All-nighter

Any apprehensions are shoved to the back of Tal's mind, getting them out of the way so he could just enjoy this time with Ryan. Did she know how blessed he felt? He'd never dreamed of holding her in his arms like this. He'd only wanted to right a wrong and make sure she knew she was worth more than she'd been treated before. But in turn, he'd been given a chance of his own. A chance at a relationship. A chance at mutual feelings. A chance at calling Ryan his girl. A chance at falling in love.

The passion is slowly brought down a notch by several slow kisses until Tal pulls back slightly. His heart beat like a drum inside his chest, his pulse racing as he tried to catch his breath. Smiling, he runs a finger down the side of Ryan's face. "You're the best," he whispers. She treated him so differently than other women had. He'd been backstabbed, left and made fun of. But not with this. Not with Ryan.

Sighing deeply, he grins as Ryan moves up and down with his breathing. "I need to get going..." He scrunches his nose, proving he'd rather stay here. "Holly will never forgive me if I get home too late."


Eric follows Ashlee's gaze to the spare bit hanging on the wall. "Oh yeah - that's a bit. There are many different kinds."

Standing, he goes to retrieve it and bring it back, handing it to her so she can feel it. "Those holes in the top are where the bridle connects to it.... then down those shafts at the bottom is where the reins go. That hard bar in the middle - that goes over the horse's tongue in its mouth."

He points everything out as he talks. "A bit is used for maximum control of the horse. Their mouths are very sensitive. Imagine if you had one of these in your mouth - you'd feel every little move, right? That's how it is with the horses. During training, the horse discovers that when the bit is pulled back with the reins, it's uncomfortable - he'll learn that when he stops, that pressure is released so in turn, he'll remember when someone pulls on the reins, he's supposed to stop. The bit can be used for steering too, although with western riding, steering often comes from laying the reins over the horse's neck. At a faster or more urgent pace though, yes, the bit can pull a horse's head around. When you control a horse's head, you control the entire body."

Eric grins a little, not even realizing he'd fallen into teaching mode. "This bit here is harsher than some because of those shafts - it provides more leverage, and, in turn, more power. A rider has to be careful using one like this."

He leans down and rummages through some leather, pulling out a bridle with a different bit. "Now this one... see, it's got two big rings - that's for both the bridle and the reigns, and the bit, see it's hinged in the middle. It's a much gentler bit, but you use it the same way."


Reese grips Angelica's hand, walking with her back outside. Once to his car, he pulls his cell phone off his belt and gives it a good look. Popping the trunk of his car, he tosses his phone inside and shuts the lid again. "Okay. Now it's truly hooky."

Grinning, he slides in behind the wheel. He didn't know why he was doing this. It was far from his norm. As a matter of fact, it went directly against his usual behavior. Maybe he was just so utterly tired of the daily grind that he was willing to do anything just to break out of it for a while. Maybe work was so overwhelming that he needed a short escape just so he could breathe for a while.

A while later, he was getting out of the car again, but this time they were at the little beach on the lake. Leaving his jacket in the car, he rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt, leaving it tucked into his jeans. Waiting for Angelica's hand again, he heads of at a leisurely pace towards the water. Stopping in the gritty sand, he looks down at his shoes, then over at Angelica's shoes. Glancing up, he catches her eye, a new grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. And within seconds, his socks and shoes were off, his toes burying themselves in the warm sand.


"Friday." Zach's eyes light up. "I've got off work too so that's perfect."

Accepting the napkin, he can't help the little bit of surprise on his face. She was actually giving him her number? Cool.

He grins and folds the napkin to slip it into his pocket. "How about... we meet at Brookshire and do that first, then... see what else we want to do that day? I don't know about you, but my preferences change day to day." He chuckles and finishes off his drink.

Glancing at his watch, he grimaces. "You know, I gotta be to work in a couple hours." Laughing though, he shrugs. "Guess this was as good a reason as any for pulling an all-nighter though." He bites his lip. "Thanks... for hanging out. It hasn't been easy for me, making friends."

Hookie

Being drawn into Tal's kiss Ryan doesn't resist. Thw soft feeling felt so nice but was matched so much passion it was almost overwhelming. Giving a little mermer Ryan just lets herself melt in Tal's arm. Letting her one hand cradle Tal's face she pushes her other hand under him and to the back of his head just letting the kiss continue.

Listing very intently Ashlee watches and studys each peace Eric takes out and shows her. She loved learning something new, and getting to know what each of the peaces were and how they were used. It was just an interest of hers that had now grown since she had been here.

"Mmmmm....How about this?"

Ashlee points to the metal bit that hung on one of the walls.

"I know it goes into the horses mouth and is used for searing but why? It is because it pulls on the head or because the horses dosnt like it in there mouth or....I just dont get it."

Angelica gives a laugh as she stands and puts her light jacket on. The idea of Reese wanting to play hookie was a funny one, but it was like a once in a life time thing. How could she turn it down when it might not even happen again.

"Hookie deffinitly. I think looking at the lake has to be a lot better than looking at a dingy brown wall."

Linking her hand with Reese's Angelica look down at it for a moment before looking up at him and smiling again. She'd never done that before, but she liked it, and liked the way it felt. Maybe this would be something she would do a little more. Not really caring what anyone else saw.

Beth things for a moment before trying to decied when a good time was. Tomorrow she had to work in the afternoon and than hang out with Justin. The day after she worked in the afternoon, but maybe Friday.

"How about Friday for lunch? I have off that day. Maybe we can walk around the mall or see a movie too or something."

It was odd for her to mention that but hey why not. Maybe Zach wouldn't say yes anyways. Writing her number down one of the napkins Beth holds it for a long moment before finally handing it to Zach.

"Here you go. You can call anytime. If I don't answer just leave a message!"

Next Time

Reese grins and nods. "Yeah. Imagine that. I don't know the last time I really enjoyed real alone time with anybody." He thinks. "Well, I guess I've had a few hours here and there with Wyatt, but that's about it."

For just a moment, his eyes dim slightly. He and his son had always gotten along. They'd always had a great relationship, able to tell each other anything. That is... until lately. And Reese wasn't sure at all what had caused the change. But he didn't like being at odds with Wyatt like this.

Recovering quickly, he stands from the table, offering Angelica a hand. "Shall I take you back to work? Or would you prefer to play hooky and run up to the lake for a few hours?"


Almost more surprised that Beth had accepted his offer more than the fact that he'd offered at all, Zach's eyebrows rise as he smiles again. "Great. What days work best for you?" Did she want to get together soon? Or later? Would she want to do it right away, or put it off until she'd forgotten about him?


"Exactly." Eric nods to Ashlee his encouragement. He loved seeing her fascination with even the simplest tasks. He was so tempted to tell her today that he'd teach her how to ride, but he knew he should wait until her birthday. At least then she'd have the boots Stacy had bought her.

"Leather needs enough moisture not to crack and break, but too much just makes it wet and slimy. Ain't worst thing that can happen, but I wouldn't want to sit in a saddle that had been over-oiled."

He reaches into the mess, drawing out a couple different pieces of tack. "This here is a breast collar... it fastens to either side of the saddle and goes around the chest of the horse to keep the saddle in place." He sets it aside. "And this, is a bridle, but see, it has a hackamore, which is different than a bit that goes in a horse's mouth.... and then this here piece is..." He stops, frowns and turns the smaller piece of leather around in his hand. "Apparently this is part of a back cinch, but looks like it's been busted. I wonder if that's the one Mick broke," he muses mostly to himself.

"Anyway... if you ever got questions about what stuff is, just ask."


"Don't be sorry." Tal tucks a strand of hair behind Ryan's ear. His voice was soft to avoid waiting Eli. "You're worth it all and more."

Shifting a bit more so he's lying on his back, he hooks his legs around Ryan, bringing her down on him so he can wrap his arms around her. He grins and kisses her nose. "Next time we call Scarlet to go take your brother out of here for a while," he teases.

