Short but sweet

Watching the game for a few moments before replying to Eli one might think Ryan hadn't been listening. But she was, her mind was just thinking and trying to process everything. She really didn't feel like working tomorrow but she new she should.

"Yeah I work tomorrow. It will be a nice detraction I think. Not sure how long I am gonna work thought. Maybe if I can bail early I will."

Looking to her brother and studying his face for a long moment Ryan could tell he was worried about her even if she wished he wouldn't be.

"I'll be ok Eli. I wont be down long. Just...gotta keep moving forward."

Katie can't help but giggle at Jason's comment. It was always comfortable cuddling with him. She enjoyed it and just feeling his breathing was so soothing to her.

"Mmmm...I don't want you to let me go either. Your way to comfortable."

Moving her head into him a little more Katie just cuddles closer just taking in all she could before she had to go. It was a little chilly out tonight and Jason was just so warm.

Giving a nod Stacy was thankful that Reese would help her as much as he could. It was comforting to know she had that kind of support with this whole thing. It was just a little more reassurance she was doing the right thing.

"Ok, I can drop the paper work back off to you tomorrow. Thank you once again Reese."

Standing and giving a nod Stacy leaved the office. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. She really was excited for this. It would be a nice change and she was looking forward to that.

Sitting next to Ty Libby was very excited to see him progressing with his reading. Some people might laugh or think it boring but she liked knowing he was doing it on his own and she could help him a little bit here and there.

"Hey, even if you can't write well I am sure your mom will be able to read it."

Taking one of the french frys and popping it into her mouth Libby gives a big smile at Ty. She had been filled in a little on what happened with Ty. She new he was only trying to help and do the right thing so she hopped once his saspention was done he would have a job to go back too.

"So I was thinking maybe tonight we could hit the movies and see if anything good was playing."

Bored

Hearing Ryan, Tal pauses and turns to look over his shoulder for just a moment. His cheeks rise slightly, proving that a little smile had emerged. Then continuing his route, he waves to Eli and takes his leave.

Joined in the living room, Eli glances over to his sister and shrugs. "It's an okay game. Seen better, but the score's close enough to keep it interesting." He leans back and puts his feet up on the coffee table. It was a little hard for him to concentrate... with everything that had happened, he tried to be confident and calm on the outside, but on the inside, he was still upset about Alec and what Ryan had been put through. Tal had been a nice distraction - Eli had an inkling that Tal had noticed him sulking at work, and his offer to hang out afterward had been an attempt to give Eli something else to do. Eli hadn't been able to think of a reason not to, so he'd invited Tal over to the apartment. In the end, it had been kind of fun for a while. Now though... it was back to reality. But there really wasn't anything he could do about it. "Working tomorrow?"


Jason returns Katie's kiss, allowing it to last. Bringing her close, he leans back until his head was on the armrest of the couch and he was holding Katie on his chest. Breaking away, he grins up at her and tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Thanks for putting up with me."

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, letting Katie rise and fall with the movement. "I don't know, but you're almost too comfy for me to let you go home," he teases.


Reese nods. "I'll say a week to ten days - and if you run into any problems, don't hesitate to let me know. We need this to happen, but I don't want it to stress you out either."

He gestures to the papers. "Go ahead and take those with you - bring them back in a day or two and let me know how everything else is going. In the meantime... I'll call the ranch and let them know we found their security guard."


"...she... she ex..excl..cl...exclaimed." Ty nods with satisfaction as he finishes another sentence. Libby would be the only one who knew about the kids book from the library, but it still had enough small words he didn't get frustrated, and enough big words that it challenged him.

Chewing on another chicken finger, he scans the next few sentences through his glasses. Finally setting the book aside on the cafe table, he grins at Libby. "Well, maybe I'll never be a genius when it comes to reading, but at least I can read letters from Mom now." He munches on his chicken. "I was thinking about writing her back sometime but then I realized I..." He quirks an eyebrow, almost annoyed. "...guess I don't write very well either." His handwriting was atrocious to say the least, and since he'd dropped out of school and the alphabet didn't make any sense anyway, it had just gotten worse.

He sighs a little and fingers a french fry before popping it in his mouth. His eyes go to the table. "Not that it really matters." After being suspended, he'd had way too much free time on his hands, and needless to say, he'd gotten pretty bored. The question of whether or not he still had a job at all was unanswered, leaving him wondering why he was even trying to better himself in other areas if it didn't seem to matter.

