Plan

Turning quickly at Justin's voice it was more reflex than anything as the sharp gesture even if it had been out of fun it made Beth's heart race but catches the apple without ease.

Holding it for a second Beth finally looks up at Justin again hearing his comment. The corners of her mouth twitch again as she shakes her head. Watching him for a second as he walks away Beth finally turns taking a bit of the apple. It was sweet and crunchy, defiantly something she hadn't had in a long time.

Taking a few more bits as she heads inside Beth throws the rest of it out before heading to her sisters room to spend a little more time with her before she had to go again.

Getting Jason's message Katie was soon on alert in case anything happened like Jason had said. She had to be ready in a split second in case anything happened so she could tell those who needed to know.

Ok I got your back J. Be careful ok?!

Katie new she didnt have to tell Jason that, he was always on his A game but it made her fell better to do so anyways when she was on a mission he was not.

Following Jason the rest of the way out Destiny stays close keeping her eyes out for anything abnormal. Coming to the truck she nods to Alec as he opens the door for her and gets in. Slightly laying down in the back so she couldn't easily be seen but she could semi still see out the window.

Soon they were off and it didn't take long to get across town. Jason new where he was going so that helped so Destiny didn't have to try and direct him. Once outside the building Destiny sits up a little more to see better.

"Yeah this is it. My door is the one of the far right there. Once we get inside I'll just have to head upstairs to my room to grab my things. "

Shifting a little in her seat so that Jason new she was ready Destiny turns to him a little.

"So how are we going to do this? You go in first? I go in you follow?"

She just wanted to know the plan now so she was ready and didnt mess anything up. This was no time try and think she could do it on her own.

Across the street in a van two men waited watching, they had been there all more and with no movement at there targets house they started to become bored. One slept while the other kept watch.

Seeing the truck pull up to the house Chaz perks up in his seat a little. This could be what they were waiting for.

Throwing his hand back with out looking he wackes Drew in the chest to get Drew's attachen.

"Yo man, I think we got company. I got a look in at the chick in the truck and she matches the picture. Looks like there are two Elite scum with her too."

Chaz spits a sunflower seed out onto the van floor before reaching for his gun to make sure he was ready to strike when they got the girl alone. They were under strict orders not to kill her...not yet anyways till the boss got the information from her. As for the other two, who cared about them.

Perfect man

Justin looks up as Beth stands, finding her words interesting. He was often ridiculed for his methods... for someone to view his tenacity as a strength... felt pretty good.

Realizing she was leaving again, he straightens and offers another smile and a little wave. "Yeah... you too. I'll see you around." Watching her walk away, he calls after her. "Hey, Beth... think fast." An apple is tossed in her direction, along with a wink. "An apple a day..."

Grinning, he gathers his bag and soccer ball to stand up and amble to the parking lot.


Jason automatically takes the lead on this short assignment and shakes his head at Destiny. "Naw, leave your car where it is for now. We can move it later. The quicker we go at this point, the better."

As they head for the door, Jason makes a quick job of touching base with Katie so she wouldn't worry about his heightened emotions and adrenaline. "

Got a woman in protective custody - have to go pick up some of her things from her apartment and get back without getting shot at by the Agency. If you sense anything go wrong, tell Reese.

Once outside, Jason leads the way to his truck. "Destiny, take the backseat and lay low. Alec, ride shotgun up front."

"Yes sir."

Jason throws Alec a sidelong glance, having caught the sarcasm. "And behave yourself."

It was no secret they didn't get along all that well, especially after he episode with Trooper. But Jason knew well enough to set aside his personal feelings, and Alec knew well enough to stay out of too much trouble. The combination was a unique team to say the least.

Alec gives him a little smirk and opens up the door for Destiny. "All aboard."

...Heading through town, Jason follows Destiny's directions until he pulls up to an apartment building. "Okay, so far so good. Is this it? Alec, keep an eye out."


"Yeah, Toby? This is Reese."

"Hey, Chief. What's the occasion?"

"Well..." Reese lets out a long sigh and leans back in his chair after the others had left. "We got a situation here. A young woman just showed up with quite a story. I don't have time to explain it all now, but the bottom line is that she needs an Elite bodyguard. Problem is, I don't have anybody to spare for the job. I was wondering if you had any free hands down at your base that could come up here indefinitely."

"Hmm... we're pretty tight here ourselves, Reese. A recent crackdown around here and most of my men are busier than they can even handle. I'm sorry, but..." Toby's voice trails off. "Wait... you know what? I think I have the perfect man for the job."

"Oh?"

"Yes. His name is Chance O'Mally. He needs a kick in the seat every once in a while, but I can have him on the next Elite jet out of here and he can be in Nevada by tonight."

"Wow. that sounds perfect. Send him on down."

Sharp Shooter

Looking down at her hands for a long moment as she seemed to study them in her lap the wheels in Beth's head kept turning.

"Even if my sister never talks again I'll never think coming here was a wast and the time spent with her was not worth it. I know she is listning to me, and she's a lot smarter than people think just because she can't talk."

Giving a stretch on the bench Beth knows even if she could sit outside all day it was time to go back in. She had a little more time left to visit with her sister before it was time to head to work. Beth wanted to soak it all up while she could for today.

As she stands and hears Justin's final comment about being strong and admiring that she came back every day Beth felt a tiny little warm glow inside. It felt nice to hear someone say that, let alone a councilor like Justin was.

"I think your the first person who didn't try to tell me it would be ok. Thank you for that. Oh and I guess we have something in common. We both are strong enough to come back each day even if its for different reasons."

Letting out another small sigh Beth sticks her hands in her jacket pockets just standing there for a long moment watching Justin. Even if he wasn't looking at her she just watched him before finally straightening up again.

"Well I better get back inside. I'm sure I'll see you again tomorrow. Take care Justin, and thanks."

Standing from the comfortable chair she had been sitting in Destiny looks to Jason, than to Reese than to Jason again for a moment admiring his good looks. This must be one of the sharp shooter her father had told her about.

"I'm ready to go now. I live off of Chamberlain and South Main."

Looking over Jason's shoulder to Alec and than back to Jason she did feel a little better two people would be going.

"Once we get there it wont take me long to get what I need. So as long as we dont run into any trouble we should be back quickly"

Turning and starting to head for the door Destiny stops and turns to look at Reese again.

"Thank you for your heal. Once I get back, I can give you the other information I have as well to help."

Heading out the door Destiny stops again waiting for Jason and Alec not sure where he car was or where he had parked even.

"My car is out front...should I move it else where?"

Admiration

Justin shifts on the bench just a little so he can see Beth as she speaks. Her tone had a quiet strength about it. A sadness lurked behind her eyes and a frustration for the cards life had dealt to her. But her voice remained steady, determined not to crumble under the weight of the world. The only sign of sorrow was the single tear that escaped her eye but did not escape Justin's gaze.

Beth's final statement brings Justin's grin back and he chuckles softly, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. If he made her smile, then days he considered unsuccessful really weren't. "If a person can't find something to smile about, the point of life just seems to get lost somewhere in the chaos."

Still bent forward, he turns his head again to study Beth once more. He didn't know her situation. He didn't know why her sister was here or why she was the only family she had left. But it didn't really matter right now. "A visit is never in vain and a word to the ones we love is never worthless... even on bad days." His eyes fall to the sidewalk as he thinks about people in his past, his job, and people like Beth. "It takes someone strong to keep coming here day after day. I admire that."


Reese couldn't imagine being in Destiny's shoes. Not only was she afraid for her life, but she had to worry about arrangements for her parents as well. After just having received thew news for Hope and feeling badly about that, now Reese was overcome with another wave of compassion for this young woman. This just wasn't a good day.