But despite sleeping big brother, Tal slips a hand up behind Ryan's head to bring her lips down to his. Enveloping her in a passionate kiss, his free hand rubs her back gently, just allowing the enjoyment of the moment.

Happy

Angelica can't help but laugh as she sits back. Waving to the waiter to come over with there check. They might get enough time together but the time they did get always was nice.

"huh I think I like that idea. Than alone time could really be alone time."

Smiling she didn't mind as much as one may think. She liked working so it didn't bother her but the idea of having more time alone was really a nice though.

Laying with Tal on the couch empty bowls of ice cream on the table Ryan cuddles into him a little more. The night have been a good one and being home with her two favorite boys was even better.

Shifting her head a little to look at Eli asleep in the chair Ryan looks to Tal and gives a smile. Laying here with Tal was so different than with Alec for sure. There was just something softer about it. Moving to get on him just a little bit more Ryan presses her lips against his letting it linger for a long moment, before breaking away.

"I'm sorry to have pulled you into the whole Alec mess, but I sure am happy I did."

Ryan searches his eyes. She'd seen what happened at the track even if she hadn't said anything. She hoped that would be the last of it but something told her it wouldn't be. Ryan's hope though was that Alec was smart enough to leave Tal along less he answer to Eli even more.

Taking the peace of leather from Eric and turning it in her hand Ashlee fingers running over the smooth leather. The feel was nice under her friends.

"I definitely think this peace looks good. Don't want to over oil it right?"

Ash smiles up at Eric happy to know a little more each day!

Beth gives a smile to Zach. Lunch sounded nice and Zach seemed pretty nice. He was sweet, nice, funny, and liked Animles too. He didn't seem so bad after all.

"I think that sounds like a good idea. I would like that."

Lunch

Reese's smile widens and he lifts Angelica's hand to his lips to kiss it gently. "Then I think it's time we start making a little more time for us."

The cell phone on his belt starts buzzing, and he sighs, not appreciating the interruption. Straightening, he looks at the phone to see who it is, and shakes his head. "Pete. They can't go one hour without me, can they?" He smirks a little, giving Angelica a sorry expression for the conversation having gone full-circle back to the Elite. "We definitely need a new system with a revised chain of command so they can live without me."


Zach smiles a little, sipping his drink. It was interesting that Beth would think that situation sad. It proved she had a gentle and compassionate side. He liked that, especially since everything she said just continued to show that he'd been right about her not being a typical bartender.

Though having no idea what condition her sister was in, he finds himself nodding at her suggestion. "Yeah... yeah, I'd like that, actually. My uncle would probably like a new visitor, even if he wouldn't say so."

Zach was far from a man who dated a lot, and even farther from a man who engaged in socializing with strangers he'd met out of the blue. But tonight felt different. Tonight was fun. Light. Nonthreatening. Peaceful. He'd always been one to be cautious about meeting girls, but for some reason, Beth just wasn't fitting into any of the categories other girls had been placed in. He rather liked the spontaneity of this little date, as much as it surprised himself.

"Would you... like to do lunch sometime, then go visiting them?"


Eric chuckles again, enjoying Ashlee's open honesty. "Okay... I promise."

Turning back to the halter he'd been working on, he holds it up to examine it. "Well, I guess this has had enough tender loving care for a while. What do you think?" He hands it to Ashlee, giving her a chance to look it over.

Promise

Angelica can't help but let her smile grow even more. She new part of Reese's heart belonged to Wyatt's mother and always would. If it didn't she would of been disappointed and she wasn't jealous of it. Not in this situation.

"Good, because I would never want to take her place, only share it."

Love was a word not taken lightly but when meant was said. Angelica believe with all her heart she meant it. Even if sometimes work got in the way, or a miss phone call happened. At the end of the day, or when life seemed to slow down for a moment, or simply she needed someone in a moment to talk to Reese would be there and always would be for her.

" And even if I don't show it all the time I think I've fallen in love with you too."

Thinking for a moment Beth gives a small nod but cocks her head too. It was a small world to think maybe Zach new a little how she felt. To go to Brookshire to see his Uncle, but it was kinda sad too.

"It's kind of sad your family trys to keep it hushed. It's not anything to be ashamed about."

Taking another sip of her drink and than putting the empty cup down she runs her finger around the lip for a moment thinking. It was nice, sitting here with Zach, shearing things about themselves. Beth....liked it.

"Maybe you could meet my sister one day and I could meet your Uncle!"

Ashlee can't help the smile that spread across her face. Maybe she did have more than one friend here, someone she could look up too. Even though he was older Ashlee didn't care. Eric was kind, and nice to her and helped her.

"I promise if you promise. I like the way you are, no matter what anyone says."

Special

"Yeah, I did get her from the shelter," Zach confirms. "First day I went there, I spotted her and fell in love." He grins. "I'd like to think the feeling is mutual but it might just be the doggy treats she likes."

Hearing about Beth's sister, Zach barely hears the rest of her phrase. His mind seems to halt. Cocking his head, he seems to study Beth a little more deeply. Did she know her eyes said so much? He wondered. "I do like cats," he answers absentmindedly. "Cats, dogs, birds, hamsters, reptiles - whatever."

His expression remained pensive, despite the light topic. Before he allows the subject of animals to continue, he reverts back to Beth's previous statement. "You said both your parents were gone? So... with your sister... I mean..." He wasn't trying to draw attention to it, but his tone of voice said more that he was intrigued and undoubtedly compassionate. "That's gotta be rough." There was no pity in his words - perhaps it was rather a gentle understanding. He was clueless about the situation - maybe Beth had nothing to do with her sister. But he had an inkling that wasn't the case. And maybe...maybe he did understand more than one might think.

He sips his drink and gives her a small smile. "I guess it's a small world. I... have a great uncle at Brookshire. Not too many people know about it," he admits. "The family likes to keep it quiet. Uncle Harry was in Vietnam and a few years after he got back, the memories got the best of him. His wife couldn't handle it anymore so he was taken to Brookshire and...never left."

Zach gives a slight shrug. "I go see him sometimes. Usually he's just sitting staring out the window. But every once in a while I get a smile. Sometimes he'll even converse about the weather - those days make it worth a trip."

Chuckling softly, he shakes his head. "Not even the guys I work with every day know that. Consider yourself special."


A little bit of color enters Reese's cheeks but he holds his gaze on Angelica. A smile curls his lips. "I think I like that answer." His voice had grown quieter. "You know that I... have a bit of history. A small corner of my heart will always belong to Wyatt's mother. But for a long time I didn't even think the rest of my heart could belong to anybody else. You, Miss Lockheart, have proven me wrong."

The heavy subject of the Elite is forgotten and his eyes sparkle with a renewed youthful vigor - something few would ever witness. "You're so much more than I ever thought... and you mean so much more to me than I've probably ever said. I know sometimes I get so busy with work that that's all I talk about and sometimes I forget to tell you how important you are to me. So for the record... I've fallen in love with you, Angelica. And I don't plan on stopping any time soon."


The last thing Eric expected from the young girl was a hug, so as he's pulled in, there's a moment of hesitation and his eyes go wide. But the moment is so very brief. For in that simple gesture, he felt the unexplainable warmth of innocent acceptance. No matter what anybody else thought of him... no matter his past mistakes... no matter if he felt he fit in here at the ranch or not... Ashlee accepted him for who he was, shown through her willingness to show him affection. Perhaps Eric wouldn't realize all that until later... right now, it was as simple as him feeling so very good.

Chuckling, he wraps his arms around Ashlee in a strong hug. "Well thank you too... for being you." Giving her an extra squeeze for good measure, he draws back and smiles at her. Tilting her chin up with a gentle finger, he winks. "You just keep on being you and everything will turn out just fine."

