Keeping quiet in the car as they sat and waited Ryan keeps her own eyes open and on the hotel. Seeing the woman leaving and hearing that was the one Alec was with Ryan couldn't help but cringe and an anger seems to burn just a little. She looked like she was Agency.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Lets get this over with."
Zipping up her leather jacket half way Ryan slips into a stiffer roll though her stomach just seemed to churn and bubble. She just wanted this whole thing to be over with all ready it made her feel sick inside and she hated it.
Finally getting out of the car she throws her keys and anything else that might make sound into the car seat before shutting the door and standing waiting to Carson.
Giving a little nod and heading into the kitchen Hope grabs a glass and pours a little juice. Coming back into the living room and handing it to Wyatt Hope motions to the couch for him to sit if he liked.
Sitting down next to Domino Hope gives the small dog a pat on the head. She could tell her little first missed her master. After being with him for so long it was hard to be away now. But Hope could only hope she could bring a little comfort to the little dog.
"Has anyone from TJY talked to Scott recently? The only think I've herd is a break up letter from him. Other than that...I don't really know anything else."
Hope new the news of Scott breaking up with her might come as a shock but besides that latter she didn't know anything else about how he was or anything. She just wondered if anyone new anything else.
"I'm hoping to be back soon to work. I miss it."
Coming back to her computer Michaela looks over at her cat for a moment shaking her head. Sassy was like her best friend, but sometimes she could be a pain. Looking back at the computer and seeing the new comer that had joined Michaela gives a smile. It was always nice to see a new face pop in and it seemed that this one had a good mind of there own.
Thundercat5: Hey there Rockin_gts. Happy you joined us.
Scanning up for a moment at the other comments made Michaela's fingers just hover over the keys for a long moment before finally starting to type again.
Thundercat5: Yeah a little more one on one time is always nice. Not to mention at a bible study its a little more layed back. Its nice to be able to joke around with friends...and not have to worry about your kitty like Rockin_gts pointed out.
Michaela couldn't help but shake her head a little bit. She liked being able to talk with people online and even get to know new ones. Not to mention share her faith with others as well. She'd really been happy that she got a hold of the web page and asked about putting in a chat room.
Tannerslick: So Thundercat are you going to start doing devotions here and stuff like you talked the other day or are you going to keep it to open chat?
Thundercat5: I was thinking about having it open chat, but at least once a week at a cretin time having different topics we could go over, or maybe questions from church we had maybe we could just go over. Might be fun to see what everyone has to say. What do you guys thing?
2/1/11
;)
Carson nods to Ryan but doesn't respond verbally. There really was no reason to... there was nothing much more that could be said. The hours of driving had been near silent, but that was okay. Both had a goal, both had much on their minds, and neither minded the quiet. For Carson, it helped him remain focused and not distracted.
Back on the road again, the hours drag on. It was a little harder to get a location on Alec than Carson had thought it would be. It seemed now that people at hotels were being hit still, but no longer at the same hotels Alec and Yvette were staying at. That made it harder. But not impossible.
Another day passes. The sun sets and rises again. Minds are weary, but the goal is still in place...
"...look, I'm sorry, but-"
"Stop with the sorrys. You guys are there now and I just want you both back out of there alive." Reese sighs. "And I know there's no telling you to turn around either, so I might as well give you want you want so at least you'll know what you're getting into."
Carson gives Ryan a sidelong glance as they sit in the car. He had his cell on speakerphone so both were now aware that Ty had been caught and couldn't be their point man anymore. Thankfully, they were almost to their target anyway, and thankfully, Reese had the brains enough to help them rather than try to stop them. He hadn't been able to send anyone in to give Alec a chance, but he couldn't stop Carson and Ryan from doing it on their own. "Smart man. What do you have?"
"Well, according to where you just said you were, we believe Alec is about five miles north of you. Security camera caught him and Yvette in a hotel. We think they're gonna hit a different target while laying low at the hotel. I've already got two men in the area and they've already joined up with the police for a gameplan before Alec and Yvette take off again."
"Do we have time to get to him first?"
"I don't know - you better get whatever it is you want to do done with, and quick. I know they're not going to wait until tomorrow, if that's what you're asking."
Carson sighs. "Yeah. Thanks. Send me the hotel details and we'll go from there."
Ending the call, Carson waits a few minutes then checks his email from his phone, gaining the extra information they needed. And within twenty minutes, they were parked across the street behind the hotel where it was said that Alec was. And all they can do is wait for an opportune time. About an hour of waiting is all it takes, when Carson spies through his binoculars, a woman leaving the hotel. "There's Yvette. Alec's gotta be alone. Now's our chance." He looks back at Ryan. "We go in, get to Alec's room and get him out. If he wants out like we think, it shouldn't be hard, but I don't know how much time we have until Yvette gets back. You ready?"
Wyatt watches Hope and Domino for a moment, sure now that he made the right choice. It seemed strange now to think about Scott. He'd been gone for so long. One one hand, it seemed as though just yesterday he'd been at TJY. And on the other hand, it seemed as though he had been gone a lifetime.
About to decline something to drink, Wyatt stops. Hope didn't look like she was feeling very well... not physically, but emotionally. Just something in her eyes said that perhaps she was going through much more than simply recovering from her physical battle. Wyatt didn't know if she would rather be left alone or not, but he'd rather err on the side of trying to be a friend than walking away and leaving her alone.
"Sure... I got time for a glass of juice before I have to head back."
Domino sits on the couch and watches Hope, then watches where Wyatt puts her things. Hopping down to the floor, she trots over to her bed and waits until Wyatt puts her toys down too. Taking her favorite rubber, spiky ball, she goes back to the couch and jumps up to curl into one of the corners. Only she and Hope knew that that's where Scott used to sit when he'd come over.
Rocky leans back in his computer chair, his eyes roaming the screen. He'd gotten back from the lake, taken a shower and had been ready to go to bed when insomnia had hit. So instead of fighting it, he'd opted to get online and see if there was anything to keep his mind occupied. He'd visited a couple forums and said hi to a couple people, but nothing lasted more than a few minutes. It got one yawn out of him, but he knew he needed more than that before trying to sleep again.
Wandering around a particular Christian site, he sees the link to enter one of their chat rooms. He didn't normally interact that way, especially with people he didn't know but... it was a safe location, right? And who knew... maybe there was an interesting discussion going on. And even if it was boring, maybe it would put him to sleep. A win-win situation, right?
He clicks on the link and logs in. Sitting back for another moment or two, he remains silent, figuring out the discussion and who all was here. Bible studies, huh? He grins when Thundercat5 leaves to feed their cat. Cats were good. He glances over to the other chair where Puzzle was curled up sleeping like usual.
Thinking for a couple more minutes, he finally shrugs. Why not?
rockin_gts: I always feel empty on weeks I miss my Bible study. Yeah, I can read on my own, but there's something nice about sitting down with other Christians and studying together.
sara4christ: But like Linda_Mill1986 pointed out, you can get the fellowship at church on Sunday mornings.
Rocky thinks some more.
rockin_gts: Bible studies are different though. One-on-one where you can ask questions and discuss topics. Different perspectives... thoughts... opinions. Good stuff if your point is to dig into the Word.
He waits for a reply, then grins.
rockin_gts: And if you meet in your own home, you can even feed the cat without leaving the conversation. ;)
Back on the road again, the hours drag on. It was a little harder to get a location on Alec than Carson had thought it would be. It seemed now that people at hotels were being hit still, but no longer at the same hotels Alec and Yvette were staying at. That made it harder. But not impossible.
Another day passes. The sun sets and rises again. Minds are weary, but the goal is still in place...
"...look, I'm sorry, but-"
"Stop with the sorrys. You guys are there now and I just want you both back out of there alive." Reese sighs. "And I know there's no telling you to turn around either, so I might as well give you want you want so at least you'll know what you're getting into."
Carson gives Ryan a sidelong glance as they sit in the car. He had his cell on speakerphone so both were now aware that Ty had been caught and couldn't be their point man anymore. Thankfully, they were almost to their target anyway, and thankfully, Reese had the brains enough to help them rather than try to stop them. He hadn't been able to send anyone in to give Alec a chance, but he couldn't stop Carson and Ryan from doing it on their own. "Smart man. What do you have?"
"Well, according to where you just said you were, we believe Alec is about five miles north of you. Security camera caught him and Yvette in a hotel. We think they're gonna hit a different target while laying low at the hotel. I've already got two men in the area and they've already joined up with the police for a gameplan before Alec and Yvette take off again."
"Do we have time to get to him first?"
"I don't know - you better get whatever it is you want to do done with, and quick. I know they're not going to wait until tomorrow, if that's what you're asking."
Carson sighs. "Yeah. Thanks. Send me the hotel details and we'll go from there."
Ending the call, Carson waits a few minutes then checks his email from his phone, gaining the extra information they needed. And within twenty minutes, they were parked across the street behind the hotel where it was said that Alec was. And all they can do is wait for an opportune time. About an hour of waiting is all it takes, when Carson spies through his binoculars, a woman leaving the hotel. "There's Yvette. Alec's gotta be alone. Now's our chance." He looks back at Ryan. "We go in, get to Alec's room and get him out. If he wants out like we think, it shouldn't be hard, but I don't know how much time we have until Yvette gets back. You ready?"
Wyatt watches Hope and Domino for a moment, sure now that he made the right choice. It seemed strange now to think about Scott. He'd been gone for so long. One one hand, it seemed as though just yesterday he'd been at TJY. And on the other hand, it seemed as though he had been gone a lifetime.
About to decline something to drink, Wyatt stops. Hope didn't look like she was feeling very well... not physically, but emotionally. Just something in her eyes said that perhaps she was going through much more than simply recovering from her physical battle. Wyatt didn't know if she would rather be left alone or not, but he'd rather err on the side of trying to be a friend than walking away and leaving her alone.
"Sure... I got time for a glass of juice before I have to head back."
Domino sits on the couch and watches Hope, then watches where Wyatt puts her things. Hopping down to the floor, she trots over to her bed and waits until Wyatt puts her toys down too. Taking her favorite rubber, spiky ball, she goes back to the couch and jumps up to curl into one of the corners. Only she and Hope knew that that's where Scott used to sit when he'd come over.
Rocky leans back in his computer chair, his eyes roaming the screen. He'd gotten back from the lake, taken a shower and had been ready to go to bed when insomnia had hit. So instead of fighting it, he'd opted to get online and see if there was anything to keep his mind occupied. He'd visited a couple forums and said hi to a couple people, but nothing lasted more than a few minutes. It got one yawn out of him, but he knew he needed more than that before trying to sleep again.
Wandering around a particular Christian site, he sees the link to enter one of their chat rooms. He didn't normally interact that way, especially with people he didn't know but... it was a safe location, right? And who knew... maybe there was an interesting discussion going on. And even if it was boring, maybe it would put him to sleep. A win-win situation, right?
He clicks on the link and logs in. Sitting back for another moment or two, he remains silent, figuring out the discussion and who all was here. Bible studies, huh? He grins when Thundercat5 leaves to feed their cat. Cats were good. He glances over to the other chair where Puzzle was curled up sleeping like usual.
Thinking for a couple more minutes, he finally shrugs. Why not?
rockin_gts: I always feel empty on weeks I miss my Bible study. Yeah, I can read on my own, but there's something nice about sitting down with other Christians and studying together.
sara4christ: But like Linda_Mill1986 pointed out, you can get the fellowship at church on Sunday mornings.
Rocky thinks some more.
rockin_gts: Bible studies are different though. One-on-one where you can ask questions and discuss topics. Different perspectives... thoughts... opinions. Good stuff if your point is to dig into the Word.
He waits for a reply, then grins.
rockin_gts: And if you meet in your own home, you can even feed the cat without leaving the conversation. ;)
Chat
Looking out across the area Ryan just takes everything in. A smile was gone from her face, something that hadn't been there for a few days now. So much was on her mind it was really hard to land on just one thing.
Hearing Carson's question she take another bit of her own snack bar and looks over the car at him. Was she ready, Did she want to do this? It was a question that had no answer really, but one had to be made anyways.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it."
A small light lite a decent size room. Cream wall paper painted with flowers hung on the wall. The sound of soft clicking coming from on end of the room. The desk wasn't to big but it was the right size for Michaela.
Thundercat5: "I think it's important to go to a bible study if you can once a week."
Linda_Mil1986: "Why though? I go to church and read my bible."
Thundercat5: "Yeah but its nice in the middle of the week to have a refill and be able to talk about God's love with the others."
Tannerslick: "Its nice when you have a rough start to the week and than something in the middle that makes the rest ok."
Meow!
Looking down from the computer at the sound of the meow Michaela smile to herself as the blue eyes look up at her. Jumping into her lap the black and cream cat rubs up against its master looking for a little attachen.
"It is time to eat now Sassy or do you just want to play?"
Turning back to her computer for a moment Michaela fingers fly over the keyboard. Before setting Sassy down and standing going into the tiny kitchen attached to the living room.
Thundercat5: Brb, need to feed my cat.
Opening the door and seeing Wyatt Hope does her best to give a small smile. She hadn't seen anyone since she had gotten out of the hospital so seeing someone was new every if she didn't feel to happy right now.
"Come on in Wyatt. You can set Domino's stuff in the living room."
Seeing the little dog as she comes over to her Hope bends down picking Domino up in her arms and holding her close giving her little friend a kiss on the head.
"Hey Girl. I know I miss him too. We gotta stay strong though so when he comes home we can be waiting for him."
Closing the front door and following Wyatt into the living room Hope sets Domino down on the couch and giving her a gentil pat.
"Would you like anything to drink? I think I have some tea and juice."
Hope tried her best to be a good hoste, but no matter how she tired her eyes couldn't lie she was a bit sad. She still hurt from Scott's letter even if she did understand what he was saying it was still hard to hear and grasp.
Hearing Carson's question she take another bit of her own snack bar and looks over the car at him. Was she ready, Did she want to do this? It was a question that had no answer really, but one had to be made anyways.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Just tell me what to do and I'll do it."
A small light lite a decent size room. Cream wall paper painted with flowers hung on the wall. The sound of soft clicking coming from on end of the room. The desk wasn't to big but it was the right size for Michaela.
Thundercat5: "I think it's important to go to a bible study if you can once a week."
Linda_Mil1986: "Why though? I go to church and read my bible."
Thundercat5: "Yeah but its nice in the middle of the week to have a refill and be able to talk about God's love with the others."
Tannerslick: "Its nice when you have a rough start to the week and than something in the middle that makes the rest ok."
Meow!
Looking down from the computer at the sound of the meow Michaela smile to herself as the blue eyes look up at her. Jumping into her lap the black and cream cat rubs up against its master looking for a little attachen.
