sat at the meeting room table with Kirk, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. He'd been asked to come in here for a brief talk, but after what had happened with his sister, he was not here because he wanted to be. "Hopefully."
Kirk spread out some papers on the table and looked them over for a moment. "Let's see. It...says here you spent quite a while away from the Elite. Care to elaborate?"
Scott's stomach turned. "It's all in the reports. You have the details already."
"Forgive me. I'd like to hear it in your own words if it's alright. The reports help but that doesn't help me get to know you."
"You want to know me? Like you wanted to get to know my sister? How'd that work out for you?"
Kirk leaned back in his chair and lifted one eyebrow. "I'm here now to talk about you. Not Sapphire. My file on her is finished."
Scott's eyes narrowed. "Then what is it you really want to know?"
"Says here you spent quite a long while at Brookshire Mental Care Facility."
"And?"
"And I have to admit, it sounds like a pretty heroic story. A rookie field agent gets kidnapped by the Agency, comes back, recovers, backslides, goes to Brookshire, then comes out the other side ready to return to work. That's pretty amazing."
Heat crawled up the back of Scott's neck. "What's your point?"
Kirk shrugged. "Do you think you're well enough to be here? Working, I mean? That was pretty traumatic stuff. At one point, you even insisted they keep you homebound because you were afraid you'd been brainwashed to sabotage the Elite."
"So?"
"So don't you find that just a bit unnerving? What if you were just a civilian? Would you trust someone like you to be working for the Elite?"
Scott's hands slid beneath the table, out of sight as they started to tremble. "I trust Reese's judgment to allow me back on the force."
"He seems like a reasonable man. But don't you think there was some guilt involved there? Don't you think he probably blames himself for what happened, so he'd do anything to keep you happy and comfortable to ease his conscience?"
Scott started to scowl. "Of course not. He has more integrity than that."
"So you don't think he blames himself."
"I didn't say that."
Kirk folded his hands up behind his head. "From an outsider's perspective, there's a lot of scary stuff happening here. You've got your hands in all the tech work here - you have incredible power through the computers, dealing with life and death scenarios. Do you really believe you're stable enough to handle that?"
Scott felt anything but stable. He'd tell anyone that. But he didn't think he was doing a bad job...was he? He'd faltered a lot. But...not when it counted...right? He'd messed up a few times. But he was still a valued part of the team...wasn't he? "I..." He swallowed hard.
"If I asked Justin, do you think he'd give you a clean mental bill?"
"I... well... I-I think so. I mean...."
Kirk blinked. There was the hesitation he was looking for. "You think so? You're not sure? You're working for a strategic law enforcement branch and you don't even know for sure if you can mentally stand up under the strain?"
Scott's trembling spread from his hands into the rest of his body. "It...I'm... I've come a long ways," he finally defended.
Kirk let his arms drop and he leaned forward to sift through some more papers. "There's documentation here that indicates you can't even handle seeing the faces of Agency operatives. If someone's life is on the line, what happens then? You panic, hesitate too long, and someone dies. Tell me I'm wrong."
Scott's pulse had started to race, and his breathing was becoming more shallow. Yes...that was his worst fear. That he would fail because of his issues, and someone would get hurt because of him. But he was doing so much better now than he had been...right? "I've...I've got more control than I used to."
"So you can tell me with absolute certainty that your post traumatic stress disorder will not affect future cases in which you're involved."
Scott fought the urge to bolt from the room. He glanced at the closed door. "As...as much as the next person...yes."
Kirk's hand came slamming down on the table, causing Scott to almost jump out of his skin. "Look me in the eye and tell me that," he demanded.
Scott's one good eye roamed Kirk's face as his own began to pale. "Yes," he repeated. "I'm...I'm sure. I wouldn't...I mean... if...if I wasn't stable enough, Reese wouldn't let me be here."
"That's why he makes you share an office with a babysitter?"
Scott sucked in his breath. "Dalton is anything but a babysitter," he hissed. "We're a team."
"Because you can't handle the job on your own."
"Because there's too much work for one person."
"Especially when you still aren't well enough to work full-time."
It was true, Scott wasn't working a full forty hours, but he'd been trying so hard to increase his workload. A long pause followed before he spoke again. "Is this how you try to get to know me?"
Kirk shook his head. "I'm just looking for answers, Scott. You've done a pretty poor job at convincing me that you even believe you belong here."
But he had nowhere else. This was his life. His family. Scott didn't know what he'd do without the Elite. Emotions flooded his gaze.
Kirk held up a photo of one of the Agency men that had held Scott after his kidnapping.
Scott stood so fast that his chair sprawled across the floor, and he backed up against the wall, physically trying to distance himself from the memory. "Put that away," he begged.
"Case in point." Kirk put the photo back down. "I'll ask you again. If you were a civilian, and you or your daughter or son was being held by that man - would you trust you to not panic in the heat of the moment and risk getting someone killed?"
Scott fought back tears. He had known this would be hard, but he hadn't known just how hard. "No," he finally admitted shakily. "No, I wouldn't trust me."
Kirk sighed. "Then why are you here?"
"I just..." Scott continued to shake all over. "I... because they believe in me here...even if I don't." Unable to take any more, he went for the door. He couldn't do this. He knew he had just failed the test miserably, and the Elite would probably pay for it. But he couldn't stay in here any longer. With his hand on the door handle though, he suddenly stopped and looked over his shoulder, his stare an icy one as he processed his next words. "If anyone doesn't belong here, it's me. But the people here look out for their own and they have brought me back from the brink of insanity - or worse - simply because that's how much they care about others. I may not be the man I once was, but without this organization, more people would have died already than even you would care to count. So if you're going to crucify someone, go ahead and crucify me since I can't meet your standards - but don't crucify the Elite just for keeping me around. It's not their fault I'm a mess." Not allowing Kirk to respond, he left the room.
Just a few doors down, he entered his own office again where he felt safer. Dalton's presence helped. Still shaking, he walked around behind his desk, but instead of sitting, he backed himself up into the corner, and slide down to sit on the floor, bending so his face was hidden against his knees. He couldn't help it that the tears started to escape, which made him feel even worse. Maybe Kirk was right. Maybe he was just endangering lives by being here. Maybe if he wasn't here, the Elite would have a better chance at survival. Maybe he really didn't belong here any more.
Con draped his arms over Jamie's shoulders, and quirked an eyebrow. "I hate to break it to ya, Hun, but I'm pretty hard to miss."
A new grin emerged. "But we can at least move fast." Spotting her purse, he grabbed it for her. "Last one to the door pays for lunch."
Agreeing to Ashlee's suggestion, Travis slowly followed her to the barn, where he sat on a hay bale while she hosed down Stardust, then got up to help towel and brush her.
"Well, well, you're looking better."
In the barn aisle, Travis turned to see a man he didn't recognize. "I'm getting there."
"Good. I'm Eric, by the way." He glanced at Ashlee. "Looking good out there," he complimented. He hadn't had time for any actual lessons lately, and he felt bad, but for now, most of his attention was on pulling his weight, taking care of the twins, and now keeping a watchful eye on everything.
Travis returned to brushing the horse gently with his good hand, while also trying to figure out the relationship between Eric and Ashlee. She'd mentioned a mom but not a dad, but Eric acted closer than a friend. Maybe he was a relative?
Eric gave Stardust's hindquarters a pat. "I should have some free time this afternoon if you wanna work in the corral for a little while. I need to get on Static a while before he breaks down his stall."
9/30/16
True to myself
Searching Kirk's face again Misty's emotions churned more. He had a point, he had a very good point. But there was stuff he didn't know too. Shifty Misty looked down focusing on some things on her desk. Oh how she hated this, oh how her emotions did too and yer there was still a part f her that wanted to defend Carson.
"A few times he was blackmailed. He was trying to keep the people he loved safe."
Looking up again Misty's eyes held a few tears. This was all so hard to talk about, so many memories, so many emotions that were not good. Finding Rick in the room she wondered if he was listing too.