By your side

Beth loved hearing about Zach and him working at the animal shelter. It showed there was a softer side to him. A side that showed he cared and that he could be gentile by nature.

"Button...thats a cute name. Did you get her from the shelter?"

Taking another sip and letting her eyes roam the little cafe for a moment Beth turns her attachen back to Zach.

"No, I don't have any pets at the moment. I've been to busy with visiting my sister..."

Beth is silent for a moment before searching Zach's face wondering what he would think.

"...She lives at the bookshire Hospital. She got sick a long time ago and never recovered from it. I've got more time now though so maybe I'll a cat. They dont need to much attachen. Do you like cats?"

Beth rolls her eyes. Real smooth.

Looking deep into Reese's eyes Angelica wondered about his question for a moment. But dosn't think to hard on it. Instead she would just let her heart speak.

"Yeah I have. Its changed alot since I met you I know that. Like I never though I would be sitting here on a date with someone before."

Angelica gives a smile as her finger absentmindedly rubs Reese's hand. No matter what she once though now being here with Reese and having his companionship she wouldn't want to trade it for anything. It was a change in her life that was good and she loved it.

"In five years from now I plan to be right where God wants me and I am hopping that, thats by your side still. If asked if I could imagine you in my life, every day for the rest of my days I would say yes."

Continuing to rub the oil into the leather once again Ashlee listens to Eric and gives a small nod. What he said made sense and she understood. Hearing his world made her feel good though and reassured. It was not harping, nagging or someone trying to say they new it all. It was simple, to the point, and soft all at the same time.

"Maybe thats why Mick was so mad at Dylan too. Because he was just scared his son was missing. I wish he was still around to tell him that."

Finished with the leather she had been working on Ashlee just holds it for a long moment mulling over Eric's words. Her nest big task would be to talk to her mom and tell her she was sorry. That was a whole new thing its itself. But Eric seemed to give her the courage even if he didn't know it.

Turning to Eric Ashlee gives a genuine smile to him. She'd never had a dad, and she never told anyone she wished she did but in those few short moments she felt that warmth that maybe was what it was like to have one.

Not saying anything Ashlee couldn't help the feeling she felt, and the warmth that seemed to spread through her. It was comforting, and it just felt good. Leaning over she puts her arms around Eric's neck and pulls him into a big hug.

"Thanks Eric, for just....being you."

Smile

"Umm..." Zach thinks for a moment. "It's the one down on Fern Street. Briarville Shelter I think. Kinda hard sometimes when a pet doesn't get adopted but... I do like working with the animals and giving them some love, no matter the outcome. I'd adopt them all if I had the space."

He grins, taking a sip of his frozen coffee before using his finger to catch some of the whipped cream and lick it off. "I've got a little black cocker spaniel named Button. She's only about ten months old so she's quite a handful, lemme tell you." He rolls his eyes. "So what about you? Got any pets?"


Reese returns a smile, enjoying the look on Angelica's face. Still holding her hand, he cocks his head. "Have you... ever thought about..." He shrugs. "I don't know... further down the road? Like... where you'd want to be next year? Or five years from now?"


Eli quirks an eyebrow, slinging his arm over Ryan's shoulders. "That he does. Let's hope it stays that way, eh?"

Not explaining, he lets her go and heads for his bike. "Enjoy the glory. I'll see ya back at the apartment."


Eric listens to Ashlee, understanding where she was coming from. He'd seen her and Dylan hanging out together a bit and knew that even though Dylan was a few years older, he was the closest friend to Ashlee's age that she had around here. Losing him must not feel very good, especially how it happened. Then to have her mom upset... yeah, he could understand.

Though Ashlee pauses her work, Eric doesn't, just continuing to rub oil into an old leather halter. He lets a few moments of quiet pass before eventually responding.

"Well... we all disappoint people we care about sometimes. We just can't let that keep us from trying again and doing our best anyway. We can't change the past... but we can change our future."

He pauses, still working. "And if I had to make a bet, I'd say your mom was just more scared than anything that day. When a parent gets scared like that, sometimes it comes out like they're mad at us, but they're really just upset for not having seen it coming." He gives Ashlee a sidelong glance. "Your mom was probably more mad at herself for not seeing where you went, than at you for running off without telling her."

Finally setting aside the halter, he turns his head to look at Ashlee, giving her a gentle smile. "Growing up sucks. Just don't let it get ya down too far, okay? I miss your smile."

Comfort

Sitting down and helping Eric just like the times before Ashlee enjoyed it in the tack room. Some might think it was stuff, hot, and smelled funny but for some odd reason she really did like it. It felt almost comforting to her.

Oiling one of the leather peaces Ashlee glances to the side for a moment. Letting out a sigh she shakes her head. There were many things she was thinking about over the last week, but putting it all into words was the hard part.

"Just trying to stay out of trouble I guess. Kinda missing having Dylan around too. Worried if he's ok or not, and just...trying to deal with my mom saying she was disappointed in me too. First time she ever said that so I guess its just hard to swallow."

Looking back at the leather and continuing to oil it Ashlee finally puts the peaces down and the rag too. The latter reason could be the one that bothered her the most. Her and her mom never had a falling out before even if it was something small. So the fact that it happened just hit a little hard.

Beth can't help the laugh that slips out as the sugar goes every where. Zach had a good sence of humor and Beth liked that. It seemed to make this awkward after hour coffee better, and laid back.

"Well I work at a bar. Never went to college because I really didn't fit into the group setting. I have an older sister, and both my parents are gone now."

Stopping for a moment Beth wondered how much she should tell Zach right off the bat. Maybe she should just leave it at that so he wasn't scared away right away. Maybe if he got to know her a little more first it would be better

Changing the subject Beth takes a sip of her coffee and lets the warm liquid slide down her throat. It had been a little chilly outside today so the warmth was nice. Giving another smile she continues.

"You volunteer at an animal shelter I that thats really neat. I'm a pretty big animal person myself. Never got a chance to volunteer though. What one do you work at?"

Angelica can't help the big smile that spread across her face. She enjoyed working for Reese and even more she enjoyed spending time with him. He's been the light she had been missing in life, and now she couldn't even imagine life without it now.

"Your company is just as nice. You seemed to keep me grounded and for that I thank you."

Ryan laughs again as she leans into her brother and give him a half hug. All the attachen from the crowd was nice but the best would be tonight with Eli and Tal.

"Oh ice cream, man that boy know the way to my heart."

Sugar

Eli smirks. "You think that boy would miss a victory party with you? Are you out of your mind?" He grins and shakes his head. "He went on an ice cream run and will meet us back at our place."


Glancing down, Reese turns his palm up so he can hold Angelica's hand. "Thank you... your support means a lot to me."

Pushing aside his plate, he leans his other elbow on the table and looks across at her, studying her eyes. "You mean a lot to me in general," he admits. "I'm not sure I'd know what to do if you weren't around." He smiles a little awkward smile. "I'd probably be in the loony bin by now," he teases.

Shaking his head, he gives her hand a squeeze. "I appreciate your input. But most of all I appreciate your company."


Zach grabs a little packet of sugar to fiddle with as he grins. "I have a very romantic job of selling hotrod cars to wealthy customers." He glances from side to side, then lowers his voice. "Actually, I just work in the showroom and try to head people to the big guys for the sales. But saying it the other way sounds better."

Still grinning, he rolls his eyes. "I went to school to learn how to run my own business and I wind up being an errand boy for car salesmen. There's something wrong with that picture. But!" He holds up a finger. "It pays enough, I get plenty of hours and I get enough days off to volunteer at the animal shelter in my spare time. How could I complain?"

He leans back in his seat, studying Beth for a moment. "So I know that you..." His voice trails off as his fingers accidentally rip through the sugar pack, sending the white contents all over the table. His eyes widen and without missing a beat, he snaps his fingers as if there was someone close by to hear. "Oh, waiter? Cleanup on table seven. We seem to have a problem with exploding sugar packets."