"It is time to eat now Sassy or do you just want to play?"
Turning back to her computer for a moment Michaela fingers fly over the keyboard. Before setting Sassy down and standing going into the tiny kitchen attached to the living room.
Thundercat5: Brb, need to feed my cat.
Opening the door and seeing Wyatt Hope does her best to give a small smile. She hadn't seen anyone since she had gotten out of the hospital so seeing someone was new every if she didn't feel to happy right now.
"Come on in Wyatt. You can set Domino's stuff in the living room."
Seeing the little dog as she comes over to her Hope bends down picking Domino up in her arms and holding her close giving her little friend a kiss on the head.
"Hey Girl. I know I miss him too. We gotta stay strong though so when he comes home we can be waiting for him."
Closing the front door and following Wyatt into the living room Hope sets Domino down on the couch and giving her a gentil pat.
"Would you like anything to drink? I think I have some tea and juice."
Hope tried her best to be a good hoste, but no matter how she tired her eyes couldn't lie she was a bit sad. She still hurt from Scott's letter even if she did understand what he was saying it was still hard to hear and grasp.
Hot chick
Carson lifts an eyebrow and looks at Ryan quickly before she corrects herself. It was the first time he realized that perhaps his physical similarities to Alec weren't helping things any.
Getting out of the car too, he fills up the tank with gas before he wanders in with Ryan to find something to eat and grab a large coffee to keep himself awake. More driving came after. A phone call in to Ty revealed that another murder had taken place, and that Alec and Yvette were on the move again. They'd be on the road at least one more day than planned.
Another day of driving, another night in the car, followed by another. It seemed almost like a bad dream, but with the intel coming in from Ty, Carson knew that they were closing in...
...Parked at a small rest stop, Carson stands outside the car and chews on an energy bar. They were far enough north that it was chillier here and he was glad he'd brought his jacket. Stretching their legs a bit, Carson would call Ty again and find out where things stood. Apparently Reese had found out Carson and Ryan were on the road through Eli making a stink, and he was none too happy... but Carson had opted to keep going anyway. Reese still didn't know just how much Ty was helping them - at least that he knew of - and they decided to keep it that way. Ty was in enough trouble just for getting them started in the first place.
Glancing over the car at Ryan, Carson sighs. "So... when we do catch up with Alec, I want to try and find a time when we know he's alone to go in and talk to him. You... sure you're ready for that?"
"...I know, I know!" Ty throws up his arms. "What do you want me to do now? Leave them on their own?"
Reese folds his arms and looks at Ty sternly while in his office. "First I find out you helped Carson and Ryan take off, and now today Hal tells me that you've been talking to them regularly and giving them updates!"
Ty frowns. "If Eli hadn't made such a big deal, it-"
"This has nothing to do with Eli and you know it. Not only are you distributing classified intel, you're helping two people walk into a lion's den. What were you thinking?!"
Ty looks at the floor, upset with the whole thing. "I was thinking about helping Alec I guess. And it was better than having Ryan go try things on her own - which she would have, and you know that."
Reese sighs and flops down in his chair. "I don't know what to do with you, Ty. You should have come to me from the start."
"We can't stop giving information to Carson... if we do, then he and Ryan will just find their own way and that could make things worse."
"You think I don't know that?" Reese shakes his head. "I've got two agents in the area where Alec is now, coordinating with the local authorities there. They'll be moving in on Alec soon - I don't want Carson and Ryan caught in the crossfire."
"Then let them do what they want first - give them a chance. If Alec doesn't cooperate, then the cops will be right behind."
Reese sighs again. "You've all got me stuck between a rock and a hard place, you know that? I don't like this, Ty. I don't like it one bit. Mark my words, when Carson gets back, both of you will endure a nice talking to from me. And as of now, you're suspended."
Wyatt walks slowly up to Hope's porch, having to stop a couple times and encourage Domino to come with him. It took a few light tugs to the leash, but she eventually follows, sighing as she climbs up the steps.
Wyatt would pick her up, but his arms were already full with her bed, food, and bag of toys. Ringing the doorbell, he waits for Hope to come, offering her a smile. "Good afternoon," he greets as cheerily as he can. He really was glad to see her, and he really did hope that she could provide Domino with a little more attention than he could. "I've got your roommate here."
Domino looks up at Hope and sniffs before wandering closer and putting her paws up on her leg and giving a little whine.
Susanne thoroughly enjoyed the motorcycle ride... she really did. Maybe allowing herself to enjoy her time with Chuck wasn't so bad after all. She even secretly was glad he took the long way around town.
Once they get to the movie, Susanne splurges to get some popcorn and something to drink before they sit down. Then settling in about halfway back from the large screen, she sits next to Chuck, nibbling on some popcorn before the movie starts.
"Now don't cry through the mushy scenes," she whispers teasingly. "I only brought enough kleenex for me."
"For fun?" Rocky kicks the refrigerator door shut after retrieving the carton of fruit juice, the cordless phone cradled between his chin and shoulder. "Eh, you know me. I got Cryptic, I work and that's the story of my life."
"You alright?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh, I don't know. You just seem a little... something."
Rocky chuckles and pours his juice into a glass on the counter. "Maybe just wishing I had a life, that's all."
"A life? You kidding me? You know how many people would pay to be in a band like Cryptic? I would."
Rocky grins. "You always wanted a piece of that action, didn't you, Derek?"
"Hey, my son's in a band, my pseudo son is in a band..."
"At least we play some of your music, which, by the way, we still love."
"I guess that's good enough. I get the fame without the hard work."
Rocky chuckles and moves to the living room where he flops down on the couch. "Yeah, the rest of us get to work our buns off hauling equipment and setting up concerts."
"Yep."
Rocky lets a pause linger, his thoughts wandering for a few moments.
"So what's with you wanting a life all of a sudden?"
"Hmm? Oh, I don't know. Just feeling down in the dumps or something."
"Well, how come? That's not like you."
"I don't know." Rocky takes a sip of his juice and shrugs, even though he can't be seen. "Maybe I do. But it's stupid anyway."
"Tell me about it."
"Don't you have work to do or something?"
Derek laughs. "It's my day off and the house is empty. I'm all yours."
Rocky sighs, though he grins a little. "Just having trouble filling my free time. When there's no band and I'm off work, it's me, my couch and I. Just... gets a little tiresome."
"Well, what did you used to do?"
"I don't know. Hung out on my computer. Or the phone or whatever."
"Yeah, you used to stay in pretty close contact with your cousin, right?"
"Brianna. Yeah."
"Don't you still chat online with her?"
"Off and on." Rocky burrows further down into the couch cushions. "That's... less than it used to be."
"How come?"
"Don't know." Rocky shrugs again. "She's just... not around as much. Life, I suppose. We used to spend hours chatting online or she'd call me and we'd just shoot the breeze about every other day. Then out of the blue a couple months ago, she had a block of time to give me and that was it. It was like she stuck me in a compartment. If it wasn't during that certain block of time, I just wasn't thought of anymore. If it wasn't for Cryptic, we wouldn't hardly have anything to talk about anymore either."
"Did you ask her about it?"
"Oh, sure. She didn't seem to think anything was different at all. Said she was just doing other things - priorities I guess. Reminded me she had a life of her own - kinda stung at the time. But it was like... I don't know. She just quit talking to me like she used to. No more phone calls unless it was important. If I don't catch the right block of time when I'm online, I wait until the next day to see if I can catch her. She admitted she's not online as much but it's like I'm just not important anymore. I'm just not... a priority anymore. Nothing bad. Nothing wrong. Just... very different. Hard to get used to."
"She got a boyfriend?"
"Yeah, but she has for a long time." Rocky fiddles with a throw pillow, feeling silly. "I know, it's stupid, but she's always been more like a sister than a cousin since she spent so much time at our grandparents when I was growing up. We've always been tight. And now... It's like I'm sitting back and just waving as she moves on with life." He sighs. "I need a hobby."
Derek chuckles. "So is that the whole problem? Your cousin filled your free time?"
"I suppose she filled a lot of it. It just always worked out that way. Like I said, there's nothing bad or wrong, and I know she's got a life. I just..."
"You miss her."
"Yeah. It's like she's still there, but at the same time, she's not. I get to chat with her, but it's not the her I used to know. Feels like I lost something. Like I lost a sister."
"I wish I knew what to tell you. Sounds like maybe your lives are just going two different directions, forcing you to give up some of that time you used to spend together."
"I suppose." Rocky takes another sip of juice before setting the glass down on the coffee table. "Just kinda makes it hard not to get upset when it appears I'm the only one that notices a difference. I just wanna say thanks, guess I never meant that much to you in the first place if you don't realize we're drifting apart. Like I said, I need a hobby. Something to fill my time away from work and the band."
"How about a girlfriend?"
Rocky snickers. "Right. That's the cure-all."
"Maybe." Derek laughs. "You never know."
"Mmm... I don't think so."
"What about finding something to do with music away from Cryptic?"
"I've thought about that. I know I could get a few gigs of my own if I really wanted, but I don't wanna steal time away from Cryptic either."
"I know what you mean. None of the guys in the band have free time?"
"Not much. Apparently they're better at filling their time than I am," Rocky muses wryly.
"Maybe you just need to get out of the house and away from your phone and computer more. Do you sit around waiting to hear from Brianna?"
Rocky rolls his eyes. "Of course. It's stupid, but I still do."
"You got a lake nearby, right?"
"Yeah."
"So go start spending some time out there. Just you, the air and God. You've got a loss... a hole... fill it with something that's truly fulfilling. And maybe you'll find some hot chick on the beach."
"Derek!"
Derek laughs again. "Sorry. Okay, no hot chick. Just you, the air and God. You do see what I'm saying though, right?"
"Yeah, I do." Rocky grins and shakes his head. "Guess I just feel trapped in my same old routine, but I'll work on it."
"You better, or all our phone conversations are going to be like this."
"Well, it's only once a month. You can handle it."
Derek chuckles. "We miss having you guys around. Say, is anyone planning to come back up here for Christmas?"
The phone conversation shifts to talking about plans for the holidays, family, then music. By the time Rocky hung up the phone, it had been longer than anticipated, but he didn't mind. On his day off, it was nice to hear from Derek and find out how everyone was. The band had spent just enough time in Wisconsin when they'd picked up Axel that the Stevenson family had just become all of theirs really. Maybe it was especially nice for Rocky since he didn't have any other family.
Yawning, he glances over at the clock. The lake, huh? Derek's suggestion stuck with him. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. He looks at the time again. It was almost six o'clock. Brianna might be showing up soon with her usual instant message. Rocky's eyes look over to his laptop on the corner table.
Getting up, he wanders over to it slowly and pauses a moment before shutting the lid. He knew his cousin didn't get it and she'd wonder where he was but the more he sat around and waited, the harder it got to walk away when he should. Grabbing his keys and wallet, he aims for the door. Maybe some fresh air really would do him some good. Maybe Derek was right.
An hour later as he sat on a rock that jutted out into the lake with the wind blowing through his hair, his mind plays over his most recent song and one of Derek's too. The lyrics of both seemed fitting for the way he felt lately. There was more though... there was more...
More... Rocky fishes in his denim jacket pocket for his little notepad and pencil. There's more... yes... he might be lonely but there was more out there somewhere...
Maybe things are different now,
I tried to tell you so.
You seem blind to what I see,
But what’s the use in arguing?
I let you go,
You walk away.
You’re taking your own path.
It’s not bad, I’m proud of you.
But as you turn, I have to, too.
Rocky hums as he jots down the words, a tune and lyrics flowing through his mind. The gentle slosh of water on the rocks seemed to add to the tranquil melody.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something out there just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that...
He falters, pencil hovering above the page. "Somewhere beyond that... beyond that what?" he mutters. Not even noticing as a jetski zooms by a short ways away, his mind is completely overtaken by the birth of the new song. "Red horizon!"
Somewhere beyond that red horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than this hurt,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
Maybe things are different now...
Rocky pauses again, feeling a little pang in his heart. A bit of melancholy settles over him and he looks out across the lake for a moment or two. He didn't hear anyone else on the nearby beach or notice when any cars left or came to the parking lot. His pencil starts to write again.
I tried to change them back.
It’s my own feelings that I have,
So what’s the use in arguing?
I see you leave,
You walk away.
You have your life to live.
It’s not bad, I’m sure you’re right.
But as you turn, I have to, too.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something out there just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that red horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than this hurt,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
It’s okay, I’m not mad.
I’m just taking my own path.
Say goodbye, it’s okay.
We’re just growing up.
With the final chorus changed just a little, Rocky rests his arm on his knee and reads the words as he sings them softly to the music only he could hear.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something new just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that wide horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than emptiness,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
I can feel,
There’s more.
Sighing a deep sigh, he closes the little notebook and leans back against a cool rock. Maybe being here could clear his mind, but it was still lonely.
Getting out of the car too, he fills up the tank with gas before he wanders in with Ryan to find something to eat and grab a large coffee to keep himself awake. More driving came after. A phone call in to Ty revealed that another murder had taken place, and that Alec and Yvette were on the move again. They'd be on the road at least one more day than planned.
Another day of driving, another night in the car, followed by another. It seemed almost like a bad dream, but with the intel coming in from Ty, Carson knew that they were closing in...
...Parked at a small rest stop, Carson stands outside the car and chews on an energy bar. They were far enough north that it was chillier here and he was glad he'd brought his jacket. Stretching their legs a bit, Carson would call Ty again and find out where things stood. Apparently Reese had found out Carson and Ryan were on the road through Eli making a stink, and he was none too happy... but Carson had opted to keep going anyway. Reese still didn't know just how much Ty was helping them - at least that he knew of - and they decided to keep it that way. Ty was in enough trouble just for getting them started in the first place.
Glancing over the car at Ryan, Carson sighs. "So... when we do catch up with Alec, I want to try and find a time when we know he's alone to go in and talk to him. You... sure you're ready for that?"
"...I know, I know!" Ty throws up his arms. "What do you want me to do now? Leave them on their own?"
Reese folds his arms and looks at Ty sternly while in his office. "First I find out you helped Carson and Ryan take off, and now today Hal tells me that you've been talking to them regularly and giving them updates!"
Ty frowns. "If Eli hadn't made such a big deal, it-"
"This has nothing to do with Eli and you know it. Not only are you distributing classified intel, you're helping two people walk into a lion's den. What were you thinking?!"
Ty looks at the floor, upset with the whole thing. "I was thinking about helping Alec I guess. And it was better than having Ryan go try things on her own - which she would have, and you know that."
Reese sighs and flops down in his chair. "I don't know what to do with you, Ty. You should have come to me from the start."
