Rocky grins again.
rockin_gts: I gave up on the night life when I had to start getting up early for a real job. I guess it doesn't stop me from staying up with the owls now and again though.
He used to think meeting people online was for the birds... what depth could there be? Not that this was a deep conversation, but he had to admit it was better than lying awake in bed trying to count sheep. Who knew - this might be the first and last online chat with Thundercat5. He cocks his head at the train of thought leaning towards cats.
rockin_gts: Sassy, huh? Reminds me of Homeward Bound.
rockin_gts: Yep, just me and Puzzle around here. I let him think he rules the roost. Wouldn't want to burst his bubble.
And he'd just admitted he lived alone. It really was easy to give away information when having a light conversation.
rockin_gts: I'd put his picture on my profile, but then people might think I was the one with the whiskers. Not that I don't need a shave... ;-)
Okay, that was dumb. It really must be late. Lame humor and late hours seemed to go hand-in-hand.
Carson wishes there was more he could say to Ryan, but what words would really do any good? He simply didn't know what else to say. Unfortunately, the silence in the car only helped increase his own inner turmoil. He had thought nothing of Alec... he had disliked him from the beginning... he hadn't wanted him around his family and he hadn't trusted him. But today... seeing him shot and on the brink of death... something else had stirred inside of him. It was a similar feeling to wanting to believe Alec was innocent. How quickly things changed. And yet there were still so many questions.
The drive back to Nevada seemed to take forever. Carson didn't want to stop and rest, but he knew it was best. A couple stopovers for a few hours was all he needed though, and they continued on their route. About halfway home, a call from Reese came through to let them know that Alec had stabilized enough for them to fly him to Franklin Hospital in North Springs where he would undergo a second surgery. By the time Carson and Ryan made it back into North Springs the next night, another call had come through that Alec was still in the ICU but stable and asleep. The doctors seemed positive, but wouldn't commit to saying he'd be okay.
Stopped at a red light, Carson rubs his tired eyes. He gives Ryan a sidelong glance, wondering again how she must be feeling. He didn't know if she wanted to be at the hospital or if she'd rather just stay home. If it were him, he'd probably want to turn and not look back, but that was him. He himself would probably stop by the hospital, go check in at TJY and leave a report, then finally go home, which would get him in bed somewhere around midnight... if he was lucky. But first, he would drop Ryan off at her apartment and then she could take whatever direction she wanted. First though...
"Ryan, I... I never told you..." He sighs as the light turns green and they start forward again across town. "Alec, he... stepped in front of that bullet on purpose." He shrugs. "I guess I don't know what difference it makes but, um... I know that feeling... of wanting everything to end, and it's a pretty miserable spot where even if someone pretends to be in control and better than everyone else... inside, all they're doing is falling to pieces."
He wasn't sure what all that meant or if Ryan even cared. Maybe deep down he was still trying to hang on to a thread of hope that Alec wasn't really the man who had met them in that hotel hallway. "I'm... sorry... that things turned out like they did." He shakes his head. "I should have known better - I did know better but just ignored the facts."
Pulling into the apartment lot, he parks but leaves the engine running. "I know it hurts so I'm not gonna say I hope it doesn't... but I will say I hope it doesn't last too long. You got a lot of guts and a bigger heart than you let most people see."
Inside the apartment, Eli is stretched out on the couch, only halfway paying attention to the television. He stops himself from looking at the clock again. Reese had said that Ryan and Carson were on their way back... so that meant they were and they were okay... right?
Growling at his own worry and impatience, he rolls off the couch and goes to the kitchen only to find that he'd already downed the last beer. Going back to the living room empty-handed, he sits down again and waits. He'd thought of a million and one things he'd like to say to Ryan once she got home... like how stupid she'd been... how idiotic it had been for her to run off... how he'd always known Alec was bad news and she should have listened... how she'd worried him sick... But in the end, Eli knew good and well that none of those words would ever be spoken. He knew that right now, all that mattered was getting Ryan back home safe and sound. Any harsh words would be swallowed up by relief and all he'd be able to tell her was that he was glad she was safe.
His eyes roam to the clock again.
"I feel fine, Rick." Jason spits out the thermometer and hands it back to him as he sits on the infirmary table, ready to leave for the day. "Just let me start work tomorrow."
Rick gives him a reprimanding look. "Tired? Achy? Irritable?"
Jason shrugs. "A little, so what?"
"So that's not 'fine,' that's what." Rick bops him on the head with his clipboard as he makes a few more notes. They'd been back in Nevada several days now, but Rick had insisted on Jason taking a break a little while longer. He was recovering - slowly, but recovering nonetheless. Unfortunately, the real battle was far from over. "You know as well as I do that this thing isn't gone. It might be better for the both of us if you quit pretending."
Jason sighs. "Maybe pretending is the only thing keeping me from worrying."
"About yourself?"
"About Katie." Jason manages a faint smile. "I know the antidote could keep her alive if I was gone but... I know it would be a living nightmare for her too. At the same time, without the antidote, she lives every ache and pain I have, if I let her. She might not be in actual physical danger - I know her pain is just a mirror of mine and not actually hers. But that would be enough to drive anyone mad. I just worry about her."
Rick purses his lips and sets a hand on Jason's knee. "Misty and I are gonna do all we can. You're stable enough now that if you and Katie want off the antidote... I think you'd be okay. But I'd need you to take it easy and try not to get too riled up about anything."
Jason rolls his eyes. "Does that mean I don't have to come back in here again?"
"Very funny." Rick backs off and glances at his chart. "And I'd want you to stop holding things back from Katie."
"What?"
"You heard me." Rick eyes him knowingly. "I know you don't let her feel all your worry. You don't let her get the full force of your pain. When your knee hurts you don't let her feel it. When you get upset, you don't give her a full dose. But right now, any amount, no matter how small, of emotions you let build up, will just lead to another attack faster. And you can't afford very many more of those."
"Aw, Rick."
"I mean it, Hotshot. Katie wouldn't mind."
"Yeah, well some things I feel are personal, ya know?"
"Are they negative?"
"Not... not generally." Jason's face reddens slightly. "Well not everything I keep from her is negative."
Rick grins a little. "Alright, if it's not bad, you have my permission to keep it to yourself. But if it's negative especially, I want you to let that door swing wide open. Don't bottle anything up right now. We need to slow this thing down, and right now that's the only thing I can think of." He shrugs. "If you want to try it you can. But if you start having trouble, you're going back on the antidote. As far as work goes, we'll have to see, but if the stress makes things worse, I'll take you off again."
"But-"
"Unless you've got a death wish."
Jason wished it wasn't as serious as that, but he knew it was. Finally, he nods. "I'll talk to Katie about it."
"Alright. Let me know what you guys decide. If you opt to get off the antidote, you guys should be getting your connection back tomorrow night or so. If not, be sure you stop in here for another dose in the morning."
"Yeah, okay." Jason slides off the table and aims for the door. "See ya."
"Goodnight." Rick starts back to work, but then pauses again. "Oh, and Hotshot... don't forget I've got you scheduled next week for that surgery at the hospital."
"As if I could forget." Jason sighs and limps down the hallway, heading for the quiet main floor. The pain in his knee was probably the worst thing at this point... and not having an actual explanation of why damage had been caused just made it all the more hard to deal with. Staying on the antidote was starting to get tiresome. Going off of it might kill him.
He sighs again and tries to forget it all, at least for a little while. It felt weird being at TJY but not working. He didn't like it. Especially when he couldn't feel Katie. It all just felt wrong. Not only did he not have her to talk to, but he had nothing else to do either and it was driving him stir crazy. The good news was that it didn't seem his seizures back in Texas had done any real damage, and his body was taking care of itself for the most part. The bad news was not knowing when the next attack might be or how severe - not to mention the recovery time for his knee and how long he might be out of work from that anyway. Rick should be glad for an excuse to keep him down though. Trying to hide his tired eyes, he continues his slow route.
"Pssst." Jason leans over Katie's cubicle wall, his leather jacket creaking. Reaching down, he flips over the papers she was working on. "It's late. I'm hungry. I'm lonely. Gonna join me for supper and a movie at my place, or do I have to drag you out of here?" He gives her a wry grin. "Say yes, 'cause otherwise I'll have to walk home since you drove us here."