Ducking sheepishly, he starts brushing away the sugar with his hand. "Okay, so that was smooth." He clears on his throat before choking down a laugh. "Where was I? Oh yes - I think we need to change the subject to you before I make any more a fool out of myself."


Eric helps Ashlee to the barn, not minding the slower pace a bit. Getting into the tackroom, he gestures to a bench where she could sit. "Well, see this trunk here?" He pulls a large trunk away from the wall and opens it up, revealing a mess of leather. "This is how the tackroom stays clean... because everything that doesn't have a place gets thrown in here."

He grins and sits down next to her. Pulling out a bridle, it's obvious that everything is quite tangled up. "You can start by straightening this out, then we'll give it a little bit of oil before finding it a home on a wall peg."

The work is easy and the atmosphere peaceful. Eric chats a little but mostly concentrates on the task at hand, directing Ashlee on what to do but letting her figure some things out by herself too, like which way a bridle was put together and matching up reins. After a long span of silence though, Eric finally speaks again. "So... I couldn't help but notice you've been kinda quiet lately." He glances to the side, watching her as he continued to work. "Something on your mind?"

Private Victory Party

Ashlee gives a smile and a laugh as she takes Eric's hand to stand up. The reassurance was nice from him. She didn't need her crunches anymore, but she was limping still. Leaning into Eric a little though Ashlee trusted him to help her.

"So what needs to be done?"

She always though the tack room was kept neat, if it needed to be cleaned up that was a bit of a shocker. She wouldn't complain though she loved the smell of the tack room. The leather, the oils, and the horses. It was a smell she quickly got use to and fallen in love with.

Seeing Zach Beth gives a smile and a little wave drawing closer. She was unsure about this whole though but what could it hurt. At least she was breaking out of her box. If anything at least is was something new.

"Sure, sorry I was a little late."

Sitting down next to Zach and placing her order Beth sat quiet for a second. Now what...what did she say?

"Sooo...I know you came out here for work...what do you do?"

Beth couldn't help but feel a little lame!

Angelica gives a nod to Reese. She understood everything he was saying and where he was coming from. There was so much that ended to be though over and planned her own mind was spinning already thinking everything over.

"Well no matter what we deiced to do, I'll help all I can. Just let me know what you need from me and I'll do all I can."

Giving a smile Angelica reaches across the table and rests her hand on top of his. Not only did she believe in the Elite but she also believed that Reese would do what was right and good for everyone.

Looking down at her brother Ryan slips sliding from the hood of her car. Tonight had been a pretty good night between winning the race and the great feeling of Tal standing up for her early in the day it just seemed good all around.

"Did Tal leave already? He's still coming over for a private victory party right?"

Poor Girl

Reese mulls over everything as Angelica speaks, appreciating her input and perspective. "We couldn't take them to court unless something happened - we have no grounds for that," he reasons. "We really don't have one legitimate complaint. It's just a lot of little things and a judge won't take the time for something like that."

Considering Phinox, his eyes squint a little as he thinks. "I don't know... about having agents there, that is. He and I discussed it once upon a time when he was just barely getting started with his idea of a ranch. I know he needs help and I like some of his ideas, but I'll admit I'm selfish and want to keep the best agents here. We're shorthanded the way it is." He shrugs. "I do agree that his place would be the ideal setup for the rehabilitation program for Agency members we bring in - some good hard work and people to counsel them. I guess maybe I haven't seen a good solid plan yet so I'm hesitant to invest in it, you know? I like the concept and I think Phinox has a good head on his shoulders, I just haven't seen enough to want to give away any of my men or set up a branch of the Elite there."

Shaking his head, he gets back on track. "As far as the board goes, someone would have to be elected - we can't just let someone in favor of the Elite waltz in there and plop themselves in a seat. Granted, they probably would allow another member, but even then, it really wouldn't matter all that much. Brown has been our spokesman for the most part and I doubt anyone else could do more than he has."

Fiddling with his fork again, he continues to think. "Maybe just having some different levels of security would solve it. Maybe we wouldn't have to run in 'secrecy.' But the board wouldn't be able to have top level clearance and I don't know if they'd accept that or not. Someone other than me would need top clearance. Maybe they'd be happy with Brown - I'm not sure."


The crowd was still fairly thick as the race had just gotten over. A brief celebration and exchanging of bets circled around the reigning champ - Ryan had won as usual. Hunter had given her a run for her money, but had missed his one chance to pull ahead. Slowly, the racers and onlookers begin to disperse, making plans for that night, or the next time they'd all gather here again.

Tal pulls himself away from the group to amble towards his car, planning to meet up with Eli and Ryan later for a late movie. He didn't have to work tomorrow, so it was a perfect night to be up.

Sidling through the mess of parked cars, he approaches his from behind and gets in without paying much attention to his surroundings. Only when he starts the engine and tugs at his seatbelt does he realize that he's boxed in. But what was in front of him wasn't another car. He lets his seatbelt snap back into place before gripping the steering wheel tightly. He grits his teeth, knowing that this was no coincidence.

Alec sits lazily on his parked motorcycle, lengthwise in front of Tal's car. Squinting a little in the headlights, he looks to the windshield, just able to make out Tal's face. He gives a slight wave before folding his arms and planting his feet on the ground.

Tal cuts the motor but leaves the headlights on, sighing deeply. There was a car to his right, a car to his left, and one in the back. He knew that Alec knew good and well he couldn't get out. But what was his point?

Finally, he opens his door and steps out. "You're in my way," he states flatly.

Alec cocks his head, his expression showing very little. "And you're in mine."

"And how's that?"

Alec swings his gaze over to the crowd, able to just see Ryan by her car. Then he looks back at Tal. "I think you know."

"Aw, no..." Tal shakes his head. "You are not going to start this up."

"Hey, I didn't start it."

"Oh, I think you did."

"Wanna make something out of it?"

Tal hesitates. He didn't want to fight. First, it was wrong, and second, he didn't think he could take Alec. "No. I don't. So please get out of my way before I run your bike over."

Alec laughs. "You don't have the guts."

"Don't I?"

"Hey." Eli had broken away from the other group as soon as he'd seen Alec and Tal together. Just seeing Alec at all made his blood boil. "Problem, gentlemen?"

Alec gives him a look of disgust. "What? You this little boy's babysitter now?"

Eli crosses his arms. There were few people he would defend to the death - Ryan was one, and so was Tal. "You're the only one I see that needs a babysitter. What's with the macho act?"

Alec's eyes narrow. "I don't think this is any of your business."

"Oh, I know it isn't. But I like sticking my nose where it doesn't belong." Eli keeps his temper in check and glances over to Tal, then back to Alec. "How about you just get your bike on out of here before something... unfortunate happens?"

Whether Alec wanted a fight or not, he knew he probably wouldn't be able to take down Eli and Tal together, and whoever else would decide to join in. "Fine. But this isn't over."

"I hope it is. For your sake."

Alec gives him one last glare before firing up his motorcycle. His eyes swing back to where Ryan was, then he dons his helmet and takes off after revving his engine more than need be.

Eli's gaze travels after him until he's gone. His folded arms hid his clenched fists. He glances back to Tal. "You alright?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. Maybe I should just go home though."

"What? And let him win?"

Tal sighs deeply. He wasn't used to this type of thing and really didn't know how to fight it. But maybe Eli was right. "Yeah, okay. Thanks for stepping in - I really didn't want to run him over."

Eli can't help his grin. "See you back at the apartment." He points at him. "Be there. Or I'll have to deal with a grouchy sister and you know I won't be happy about that."

Tal finally smiles. "Alright. Tell her I'm bringing the ice cream."