"I would always be true to myself when it came down to it. That's all I can do."
Jamie giggles as Con kisses her neck and leans her own face into him. She soaked up the moment and didn't care who saw. She wasn't going to let this oppertunity slip by her.
"You make my day better by just being here."
Being turned around to face him Jamie's smile grew even more. Looking up in his eyes Jamie searched the never ending pools. Glancing back at her paper work for a second Jamie finally stands pacing a kiss on Con's lips.
"Subs sounds like an amazing idea. Lets get out of here before anyone sees us."
Just watching Travis Ashlee smiles folding her arms across her chest. Travis was so gentle with the horse. It surprised her, but made her happy at the same time. He'd get along just find here even if he wasn't the best at riding just like her.
"Fishing sounds like fun. I've never been but it looks like fun anyways."
Hearing Travis wanted to help her groom made her perk up. That would be nice to have someone to just hang out with. She could feel and excitement in the pit of her stomach something that seemed to chase the loneliness away.
"That sounds great. I was going to head to hose Stardust down and than brush her if you want to take along we can go at a slow pace. I dont mind one bit. The company would be nice. I can show you around a little too."
"A few times he was blackmailed. He was trying to keep the people he loved safe."
Looking up again Misty's eyes held a few tears. This was all so hard to talk about, so many memories, so many emotions that were not good. Finding Rick in the room she wondered if he was listing too.
"I would always be true to myself when it came down to it. That's all I can do."
Jamie giggles as Con kisses her neck and leans her own face into him. She soaked up the moment and didn't care who saw. She wasn't going to let this oppertunity slip by her.
"You make my day better by just being here."
Being turned around to face him Jamie's smile grew even more. Looking up in his eyes Jamie searched the never ending pools. Glancing back at her paper work for a second Jamie finally stands pacing a kiss on Con's lips.
"Subs sounds like an amazing idea. Lets get out of here before anyone sees us."
Just watching Travis Ashlee smiles folding her arms across her chest. Travis was so gentle with the horse. It surprised her, but made her happy at the same time. He'd get along just find here even if he wasn't the best at riding just like her.
"Fishing sounds like fun. I've never been but it looks like fun anyways."
Hearing Travis wanted to help her groom made her perk up. That would be nice to have someone to just hang out with. She could feel and excitement in the pit of her stomach something that seemed to chase the loneliness away.
"That sounds great. I was going to head to hose Stardust down and than brush her if you want to take along we can go at a slow pace. I dont mind one bit. The company would be nice. I can show you around a little too."
Groom
"Ups and downs?" Kirk almost laughed...almost. "I'll say. He was involved with how many Agency women? Then in the end he wound up bending to Agency threats and lying to everyone around him about what was really going on. I honestly can't believe Reese still allows him to work here after he's caused so much damage." He cocked his head. "What's to say he won't just lie again? Or be seduced by an Agency woman again and let his loyalties slide? It's his pattern after all. You...came here to stay, and never looked back. Carson...he hasn't stopped looking back."
He paused, tapping his own on his notepad. "What would happen if you found out he was going back again? Would you endanger the Elite or turn him in?"
Con chuckled and bent down low to kiss the side of Jamie's neck. "Mmm... I don't know if I can make your day any better... But I can take you to lunch if you want."
He spun her chair around so he could face her. "I'm thinking subs. In the park. Unless you'd rather stay here with your paperwork instead."
A new smile emerged on Travis' face as he was given the sugar cubes. Handing them to the horse, it was obvious he was used to the large animals. Scratching her cheek again, he gave her some loving. "Mmm, you're a pretty girl, aren't ya, Stardust, huh?"
He threw Ashlee a glance. "I'm not so great in the saddle myself, but that's prolly 'cause I don't get to ride as much as I want. Only when I stay with my dad, and half the time we go fishing instead...if he's not wrangling cows." He might be upset with his dad right now, but he knew Lane had been the best father he could.
Realizing he'd let his mind drift, he snapped his attention back to Ashlee. "Going for a ride sounds like fun, but it might be a while til I can handle that again." He reached out to stroke Stardust again. "Wouldn't mind helping groom this girl though..."
He paused, tapping his own on his notepad. "What would happen if you found out he was going back again? Would you endanger the Elite or turn him in?"
Con chuckled and bent down low to kiss the side of Jamie's neck. "Mmm... I don't know if I can make your day any better... But I can take you to lunch if you want."
He spun her chair around so he could face her. "I'm thinking subs. In the park. Unless you'd rather stay here with your paperwork instead."
A new smile emerged on Travis' face as he was given the sugar cubes. Handing them to the horse, it was obvious he was used to the large animals. Scratching her cheek again, he gave her some loving. "Mmm, you're a pretty girl, aren't ya, Stardust, huh?"
He threw Ashlee a glance. "I'm not so great in the saddle myself, but that's prolly 'cause I don't get to ride as much as I want. Only when I stay with my dad, and half the time we go fishing instead...if he's not wrangling cows." He might be upset with his dad right now, but he knew Lane had been the best father he could.
Realizing he'd let his mind drift, he snapped his attention back to Ashlee. "Going for a ride sounds like fun, but it might be a while til I can handle that again." He reached out to stroke Stardust again. "Wouldn't mind helping groom this girl though..."
Together
As Con comes up behind her Jamie gives a small gigle. She wasn't expecting to see Con today but she could never forget the smell of his cologne and the feel of his skin. She'd play along though.
"Is it my knight in shining armour coming to save me from the disaster of a day?"
Bringing her hands to to Con's Jamie give them a squeeze. What a nice surprise this was to have him here. She missed there interactions at work and flirtatious ventures.
Misty eyes Kirk for a long moment thinking what what he said. The look on his face was full of judgment and it made Misty feel very self conthious. No one talked to her in a long time a about her involvement in the Agency.
"I was for a short time. We all make mistakes Mr. Young. It's what we do to correct them that matters in the end."
Looking down at her ring for a moment Misty could feel her emotions churn. Everything with Carson was still being sorted out. It was hard to talk about it. But she new if she didn't Kirk wouldn't go away.
"As for Carson, really that's my business. He's had his ups and downs, but he's trying. He's come a long way since first coming to the elite."
Misty couldn't help but wonder just how much Kirk bew about her life.
Ashlee cant help but laugh and shake her head. She should of guessed Angel was still giving him liquids still. She was good like that nursing everyone back to health.
"Well maybe we can convince her to tonlet you join us all in the mess hall tonight. Becky is making her amazing burgers."
Just looking over Travis for a moment Ashlee could feel her smile widen. In this light, he was cute, bruses and all. He looked a lot like Lane, and Angel too. You could tell they were related.
Hearing his questions Ashlee pulls herself from her thoughts and smiles again. She liked her was asking questions and engaging with her. It felt nice to be noticed.
"This is Stardust. As much as I wish she was mine she is not. She belongs to the ranch. I just like riding her the most."
Petting the horses neck again Ashlee pulls a sugar cube from her pocket and hands it to Travis her fingers brushing his for a moment.
"I'm not the best rider yet. Stardust has a calm about her so I can ride myself and not ha e to worry to much but can still learn. Maybe when your better we can ride together."
"Is it my knight in shining armour coming to save me from the disaster of a day?"
Bringing her hands to to Con's Jamie give them a squeeze. What a nice surprise this was to have him here. She missed there interactions at work and flirtatious ventures.
Misty eyes Kirk for a long moment thinking what what he said. The look on his face was full of judgment and it made Misty feel very self conthious. No one talked to her in a long time a about her involvement in the Agency.
"I was for a short time. We all make mistakes Mr. Young. It's what we do to correct them that matters in the end."
Looking down at her ring for a moment Misty could feel her emotions churn. Everything with Carson was still being sorted out. It was hard to talk about it. But she new if she didn't Kirk wouldn't go away.
"As for Carson, really that's my business. He's had his ups and downs, but he's trying. He's come a long way since first coming to the elite."
Misty couldn't help but wonder just how much Kirk bew about her life.