2/3/11
2/2/11
What if
Michaela can't help the small smile that formed on her lips. Her mother had always warned her about what she put on the internet, but a picture and maybe a little information wasn't to bad right? An now it had seemed the Rockin liked it and a little conversation could be braught up.
Thundercat5: I'm here because I have no life lol. I've been to this web page many times and got to know the people who run it. So now they let me run the chat room. It's fun and a nice break from the day. Night time...thats the time I like to be awake the most.
Looking around the room for a moment Michaela couldn't help but think Rockin was pretty nice. He might be a nice addition to the little group of people that hung out online. They were always willing to have new people join.
Thundercat5: Ohh...a calico those are nice cats. Mine is a long hair siamese named Sassy. The name fits her well when she wants to be a brat. Do you only have the one?
Waiting in the car and trying her best to explain to Reese what was going on Ryan new she wasn't make much sence but she gone through a lot today and it was hard to try and explain everything thought she did her best.
Hanging up the phone with Reese as Carson comes back to the car Ryan just stairs at him and all the blood that was on him. It was alot but whos was it? Ryan couldn't help but feel sick to her stomach as Carson gives his explanation. Alec had been shot and he might not make it? With everything that had happened the last thing Ryan wanted was for Alec to die. It just wouldn't seem right.
As the car stars Ryan just wraps her arms around herself and she leans her head against the window of the car. What now? Life felt as if it would never be the same again. Everything had happened so far...and she felt so cold. Home....she just wanted to get home. but the image of Alec and how he looked at the hotel seemed burned into her mind. Would it ever go away?Would Alec be ok? What would she do if he died? What would she do if he didn't?
Thundercat5: I'm here because I have no life lol. I've been to this web page many times and got to know the people who run it. So now they let me run the chat room. It's fun and a nice break from the day. Night time...thats the time I like to be awake the most.
Looking around the room for a moment Michaela couldn't help but think Rockin was pretty nice. He might be a nice addition to the little group of people that hung out online. They were always willing to have new people join.
Thundercat5: Ohh...a calico those are nice cats. Mine is a long hair siamese named Sassy. The name fits her well when she wants to be a brat. Do you only have the one?
Waiting in the car and trying her best to explain to Reese what was going on Ryan new she wasn't make much sence but she gone through a lot today and it was hard to try and explain everything thought she did her best.
Hanging up the phone with Reese as Carson comes back to the car Ryan just stairs at him and all the blood that was on him. It was alot but whos was it? Ryan couldn't help but feel sick to her stomach as Carson gives his explanation. Alec had been shot and he might not make it? With everything that had happened the last thing Ryan wanted was for Alec to die. It just wouldn't seem right.
As the car stars Ryan just wraps her arms around herself and she leans her head against the window of the car. What now? Life felt as if it would never be the same again. Everything had happened so far...and she felt so cold. Home....she just wanted to get home. but the image of Alec and how he looked at the hotel seemed burned into her mind. Would it ever go away?Would Alec be ok? What would she do if he died? What would she do if he didn't?
He wanted to
The urgency in Ryan's voice did not set well with Reese. What was really going on? What had happened? What did the situation really look like?
"It's alright, Ryan. If you're in a safe place, you just sit tight. Everything will be okay."
He'd already gotten several calls that something was happening, but no real details had come through yet. It sounded like an officer was down, but that's about all he knew. He decides to at least keep Ryan on the line and keep her calm while gaining information at the same time.
"So you're at the hotel then? You want to tell me exactly what happened?..."
Before Carson even reaches the hotel, he spots Alec sprinting from an emergency exit and into the adjoining parking garage. "Alec!"
Sweat pours down Alec's face as he skids into the parking garage. His stomach felt queezy again and his knees threatened to buckle. Hearing his name, he doesn't stop. Carson never should have come. Yvette was already down - Alec was alone and he wasn't going to be taken. Not now. Not like this. What had happened in the hotel had been chaos. The police had come, barged in... he and Yvette had battled out, she'd been shot but still managed to shove one of the cops out the window. Panicked, Alec had run. At least in here, he might be able to find a car and get out.
Carson reaches the parking garage just as a police officer does. Flashing his Elite badge, he lets the guy know he's safe, then points. "He went inside. He's still alone."
"Great. You take this entrance - I'll swing around the other side."
"Got it." Carson enters the garage carefully, gun drawn. "Alec... Alec just give yourself up. You know it's the only way."
A shot rings out, ricocheting against the concrete and Carson ducks. "Come on, Alec... don't be stupid." He sees a shadow and knows Alec is heading up to the next level. Spotting the officer, he waves to him and signals where Alec is going.
The chase continues for another ten minutes with Alec ducking in between cars and firing at both Carson and the officer. Once they're on the third level, Carson and the cop close in, boxing Alec into one of the corners.
"Just give it up," Carson calls to him. "Don't do this."
Alec crouches behind a vehicle, kicking himself for getting cornered. He shouldn't have come this way. Carson and the other guy were too fast though, not giving him enough time to break in and hotwire a car. He was trapped with no way out.
Breathing heavily, he peers around the back of the car, able to see the officer opposite him beside the column, and he knew what would happen if he stepped out from the shadows. Fingering his gun, he gazes at the weapon in his hand. This past week had been a nightmare. The things he'd done... who he'd been with... and today's earlier episode. There was no way he could redeem himself. No way he could make up for what had happened or the trust he had betrayed. This whole thing had been a mess from the beginning and he'd been stupid to try and maintain any kind of pride at all. And now if he gave up, he'd be put behind bars. There was no way out of this. But he could end it all. He could end it all on his terms right now and be done with it forever. No more pain. No more trials. No more running. No more heartache.
From his own position, Carson sees movement and swings his gaze in the direction of the parking garage corner. As he sees his brother rise with pointed gun, he instantly knows what he is doing.
Gun raised and aimed at the officer, Alec rises. Finger on the trigger, his sights line up with the officer's chest. Carson's scream echoes through the basement. "Alec, no!"
The officer whose life was being threatened had no choice but to draw. And sickening final shot rings out.
As the world spins and grows dim, the pain doesn't seem to penetrate. Alec's gun is dropped as he falls to his knees then slides to the ground. Muffled shouting was the last thing he heard. Feeling someone's hands putting pressure on his chest was the last thing he felt.
"Come on, Alec," Carson growls as he presses his hands to the chest wound. "You've got to be the stupidest..." He bites his tongue, not knowing why he was even trying to save his brother's life.
The police officer joins him and checks Alec's pulse. "He's still alive. He didn't give me any choice."
"I know. He didn't want to."
"What do you mean?"
"He wanted to die, don't you understand?" Carson glares at the policeman. "Just call for an ambulance."
...Since a call was already out for the officer who had been thrown through a window, the sirens come sooner than expected. More police arrive, along with two ambulances and the medics find their way to anyone who was hurt. It's all a blur and Carson tries to hand off Alec to the medics while explaining to the cops exactly what happened, and telling the Elite agents to report it all back to headquarters. By the time he's walking back to the car, his adrenaline rush was gone and he felt exhausted. Everything seemed to have taken forever, when in reality, it had gone down very quickly.
Arriving back to the car, he's relieved to see Ryan still there and still okay. He was sorry he'd had to leave her, and hoped she really was okay. Reaching for the door handle, its the first time Carson realizes all of the blood that was still on his hands. Standing a moment, all he can do is wipe them on his jeans, but his skin is still stained.
Slowly getting into the car, he sinks down behind the wheel, silent for a few moments as he tries to recover. Finally, he looks over to Ryan. She had a right to know.
"Alec took a bullet to the chest. They don't know if he's going to make it."
Starting up the engine yet again, Carson had a hard time not seeing Alec fall over and over in his mind. "They're going to try to stabilize him, and if they can, they'll fly him back to the hospital in North Springs where he'll be in the custody of the Elite."
He shakes his head. It never should have happened like this. Pulling away from the curb and making a u-turn, he steers back the way they had come in the first place. "I need to make a stop somewhere and clean up. Then we'll head home." He didn't mean to be so matter-of-fact... some might think him cold. But he really didn't know what else to say. He'd just watched his brother get shot and didn't know if he was going to survive. Ryan had just had her heart torn in two for sure, and now didn't even know if her ex would live. It was a bad day for both of them.
rockin_gts: Ten commandments... those are always good. Back to the basics.