"Any help you need with arrangements for your parents, don't hesitate to ask." Reese felt it was the least he could do. "As for someone to take you to your apartment today..."

He reaches for the phone, pausing a moment before punching the right button. "Hey, Hotshot... please come to my office."

It was only a minute or two later that Jason was in Reese's office, wondering what was going on. He looked down at the woman, to Alec, then to Reese. "What's up?"

"Jason, this is Destiny Rose. Starting now, she's under the protective custody of the Elite." His tone becomes grim. "The Agency would like to see her dead."

Jason's eyebrows rise. That was heavy. "Whoa. What for?"

"Her father was Agency. He wanted to turn and they killed him and Destiny's mother. Destiny is a witness, along with possessing too much Agency information for them to leave her alive."

Jason looks down at Destiny again, now feeling more sorry than curious. "What do you want me to do, Reese?"

"Take her to her apartment so she can pick up a few things, then bring her back here. I want Alec to go with you."

Alec looks up quickly. "What?"

"I want you to go along," Reese states flatly. "You know all too well what angles the Agency might come from in order to kill somebody and I want your eyes and ears out there."

"But-"

"You wanted to get out of here, now here's your chance. You're going with Jason and Destiny and that's final."

Alec sighs and looks to Destiny, shrugging lamely. "Alright."

Jason nods kindly to Destiny. "We'll take my truck. If you're ready, we can head out now and get back before they have time to realize we've got you."

Lowered Walls

Destiny does her best at watching Reese movements as small or as smooth as they were, her father was Agency after all he'd taught her well. Watch her back she new how to do, and stand on her own too feet she could handle but when it came to something like this, to the Agency wanting someone dead before they could get any information out. That alone broke down those strong wall and made her feel week.

"No offense. If someone had just told me there family was part of the Agency and wanted to risk your own to help me I'd have a hard time believing them at first too."

Giving a nod and shifting a little Destiny looks to Alec and than back to Reese understanding what he was saying and for a second she could fell her heart sink that he might not help her at all. That hadn't crossed her mind, to her it wasn't an option.

Letting him continue to talk and his request for staying here at perked her heart up alittle again. At least she would have a safe place to eat and sleep.

"Yes I can stay here, my father told me you would help and I could trust you. If you can have someone take me to my apartment I can get the rest of the the folders I have, and some other personal items I might need."

Continuing to stay seated Destiny's hands where folded in her lip but her fingers still moved showing she was nervous. Not of where she was but of this whole situation in general. It frightened her a little, and knowing people wanted you dead was not a good feeling.

"I have to arrange stuff for my mom and dad in a few days. Thats the only thing I'm really in a hurry for is just putting them to rest."

Giving a little nod Beth was surprised only a little that Justin was a councilor. He defiantly was different than any councilor she was forced to go to, or the ones that would come in to see her sister once a week. He was different, and he looked at things in a different manor. Beth kind of liked it even if she thought he was a little strange.

Letting out a sigh as the conversation got turned around to Beth she just looked at Justin a little sceptically for a moment. He was a councler, was he going to try be like the others if she told him and say everything would be ok? That was something Beth already new, but it never made her feel any better. However she had just admitted to herself he was different so many...his response would be different to her as well.

"Both..My sister is the only family I got left, and she's one of my best friends."

Truth was...Beth didn't have any other friends let alone the time or the will to go out and find some. Sure at work she new people, and others had asked her out, or to just hang but Beth didn't really have time between being with her sister and working. On top of that everything else just seemed pointless and she didn't fit in with people.

"I come every day to see her and some days are better than the rest."

Giving a side long glance to Justin Beth just watches him for a moment before focusing out into the yard again. Some people were walking there loved ones, but Beth's eyes seemed to rest on a small child and there mother sitting under a shaded tree with what looked like there father. He was very still, very quiet his eyes dull, but still there seemed to be a sparkle somewhere behind the blankness but the child was close up to him reading a book out loud.

For a second she got lost in her own world watching the scene in front of her remembering back a long time ago when once a week her family would gather in the living room. Each taking turns picking books to have there dad read to them while there mother could just sit knitting listing.

A tear seemed to find its way to Beth's eye swiping it away quickly realizing she had gotten lost in her own thought. Looking away twords the building and composing herself again for a quick moment Beth can't believe she just let herself lower her walls and fall into the past like that

Finally looking back to Justin again she does her best to try and move away from the fact she had just let that tear slip out.

"Once and a while there is this strange guy I run into too and he helps me smile even if its only a little. It's more than what most can do."

Legit

Justin chuckles softly. "Mmm, I'm thinking it'll be a memory game tomorrow. Unless my radar changes my mind, then it might be water balloons. Though basketball might do just as well."

Swinging his head around to look at Beth, he shakes it, no. "Just a counselor of sorts nobody else wants. Was headed to get my doctorate but... well, things got in the way. I'm just here for a special case. They see traditional methods don't work, then when I do something non-traditional, they don't like it. But I do what I can. It's all I got right now." He shrugs. "It's the system I don't like, not the people who need help."

Cocking his head a little, he could see the pain behind Beth's fearless eyes. Perhaps her day hadn't been so pleasant either. But she was here... again, showing faithfulness to whoever it was she was visiting.

Justin's voice turns a little gentler as he nods to the main patient facility. "Family or friend?"


"Yeah, don't worry." Eli tucks a wisp of hair behind Scarlet's ear. "I'll watch myself. I won't do anything stupid either."

Leaning down, he gives her forehead a kiss. "See you tomorrow. Lock your doors... and if anything happens, call me."

Turning back around, he once more makes his way down to his bike, his glare now hidden from view. Mounting up, his engine revs and he takes one last look at Roth's handiwork. It made him sick. After pulling on his helmet and giving a wave to Scarlet, he takes off to head across town. This was far from over.


Reese listens intently, still battling with his instincts as to whether or not this young woman was telling the truth. If she wasn't, she was either very good or very poor at being part of the Agency. If she was, then she had just been through a trauma no one ever should be. Reese immediately thought of Carson, and was glad that if this was the truth, that Destiny had not been immediately recruited.

He leans back in his chair a little, his finger having already turned on the security cameras so he knew that if anything went down, whoever was in the monitor room would see. Putting his palms together he taps his lips with his fingers absentmindedly. Did he trust her? Did he not?

"May I see the folder?" he requests. After retrieving it, he hits a button on the phone. "Alec, would you please come to my office?"

"Aw, I just got sat down. Can it wait?"

"No."

"But-"

"Alec! Now." Reese ends the intercom call and looks back to Destiny. Whether he trusted her or not, it would be best to offer his help anyway and play it cool. "I'm very sorry for your loss, Destiny. I'm sure that must have been quite a shock to you."

Alec barges through the door, half a sandwich in hand as he chews. "What?" Realizing there was someone else in the room, he stops short. "Oh."

Reese sighs in annoyance. "Please come look at this file." He holds up the folder.

Clueless, Alec shrugs. That's all he did around here - look at information, give information and separate information. He'd learned not to ask questions. If he cooperated, Reese usually let him in on whatever it was anyway.

Taking another bite of his sandwich, he strolls over and takes the folder, leaning up against a filing cabinet as he begins to sift through the pages.

Reese resumes his interaction with Destiny. "If the Agency is after you, then you came to the right place. That's why we're here." The wheels in his mind were already turning. What would this young woman need if this were the truth? She'd mentioned a bodyguard. They didn't have anywhere she could stay. But Reese didn't have anyone he wanted to commit to a bodyguard job right now either. He had everyone pretty busy right now and couldn't spare anyone. Laura was gone, Scott was gone, Carson was only part time, and even Hope was not going to be around as much. What else could he do?