Ashlee cant help but laugh and shake her head. She should of guessed Angel was still giving him liquids still. She was good like that nursing everyone back to health.
"Well maybe we can convince her to tonlet you join us all in the mess hall tonight. Becky is making her amazing burgers."
Just looking over Travis for a moment Ashlee could feel her smile widen. In this light, he was cute, bruses and all. He looked a lot like Lane, and Angel too. You could tell they were related.
Hearing his questions Ashlee pulls herself from her thoughts and smiles again. She liked her was asking questions and engaging with her. It felt nice to be noticed.
"This is Stardust. As much as I wish she was mine she is not. She belongs to the ranch. I just like riding her the most."
Petting the horses neck again Ashlee pulls a sugar cube from her pocket and hands it to Travis her fingers brushing his for a moment.
"I'm not the best rider yet. Stardust has a calm about her so I can ride myself and not ha e to worry to much but can still learn. Maybe when your better we can ride together."
Impressed
Con looked down at Katie with a little more seriousness, and he sighed. "I miss you guys too," he admitted. "I...haven't been able to find my niche since leaving."
Jason ceased his teasing, knowing good and well how much his best friend had suffered lately, trying to survive with jobs he hated. "Reese...he still have an opening for you?"
Con rolled his eyes. "He hasn't stopped badgering me about coming back. Although from the sounds of it, even if..." Oops. He bit his tongue and tried to recover. "Well...just, things have changed some."
Jason quirked an eyebrow and glanced at Katie. Con was holding something back. "Even if what?"
"Nothing." Reese would kill Con if he spilled the beans about the real intent of the FBI. "Anyway... great to see you guys." He reached down and patted Trooper's head. "And you too."
Trooper gave a short woof, then a little whine.
"Not you too," Con chided. he sighed again. "Okay. I gotta go. And we'll see about the future." He tossed Katie a wink before finally leaving. He still didn't leave the building though. Instead, he walked the short row of cubicles before stopping at Jamie's. He might be big, but he could be quiet when he wanted to be, and he slipped in behind her chair. Leaning down, he put a hand over her eyes. "Guess who."
Kirk nodded slowly, then eased down in an empty chair. "What about before that though?" He flipped through a file. "You were... involved in the Agency, right?" He continued to browse a few pages. "Ah yes. Then after you came here, you got romantically involved with an Agency man."
He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Some might say you have an unhealthy attraction to the enemy." Without giving her time to respond, he went on. "How's that working out for you, by the way? I see you're still wearing your wedding band. I'm pretty impressed after all I've heard about your husband - who also just can't seem to make a clean break with the Agency."
Seeing Ashlee ride up and hearing her comment about the fence, Travis smiled and stayed right where he was. As she dismounted, he cocked his head. Seeing her out here when he wasn't groggy in bed, she really was cute, especially in those jeans and t-shirt. His smile widened and he leaned both arms on the top fence rail to set his chin on his hands, which put him down nearer her height.
"Nope. Well, last night I still had soup. But I'm really hoping today she'll let me eat something else. I mean, I like soup, but..." He grinned again. Despite his slowly heeling, beaten face, his eyes twinkled just a little. This whole thing had been a nightmare. Then yesterday with his mom, it hadn't helped any. But today...at least it was a new day, right?
"So..." He straightened and reached over the fence to stroke the horse's cheek. "This your horse?"
Jason ceased his teasing, knowing good and well how much his best friend had suffered lately, trying to survive with jobs he hated. "Reese...he still have an opening for you?"
Con rolled his eyes. "He hasn't stopped badgering me about coming back. Although from the sounds of it, even if..." Oops. He bit his tongue and tried to recover. "Well...just, things have changed some."
Jason quirked an eyebrow and glanced at Katie. Con was holding something back. "Even if what?"
"Nothing." Reese would kill Con if he spilled the beans about the real intent of the FBI. "Anyway... great to see you guys." He reached down and patted Trooper's head. "And you too."
Trooper gave a short woof, then a little whine.
"Not you too," Con chided. he sighed again. "Okay. I gotta go. And we'll see about the future." He tossed Katie a wink before finally leaving. He still didn't leave the building though. Instead, he walked the short row of cubicles before stopping at Jamie's. He might be big, but he could be quiet when he wanted to be, and he slipped in behind her chair. Leaning down, he put a hand over her eyes. "Guess who."
Kirk nodded slowly, then eased down in an empty chair. "What about before that though?" He flipped through a file. "You were... involved in the Agency, right?" He continued to browse a few pages. "Ah yes. Then after you came here, you got romantically involved with an Agency man."
He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Some might say you have an unhealthy attraction to the enemy." Without giving her time to respond, he went on. "How's that working out for you, by the way? I see you're still wearing your wedding band. I'm pretty impressed after all I've heard about your husband - who also just can't seem to make a clean break with the Agency."
Seeing Ashlee ride up and hearing her comment about the fence, Travis smiled and stayed right where he was. As she dismounted, he cocked his head. Seeing her out here when he wasn't groggy in bed, she really was cute, especially in those jeans and t-shirt. His smile widened and he leaned both arms on the top fence rail to set his chin on his hands, which put him down nearer her height.
"Nope. Well, last night I still had soup. But I'm really hoping today she'll let me eat something else. I mean, I like soup, but..." He grinned again. Despite his slowly heeling, beaten face, his eyes twinkled just a little. This whole thing had been a nightmare. Then yesterday with his mom, it hadn't helped any. But today...at least it was a new day, right?
"So..." He straightened and reached over the fence to stroke the horse's cheek. "This your horse?"
Thinner Skull
Sapphire was thankful for Scott's impute and his calming words. She was feeling better not like she could finish the rest of her day.
"Thank you Scott. Hopfully you are right and he is. He sure is doing a number on peoples emotions."
Looking up at Kirk Misty eyes him with question. From what she had heard he was causing quite a stir with people. Why was he do intrested in her now?
"I have a moment to talk."
Hearing his question about how she got there Misty found it odd. Why was that important and what did it have to do with anything.
"I had a passion for helping oeople. I went to medical school in England and got my degree. Reese my Uncle offered me a job here and this is where I have been ever since."
She wondered if that was a good enough answer for Kirk. Even if it wasn't it was the truth, and that's all she could give. She had nothing to hide.
Katie shakes her head in reply to Con's statement she loved the banter they all shared, oh how she'd missed Con. And how she missed Jason's smiling face, his sparking eyes when he laughed. Stopping her train of thought right there Katie looks to Con again not daring to look at Jason least he see her cheeks she was sure were red.
"I've tried Con...just dosnt stick. Somethibg I think Trooper has a thinner skull."
Laughing again Katie finally looks to Jason, and than back to Con. It would have wonderful if Con did come back. She missed seeing him every day.
"You should come back. I miss moments like this. Heck, we all miss you in general. You are an important part of our team."
Out in the pasture Ashlee had just slowed down from a sprint on Stardust. Movment by one of the fences caught her sight. Seeing it was Travis she smiled. It was good to see him up and about even if maybe Angle would advise against it. Yelling to him she cant help but laugh at the same time.
"Watch out how to lean on that it could give way at any moment."
Walking over to him and stops and swings her leg over the house and jumps down. Her hair was in a lose ponytail as some stray hairs had broken free, A while tshirt was her shirt of choice today, with a flannl tired around her wast, washed out jeans with holes in the kneeds, and cowgirl boot. Keeping a hold of the rains she pats the horse on the neck before looking back to Travis.
"You are starting to look a lot better than a few days ago. Hardly even recognized you. Has Angel finally let you eat something besides soup?"
"Thank you Scott. Hopfully you are right and he is. He sure is doing a number on peoples emotions."
Looking up at Kirk Misty eyes him with question. From what she had heard he was causing quite a stir with people. Why was he do intrested in her now?
"I have a moment to talk."
Hearing his question about how she got there Misty found it odd. Why was that important and what did it have to do with anything.
"I had a passion for helping oeople. I went to medical school in England and got my degree. Reese my Uncle offered me a job here and this is where I have been ever since."