Rocky looks down as he feels something on his leg and he smirks at Puzzle asking permission to come up again. "Okay, fine." He leans back and lets his cat hop up into his lap. "Lap is fine. Keyboard not." Petting him a moment, he realizes Thundercat has asked another question. He gives his computer screen a wry grin.
rockin_gts: Insomnia. Does wonders for one's social life.
He pauses.
rockin_gts: Nah, I've been to this site a few times. Just tonight realized there was a chat room so I decided to check it out. And viola... here I am. And you?
rockin_gts: (Saw your profile by the way - nice looking cat. Mine's a calico.)
Small talk? Him? He rolls his eyes. He really must have a bad case of insomnia tonight to be chatting it up with a stranger online.
"It's alright, Ryan. If you're in a safe place, you just sit tight. Everything will be okay."
He'd already gotten several calls that something was happening, but no real details had come through yet. It sounded like an officer was down, but that's about all he knew. He decides to at least keep Ryan on the line and keep her calm while gaining information at the same time.
"So you're at the hotel then? You want to tell me exactly what happened?..."
Before Carson even reaches the hotel, he spots Alec sprinting from an emergency exit and into the adjoining parking garage. "Alec!"
Sweat pours down Alec's face as he skids into the parking garage. His stomach felt queezy again and his knees threatened to buckle. Hearing his name, he doesn't stop. Carson never should have come. Yvette was already down - Alec was alone and he wasn't going to be taken. Not now. Not like this. What had happened in the hotel had been chaos. The police had come, barged in... he and Yvette had battled out, she'd been shot but still managed to shove one of the cops out the window. Panicked, Alec had run. At least in here, he might be able to find a car and get out.
Carson reaches the parking garage just as a police officer does. Flashing his Elite badge, he lets the guy know he's safe, then points. "He went inside. He's still alone."
"Great. You take this entrance - I'll swing around the other side."
"Got it." Carson enters the garage carefully, gun drawn. "Alec... Alec just give yourself up. You know it's the only way."
A shot rings out, ricocheting against the concrete and Carson ducks. "Come on, Alec... don't be stupid." He sees a shadow and knows Alec is heading up to the next level. Spotting the officer, he waves to him and signals where Alec is going.
The chase continues for another ten minutes with Alec ducking in between cars and firing at both Carson and the officer. Once they're on the third level, Carson and the cop close in, boxing Alec into one of the corners.
"Just give it up," Carson calls to him. "Don't do this."
Alec crouches behind a vehicle, kicking himself for getting cornered. He shouldn't have come this way. Carson and the other guy were too fast though, not giving him enough time to break in and hotwire a car. He was trapped with no way out.
Breathing heavily, he peers around the back of the car, able to see the officer opposite him beside the column, and he knew what would happen if he stepped out from the shadows. Fingering his gun, he gazes at the weapon in his hand. This past week had been a nightmare. The things he'd done... who he'd been with... and today's earlier episode. There was no way he could redeem himself. No way he could make up for what had happened or the trust he had betrayed. This whole thing had been a mess from the beginning and he'd been stupid to try and maintain any kind of pride at all. And now if he gave up, he'd be put behind bars. There was no way out of this. But he could end it all. He could end it all on his terms right now and be done with it forever. No more pain. No more trials. No more running. No more heartache.
From his own position, Carson sees movement and swings his gaze in the direction of the parking garage corner. As he sees his brother rise with pointed gun, he instantly knows what he is doing.
Gun raised and aimed at the officer, Alec rises. Finger on the trigger, his sights line up with the officer's chest. Carson's scream echoes through the basement. "Alec, no!"
The officer whose life was being threatened had no choice but to draw. And sickening final shot rings out.
As the world spins and grows dim, the pain doesn't seem to penetrate. Alec's gun is dropped as he falls to his knees then slides to the ground. Muffled shouting was the last thing he heard. Feeling someone's hands putting pressure on his chest was the last thing he felt.
"Come on, Alec," Carson growls as he presses his hands to the chest wound. "You've got to be the stupidest..." He bites his tongue, not knowing why he was even trying to save his brother's life.
The police officer joins him and checks Alec's pulse. "He's still alive. He didn't give me any choice."
"I know. He didn't want to."
"What do you mean?"
"He wanted to die, don't you understand?" Carson glares at the policeman. "Just call for an ambulance."
...Since a call was already out for the officer who had been thrown through a window, the sirens come sooner than expected. More police arrive, along with two ambulances and the medics find their way to anyone who was hurt. It's all a blur and Carson tries to hand off Alec to the medics while explaining to the cops exactly what happened, and telling the Elite agents to report it all back to headquarters. By the time he's walking back to the car, his adrenaline rush was gone and he felt exhausted. Everything seemed to have taken forever, when in reality, it had gone down very quickly.
Arriving back to the car, he's relieved to see Ryan still there and still okay. He was sorry he'd had to leave her, and hoped she really was okay. Reaching for the door handle, its the first time Carson realizes all of the blood that was still on his hands. Standing a moment, all he can do is wipe them on his jeans, but his skin is still stained.
Slowly getting into the car, he sinks down behind the wheel, silent for a few moments as he tries to recover. Finally, he looks over to Ryan. She had a right to know.
"Alec took a bullet to the chest. They don't know if he's going to make it."
Starting up the engine yet again, Carson had a hard time not seeing Alec fall over and over in his mind. "They're going to try to stabilize him, and if they can, they'll fly him back to the hospital in North Springs where he'll be in the custody of the Elite."
He shakes his head. It never should have happened like this. Pulling away from the curb and making a u-turn, he steers back the way they had come in the first place. "I need to make a stop somewhere and clean up. Then we'll head home." He didn't mean to be so matter-of-fact... some might think him cold. But he really didn't know what else to say. He'd just watched his brother get shot and didn't know if he was going to survive. Ryan had just had her heart torn in two for sure, and now didn't even know if her ex would live. It was a bad day for both of them.
rockin_gts: Ten commandments... those are always good. Back to the basics.
Rocky looks down as he feels something on his leg and he smirks at Puzzle asking permission to come up again. "Okay, fine." He leans back and lets his cat hop up into his lap. "Lap is fine. Keyboard not." Petting him a moment, he realizes Thundercat has asked another question. He gives his computer screen a wry grin.
rockin_gts: Insomnia. Does wonders for one's social life.
He pauses.
rockin_gts: Nah, I've been to this site a few times. Just tonight realized there was a chat room so I decided to check it out. And viola... here I am. And you?
rockin_gts: (Saw your profile by the way - nice looking cat. Mine's a calico.)
Small talk? Him? He rolls his eyes. He really must have a bad case of insomnia tonight to be chatting it up with a stranger online.
So tonight
Going around the black Ryan could only guess Carson didn't think it was safe to go right to the car now. So just following him Ryan is silent as her mind wonders. Still there was no feeling though only thoughts. What Alec had said, what they said, and what just didn't add up.
Getting back into the car Ryan doesn't even look at Carson. She just wanted to get out of there. She just wanted to go home and move on leaving everything else behind.
Hearing the gun shot thought ring through the air Ryan's head snaps up and she looks twords the hotel. As the office comes flying through the window Ryan can't help but jump as it startles her.
Seeing Carson get out of the car and tell her to call Reese Ryan's mind just reels. What was going on? What was happening? Would Carson be ok? Taking her phone from her pockets Ryan fumbles for a moment before finding Reese number. Waiting for his voice on the other end Ryan wasnt sure what to do.
"Something happened Reese. Alec didn't want to come with us, the cops showed up, there was gun fire and now Carson went back in the hotel. I'm outside so I have no idea whats going on."
Once the room becomes a little more quiet and Michaela is left alone in the chat room with Rockin_gts she relaxes a little more. They seemed pretty nice, so now maybe she could chat with them a little more to get to know them like the others in the room.
Thundercat5: I was thinking about maybe starting with the ten commandments. Its something important everyone should understand. I think I'll open for suggestions too so that way we can get everyone into it.
Taking a drink of her water that sat to her right side Michaela cocks her head for a moment. She wondered about this new comer.
Thundercat5: So Rockin what brought you into this chat room tonight?
Once Wyatt was gone and Hope comes back into the living room to sit down she look over t the small dog. The note smelled like Scott and thats why Domino wanted it. Hope felt bad for the dog but if the little one could find comfort in the letter than she would let her be for now.