"We can't stop giving information to Carson... if we do, then he and Ryan will just find their own way and that could make things worse."
"You think I don't know that?" Reese shakes his head. "I've got two agents in the area where Alec is now, coordinating with the local authorities there. They'll be moving in on Alec soon - I don't want Carson and Ryan caught in the crossfire."
"Then let them do what they want first - give them a chance. If Alec doesn't cooperate, then the cops will be right behind."
Reese sighs again. "You've all got me stuck between a rock and a hard place, you know that? I don't like this, Ty. I don't like it one bit. Mark my words, when Carson gets back, both of you will endure a nice talking to from me. And as of now, you're suspended."
Wyatt walks slowly up to Hope's porch, having to stop a couple times and encourage Domino to come with him. It took a few light tugs to the leash, but she eventually follows, sighing as she climbs up the steps.
Wyatt would pick her up, but his arms were already full with her bed, food, and bag of toys. Ringing the doorbell, he waits for Hope to come, offering her a smile. "Good afternoon," he greets as cheerily as he can. He really was glad to see her, and he really did hope that she could provide Domino with a little more attention than he could. "I've got your roommate here."
Domino looks up at Hope and sniffs before wandering closer and putting her paws up on her leg and giving a little whine.
Susanne thoroughly enjoyed the motorcycle ride... she really did. Maybe allowing herself to enjoy her time with Chuck wasn't so bad after all. She even secretly was glad he took the long way around town.
Once they get to the movie, Susanne splurges to get some popcorn and something to drink before they sit down. Then settling in about halfway back from the large screen, she sits next to Chuck, nibbling on some popcorn before the movie starts.
"Now don't cry through the mushy scenes," she whispers teasingly. "I only brought enough kleenex for me."
"For fun?" Rocky kicks the refrigerator door shut after retrieving the carton of fruit juice, the cordless phone cradled between his chin and shoulder. "Eh, you know me. I got Cryptic, I work and that's the story of my life."
"You alright?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh, I don't know. You just seem a little... something."
Rocky chuckles and pours his juice into a glass on the counter. "Maybe just wishing I had a life, that's all."
"A life? You kidding me? You know how many people would pay to be in a band like Cryptic? I would."
Rocky grins. "You always wanted a piece of that action, didn't you, Derek?"
"Hey, my son's in a band, my pseudo son is in a band..."
"At least we play some of your music, which, by the way, we still love."
"I guess that's good enough. I get the fame without the hard work."
Rocky chuckles and moves to the living room where he flops down on the couch. "Yeah, the rest of us get to work our buns off hauling equipment and setting up concerts."
"Yep."
Rocky lets a pause linger, his thoughts wandering for a few moments.
"So what's with you wanting a life all of a sudden?"
"Hmm? Oh, I don't know. Just feeling down in the dumps or something."
"Well, how come? That's not like you."
"I don't know." Rocky takes a sip of his juice and shrugs, even though he can't be seen. "Maybe I do. But it's stupid anyway."
"Tell me about it."
"Don't you have work to do or something?"
Derek laughs. "It's my day off and the house is empty. I'm all yours."
Rocky sighs, though he grins a little. "Just having trouble filling my free time. When there's no band and I'm off work, it's me, my couch and I. Just... gets a little tiresome."
"Well, what did you used to do?"
"I don't know. Hung out on my computer. Or the phone or whatever."
"Yeah, you used to stay in pretty close contact with your cousin, right?"
"Brianna. Yeah."
"Don't you still chat online with her?"
"Off and on." Rocky burrows further down into the couch cushions. "That's... less than it used to be."
"How come?"
"Don't know." Rocky shrugs again. "She's just... not around as much. Life, I suppose. We used to spend hours chatting online or she'd call me and we'd just shoot the breeze about every other day. Then out of the blue a couple months ago, she had a block of time to give me and that was it. It was like she stuck me in a compartment. If it wasn't during that certain block of time, I just wasn't thought of anymore. If it wasn't for Cryptic, we wouldn't hardly have anything to talk about anymore either."
"Did you ask her about it?"
"Oh, sure. She didn't seem to think anything was different at all. Said she was just doing other things - priorities I guess. Reminded me she had a life of her own - kinda stung at the time. But it was like... I don't know. She just quit talking to me like she used to. No more phone calls unless it was important. If I don't catch the right block of time when I'm online, I wait until the next day to see if I can catch her. She admitted she's not online as much but it's like I'm just not important anymore. I'm just not... a priority anymore. Nothing bad. Nothing wrong. Just... very different. Hard to get used to."
"She got a boyfriend?"
"Yeah, but she has for a long time." Rocky fiddles with a throw pillow, feeling silly. "I know, it's stupid, but she's always been more like a sister than a cousin since she spent so much time at our grandparents when I was growing up. We've always been tight. And now... It's like I'm sitting back and just waving as she moves on with life." He sighs. "I need a hobby."
Derek chuckles. "So is that the whole problem? Your cousin filled your free time?"
"I suppose she filled a lot of it. It just always worked out that way. Like I said, there's nothing bad or wrong, and I know she's got a life. I just..."
"You miss her."
"Yeah. It's like she's still there, but at the same time, she's not. I get to chat with her, but it's not the her I used to know. Feels like I lost something. Like I lost a sister."
"I wish I knew what to tell you. Sounds like maybe your lives are just going two different directions, forcing you to give up some of that time you used to spend together."
"I suppose." Rocky takes another sip of juice before setting the glass down on the coffee table. "Just kinda makes it hard not to get upset when it appears I'm the only one that notices a difference. I just wanna say thanks, guess I never meant that much to you in the first place if you don't realize we're drifting apart. Like I said, I need a hobby. Something to fill my time away from work and the band."
"How about a girlfriend?"
Rocky snickers. "Right. That's the cure-all."
"Maybe." Derek laughs. "You never know."
"Mmm... I don't think so."
"What about finding something to do with music away from Cryptic?"
"I've thought about that. I know I could get a few gigs of my own if I really wanted, but I don't wanna steal time away from Cryptic either."
"I know what you mean. None of the guys in the band have free time?"
"Not much. Apparently they're better at filling their time than I am," Rocky muses wryly.
"Maybe you just need to get out of the house and away from your phone and computer more. Do you sit around waiting to hear from Brianna?"
Rocky rolls his eyes. "Of course. It's stupid, but I still do."
"You got a lake nearby, right?"
"Yeah."
"So go start spending some time out there. Just you, the air and God. You've got a loss... a hole... fill it with something that's truly fulfilling. And maybe you'll find some hot chick on the beach."
"Derek!"
Derek laughs again. "Sorry. Okay, no hot chick. Just you, the air and God. You do see what I'm saying though, right?"
"Yeah, I do." Rocky grins and shakes his head. "Guess I just feel trapped in my same old routine, but I'll work on it."
"You better, or all our phone conversations are going to be like this."
"Well, it's only once a month. You can handle it."
Derek chuckles. "We miss having you guys around. Say, is anyone planning to come back up here for Christmas?"
The phone conversation shifts to talking about plans for the holidays, family, then music. By the time Rocky hung up the phone, it had been longer than anticipated, but he didn't mind. On his day off, it was nice to hear from Derek and find out how everyone was. The band had spent just enough time in Wisconsin when they'd picked up Axel that the Stevenson family had just become all of theirs really. Maybe it was especially nice for Rocky since he didn't have any other family.
Yawning, he glances over at the clock. The lake, huh? Derek's suggestion stuck with him. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. He looks at the time again. It was almost six o'clock. Brianna might be showing up soon with her usual instant message. Rocky's eyes look over to his laptop on the corner table.
Getting up, he wanders over to it slowly and pauses a moment before shutting the lid. He knew his cousin didn't get it and she'd wonder where he was but the more he sat around and waited, the harder it got to walk away when he should. Grabbing his keys and wallet, he aims for the door. Maybe some fresh air really would do him some good. Maybe Derek was right.
An hour later as he sat on a rock that jutted out into the lake with the wind blowing through his hair, his mind plays over his most recent song and one of Derek's too. The lyrics of both seemed fitting for the way he felt lately. There was more though... there was more...
More... Rocky fishes in his denim jacket pocket for his little notepad and pencil. There's more... yes... he might be lonely but there was more out there somewhere...
Maybe things are different now,
I tried to tell you so.
You seem blind to what I see,
But what’s the use in arguing?
I let you go,
You walk away.
You’re taking your own path.
It’s not bad, I’m proud of you.
But as you turn, I have to, too.
Rocky hums as he jots down the words, a tune and lyrics flowing through his mind. The gentle slosh of water on the rocks seemed to add to the tranquil melody.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something out there just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that...
He falters, pencil hovering above the page. "Somewhere beyond that... beyond that what?" he mutters. Not even noticing as a jetski zooms by a short ways away, his mind is completely overtaken by the birth of the new song. "Red horizon!"
Somewhere beyond that red horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than this hurt,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
Maybe things are different now...
Rocky pauses again, feeling a little pang in his heart. A bit of melancholy settles over him and he looks out across the lake for a moment or two. He didn't hear anyone else on the nearby beach or notice when any cars left or came to the parking lot. His pencil starts to write again.
I tried to change them back.
It’s my own feelings that I have,
So what’s the use in arguing?
I see you leave,
You walk away.
You have your life to live.
It’s not bad, I’m sure you’re right.
But as you turn, I have to, too.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something out there just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that red horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than this hurt,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
It’s okay, I’m not mad.
I’m just taking my own path.
Say goodbye, it’s okay.
We’re just growing up.
With the final chorus changed just a little, Rocky rests his arm on his knee and reads the words as he sings them softly to the music only he could hear.
When I close my eyes, I see,
Something new just for me.
When I close my eyes, I feel,
There’s more out there for me.
Somewhere beyond that wide horizon,
There’s something waiting,
Something more.
There’s something more than emptiness,
Something more than this pain.
Something more than loneliness.
When I close my eyes, I see,
There’s more.
I can feel,
There’s more.
Sighing a deep sigh, he closes the little notebook and leans back against a cool rock. Maybe being here could clear his mind, but it was still lonely.
A dream?
"We really did it huh?"
"Yeah, we road off into the sunset after all."
"I figured you always talked about it but you wouldn't really come."
"I told you if you ever left I'd come with you. I ment it. I'm in this for a long hall, anyways a little excitement with you is always nice and what gets more excited than this."
"Yeah you did didn't you. If you this is exciting, you haven't seen the half of it."
Leaning up with a start once the car comes to a stop Ryan looks around at where they were. It was quiet here, but seemed to have a bussle about it anyways. Maybe this was a well known gas station for those going to work or heading out of town.
Looking at Carson Ryan gives a small smile as she's still in a haze from her dream. It was not Carson her eyes saw but someone else very close.
"I'll come in with you Alec."
Realizing though as she wakes up a little more it was not Alec that was with her it was Carson and there mission comes back and becomes real once again.
"...I mean...Carson. I'm a little hungry so I'll come in and see what they have."
Zipping her racing jacket up Ryan opens the car door and gets out. Wrapping her arms around herself for a moment at the cold chill in the air Ryan scans the area before heading inside the gas station.
Resting his hands over Susanne for a long moment Chuck just takes in the moment. Another ride and it seemed to get easier and easier as she relaxed more and more. It made Chuck feel good to feel the warmth that just seeped though with the more comfort Susanne felt in him.
Heading out of the driveway and speeding down the road Chuck took turns this was and that way just enjoying the evening. They had a little time before the movie started so taking the long way was ok and just enjoying the company...even if they didn't talk on the ride, was much better.
"Yeah, we road off into the sunset after all."
"I figured you always talked about it but you wouldn't really come."
"I told you if you ever left I'd come with you. I ment it. I'm in this for a long hall, anyways a little excitement with you is always nice and what gets more excited than this."
"Yeah you did didn't you. If you this is exciting, you haven't seen the half of it."
Leaning up with a start once the car comes to a stop Ryan looks around at where they were. It was quiet here, but seemed to have a bussle about it anyways. Maybe this was a well known gas station for those going to work or heading out of town.
Looking at Carson Ryan gives a small smile as she's still in a haze from her dream. It was not Carson her eyes saw but someone else very close.
"I'll come in with you Alec."
Realizing though as she wakes up a little more it was not Alec that was with her it was Carson and there mission comes back and becomes real once again.
"...I mean...Carson. I'm a little hungry so I'll come in and see what they have."
Zipping her racing jacket up Ryan opens the car door and gets out. Wrapping her arms around herself for a moment at the cold chill in the air Ryan scans the area before heading inside the gas station.
Resting his hands over Susanne for a long moment Chuck just takes in the moment. Another ride and it seemed to get easier and easier as she relaxed more and more. It made Chuck feel good to feel the warmth that just seeped though with the more comfort Susanne felt in him.
Heading out of the driveway and speeding down the road Chuck took turns this was and that way just enjoying the evening. They had a little time before the movie started so taking the long way was ok and just enjoying the company...even if they didn't talk on the ride, was much better.
1/31/11
Attack
Wyatt could hear a weariness in Hope's voice, and he wonders if it was more than her just being physically tired. But then... her boyfriend was still at Brookshire - that would be enough to make anyone a bit weary.
"How about tomorrow then? I can get her things together and bring her over on my lunch break, if that will work." He stands up again and watches as Domino slowly gets up from her bed and wanders to the window by the door. Putting her paws on the window sill she tries to look out into the dark street and just stays there for the longest time.
Susanne rolls her eyes. "I'm only ready if you quit with the compliments for a while. I can't handle so many in one night."
Tossing him a crooked grin, she goes to grab her purse and her jacket as well. "Let's go before I change my mind."
Getting outside, she locks the house then follows Chuck to the motorcycle. After putting on her helmet, she climbs on behind him and wraps her arms around his waist. Tonight... it didn't feel so awkward.
"Ryan, you..." Eli growls as she hangs up on him. Part of him couldn't blame her. He knew she was in love with Alec and he certainly knew how strong of a feeling that was. But he wished she had better sense than this. If it wasn't for the Agency, it wouldn't be so bad, but they were walking into a lion's den and it was stupid, to say the least.
Ty... Ty... Eli looks at the note again. His eyes narrow. Crumpling the paper in his fist, he throws it towards the trash can. It misses and goes bouncing onto the floor, but Eli is already gone...
...Ty props open the men's bathroom door as he cleans, mopping the floors, cleaning toilets then cleaning the sink and mirror. He didn't exactly enjoy this sort of work, but he sometimes liked being alone in the quiet and he could have a far worse job than this. Maybe sometime he could -
His thoughts are brought to a screeching halt as someone grabs him from behind. He hadn't been paying a bit of attention - he'd let his mind wander too far that he hadn't even heard anyone come into the bathroom. Being whipped around and slammed face-first up against the wall, he winces and tries to break free, but his opponent felt very strong. "Let me go!" he shouts.