Thanks

As Tal slips by Ryan she looks up at him for a moment. She'd only seen Tal a few times when she went to see Eli at work. She new he'd been pretty close with her brother but that was about all she new about him. Seeing the apology in his eyes Ryan new that Tal probably new what as going on.

Not saying anything as Tal walks away Ryan's eyes just follow him. But when he gets to the door Ryan takes a few steps in that direction herself. Her voice a little softer but one that held much emotion for the situation right now.

"Tal, thanks."

Why was she saying thanks? Maybe just simply because he's said sorry without even saying it. Or maybe it was for being there for Eli knowing this wasn't easy on him either. Seeing his sister going through was probably something hard to do that was for sure. If it was Eli Ryan new she'd be angry and want to knock someone out.

Turning around again to let him go Ryan heads back to the living room and sits down on couch again with Eli. She felt bad she'd chased his friend away so she'd sit with him now. Maybe she could even get into the game a little.

"Is it a good game?"

Cuddling in close with Jason again Katie felt a little better that he wasn't angry with her. She new he was frustrated and could understand that. Everything was messed up right now and no one new what was to come.

"Ok, sounds good to me. I miss our connection so I welcome it back."

Turning to look at Jason Katie gives him a smile. Leaning up she gives him a kiss on the lips. Letting it linger for a long moment Katie just lets her emotions express themselves thought the kiss since that was all she had right now. Just soaking in the moment with Jason.

Finally letting a small smile cross her lips Stacy gives a small nod. She wouldn't have been heartbroken if she hadn't got the job but she would of been disappointed. Not to mention having to break the new to Ashlee after getting her excited. But it was ok, Reese said she got the job and now she couldn't help it that her heart started racing for a whole new reason.

"Well, we would need time to pack and I can work on selling the house from the ranch. I don't have to be here to do that. I'd say give us a week to get everything together. As long as thats not to long for you?"

Leaning forward and taking the paperwork Stacy looks it over. She wasn't sure if Reese wanted her to fill that out here or bring it back. Either would be ok with her. She could fill it now or she could bring it back to the office an fill it out.

Understanding eyes

After taking a couple pain killers, Jason wanders back into the living room, stepping over Trooper, who was stretched out lazily on the floor. He eases back down on the couch and just look at the floor for a moment as Katie apologizes. He really hadn't meant to snap at her... it had just... come out.

Finally looking back over to her, he musters up a partial smile. "I didn't want to make you feel bad. I'm just frustrated... at the situation, not you." He reaches out and brushes her cheek with the back of his hand. "I'm just tired of worrying about every step we take... it's like we've had to stop living in order to survive, but what's the point?"

Sighing, he slips his arm around her and pulls her close to plant a kiss on the top of her head. "We'll try going back to normal... and if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. But that's the only way to find out."


Hearing the door open, Eli looks up quickly, a mixture of relief and question on his face. He was glad she was home, but what did that mean about Alec? "Hey, Sis."

Tal's eyes meet hers for a moment, and a soft kind of smile comes to his lips, born from the knowledge that this had not been an easy time for her. He gives her a little wave of hello.

Eli welcomes his sister's presence on the couch, but his shoulders sink just a little bit, hearing that Alec hated her. What was wrong with that guy? How had he fooled everyone so well? What had happened to the man that had seemed to be so in love with Ryan? It just didn't make sense, and Eli could feel his anger bubbling again, though he wouldn't let it spill over - his sister didn't need him to be mad right now too. Instead, he gives her shoulder a little squeeze. "I'm sorry..." What else could he say? Part of him was glad Alec would live, and part of him was just as mad that he'd survived.

Watching Ryan get up and go to the kitchen, he sighs and focuses on the television. This whole thing was just screwed up, plain and simple.

Tal fiddles with his beer bottle a little awkwardly before he stands up. "I, um... I should probably go."

Eli looks up at him and shakes his head. "You don't have to."

"Naw, it's alright. I got stuff I gotta get done at home anyway." Tal knew that probably his company was a little much right now, and he didn't mind leaving Eli and Ryan alone. Taking his bottle to the kitchen, he slips by Ryan to set it by the sink. Turning to leave, he catches her eye again. Opening his mouth to say something, it then seemed that anything he said would come out wrong in this situation, so instead, he bites his lower lip. His eyes said it all. He was sorry that she was hurt, he knew the story, and he understood why her own eyes held anger and pain. Tucking his hands halfway in his jeans pockets, he heads for the doorway again.