She wondered if that was a good enough answer for Kirk. Even if it wasn't it was the truth, and that's all she could give. She had nothing to hide.
Katie shakes her head in reply to Con's statement she loved the banter they all shared, oh how she'd missed Con. And how she missed Jason's smiling face, his sparking eyes when he laughed. Stopping her train of thought right there Katie looks to Con again not daring to look at Jason least he see her cheeks she was sure were red.
"I've tried Con...just dosnt stick. Somethibg I think Trooper has a thinner skull."
Laughing again Katie finally looks to Jason, and than back to Con. It would have wonderful if Con did come back. She missed seeing him every day.
"You should come back. I miss moments like this. Heck, we all miss you in general. You are an important part of our team."
Out in the pasture Ashlee had just slowed down from a sprint on Stardust. Movment by one of the fences caught her sight. Seeing it was Travis she smiled. It was good to see him up and about even if maybe Angle would advise against it. Yelling to him she cant help but laugh at the same time.
"Watch out how to lean on that it could give way at any moment."
Walking over to him and stops and swings her leg over the house and jumps down. Her hair was in a lose ponytail as some stray hairs had broken free, A while tshirt was her shirt of choice today, with a flannl tired around her wast, washed out jeans with holes in the kneeds, and cowgirl boot. Keeping a hold of the rains she pats the horse on the neck before looking back to Travis.
"You are starting to look a lot better than a few days ago. Hardly even recognized you. Has Angel finally let you eat something besides soup?"
No idea
Con wrapped his arms around Katie in a big bear hug. Maybe he'd missed their friendship more than he'd admit. He'd always see her as his little sister, and without being around the office lately...he'd been deprived of her sunshine.
Smiling, he thought to himself how Hope had been right. He needed this. The confirmation from others that he wasn't a monster. Maybe...he did still have a purpose. A crumpled piece of paper hit his shoulder and he looked over to Jason, surprised. "What was that for?"
"I just asked what you were doing here."
"Well next time say it louder." He smirked down at Katie. "You gotta teach that boy to have better manners. He knows I can't hear worth crap." Turning back to Jason, he shrugged. "I just got back from Texas."
"Wait...the ranch? We heard something was going on, then next thing we knew, Reese said he had it covered. That was you?"
"Yeah."
Silence. Jason's eyebrows rose. "So... does that mean..."
"No." Con paused. "No. It just means...I helped out."
Jason glanced at Katie as a grin formed on his face. Con was going to come back...he knew it.
"Hey," Con growled. "I said no."
"Uh-huh."
"It's true!"
Jason just grinned.
Con finally smirked. "Well. It did feel good to be on a case again."
"I knew it!"
"But that doesn't mean anything!" Con looked to Katie again. "You'd think I'd need the interpreter, not him."
Scott returned Sapphire's hug, just letting her cry more if she needed to. "I'll always be here," he assured. "I might get grouchy but...you know I always got your back."
Pulling away a little, he smiled and reached for a tissue to hand her. "Try not to think about it any more, okay? You're right about him being a jerk, so nothing we say or do is gonna change anything. He'll be gone soon." He at least hoped that was true. Surely he was almost done here.
"Misty?" Kirk entered the infirmary and gave a nod to Rick before approaching Misty's desk. "I don't want to interrupt, but I'm trying to catch as many people as I can before my stay here is over. I'd like to talk to you about a few things, including how you came to be ere on the Elite, if you don't mind?"
Angel's words meant the world to Lane, and he could only hope that one day he could somehow make up for all the lost time he'd caused. He hadn't meant to hurt anyone...but he had. Having his sister now encouraging him in spite of that fact was a bold reminder of how much he'd missed family. His real family. Here.
"Thank you," he managed quietly. "Hopefully Amber won't surface again for a while. I don't know what Travis said to shut her off, but I'm glad he did. I'm...glad to know I have some options though." The last thing he wanted was for Amber to drag him to court over bogus accusations. But if Angel said she had a lawyer friend then...maybe he didn't need to be scared, just like she assured him.
"I, um...I appreciate all you're doing here for me and for Travis. I had forgotten how nice it was to be here. With family. I think of everyone here as family too, even if I wasn't around all these years."
Thankfully, Amber really had left, so the rest of the evening was quiet. No more visitors. No hint of the Agency. Perhaps they really could start to relax just a little...
...Travis opened his eyes to find morning light faintly streaming in through the windows. It had not been a good night. He had tossed and turned, and twice Angel had given him something to ease the pain. He must have slept at some point, since at least for the moment he felt halfway rested.
Wincing as he sat up, he cradled his ribs with his good arm, while his other had been put in a brace to help speed the heeling of the sprain. A clean set of clothes was on the nightstand. A pair of jeans and a plain tshirt. He didn't know who had brought them, but he was grateful.
Managing to get changed, and slip on his old cowboy boots, he wandered slowly through the office. He assumed Angel was at breakfast. That was okay...he'd rather be on his own for now anyway. He was going stir crazy and needed some fresh air.
Getting outside, the morning air was a little chillier than he'd expected, but he didn't mind. Walking wasn't the easiest thing in the world, so his pace was slow until he reached a nearby corral fence to lean on. His eyes roamed the main ranch yard. It was a nice looking place. Clean. Well-kept. Lots of horses. A repair shop? Nice row of bunkhouses. It had a peaceful feeling to it, and though he was upset about this whole ordeal, he had to admit it was a nice place to be until he recovered. After that? Now, he didn't know. He'd had a job interview at bookstore that by now he'd missed by several days. His mother hadn't been happy about it anyway. She'd prefer he went to school, but he just didn't yet know what he wanted to do, even if she had her own ideas. After yesterday though...he'd be lucky to find any of his personal belongings still at the house when he returned home.
Still leaning on the fence for support, he turned to gaze across the corral to the pasture and beyond. How long would he really be here? A few more days? And what about his dad? That was a sore spot in itself after learning all the history he'd never been told. How could he just suck it up and move on?
He sighed and picked at a splinter on the fence rail. Things had changed in the blink of an eye, and he had no idea where to go from here.
Smiling, he thought to himself how Hope had been right. He needed this. The confirmation from others that he wasn't a monster. Maybe...he did still have a purpose. A crumpled piece of paper hit his shoulder and he looked over to Jason, surprised. "What was that for?"
"I just asked what you were doing here."
"Well next time say it louder." He smirked down at Katie. "You gotta teach that boy to have better manners. He knows I can't hear worth crap." Turning back to Jason, he shrugged. "I just got back from Texas."
"Wait...the ranch? We heard something was going on, then next thing we knew, Reese said he had it covered. That was you?"
"Yeah."
Silence. Jason's eyebrows rose. "So... does that mean..."
"No." Con paused. "No. It just means...I helped out."
Jason glanced at Katie as a grin formed on his face. Con was going to come back...he knew it.
"Hey," Con growled. "I said no."
"Uh-huh."
"It's true!"
Jason just grinned.
Con finally smirked. "Well. It did feel good to be on a case again."
"I knew it!"
"But that doesn't mean anything!" Con looked to Katie again. "You'd think I'd need the interpreter, not him."
Scott returned Sapphire's hug, just letting her cry more if she needed to. "I'll always be here," he assured. "I might get grouchy but...you know I always got your back."
Pulling away a little, he smiled and reached for a tissue to hand her. "Try not to think about it any more, okay? You're right about him being a jerk, so nothing we say or do is gonna change anything. He'll be gone soon." He at least hoped that was true. Surely he was almost done here.
"Misty?" Kirk entered the infirmary and gave a nod to Rick before approaching Misty's desk. "I don't want to interrupt, but I'm trying to catch as many people as I can before my stay here is over. I'd like to talk to you about a few things, including how you came to be ere on the Elite, if you don't mind?"
Angel's words meant the world to Lane, and he could only hope that one day he could somehow make up for all the lost time he'd caused. He hadn't meant to hurt anyone...but he had. Having his sister now encouraging him in spite of that fact was a bold reminder of how much he'd missed family. His real family. Here.