"Whoa." His mouth half full, Alec takes out one of the papers in the folder, interrupting the ongoing conversation behind him. "This is heavy stuff."

Reese turns in his chair. "What is?"

"Where'd you get this?"

"Destiny here. She says her father was part of the Agency and they killed him a week ago for wanting out."

Alec's eyebrows raise and he swallows his food. "I would too. If this stuff was his, he knew way too much to be let loose."

"So it's real then."

"As real as it gets."

"Stuff they wouldn't want us to have?"

Alec scoffs. "You kidding me? They don't want us to know how many bathrooms they have, let alone the stuff that's in here." He realizes now why Reese had asked him to look at it. "It's legit."

Reese turns back to Destiny, his gaze still full of concern, but he believed her story now. "I hope you're not offended," he mentions. "We've been tricked too many times to not double-check everything and everyone that comes through here now." Leaning forward on his desk, he studies her for several more moments. "It's obvious that you're not safe alone, and I want to help. But I'll be honest - I'm not sure how best I can help right now. Would you be willing to stay here for a couple days? That will give me time to find someone who might be able to watch your back for a while, and you'll be safe here. If you need to get anything from your apartment, I can have someone take you and bring you back."

My dad told me...

Being helped up and turned away from the bike Scarlet was still so very angry. She couldn't believe this, after everything Roth was still dumb enough to pull a stunt like this. It burned her up inside, though per Eli's orders she tried to calm down knowing good and well being made wouldn't help anything.

Making her way back to the apartment with Eli Scarlet lets out another sigh as she trys to calm her ownself down. Though Eli did well keeping it in she could still see his own anger and she couldn't help but feel so bad about his bike.

"I promise I wont try and take care of this myself. Promise you wont too ok? Roth is dangerous and he'll be waiting for you this time."

Hearing that Eli wanted her to bring her bike in, in the morning made Scarlet feel a little better. She still hated that her paint had been scratched up and she loved it so much, but knowing she wouldn't have to worry, about the words that had to have been placed there seemed to ease it a little.

"Ok, I'll bring it by tomorrow. Be safe going home ok? You don't know if he's still out there."

Giving another smile Destiny comes into Reese office a little more thankful this was who she was looking for and she hadnt made a fool of herself. Taking a seat in one of the chairs she takes note to the look in his eye and can only come to the conclusion that really that was normal in his position. After all who was she and what did she know about the Agency.

"Yes most people move about the day not knowing what danger they all really face to the Agency's hands. My family...my father he was part of the Agency ever since I was little till about a week ago when he decided he didn't want that life anymore. He was going to gather information, and double cross them. Sending all the paper work, and files he had on them to the police."

Collecting her thoughts for a moment Destiny trys to get all her information right the first time so Reese new everything straght out on the table.

"My father has asked for my help and I told him I would. He and my mother would move and start new lifes, I would follow in a few weeks. Unfortunately that time never came and my father and mother were killed at there hands. I witnessed the whole thing and on top of knowing way to much information already, I now had seen them kill. So now I am wanted by the Agency and they wont stop till I end up like my mother and father."

Letting out a long sigh and pulling out a folder from her bag Destiny holds it up for Reese to see.

"My dad told me if there was trouble to come here. Everyone in the Agency knows about the Elite and he said I'd be safe here. This was also the folder of information he was collecting. Names, dates, places, items...a lot of the stuff is pretty deep into the core of the Agency. I have more but its back at my apartment that I am sure if being watched by now. So you see...I'm wanted, dead or alive. But I'd rather stay alive so I know my father's last chance at redemption wasn't a wast."

Destiny's eyes search Reese...she new far more than she should have. But her father trusted her and always said one day the Agency would call on her. It was how it went when a family was involved with them. She was happy that day would never come, but now she had a mark on her own head and without help she would wind up dead.

Giving only half a smile Beth's lips twitched a little before she moved twords the bench and sits down next to Justin. He looked...tired today.

"We all have to eat our feet one time or another right? "

Leaning back on the bench the nice cool air felt good. Though Beth new inside she would head again it was kind of nice to be out here chatting with this person she didn't even know. Maybe thats why she felt comfortable talking to him...because sooner or later he'd be gone not to even remember who she was.

"Baseball, paint ball, soccer...tomorrow will it be basketball? So your a non text book Dr here?"

Beth looks to Justin with question in her eyes. Why did she want to know more about him? Maybe because if he thought differently...than maybe he could help Sarah? Maybe what she needed was someone to think out of the box with her.

Foot in mouth

Even though Scarlet was livid, somehow her presence helped Eli keeps from blowing his stack. Laying a hand on her shoulder, he gives it a firm squeeze. "Easy."

Pulling her back up, he turns her away from the scene. "Paint can be repaired." For one thing, he didn't want her getting mad enough to go after Roth herself and risk getting hurt. "Just... let it go for tonight."

Though his own blood was boiling, he couldn't lose his temper... not here... not now. Later when he couldn't hurt something or somebody. Guiding Scarlet back to her door, he looks at her firmly. "Don't do anything about it, alright? We'll figure this out." His mind was already reeling with possibilities and ways to get back at Roth, but for now, he held them at bay. This was something that would take careful planning, not going off half-cocked.

"Bring your bike to the shop tomorrow... I'll at least sand it down so you don't have to ride around with the words all over it. Then I'll repaint it for you."


Lost in his own world after Hope leaves, Reese stares at his desk, not even knowing what to do next. He'd had the rest of his day planned out, but it felt like his mind had turned to mush.

An unfamiliar voice startles him and he looks up quickly, surprised to see the woman at his door. Blinking, he refocuses so he can at least understand what she's saying. A little chill runs down his spine at the mention of the Agency. Was this real or was this some kind of trick? He remains friendly, but cautious.

"I am Mike Reese," he confirms. "Please... come in and have a seat." He motions to the chair that Hope had just been sitting in.

Waiting for her to sit down, he studies her expression and body language, finding mixed signals that kept him on edge. "We do deal with the Agency, yes, though most civilians are unaware of the organization." His eyes linger on hers. "Please tell me your situation."


Giving a little start, Justin's eyes fly open. Raising his head slowly to sit up straighter, he looks up at Beth, his eyes focusing enough for him to realize who it was talking to him. A wry grin forms as he looks down at himself for a moment. "Aw man... you're right. I do look halfway human. I'll have to work on that."

Glancing back up at her, his grin grows a little. His eyes were tired from today's session, but they still held their spark. "Humans don't do much good around here, you know. They're too stiff to get out of the ruts of textbook psychology and actually get their hands dirty."

After saying it, Justin knew it sounded harsh, especially since he could have very well offended Beth, not knowing her background. His grin turns a little sheepish, and he motions to the empty space next to him on the bench. "Have a seat while I take my foot out of my mouth."


"Take the rest of the day off! That's an order!"

Chance ducks as a filing folder is thrown in his direction, papers flying everywhere as it bounces off the wall. "But I wasn't-"

"Out!"

Chance cringes and backs away from the office. So he'd let the guy go. So he'd made a mistake. Everyone made mistakes every once in a while. Okay, so maybe it was on purpose and it had gone against protocol, let alone the plan. But it had been better!

He trudge to his cubicle, flopping down in his chair to shut off his computer before going home. Toby had a temper, but he'd be chilled by morning. He always was.

Chance sighs and fiddles with his keys. He'd joined the Elite so he'd have a chance to kick some bad guy butt. It seemed all he did lately though was file paperwork and tag along with other officers as backup. And even that, he apparently couldn't do right. But would anybody listen to him? No, of course not. Nobody liked his ideas.

A yellow sticky note caught Chance's attention and he picks it up, remembering that he'd written it just yesterday. The phone message was the same, but he still hadn't called. Later. Tomorrow. Whenever.