"You got it." Eli throws him a salute before ambling back into the crowd, heading for Ryan. Had she seen the little encounter? Regardless, he wasn't willing to let it spoil his evening. He gives his sister's shoulder a teasing light punch. "Way to go there, Sis. Looked good out there tonight."


Zach swivels back and forth on the stool up at the coffee bar. The music was pleasant, the lighting was soft and there were more people here than he thought, but it wasn't too crowded. Lots of coffee options too - that was always a plus.

Unfortunately, he really wasn't sure just what he was doing here. He'd asked a complete stranger out tonight - how smart was that? He'd asked bartender out... a girl he didn't even know. What if she wasn't as sweet as she seemed? What if she really did have an irate boyfriend waiting at home? What if she was looser than he'd thought and she just wanted to have a "good time" later tonight... er... morning? What would his mother say?

That last thought makes him grin. His mother would have a fit, and the mental image was pretty amusing. He was bored... lonely... he just wanted some pleasant company. Was that all bad? He really wasn't in the habit of asking anybody out, let alone a stranger. Come to think of it, this wasn't like him at all. He was scared of asking out girls. Maybe settling in a new town was getting him out of his box for once. And who knew? Maybe he really would make a new friend.

Spinning around one more time, his eyes catch someone coming in through the door. Seeing it was Beth, a smile emerges. She'd actually come. He'd had his doubts. Sliding off the stool, he wanders over to her, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "You made it!" Overexcited? He takes it down a notch. He didn't want to scare the poor girl. If she really was a poor girl. Or maybe she -

He cuts of his own thoughts and gestures to a nearby table. "Care to sit with me?"


"Slow?" Eric smirks at Ashlee. "You ever seen me move in the morning? A caterpillar has more chance of getting to the barn than I do."

Grinning, he stands up again and offers Ashlee a hand. "Come on. The tack room never has and never will require speed. It just requires an extra set of hands that I don't got."

Beat them to it

Beth gives a small smile. It was strange for her to trust someone like this but there was just something about Zach that told her he was ok. Was it foolish of her? Some might think so and maybe something inside screamed at her that it was, but breaking out of the mold was something Justin had showed her how to do.

"If you can find your way there ok. I'll be waiting.

...The next few hours seemed to go by so slow for Beth as she waited for three o'clock to come. Even though it started to get busy the minutes just seemed to pass by. Once three hit though, she was cashed out for her tip and her till was counted Beth was out the door and across town in record time.

Sitting in the her car for a long moment Beth hesitates. Was this really a good idea to meet and have coffee with a guy she didn't even know who came into a bar but didn't drink. For a moment it made her wonder. Had he come there looking for directions or for a purpis other than that.

Rolling her eyes at herself Beth finally get out of the car. This was a well populated place specially at this time. Pluse she needed to do something different for once.

Locking the car and entering the cafe Beth's eyes roam the tables. Was Zach here already? Should she get a table or wait? Would he even show up or was this some cruel joke? This was the first time Beth had ever done this so she was a tad bit unsure and nervous.

Continuing to just listen to Reese Angelica takes a sip of her water her food going untouched for the moment. She felt bad for Reese, he was so upset about this whole thing and it was taking its toll on him. Not that she blamed him. It was easy to see where he was coming from. One reason she had joined the Elite was to help people, and to help the people here against the Agency. Lately though it seemed to be drifting farther from that, not that she minded helping people outside the elite as well but there was less and less of a need.

"What if we beat the bored to going to court? Take them to court ourselves and talk with the judge about not really being the Elite anymore and just being another police force? If we get the jump on them we would be more prepared to fight!"

Angelica liked Reese idea about having certain thats that were secrets again but there was a part of her that wanted to try and do things the legal way. That was her job after all.

Giving a small sigh she twirls her noodles before popping it into her mouth and chewing just thinking for a long moment. Everything was alot to take in and she now realized why Reese had been so stressed after the last few weeks. For one person to carry this all it was by far to much.

"I do think it is possible to do what your talking about. Maybe even Phinox could help you out with the new place he is building. I know he is looking had having some of the agents coming over that he use to work with."

Angelica eyes Reese for a moment knowing he might not know about that.

"He's confided in me once or twice about the leagel stand point with the whole thing. So many if you can get his help there are two differnt places there and more agents. I believe in what the Elite does hole heatedly and whatever you choose I would follow but I definitely dont think we should just lay down and become another law enforcement. Everyone has worked to hard, and we have come to far to let that happen. Not to mention than The Agency would have free rain where ever they wanted and thats one thing the bored just dosnt understand. I still stand by if we do this we need to get eyes inside on the bored team. Having someone on the inside like that would help alot."

No movement was made from down below but Trey did strain his neck from his bed to look out the high window as he saw Cindy pass and than disappear. A small seance of sadness seemed to pass over him. Scoffing though he folded his arms over his chest. He never new her before why did he care. Still he couldn't ignore the feeling that tugged at his heart.

Looking up as Eric sits down next to her Ashlee gives a little smile. Today she had been working on her homework slowly, not speeding through it like normal. Her mood had been down since Dylan was gone, she miss her friend and was worried that he was ok. To top it all off, she'd hardly talk with her mom either. She'd been mad and still was how she over reacted, not to mention she was a bit ashamed by the words she had spoken to her as well.

"Sure I can help. But you don't have to pay me. It's something to do."

She had to admit getting Eric's offer was nice. Not only was it something to do but she liked spending time with him. He'd showed her a lot of new things and helped her learn about the horses. It was something she'd been craving.

After hurting herself though she figured he wouldn't want her around. She couldn't move quickly and would more than get in the way than help. So getting his offer now it made her feel good that he still did want her help.

"I'm just a little slow in the moving department. My ankle is still sore, but better than it was."

No Nothing

Zach looks back towards the door and grins. "I don't know... sleepy or not, they do look a little scary."

Still smiling, he glances at his watch. "Three o'clock, huh? How about I leave now, then meet you at the Around the Clock coffee shop after you get off work? I haven't been there, but I hear it's good."


Reese plays with his food for a moment before finally taking another bite of chicken. He nods at Angelica. "Yeah, there was a bunch of paperwork once we went public. Brown wanted to just have us be our own independent organization, but the judge was against it. The stuff I signed was ultimately handing over authority to the board with the understanding that they would allow me to be the Elite chief and run things according to what I believed or wanted - of course, all that, within reasonable limits. There were loopholes in the contracts, I'll admit. I've got copies. It's things just like that "reasonable limits" and words such as "mostly" and "primarily" that technically give me more free rein than they'd like."

He takes a sip of water before leaving his food be again. "We don't have an official agreement as to how much information I give them - they've simply been asking for it and basically if they don't get it, they could take the evidence before the judge system and have us shut down or placed under a more strict ruling. I've been giving them all they want so we can avoid a mess. Along with all that, they've been asking a lot more of the Elite as far as little tasks go - things the police should be taking care of, or small cases that should be left to their own detectives. Part of it is that they're overworked and I understand that. But when we're out chasing down all these small-time crooks, we're losing sight of the Agency and, now, the Underground. We don't have the manpower for both. But there again, I have the ability to say no, but if I do, they could start investigating us, and, again, could go to the judge."

Leaning back in his chair, Reese shakes his head. "I know I should be talking to my agents, but there's just so much that could go wrong right now, I've held my tongue. I miss the days of handing off a case and saying, 'here, run with it,' and trusting the outcome. Now, since I'm asked for reports, I gotta be involved in everything and can't simply trust my own men to do their jobs. It's all under scrutiny. To top it all off, I think some of the board members would actually like to see us shut down, so they're just waiting to find something to pounce on."

He shrugs. "I do have Brown on my side, and he's spoken up for us a time or two, but he's got his own neck to look out for too, and I don't like putting him in that position. It's all kind of like what we've done with Alec. We used to be able to do things like that on our own. Now, if he'd go bad on us again, we'd never get away with bringing in our own guys again - they'd go straight to the police station after being arrested and evidence would slip through our fingers. So we're stuck, hoping that Alec won't be stupid because it could ruin a lot of things for us. Yet I wouldn't want to change it because I do firmly believe in the rehabilitation of Agency members."

Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Reese gives Angelica a sorry kind of smile. "Sorry I'm just spouting off, but I really don't know what to do. If we could pull off keeping some of our cases separate from those that we report... we could basically run partly under our own rules and partly under the eyes of the board. However - that would take an awful lot of work, more manpower, and everyone's willingness to play two parts. We would need a different system of security levels that the board knew about, so agents, if asked directly by the police, FBI or board member themselves, that they weren't authorized to share the information with a lower clearance level. See what I mean? It's not just a matter of saying okay, we're gonna send two men to hunt down the agency and cover it up so the board doesn't know - it's going to take a major overhaul of the way things are run. We would need a front that the board and public saw, while behind it all, we'd be doing the work we used to that no one else would know about."

He sighs. "I'm the chief... the leader... I need my ducks in a row before sharing this with any of my agents. I don't want it to be a meeting - a free-for-all... I want to be able to tell them with confidence what the plan is. Otherwise it could be chaos. And yet... is this really the path we need to take? Or do we just need to settle down and do what we can while abiding by the board's rules? I really don't know."


"I'll be fine... really."

"I know, but I just... I worry."

"Well stop it. There's nothing to worry about."

Cindy sighs and reaches down to run her fingers through Jason's hair as he lies on the infirmary bed. It had been several days since he'd been awake. His color was returning, he'd been up and walking around, showered and dressed himself. But that didn't mean she wouldn't still worry about him. "Okay. I do need to get back to Kaylee - she's probably being a holy terror by now."

Jason grins. "Probably."

"Alright, well... call me sometime, okay?"

"Will do. Safe trip."

Cindy bends to kiss his forehead. "Goodbye." Turning, she tells Rick goodbye, then Katie as well. Stepping out into the hall, her eyes drift to the stairs that went to the lower level. She had forced herself not to see Trey since meeting him, and all the time it had been pure torture. But he knew she'd been there and he hadn't made a move, so she knew there was no point in pushing it.

"One day."

Cindy jumps and turns quickly. Her gaze meets Derek's. He knew what she'd been thinking. "I have my doubts."

"Hang in there."

"You never did meet him, did you?"

"No... not yet." Derek's eyes prove the disappointment he felt, knowing that if he were to even try approaching his son, it could just cause trouble. He'd avoided it for Cindy's sake. "Someday... someday when he's ready."

Cindy nods. "Goodbye, Derek. It was... good to see you."

He smiles and pats her shoulder. "Ditto. Take care of yourself."

"Oh, I will... I will."

Only after she was gone does Derek now take his turn at glancing to the stairway. He'd watched Trey on one of the cameras a time or two and longed to meet him face-to-face. But something told him it simply wasn't time...yet. For now, he had one son, who, thankfully, was on speaking terms with him. And it was Jason that he needed to bid farewell to, and take his turn going back home with Liz.


It had been a week. Not signs. No calls. No nothing. Dylan's absence from the ranch didn't disrupt much of the daily routines, but there were plenty of people who were worried about him, even if they didn't say so. Most avoided the topic so as not to upset Mick, who had extremely quiet since his son's departure. He'd even handed off the riding lessons to Jeff for that week, preferring to take Remington out on a ride, or even staying inside and doing paperwork - certainly not like him, but no one questioned him about it...

...The dining room was rather quiet as most people had finished lunch and dispersed for the afternoon. A few people hung around to chat for a while though, while some of the women cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.

Eric hadn't shown up for lunch - he'd been a bit distant this past week or so with a lot on his mind. Now though, he comes quietly in through the back door and glances around the room. Spotting who he was looking for, he wanders up to the table quietly.

He was aware that Ashlee had been grounded for a few days after the little incident with Dylan. But he was also aware now that she was free to do what she wanted again - as much as her ankle would allow anyway. He missed seeing the girl's perky smile. She hadn't seemed very happy lately. Not that Eric could blame her, but he had to admit he did miss his little helper in the barn. And whether he realized it or not, he wanted to see her happy again.

Coming up behind her, he pulls out a chair next to her, straddling it backwards and tipping his hat back on his head. "Hey, partner." He gives her a wink. "I was just looking for somebody to help me sort through some tack in the tack room. Ain't the most interesting job and don't pay very well but... I was wondering if you'd be interested."

3am

Moving around the bar and taking money from customers Beth keeps Zach in her views as well. It felt nice to have someone there that wasn't drink and didn't slur when he talked. Making a silly face here and there as she passed him by Beth found herself wondering what had gotten into her. That was definitely not like her but it just seemed to come out.

Finally having a moment of free time again to stop and chat with Zach Best smiles. Hearing his question she can't help but laugh a little it. Not answering right away though she wondered. Her and Justin did a lot of stuff together and she liked him, but he never seemed to make a move beyond friendship. Surely she had shown how much she had grown since he first met her. They wernt dating so to go out with Zach once wouldn't be so bad....right?

"Coffee sounds nice, but I don't get off till three if you want to wait that long. As for the boyfriend, there is nothing to worry about there. However if you get out of line there are a few bouncers there that might."

Beth looks to the two big guys sitting by the door. One sits yawning while the other trys to pick up one of the drunk girls. Rolling her eyes back tilts her head and looks back to Zach.

"Ok I take that back!"

Sitting across from Reese Angelica used her form to curl some noodles as she listened to Reese. She new he had something on his mind but she had no idea just how indeepth it had become. Mulling over his words she's quiet for a long moment. Processing, thinking, and figuring out the best answer.

"When the Elite became public did you have to sign any papers on what you would be doing, or would have to send to the bored or what not? As long as you haven't signed any new papers since than, than you can't get in trouble if you don't give the bored everything they want, or follow all there rules. They are bound by that paper as much as you are."

Taking a sip of her water Angelica continues to think. It was hard because being a lawer she couldn't tell Reese to do everything she would like too. Though she didn't want to help all she could. She believe in The Elite's cause and new they were good. There was nothing about them that scream foul play.

"I don't see a problem with putting some of the old rules back into play. The Elite is not like every other law enforcement and to have it become that way would be a shame. I think a good idea though would be to get someone you trust, and shares the same passion as you onto the bored so if need be they can keep there ears and eyes open on the inside."

Leaning back in her chair Angelica study's Reese for a moment. She couldn't imagine everything he was going through right now. If he had been carry this alone no wonder there was so much tention around the office. It made sence now.

"Also I think it would be a good idea if you talk to your Agents so they know whats going on and why things are happening the way they are. I think it's important for you to have that open communication!"

Boyfriend

Immediately loving Beth's sense of humor, Zach laughs. "Your secret is safe with me."

Still smiling, he studies her face for a moment. Yes, there was definitely something about her that did not match her occupation. There was a softness about her that didn't fit someone working in a bar. He wondered how it was she'd come to be here.

He also wondered what on earth he was doing. But after boring evening after boring evening, company and pleasant conversation was too inviting to pass up. He could talk to his dog all he wanted, but it just wasn't enough. He still hadn't settled on finding a church yet either, so finding good friends wasn't coming quickly. And his coworkers? Well, there again, there just weren't too many there that he'd want to hang out with. So he was at a bar. That made a whole heap of sense. He inwardly rolls his eyes at himself. No, it didn't make a lick of sense. But he was here, the cherry coke was good and whether or not anybody would believe him, the company was good too.

After glancing from side to side, Zach leans into the counter a little more. "Okay, so, would it be safe for me to ask you out for a cup of coffee when you get off work, or is there a boyfriend hiding in the shadows that would come beat me to a pulp for asking?"