"Not on your life," came the hissed reply.
Ty glares at the voice and shifts his weight just enough to bring an elbow back into his adversary's gut. Released for just a moment, it's the split second he needs to duck out from under the arms and twist around to see who it was. Startled, he pauses for too long and is slammed into the wall again, this time with a forearm up against his throat. "Eli..."
Eli's eyes flash with anger. "Good memory." He'd only see this guy a time or two when he'd come in to talk with Reese. "Where is my sister?"
"How should I know?"
"Where is she?! I know you helped her and I know she's with Carson. Now I want to know where they're going and I want to know now."
"I don't know."
"You do too!" Eli puts more pressure on Ty's windpipe. "Talk, or you'll regret it."
"North!" Ty lands a kick to Eli's shins, breaking free for the second time. Backing towards the door with his hands up, he tries to avoid a fight. "I don't know where they're at now, alright? We don't even know for sure where Alec is - it's all a guess until we get more intel. You've got to believe me." As he backs closer to the door, he suddenly runs into another body and jumps to the side. He's relieved though, to see that it's Hal.
"What is going on here?" Hal demands.
Eli sighs and throws up his arms. "Just someone not wanting to see his sister get killed."
Hal frowns. "Eli, right?"
"Yeah."
"Mmmm... what's Ty got to do with this?"
Ty rolls his eyes. "I helped Ryan hook up with Carson and they went after Alec. That's it. If Eli doesn't kill me now, Reese probably will, so apparently I'm doomed either way."
Hal smirks a little. "Do you ever learn?" He shakes his head and looks back to Eli. "Well instead of killing anybody, how about you just calm that temper of yours and we sit and talk, huh?"
Carson glances over at Ryan, letting his imagination fill in the blanks about the phone call. He was sure that Eli was none too happy about all of this. And he couldn't blame him. But he and Ryan were on the road and they weren't about to turn around now. This was too important.
So the hours drag on as does the night. A stopover for sleep doesn't happen until the light of dawn begins to spread across the sky, and even then, the rest is over too quickly before they're driving once again. Wyoming never seemed farther away.
...It was early morning yet when they have to stop for gas and Carson pulls into a little station. "Want any breakfast?" he asks Ryan.
"How about tomorrow then? I can get her things together and bring her over on my lunch break, if that will work." He stands up again and watches as Domino slowly gets up from her bed and wanders to the window by the door. Putting her paws on the window sill she tries to look out into the dark street and just stays there for the longest time.
Susanne rolls her eyes. "I'm only ready if you quit with the compliments for a while. I can't handle so many in one night."
Tossing him a crooked grin, she goes to grab her purse and her jacket as well. "Let's go before I change my mind."
Getting outside, she locks the house then follows Chuck to the motorcycle. After putting on her helmet, she climbs on behind him and wraps her arms around his waist. Tonight... it didn't feel so awkward.
"Ryan, you..." Eli growls as she hangs up on him. Part of him couldn't blame her. He knew she was in love with Alec and he certainly knew how strong of a feeling that was. But he wished she had better sense than this. If it wasn't for the Agency, it wouldn't be so bad, but they were walking into a lion's den and it was stupid, to say the least.
Ty... Ty... Eli looks at the note again. His eyes narrow. Crumpling the paper in his fist, he throws it towards the trash can. It misses and goes bouncing onto the floor, but Eli is already gone...
...Ty props open the men's bathroom door as he cleans, mopping the floors, cleaning toilets then cleaning the sink and mirror. He didn't exactly enjoy this sort of work, but he sometimes liked being alone in the quiet and he could have a far worse job than this. Maybe sometime he could -
His thoughts are brought to a screeching halt as someone grabs him from behind. He hadn't been paying a bit of attention - he'd let his mind wander too far that he hadn't even heard anyone come into the bathroom. Being whipped around and slammed face-first up against the wall, he winces and tries to break free, but his opponent felt very strong. "Let me go!" he shouts.
"Not on your life," came the hissed reply.
Ty glares at the voice and shifts his weight just enough to bring an elbow back into his adversary's gut. Released for just a moment, it's the split second he needs to duck out from under the arms and twist around to see who it was. Startled, he pauses for too long and is slammed into the wall again, this time with a forearm up against his throat. "Eli..."
Eli's eyes flash with anger. "Good memory." He'd only see this guy a time or two when he'd come in to talk with Reese. "Where is my sister?"
"How should I know?"
"Where is she?! I know you helped her and I know she's with Carson. Now I want to know where they're going and I want to know now."
"I don't know."
"You do too!" Eli puts more pressure on Ty's windpipe. "Talk, or you'll regret it."
"North!" Ty lands a kick to Eli's shins, breaking free for the second time. Backing towards the door with his hands up, he tries to avoid a fight. "I don't know where they're at now, alright? We don't even know for sure where Alec is - it's all a guess until we get more intel. You've got to believe me." As he backs closer to the door, he suddenly runs into another body and jumps to the side. He's relieved though, to see that it's Hal.
"What is going on here?" Hal demands.
Eli sighs and throws up his arms. "Just someone not wanting to see his sister get killed."
Hal frowns. "Eli, right?"
"Yeah."
"Mmmm... what's Ty got to do with this?"
Ty rolls his eyes. "I helped Ryan hook up with Carson and they went after Alec. That's it. If Eli doesn't kill me now, Reese probably will, so apparently I'm doomed either way."
Hal smirks a little. "Do you ever learn?" He shakes his head and looks back to Eli. "Well instead of killing anybody, how about you just calm that temper of yours and we sit and talk, huh?"
Carson glances over at Ryan, letting his imagination fill in the blanks about the phone call. He was sure that Eli was none too happy about all of this. And he couldn't blame him. But he and Ryan were on the road and they weren't about to turn around now. This was too important.
So the hours drag on as does the night. A stopover for sleep doesn't happen until the light of dawn begins to spread across the sky, and even then, the rest is over too quickly before they're driving once again. Wyoming never seemed farther away.
...It was early morning yet when they have to stop for gas and Carson pulls into a little station. "Want any breakfast?" he asks Ryan.
1/30/11
I promise
As her phone vibrates in her pocket Ryan closes her eyes for a moment. Before she even looked she new it would be her brother. If he hadn't called after getting her letter she would of wondered if it had gone over looked.
Not wanting to answer it Ryan finally get it from her pocket before glancing at Carson for a moment seeing Alec's down face in him and than turning to look out the window. She never noticed till now how much they did look a like.
Ryan can't even say hello before Eli lays into her and Ryan just lets him. Not arguing back, and not trying to get any words in. It was Eli's right to be angry with her. Once he was done Ryan lets out a long sigh.
"You might very well be right. We could be wrong about Alec, but I'm not turning around Eli. I have to find out for myself, and I have to look into Alec's eyes and see. I'll be back soon...I promise. I love you Big Brother."
Not letting anymore words be exchanged Ryan closes the phone and puts it back in her pocket. Leaning her head against the cool glass she looking out at the passing scenes. Everything wized by her mind just seeming to wonder. The rain that started to fall splatted on the window and made there long path down ward the weather seeming to match the mood.
Standing up a little straighter once Susanne comes into the room Chuck can't help but smile as he looks at her. His eyes seeming to twinkle. He'd never really though of birds as a pet he would want but he'd never scoff at someone else who did. Susanne liked them and they were a part of her so he likes them now too.
"Hey, I'm a little mad remember? I think we even each other out."
Giving a small laugh Chuck found humor in the whole thing even if some would be offended for being called mad it didn't bother him any. Seeing Susanne was ready he gives a smile again making note to himself at just how pretty she did look.
"I like your little family, even if they are birds, and there owner is even better. Shall we travel onward now?"
Picking up the phone and hearing Wyatt's voice and about how Domino was doing Hope lets out a sigh and leans back in her chair. It had been a few days since she had gotten the letter from Scott but she just wasn't feeling like herself yet. Maybe she had something in common with the little dog.
"Yeah, I can take her for you. Maybe right now...we both need each other because we are missing something."
In a way Hope couldn't wait to get back to work. It would keep her mind off everything but her last visit to the dr has said not yet. She still needed more strength and he didn't want her to over do it and get sick again.
"When did you want to bring her over? I pretty much am home all the time."
If she could help little Domino, maybe Domino could help her too. She'd always liked the little dog and new how close her and Scott were. Maybe this would be the only thing she had left of the man she loved so dearly so it was worth it.
Not wanting to answer it Ryan finally get it from her pocket before glancing at Carson for a moment seeing Alec's down face in him and than turning to look out the window. She never noticed till now how much they did look a like.
Ryan can't even say hello before Eli lays into her and Ryan just lets him. Not arguing back, and not trying to get any words in. It was Eli's right to be angry with her. Once he was done Ryan lets out a long sigh.
"You might very well be right. We could be wrong about Alec, but I'm not turning around Eli. I have to find out for myself, and I have to look into Alec's eyes and see. I'll be back soon...I promise. I love you Big Brother."
Not letting anymore words be exchanged Ryan closes the phone and puts it back in her pocket. Leaning her head against the cool glass she looking out at the passing scenes. Everything wized by her mind just seeming to wonder. The rain that started to fall splatted on the window and made there long path down ward the weather seeming to match the mood.
Standing up a little straighter once Susanne comes into the room Chuck can't help but smile as he looks at her. His eyes seeming to twinkle. He'd never really though of birds as a pet he would want but he'd never scoff at someone else who did. Susanne liked them and they were a part of her so he likes them now too.
"Hey, I'm a little mad remember? I think we even each other out."
Giving a small laugh Chuck found humor in the whole thing even if some would be offended for being called mad it didn't bother him any. Seeing Susanne was ready he gives a smile again making note to himself at just how pretty she did look.
"I like your little family, even if they are birds, and there owner is even better. Shall we travel onward now?"
Picking up the phone and hearing Wyatt's voice and about how Domino was doing Hope lets out a sigh and leans back in her chair. It had been a few days since she had gotten the letter from Scott but she just wasn't feeling like herself yet. Maybe she had something in common with the little dog.
"Yeah, I can take her for you. Maybe right now...we both need each other because we are missing something."
In a way Hope couldn't wait to get back to work. It would keep her mind off everything but her last visit to the dr has said not yet. She still needed more strength and he didn't want her to over do it and get sick again.
"When did you want to bring her over? I pretty much am home all the time."
If she could help little Domino, maybe Domino could help her too. She'd always liked the little dog and new how close her and Scott were. Maybe this would be the only thing she had left of the man she loved so dearly so it was worth it.
A favor
"I'm always safe." Carson grins at Misty. Both knew that every time Carson went out on a case, he was far from safe. But he was as careful as he could be, and that's the most anyone could do. "I'll come back in one piece... I promise. And if Ryan tries anything, I'll lock her in the trunk and you can have her when we get back."
Eyes twinkling, he leans over to give Misty a long, slow kiss. Drawing back, he sighs. "I gotta go," he whispers. "Pray for me... and Alec."
Standing up, he heads to the bedroom for a few last-minute items and too quickly, he's gone once more. After stopping for gas and a few things to eat and drink, Carson makes it to Ryan's apartment right when he said he would. Leaving the car running, he waits until she comes out. And without any words exchanged, they hit the road.
...Eli enters the dark apartment, finding it a little odd Ryan wasn't still up. It was late, for sure, but she was usually a night owl anyway. But maybe she still wasn't feeling so good after the whole Alec thing. It had been a couple days, but Eli knew she was still pretty down about it.
Tossing his bike keys aside, he flips on the living room lights before throwing his jacket over the back of a chair. Feeling a bit thirsty, he wanders to the kitchen and aims for the fridge, but stops when he sees a piece of paper on the counter. Picking it up, he immediately recognizes Ryan's handwriting so he starts to read. When he's finished with the note though, it goes slamming back down onto the counter, followed up by an angry curse hurled into oblivion.
Digging for his cell phone, he immediately dial's Ryan and waits. Once he hears her answer, he waists no time. "Are you crazy?! Alec's running with one of the most dangerous groups on the planet and you wanna just walk right in there, take his hand and lead him out?! Carson's wrong, Ryan. He's wrong about Alec and he's wrong to take you with him. Do yourself a favor and turn around now before it's too late."
Hearing Chuck talking to the birds in the other room, Susanne smiles to herself. If he didn't mind the birds, that would be a plus.
Rummaging quickly through her closet, she finds the light sweater she wants then digs to find her comfy but nice jeans. A quick trip to the bathroom and she runs a brush through her hair before pulling it back at the nape of her neck, then freshens her makeup... but just a little... she'd figured out that Chuck liked her just as well without being dolled up.
I wasn't ten minutes later that she was ready to go and comes back to the living room. Grinning a little, she wanders over to him by the bird cages. "Now you've met the rest of my family," she muses. "They're a pretty chipper bunch once you get to know them." She laughs. "And it's a sure sign that I spend way too much time with them if I start treating them like family members. Are you really sure you want to know me more?"
Wyatt looks down to the corner of the kitchen where the little dog was curled up on her soft bed. Her toys had gone untouched for days and she hadn't been eating well either. A trip to the vet had concluded that physically, there was nothing wrong with her. Wyatt worried he knew what was wrong, but unfortunately, there wasn't much anyone could do.
Picking up the phone, he leans back on his counter and waits for Hope to answer her phone. "Hey, Hope... it's Wyatt. Sorry to bother you. Listen um... I heard you'd be back to work soon - we all miss you around the office." It was true - everyone was excited for her return.
"I didn't want to bug you with anything else to think about, but I got a little friend here that might be able to use your company again." He goes and squats down next to Domino, reaching out to scratch her behind her ears. She looks up at him and sighs but doesn't lift her head.
"Katie and I took turns taking care of Domino while you were in the hospital. I've got her again at the moment but... she just isn't happy. I'm guessing it's Scott she wants but, you're the closest thing to him so I guess I just wondered if you were feeling up to taking care of her again."
Eyes twinkling, he leans over to give Misty a long, slow kiss. Drawing back, he sighs. "I gotta go," he whispers. "Pray for me... and Alec."
Standing up, he heads to the bedroom for a few last-minute items and too quickly, he's gone once more. After stopping for gas and a few things to eat and drink, Carson makes it to Ryan's apartment right when he said he would. Leaving the car running, he waits until she comes out. And without any words exchanged, they hit the road.
...Eli enters the dark apartment, finding it a little odd Ryan wasn't still up. It was late, for sure, but she was usually a night owl anyway. But maybe she still wasn't feeling so good after the whole Alec thing. It had been a couple days, but Eli knew she was still pretty down about it.