Getting back into the car Ryan doesn't even look at Carson. She just wanted to get out of there. She just wanted to go home and move on leaving everything else behind.
Hearing the gun shot thought ring through the air Ryan's head snaps up and she looks twords the hotel. As the office comes flying through the window Ryan can't help but jump as it startles her.
Seeing Carson get out of the car and tell her to call Reese Ryan's mind just reels. What was going on? What was happening? Would Carson be ok? Taking her phone from her pockets Ryan fumbles for a moment before finding Reese number. Waiting for his voice on the other end Ryan wasnt sure what to do.
"Something happened Reese. Alec didn't want to come with us, the cops showed up, there was gun fire and now Carson went back in the hotel. I'm outside so I have no idea whats going on."
Once the room becomes a little more quiet and Michaela is left alone in the chat room with Rockin_gts she relaxes a little more. They seemed pretty nice, so now maybe she could chat with them a little more to get to know them like the others in the room.
Thundercat5: I was thinking about maybe starting with the ten commandments. Its something important everyone should understand. I think I'll open for suggestions too so that way we can get everyone into it.
Taking a drink of her water that sat to her right side Michaela cocks her head for a moment. She wondered about this new comer.
Thundercat5: So Rockin what brought you into this chat room tonight?
Once Wyatt was gone and Hope comes back into the living room to sit down she look over t the small dog. The note smelled like Scott and thats why Domino wanted it. Hope felt bad for the dog but if the little one could find comfort in the letter than she would let her be for now.
Window
Carson wants to stay... he wants to stay and figure out where they'd gone wrong. But safety was more important this time. One last look to Alec, and his hurt, anger and confusion worsened. What had happened? He shakes his head and turns to walk with Ryan back down the hall. His training made him want to walk backwards and not turn his back on Alec, but he does anyway - even Alec would have to have gone pretty far to shoot them in the back.
As soon as they exit the hotel, Carson's eye catches sight of Yvette walking in the direction they needed to go. Swinging Ryan around the other way, he quickens his pace. "Lets go around the block," he suggests.
Alec stares down the empty hallway for a length of time he didn't know. It was empty. Carson was gone. Ryan was gone.
Slowly lowering his gun, he goes back into the room and locks the door. After going to throw up again, he finishes cleaning up and grabs his shirt and shoes, dressing quickly. With that accomplished, he hastily starts to pack up, ripping the computer cord from the wall and throwing it in a bag, then going for all their other equipment. Sliding their case of guns out from under the bed, he makes sure everything is put back in place.
"Hey, what's going on?" Yvette puts her hands on her hips and looks at him with irritation. "We're not leaving until tonight - or did you forget?"
"Shut up and pack," Alec growls. "They know we're here."
"Who?"
"The Elite, Stupid."
"Hey!" Yvette shoves him around to look at her as she glares at him. "How do you know?"
"For me to know. Just pack."
Yvette's eyes narrow and she slams a pack of cigarettes onto his chest. "You're welcome."
Alec takes them without a thank you. "Pack. Now. We're leaving."
Yvette turns to grab her things from the dresser. "How close are they?"
"Don't know. Don't care."
"What about our target."
"They don't know our target." Alec flips shut a gun case. He really didn't know that, but he wasn't going to tell her that. "All we do is relocate, hit and get out of dodge. That simple."
"And if we fail?"
"We won't fail," he snaps. "Just pack."
One time around the block and Carson felt safe to go back to the car. Making sure Ryan was still with him, he takes his time, trying to digest everything. It wasn't easy though. Sliding in behind the wheel, he sighs deeply. Just fiddling with his keys, he finally gives Ryan a short glance.
"I shouldn't ever have brought you here. I should have known better. I'm sorry. It's..."
His voice trails off as he sees movement on the other side of the block. One police cruiser. One black car that he recognized as Elite. They were here sooner than Reese thought they would be. Carson straightens in his seat as he sees two officers and two Elite agents get out and head inside the hotel. They were going in for Alec and Yvette.
He sighs once more. "Well... I guess we might as well get going back home. Looks like they've got everything under control." It would probably be best to not have Ryan witness them taking Alec away... especially if they had to use force.
Starting the engine of the car Carson still hesitates, feeling unable to pull away just yet. He felt stupid... defeated. It had been a long time since he'd felt that way, and he never had liked it. Just as he's finally ready to put the car in gear though, it's the sound of a muffled gunshot that snaps his head up and his eyes towards the hotel. He gives Ryan a worried glance then looks back to the hotel just in time to see a police officer being thrown through a second-story window, falling along with shattered glass all the way to the parking lot below. Carson had seen a lot of violence in his time, but this still makes him jump.
"They don't have control. They aren't going take them." Carson is out of his car in an instant, grabbing his gun. Looking back in at Ryan, he points at her. "Call Reese. Now. Tell him what just happened. Then you stay here," he orders. Spinning around, he sprints for the hotel.
Rocky chuckles again at Thundercat5.
rockin_gts: cat-lovers rule
rockin_gts: so do Bible studies.
sara4christ: ditto on the Bible studies but not the cats. Gotta get offline. Later gang.
rockin_gts: later - keep your brother in line.
sara4christ: Ha! I will.
Seeing a couple others sign out of the chat, Rocky realizes that he and Thundercat5 are the only ones left.
rockin_gts: Well, I guess it's just us an the cats. What's the game plan? Got a topic I should read up on before Wednesday?
Wyatt nods, wishing he had more to say to Hope, but he just didn't know that anything would help at this point. He did feel badly... very badly... and he wanted to see the life back in her eyes again.
Finishing his juice and giving her shoulder a little pat, he stands. "Yeah... I'll make sure you hear anything if something changes with Scott. You just concentrate on getting back on your feet, alright?" He smiles. "We all can't wait to see you back in the office again."
Once he's gone, Domino nuzzles into Hope's hands, enjoying the attention for a little while. Eventually though, she sniffs the air, seeming to be puzzled. Hopping down off Hope's lap, she trots around the room, still sniffing and searching. After a while, she ends up near Hope's desk, looking up, almost confused. Hopping up into the chair with just a little difficulty, she noses around the desk until she finds what she's looking for. Grabbing Scott's letter in her teeth, she pulls it off the desk and trots over to her bed. Spitting out the paper, she curls up in her bed with the letter tucked underneath her.
As soon as they exit the hotel, Carson's eye catches sight of Yvette walking in the direction they needed to go. Swinging Ryan around the other way, he quickens his pace. "Lets go around the block," he suggests.
Alec stares down the empty hallway for a length of time he didn't know. It was empty. Carson was gone. Ryan was gone.
Slowly lowering his gun, he goes back into the room and locks the door. After going to throw up again, he finishes cleaning up and grabs his shirt and shoes, dressing quickly. With that accomplished, he hastily starts to pack up, ripping the computer cord from the wall and throwing it in a bag, then going for all their other equipment. Sliding their case of guns out from under the bed, he makes sure everything is put back in place.
"Hey, what's going on?" Yvette puts her hands on her hips and looks at him with irritation. "We're not leaving until tonight - or did you forget?"
"Shut up and pack," Alec growls. "They know we're here."
"Who?"
"The Elite, Stupid."
"Hey!" Yvette shoves him around to look at her as she glares at him. "How do you know?"
"For me to know. Just pack."
Yvette's eyes narrow and she slams a pack of cigarettes onto his chest. "You're welcome."
Alec takes them without a thank you. "Pack. Now. We're leaving."
Yvette turns to grab her things from the dresser. "How close are they?"
"Don't know. Don't care."
"What about our target."
"They don't know our target." Alec flips shut a gun case. He really didn't know that, but he wasn't going to tell her that. "All we do is relocate, hit and get out of dodge. That simple."
"And if we fail?"
"We won't fail," he snaps. "Just pack."
One time around the block and Carson felt safe to go back to the car. Making sure Ryan was still with him, he takes his time, trying to digest everything. It wasn't easy though. Sliding in behind the wheel, he sighs deeply. Just fiddling with his keys, he finally gives Ryan a short glance.
"I shouldn't ever have brought you here. I should have known better. I'm sorry. It's..."
His voice trails off as he sees movement on the other side of the block. One police cruiser. One black car that he recognized as Elite. They were here sooner than Reese thought they would be. Carson straightens in his seat as he sees two officers and two Elite agents get out and head inside the hotel. They were going in for Alec and Yvette.