Reese grins as Angelica links arms with him. "I'm thinking.... Chinese. If you don't mind a little less than formal atmosphere, I'm actually craving the sweet and sour chicken at Tou Han's."

Not half an hour later, Reese was seated across from Angelica at a booth in the little Chinese restaurant. The aroma alone would make anyone hungry. As much as Reese had been craving this food though, he ends up picking through his chicken, not eating as much as planned. Quiet, he's thoughtful, carrying on some small talk, but nothing too much deeper than the weather.

Eventually, though, he sets down his fork and rests his elbows on the table to set his chin in his hands. Looking over at Angelica, he searches her eyes. "I need help, Angelica. There's something I've been trying to get a handle on for weeks now and... I finally realized I can't do it alone. I shouldn't be talking to anyone about it but..." He shrugs lamely. "If there was one person I'd tell, it's you because I trust you."

Sighing, his gaze drops for a moment before he looks back up at her again. "The Elite is in trouble. The board is cracking down on us and wanting more and more control over what we do. Brown doesn't like it, but his hands are tied. I'm having to send more and more reports every day and include more and more details on everything just so the board can scrutinize everything we do. It's putting us in a box and squelching our purpose."

That wasn't really new - everybody was aware that things weren't like they used to be and that they were answering to higher authority now. They still had a different set of rules than the other law enforcement agencies, but the reins were getting tighter.

"I wouldn't mind so much but it's beginning to affect our agents. Freedom is gone. They're struggling to stay within bounds and make sure they don't get in trouble, rather than letting their passion for justice lead their actions. We're the Elite... but we're not allowed anymore to act like it."

Another sigh slips out. Did he dare say what he wanted? "I've... been considering reestablishing some of our former policies." He bites his lip. Did she understand? "Unfortunately, that would require a level of secrecy. We would be far from underground like we were once, but... the board might not exactly know about everything we're doing. I'm afraid of leaks through the board, I'm afraid of them coming down harder on us, and I'm afraid of losing my agents because of stupid rules and regulations that are only there to control us. But if we reestablished some of our high priority, top secret files..."

There. He'd said it. The implication hangs in the air. "I know you're a lawyer and bound by a different code of ethics. And if I didn't trust you like I do, I'd never make you keep a secret like this. But I gotta know... Is this something the Elite should do? Or do we follow the board and bend to their will until we're just like every other law enforcement out there?"

Judgment

Feeling a bit of color come to her own face Beth was kind of happy the lights in the bar were dim. One couldn't notice it to much. Why did he say that though? She wasn't all that special, or maybe it wasn't that but the fact that she was only use to Justin giving her those kind of complements.

"Well if you think a coke I pour for you is amazing, than I better not let you ever try my cherry pie. A friend of mine tells me its to die for and well, I'd really like it if one of my regulars wouldn't die."

As the conversation moves on Beth gives a smile nod as he tells her about finding his way around. Unlike most of the people who came into the bar the Beth didn't want to listen to because they were drunk with problems she actually wanted to listen to Zach. She was interested in what he had to say.

"It's not to big here. I think you'll catch on quick to where everything is. I mean you already know you way here. So thats a good start."

Stepping away from Zack for a quick second as someone else at the bar got her attachen for another drink Beth holds up her finger that she would be right back. Pouring the drink, taking the payment and making some quick small talk it doesn't take long before Beth is back once again.

"Well its nice to meet you Zach. I'm Beth and yes thats my real name. But don't tell anyone ok."

Beth gives a wink to Zach a teasing dance in her eyes.

Looking up from her desk Angelica gives a smile. She and a few cases unrelated to the Elite she was working on but she could use a break herself. Seeing the weary look on Reese face She new something was on his mind.

"Yeah I could use a late lunch. Just give me a few moments to wrap things up here ok?"

A few minutes later Angelica was getting her coat on and means Reese on the main floor. Giving a smile and tucking her arm under his she was ready.

"I'm good to go where ever you like. You know what I like and dont so I trust your judgment!"

Nerve

Watching Misty leave his office, Reese wonders a moment about her and Carson. Was everything really okay? He'd brushed off Carson's behavior a few days ago, but now with Misty wondering about it...

He shakes his head. It really was none of his business, even if he did care. He'd just keep his eyes and ears open.

Sighing, he stares at all the unfinished paperwork strewn about. They were accomplishing a lot of things lately, but there were also a lot of things going wrong and they needed to get a handle on things. Nobody really seemed happy anymore. Was it him? He knew he'd been tough on everybody lately but he had his reasons. Then there was Wyatt, who hadn't come in today at all - Reese really couldn't blame him, though they did need Wyatt here, whether he was on probation or not. All in all, things around the Elite had been very tense lately. There was a lot going on, including much that no one but he knew about. He had some very hard decisions to make, which had only added to his stress lately. Soon though, he'd have to go one way or the other, and it could cause a major change in the Elite once again. It wasn't an easy burden to bear... and he was tired of doing it alone.

Getting up from his desk, Reese wanders out across the main floor and down the hall. Stopping at Angelica's office, he knocks and pokes his head inside. "Hey... you got a minute or two to talk? Not here though... over a late lunch?"


Tal grins and shrugs. "Wherever you want to go. Today is your day... until we have to go back to work."

Lifting her hand to his lips, he gives it a kiss. "You're an amazing woman, Ryan... don't let anybody tell you otherwise."


Having the woman read his mind, a smile spreads on Zach's face. "I really am too predictable," he muses. Taking a sip, he shakes his head. "Nah... it's not what's in the cola. It's... kinda like how food from people we like always tastes better. It's not what the food is, but who serves it."

A slight tinge of red reaches his cheeks before he takes another sip of pop. Moving on quickly, he nods at her question. "Yeah, I'm finally figuring things out around here. I've lived all my life about three hours north of here and just didn't get down here very much. Now that I got a job here though, I better learn things quick."

Slowly spinning his glass on the counter for a moment, he finally reaches his hand out. "I'm Zach, by the way, and I've been trying to get up enough nerve to ask your name for weeks now."

Small Conversation

Talking with a customer that was a little more than tipsy Beth really wasn't intested in his story so she glances around the room. See the man she had a few times before she smiles as he waves. Giving a small wave back she looks back to her customer and pats his hand.

"I can't believe she did that to you Mike. Just take it easy, cool off and in the morning it will be better."

Taking a few steps back as he downs his shot Beth shakes her head a little before turning around and grabbing a clean glass. Going over to the soda fountain Beth fills the glass with cherry cola. The man didn't need to tell her. Every time he'd come in before it was the same thing. Odd but she wouldn't turn him away. A customer was a customer, and he had to be the best looking one she had seen all night.

"You're either lost again or there is something in our cola that makes you come in every week for it. "

Beth smiles setting the glass down on the counter and grabbing a hand tole to wipe her hands on. It was almost like a breath of fresh air when this man came in because he wasnt there to get drunk and tell his sad storys. Maybe thats was made him different, and have a cretin glow about him. Beth could feel herself almost going out of her way to talk to him.

"So how's it going today? Starting to get your bearings around?"

Leaning against the chair Misty's mind wonders for a moment. That was strange that Carson would turn down a case. He always was ready to jump on one. Misty found it rather odd on top of everything else that happened today.

Hearing Reese comment about Carson really not being and oddity Misty gives a smile. Maybe her mind was getting away from her. With everything else going on it could just be she was reading more into things than she should have.

"Yeah alright. I guess your right. Sorry to have bothered you."

Turning Misty heads for the door hesitating for a moment but shaking her head she exits. If she was making this up in her head she better cut it out before she caused problems when there was no need.

If Eli did know what happened today Tal was right he probable would kill Alec. No one messed with anyone Eli new let alone his little sister.

"I think your right. I'd rather keep Eli with me than having him be with John. Even if that is selfish."

Drawing silent for a moment Ryan looks out the window. Wasn't often she talked about John, let alone him being in jail. Not that she was embarrassed but more than it made her sad. She missed her brother just as much as she would miss Eli.