Grabbing his sidearm and badge, he heads out into the warm afternoon. Maybe kicking it back by the pool would be good.

Mike Reese?

Standing to walk Eli to the door her arms wrap around him returning the passionate kiss, thanking him for just being there for him. The night had turned crappy, but in the end it had become nice again just spending time with Eli at her home and getting to cuddle. She almost didn't want him to go, but she needed her own alone time now to think through everything and takes the quiet to start to repair and heal a few wounds that had been ripped open.

"Mmmm...Maybe we can do lunch tomorrow. The day after that I have to leave for a job I am doing out in Texas. Wont be gone but a few days, however a lunch with you would be a great thing to remember I get to come back to."

Taking another quick kiss Scarlet gives a wave to Eli as she leaves before closing the door behind her and heading back into the living room to flop down in front of the tv. She'd stay up a little while longer, do some reading and than head to bed.

Tossing the blanket over top of herself and just getting comfortable Scarlet goes to flip the channel only to jump at the knock at the door again. Giving a smirk she already new it had to be Eli, maybe he had forgot something or simply wanted another kiss.

Standing and going to the door she opens it about to say something smart but stops at the look in his eyes it sent chills down her spine. Doing as he directed she stepped into the house again retreating her leather jacket from the hook and throwing it on before heading back outside with Eli to there bikes.

Seeing the vandalism on Eli's bike Scarlet can feel a twist in her gut. This wasn't the best part of town, but she had never had a problem like this before.

"What on earth..."

Turning back to her own back she can see the words scratched in to her own paint, and over the new images Eli had just put on them. They were new, first seen by her eyes today and not they were runed.

Instintly Scarlet's arm goes around her stomach as she squats to the ground. She felt sick, she felt embarssed by the words scratched into the pain, she felt increadbly angry, her own eyes sparked at she looked up at Eli from the ground. She new how did this, she new who's handy work of hate had put this here.

"Roth!"

Her voice was low an angry, something she hadn't felt in a long time, not fear but a pure anger. All the work Eli had put into this for her ruined, and his own bike it was destroyed because he was with her. A tear feel from her eye but a different kind, these ones were hot and heavy, she wanted to hit something, she wanted to kick anything to let this anger out but instead she swallowed it and just held it in as she clenched her fists.

"What a low down, dirty skum bag! You bike....its ruined. My bike...its...I can't even explain how angry I am right now."

Standing and taking the papers from the desk Hope gives a nod to Reese. She was thankful for his kindness, and his friendship. Hope new she would have many people behind her in this time, and she was thankful for that...leaning on God was easy and hard at the same time but she new with help from her friends and loved ones it would be ok.

"I'll make sure to keep you updated, and Rick will be kept updated as well. Just remember if you tell anyone else to let them know not to tell Scott. He doesn't need to think about this right now. He just needs to get better."

Turning and heading for the door Hope lets out a tired sigh. After talking with Rick she would see about getting some work done, if at least for an hour or so.

"Thanks again Reese."

Opening the door to leave Hope almost runs into a tall, blond haired woman She had never seen before. Trying the best smile she could as to not scary her off Hope moves a little to the side.

"Sorry about that."

Giving a sweet smile and looking back at Hope with her bright teal eyes the woman nods a little moving out of Hope's way. Her voice was soft, but strong at the same time.

"Not a problem. You wouldn't be able to tell me if this is Mike Reese's office would you? I've seemed to got myself turned around a little."

Giving a nod and moving out of the door Hope continues to hold her smile the best she can.

"Yes your in the right place. He's right in his office now."

"Ok thank you!"

Once Hope was gone the woman turns back to the office door and lets out a slow quivering sigh. This was it, she could do this, she had to do this her own life depending on it.

Giving a knock on the door it opens slightly, not sure if she should walk in or not she pokes her head in the door to see Reese at his desk or who she thought was Reese she didn't really know what he looked like.

"Hello...excuse me. Sorry I don't mean to barge in, or many I do because I am that desperate but my name is Destiny Rose and I was directed that the best place to come for a body guard, or protection from the Agency would be here. Are you...Mike Reese?"

It was easy to see the woman was strong, but at the same time here eyes were pleeding. She was serous about what she had said she did need protection. She new all to well who the Agency was and it was for that reason they were after her.

Coming up the walk way slowly Beth was back from her short break. She had needed air about twenty minutes ago as the Dr's had to calm her sister down. Today was not a good day for her. On days like this it seemed like her nightmares, and fits were getting worse and what triggered them no one new. Beth could only guess herself it was when her brain got to tired of blocking everything and for a few while it just let the memories back full force.

Arriving at the bench where Justin sat it took Beth a few moments to realize it was him. He looked stressed out, but more normal today than the first to days she had met him. Trying to give the best smile she can Beth steps a little closer to the bench. It wasnt every day she talked to someone but the last few times she had been here even if it was strange so had Justin it was almost normal to say hi and be semi friendly with him.

"Wow Justin for a second I didn't even realize it was you. You look human today!"

Beth's voice had a bit of a sarcastic tone despite her mood, a bit of teasing as well.

Skunk

Eli grins at Scarlet, more than happy to stay for a while. "Okay... but you have to at least let me take my jacket off so I can get comfortable."

Giving her a wink, he lets her slide off his lap so he can take off his jacket and hang it over the back of the couch. "Alright... what kind of movies do you have anyway?"

...A couple hours later after a movie, cuddling on the couch and almost falling asleep, Eli knows he needs to get home. Scarlet seemed to be feeling a little better, and Eli had simmered down on the inside, though some time alone would be good for him too.

Donning his jacket again, he walks to the door, meeting Scarlet there. Pulling her into a final embrace for the night, he leans down and presses his lips to hers in a passionate goodnight kiss. Drawing away, his eyes twinkle a little bit and he steals one last quick kiss before straightening up. "I'll call you sometime tomorrow, okay?"

His hand reaches up so his palm can slide down the side of her face. "Goodnight, Scarlet."

Finally on his way, he takes a deep breath of the night air and ambles down to the parking lot. Though it was dim, the lights around the lot provide enough light to see easily, creating a safe atmosphere. Getting to his bike, however, Eli felt anything but good. Stopping in his tracks he stares at his bike and the profanity that had been scratched deeply into the paint. Sometimes he let his own language get a little carried away, but having these kinds of words on his bike made him sick. Not to mention, the paint was trashed. Who on earth...

He turns quickly to look at Scarlet's motorcycle and sure enough, hers had been vandalized as well. The new paint job was ruined - hours and hours of labor destroyed by one simple and dastardly act. The words that had been scratched into Scarlet's bike were no better than Eli's - an embarrassing display with which to ride down the street.

As the shock begins to wear off, Eli's calmed demeanor begins to boil again. His fists clench at his sides as he glares at the handiwork. Someone had known exactly what would get to them. Someone had known exactly what to do in order to hit them where it hurt. And there was only one person Eli could think of.

"Roth." His words came out as ice, enough to give anyone listening an instant chill. This... this had gone beyond the limit. This was downright low and dirty. "You skunk," he hisses into the night air. "You'll pay for this."

Turning around and aiming for Scarlet's again, a trashcan is on the receiving end of a deadly kick and it flies through the air, clanging into the sidewalk a ways away. Eli's pulse was racing and he pops his neck, his fingers flexing in his motorcycle gloves. Reaching Scarlet's door, he knocks and waits to see her again. Fire blazed in his eyes. "Get your jacket," he directs calmly. "You need to see this."


Reese nods a little, wishing he knew what to say, but the words wouldn't come. One of his own was suffering, and there was nothing he could do about it.