He sighs once more. "Well... I guess we might as well get going back home. Looks like they've got everything under control." It would probably be best to not have Ryan witness them taking Alec away... especially if they had to use force.
Starting the engine of the car Carson still hesitates, feeling unable to pull away just yet. He felt stupid... defeated. It had been a long time since he'd felt that way, and he never had liked it. Just as he's finally ready to put the car in gear though, it's the sound of a muffled gunshot that snaps his head up and his eyes towards the hotel. He gives Ryan a worried glance then looks back to the hotel just in time to see a police officer being thrown through a second-story window, falling along with shattered glass all the way to the parking lot below. Carson had seen a lot of violence in his time, but this still makes him jump.
"They don't have control. They aren't going take them." Carson is out of his car in an instant, grabbing his gun. Looking back in at Ryan, he points at her. "Call Reese. Now. Tell him what just happened. Then you stay here," he orders. Spinning around, he sprints for the hotel.
Rocky chuckles again at Thundercat5.
rockin_gts: cat-lovers rule
rockin_gts: so do Bible studies.
sara4christ: ditto on the Bible studies but not the cats. Gotta get offline. Later gang.
rockin_gts: later - keep your brother in line.
sara4christ: Ha! I will.
Seeing a couple others sign out of the chat, Rocky realizes that he and Thundercat5 are the only ones left.
rockin_gts: Well, I guess it's just us an the cats. What's the game plan? Got a topic I should read up on before Wednesday?
Wyatt nods, wishing he had more to say to Hope, but he just didn't know that anything would help at this point. He did feel badly... very badly... and he wanted to see the life back in her eyes again.
Finishing his juice and giving her shoulder a little pat, he stands. "Yeah... I'll make sure you hear anything if something changes with Scott. You just concentrate on getting back on your feet, alright?" He smiles. "We all can't wait to see you back in the office again."
Once he's gone, Domino nuzzles into Hope's hands, enjoying the attention for a little while. Eventually though, she sniffs the air, seeming to be puzzled. Hopping down off Hope's lap, she trots around the room, still sniffing and searching. After a while, she ends up near Hope's desk, looking up, almost confused. Hopping up into the chair with just a little difficulty, she noses around the desk until she finds what she's looking for. Grabbing Scott's letter in her teeth, she pulls it off the desk and trots over to her bed. Spitting out the paper, she curls up in her bed with the letter tucked underneath her.
Emotionless
Staying close to Carson Ryan follows his eyes move and keeps with with him. It wasn't hard and she was able to keep up. The sound of her heart beating in her chest though almost made her deaf though. So if anything was said she didn't hear. Her mind seemed so far away yet on the task at hand.
Getting to the door and standing back a little bit Ryan throws at Carson as he goes to know on the door. So many things seemed to run through her mind at once that it was hard to have it land on any one thing. But as the door to the room opens and Carson is grabbed Ryan gives a little jump her guard up making sure she wasn't the next.
Wanting to help Carson Ryan knows better as she see the gun pointed to his head. If she tried anything he could be shot and that was the last thing she wanted. As her eyes look up a little higher and they meet Alec's own she could feel her heart pounding even louder and the words that wanted to come just wouldn't her mouth had gone dry.
The look on his face, the light in his eyes, it was gone. Now all that stood there was the shell of a man she once new. But even that was fading into someone she didn't know. All Ryan can do is stand there and watch Alec and Carson interact. The words that seemed to come from his mouth made her skin almost feel on fire. Than to be followed up by the name he had called her all Ryan can do is blink.
No emotions seemed to follow, no tears, no anger or words slung back at Alec. Everything was gone, all emotion seemed to sease from exsistince. And the light, the determination that had been found in Ryan's eyes, that had drawn here was gone with another blink. What was left was just...an emptiness.
As Carson's hand is placed on Ryan's shoulder she looks up at him for a moment. Her dull eyes searching his for a moment. They had been wrong....but everything seemed to have fallen into place. Hearing his words Ryan new they did have to go, she'd promised but surprising enough she didn't want to stay like she thought she would have. Letting her gaze go back to Alec for a long moment she searches his darkened face. Finally turning though Ryan says nothing only following the path that they had come from.
Seeing that Rockin_gts was getting into the whole conversation and seemed to like the idea of doing a little group along with a few other Michaela gives a small not to herself and a smile. She liked seeing people get excited like this even if it was over the computer.
Thundercat5: I think if it works for everyone Wednesdays at around eight sounds good to me. Most of the stuff I have to get done is done by than. Not to mention it will but a nice break in the week as well.
Linda_Mill1986: What about if we miss a week?
Michaela thinks for a moment leaning back in her chair before starting to type again.
Thundercat5: Well we could always have someone take notes and than post them on the forums so that way if you miss a week you will still know what was talked about.
Just now noticing what Rockin_gts has said Michaela can't help but really laugh out loud. She they had a cat too and it would seem them they wanted attachen they would get it as well. She new how that went all to well.
Thundercat5: Ahh..your a cat lover too Rochin_gts? Your gonna fit in just fine.
Letting out a small sigh and just continuing to pet Domino Hope wasn't upset with having Domino stay with her. She liked the little dog and right now it was the only thing she had left of Scott. Gentily patting her head and itching behind her eats Hope looks to Wyatt again.
"No no its ok. I don't mind Domino at all and I think she needs someone she knows and feels close to right now. She'd probably missing Scott alot herself."
Looking down at Domino again Hope new she couldn't let this get her down to much or it could hinder her recovery. It was just hard to take it all in and try to handle it. She'd be ok though, and Domino would be too she would make sure of that.
"I've just got to keep staying positive and moving a head. God's in contol of everything and thats just something I need to remember. Please though keep me posted if anything changed with Scott. We arnt dating but I still care."
Getting to the door and standing back a little bit Ryan throws at Carson as he goes to know on the door. So many things seemed to run through her mind at once that it was hard to have it land on any one thing. But as the door to the room opens and Carson is grabbed Ryan gives a little jump her guard up making sure she wasn't the next.
Wanting to help Carson Ryan knows better as she see the gun pointed to his head. If she tried anything he could be shot and that was the last thing she wanted. As her eyes look up a little higher and they meet Alec's own she could feel her heart pounding even louder and the words that wanted to come just wouldn't her mouth had gone dry.
The look on his face, the light in his eyes, it was gone. Now all that stood there was the shell of a man she once new. But even that was fading into someone she didn't know. All Ryan can do is stand there and watch Alec and Carson interact. The words that seemed to come from his mouth made her skin almost feel on fire. Than to be followed up by the name he had called her all Ryan can do is blink.
No emotions seemed to follow, no tears, no anger or words slung back at Alec. Everything was gone, all emotion seemed to sease from exsistince. And the light, the determination that had been found in Ryan's eyes, that had drawn here was gone with another blink. What was left was just...an emptiness.
As Carson's hand is placed on Ryan's shoulder she looks up at him for a moment. Her dull eyes searching his for a moment. They had been wrong....but everything seemed to have fallen into place. Hearing his words Ryan new they did have to go, she'd promised but surprising enough she didn't want to stay like she thought she would have. Letting her gaze go back to Alec for a long moment she searches his darkened face. Finally turning though Ryan says nothing only following the path that they had come from.
Seeing that Rockin_gts was getting into the whole conversation and seemed to like the idea of doing a little group along with a few other Michaela gives a small not to herself and a smile. She liked seeing people get excited like this even if it was over the computer.
Thundercat5: I think if it works for everyone Wednesdays at around eight sounds good to me. Most of the stuff I have to get done is done by than. Not to mention it will but a nice break in the week as well.
Linda_Mill1986: What about if we miss a week?
Michaela thinks for a moment leaning back in her chair before starting to type again.
Thundercat5: Well we could always have someone take notes and than post them on the forums so that way if you miss a week you will still know what was talked about.
Just now noticing what Rockin_gts has said Michaela can't help but really laugh out loud. She they had a cat too and it would seem them they wanted attachen they would get it as well. She new how that went all to well.
Thundercat5: Ahh..your a cat lover too Rochin_gts? Your gonna fit in just fine.
Letting out a small sigh and just continuing to pet Domino Hope wasn't upset with having Domino stay with her. She liked the little dog and right now it was the only thing she had left of Scott. Gentily patting her head and itching behind her eats Hope looks to Wyatt again.