"Thank you," he managed quietly. "Hopefully Amber won't surface again for a while. I don't know what Travis said to shut her off, but I'm glad he did. I'm...glad to know I have some options though." The last thing he wanted was for Amber to drag him to court over bogus accusations. But if Angel said she had a lawyer friend then...maybe he didn't need to be scared, just like she assured him.
"I, um...I appreciate all you're doing here for me and for Travis. I had forgotten how nice it was to be here. With family. I think of everyone here as family too, even if I wasn't around all these years."
Thankfully, Amber really had left, so the rest of the evening was quiet. No more visitors. No hint of the Agency. Perhaps they really could start to relax just a little...
...Travis opened his eyes to find morning light faintly streaming in through the windows. It had not been a good night. He had tossed and turned, and twice Angel had given him something to ease the pain. He must have slept at some point, since at least for the moment he felt halfway rested.
Wincing as he sat up, he cradled his ribs with his good arm, while his other had been put in a brace to help speed the heeling of the sprain. A clean set of clothes was on the nightstand. A pair of jeans and a plain tshirt. He didn't know who had brought them, but he was grateful.
Managing to get changed, and slip on his old cowboy boots, he wandered slowly through the office. He assumed Angel was at breakfast. That was okay...he'd rather be on his own for now anyway. He was going stir crazy and needed some fresh air.
Getting outside, the morning air was a little chillier than he'd expected, but he didn't mind. Walking wasn't the easiest thing in the world, so his pace was slow until he reached a nearby corral fence to lean on. His eyes roamed the main ranch yard. It was a nice looking place. Clean. Well-kept. Lots of horses. A repair shop? Nice row of bunkhouses. It had a peaceful feeling to it, and though he was upset about this whole ordeal, he had to admit it was a nice place to be until he recovered. After that? Now, he didn't know. He'd had a job interview at bookstore that by now he'd missed by several days. His mother hadn't been happy about it anyway. She'd prefer he went to school, but he just didn't yet know what he wanted to do, even if she had her own ideas. After yesterday though...he'd be lucky to find any of his personal belongings still at the house when he returned home.
Still leaning on the fence for support, he turned to gaze across the corral to the pasture and beyond. How long would he really be here? A few more days? And what about his dad? That was a sore spot in itself after learning all the history he'd never been told. How could he just suck it up and move on?
He sighed and picked at a splinter on the fence rail. Things had changed in the blink of an eye, and he had no idea where to go from here.
Would help
Listing to her brother Angel's heart broke. She could tell by the look on his face how much it hurt him. Amber sounded like she was lovely when they first met, someone Angel really could get along with but now...it was sad how people changed like that.
"Lane, I am so sorry. I wish I could of been there to help you. I want you to know, even if you already do...its not your fault."
Angel felt like that was such a silly thing to say, something people said all the time but she meant it. She wanted Lane to know it wasnt. No one forced Amber to do anything, even if she was unhappy it was still her choice.
"It's sad how people can change sometimes. Be influenced and sometimes become unrecognizable, blaming everyone for there problems when really its there own self that is the problem."
Placing a hand on Lane's arms she offers a smile. How she missed her brother, and how upset she had been with him. But it all seemed to fade away. No matter what he was family and she loved him and she new he loved her too. More importantly he loved his son more than anything.
"You wont lose Travis I can promise you that. If it comes down to it, I know a good lawyer myself who wont let anyone walk on her, or blind side her. Payment is not an issue with her and she is one of the best. I know she would help, She'd do all she could.
Angel stood tall as she looked at her brother. He wasn't alone, not anymore, not ever again. She'd always have his back even if he didnt want the help.
"Your ex-wife dosnt scar me, and nether does her fancy pants husband. You shouldn't let them scar you eather. You are not alone Lane, you and Travis are my family, and I wont go down with out a fight, not to mention every single person at this ranch looks at you as family too."
As Scott talked with her Sapphire could feel herself calming down a little. His voice was so soft, his words were always the right ones. Even since they had been kids, he just new what to say and when to say it. Sapphire loved her brother so much, even if they had drifted apart. How she wished they hadn't but it was life, and at least they were doing better now.
"Kirk the Jerk...that is what he is."
Looking down at her brother hands her thump ran over one of his own fingers and she let out a long sigh. More tears fell, but she did feel a little better. Hearing Scott's words about Gage meant a lot to her, not just because of what he went through bit because he was her brother.
"Thank you Scotty, for always being there for me. It means a lot to me to have you in my corner. I've missed talking with you."
Reaching out Sapphire put her arms around Scott and hugs him tight. Tears still ran from her eyes as she hugged him. She couldn't ask for a better bother, through everything they were still there for one another.
"I'd be bored too because cooped up in your house all day too."
Katie laughs and sticks out her tongue at Jason before going back to scratching Trooper behind his ears. Hearing someone at the door Katie looks up and can't help the excitement that spread across her face seeing Con. It had been to long and she missed him.
"Tank!!!"
Excitement was in her voice as she got up off the ground and went over to him for a big hug. He always did give some of the best hugs around. Stepping back Katie looks up at him her eyes sparkled. Today had been one of the best days she had, had in a long time. Something was different about Con too. A good different and it made her happy.
"I'm always working hard. One way or another I gotta protect this one over here. It's hard work you know."
Grinning from ear to ear Katie looks back at Jason. It had been a long time since all they of them had been in the same room together and oh how it brought back memories. Oh how things had been different than, but oh how Katie's life had changed knowing Con and Jason. Her heart skips a beat for a moment even surprising her a little as she thinks of the past. Bringing herself back to here and now though Katie still cant help grinning from ear to ear.
"Lane, I am so sorry. I wish I could of been there to help you. I want you to know, even if you already do...its not your fault."
Angel felt like that was such a silly thing to say, something people said all the time but she meant it. She wanted Lane to know it wasnt. No one forced Amber to do anything, even if she was unhappy it was still her choice.
"It's sad how people can change sometimes. Be influenced and sometimes become unrecognizable, blaming everyone for there problems when really its there own self that is the problem."
Placing a hand on Lane's arms she offers a smile. How she missed her brother, and how upset she had been with him. But it all seemed to fade away. No matter what he was family and she loved him and she new he loved her too. More importantly he loved his son more than anything.
"You wont lose Travis I can promise you that. If it comes down to it, I know a good lawyer myself who wont let anyone walk on her, or blind side her. Payment is not an issue with her and she is one of the best. I know she would help, She'd do all she could.
Angel stood tall as she looked at her brother. He wasn't alone, not anymore, not ever again. She'd always have his back even if he didnt want the help.
"Your ex-wife dosnt scar me, and nether does her fancy pants husband. You shouldn't let them scar you eather. You are not alone Lane, you and Travis are my family, and I wont go down with out a fight, not to mention every single person at this ranch looks at you as family too."
As Scott talked with her Sapphire could feel herself calming down a little. His voice was so soft, his words were always the right ones. Even since they had been kids, he just new what to say and when to say it. Sapphire loved her brother so much, even if they had drifted apart. How she wished they hadn't but it was life, and at least they were doing better now.
"Kirk the Jerk...that is what he is."
Looking down at her brother hands her thump ran over one of his own fingers and she let out a long sigh. More tears fell, but she did feel a little better. Hearing Scott's words about Gage meant a lot to her, not just because of what he went through bit because he was her brother.
"Thank you Scotty, for always being there for me. It means a lot to me to have you in my corner. I've missed talking with you."
Reaching out Sapphire put her arms around Scott and hugs him tight. Tears still ran from her eyes as she hugged him. She couldn't ask for a better bother, through everything they were still there for one another.
"I'd be bored too because cooped up in your house all day too."
Katie laughs and sticks out her tongue at Jason before going back to scratching Trooper behind his ears. Hearing someone at the door Katie looks up and can't help the excitement that spread across her face seeing Con. It had been to long and she missed him.
"Tank!!!"