"Okay... but if you do need anything... don't hesitate to ask, alright?" Unsure whether he should or not, Reese reaches over to give Hope's hand a little squeeze before he stands up.

"Take all the time you need, Hope. We'll... work around your schedule as you need it. Just, um... keep me in the loop, okay?" It wasn't her boss speaking... it was her friend who cared.


Ambling down the sidewalk with a backpack over one arm and a soccer ball under the other, Justin crunches into an apple.

"What were you thinking? You could have been turned in for that alone!"

"Look, I did what I had to do. Scott needs a push, not more pampering. Now you called me in for this job, let me do it or tell me to walk away. The choice is yours."

Justin sighs and relents to his body's desire to sit on a bench near the parking lot. A brief chat with his uncle hadn't gone very well. Nobody had complained about the little battle with Scott, but he'd heard about it and hadn't been happy. He hadn't told Justin he was off the case though, so Justin was planning on returning tomorrow as normal. It was just irritating that he couldn't do his job the way he wanted to do it. He didn't have much to lose though, and he wanted to win this... for Scott. Justin didn't take his job lightly.

Leaning back on the bench, he lets his head fall back so the sun was on his face. Closing his eyes, one might think he was asleep, but his mind was far from it. He was already thinking about tomorrow. He needed to call Alec first though.

Tease

Just happy Eli was here, and he kissed away her tears it filled Scarlet with a new feeling twords him. He was as soft as she hoped, as gentile as she new, and honest as she liked. Deep down she new Eli wish she had told him soon but hearing he would get over it made her feel good. She hadn't lost him.

Returning the soft kiss Scarlet liked it as much as the rougher ones. This one being different and showing Eli's soft caring nature. Pulling away a little and looking up to search Eli's eyes Scarlet gives him a smile.

"If you could stay with me for a little bit..that would be nice."

Scarlet new she would be ok like she always was. The wounds that had been broken open would heal again just right now having someone show there comfort to her was nice. Something she hadn't had in a while. So if she could soak it up tonight and Eli didn't mind than why not.

"We can watch a move if you like, or just sit here. Than after I can let you leave."

Scarlet gives a small grin a teasing tone in her voice. At least she still had her sense of humor.

Waiting for Reese's reaction Hope wasn't surprised to see the shock on his face. She was sure it was still written on her own as well. This was something hard to deal with and after the shock wore off Hope new she was going to more than likely break down and cry a little but once that had all passed she'd turn this over to God and remember he had a plan. She's be ok, even if it was hard she wouldn't have to walk alone.

Hope was happy Reese agreed that she could still come into work too. If she sat at him and had to stew about this all it would only make it worse. Working was the only thing that might keep her sain.

"I guess this just goes to prove second hand smoke can harm you too huh?"

Letting out a small sigh Hope could remember back to when she was younger with her family, a lot of her aunts and uncles use to smoke, and as she got older even some of her patients she had she would allow to them go on the balcony and smoke as well. But now she was paying the price for it.

Hearing Reese offer to do anything Hope gives him a small smile. Seeing the soft nature in his eyes it was nice knowing her cared, it made her feel a little less alone.

"I don't think so not right now anyways. Lots of prayer would help, but I know you already would do that."

Up to you

Looking down into Scarlet's eyes, Eli just studies them for the longest time, allowing himself the pleasure of falling into them. His hand moves to her face again, cradling her cheek softly.

"I'm glad to know all of you," he responds quietly. "I... wish I would have known, but... I'll get over it." His thumb runs along her cheek and back again. "I've probably got a few cards I need to lay on the table too... but not tonight."

Leaning a little closer, he kisses away the tears that had fallen from her eyes before his lips find hers in a gentle expression of care. "You want me to stay a while?" he asks softly. "Or I can go... it's up to you."


Once Hope is in Reese's office, something just doesn't seem right. The peace that usually followed her around wasn't in the air this time. There was something new... almost foreboding.

Nodding to her request not to tell Scott whatever it was, Reese agrees. He would respect her wishes. There was fear, however, for the news she was about to tell him. What would be so bad that she wouldn't even want Scott to know about it?

Hearing the news, Reese's eyes widen slightly, filled with a mixture of surprise and sympathy. Hope was one of his own... at least that's how he viewed her and all the others. He was the leader, meant to take care of them and make sure they were all okay. And now Hope... had cancer. He wondered how she had contracted it in the lungs and was shocked at how quickly they had diagnosed it, but it didn't matter much. "Oh, Hope..."

Reese gets up from his desk and moves around to the second chair to sit next to her. "Of course you can still come in when you feel up to it. I'm so sorry." He was glad she'd told him... he'd been a little worried about her being sick, and knowing the truth was best in his mind.

Searching Hope's eyes, his gaze is soft and caring - a mixture most people didn't have the privilege of seeing. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Boss and Friend

Knowing Eli was there for her meant so much to Scarlet and feeling his arm tighten a little as he stroked her hair made her feel so good. Knowing her tears would no scare Eli away, would not make him think any different.

As Eli brings his hand to Scarlet's face she leans her head into his hand just letting his rough but soft skin be felt on her face. She liked the way his hands felt. Than following him to the living room and giving a sniff Scarlet rests her head on Eli's chest once again as they sit down on the couch.

The tears start to slow again, and though she was a bit surprised about the news of Jimmy telling Eli about everything Scalet only moves her head a little to look up at Eli. Studying his face she couldn't help the the warm fuzzy feeling inside that he new the past, and she was still here. The softness she had seen inside Eli really was there, and he was willing to show it to her.

Part of Scarlet was happy Jimmy told Eli yet another part was upset she hadn't told him herself. She shouldn't have waited so long to say anything.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but...I'm happy you know now. Now you know the hidden me, all that I am. You know me more than anyone else has in a long time."

Standing outside Reese's office door Hope holds a bunch of paper work. She had just finished at the dr's and she had learned a lot more than she expected. Tears wanted to come but the shock was still to great to let them. This was not what she had expected.

Now she stood here, Reese was not only her boss who needed to know but she considered him a friend as well. One of the few she had right now and she needed someone. She couldn't do this alone. Everything was going to change.

Knocking on the door Hope waits for an answer before entering. She trys to give the best smile she can though she still felt so sick. She hoped the meds the dr had given her for now would start to kick in and make her feel a little better.

"Hey Reese. I just got back from the dr's and I was hoping maybe I could talk to you about something. I could really use a friend."

Hearing it would be ok Hope sits down in one of the chairs across the desk from Reese. Drawing silent for a long moment and catching her breath Hope finally looks up at him.

"First I was to ask that you respect me enough that what I am going to tell you I don't want Scott to know yet. He doesn't need this weighing on his mind with everything else he is dealing with. If you need to tell anyone else thats fine just not him, not till he is better."

Setting her medical papers down on his desk of different charts, reads and tests Hope had them copied so she could give them to Rick seeing as he was the Dr here. It would be good he had them in case Hope ever needed his help.

"I went to the Dr's today as you know because this morning I was still feeling so sick. They ran some minor tests and relized my breathing seemed a little off, and than they ran a few more tests on my lungs."

Hope chocks on her words for a moment fiddling with the zipper on the jacket she wore just a sign this was hard for her.

"They found some abnormality and they have ruled it as lung cancer. I'm going to have to go back in for more tests to see how bad it is and what not but...they are sure and hoping they caught it in time and it had done little damage so I wont have to go through much to get rid of it."

Looking up at Reese it was easy to see the pain in her eyes and how hard this was for her. She was always the strong one helping people and now she was the one that needed to be helped.

"I'd still like to work here on good days when I can. Just to keep my mind off everything thats going on with me so I don't sit at home and go crazy. But I though you should know as my boss and my friend."