"No no its ok. I don't mind Domino at all and I think she needs someone she knows and feels close to right now. She'd probably missing Scott alot herself."
Looking down at Domino again Hope new she couldn't let this get her down to much or it could hinder her recovery. It was just hard to take it all in and try to handle it. She'd be ok though, and Domino would be too she would make sure of that.
"I've just got to keep staying positive and moving a head. God's in contol of everything and thats just something I need to remember. Please though keep me posted if anything changed with Scott. We arnt dating but I still care."
First and final warning
Accepting the drink and sitting down on the edge of the couch, Wyatt wasn't used to socializing with Hope, but something told him that maybe today it was a good idea. She'd been through a lot... and everyone needed a friend.
Domino looks up as Hope scratches her head. She rises and climbs into Hope's lap, turning once and then sitting down with a sigh as if this was the place she owned. She licks Hope's hand then looks up at her once before setting her sights on the quiet front door.
Hearing Hope ask about Scott, Wyatt wasn't surprised - but the only thing his mind seemed to hear was "break up letter." He can't help it that his expression reflects his surprise. He was honestly stunned. Scott had broken up with her? But why? Obviously, things were a bit rough with him in Brookshire but... everyone had thought they'd hang on to each other until he was out again. And then now that Hope's life had been spared, it seemed even more unreal.
"I..." Wyatt knew he needed to answer Hope's question, but it was difficult. "Um... nothing more than the norm... I think Da... um, Reese got a routine report from the doctor there the other day that said Scott was doing about the same."
He continues to look at Hope, completely bypassing her comment about getting back to work. "I'm... I'm sorry, Hope. I had no idea that you two had... broken up." He glances to Domino then back to her again. "If I'd known, I wouldn't have put you in this position with taking care of Domino. Would you prefer a different arrangement?"
Rocky chuckles at Thundercat5's reference to his comment and about their kitty. He lets the conversation go for a moment, finding it interesting that Thundercat5 might start a weekly discussion. That sounded interesting. He had his own weekly Bible study with the guys, but he was always game for something more. Seeing Thundercat5 was looking for feedback, he shrugs before joining in again.
rockin_gts: I'd come back for some chat/discussions.
He stops, wondering about days and times and the conflict of band practice or concerts.
rockin_gts: I can usually show up later on a weeknight.
He thinks some more. He didn't want to give out too much information here, just to be on the safe side, but everyone here seemed alright. Thundercat5 seemed to be the leader. His guess would be that it was a girl, but were they? He decides to check out their profile. Sure enough, he brought up a picture of a young woman along with a cat. He grins. That must be the hungry critter. She was cute. The cat. He shakes his head and goes back to the chat. He was glad that all his profile had was his gender, age and that he played in a band. He wasn't big on sharing his picture or his real name.
sara4christ: I guess I might come back to chat on some topics. Might be kinda fun. Any time is good for me. I have no life, other than homework and keeping my brother out of my room.
Rocky cocks his head. Teenager? Probably. This might be a nice variety of perspectives if they got into any discussions.
rockin_gts: Maybe it aldkfejf lkj/..wo89icasklj;f
"Aw, Puzzle!" He smirks as his cat looks at him from his perch on the keyboard. "Yes, you. Off. Now." He has to pick him up and deposit him on the floor before turning back to his computer and seeing the mess.
rockin_gts: Sorry. That was my cat saying hello - I think he heard Thundercat had some kitty snacks.
He rolls his eyes.
rockin_gts: Anyway, I think you've got a good idea, Thundercat.
Eli wipes his hands with a rag and takes off his goggles, leaning back against the garage wall. He looks at his watch... again. Sighing, he sets aside the paint and looks at the car with the fixed fender. A little more work and no one would ever be able to tell the car had ever been hit. That's why he was here right? To fix other people's cars. To make other people happy. To get the job done, go home, then do it all over again. That was it. That was his life. His stupid, stinking...
He throws down his rag in frustration and folds his arms, ready to quit for the day now instead of waiting until closing time.
"Hey man... what's eating you?" Tal picks up the rag and hands it back to him.
"Nothing," Eli mutters. "Just a bad mood I guess."
Tal cocks his head. "Ryan still out of town?"
Eli looks down. "Yeah."
Tal furrows his brow. "I guess I wouldn't have pegged you for someone to fall apart when their sister took off for a while."
"She didn't just take off, Tal," Eli mutters and pushes off the wall to keep working. "I'm afraid she won't be coming back."
Tal still didn't understand. He leans on the car, trying to look at Eli's face. "You told me a few days ago that Ryan left town for a bit. Why wouldn't you think she was coming back?"
Eli sighs and wipes a dirty spot on the car. "I'm not supposed to talk about it." He wasn't. Reese had told him not to. Where the Agency was involved, silence was the policy. And though Eli had wanted to go after Carson and Ryan himself, Reese had convinced him that it would put them in more danger, and he needed to just sit back, wait and not spread it around what was really happening. The Agency had eyes and ears everywhere and talking it up could potentially make things worse.
"What do you mean you can't talk about it? She in some kind of trouble or what?"
"Just drop it." Eli turns his back and walks to the other end of the garage to wash his hands.
Tal just stares after him, confused and concerned. After a moment, he follows. "Is Ryan in danger?" he questions. "This have to do with Roth or anything like that?"
Eli scoffs. "I wish it was that easy."
"Look, if she's in trouble or something and you guys need help, just say the word."
Eli sighs again, leaning both hands on the sink. If he had to continue keeping quiet, he was going to go crazy. "The Elite is involved," he explains quietly. "It's not her, it's her boyfriend... or probably her ex as it were. He got in trouble, she went to try and figure it our or get him out or who knows what... and now no one can interfere for risk of somebody getting hurt... or worse."
"Man..." Tal's eyebrows rise. "So what's -"
"I can't say any more than that... not until she's back home."
"When is she supposed to get back?"
"I don't know." Eli looks at his friend grimly. "Nobody does. She's in good hands, but even the best hands can't do the impossible. Just pray she makes it back in one piece."
"Yeah, sure." Tal watches Eli walk away again and he lets out a slow breath. He knew Eli pretty well... he knew Ryan, sort of. Both seemed to have good heads on their shoulders, and Tal was sure that neither one would ever intentionally walk on the wrong side of the law. So whatever was happening was obviously not something they'd done on purpose or would be arrested for. It sounded like they'd gotten caught in the crossfire of something big, and with Ryan's reputation, she probably wasn't taking no for an answer about something. That was the most Tal could come up with anyway. It did worry him though. It wasn't like Eli to be this concerned or this moody... which meant Ryan really was in danger.
Rock music blared from the radio in the living room area. The curtains moved slightly in a cool breeze - a careless action to leave the window open. The scent of lilac drifts on the air as Yvette dabs on some perfume after putting her clothes back on. Behind the closed bathroom door though, Alec was in far worse shape as his stomach convulses and he throws up for the third time in a row. Just in his jeans, he leans back against the wall and tries to steady his breathing as sweat trickles down the sides of his face. The shower stood running even though he wasn't in it.
The doorknob rattles. "Mmm... locking me out now huh?" Yvette calls slyly. "Can't handle any more fun?"
Alec closes his eyes and remains on the floor. "Dang thing locked on its own," he lies gruffly, ignoring her second question.
"Well, I need my makeup."
"I'll be out in a few minutes." Alec stays seated a while longer until he felt he could stand without getting dizzy. He starts to clean up so it would look like he'd taken a shower, but he stops when Yvette comes to the door again.
"I'm gonna take a stroll down the block and check things out. Be back in fifteen."
That really meant that she needed a new pack of cigarettes. Alec responds before she questions him about anything. "Yeah, okay. Grab a bottle. If we're gonna be here another night, I need some booze."
Turning off the water in the shower, he rinses his mouth and puts a cool wet cloth to his face for several moments. Glancing to the little bottle on the sink, his eyes linger there. He knew something was different. He knew it was a higher dosage. Whether Yvette had done that intentionally, he wasn't sure. It didn't matter though... the deed had been done, and all it had taken was once. Taking the bottle, he deposits one pill in his palm before swallowing it. Already it was impossible to ignore the cravings.
Wandering back out into the living room area, he flips open the laptop to check on their status.