Reese nods thoughtfully as Stacy talks, his face remaining fairly expressionless. Once she's finished, he cocks his head, just studying her for several long moments. One might think he was debating on how to tell her he was going to turn her down. But that wasn't the case.

"I think you're a good match for the job," he states with confidence. "I know the ranch will welcome both you and your daughter into their circle, and I think you're more than qualified for the security."

Fishing for some papers, he finally finds what he's looking for and hands them to her. "I'll need you to fill these out for the formal transfer from the police to the Elite. Within the Elite ranking system, you will start as an officer and you may move up in the ranks as we see fit, as time progresses."

He thinks for a moment, in case he'd forgotten anything. "The Elite will fund your move and provide any necessary transportation. The only negative point right now is that it needs to happen fairly soon, for the safety of Dylan Henson, or anyone else at the ranch. How soon do you think you and your daughter can be ready to move?"

An Honor

As Jason gets it up Katie just watches him as he leaves and goes into the other room. She didn't have to have there powers to be able to tell that maybe she had hit a cord wrong when she hadn't meant too.

Once Jason comes back Katie trys to give him a little smile as she processed some words in her head. She felt bad that she had made him feel badly. This was one time she really did with they had there powers back now so she could tell Jason she was sorry without words.

"J, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like you don't know whats good for you or anything. Thats not how I meant it at all. It just...came out wrong I guess."

Looking down for a moment Katie plays with a tread that was hanging from her shirt before looking up again. Searching Jason's eyes her own reflecting that she was very sorry.

"I'd like to go off the antidote as long as you want to too. I miss our connection."

Sitting with Alec still the next day Ryan didn't care how long it took. Until something happened or she was told to leave she'd stay with Alec. Maybe she was angry with him, and part of her hated him she wanted to still be there for the person she had grown so attached to. Ryan had already called Eli and let him know.

As Alec wakes Ryan sits up a little but as he fights against his restraints it seemed whatever Ryan wanted to say was now gone. Hearing him yell at her to get out Ryan's face dosnt seem to change much. She should have guess this would happen and Alec really didn't want here her.

When the nurses rush in to try and calm Alec down Ryan moves a little bit out of the way. She didn't want to interfere with what they were doing. As Alec turns to her though and those words come from his lips Ryan's face turns read, and her eyes hold an anger. Just something about those words...after everything she'd done, after having her heart on her sleeve for him he had the nerve to say that to him. The numb feeling inside seemed to break and now the only thing left was the anger.

"Don't worry, this is the last time you'll see me again or even hear from me. I only wanted to make sure you were ok. Now that I have...good bye Alec!"

Not giving time for anyone to reply Ryan turns and makes her way to the door sticking her hands in her pockets. Leaving she doesn't bother to look back or even stop. Her path was set this would be the last time she even saw Alec after what he did to her.

Getting to her car and getting in Ryan could feel the hot tears roll down her cheek again. Anger and hurt seemed to mix together now and it didn't feel good. Ryan felt like she was going to be ill. Why did this happen? She didn't understand and part of her didn't want to anymore. Alec was alive, he hated her, and she detested him. Why should it hurt now?

Finally pulling it together though Ryan starts her car and heads for home. It didn't take long to get there. Pulling in and getting out Ryan eyes the other car in the driveway for a long moment. She wasn't sure she'd seen that car before.

Entering the house and heading to the living room Ryan see Eli and who she thought she remembered at Tal sitting on the couch. She really didn't feel social but she had to at least let Eli know she was home.

"Hey Eli I'm home. Hi Tal."

Coming in more and going around the couch it was easy to see on Ryan's face the anger, and hurt still. Sitting down on the free end of the couch with Eli she just sits quite for a moment before finally sitting up a little and looked twords her brother.

"Alec's awake.. I guess he hates me now so..whatever. Just thought I'd let ya know he didn't die after all."

Standing again and heading to the kitchen Ryan looks through the fridge for a long moment before pulling out a beer. She just wanted to be a lone for a little bit. She had to get over this, she'd be fine, she new she would be but it was getting there that would be the hard part.

Sitting in the chair across from Reese in his office Stacy was dressed in a suit with her gun clipped to one side, and her badge to the other. Today was her office duty but had left work to come for the interview with Reese.