Tantrum

Eli catches up Scarlet in his arms, wrapping them around her firmly. Hearing her muffled words and realizing she was crying, he rocks her a little before stroking her hair. "Shh... it's okay," he soothes, kissing the top of her head. "You don't have to be scared anymore."

Just holding her a few moments, he eventually pries her away, reaching to her face to wipe away some of her tears with his thumb. Then taking her by the hand, he finds the living room and the end of the couch. Sitting down, he pulls her down into his lap and wraps his arms around her again, holding her close and letting her cry more if she needed to. For now, what was going on outside went unrealized.

"Jimmy told me what happened," he explains quietly. "I understand... you don't have to be sorry." He kisses her head again. "It takes more than that to scare me away."


Justin returns Sapphire's smile and nods. "It's good there's more than three things... thank you." Giving her a little wave, he wanders back towards the exit, stopping for a moment or two to talk with Con, then finds his way back outside. The sun was still shining, but it was aiming towards the earth once more, foretelling of evening. Justin would head home now, but not before picking up something for supper for himself, along with getting some more dog food.

His half-hour drive home was a thoughtful one as he processed all he'd learned and thought about how he could use it during his time with Scott. It was at tough case with so many different angles. It almost made his head hurt just thinking about it. But he was involved now and wasn't going to give up. No, he'd see it through for sure. He wasn't one to let go this easily...


The next morning, Justin leans on the desk down by the front door of the Brookshire building, cocking his head at Jenny. Scott had not been outside where they normally met. "Scott?"

Jenny shakes her head. "Wouldn't get up this morning. I tried a couple times, finally Dr. Hawks said to just leave him and wait for you."

Justin sighs. Three good days, one bad... it wasn't a bad ratio. But he needed to get Scott up and going or he'd backslide for more than just a day. "Alright... I'll be back in a bit." Heading up the stairs, he takes them two at a time until he's on the third floor. Wandering down he finds Scott's room number and knocks. No answer. Knocking again without a response, he goes in uninvited.

Scott is curled up in bed and appears to have not even undressed from the day before. It had been nightmares... all night. And this morning had come way too soon. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to face the day. He was on the brink of falling into that awful pit again and didn't want to step forward, lest he lose his balance and fall. No... it was safer just to stay here... in bed. The world could move on without him.

"Hey, Scott." Justin wanders to the bed and looks down at him. "What's up, hmm? Jenny said you wouldn't get up."

Scott opens his good eye to look up at him lamely and shakes his head a little. "Go away."

"Naw, sorry, I can't do that." Justin folds his arms. "You gotta get up. Come on."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"There's too much living to do outside of this room for me to let you stay. Now come on. Come outside with me."

Scott glares up at him, refusing to move. "Make me."


"No! Let me go! Put me down!" Scott fights for all he's worth, but his lack of strength is no match for Justin. Slung over Justin's shoulder like a sack of potatoes, the ride down the stairs is less than comfortable. Clawing at the wall and flailing for the railing, he knocks Justin off balance more than once.

"Cut it out!" Justin orders. "Or we'll both go head first the rest of the way down." One arm is wrapped around Scott's legs, his other hand having a tight hold on the waist of Scott's jeans.

"Put... Me... Down!" Scott screams.

As the two reach the ground level, Jenny's eyes are huge. Justin wasn't that big of a man, so seeing him hauling another man around over his shoulder was quite the sight, not to mention Scott's tantrum as they went. Jenny blinks and looks to Justin, still shocked. "Sedative?"

"What for?" By now, Justin is panting and sweating, his arms still locked in place so as not to release Scott. One of Scott's feet slips loose though and kicks out, knocking several items off the desk. "Say now," Justin chides, grabbing hold again. "You're gonna cause a mess." He calmly looks back to Jenny. "Would you mind opening the door for me?"

"I... um... sure." Jenny gets up and goes to the door to open it for him, staring after them both as they head to the open grass.

Once Justin reaches the open lot, he falls to one knee and dumps Scott on the ground. Trying to catch his breath, he studies Scott with purpose. "I had planned something else for today, but now I'm worn out."

"Good," Scott growls as he sits up, trying to get his bearings after being upside down. "I'm going back inside."

"Be my guest. But as soon as I catch my breath, we're doing this all over again."

"That's your problem." Scott gets up a bit unsteadily and heads back across to the housing.

Justin shakes his head and sighs, watching him go. Ten minutes later, it's an exact replay of the entire thing, except this time Scott's a little louder and more insistent. Once he's dumped on the ground for the second time though, his energy is just about spent. "What is with you?" he hisses. "Grab me like that and I'll report."

"I don't care," Justin retorts. "Ready for round three?"

Scott was not. He was too tired. Pulling his legs up close, he puts his chin on his knees. "Why did you make me come out here?"

"Because the sun is shining, Scott. Look." Justin gestures to the sky. "Because the breeze is blowing... feel it. Because spring is in the air... smell it. Because the birds are singing... listen."

Scott closes his eyes and refuses to take the advice. But he can't help but hear. He can't help but feel. "So what?"

"If you don't recognize it, I'm not going to waste my breath."

"But you still drag me out here."

"I'll set you right down in the middle of life," Justin replies. "But no one can make you live." He'd brought a backpack and soccerball when he'd arrived in the first place, so now reaches into the bag and pulls out two apples. Keeping one, he tosses the other to Scott.

Scott looks down at it with little interest. "I'm not hungry."

"What's eating got to do with being hungry?" Justin shrugs. "I eat it 'cause it's good for me, not because my stomach's asking for it, or because my tastebuds are begging for it. If that were the case, I'd break out my chocolate bar instead."

Scott knew good and well that Justin was just trying to get him to eat. He hadn't had anything since yesterday lunch... maybe it would be alright if he had an apple. His stomach would handle it better than the chili that was on the menu for today's lunch. Grudgingly, he takes the apple and crunches into it with a little bite. "So why did you really drag me out here? I'm not happy about it, you know."

"I know. Doesn't hurt my feelings any." Justin chews on his own apple thoughtfully. "Why do you think I brought you out here?"

"Don't start that question garbage with me."

Justin shrugs. "Alright."

Scott rolls his eyes. "Yeah, yeah... you brought me out here for all that sunshine and fresh air I'm missing in my room." He nibbles on a little more of his apple.

"Well if you knew, why did you ask?"

Scott sighs. "I don't know."

"Wanna play soccer?"

"Not really."

"Hard night?"

"No, I just wanted to stay in bed for the fun of it," Scott retorts. "You just shoulda left me alone. I'm in no mood for this today."

"For what?"

"This." Scott gestures around him, only to realize that he's gesturing at fresh air and sunshine. It sounded pretty pathetic that he wasn't in the mood for good things like that. His expression changes to one of slight sheepishness. "I'm pretty miserable to be around, aren't I?"

"Mm..." Justin nods. "Yeah, pretty much. Why do you think I brought a soccer ball? At least I can have a little fun, even if you're insisting on being miserable."

Scott eyes him with suspicion. "So when are the real sessions gonna start?"

"Real sessions?"

"Don't think I'm that stupid. You're just trying to be my friend, get me to trust you, then one of these times, we'll sit down and you'll start picking my brain about how I'm feeling and how I'm dealing with this stage of my life."

Justin looks at him lamely. "Don't make me puke. I hate sessions like that."

"Then why are you here? Just to play games?"

Justin sighs deeply. "I'm here to be your friend. You want out of here, and I want you out of here. If we work together as a team, we can meet both those goals. I can't do it on my own, and you can't do it on your own either."

"Who says I can't?"

"Well then prove it and let's get out of here."