Excitement was in her voice as she got up off the ground and went over to him for a big hug. He always did give some of the best hugs around. Stepping back Katie looks up at him her eyes sparkled. Today had been one of the best days she had, had in a long time. Something was different about Con too. A good different and it made her happy.
"I'm always working hard. One way or another I gotta protect this one over here. It's hard work you know."
Grinning from ear to ear Katie looks back at Jason. It had been a long time since all they of them had been in the same room together and oh how it brought back memories. Oh how things had been different than, but oh how Katie's life had changed knowing Con and Jason. Her heart skips a beat for a moment even surprising her a little as she thinks of the past. Bringing herself back to here and now though Katie still cant help grinning from ear to ear.
9/29/16
Hard at Work
Travis accepted Angel’s help back into bed, finding himself grateful for her care. She was being so kind, despite the mess they were all in right now. He was embarrassed by his mother, and thankful Angel had taken the whole thing in stride. He wasn’t used to someone reacting that way and it was…nice. He watched Angel leave the room as his eyes started to drift shut again. He was so very tired.
Out in the other room, Lane leaned back against the wall, his arms folding across his chest. His eyes remained down, and he shook his head at Angel’s question. “No.” Unexpected tears sprang into his eyes and his voice wavered. “No, she wasn’t.”
He swallowed hard and nudged a crack in a floorboard with the toe of his boot. It took him a few moments to speak again after he’d swiped away a tear with the back of his hand. “She was quite lovely, actually. I loved her so much.” He said it as if the love was gone, but anyone could see the way he talked about her that even after all these years, he hadn’t been able to let go.
“I guess after we were married, she figured out it wasn’t what she really wanted. She started to be unhappy. Moody. Harsher. Then when she met Dirk…” He shrugged lamely. “He wasn’t good for her. Obviously she made the choice to have an affair with him – how I didn’t see it, I’ll never know. But she changed a lot that year, and seems to have just gotten worse ever since.”
Pain lingered in his voice. It was so obvious how hurt he continued to be by Amber’s words and actions. He still didn’t look up at his sister. “Dirk’s a lawyer and likes to draw blood. So any of Amber’s threats…I have to take seriously. Which pretty much leaves me helpless. To be honest, I have no idea why she let me have as much time with Travis as she did while he was growing up. Either a soft spot still exists, or she was just using me as a babysitter.”
Another long pause followed as his emotions churned, and eventually he pushed off the wall and turned to face Angel. “She likes the money she has now. Likes the power she holds over people like me, and…I don’t see that changing any time soon. I’m just sorry Travis has gotten caught in the middle. He’s the only good thing that came out of my marriage…and now I’m on my way to losing him too.”
Scott stood by for a moment and sighed. No, it wasn’t fair. Reese hadn’t said so, but he had a feeling there was more to Kirk being there than simply checking up on them. Seeing his sister’s tears, he came closer and knelt down by her chair to look up at her. “Hey… It’s gonna be okay. I know Gage has changed.” Those were quite the words coming from him, who had disapproved since the very beginning. But the fact was…he knew Gage was on the straight and narrow, and he couldn’t deny that.
“I know I gave you grief before…and I still have a hard time seeing any ex-Agency men… but you’re not wrong to be with him, and don’t let Kirk make you feel that way, okay?” He looked up into her teary eyes and his heart hurt. It had been a very long time since they’d sat together like this. When they’d been younger, they’d interacted like this often, battling hurt from bullies at school. But as adults…they’d just…drifted.
He remained on one knee, and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, and Kirk has no proof Gage would even think about turning bad.”
Hearing Katie’s comment, Jason couldn’t help his grin. “Naw. If you weren’t in here, he’d be making a fuss all on his own, so I’m used to it. I think he’s gotten bored lately.”
“Knock, knock.”
Jason looked to the door quickly, a new expression of pleasure crossing his face. “Con! What are you doing here?”
“Oh, just stopped by.” He smiled down at Katie and Trooper and shook his head. It had been a while since he’d been to the office at all, let alone stopped to talk. Even if he did make an appearance, it was usually brief and maybe he’d just give a wave to a few people then disappear again. But not today. “You look like you’re hard at work,” he teased Katie.
Carson slowed and pulled his car to a stop alongside the curb of the quiet street. It wasn't the most fantastic part of town, but certainly not the worst either. The houses in this area were rather nice - old, but at least it was a well-kept community. Then there was this particular house.
Carson sat back and let his eyes roam the two-story house. It was white...or at least used to be. Now it was in dire need of a new paint job. At least one window was broken, and the roof over the front porch had been severely neglected. The yard was full of weeds, tall grass, and branches from two large maple trees. The property had potential though. Nestled in the center of the block, it had a nice-sized front yard and an even bigger back yard. The house's front porch ran the length of the house, and would be perfect for a swing or even some patio furniture. The driveway led up to a garage - small, but could serve its purpose well. Overall, it wasn't a bad property, if one was willing to put some time and effort into it.
A battered For Sale sign creaked in the wind. It hadn't taken much investigation to discover why the house had never sold. Poor management after the owner's father had died, had led to the disarray of the property, and few people had the time or motivation to get a place up and running again. Carson didn't have all that much time himself, although he was trying to take more breaks from the restaurant lately. As far as motivation went, the price on this place was unbeatable.
After a few more minutes, Carson finally pulled away from the curb and continued on his way. Would making a move like this be wise? He was so tired of sleeping at the restaurant. He could rent an apartment but he just didn't want to. Would this finalize his break with Misty, though? He'd been begging to come home. What if he had his own home? What would that do to them?
He stopped at an intersection and ran a hand through his hair. Then maybe she'd just have to come to him. He couldn't keep living in limbo just because he was afraid of what direction Misty might go.
Out in the other room, Lane leaned back against the wall, his arms folding across his chest. His eyes remained down, and he shook his head at Angel’s question. “No.” Unexpected tears sprang into his eyes and his voice wavered. “No, she wasn’t.”
He swallowed hard and nudged a crack in a floorboard with the toe of his boot. It took him a few moments to speak again after he’d swiped away a tear with the back of his hand. “She was quite lovely, actually. I loved her so much.” He said it as if the love was gone, but anyone could see the way he talked about her that even after all these years, he hadn’t been able to let go.
“I guess after we were married, she figured out it wasn’t what she really wanted. She started to be unhappy. Moody. Harsher. Then when she met Dirk…” He shrugged lamely. “He wasn’t good for her. Obviously she made the choice to have an affair with him – how I didn’t see it, I’ll never know. But she changed a lot that year, and seems to have just gotten worse ever since.”
Pain lingered in his voice. It was so obvious how hurt he continued to be by Amber’s words and actions. He still didn’t look up at his sister. “Dirk’s a lawyer and likes to draw blood. So any of Amber’s threats…I have to take seriously. Which pretty much leaves me helpless. To be honest, I have no idea why she let me have as much time with Travis as she did while he was growing up. Either a soft spot still exists, or she was just using me as a babysitter.”
Another long pause followed as his emotions churned, and eventually he pushed off the wall and turned to face Angel. “She likes the money she has now. Likes the power she holds over people like me, and…I don’t see that changing any time soon. I’m just sorry Travis has gotten caught in the middle. He’s the only good thing that came out of my marriage…and now I’m on my way to losing him too.”
Scott stood by for a moment and sighed. No, it wasn’t fair. Reese hadn’t said so, but he had a feeling there was more to Kirk being there than simply checking up on them. Seeing his sister’s tears, he came closer and knelt down by her chair to look up at her. “Hey… It’s gonna be okay. I know Gage has changed.” Those were quite the words coming from him, who had disapproved since the very beginning. But the fact was…he knew Gage was on the straight and narrow, and he couldn’t deny that.
“I know I gave you grief before…and I still have a hard time seeing any ex-Agency men… but you’re not wrong to be with him, and don’t let Kirk make you feel that way, okay?” He looked up into her teary eyes and his heart hurt. It had been a very long time since they’d sat together like this. When they’d been younger, they’d interacted like this often, battling hurt from bullies at school. But as adults…they’d just…drifted.