The inside of TJY was a bit different than expected but it was easy to see they new what they were doing, and have everything together. All in all from first look it would seem like a good company to work for and she was excited.

Looking back at Reese and hearing his question Stacy held a look of confadince on her face but not arrogance. In her role as a mother and her position at work she new the chooses she made were in the best interest of her family and career.

"Well, first off my daughter will always come first. Having her come with me to someplace like this ranch I think would be good. I home school Ashlee and I think having the open space like the R/M Ranch would help her get out more, and meet new people. My daughter has a good head on her shoulders and I've never had to worry if she was making the right desitions or not. Is she perfect... No she is not..Ashlee makes mistakes like anyone else would, but I think I worry a little less because I know her head is on straight and she is smart enough to use the brain God gave her."

Stacy thought highly of her daughter and new Ashlee was one of the rare children in the world who did know what they wanted in lift, and did what they could not to mess that up. She was proud of her daughter and everything she had accomplished at a young age.

"On top of that taking this job I would be able to spend a little more time with Ashlee. That is one of the most important things to me. I love my daughter Reese, and would like nothing more than to be able to watch her grow up. I've missed out on to much of her life already."

Shifting just a little bit to get comfortable in the chair again Stacy lets out a small breath. Sometimes when she started going she forgot to breath till everything she said was out. It often happened when she felt strongly about something.

"On the career side, I enjoy helping people and making sure they stay safe. It would see that the R/M ranch needs that right now and help with that than that is my next calling. I have also heard a lot about what TJY does, and its very admirable. To be apart of that would be wonderful and very much and honor."

Deserves better

Jason's hand that had been rubbing Katie's arm, comes to an abrupt halt, though he doesn't move. His eyes go to the television instead of Katie's face and his jaw muscles tighten. Did he have to report everything to everyone now? First Rick, now Katie... did they think he wasn't smart enough to make a change if something happened? Did they both think he was irresponsible enough to sit back and die, should he have an attack or what?

"Yeah." He sighs. "Well, whatever. It's up to you. I'm tired of choosing what everybody else wouldn't."

He didn't mean to be so grouchy, he was just... tired of this whole thing.

Wriggling her shoulder, he prompts her to sit up so he could get off the couch. "I'm gonna go take something for this headache. I'll be back."


Alec's hospital room remained quiet, except for the machines and an occasional doctor or nurse checking on him. The hours dragged on with no changes. But despite the time seeming to stand still, it did indeed move on, and the sun did indeed rise the next morning. The day moved on, despite heavy hearts, until once more, the sun began to sink towards the horizon...

Alec's eyes crack open. Dim light seeps through to his sight and he has no idea where he is. His body hurt... a lot. He felt sick to his stomach, a headache pounded in his skull and there was a numbing pain all over. A quiet, rhythmic beep hits his ears first, before he begins to pick up other sounds - distant conversations, footsteps and calls for doctors over an intercom. A hospital... he was in a hospital. But why?

Trying to shift and sit up a little more, his arms are met with resistance. Managing to get his eyes open a little wider, he sees that both of his wrists are handcuffed to the bed rails. And then it all comes back to him. Everything. The Agency, the running... the shootout. The shootout... he shouldn't be here now. He should be dead. They'd saved him.

"No!" Wrenching both his arms, he tries to break free from the cuffs, which of course is futile. Swinging his gaze to the side, he only now realizes he's not alone. Seeing Ryan, time pauses long enough for ire to flash in his eyes. A string of angry profanity is hurled in her direction, sparing no name or curse. "Get out of here!" Pulling against the restraints again only serves to send severe burning pain through his chest and shoulder.

As his blood pressure spikes, one of the machines screams its warning and without time to even react, a doctor and several nurses are in the room. "Calm down," they urge, trying to hold Alec still as his wound begins to bleed. "Easy, easy."

"Let go of me!" Alec thrashes against them as more curses are flung in every direction. "I'm supposed to be dead!" His eyes swing about the room wildly until they land on Ryan again. Too weak to fight off the others anymore, he stops thrashing to catch his breath. Glazed and dim, his eyes narrow. "I hate you," he hisses.


"Naw, she's up at the hospital with Alec." Eli takes a small sip of beer and leans back in the couch, watching as a commercial played in between the football game on television.

Tal quirks an eyebrow from where he sat in the easy chair. His thumb picks at a corner of his beer bottle label. "Cares a lot about him, huh?"