Scott shrinks back again. He knew that he needed to be here because he hadn't been able to pull through on his own. "Alright... so I need help. Why are we playing games then?"

"It's good exercise." Justin tosses his apple core into a nearby trashcan. Retrieving his soccer ball, he lets it roll back and forth between his feet as he slowly nudges it a ways away, noting that Scott was following him. A few minutes of gentle kicking back and forth and Justin speaks again. "So. Hard night. Nightmares?"

Scott grits his teeth and kicks at the ball. "Yeah."

"Do you have one that always comes back?"

"Maybe."

Justin can feel him pulling back so he waits, just letting them kick the ball a little while longer. "I used to dream about the night my best friend was killed. While I was in college. He was murdered and I saw the whole thing. Still haunts me once in a while."

Scott's eyebrows rise just a little. "And you just... ignore it or what?"

"Not really. It bothers me. But I just gotta keep reminding myself that there was nothing I could do about it. It was just... one of those things. And I learned to let it go."

"How?"

"Time. And I had to make the choice to do it." Justin kicks at the ball. "I blamed my emotions... said I couldn't help the hate and anger and guilt I felt. But then one day I realized that all those things... they were my choices. I was choosing to hate because it made me feel in control. I was choosing to be angry because then I didn't have time to be sad. I was choosing to harbor guilt because then I could take out my sadness on myself and stay hidden in my own little world."

The ball has stopped at Scott's feet and he stares back at Justin a little confused. "You can't just choose the way you feel."

"Can't I?" Justin holds out his arms. "I can choose to be miserable today. My truck wouldn't start, my dog tore a hole in my jeans and I got here just to realize I'm almost out of gas. Those things are irritating, but I've chosen to enjoy the sunshine anyway. Being miserable doesn't do any good." He cocks his head. "Sometimes it takes a while for us to think through our trials before our emotional reactions... but in the end, it's our choice. I choose to forgive. I choose to love. I choose to hate. What I do with my thoughts and feelings is under my own control not my circumstances."

"But you can't decide you're not gonna be sad or upset when someone dies."

"It's my initial response, yes. But why? Because of what I thought beforehand. Thinking always comes before the emotion. Once I've thought through it, I choose how I am going to react by way of an emotional response. Do I not have the control to find the good instead? The pain might always linger. But that doesn't mean I have to continue being upset. I just have to make up my mind to deal with it. Conquer it. I cannot let my emotions control me."

"But what about if a friend betrays you. Wouldn't you be mad at them?"

"Well I'm only human. But I don't have to be mad at them. I might be upset and disappointed... but if I get mad at them and hate them, I'm letting the circumstances rule my response instead of taking control. It's not easy. But we all have the ability to change our reactions. Sometimes it takes a while. It could take me five minutes to decide not to be mad anymore, or it could be five weeks. But once I've decided... then it's up to me to do it. Deciding to actually change my own attitude - that's the hard part."

Scott rests his foot on the ball. "So you're telling me that I can just choose to not be angry at the Agency or myself anymore. That I can just decide it and that's that."

"I thought we were talking about me."

Scott smirks a little and gives the ball a hearty kick. "Right."

Dirty Deed

Taking the card from Justin Sapphire holds it for a moment reading it before looking up at Justin again and giving a smile. Justin was a very sweet guy and Sapphire was thankful that her brother had someone like him to help him.

"Thanks you. I'll make sure to keep this close in case I need anything."

Turning to go back to her work Sapphire stops as Justin asks his last question. Thinking for a long moment she gives Justin a smile again before answering.

"I could never pick just three things that made my brother smile. He has so many things he really enjoyed in life. Hope, Domino, life, nature, working, having little code wars with Dalton, classical music, the list really is endless."

Shutting the door behind Eli Scarlet wish her apartment was a little cleaner for his first time seeing it but right now that really didn't matter. Looking up at Eli and seeing his arms held out to her it seemed to wash a little fear away that that he would be upset and not want her anymore. Did he know the whole truth? Scarlet wasn't sure but at least he wasn't mad about her driving off.

Taking a few steps twords him Scarlet falls into Eli's arms burring her face into his chest for a long moment just taking in his sent. His smell, his arms they made her feel safe, and shelter the cold world out. His warmth seemed to warm her.

Moving her head a little to rest her face on his chest Scarlet lets a sigh out as she tried to be strong and fight off the tears that wanted to come.

"I feel so safe in your arms Eli, like nothing could hurt me."

Not being able to help it any longer and knowing she needed to just let the tears out, it was all or nothing and if Eli did truly care than the tear should make no difference. Scarlet's shoulders shakes a little as the tears fall. Her fists clenching Eli's shirt.

"I'm sorry I left you, I was just so scared of what would happened if I hadn't."

Outside in the shadow lurked someone up to no good. Seeing in the window at the loving embrace Eli and Scarlet were in only fueled his anger even more in the diluted little fantasy he lived in.

Spotting the two bikes that stood in the driveway Roth couldnt help but snicker to himself. He's show them good not to mess with him. Withdrawing his keys he goes to Eli's first and over the pain he scratches some not so nice words into the pain. Than going to Scarlet's the new paint job that been done on hers he new was Eli's hand work. Running his key in deep to the colors and images he ingraves a few choose names of what he though of Scarlet.

Standing back and admiring his own handy work Roth heads back to his car and gets in. Starting it up he takes one last look into the window before pulling out and dirving away still half drunk from earlier.

Offer

Justin gives a little nod, now understanding what Sapphire had meant. He could see where Scott wouldn't want to have anything to do with someone who had been a part of the Agency, even if they hadn't affected him directly.

"I'm sure in a way Scott feels betrayed on some level," he comments thoughtfully as he finally jots down a note. "That's the funny thing about being angry at a group of people rather than just one person. Anybody else who gets involved with those people is automatically an enemy. I think with Scott it's probably a defense mechanism as he tries to protect himself from a future attack."

Lifting his eyes, Justin looks at Sapphire kindly. It was his nature. He couldn't help it. He was here about Scott, but seeing the pain in Sapphire's eyes... "I can't speak for Scott but... if I had to make a bet, I'd say Scott's reaction really has nothing to do with you at all. And if that's the case... there's a good chance you will get your brother back again."

Standing up, Justin is about to push the chair back where it belonged when he pauses. "Thank you, Sapphire... for everything." Reaching in his pocket, he fishes out a card with his name and number. "Should you think of anything else or..." He shouldn't offer more. It was way out of line. But he couldn't not. "...or if you just need to talk, you can call me, okay?"

Turning around, he stops once more. "Oh, I almost forgot. If you had to pick three things that make your brother smile... what would they be?"


Eli was a little relieved that Scarlet actually came to the door. After she'd high-tailed it, he hadn't even been sure she'd want to see him. Female moodiness was something he'd never understood, but he'd work around it if she didn't want to talk to him. Seeing her now though pushed aside that worry.

Looking down at her, Eli is just quiet for a few moments and he finally nods and steps inside. Scarlet's tone was different. Her eyes were different. This was the inside... this was what laid underneath all that courage and toughness that he'd seen before. This was the other half of Scarlet and he wasn't going to be afraid of it.

Getting inside, his eyes glance around for a moment but quickly fall back to Scarlet again. He really didn't feel like anything else to eat or drink. Holding out his arms to offer a hug, he cocks his head, speaking softly. "Come here."

Come in?

Sapphire gives a small sigh and a nod. She might as well tell Justin, he seemed trust worthy enough and if any little bit of information could help him help Scott than it would be important to tell him.

"Yeah pretty much. Gage was part of the Agency but much different from the people the hurt Scott. He, and another girl we have had and got them use to normal life are what we like to call Agency babys. All they new when we found them was the way of the Agency. Hurting people, stealing, so on and so on was life because since they were small thats what they were trained to do. The one girl we found didn't even have a name. Only a number they called her."