Tossing his bike keys aside, he flips on the living room lights before throwing his jacket over the back of a chair. Feeling a bit thirsty, he wanders to the kitchen and aims for the fridge, but stops when he sees a piece of paper on the counter. Picking it up, he immediately recognizes Ryan's handwriting so he starts to read. When he's finished with the note though, it goes slamming back down onto the counter, followed up by an angry curse hurled into oblivion.
Digging for his cell phone, he immediately dial's Ryan and waits. Once he hears her answer, he waists no time. "Are you crazy?! Alec's running with one of the most dangerous groups on the planet and you wanna just walk right in there, take his hand and lead him out?! Carson's wrong, Ryan. He's wrong about Alec and he's wrong to take you with him. Do yourself a favor and turn around now before it's too late."
Hearing Chuck talking to the birds in the other room, Susanne smiles to herself. If he didn't mind the birds, that would be a plus.
Rummaging quickly through her closet, she finds the light sweater she wants then digs to find her comfy but nice jeans. A quick trip to the bathroom and she runs a brush through her hair before pulling it back at the nape of her neck, then freshens her makeup... but just a little... she'd figured out that Chuck liked her just as well without being dolled up.
I wasn't ten minutes later that she was ready to go and comes back to the living room. Grinning a little, she wanders over to him by the bird cages. "Now you've met the rest of my family," she muses. "They're a pretty chipper bunch once you get to know them." She laughs. "And it's a sure sign that I spend way too much time with them if I start treating them like family members. Are you really sure you want to know me more?"
Wyatt looks down to the corner of the kitchen where the little dog was curled up on her soft bed. Her toys had gone untouched for days and she hadn't been eating well either. A trip to the vet had concluded that physically, there was nothing wrong with her. Wyatt worried he knew what was wrong, but unfortunately, there wasn't much anyone could do.
Picking up the phone, he leans back on his counter and waits for Hope to answer her phone. "Hey, Hope... it's Wyatt. Sorry to bother you. Listen um... I heard you'd be back to work soon - we all miss you around the office." It was true - everyone was excited for her return.
"I didn't want to bug you with anything else to think about, but I got a little friend here that might be able to use your company again." He goes and squats down next to Domino, reaching out to scratch her behind her ears. She looks up at him and sighs but doesn't lift her head.
"Katie and I took turns taking care of Domino while you were in the hospital. I've got her again at the moment but... she just isn't happy. I'm guessing it's Scott she wants but, you're the closest thing to him so I guess I just wondered if you were feeling up to taking care of her again."
Letter Goodbye
Taking the helmet back and giving a smile to Susanne Chuck gives a nod. It did make more sense for her to drive him and than have him go from there to the movies. Why he hadn't thought of that himself beat him.
Shaking his head a little and pushing his helmet down Chuck starts up the bike and follows Susanne. It doesn't take long for them to get to her house and when she offers him inside he is a bit surprised. It must have really taken her a lot of courage to ask him in. He would of been happy just waiting out here for him but not that she was offering why not.
Heading inside with Susanne Chuck looks around the room once she disappears. The room was big and bright. Very clean and one could tell great car had been taken in every detail. Coming in a little more Chuck see the bird cages and can't help but smile. It looked like Susanne took great joy in the birds.
"Well Hello there, you must be the kids. Susanne told me a little about you all but she never mentioned how cute you all were."
Chuck smile at himself for talking to the birds like they could understand them but they really were pretty and it was nice to look at all there colors.
Heading inside Ryan takes a quick look around the room. Eli said he was going to be out late with Scarlet tonight as they took there rain check and went to a concert that was right outside town.
Heading to her room Ryan went to her room and grabbed her backpack. Throwing in some jeans, shirts, and a few other items she would need she new to pack light. Looking around her room Ryan lets out a small sigh. It was hard to look anywhere and not see Alec. He'd been such a big part of her lift over the last few months that now his mark was just left everywhere.
Heading into the kitchen Ryan opens the cupboard and grabs some snack bars throwing them into her back along with her clothing. Than taking a peace of paper and a pen from the counter she sits at the small kitchen table and writes.
Eli,
I wont be home for a few days. I have deiced I need to see whats going on with Alec myself. Nothing adds up, and yes everyone thinks maybe he didn't change after all but there was no way he could of fooled me that well. No...I saw him, I saw the change and I saw the look in his eye when he said he loved me.
Don't worry big brother I am not going alone. Ty saw to that on and told Carson what I was planning on doing. So now I will be travailing with him. Please don't be angry with Carson. If he hadn't have let me gone than I would of gone alone and that would be more dangerous than it is now.
Carson said we are going to see if Alec will come back with us because he believe Alec is there against his own will. If he makes it clear he does not want to come back than we will have to walk away. I will have to walk away. I know how hard that will be for me to walk away from Alec once I see him again but at the same time I know how easy it will be too.
Wish me luck Eli, and I will see you again soon.
With all my love,
Speedy
Placing the letter in the counter Ryan new Eli would see it when he got home and went for a beer. She hopped he wouldn't be to angry with her. This was just something she had to do.
Looking at Carson as he comes into the living room Misty new he would be leaving soon so she herself didn't want to get to comfortable. But coming a little closer she places her hand on his arm and gives it a loving rub.
Hearing Ryan was going to go with Carson Misty gives a little nod. She'd guessed that she would say she wanted to go. Misty could see the look in the young woman's eye from the short days she had bumped into her when Alec was still at TJY. It had been the same look of a strong will that Misty had, had at that age.
"Yes I'm still ok with that. I trust you Carson. Just let he know if she does try anything She'll have to answer to me."
Giving a little sassy grin Misty leans in and gives Carson a kiss. She loved Carson and though the past had been rough she trusted him now. He's changed a lot since than and she'd seen every step.
"Just be safe and don't get yourselves into trouble. I want you to come home to me."
Misty gives a smile though on the inside she wish she was coming with Carson this was not her battle and she had to stay behind. As long as Carson was safe and did come home in one peace it would be ok. She'd get to fight along side him another time.
Shaking his head a little and pushing his helmet down Chuck starts up the bike and follows Susanne. It doesn't take long for them to get to her house and when she offers him inside he is a bit surprised. It must have really taken her a lot of courage to ask him in. He would of been happy just waiting out here for him but not that she was offering why not.
Heading inside with Susanne Chuck looks around the room once she disappears. The room was big and bright. Very clean and one could tell great car had been taken in every detail. Coming in a little more Chuck see the bird cages and can't help but smile. It looked like Susanne took great joy in the birds.
"Well Hello there, you must be the kids. Susanne told me a little about you all but she never mentioned how cute you all were."
Chuck smile at himself for talking to the birds like they could understand them but they really were pretty and it was nice to look at all there colors.
Heading inside Ryan takes a quick look around the room. Eli said he was going to be out late with Scarlet tonight as they took there rain check and went to a concert that was right outside town.
Heading to her room Ryan went to her room and grabbed her backpack. Throwing in some jeans, shirts, and a few other items she would need she new to pack light. Looking around her room Ryan lets out a small sigh. It was hard to look anywhere and not see Alec. He'd been such a big part of her lift over the last few months that now his mark was just left everywhere.
Heading into the kitchen Ryan opens the cupboard and grabs some snack bars throwing them into her back along with her clothing. Than taking a peace of paper and a pen from the counter she sits at the small kitchen table and writes.
Eli,
I wont be home for a few days. I have deiced I need to see whats going on with Alec myself. Nothing adds up, and yes everyone thinks maybe he didn't change after all but there was no way he could of fooled me that well. No...I saw him, I saw the change and I saw the look in his eye when he said he loved me.
Don't worry big brother I am not going alone. Ty saw to that on and told Carson what I was planning on doing. So now I will be travailing with him. Please don't be angry with Carson. If he hadn't have let me gone than I would of gone alone and that would be more dangerous than it is now.
Carson said we are going to see if Alec will come back with us because he believe Alec is there against his own will. If he makes it clear he does not want to come back than we will have to walk away. I will have to walk away. I know how hard that will be for me to walk away from Alec once I see him again but at the same time I know how easy it will be too.
Wish me luck Eli, and I will see you again soon.
With all my love,
Speedy
Placing the letter in the counter Ryan new Eli would see it when he got home and went for a beer. She hopped he wouldn't be to angry with her. This was just something she had to do.
Looking at Carson as he comes into the living room Misty new he would be leaving soon so she herself didn't want to get to comfortable. But coming a little closer she places her hand on his arm and gives it a loving rub.
Hearing Ryan was going to go with Carson Misty gives a little nod. She'd guessed that she would say she wanted to go. Misty could see the look in the young woman's eye from the short days she had bumped into her when Alec was still at TJY. It had been the same look of a strong will that Misty had, had at that age.
"Yes I'm still ok with that. I trust you Carson. Just let he know if she does try anything She'll have to answer to me."
Giving a little sassy grin Misty leans in and gives Carson a kiss. She loved Carson and though the past had been rough she trusted him now. He's changed a lot since than and she'd seen every step.
"Just be safe and don't get yourselves into trouble. I want you to come home to me."
Misty gives a smile though on the inside she wish she was coming with Carson this was not her battle and she had to stay behind. As long as Carson was safe and did come home in one peace it would be ok. She'd get to fight along side him another time.
Safe?
"Okay." Carson might not agree with Ryan's decision, and he might think she was foolish to want to contact the Agency, but he did trust her word about walking away if it came to that.
"I'll come to your place in about an hour to pick you up then. Pack for at least three days - we might be gone longer than that, depending. We think he and Yvette are about a day away right now, but by the time we get there, they might have moved on and even once we do locate him, we're gonna have to find the right window of opportunity."
Carson nods with decisiveness. He wasn't going to go in half-cocked or without intel. He thought that Alec would want out and if he did, if they could slip in and slip out, it might be a very easy extraction. But if Alec really didn't want to come and Carson had read the signs wrong then it could turn into a mess if they weren't careful.
"Oh, and you might want to just leave your brother a note instead of telling him to his face where you're going." A wry grin avoided Carson's lips and instead, appeared in just his eyes. "I'd rather not have him beat me to a pulp for taking you along." While Carson could handle his own and was very skilled when it came to hand-to-hand combat, Eli knew how to street fight and Carson would just as soon avoid any confrontation.
"So get home and pack. I'll see you in about an hour." Giving Ty one last glance, he turns on his heel and heads for the door.
Ty still leans on his broom handle and watches Carson leave, then eyes Ryan. "Carson thinks Alec's clean. Reese disagrees. Good luck."
Once in his car again, Carson heads back home. He'd already made arrangements to be gone and though Misty knew as well, he wanted to let her know exactly what was happening now that he'd seen Ryan.
Getting home, he parks and goes inside, finding Misty in the living room, despite the late hour. "Hey, Babe." He wanders in and eases down on the couch next to her but doesn't get too comfortable. He needed to stay awake so he could leave in a little while and drive.
"Ryan said she wanted to go, so I'm taking her along." The possibility had been there before, but now that it was a sure thing, Carson wanted to check again to ensure everything on the at home would be okay once he got back. He looks at Misty for a long moment, searching her eyes. He wished it was her going along instead, but as it was, the circumstances called for something different this time. "You still okay with that?" He knew she trusted him, but he didn't want any insecure feelings to surface because he'd be traveling with another woman.
Susanne just shakes her head and laughs. Though she did find his compliments amusing, and though there was a part of her that didn't believe a single one, there was still a corner of her heart that felt oh-so good when he said those sweet words.
"Um..." She accepts the helmet, but hesitates. She had yet to reveal to Chuck where she lived. It had been a precautionary move before... what about now? She really would prefer changing into her jeans and a more comfortable shirt, not to mention she might like to freshen up really quickly after working all day. She hadn't planned on stopping at home, but now that he'd mentioned it...
"I... guess it would be nice to stop by home first. But I might as well drive my car there at least then you can just take me straight home later." She hands the helmet back to him. "You can follow me."
Did he know what a big step it was for her to allow him to her house? She didn't know. But as she turned to her car, her heart began beating just a little faster. She was going to let Chuck a little further into her safety zone... was it wise? Was it safe? There was only one way to find out.
It wasn't long before they were across town and Susanne was parking in her driveway. She gets out of her car and glances back to Chuck, giving him time to get off his bike before going up to the front door. Unlocking it, she steps inside first, flicking on the lights, and turning to let Chuck inside as well. "I'll just be a few minutes..." She gestures to the living room. "Make yourself comfortable... the birds will probably want to introduce themselves." Setting her purse by the couch, she heads down the hall, trying to not make Chuck wait too long.
Though the house was not large, the living room had plenty of space. A couch was angled at once side, close to a small entertainment center for a television and a few movies. A soft gliding chair was also present, next to a small table and lamp where a few gardening magazines were kept.
The walls were cream-colored with a green ivy border around the top, stenciled with paint, proving great care and time. A few pictures that adorned the walls were mostly paintings of flowers or landscapes. Hanging in one corner was a lovely green plant - not alone as there were several more houseplants about the room. The back portion of the living room though, was dedicated to several bird cages. And at the bottom of each cage were handmade nameplates. The birds had been named after variety of flowers, and each also bore the meaning of that particular flower.
On the end was a little red canary named Mallow - the meaning listed was "delicate beauty." Next were two lovebirds, the first yellow one was named Honeysuckle, meaning "bond of love," while the second was green and red, named Gloxinia which meant "love at first sight." In the middle cage was a whitefaced cockatiel named Olive for "peace." And on the far right were two blue parakeets - one named Snowdrop for "hope," and one named Periwinkle for "sweet remembrance." Roomy cages and plenty of toys proved the owner's care for these twittering, whistling pets that cocked their heads and stared at new company with cautious curiosity.
"I'll come to your place in about an hour to pick you up then. Pack for at least three days - we might be gone longer than that, depending. We think he and Yvette are about a day away right now, but by the time we get there, they might have moved on and even once we do locate him, we're gonna have to find the right window of opportunity."
Carson nods with decisiveness. He wasn't going to go in half-cocked or without intel. He thought that Alec would want out and if he did, if they could slip in and slip out, it might be a very easy extraction. But if Alec really didn't want to come and Carson had read the signs wrong then it could turn into a mess if they weren't careful.
"Oh, and you might want to just leave your brother a note instead of telling him to his face where you're going." A wry grin avoided Carson's lips and instead, appeared in just his eyes. "I'd rather not have him beat me to a pulp for taking you along." While Carson could handle his own and was very skilled when it came to hand-to-hand combat, Eli knew how to street fight and Carson would just as soon avoid any confrontation.
"So get home and pack. I'll see you in about an hour." Giving Ty one last glance, he turns on his heel and heads for the door.
Ty still leans on his broom handle and watches Carson leave, then eyes Ryan. "Carson thinks Alec's clean. Reese disagrees. Good luck."