Eli shrugs. "Yeah...." He sighs. "Yeah, she fell pretty hard for him I guess. I think it's over now though. After all the things that happened..." He shakes his head. "She cares enough to not want him to die alone or to be there if he wakes up, but I'll be glad when they don't see each other anymore."

"That bad?"

Eli scoffs. "If cheating with another woman, killing people and running off to one of the most dangerous criminal organizations counts as bad, then yeah."

Both of Tal's eyebrows rise this time. "Sheesh. He went all out, didn't he?"

"You could put it that way."

"A woman like Ryan deserves better than that." Tal nods decidedly before taking a swig of beer. "I'm surprised she let herself get taken for a ride like that."

"Me too. But..." Eli thinks for a moment, the football game going ignored for now. "I don't know... I guess I didn't think he was that bad either. He was a crook to begin with, but I guess even I thought he'd changed. I have to admit, it seemed he was really turning his life around. I always had my reservations about him, but lately he was starting to grow on even me."

"Hmm." Tal lets his eyes travel to the ball game for a few minutes. "She had another boyfriend before though, didn't she? Wasn't it Leo Barnsworth?"

Eli nods. "Yeah. They dated for a while. He's got himself another girl now though - pretty steady as far as I can see. Seems happy. I always thought he'd be good for Ryan, but the girl he's got now is awfully sweet and they've got more similar interests I think. Why?"

Tal shrugs. "No reason. Just sucks when you get a messy breakup and then don't have someone to fall back on."

"Hey, what am I? Chopped liver?"

Tal laughs and shakes his head. "Brothers are different."

Eli feigns annoyance. "Oh? And how so?"

"I don't know, they're just... brothers?" Tal laughs again. "It's different and you know it. I'm just saying it sucks when a woman doesn't have a... a man..." He gestures to Eli before a comment can be thrown back at him. "Not a brother... to... you know... just... be there." He halts, ponders, then rolls his eyes. "I think I stopped making sense somewhere in there."

"Yeah, you better just finish that beer so I can give you a second one," Eli teases.

Both wind up laughing and the topic is dropped as their attention goes back to the football game. It was a simple diversion from the reality of life, if only for a little while.


"I'm sorry I didn't set up this meeting sooner," Reese apologizes. "We've had some... stress around here lately." He sighs a little, tired, but trying to make it through a few more cases before he could relax. The whole thing with Alec had been the worst. If he could get someone out to the R/M ranch, that would at least be one thing he could quit worrying about.

"I've looked over a list of files and I think you're the best candidate for the security job at the R/M ranch and Brown told me you'd like to accept." He looks across his desk at Stacy, cocking his head. "The ranch has ups and downs like any place. Sometimes it's full of people and activities and there are other times that they barely have a visitor or client for weeks. Sometimes it's as quiet as a mouse and sometimes it's busy and obnoxious."

He leans back and fiddles with a pen. "I see you have a daughter. I imagine there will be a few kids her age in and out of there - some with problems, some without, but most only there for a short while at a time. A lot of the time, she'll probably wind up the only kid her age. There's the potential for danger as well."

Reese studies Stacy, curious, serious and almost challenging but not quite. "So...tell me what makes you want this job so much that you'd put your daughter in that position." He wasn't implying anything about her role as a mother - it was a simple question to which he wanted the answer.

Real idoit

Looking up at her brother and searching his face Ryan new Eli didn't agree with her desition but she was happy that he let it up to her and didn't try to make a big stink about it. Giving a slow nod Ryan thinks for a moment. It was nice of Eli to offer a ride, or someone to sit with her but it would probably be better if she went alone.

"Thank for the offer Eli but I think if it best if I go alone."

Giving her brothers shoulder a pat, and standing Ryan heads into her bedroom to grab some new clothing. Than heading to the bathroom she takes nice long shower. Just letting the warm water run over her and skin and more tears seeming to mix with the water. Getting her tears out now would be good, than she wouldn't have to worry when she left.

About an hour later Ryan was making her way through the hospital. With little direction Ryan finds the room and stands outside it for a long moment looking at both the guards. Stating who she was and showing some ID Ryan finally slowly enters the room.