Letting out another sigh Sapphire remembered when she had first met Gage, and Thirteen. It still hurt to think of them growing up like that and thinking it was normal.

"We reintroduced them to life, and how it was meant to be. Showing them everything they missed and letting them experience. Gage didn't even know what Lemon Aid was before I showed him. So we started out as friends and soon started dating when we felt we have stronger feelings for each other. Gage is a wonderful guy with a great head on is shoulders that is trying to make up for his past deeds. He also asked me a lot how Scott is."

Sitting holding the pen and fiddling with it Sapphire looks up at Justin again. In a way she felt like she was having a pity party for herself wondering if she was being selfish, but at the same time she wasn't willing to let Gage go.

"Unfortunately with everything that has gone on with my brother he can't see past the face Gage was Agency at one time along with a few others who have turn to the good side so to say. Not saying I don't blame him if I went through everything he did, I might be the same way too."

Giving Eli a nod and a half wave as he walked out the door Jimmy turned to clean up his place and than go to the door himself closing and locking it. Tonight was over, and though it ended bad hearing Eli would be back it gave him some hope that he and Scarlet would be ok.

Sitting in her living room Scarlet held the phone in her hand. She was going to call Eli, she felt bad for leaving him now she was just gather what she would say in her own head. Jimmy would of told him she left and in the back of her mind she new she had to tell him about Roth especially after tonight she just wasnt sure how. Running her arm where Roth had grabbed her she absentmindedly rubbed the bruise in the sap of fingers that were forming. It was going to leave a nasty mark.

About to dial Eli number Scarlet hears a motorcycle pull up and the engine die. Just from the sound she new it was Eli's but getting up she slowly goes to the window and sure enough it was Eli. She hadn't expected him to come to her house, but she had to admit she was kind of happy he was here.

Hearing the knock on the door and his voice following she new Jimmy must have told him what happened. Giving a small brave sigh she opened the door slightly.

"Yeah, I'm ok I think."

Finally looking up at Eli's face for the comfort she so desperately wanted She opened the door a little more. Her one arm crossed her chest as she held her arm of where the bruise was forming. Her eyes were bloodshot and one could tell she'd been crying. Tonight had brought back so many horrible nightmares of her past. She'd thought the crying was over, and the hardness had kept the pain out but tonight run in just proved to be so much.

"I'm sorry I didn't meet you for drinks to night..I..left before you got there. If your not to upset would you like to come in, I think I have something cold in the fridge we could have and we can talk."

Scarlet didn't feel much for joking right now, or letting her sassy nature show. Tonight had went from good to horrible bad, but having Eli here now was a pluse!

Just wanted

Justin listens to Sapphire, his pen hovering above his notepad but remaining still, his eyes watching her intently. He knew that someone in his position needed to be very careful about letting other people's problems get to him or affect his own emotions. But something in Sapphire's voice... it sent a little pang to his heart. Everything he was gathering today - all the information and tidbits - proved that Scott wasn't the only one who was being affected by this ordeal. He had the worst of it, no doubt, but his own condition was affecting everyone who cared about him.

Hearing about someone named Gage, Justin's eyebrows rise slightly. He lets Sapphire finish though, processing everything, while his pen still does not write. He cocks his head a little, careful not to step on toes while at the same time he gleaned information. "Gage, huh?" He purses his lips in thought. "Someone Scott doesn't like you being around?"


Sighing deeply, one might think Eli wasn't listening to Jimmy anymore, but he was. He just needed to sort through everything before taking any action, passive or otherwise.

Accepting the whiskey he downs it as quickly as he had the first, letting it settle before starting to finish off his beer. It was several long moments before he said anything at all, seeming to be lost in his own world.

"Thank you, Jimmy... for telling me the truth." It would have been just as easy for the man to lie and avoid all that pain. But he'd respected Eli and for that, he was grateful. Sliding off the barstool, Eli leaves a little beer in the bottle. He didn't need anymore, especially since he was driving. "I'll see you around..." He catches Jimmy's eye and nods. He would be back... he wouldn't hold Roth's actions against him. But for now, there was nothing else that could be said...

The streets were dark, lit by streetlights and a few stars. But the beauty of the evening was far from Eli's mind. His bike takes him down the back roads, out of town, then in again as he zigzags behind traffic, letting his mind wander.

Eventually, the rumbling of his bike can be heard outside of Scarlet's apartment before the engine is cut. Just sitting on his bike for several minutes, Eli thinks. Did Scarlet really react differently to him than other men she'd had? Was this really something special? Was Jimmy right?

Sighing deeply, he takes off his helmet and finally wanders to Scarlet's door. His boots could be heard on the walkway along with his wallet chain - anyone who knew him well could always tell when it was him approaching with his long stride.

Stopping at her door, he pauses again before knocking with his knuckles. "Scarlet?" he calls softly. "It's me... I just... wanted to see if you were alright."

Accept

Still sitting next to Eli Jimmy study's him. It was hard to read his expressions and his face seeing that there was a lot of mixtures of everything. He could only hope that wouldn't damage the just started relationship that had brought so much promise.

Hearing that Eli wanted another shot he studys him for a long moment. This might be the only thing that was keeping him calm right now. By looking at most people Jimmy had a talent for being able to see there limit before they even could. From just looking at Eli he new one more shot wouldn't send him over the edge and he'd still be able to drive safe.

"Don't be to upset with Scarlet for not telling you..."

Jimmy slides off the the bar stool and makes his way around the back of the counter to where the liqueur was. Taking Eli's older shot glass away and getting a newer one he places it down in front of him pouring the liqueur into it.

"..I know she would of told you when she was ready. It's not an easy thing for her to talk about, but I know she would of told you soon because she really is fond of you. I can see it in her eyes when she talks about you. She feels safe, and she feels human again."

Not saying anything else Jimmy pushes the shot twords Eli. He new it was his desition what would happen next, and what ever it was it would be for Eli's own reasons. He couldn't change his mind with words not that he would try to much anyways because it wasn't his place. He could only try and incurage as much as he could.

Shaking her head a little bit as Justin sits outside the cuble she can't help a small chuckle. He could of come in she would of had no problem with that, but just the simple gesture was nice.

Hearing her brother was doing well was nice, even though Sapphire had already believed Scott would come home someday and new he was ok or she would of been told. Still she couldn't help but feel a little more comfort just being reassured from Justin's words. He was a thoughtful man and she liked that.

Leaning back in her chair and thinking about his question for a moment Sapphire gathers information in her head about her brother and how she remembered him than, and now.

"My brother and I have always been close being twins and all thats just normal I would guess. As kids, and even in grade school we always did things together. We were both into computers and techy stuff."

Stopping and thinking again Sapphire took her pen from her desk and held it putting the cap on and off again as she thought.

"Than as we got older we started to drift apart. He was always smart in school, and I was the popular one though I had very few people I would call friend or hang out with. We slipped away from each other and went own ways. But years later as luck would have it we both ended up here working together and though we didn't talk much our relationship started to grow again."

Sapphire new they were coming to the hard part of the conversation. She always hated talking about when they though Scott was dead. Even just remembering it hurt like no other.

"When everyone though my brother was dead it killed me inside. I lost the person I had a connection with even if we didn't talk a lot. Than he came back and it was like a second chanse to get to know him all over again. Than things just...started to go down hill again. I love my brother like no other..."

Sapphire's eyes glistened a little showing she really meant it. She did love Scott with all her heart.

"..and I just want to see him well again. And I hope that one day he can accept me and Gage being together because I want my brother apart of my life and I miss being close to him. He's my best friend and I hate that he's not ok."