Once in his car again, Carson heads back home. He'd already made arrangements to be gone and though Misty knew as well, he wanted to let her know exactly what was happening now that he'd seen Ryan.
Getting home, he parks and goes inside, finding Misty in the living room, despite the late hour. "Hey, Babe." He wanders in and eases down on the couch next to her but doesn't get too comfortable. He needed to stay awake so he could leave in a little while and drive.
"Ryan said she wanted to go, so I'm taking her along." The possibility had been there before, but now that it was a sure thing, Carson wanted to check again to ensure everything on the at home would be okay once he got back. He looks at Misty for a long moment, searching her eyes. He wished it was her going along instead, but as it was, the circumstances called for something different this time. "You still okay with that?" He knew she trusted him, but he didn't want any insecure feelings to surface because he'd be traveling with another woman.
Susanne just shakes her head and laughs. Though she did find his compliments amusing, and though there was a part of her that didn't believe a single one, there was still a corner of her heart that felt oh-so good when he said those sweet words.
"Um..." She accepts the helmet, but hesitates. She had yet to reveal to Chuck where she lived. It had been a precautionary move before... what about now? She really would prefer changing into her jeans and a more comfortable shirt, not to mention she might like to freshen up really quickly after working all day. She hadn't planned on stopping at home, but now that he'd mentioned it...
"I... guess it would be nice to stop by home first. But I might as well drive my car there at least then you can just take me straight home later." She hands the helmet back to him. "You can follow me."
Did he know what a big step it was for her to allow him to her house? She didn't know. But as she turned to her car, her heart began beating just a little faster. She was going to let Chuck a little further into her safety zone... was it wise? Was it safe? There was only one way to find out.
It wasn't long before they were across town and Susanne was parking in her driveway. She gets out of her car and glances back to Chuck, giving him time to get off his bike before going up to the front door. Unlocking it, she steps inside first, flicking on the lights, and turning to let Chuck inside as well. "I'll just be a few minutes..." She gestures to the living room. "Make yourself comfortable... the birds will probably want to introduce themselves." Setting her purse by the couch, she heads down the hall, trying to not make Chuck wait too long.
Though the house was not large, the living room had plenty of space. A couch was angled at once side, close to a small entertainment center for a television and a few movies. A soft gliding chair was also present, next to a small table and lamp where a few gardening magazines were kept.
The walls were cream-colored with a green ivy border around the top, stenciled with paint, proving great care and time. A few pictures that adorned the walls were mostly paintings of flowers or landscapes. Hanging in one corner was a lovely green plant - not alone as there were several more houseplants about the room. The back portion of the living room though, was dedicated to several bird cages. And at the bottom of each cage were handmade nameplates. The birds had been named after variety of flowers, and each also bore the meaning of that particular flower.
On the end was a little red canary named Mallow - the meaning listed was "delicate beauty." Next were two lovebirds, the first yellow one was named Honeysuckle, meaning "bond of love," while the second was green and red, named Gloxinia which meant "love at first sight." In the middle cage was a whitefaced cockatiel named Olive for "peace." And on the far right were two blue parakeets - one named Snowdrop for "hope," and one named Periwinkle for "sweet remembrance." Roomy cages and plenty of toys proved the owner's care for these twittering, whistling pets that cocked their heads and stared at new company with cautious curiosity.
1/29/11
Can I?
"I make them up spur of the moment. It's easy when there is someone like you who I can give them too."
Walking over to the bike Chuck picks up the extra helmet and hands it to Susanne before taking his own. Looking back to Susanne and giving her a wink Chuck can't help but smile again.
"Did you want to go home first or go right to dinner?"
Looking back at Carson and hardly flinching as he told her all he new even if she was breaking on the inside she wouldn't let it show. Alec had killed, he was with this other woman and what else was he doing?
Hearing Carson was leaving to go out of town soon Ryan straightens a little. So Carson was going to try and help Alec before anyone else could get to him. So Carson did care, in a way it shocked Ryan. Hearing him ask her to come along Ryan was surprised once again. Could she walk away once she saw Alec? If he didn't come back and was bound to that life again would she leave?
"Yes I want to come with you, and yes I can walk away if I have too."
Walking over to the bike Chuck picks up the extra helmet and hands it to Susanne before taking his own. Looking back to Susanne and giving her a wink Chuck can't help but smile again.
"Did you want to go home first or go right to dinner?"
Looking back at Carson and hardly flinching as he told her all he new even if she was breaking on the inside she wouldn't let it show. Alec had killed, he was with this other woman and what else was he doing?
Hearing Carson was leaving to go out of town soon Ryan straightens a little. So Carson was going to try and help Alec before anyone else could get to him. So Carson did care, in a way it shocked Ryan. Hearing him ask her to come along Ryan was surprised once again. Could she walk away once she saw Alec? If he didn't come back and was bound to that life again would she leave?
"Yes I want to come with you, and yes I can walk away if I have too."
Up to you
Though Susanne rolls her eyes, her cheeks do flush slightly. "Do you have a list of lines you practice or do they just come to you on the spur of the moment?"
Her head leans into his hand a little bit. "I don't think I feel qualified to be shown off, but I'll tag along at least." She bites her lower lip. She was just an unattractive homebody... Chuck on the other hand... well... he was the one that could be shown off.
Carson isn't surprised at Ryan's words and he gives her a short nod. "Yeah, that's what I figured."
He sighs deeply. "I was at Alec's apartment today. Did a little more nosing around. Put a few more pieces together in my mind. And... I think there's a good chance Alec is innocent, as far illegal activity goes." Alec's shenanigans with Yvette were beyond a doubt, but as far as leaking Elite information or killing anyone... that was up for debate. "I think Reese might agree with me on a certain level, but the Elite's hands are tied."
Carson looks Ryan in the eye, not wanting to spare her any details. "He and/or Yvette have killed - the count is four so far and we're pretty sure there will be more. Cheating on you is the least of the Elite's worries. And what they want to do is go in and extract Alec, no matter the cost. If he lives, he'll be contained, and if he dies, he's one less thing to worry about. But they are going to go in after him. He knows far too much about the Elite to allow him back into the Agency. Right now, we just hope he hasn't shared too much. Personally, I think he must have good reasons for taking off and he's just biding his time."
Carson pauses again. "In one hour, I'm heading out of town and going north. Ty helped me get into the TJY records to find out where they've been tracking Alec and we think he's going to be in Wyoming next - where, exactly will be tricky but I think we can find him, though it'll take a few days." He'd already told Misty and she knew he was inserting himself into this case for the sake of Alec - she and Ty were the only ones that knew though. Those running the restaurant only knew he was on a TJY case and that was it - not even Dani was aware of his plans. He knew Reese would try to stop him if word got out.
"I'm giving you one chance to go with me - I'd rather have you in my sights than off on your own getting yourself killed. If we find Alec and he does want out like I think he does, we can bring him back. And if we find out that he truly has turned, then we leave him for the Elite to handle."
Carson cocks his head, giving Ryan time to process the information. "Up to you. But if you decide to come, I have to know that you can walk away if we don't find what we want."
Her head leans into his hand a little bit. "I don't think I feel qualified to be shown off, but I'll tag along at least." She bites her lower lip. She was just an unattractive homebody... Chuck on the other hand... well... he was the one that could be shown off.
Carson isn't surprised at Ryan's words and he gives her a short nod. "Yeah, that's what I figured."
He sighs deeply. "I was at Alec's apartment today. Did a little more nosing around. Put a few more pieces together in my mind. And... I think there's a good chance Alec is innocent, as far illegal activity goes." Alec's shenanigans with Yvette were beyond a doubt, but as far as leaking Elite information or killing anyone... that was up for debate. "I think Reese might agree with me on a certain level, but the Elite's hands are tied."
Carson looks Ryan in the eye, not wanting to spare her any details. "He and/or Yvette have killed - the count is four so far and we're pretty sure there will be more. Cheating on you is the least of the Elite's worries. And what they want to do is go in and extract Alec, no matter the cost. If he lives, he'll be contained, and if he dies, he's one less thing to worry about. But they are going to go in after him. He knows far too much about the Elite to allow him back into the Agency. Right now, we just hope he hasn't shared too much. Personally, I think he must have good reasons for taking off and he's just biding his time."
Carson pauses again. "In one hour, I'm heading out of town and going north. Ty helped me get into the TJY records to find out where they've been tracking Alec and we think he's going to be in Wyoming next - where, exactly will be tricky but I think we can find him, though it'll take a few days." He'd already told Misty and she knew he was inserting himself into this case for the sake of Alec - she and Ty were the only ones that knew though. Those running the restaurant only knew he was on a TJY case and that was it - not even Dani was aware of his plans. He knew Reese would try to stop him if word got out.
"I'm giving you one chance to go with me - I'd rather have you in my sights than off on your own getting yourself killed. If we find Alec and he does want out like I think he does, we can bring him back. And if we find out that he truly has turned, then we leave him for the Elite to handle."
Carson cocks his head, giving Ryan time to process the information. "Up to you. But if you decide to come, I have to know that you can walk away if we don't find what we want."
Looks of the past
Crossing his arms over his chest Chuck does his best to try and hide the smile that wanted to come through so badly. But even if he held his lips from moving his eyes betrayed him as they did all the smiling.
"Yeah there was this woman I was waiting for. Something about dinner and a movie tonight."
Not being able to help it anymore the smile finally spreads across Chuck's face and he lets his arms fall to his side for a moment. Than bringing a hand up to Susanne's face he gives her cheek a gentile brush with his hand just feeling her soft skin under his fingers.
"How could I not be excited about getting to show someone as pretty as you off?"
As the strong arm goes around Ryan's neck she gives a little gasp taken by surprise. Bringing her hands up to the arm she can feel her heart start to race as the cold barrel of a gun is pointed at her head. Hearing Carson's words that followed and than being shoved Ryan turns around quickly and glares at Carson.
Looking to Ty as he says his sorry and he didn't want her to get hurt a look of pain flashes in her eyes. She should of known better than to try and trust someone linked with the Elite.
Turning her attachen back to Carson Ryan's eyes were filled with pain, a little of everything that had been wearing on her. She had to know for herself about Alec, she had too.
"I will find Alec. I won't rest till I do. Nothing adds up and I need to know why. I can't wait for weeks on end. So I can rest in peace I need to know sooner. So stay out of my way, or help me."
Ryan's look was full of determination. Maybe a look that had been seen in others faces of the past as well. The love for someone over taking all reason till the truth would be revealed. Something so many in the past had faced as well.
"Yeah there was this woman I was waiting for. Something about dinner and a movie tonight."
Not being able to help it anymore the smile finally spreads across Chuck's face and he lets his arms fall to his side for a moment. Than bringing a hand up to Susanne's face he gives her cheek a gentile brush with his hand just feeling her soft skin under his fingers.
"How could I not be excited about getting to show someone as pretty as you off?"
As the strong arm goes around Ryan's neck she gives a little gasp taken by surprise. Bringing her hands up to the arm she can feel her heart start to race as the cold barrel of a gun is pointed at her head. Hearing Carson's words that followed and than being shoved Ryan turns around quickly and glares at Carson.
Looking to Ty as he says his sorry and he didn't want her to get hurt a look of pain flashes in her eyes. She should of known better than to try and trust someone linked with the Elite.
Turning her attachen back to Carson Ryan's eyes were filled with pain, a little of everything that had been wearing on her. She had to know for herself about Alec, she had too.
"I will find Alec. I won't rest till I do. Nothing adds up and I need to know why. I can't wait for weeks on end. So I can rest in peace I need to know sooner. So stay out of my way, or help me."
Ryan's look was full of determination. Maybe a look that had been seen in others faces of the past as well. The love for someone over taking all reason till the truth would be revealed. Something so many in the past had faced as well.
You're dead
The door to TJY opens and Susanne wanders out, scanning the parking lot. Spotting Chuck, she grins. Wandering over to him, she gives him an obvious once-over before looking up at him. "You look like you're waiting for someone," she muses.
After tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she folds her arms. "Seems to me you're rather enthusiastic about picking someone up."
"Ryan... hi." Ty leans on his broom, studying her for a moment. "Yeah... I think I got what you need. I got a name of someone you should get in contact with."
Before anything else can be said though, a figure slips from a cubicle without any warning. A strong arm wraps around Ryan's neck from behind in a chokehold, while at the same time, a pistol barrel is pressed to her temple with a sickening click as it's cocked.
Ty doesn't flinch. He does nothing but stand still, his face lacking expression.
The unseen figure gives Ryan a little jerk before pulling the trigger. But all that comes is a sturdy click. The gun was empty. "Bang... you're dead," Carson hisses. Releasing her and giving her a little shove towards Ty, he returns his gun to his side before setting his hands on his hips. His eyes glare at Ryan. "You think this is a game? You think being all brave and wanting to face the Agency is a good idea? Do you even realize how quickly you would be dead?" He snaps his fingers. "Just like that. As easily as I caught you here, they'll put a bullet in your head and then you'll never have the chance to find out what's really going on."
Ty gives Ryan a sidelong glance. "I'm sorry. But I didn't want to see you hurt. So I told Carson what was going on."
After tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she folds her arms. "Seems to me you're rather enthusiastic about picking someone up."
"Ryan... hi." Ty leans on his broom, studying her for a moment. "Yeah... I think I got what you need. I got a name of someone you should get in contact with."
Before anything else can be said though, a figure slips from a cubicle without any warning. A strong arm wraps around Ryan's neck from behind in a chokehold, while at the same time, a pistol barrel is pressed to her temple with a sickening click as it's cocked.
Ty doesn't flinch. He does nothing but stand still, his face lacking expression.
The unseen figure gives Ryan a little jerk before pulling the trigger. But all that comes is a sturdy click. The gun was empty. "Bang... you're dead," Carson hisses. Releasing her and giving her a little shove towards Ty, he returns his gun to his side before setting his hands on his hips. His eyes glare at Ryan. "You think this is a game? You think being all brave and wanting to face the Agency is a good idea? Do you even realize how quickly you would be dead?" He snaps his fingers. "Just like that. As easily as I caught you here, they'll put a bullet in your head and then you'll never have the chance to find out what's really going on."
Ty gives Ryan a sidelong glance. "I'm sorry. But I didn't want to see you hurt. So I told Carson what was going on."
Day and Night
Sitting outside TJY Chuck waited for Susanne knowing she would be out soon. They were going to be going to dinner and than the movie Susanne wanted to see. Chuck was excited even if it was a chick flick. Spending more time with Susanne was always a plus to him.
Putting the kickstand down on the bike and getting off Chuck's leather jacket crinkles a little bit as he straightens it. Running a hand through his hair he makes it stand on end. Even if he was going to put the helmet on again at least he would look good for a few moments when Susanne first saw him.