Looking around at all the masheans that were hooked up to Alec Ryan draws closer and just looks down at him. He looked at peace while he was sleeping yet at the same time seeing he was fighting for his life he looked rather small. Ryan couldn't help but wonder though if he was dreaming or not. Giving a little shake of her head and closing her eyes Ryan just trys to contoll her emotions for a moment her voice coming out a little shaky.

"You a real idiot you know that?"

Spotting a chair on the far side of the room Ryan goes over and grabs it moving it close to the bed. Sitting down and pulling a few magazines from her bag Ryan just starts to read them. She had nothing else to say right, so she might as well do something that keeps her from thinking, and crying more. Thats the last thing she wanted anyone to see.

Just listing to Carson talk Misty keeps her hand with his. She new this had to be hard for him. He might not have liked his brother but he had still been family and there might even be some emotions that rushed back to Carson about his own attempt to take his life.

Standing as Carson does Misty follows him over to the sink placing a hand on his back and giving it a little rub Misty offered all the comfort she could.

"I know you guys weren't close but he's still family and thats probably they hardest thing. Everything is gonna work out though Carson, its in God's hands."

Giving another smile and slinging Carson's arm over her shoulder and leaning into him a little. She was tired and the idea of bed sounded nice.She'd just wanted to stay up with Carson at least for a little whole so she could be there for him.

"I think bed sounds good. Maybe the best idea I heard all day."

Sitting with Jason on the couch Katie shifts a little to look up at him. She couldn't help but worrier it was part of caring for someone. She just didn't want any more damage to come to Jason.

"I guess we can go off it, but if you can't handle it I don't want you to try and hide it I want you to let me know so we can go back on."

Searching Jason's eyes Katie new if she had his word he would hold to it. Hearing Jason talk about how many Rick was wrong Katie could only hope. Though the reality of it was Rick was hardly wrong and before being on the antidote she could feel something was different.

"Lets hope Rick it wrong. I don't know what I would do without you J."

That thought alone made Katie cringe inside, and made her feel like she wanted to cry. Since she and Jason had gotten together he's been everything to her. Thinking of him being gone before he should was terrifying.

Everybody else does

Looking at Ryan for a moment, Eli's first reaction would be to pounce, but he refrains. Instead, he nods slowly. "Okay."

It might not be what he would do, and at this point, he wanted to keep Ryan from any more heartache... but if she wanted to sit with the man she'd come to love, Eli wouldn't stop her.

"If you want a ride or... if you want someone to sit with you, let me know."


In the hospital, the back room in the ICU remained guarded by two officers: one from the police and one from the Elite. And inside the room on the bed lay their prisoner - his body fighting for its life. Yet even now, hours after surgery, his sleep seemed peaceful. After being on so many machine to keep him alive, now he was breathing on his own again, lacking only the desire to live. His wrists were handcuffed to the side rails of his bed to keep him there, should he awake, and to keep anyone from taking him, should there be a rescue attempt from the enemy. But even after surviving the surgeries, flight and care, doctors would not promise Alec's survival.


Carson appreciates Misty's attention, and lets her hold his hand while he eats. He's quiet for a long while, just eating and trying to allow his mind time to process. Eventually though, he fills Misty in on some of the details he hadn't related over the phone, and admits some of what he's feeling.

"I just... thought I was right, you know? After hating the guy, then turning around and defending him, I feel stupid for having tried to get him out."

Carson leans back in his chair and sighs, his meal finished. "Thinking about it that way just makes me mad. And then when I see him again... just asking to get shot..." He shakes his head. Looking down, he turns his hands over on the table, revealing the scars still visible on his wrists. "Guilt was what almost got me killed when I tried to take my life. But what about Alec? Did he just want the easy way out? Or is he still human?" His thumb runs along one of his scars and he's taken back to what seems so long ago... back when the only one giving him hope was a spunky doctor who wouldn't give up on him.

He smiles a little and looks back at Misty. "We've had our share of troubles, ay?" Getting up from the table, he takes his dirty dishes to the sink before turning around and leaning back against the counter. "Shouldn't bother me... this whole thing. I've seen worse, and it's not like Alec and I were close." He shrugs. But it did bother him. Whether he got along with Alec or not, he was still his brother, and he was still on the brink of death without having turned to God - it wasn't a pleasant thought.

Mustering up another small smile, he pushes of the counter. "I better get some sleep before I fall over right here. I'll have to relieve the others at the restaurant tomorrow morning."