Carson nods to Ryan and heads across the street on foot. There were unanswered questions here... if Alec was truly alone, why wasn't he running himself if he really wanted to leave. But maybe he was being held captive. Maybe he couldn't escape, even if he wanted to. Carson only hoped they were still right about him.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, Carson remains on his guard. Intel said that it was only Alec and Yvette, but if there were any other Agency members here, he was sure to be recognized and that wouldn't be good. He hoped it was only Alec here though.
Making sure Ryan stayed close, they quietly make their way down the hallway of the third floor. Coming to the larger suites, they find the number they're looking for. So as not to draw attention to themselves if anyone walked past, Carson leaves his gun holstered - he shouldn't need it anyway if Alec was ready to get out of here. He looks over his shoulder at Ryan and nods. If everything went as planned, this should be quick, quiet and easy. He knocks on the door. "Room service."
Alec's head shoots up from the laptop and a chill runs down his spine. He'd recognize that voice anywhere. This wasn't good. Grabbing his gun, he wanders to the door, still in his jeans and bare feet. Setting his hand on the door handle, he waits a moment, calculating. He didn't know who was in the hall. Was Carson alone? Were there Elite agents? Reese? No matter - they hadn't barged in, which meant he still had the upper hand. Taking another moment to think through his next move, he opens the door.
Carson takes a step back, unsure what to expect, but he should have been on his guard. He should have known better than to stand vulnerable, no matter his and Ryan's theories. He should have been smarter. But he had been too trusting. And before he can even react, Alec has grabbed him, spun him around and put him in a chokehold with a gun to his head. He gropes at Alec's arms, gasping for air, but knowing if he struggled too much, he could be shot. Was this just a display of authority or would his brother really pull the trigger?
Alec's eyes are bloodshot and glaring, his face pale as beads of sweat outline his forehead. Holding Carson tightly, his gaze swings down the hall only to meet Ryan. And for a split second, surprise flashes in his sight. But just as quickly, he recovers, his eyes narrowing. "You shouldn't have come," he hisses. "And what did you bring her for, huh?"
"We came to stop you... to get you out." Carson struggles to breathe. "We know you were pulled back in against your will."
"You don't know anything," Alec growls. "I want to be here. I've wanted it ever since I got thrown into that stupid little cell at the Elite. I've been gathering information ever since and now I have a chance to use it."
"But what about the cards?" Carson couldn't have been that wrong... he just couldn't have. All the signs... all the clues... His eyes go to Ryan with confusion and urgency. This wasn't supposed to happen like this. Had he really been that wrong? Had all of this been a mistake? Had he and Ryan both misread the situation? "And the money? Everything you left behind... why did you leave behind all those clues?"
"Forget about the clues!" Alec gives him a jerk. "They mean nothing now. You're blind, Carson... you all are. Make no mistake... you get in my way, and I will blow your brains out."
"And Ryan?" Carson tries to lower Alec's arm from his throat without success. "You gonna blow her brains out too?"
Alec's eyes were dark and harsh as he looks back to Ryan. For a long moment, he stares at her with a lifelessness found in cold, hard steel. He lets Carson go, giving him a hefty shove towards Ryan. "Get out and take that tramp with you." He aims his gun at them. "If you or any more of your Elite friends try to interfere, I will shoot to kill. This is my first and final warning."
Carson catches his breath and stands in front of Ryan, shielding her. Alec looked terrible. For not having been gone that long, he had certainly gone downhill fast. But even worse were the words coming from his mouth. Carson felt sick to his stomach. He'd been so sure... he'd been so sure that he and Ryan would be able to get Alec out... that he'd take the chance and run back with them, away from the Agency. But it seemed as though his first theory had been right - Alec had been planning this from the get-go. "You know we came alone this time, Alec. But they know where you are, and they're going to take you down."
Even though Alec and Yvette had thought no one was tracing them, he grins cockily. "Bring it."
Carson didn't want to walk away - not now. With this change of events, he wanted to arrest Alec while they had him here - that was his duty, let alone what his anger wanted to do. The Elite was close behind, but not close enough that Alec couldn't slip away again. But at the same time, Alec was the one with the upper hand, and Carson wanted to get Ryan out of there before she got hurt. The look in Alec's eyes was a deadly one - and he was the one with a finger on the trigger. As long as they were being allowed to leave, they should, to avoid any bloodshed. He'd dwell later on the interesting fact that Alec hadn't killed them already. "Come on." He turns to put a hand on Ryan's shoulder, his eyes warning her that this had failed and they needed to get out of there while they could. He could draw on Alec, but someone was going to get hurt or worse if he did. "We need to go."
Domino looks up as Hope scratches her head. She rises and climbs into Hope's lap, turning once and then sitting down with a sigh as if this was the place she owned. She licks Hope's hand then looks up at her once before setting her sights on the quiet front door.
Hearing Hope ask about Scott, Wyatt wasn't surprised - but the only thing his mind seemed to hear was "break up letter." He can't help it that his expression reflects his surprise. He was honestly stunned. Scott had broken up with her? But why? Obviously, things were a bit rough with him in Brookshire but... everyone had thought they'd hang on to each other until he was out again. And then now that Hope's life had been spared, it seemed even more unreal.
"I..." Wyatt knew he needed to answer Hope's question, but it was difficult. "Um... nothing more than the norm... I think Da... um, Reese got a routine report from the doctor there the other day that said Scott was doing about the same."
He continues to look at Hope, completely bypassing her comment about getting back to work. "I'm... I'm sorry, Hope. I had no idea that you two had... broken up." He glances to Domino then back to her again. "If I'd known, I wouldn't have put you in this position with taking care of Domino. Would you prefer a different arrangement?"
Rocky chuckles at Thundercat5's reference to his comment and about their kitty. He lets the conversation go for a moment, finding it interesting that Thundercat5 might start a weekly discussion. That sounded interesting. He had his own weekly Bible study with the guys, but he was always game for something more. Seeing Thundercat5 was looking for feedback, he shrugs before joining in again.
rockin_gts: I'd come back for some chat/discussions.
He stops, wondering about days and times and the conflict of band practice or concerts.
rockin_gts: I can usually show up later on a weeknight.
He thinks some more. He didn't want to give out too much information here, just to be on the safe side, but everyone here seemed alright. Thundercat5 seemed to be the leader. His guess would be that it was a girl, but were they? He decides to check out their profile. Sure enough, he brought up a picture of a young woman along with a cat. He grins. That must be the hungry critter. She was cute. The cat. He shakes his head and goes back to the chat. He was glad that all his profile had was his gender, age and that he played in a band. He wasn't big on sharing his picture or his real name.
sara4christ: I guess I might come back to chat on some topics. Might be kinda fun. Any time is good for me. I have no life, other than homework and keeping my brother out of my room.
Rocky cocks his head. Teenager? Probably. This might be a nice variety of perspectives if they got into any discussions.
rockin_gts: Maybe it aldkfejf lkj/..wo89icasklj;f
"Aw, Puzzle!" He smirks as his cat looks at him from his perch on the keyboard. "Yes, you. Off. Now." He has to pick him up and deposit him on the floor before turning back to his computer and seeing the mess.
rockin_gts: Sorry. That was my cat saying hello - I think he heard Thundercat had some kitty snacks.
He rolls his eyes.
rockin_gts: Anyway, I think you've got a good idea, Thundercat.
Eli wipes his hands with a rag and takes off his goggles, leaning back against the garage wall. He looks at his watch... again. Sighing, he sets aside the paint and looks at the car with the fixed fender. A little more work and no one would ever be able to tell the car had ever been hit. That's why he was here right? To fix other people's cars. To make other people happy. To get the job done, go home, then do it all over again. That was it. That was his life. His stupid, stinking...
He throws down his rag in frustration and folds his arms, ready to quit for the day now instead of waiting until closing time.
"Hey man... what's eating you?" Tal picks up the rag and hands it back to him.
"Nothing," Eli mutters. "Just a bad mood I guess."
Tal cocks his head. "Ryan still out of town?"
Eli looks down. "Yeah."
Tal furrows his brow. "I guess I wouldn't have pegged you for someone to fall apart when their sister took off for a while."
"She didn't just take off, Tal," Eli mutters and pushes off the wall to keep working. "I'm afraid she won't be coming back."
Tal still didn't understand. He leans on the car, trying to look at Eli's face. "You told me a few days ago that Ryan left town for a bit. Why wouldn't you think she was coming back?"