Looking back to Tal Ryan smile letting the moment of sadness slip by. How could she be sad with Tal there.

"So where are we going for lunch?"

Creature of Habit

Reese looks up from his cluttered desk as Misty enters his office. Though he was tired and just a little bit cranky after recent events, he does manage a smile for his niece.

Hearing her question, he furrows his brow and leans back in his chair. "No... No, as a matter of fact, I called him a couple days ago, wanting him on a case and he turned me down. Said he had too much other stuff on his plate - and that it wasn't a good time." He shrugs. "We managed, but we coulda used his help, too. I figured he had his reasons, though." It really had been very unusual for Carson not to jump on the chance to get away from the restaurant for a couple days. But Reese hadn't questioned him and had simply found someone else.

"As far as him acting strangely..." A little grin creeps across his lips and he winks at Misty. "I'm not sure that's a very big oddity."


"No apology or thanks necessary." Tal smiles as he drives. "Besides, seeing Leo off to the side with a wrench in his hand, ready to pounce, tends to make a guy a little braver." There was no doubt that if Tal had been all by himself, he would have done the exact same thing. But he didn't like taking credit for anything.

"We may want to, um... postpone... telling Eli any of this though. Otherwise, we might find him in jail for murder."


Zach wanders into the bar and looks around for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the smokey dim light. He was rather familiar with the place by now. He'd been in here maybe four or five times since that first stop when he'd had a flat tire and needed to ask directions to the nearest auto shop - Briarville wasn't a huge town but it was taking him a while to get his bearings. He wasn't in the habit of visiting bars, but this one seemed to have something rather special. He also wasn't in the habit of actually pursuing such "special" things, but for some reason, he just hadn't been able to let this one go.

Ambling up to the bar he finds a stool and casually glances around at the signs, stacks of glasses and others who were scattered around at tables. His eyes drift to the woman who was tending bar tonight, presently busy with another customer. Jackpot. He'd finally figured out which days she normally worked so he'd know on which nights to stop. Looked like he had it right. She was the one who had given him directions that first time he'd stopped. He'd expected someone gruff who didn't care, and instead, she'd been soft-spoken and very sweet. Not to mention, she was downright pretty.

It wasn't like him to go chasing after a girl, but then, there weren't many times he was quite as desperate for the company of friends as he was now either. His mother would warn him against finding friends in a bar, but Zach saw something in the girl that night - and he saw it now too. While she seemed at ease with her job, there was something about her that didn't fit in this atmosphere. Maybe that's what intrigued him so.

Seeing her glance his way, he gives a little wave. He'd order a cherry coke like usual - he was a creature of habit, after all. Tonight though, maybe he'd have enough guts to break his habit of silence and actually talk to her. Find out her name at least.

Top Secret

Leaving to clock out quick Ryan gives a little wave to the others guys. She didn't didn't know just how ready they were to stepping in but she new they would have if need be and it made her feel safe. This was more than friends here, this was a family...

...Slipping her finger in with Tal's to lock them together Ryan can't help but smile again. She didn't want him to be in the middle of this hole Alec thing but today she was happy he was. Who new what Alec would of done after she hit him.

"It was one of my best. Though I probable shouldn't have let my anger get the best of me like that. Sorry you had to deal with that but thank you for stepping in."

Looking over at Tal Ryan's smile grows just a little more. Tal really had come out of no where and she really was glad for that. There was something about him that was special, peaceful and it made Ryan relax. No matter if she was rough around the edges or not with Tal around they felt smooth.

Being pulled into Carson Misty doesn't resist though it is a lot different than normal. She had a strange feeling something was going on or better yet something was wrong that she didn't know about. It was just abnormal for Carson to be so soft and gentile. In a way it worried her no matter how much she told herself not too.

"I love you too Carson!"

About to ask what was going on with him the moment is passed by, by another kiss to her head and the promise of seeing her tonight after dinner. She's have to ask him than what was going on and if everything was ok once more. She trusted Carson but something just didn't seem right.

"I'll be waiting for you with dinner ready. Just call if your going to be late so I know to hold off cooking so it doesn't get to cold."

Giving a smile Misty turns and leaves the restront heading for her car. Getting back to work she doesn't head for the intermarry first but for Reese office. Giving a know on the door she had to ask. Maybe it was her own imagination or maybe not.

"Hey, you don't have Carson working on any top secret cases do you? He was acting strangely today but I was the only one who seemed to notice."

Caged Tiger

Tal wraps his arms around Ryan, holding her close. His eyes roam the shop, an he gives a little nod of thanks. He'd seen the men ready to step in if need be and he was grateful. Leo gives him a little salute with his wrench before getting back to work.

Returning the light kiss after Ryan's backed away, Tal nods. "That's why I came early - to take you out instead of meeting you. That way I get your company for a little bit longer." He cups her face with his hand for just a moment, his thumb caressing her cheek. "Go ahead and clock out. I'll go wait in the car."

It wasn't long before they were in Tal's car, heading across town to grab a sandwich. Tal gives Ryan a sidelong glance before giving her his hand to hold. "I forgot to tell you to remind me never to make you mad... You've got a mean right hook."


"Hey, Carson?" Dani pokes her head in the kitchen. "It's slowed down out here... mind if I take my lunch break? Hate to break up your little party here."

Carson is just getting up from the table and nods. "Yeah. Give me two minutes."

"Got it." Dani retreats to the front counter again, preparing to leave while finishing up a few odd tasks.

Carson sighs and takes the dirty dishes to the sink before returning to say goodbye to Misty for the rest of the day. Pausing with her at the kitchen door, he suddenly becomes very quiet. Slipping his arms around her, he draws her close, but not as roughly as he normally would. His kiss is more tender than usual too - though lingering, there's a lack of playfulness today. Pulling her into a hug her, he whispers in her ear. "I love you... with all my heart."

Drawing back, he gives her a last kiss to the forehead. "I'll see you after work."


Alec paces his living room like a caged tiger. Anger was almost visibly seeping off of him. A hole in the drywall near the bathroom proved he'd been allowing his frustrations to vent in the wrong direction.

It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair! Why couldn't Ryan take him back? Why?! She didn't bring up him helping kill people or siding with the enemy or stealing cars or anything! Why did she have to dwell on his indiscretions with another woman?? When they met, he'd been with other women! She didn't seem to mind then. Granted, this time he was cheating on her, but still! Why couldn't she just forget about it and move on? Why couldn't he have her back??

Stopping at the window, Alec glares out at the world. He knew he shouldn't have acted like he had today - bullying Ryan didn't feel good, nor was it getting results. But he didn't know what else to do. He wanted her back in his life so badly he could taste it. He was lonely. Bored. And he had a hole in his heart so big he wasn't sure there was any heart left at all.

So she had another man in her life. He hadn't wanted to believe it, but it was pretty obvious now. Alec had been replaced. He'd never felt such an intense gnawing at his insides before, and had trouble recognizing what it was. Maybe if he would stop and let himself think about it, he'd realize that it was hurt and regret.

He had to get her back. His glare wanders up and down the outside street. He'd like to bomb this whole place if only to forget it ever existed. So he'd made a mistake. He'd done it to save people. And what did he get for it? Hard labor and a girl who wanted nothing to do with him anymore. So what was the point? Why couldn't he have just taken pride in what he'd done and get thrown into prison? At least he'd be too far away to think about all of this.

Flopping down in the corner of the living room, his anger is turned down to a slow boil. Leaning back against the wall, he stares into what really was his prison. There was a part of him deep down that wanted to just curl up and cry. But he kept it safely tucked away, not allowing it to surface. He was a man. He was in control. He wanted to gain back what he'd lost and had absolutely no idea how. The only thing he could think of was getting rid of the competition. Maybe then, Ryan would get lonely and want him back.