He remained on one knee, and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, and Kirk has no proof Gage would even think about turning bad.”
Hearing Katie’s comment, Jason couldn’t help his grin. “Naw. If you weren’t in here, he’d be making a fuss all on his own, so I’m used to it. I think he’s gotten bored lately.”
“Knock, knock.”
Jason looked to the door quickly, a new expression of pleasure crossing his face. “Con! What are you doing here?”
“Oh, just stopped by.” He smiled down at Katie and Trooper and shook his head. It had been a while since he’d been to the office at all, let alone stopped to talk. Even if he did make an appearance, it was usually brief and maybe he’d just give a wave to a few people then disappear again. But not today. “You look like you’re hard at work,” he teased Katie.
Carson slowed and pulled his car to a stop alongside the curb of the quiet street. It wasn't the most fantastic part of town, but certainly not the worst either. The houses in this area were rather nice - old, but at least it was a well-kept community. Then there was this particular house.
Carson sat back and let his eyes roam the two-story house. It was white...or at least used to be. Now it was in dire need of a new paint job. At least one window was broken, and the roof over the front porch had been severely neglected. The yard was full of weeds, tall grass, and branches from two large maple trees. The property had potential though. Nestled in the center of the block, it had a nice-sized front yard and an even bigger back yard. The house's front porch ran the length of the house, and would be perfect for a swing or even some patio furniture. The driveway led up to a garage - small, but could serve its purpose well. Overall, it wasn't a bad property, if one was willing to put some time and effort into it.
A battered For Sale sign creaked in the wind. It hadn't taken much investigation to discover why the house had never sold. Poor management after the owner's father had died, had led to the disarray of the property, and few people had the time or motivation to get a place up and running again. Carson didn't have all that much time himself, although he was trying to take more breaks from the restaurant lately. As far as motivation went, the price on this place was unbeatable.
After a few more minutes, Carson finally pulled away from the curb and continued on his way. Would making a move like this be wise? He was so tired of sleeping at the restaurant. He could rent an apartment but he just didn't want to. Would this finalize his break with Misty, though? He'd been begging to come home. What if he had his own home? What would that do to them?
He stopped at an intersection and ran a hand through his hair. Then maybe she'd just have to come to him. He couldn't keep living in limbo just because he was afraid of what direction Misty might go.
Not Fair
Angel didn't like this woman at all and that was saying a lot. She liked or at least could tolerate almost everyone. But there was just something about Amber she couldn't look past, something about that bothered her to no end.
Seeing Travis move she winced herself knowing what kind of pain he was in. She didn't try to stop him though.
"I don't think anyone should or will be paying for anything since no one did anything wrong."
As Travis stepped up to his mom she took a step back. As much as she wanted to defend her nephew she new he could handle himself too.
Not knowing what Travis had said Angel was shocked seeing Amber leave but was happy letting out a small sigh of releaf that Travis was staying here. He would be ok, but she wanted to keep an eye on him, just to make sure.
Taking ahold of Travis Angel helped steady him. His words to Lane cut through her own heart. Looking to Lane her eyes said she was sorry even if hadn't been the one who spoke the words.
"Don't you worry none about your mom. I've been up against some of the hardest people before. It's just sad people have to live with so much anger it consumes them. Come on let's get you back in bed and resting sweety. I can give you a little something for the pain too."
Helping Travis back into bed and giving him something for the pain Angel made sure he was resting comfortably before leaving the room. Once out she ran a hand over her face and let out a long sigh before looking to Lane once more. She didn't know if Amber was gone gone or just lingering around the ranch but she hoped there paths wouldn't cross again.
"She is quite a peace of work. Was she always like that?"
Once Kirk was gone Sapphire's anger turned to sadness and her heart ached. Letting out a long sign and sitting down in her chair she tried to keep herself together. She wasn't sorry for the slap, and she wasn't sorry for her words but inside it felt like everything was breaking. Gage meant the world to her even dispute his past and to have someone rip him apart and rip her apart for loving him made her think of things she hadn't in a long time and it hurt.
Hearing her brother voice Sapphire looks up quickly. She felt a little embarrassed that anyone had to hear her commotion. She had gone this long without anyone seeing ber temper. She was sure it shocked a lot of people.
"Hey Scott."
She was trying to keep it together but her brother being there now she just couldn't. Tears streamed out of her eyes as she looked down at her desk and played with a sticky note that had been there. This was all so over whelming and emotional.
"No...no I don't think I am ok. Gage is not a bad guy, hes changed so much...I'm not a bad person for loving him, none of us here are bad people. We are trying to do good, we are trying to help and yet someone like Kirk comes in and tries to rune it all. It's just not fair."
Entering Jason's office and being greeted so enthusiastic by Trooper Katie cant help but laugh as he licks her face continuously. Finally telling him to get down Katie sits on the ground with him and pets him.
"Hey Trooper, have you been a good boy protecting Jason while Ive been away?"
Nuzzling her face into his neck she smiles looking up at Jason again. She really had missed this. Just being here, care free, enjoying her time with Jason and Trooper. They had been such a big part of her life to have it gone, it had hurt, but knowing things were getting better, and a friendship was being formed again made her happy. That was better than nothing.
Looking back down at Trooper Katie kept petting him as he rolled to his back, and than up to lick her again. Her laughter was loud and she new it but it was hard to keep in. Looking to Jason with a grin and than back to Trooper she whispered loud enough for Jason to hear.
"Shhhh...if we are to loud Trooper Jason is going to kick me out of here and that will be no fun at all."
Seeing Travis move she winced herself knowing what kind of pain he was in. She didn't try to stop him though.
"I don't think anyone should or will be paying for anything since no one did anything wrong."
As Travis stepped up to his mom she took a step back. As much as she wanted to defend her nephew she new he could handle himself too.
Not knowing what Travis had said Angel was shocked seeing Amber leave but was happy letting out a small sigh of releaf that Travis was staying here. He would be ok, but she wanted to keep an eye on him, just to make sure.
Taking ahold of Travis Angel helped steady him. His words to Lane cut through her own heart. Looking to Lane her eyes said she was sorry even if hadn't been the one who spoke the words.
"Don't you worry none about your mom. I've been up against some of the hardest people before. It's just sad people have to live with so much anger it consumes them. Come on let's get you back in bed and resting sweety. I can give you a little something for the pain too."
Helping Travis back into bed and giving him something for the pain Angel made sure he was resting comfortably before leaving the room. Once out she ran a hand over her face and let out a long sigh before looking to Lane once more. She didn't know if Amber was gone gone or just lingering around the ranch but she hoped there paths wouldn't cross again.
"She is quite a peace of work. Was she always like that?"
Once Kirk was gone Sapphire's anger turned to sadness and her heart ached. Letting out a long sign and sitting down in her chair she tried to keep herself together. She wasn't sorry for the slap, and she wasn't sorry for her words but inside it felt like everything was breaking. Gage meant the world to her even dispute his past and to have someone rip him apart and rip her apart for loving him made her think of things she hadn't in a long time and it hurt.
Hearing her brother voice Sapphire looks up quickly. She felt a little embarrassed that anyone had to hear her commotion. She had gone this long without anyone seeing ber temper. She was sure it shocked a lot of people.
"Hey Scott."
She was trying to keep it together but her brother being there now she just couldn't. Tears streamed out of her eyes as she looked down at her desk and played with a sticky note that had been there. This was all so over whelming and emotional.
"No...no I don't think I am ok. Gage is not a bad guy, hes changed so much...I'm not a bad person for loving him, none of us here are bad people. We are trying to do good, we are trying to help and yet someone like Kirk comes in and tries to rune it all. It's just not fair."
Entering Jason's office and being greeted so enthusiastic by Trooper Katie cant help but laugh as he licks her face continuously. Finally telling him to get down Katie sits on the ground with him and pets him.
"Hey Trooper, have you been a good boy protecting Jason while Ive been away?"