Eli sighs and wipes a dirty spot on the car. "I'm not supposed to talk about it." He wasn't. Reese had told him not to. Where the Agency was involved, silence was the policy. And though Eli had wanted to go after Carson and Ryan himself, Reese had convinced him that it would put them in more danger, and he needed to just sit back, wait and not spread it around what was really happening. The Agency had eyes and ears everywhere and talking it up could potentially make things worse.
"What do you mean you can't talk about it? She in some kind of trouble or what?"
"Just drop it." Eli turns his back and walks to the other end of the garage to wash his hands.
Tal just stares after him, confused and concerned. After a moment, he follows. "Is Ryan in danger?" he questions. "This have to do with Roth or anything like that?"
Eli scoffs. "I wish it was that easy."
"Look, if she's in trouble or something and you guys need help, just say the word."
Eli sighs again, leaning both hands on the sink. If he had to continue keeping quiet, he was going to go crazy. "The Elite is involved," he explains quietly. "It's not her, it's her boyfriend... or probably her ex as it were. He got in trouble, she went to try and figure it our or get him out or who knows what... and now no one can interfere for risk of somebody getting hurt... or worse."
"Man..." Tal's eyebrows rise. "So what's -"
"I can't say any more than that... not until she's back home."
"When is she supposed to get back?"
"I don't know." Eli looks at his friend grimly. "Nobody does. She's in good hands, but even the best hands can't do the impossible. Just pray she makes it back in one piece."
"Yeah, sure." Tal watches Eli walk away again and he lets out a slow breath. He knew Eli pretty well... he knew Ryan, sort of. Both seemed to have good heads on their shoulders, and Tal was sure that neither one would ever intentionally walk on the wrong side of the law. So whatever was happening was obviously not something they'd done on purpose or would be arrested for. It sounded like they'd gotten caught in the crossfire of something big, and with Ryan's reputation, she probably wasn't taking no for an answer about something. That was the most Tal could come up with anyway. It did worry him though. It wasn't like Eli to be this concerned or this moody... which meant Ryan really was in danger.
Rock music blared from the radio in the living room area. The curtains moved slightly in a cool breeze - a careless action to leave the window open. The scent of lilac drifts on the air as Yvette dabs on some perfume after putting her clothes back on. Behind the closed bathroom door though, Alec was in far worse shape as his stomach convulses and he throws up for the third time in a row. Just in his jeans, he leans back against the wall and tries to steady his breathing as sweat trickles down the sides of his face. The shower stood running even though he wasn't in it.
The doorknob rattles. "Mmm... locking me out now huh?" Yvette calls slyly. "Can't handle any more fun?"
Alec closes his eyes and remains on the floor. "Dang thing locked on its own," he lies gruffly, ignoring her second question.
"Well, I need my makeup."
"I'll be out in a few minutes." Alec stays seated a while longer until he felt he could stand without getting dizzy. He starts to clean up so it would look like he'd taken a shower, but he stops when Yvette comes to the door again.
"I'm gonna take a stroll down the block and check things out. Be back in fifteen."
That really meant that she needed a new pack of cigarettes. Alec responds before she questions him about anything. "Yeah, okay. Grab a bottle. If we're gonna be here another night, I need some booze."
Turning off the water in the shower, he rinses his mouth and puts a cool wet cloth to his face for several moments. Glancing to the little bottle on the sink, his eyes linger there. He knew something was different. He knew it was a higher dosage. Whether Yvette had done that intentionally, he wasn't sure. It didn't matter though... the deed had been done, and all it had taken was once. Taking the bottle, he deposits one pill in his palm before swallowing it. Already it was impossible to ignore the cravings.
Wandering back out into the living room area, he flips open the laptop to check on their status.
Carson nods to Ryan and heads across the street on foot. There were unanswered questions here... if Alec was truly alone, why wasn't he running himself if he really wanted to leave. But maybe he was being held captive. Maybe he couldn't escape, even if he wanted to. Carson only hoped they were still right about him.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, Carson remains on his guard. Intel said that it was only Alec and Yvette, but if there were any other Agency members here, he was sure to be recognized and that wouldn't be good. He hoped it was only Alec here though.
Making sure Ryan stayed close, they quietly make their way down the hallway of the third floor. Coming to the larger suites, they find the number they're looking for. So as not to draw attention to themselves if anyone walked past, Carson leaves his gun holstered - he shouldn't need it anyway if Alec was ready to get out of here. He looks over his shoulder at Ryan and nods. If everything went as planned, this should be quick, quiet and easy. He knocks on the door. "Room service."
Alec's head shoots up from the laptop and a chill runs down his spine. He'd recognize that voice anywhere. This wasn't good. Grabbing his gun, he wanders to the door, still in his jeans and bare feet. Setting his hand on the door handle, he waits a moment, calculating. He didn't know who was in the hall. Was Carson alone? Were there Elite agents? Reese? No matter - they hadn't barged in, which meant he still had the upper hand. Taking another moment to think through his next move, he opens the door.
Carson takes a step back, unsure what to expect, but he should have been on his guard. He should have known better than to stand vulnerable, no matter his and Ryan's theories. He should have been smarter. But he had been too trusting. And before he can even react, Alec has grabbed him, spun him around and put him in a chokehold with a gun to his head. He gropes at Alec's arms, gasping for air, but knowing if he struggled too much, he could be shot. Was this just a display of authority or would his brother really pull the trigger?
Alec's eyes are bloodshot and glaring, his face pale as beads of sweat outline his forehead. Holding Carson tightly, his gaze swings down the hall only to meet Ryan. And for a split second, surprise flashes in his sight. But just as quickly, he recovers, his eyes narrowing. "You shouldn't have come," he hisses. "And what did you bring her for, huh?"
"We came to stop you... to get you out." Carson struggles to breathe. "We know you were pulled back in against your will."
"You don't know anything," Alec growls. "I want to be here. I've wanted it ever since I got thrown into that stupid little cell at the Elite. I've been gathering information ever since and now I have a chance to use it."
"But what about the cards?" Carson couldn't have been that wrong... he just couldn't have. All the signs... all the clues... His eyes go to Ryan with confusion and urgency. This wasn't supposed to happen like this. Had he really been that wrong? Had all of this been a mistake? Had he and Ryan both misread the situation? "And the money? Everything you left behind... why did you leave behind all those clues?"
"Forget about the clues!" Alec gives him a jerk. "They mean nothing now. You're blind, Carson... you all are. Make no mistake... you get in my way, and I will blow your brains out."
"And Ryan?" Carson tries to lower Alec's arm from his throat without success. "You gonna blow her brains out too?"
Alec's eyes were dark and harsh as he looks back to Ryan. For a long moment, he stares at her with a lifelessness found in cold, hard steel. He lets Carson go, giving him a hefty shove towards Ryan. "Get out and take that tramp with you." He aims his gun at them. "If you or any more of your Elite friends try to interfere, I will shoot to kill. This is my first and final warning."
Carson catches his breath and stands in front of Ryan, shielding her. Alec looked terrible. For not having been gone that long, he had certainly gone downhill fast. But even worse were the words coming from his mouth. Carson felt sick to his stomach. He'd been so sure... he'd been so sure that he and Ryan would be able to get Alec out... that he'd take the chance and run back with them, away from the Agency. But it seemed as though his first theory had been right - Alec had been planning this from the get-go. "You know we came alone this time, Alec. But they know where you are, and they're going to take you down."
Even though Alec and Yvette had thought no one was tracing them, he grins cockily. "Bring it."
Carson didn't want to walk away - not now. With this change of events, he wanted to arrest Alec while they had him here - that was his duty, let alone what his anger wanted to do. The Elite was close behind, but not close enough that Alec couldn't slip away again. But at the same time, Alec was the one with the upper hand, and Carson wanted to get Ryan out of there before she got hurt. The look in Alec's eyes was a deadly one - and he was the one with a finger on the trigger. As long as they were being allowed to leave, they should, to avoid any bloodshed. He'd dwell later on the interesting fact that Alec hadn't killed them already. "Come on." He turns to put a hand on Ryan's shoulder, his eyes warning her that this had failed and they needed to get out of there while they could. He could draw on Alec, but someone was going to get hurt or worse if he did. "We need to go."
2/1/11
Over with
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?
"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?
;)
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.
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