Later that night....
Entering TJY Ryan slipped her hands in her hoodie pocket her keys only giving a soft jingle as she walked. It was late, but the time Ty had told her to come. He's have the information for her and than she could move on figuring out where to go from there.
Stepping onto the main floor and seeing Ty Ryan's lips curl up a little bit. He was right there like he'd said he would be. Not that Ryan didn't believe him but she thought for sure he would back out.
"Ty, hey. Your right it does seem a lot quieter this late at night. Got the information for me?"
Putting the kickstand down on the bike and getting off Chuck's leather jacket crinkles a little bit as he straightens it. Running a hand through his hair he makes it stand on end. Even if he was going to put the helmet on again at least he would look good for a few moments when Susanne first saw him.
Later that night....
Entering TJY Ryan slipped her hands in her hoodie pocket her keys only giving a soft jingle as she walked. It was late, but the time Ty had told her to come. He's have the information for her and than she could move on figuring out where to go from there.
Stepping onto the main floor and seeing Ty Ryan's lips curl up a little bit. He was right there like he'd said he would be. Not that Ryan didn't believe him but she thought for sure he would back out.
"Ty, hey. Your right it does seem a lot quieter this late at night. Got the information for me?"
1/28/11
Midnight
Susanne can't help a little laugh and she shakes her head at Chuck. He was silly for asking, since she'd just suggested the movie herself. Not that she minded... it meant he really did want to spend more time with her.
"Yes... yes, I think I will. However, I must warn you, it's a sappy musical." Her smile turns into a sly sort of grin. "But I have a feeling even if you hated the movie, you'd come anyway just to lay on a little more of that charm." She looks at her hand he had kissed. "You might want to be careful... lay it on too thick and I'll start dripping."
Eli didn't mean to look so surprised, but his eyebrows did rise as Ryan talks about wanting him there. He'd figured she might miss him, sure, but maybe he hadn't realized that how he felt about her was how she felt about him. He loved his sister dearly - he just hadn't thought she really cared one way or the other where he was. Realizing that she did want him here... maybe even needed him here... it made him all the more glad that he'd decided to stay.
As the conversation shifts, he lets the other subjects drop, figuring it was best. He wouldn't make her talk about things she didn't want to - a distraction would be good.
"I would love to watch a funny move." He nods and stands up and heads to the cupboard to nose around. "As long as we have popcorn. Popcorn is a must." Searching a little more, he finds a box of microwave popcorn. "Eureka! Now we're set. I'll let you choose the movie though - I'm too indecisive."
And time moves slowly on...
Finished with his shower and getting dressed, Alec eases down at the kitchenette table in the hotel suite. Taking a swig of coffee, his gaze lingers on the table, his mind far away. His face was pale and dark circles were under his eyes. One might be surprised to discover he'd only been away from a healthy lifestyle for a few days. But during those few days, much had happened... much had changed.
"Mmm... you smell good." Yvette comes up behind him, slipping an arm over his shoulder and down to rest her palm against his chest as she takes a breath of his wet hair.
"It's the coffee," Alec responds dryly.
"Oh, I don't think so." Yvette slides her head down to kiss his ear then his cheek. "Nope... it's definitely you."
Alec takes another sip of coffee. "Where's our next target?"
Yvette sighs and straightens up. "You're certainly a stick in the mud this morning. Bit of a contrast to last night, don't you think?"
Alec quirks an eyebrow before slinging a glance over his shoulder at Yvette's scantily clothed figure. "No focus, no job." He points to the table. "Target?"
Rolling her eyes, Yvette retrieves a map from the counter and tosses it on the table in front of him. "Brummel Hotel on the other side of town. We go in, kill the guy and get out. In the meantime, we keep our cover here as newlyweds for two days or until we receive our next destination coordinates."
Alec only grunts in response before studying the map and following the road with his finger before reaching the red ink circle. "You'd think I'd never done this before," he mutters.
"I was only repeating our instructions."
"So repeat them to the mirror."
Yvette scowls and aims a backhanded slap to his face, but her wrist is caught midway. Alec's grip tightens and he glares up at her. "Wanna try that again?"
Yvette wrenches her arm loose and rubs her wrist. Leaning down to put her face in front of his, she eyes him without fear. "Don't forget who I am," she threatens.
"Oh that's right, you've got pull with the big boss." Alec's eyes wander down her figure then back up again. "I wonder why."
Through the angry glare, a faint grin appears at the corner of Yvette's mouth. "You're smart enough not to wonder." Cocking her head, she leaves a tantalizing kiss on his lips. "And I'll see to it that you never do wonder."
Left alone again, Alec downs the rest of his coffee and focuses on the map once more. Hearing the shower running a few minutes later though, he gets up to wander in that direction.
For the tenth time that morning, Carson finds himself standing in the kitchen with his thoughts so very far away from the restaurant. What was going through his mind had been bothering him all yesterday and all night. He'd picked up the phone twice to call Reese, then had changed his mind. How could he be in his right mind to even consider giving Alec the benefit of the doubt? It was ridiculous. All the clues added up - he and Reese had proven that. There could be no doubt. Anyone with half a brain would see that Alec had turned his back on the life he had now and had returned to the Agency. He'd robbed, he'd run from the law and he'd killed. He was back to smoking, doing drugs and he was doing who knows what with Yvette. So why on earth was Carson's conscience bothering him so? Why did he keep thinking back to that stupid deck of cards? It was ridiculous!
Growling in frustration, Carson takes off his apron. "Dani, take over," he hollers. "If you need help, call Herb."
Dani's eyes widen as her brother walks to the front door. "But..." They were just starting for the day and it was looking to be a busy one. "Carson!" Too late. He was already gone.
Driving across town, Carson's mind continues to work overtime. By the time he reached Alec's apartment, he didn't even know what he was looking for. But he had to find something to prove one theory or the other.
Getting to the apartment door, he easily picks the lock and enters. Wandering through the one room that served as both living room and bedroom, he goes over everything, even knowing that Reese had already had someone down here to search for clues. They'd turned up nothing. But surely there had to be something more decisive. Something more concrete.
He checks the mattress, checks the window sills, under rugs, under chairs and behind the television set. The kitchen was next. It shouldn't take long - it was tiny enough. But he does take his time, checking every nook and cranny. The last place was the far cupboard. Removing the few canned goods that were there, he stops. Turning a can over in his hand, he read the tomato soup label. But... this can weighed a whole lot less than it should. He shakes it. His ears don't hear liquid - instead, they hear something light and solid. What on earth?
Carson runs his fingers around the edge of the can. It didn't look like it had been opened. Oh, wait. His thumbnail lifts up the lid. It had been cut around and below the lip instead of inside of it, forming a nice lid that was almost impossible to see. Finally able to see inside, Carson's eyes widen. He pulls out a roll of cash. They were big bills too. Fifties, twenties and at least a couple hundred dollar bills. There had to be several thousand dollars here.
The first thought that would cross anyone's mind was a payoff from the Agency. But Carson, as much as he hated to admit it, knew better. If it was a payoff, Alec would have taken it with him. He hadn't left in a hurry and forgotten the money - it was obvious that he'd been very systematic about his departure. He had left his money here on purpose. But why? Who would do that? Anybody would want all the money they could get.
Whether Carson liked it or not, he knew the truth. He knew it, and he had to do something about it. Putting the money back in the can, he takes the whole thing with him.
The ride to TJY was a quick one. Thankfully, Reese was free.
"Alec didn't turn." Carson dumps the can on his desk.
Reese looks at him in confusion. "What?"
"The can. It came from Alec's apartment. I was just there. He's got at least several thousand dollars in there."
Reese's eyebrows rise. "Yeah, I knew he had that. But what does that prove?"
"You knew?"
"Yeah, I had someone keeping an eye on him. He got it through winning bets for underground fighting - the same as what you were involved with before."
"And you didn't arrest him for being involved?"
"Technically, he wasn't." Reese gives him a wry sort of grin. "He had a guy at the car races who did all the dirty work and got a cut of the winnings for doing it. Alec had a nice little deal going on with him. I figured he could be in worse trouble so I let it go."
Carson rolls his eyes. "I wish I would have known that. Regardless though, if you were heading out of town, would you leave that much cash behind?"
"Probably not." Reese leans back in his chair, curious. "But we can't just think he's innocent because of-"
"And the fact he stole my car and left his watch for us to find."
"You think it was on purpose?"
"When was the last time an Agency agent like Alec was sloppy? His watch was easily identified as his. He could have erased his phone's voicemail. Him stealing my car made him traceable until he switched vehicles, pointing us in the right direction."
"You have a point, but still..." Reese sighs. "You're part of the reason we formed this opinion of Alec, you know. Your perspective means a lot and I respect it - you have had no trust for Alec up until now. You explained away everything and now you're telling me the opposite. What changed?'
Carson fishes in his pocket for the deck of playing cards. "These were his. There are two extra aces in here."
"So?"
"He's cheating."
"Well, obviously, but-"
"No. Not cheating with cards. He's cheating the Agency. He's trying to beat them at their own game."
Reese isn't convinced. "Carson, that's pretty far-fetched. Don't you think that-"
"It's something we used to do," Carson explains. "Agents used to leave each other messages with cards all the time because it would be overlooked by the police or anyone else."
"Why didn't you say something before?"
Carson swallows hard. "Because I didn't believe Alec was innocent. I didn't give him the benefit of the doubt."
"You now think your instincts were unreliable?"
"I don't know. Maybe I just had a personal grudge against him because of what he did with Dani and because having him around reminds me of my father." Carson sighs. "Maybe I've just been selfish and I wanted to prove I'd been right. Well... maybe I was right about him. But maybe he's changed and I just didn't want to see it."
"Why wouldn't he alert us, rather than giving in to the Agency?"
"I don't have an answer for that."
Reese stands up and paces for a moment. "We're still tracing him - or rather, following his wake of destruction. He and Yvette have hit two hotels - four people dead, including that first gas station attendant. We always arrive too late, but Gunner and Nate are working on tracing a pattern and if we can find out his next stop, we might be able to snag him. If he's innocent, why is he involving himself in those things?"
"I don't know. But when the Agency latches on, it's hard to shake them and sometimes you just have to do things to save your own hide."
"You think Alec would kill rather than be killed?"
Carson shrugs. "I betrayed the Agency so TJY wouldn't kill me. All I'm saying is that there's something else going on here that we can't see. Alec wanted us to know it was him and to be able to trace him."
"What if it's a trap?"
"The Agency is too cocky for that. They'd rather meet someone head-on rather than lure them with bait like that - especially Alec. He's a guns blazing guy, not someone who is patient enough to lie in wait."
"I have to admit, you're pretty convincing. But I still don't know..."
"What do we have to lose?" Carson holds his hands out to the sides. "If we go in after him and he's guilty, then we've captured him and put a lid on him leaking any more information about the Elite. If he's innocent, then we've rescued him."
Reese sighs deeply. "Look, Carson... I understand what you're saying, and I want to believe Alec is innocent too. But we have to look at the facts. Whatever his intentions were, he is now running with the Agency and he's killing people. If it were just a woman or just the drugs, I might be able to let it go - but it's bigger than that. You know it, and I know it. I can't tell my men and the local authorities to make sure Alec isn't harmed. When we go in, we go in to extract him - dead or alive. You know how it works."
Carson's shoulders drop slightly. He never thought he'd be defending his brother, but he was tired of fighting his gut instincts. Something just wasn't right, and he knew, without proof, that whatever was behind Alec's actions were motives that had yet to be seen. Unfortunately, he also understood Reese's position. "So you're gonna send in Elite men who will team up with local cops wherever the hotel is, and go in after Alec and Yvette to arrest them. Without giving Alec a chance."
"I didn't say he wouldn't have a chance. But I'm not going to walk in, unarmed, and try to negotiate with him. I'm not going to try to call him first and ask him to repent or else. Whatever his intentions were, he went too far, and I'll not play this game. I don't care if the Agency forced him to return to them - he still had a choice, and he chose to join and kill."
...It wasn't five minutes later, that Carson was leaving TJY. He was frustrated... frustrated that he didn't know the real truth behind all of this, and frustrated that Reese wouldn't at least give Alec a chance to return on his own... and he was frustrated that he understood completely why Reese was taking the stand that he was. Reese was right - Alec was a murderer on the loose, and that wasn't good. But there was something... something that just wasn't right here.
"Hey, Carson?"
He stops at the exit and turns to see Ty. He lifts his eyebrows, a little surprised. "Yeah?"
....Midnight. Ty cleaned the TJY main floor just as he had two nights ago. He looks at the clock. This time, a visit wasn't going to surprise him.
He sweeps out the next cubicle and empties the trash, absentmindedly cleaning some dust off the desk as well. His mind wasn't on task though. It was quite a ways away, really. But he knew what he was going to tell Ryan once she showed up. He'd said he would help, and he would.
"Yes... yes, I think I will. However, I must warn you, it's a sappy musical." Her smile turns into a sly sort of grin. "But I have a feeling even if you hated the movie, you'd come anyway just to lay on a little more of that charm." She looks at her hand he had kissed. "You might want to be careful... lay it on too thick and I'll start dripping."
Eli didn't mean to look so surprised, but his eyebrows did rise as Ryan talks about wanting him there. He'd figured she might miss him, sure, but maybe he hadn't realized that how he felt about her was how she felt about him. He loved his sister dearly - he just hadn't thought she really cared one way or the other where he was. Realizing that she did want him here... maybe even needed him here... it made him all the more glad that he'd decided to stay.
As the conversation shifts, he lets the other subjects drop, figuring it was best. He wouldn't make her talk about things she didn't want to - a distraction would be good.
"I would love to watch a funny move." He nods and stands up and heads to the cupboard to nose around. "As long as we have popcorn. Popcorn is a must." Searching a little more, he finds a box of microwave popcorn. "Eureka! Now we're set. I'll let you choose the movie though - I'm too indecisive."
And time moves slowly on...
Finished with his shower and getting dressed, Alec eases down at the kitchenette table in the hotel suite. Taking a swig of coffee, his gaze lingers on the table, his mind far away. His face was pale and dark circles were under his eyes. One might be surprised to discover he'd only been away from a healthy lifestyle for a few days. But during those few days, much had happened... much had changed.
"Mmm... you smell good." Yvette comes up behind him, slipping an arm over his shoulder and down to rest her palm against his chest as she takes a breath of his wet hair.
"It's the coffee," Alec responds dryly.
"Oh, I don't think so." Yvette slides her head down to kiss his ear then his cheek. "Nope... it's definitely you."
Alec takes another sip of coffee. "Where's our next target?"