Nuzzling her face into his neck she smiles looking up at Jason again. She really had missed this. Just being here, care free, enjoying her time with Jason and Trooper. They had been such a big part of her life to have it gone, it had hurt, but knowing things were getting better, and a friendship was being formed again made her happy. That was better than nothing.
Looking back down at Trooper Katie kept petting him as he rolled to his back, and than up to lick her again. Her laughter was loud and she new it but it was hard to keep in. Looking to Jason with a grin and than back to Trooper she whispered loud enough for Jason to hear.
"Shhhh...if we are to loud Trooper Jason is going to kick me out of here and that will be no fun at all."
Whispered Words
As Katie accepts his offer, Jason can't help his grin. At least this
broke up the day a little bit. He led the way to his office, and once
the door was open, Trooper stood from where he'd been laying. Spotting
Katie, he gave a deep but quiet woof and his tail started to wag. Coming
over to her, he, very easily, put his front paws up on her shoulders
and started licking her face.
Jason let Katie fend for herself, knowing good and well the giant of a dog wouldn't hurt her. They were friends, after all. Actually, without any incidents as of late, the dog might actually have a chance at being around every day like he used to be.
Sitting in his chair, Jason just watched Katie and Trooper, still smiling. As much as he tried to ignore his feelings...he missed this. There was no way he could ever go back to what once was. They'd both played a part in destroying what could have been. But...at least there were moments here and there...right?
As he watched Katie, he noticed the light bouncing off her red hair, making it sparkle. Her eyes were lit up as she played with Trooper, making them oh so deep like never-ending pools. Her...
Jason halted his thoughts and dropped his gaze to try and concentrate on work. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea.
Kirk's eyes had gone wide and his hand touched his face tenderly where he'd just been slapped. She had quite swing, and he was glad it hadn't been a fist. Listening to her go off on him, his expression didn't change much, and before standing, he wrote a couple more notes.
Getting to his feet, he sighed deeply. "I can exit myself, thank you. But know this, Ms. Johnson... you're not helping the Elite by losing your temper. The FBI sees facts, and the fact is, you're walking on thin ice."
He nodded to her. "Thank you for your time."
Many eyes had snapped to the scene as Sapphire's voice had risen, and now those same eyes followed Kirk as he exited. Once he was gone, a new face slowly poked around the corner.
Scott's expression was a worried one. He'd heard the commotion and was going to interfere but Kirk had left too quickly. He and Sapphire might not have the greatest relationship but that didn't mean he wouldn't defend his sister. "You okay?" he asked softly.
Angel's slamming pencil brought Lane's attention up and his eyes widened as she entered the room. Still at a loss, he simply straightened to watch, wondering if anything she said could even make a difference.
Amber gave Angel a disinterested look as she explained herself and the situation further. She folded her arms and sighed. "I'm sure you are very good at what you do," she replied coolly. "But I don't need to see any medical records. You see, I'm his mother, and I know exactly what he needs."
Travis slowly got to his feet, hiding how much it hurt.
Amber smiled in satisfaction and glanced back to Angel. "See? He'll be just fine. And don't worry, I don't blame you. You're not the one who will be paying for this absurd incident."
Travis stepped closer to his mother, his height above hers now obvious as he looked down at her. "I'm sorry...but I can't go with you."
"Of course you can." Amber frowned at him. "Get your shoes on."
Travis' eyes went first to his father, then Angel, then back to his mother. Bending down close, he whispered something in her ear.
She recoiled, her face paling slightly. Glancing around, she composed herself and tilted her chin in the air. "Alright. Fine. You know the consequences."
"And so do you," he replied evenly. There was a biting edge to his tone that could send chills down one's spine.
Amber swallowed hard. "I hope you're happy," she responded. "Because when you finally get home, things are going to be much, much different." Spinning on her heel, she stomped out of the room, then back outside, letting the door slam behind her.
As soon as she was gone, Travis started to collapse, and he grabbed Angel to keep from falling. The stress of the situation had been too much. Lane automatically stepped forward to help, but Travis held up a hand to stop him, followed by a glare. "Don't even."
Lane drew back, the pain returning to his face. Obviously he was still bitter about being left in the dark. It was Lane's own fault and he knew it...but his son's rejection still hurt like nothing else.
Travis leaned heavily on Angel, wincing as his ribs retaliated against the movement, and his head spun. "I'm sorry about my mother," he apologized. "She won't be coming back."
How could he be so sure? Lane's brow furrowed. "What did you say to her?"
"That's between her and me." Travis turned back to the bed, needing Angel's help so as not to fall.
Jason let Katie fend for herself, knowing good and well the giant of a dog wouldn't hurt her. They were friends, after all. Actually, without any incidents as of late, the dog might actually have a chance at being around every day like he used to be.
Sitting in his chair, Jason just watched Katie and Trooper, still smiling. As much as he tried to ignore his feelings...he missed this. There was no way he could ever go back to what once was. They'd both played a part in destroying what could have been. But...at least there were moments here and there...right?
As he watched Katie, he noticed the light bouncing off her red hair, making it sparkle. Her eyes were lit up as she played with Trooper, making them oh so deep like never-ending pools. Her...
Jason halted his thoughts and dropped his gaze to try and concentrate on work. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea.
Kirk's eyes had gone wide and his hand touched his face tenderly where he'd just been slapped. She had quite swing, and he was glad it hadn't been a fist. Listening to her go off on him, his expression didn't change much, and before standing, he wrote a couple more notes.
Getting to his feet, he sighed deeply. "I can exit myself, thank you. But know this, Ms. Johnson... you're not helping the Elite by losing your temper. The FBI sees facts, and the fact is, you're walking on thin ice."
He nodded to her. "Thank you for your time."
Many eyes had snapped to the scene as Sapphire's voice had risen, and now those same eyes followed Kirk as he exited. Once he was gone, a new face slowly poked around the corner.
Scott's expression was a worried one. He'd heard the commotion and was going to interfere but Kirk had left too quickly. He and Sapphire might not have the greatest relationship but that didn't mean he wouldn't defend his sister. "You okay?" he asked softly.
Angel's slamming pencil brought Lane's attention up and his eyes widened as she entered the room. Still at a loss, he simply straightened to watch, wondering if anything she said could even make a difference.
Amber gave Angel a disinterested look as she explained herself and the situation further. She folded her arms and sighed. "I'm sure you are very good at what you do," she replied coolly. "But I don't need to see any medical records. You see, I'm his mother, and I know exactly what he needs."
Travis slowly got to his feet, hiding how much it hurt.
Amber smiled in satisfaction and glanced back to Angel. "See? He'll be just fine. And don't worry, I don't blame you. You're not the one who will be paying for this absurd incident."
Travis stepped closer to his mother, his height above hers now obvious as he looked down at her. "I'm sorry...but I can't go with you."
"Of course you can." Amber frowned at him. "Get your shoes on."
Travis' eyes went first to his father, then Angel, then back to his mother. Bending down close, he whispered something in her ear.
She recoiled, her face paling slightly. Glancing around, she composed herself and tilted her chin in the air. "Alright. Fine. You know the consequences."
"And so do you," he replied evenly. There was a biting edge to his tone that could send chills down one's spine.
Amber swallowed hard. "I hope you're happy," she responded. "Because when you finally get home, things are going to be much, much different." Spinning on her heel, she stomped out of the room, then back outside, letting the door slam behind her.
As soon as she was gone, Travis started to collapse, and he grabbed Angel to keep from falling. The stress of the situation had been too much. Lane automatically stepped forward to help, but Travis held up a hand to stop him, followed by a glare. "Don't even."
Lane drew back, the pain returning to his face. Obviously he was still bitter about being left in the dark. It was Lane's own fault and he knew it...but his son's rejection still hurt like nothing else.
Travis leaned heavily on Angel, wincing as his ribs retaliated against the movement, and his head spun. "I'm sorry about my mother," he apologized. "She won't be coming back."
How could he be so sure? Lane's brow furrowed. "What did you say to her?"
"That's between her and me." Travis turned back to the bed, needing Angel's help so as not to fall.
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