Yvette sighs and straightens up. "You're certainly a stick in the mud this morning. Bit of a contrast to last night, don't you think?"
Alec quirks an eyebrow before slinging a glance over his shoulder at Yvette's scantily clothed figure. "No focus, no job." He points to the table. "Target?"
Rolling her eyes, Yvette retrieves a map from the counter and tosses it on the table in front of him. "Brummel Hotel on the other side of town. We go in, kill the guy and get out. In the meantime, we keep our cover here as newlyweds for two days or until we receive our next destination coordinates."
Alec only grunts in response before studying the map and following the road with his finger before reaching the red ink circle. "You'd think I'd never done this before," he mutters.
"I was only repeating our instructions."
"So repeat them to the mirror."
Yvette scowls and aims a backhanded slap to his face, but her wrist is caught midway. Alec's grip tightens and he glares up at her. "Wanna try that again?"
Yvette wrenches her arm loose and rubs her wrist. Leaning down to put her face in front of his, she eyes him without fear. "Don't forget who I am," she threatens.
"Oh that's right, you've got pull with the big boss." Alec's eyes wander down her figure then back up again. "I wonder why."
Through the angry glare, a faint grin appears at the corner of Yvette's mouth. "You're smart enough not to wonder." Cocking her head, she leaves a tantalizing kiss on his lips. "And I'll see to it that you never do wonder."
Left alone again, Alec downs the rest of his coffee and focuses on the map once more. Hearing the shower running a few minutes later though, he gets up to wander in that direction.
For the tenth time that morning, Carson finds himself standing in the kitchen with his thoughts so very far away from the restaurant. What was going through his mind had been bothering him all yesterday and all night. He'd picked up the phone twice to call Reese, then had changed his mind. How could he be in his right mind to even consider giving Alec the benefit of the doubt? It was ridiculous. All the clues added up - he and Reese had proven that. There could be no doubt. Anyone with half a brain would see that Alec had turned his back on the life he had now and had returned to the Agency. He'd robbed, he'd run from the law and he'd killed. He was back to smoking, doing drugs and he was doing who knows what with Yvette. So why on earth was Carson's conscience bothering him so? Why did he keep thinking back to that stupid deck of cards? It was ridiculous!
Growling in frustration, Carson takes off his apron. "Dani, take over," he hollers. "If you need help, call Herb."
Dani's eyes widen as her brother walks to the front door. "But..." They were just starting for the day and it was looking to be a busy one. "Carson!" Too late. He was already gone.
Driving across town, Carson's mind continues to work overtime. By the time he reached Alec's apartment, he didn't even know what he was looking for. But he had to find something to prove one theory or the other.
Getting to the apartment door, he easily picks the lock and enters. Wandering through the one room that served as both living room and bedroom, he goes over everything, even knowing that Reese had already had someone down here to search for clues. They'd turned up nothing. But surely there had to be something more decisive. Something more concrete.
He checks the mattress, checks the window sills, under rugs, under chairs and behind the television set. The kitchen was next. It shouldn't take long - it was tiny enough. But he does take his time, checking every nook and cranny. The last place was the far cupboard. Removing the few canned goods that were there, he stops. Turning a can over in his hand, he read the tomato soup label. But... this can weighed a whole lot less than it should. He shakes it. His ears don't hear liquid - instead, they hear something light and solid. What on earth?
Carson runs his fingers around the edge of the can. It didn't look like it had been opened. Oh, wait. His thumbnail lifts up the lid. It had been cut around and below the lip instead of inside of it, forming a nice lid that was almost impossible to see. Finally able to see inside, Carson's eyes widen. He pulls out a roll of cash. They were big bills too. Fifties, twenties and at least a couple hundred dollar bills. There had to be several thousand dollars here.
The first thought that would cross anyone's mind was a payoff from the Agency. But Carson, as much as he hated to admit it, knew better. If it was a payoff, Alec would have taken it with him. He hadn't left in a hurry and forgotten the money - it was obvious that he'd been very systematic about his departure. He had left his money here on purpose. But why? Who would do that? Anybody would want all the money they could get.
Whether Carson liked it or not, he knew the truth. He knew it, and he had to do something about it. Putting the money back in the can, he takes the whole thing with him.
The ride to TJY was a quick one. Thankfully, Reese was free.
"Alec didn't turn." Carson dumps the can on his desk.
Reese looks at him in confusion. "What?"
"The can. It came from Alec's apartment. I was just there. He's got at least several thousand dollars in there."
Reese's eyebrows rise. "Yeah, I knew he had that. But what does that prove?"
"You knew?"
"Yeah, I had someone keeping an eye on him. He got it through winning bets for underground fighting - the same as what you were involved with before."
"And you didn't arrest him for being involved?"
"Technically, he wasn't." Reese gives him a wry sort of grin. "He had a guy at the car races who did all the dirty work and got a cut of the winnings for doing it. Alec had a nice little deal going on with him. I figured he could be in worse trouble so I let it go."
Carson rolls his eyes. "I wish I would have known that. Regardless though, if you were heading out of town, would you leave that much cash behind?"
"Probably not." Reese leans back in his chair, curious. "But we can't just think he's innocent because of-"
"And the fact he stole my car and left his watch for us to find."
"You think it was on purpose?"
"When was the last time an Agency agent like Alec was sloppy? His watch was easily identified as his. He could have erased his phone's voicemail. Him stealing my car made him traceable until he switched vehicles, pointing us in the right direction."
"You have a point, but still..." Reese sighs. "You're part of the reason we formed this opinion of Alec, you know. Your perspective means a lot and I respect it - you have had no trust for Alec up until now. You explained away everything and now you're telling me the opposite. What changed?'
Carson fishes in his pocket for the deck of playing cards. "These were his. There are two extra aces in here."
"So?"
"He's cheating."
"Well, obviously, but-"
"No. Not cheating with cards. He's cheating the Agency. He's trying to beat them at their own game."
Reese isn't convinced. "Carson, that's pretty far-fetched. Don't you think that-"
"It's something we used to do," Carson explains. "Agents used to leave each other messages with cards all the time because it would be overlooked by the police or anyone else."
"Why didn't you say something before?"
Carson swallows hard. "Because I didn't believe Alec was innocent. I didn't give him the benefit of the doubt."
"You now think your instincts were unreliable?"
"I don't know. Maybe I just had a personal grudge against him because of what he did with Dani and because having him around reminds me of my father." Carson sighs. "Maybe I've just been selfish and I wanted to prove I'd been right. Well... maybe I was right about him. But maybe he's changed and I just didn't want to see it."
"Why wouldn't he alert us, rather than giving in to the Agency?"
"I don't have an answer for that."
Reese stands up and paces for a moment. "We're still tracing him - or rather, following his wake of destruction. He and Yvette have hit two hotels - four people dead, including that first gas station attendant. We always arrive too late, but Gunner and Nate are working on tracing a pattern and if we can find out his next stop, we might be able to snag him. If he's innocent, why is he involving himself in those things?"
"I don't know. But when the Agency latches on, it's hard to shake them and sometimes you just have to do things to save your own hide."
"You think Alec would kill rather than be killed?"
Carson shrugs. "I betrayed the Agency so TJY wouldn't kill me. All I'm saying is that there's something else going on here that we can't see. Alec wanted us to know it was him and to be able to trace him."
"What if it's a trap?"
"The Agency is too cocky for that. They'd rather meet someone head-on rather than lure them with bait like that - especially Alec. He's a guns blazing guy, not someone who is patient enough to lie in wait."
"I have to admit, you're pretty convincing. But I still don't know..."
"What do we have to lose?" Carson holds his hands out to the sides. "If we go in after him and he's guilty, then we've captured him and put a lid on him leaking any more information about the Elite. If he's innocent, then we've rescued him."
Reese sighs deeply. "Look, Carson... I understand what you're saying, and I want to believe Alec is innocent too. But we have to look at the facts. Whatever his intentions were, he is now running with the Agency and he's killing people. If it were just a woman or just the drugs, I might be able to let it go - but it's bigger than that. You know it, and I know it. I can't tell my men and the local authorities to make sure Alec isn't harmed. When we go in, we go in to extract him - dead or alive. You know how it works."
Carson's shoulders drop slightly. He never thought he'd be defending his brother, but he was tired of fighting his gut instincts. Something just wasn't right, and he knew, without proof, that whatever was behind Alec's actions were motives that had yet to be seen. Unfortunately, he also understood Reese's position. "So you're gonna send in Elite men who will team up with local cops wherever the hotel is, and go in after Alec and Yvette to arrest them. Without giving Alec a chance."
"I didn't say he wouldn't have a chance. But I'm not going to walk in, unarmed, and try to negotiate with him. I'm not going to try to call him first and ask him to repent or else. Whatever his intentions were, he went too far, and I'll not play this game. I don't care if the Agency forced him to return to them - he still had a choice, and he chose to join and kill."
...It wasn't five minutes later, that Carson was leaving TJY. He was frustrated... frustrated that he didn't know the real truth behind all of this, and frustrated that Reese wouldn't at least give Alec a chance to return on his own... and he was frustrated that he understood completely why Reese was taking the stand that he was. Reese was right - Alec was a murderer on the loose, and that wasn't good. But there was something... something that just wasn't right here.
"Hey, Carson?"
He stops at the exit and turns to see Ty. He lifts his eyebrows, a little surprised. "Yeah?"
....Midnight. Ty cleaned the TJY main floor just as he had two nights ago. He looks at the clock. This time, a visit wasn't going to surprise him.
He sweeps out the next cubicle and empties the trash, absentmindedly cleaning some dust off the desk as well. His mind wasn't on task though. It was quite a ways away, really. But he knew what he was going to tell Ryan once she showed up. He'd said he would help, and he would.
1/27/11
Hurt
Sitting at the little desk in her house Hope holds the letter from Scott in her hand. He eyes scanning the page. She'd been so happy to receive the letter. To finally hear from Scott had had warmed her heart. She missed him so much with every day that had passed, being alive and on the mend she couldn't wait to be able to see him.
But as her eyes continued to scan the paper soon Hope's heart became heavy as it pounded in her chest. She understood what he was saying but at the same time she didn't understand. He wanted her to be free? To be full of joy? How could that even be possible. The love of her life was just breaking up with her. Oh how her heart flooded with pain.
Standing Hope slowly walks over to the window and stands by it. The letter still in her hand. Scott was no long her boyfriend, and her heart was breaking. It hurt more than anything else right now. To lose someone so close to her. Pressing her hand against the glass she remembered her sessions with Scott. She remembered there laughs and there love, but now...it was gone. Now there was a hole. All the stuff she could tell other people about moving on, and in time it would be ok, but now coming to her own self, it just didn't seem like it would help much.
Following behind Susanne as she makes her way back to his bike Chuck can't help but smile. Her own words just seemed to float on the air so pleasing to his ears. Walking a little faster to catch up with her Chuck takes his hand in his own for a moment and brings it to his lips as he hears her mention of the movie tomorrow.
"Susanne, would you like to join me at the movies tomorrow?"
Chuck new she would say yes since she did just mention it but he wanted to ask anyways. It only seemed right rather than just assuming. Not to mention he liked asking and hearing Susanne say yes!
Still looking down at her own bottle as her brother talks Ryan can't help but let out a long sigh. Maybe Alec hadn't changed? She refused to let her own mind believe that but what her brother said did make sense and it seemed from what Ty said it was that way too. Even if he had run away, if he was with another woman not only was he cheating on her than that meant he really didn't care after all. It was just all confusing to her no one had ever been able to pull one over on her like this before.
"Yeah, I just...I guess I just wish I could find out for myself what was going on. You know I've always been hardheaded unless I can see it with my own eyes."
Letting out another sigh Ryan leans back in her chair for a moment. Hearing Eli talk about his job offer and how he wasn't going to take it Ryan's head snaps up as she looks across the table at her brother. He was going to stay? He had the offer of money but he was going to stay anyways?
"You...but...Eli, I am happy you choose to stay. On top of everything else I don't think I could handle my brother leaving me too. It would be way to quiet around here without you and I'd miss you something terrible. I love having you here. So thank you."
Ryan new Eli was making her feel better and even if she did a little still the whole thing with Alec was heavy on her mind. It was one big mess, but soon Ty would have the information for her and she could get to the bottom of it herself. Than maybe...she could move on.
"Want to see about finding a funny movie to watch?"
But as her eyes continued to scan the paper soon Hope's heart became heavy as it pounded in her chest. She understood what he was saying but at the same time she didn't understand. He wanted her to be free? To be full of joy? How could that even be possible. The love of her life was just breaking up with her. Oh how her heart flooded with pain.
Standing Hope slowly walks over to the window and stands by it. The letter still in her hand. Scott was no long her boyfriend, and her heart was breaking. It hurt more than anything else right now. To lose someone so close to her. Pressing her hand against the glass she remembered her sessions with Scott. She remembered there laughs and there love, but now...it was gone. Now there was a hole. All the stuff she could tell other people about moving on, and in time it would be ok, but now coming to her own self, it just didn't seem like it would help much.
Following behind Susanne as she makes her way back to his bike Chuck can't help but smile. Her own words just seemed to float on the air so pleasing to his ears. Walking a little faster to catch up with her Chuck takes his hand in his own for a moment and brings it to his lips as he hears her mention of the movie tomorrow.
"Susanne, would you like to join me at the movies tomorrow?"
Chuck new she would say yes since she did just mention it but he wanted to ask anyways. It only seemed right rather than just assuming. Not to mention he liked asking and hearing Susanne say yes!
Still looking down at her own bottle as her brother talks Ryan can't help but let out a long sigh. Maybe Alec hadn't changed? She refused to let her own mind believe that but what her brother said did make sense and it seemed from what Ty said it was that way too. Even if he had run away, if he was with another woman not only was he cheating on her than that meant he really didn't care after all. It was just all confusing to her no one had ever been able to pull one over on her like this before.
"Yeah, I just...I guess I just wish I could find out for myself what was going on. You know I've always been hardheaded unless I can see it with my own eyes."
Letting out another sigh Ryan leans back in her chair for a moment. Hearing Eli talk about his job offer and how he wasn't going to take it Ryan's head snaps up as she looks across the table at her brother. He was going to stay? He had the offer of money but he was going to stay anyways?
"You...but...Eli, I am happy you choose to stay. On top of everything else I don't think I could handle my brother leaving me too. It would be way to quiet around here without you and I'd miss you something terrible. I love having you here. So thank you."
Ryan new Eli was making her feel better and even if she did a little still the whole thing with Alec was heavy on her mind. It was one big mess, but soon Ty would have the information for her and she could get to the bottom of it herself. Than maybe...she could move on.
"Want to see about finding a funny movie to watch?"
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