Rocky chuckles, finding Thundercat easy to chat with and seemingly nice - at least online she was and that's all he had to go on at this point.

rockin_gts: Thanks - you too.

rockin_gts: I do plan on coming back on Wednesday. I tend to lurk, so I'm sure you'll see me around.

He gets ready to exit the chat when he stops and gives a little grin. What the hey.

rockin_gts: And call me Rocky - everybody else does. ;)

rockin_gts: Been real. Goodnight.

Logging off before he had any more time to fiddle around and ignore his need for sleep, he gets up from his desk and stretches tall. "Alright, Puzzle... come keep me warm and I'll keep you warm. Just keep your claws to yourself."


"So... thought any more about getting off the antidote?" Jason runs his fingers up and down Katie's arm as they lie together on the couch - him half-sitting in the corner, allowing her to sit between his legs and use him as a backrest. The movie was one they'd seen, so they'd talked here and there between scenes and between eating their supper. Now though, Jason really wanted to know what Katie thought about them getting back to normal.

"I think it'll be fine. I mean, maybe Rick's wrong... maybe this was just one last hurrah and it's over now, ya know? Maybe as strangely as it appeared, it's disappeared and we don't have a thing to worry about."

Have to...

Looking up at the clock and seeing what time it was Michaela couldn't help but be a little shocked. This was later than she usually stayed up that was for sure and she had class in the morning.

Thundercat5: Wow, I new it was late but not this late. I'm never going to wake up in the morning. I guess eating can't wait till tomorrow.

Stopping for a moment her fingers move over the keyboard but doesn't type anything. There was a strange feeling she didn't want to get offline tonight. It had been nice talking and getting to know someone new and it had been a long time since she didn't want to stop talking to someone even though she new it was a must.

Thunderccat5: It was really nice chatting with you tonight. I hope to see you Wednesday for our first new meeting.

Thundercat5: Have a great night Rockin_gts. Don't work to hard tomorrow!

As Carson leaves to get changed and clean up Misty sets the table. No plat for her because it was late but makes a cup of tea so she could at least sit with Carson. Once he comes back and she puts the plate in front of him Misty sits down at the char next to him leaning on the table slightly.

Studying his face for a long moment Misty could see in his eyes that the whole thing was bothering him more than he let on. It was plan to see at least for her. Not really sure what to say to make it any better Misty just reaches out and takes Carson's free hand in her own. Giving it a little squeeze she gives him a smile just trying to reassure him everything would be ok.

Just letting herself soak in her brother comfort Ryan moves with him to the couch continuing to just let the tears fall. She always had been able to find shelter in his arms and today had not changed that. Now she was more happy than ever that Eli was here.

As the minutes pass by and a little explanation on what had happened Ryan's tears seem to slow though her eyes were still red showing that she had been crying. Leaning away from Eli and whipping her face she felt crappy and a show was a must.

"I'm going to take a much needed shower I think that would help me feel a little better. Than I think I'm going to go up to the hospital."

Giving Eli a sidelong glance Ryan new he wouldnt approve of her going and she might be upset and hurt over this whole Alec thing but if he wasn't going to make it the last thing she wanted was for him to die alone or with her mad at him. That just wasn't her.

"I just...have to make sure Alec is going to be ok. Or at least be there in case he doesn't make it he wont be alone. I guess....I still care about him."

Quit worrying

Jason thinks a few moments, glad right now that Katie couldn't read his emotions. He shrugs then ducks to get into her car, trying not to let it show that he was upset. He was tired of thinking about him dying. He was tired of walking on eggshells just in case something might happen. "He said I'd be fine," he answers as he puts on his seatbelt. He looks out the window instead of looking at Katie.

"I'd just have to be careful that's all. Try not to get too stressed out." Smiling, he turns back to her. "But I try not to get stressed out every day anyway, so that's no big deal. I'm feeling good... no reason keep torturing ourselves with the antidote, right?"

Leaning over, he gives her a soft kiss to the lips. "Quit worrying about me, huh? I'll be fine." Straightening again, he points out of the parking lot. "Now I'm starving. Let's go."


Seeing the look in Ryan's eye is enough to make Eli hurt all the more for her. He just wished he could make all of this go away.

As she comes to him, he doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her and hold her close, just letting her cry. It was unusual to see her cry at all, let alone like this... a sign that this whole ordeal really was something that wasn't simple. Moving back a little, Eli guides Ryan to the couch to sit down with her, keeping his arm around her and offering himself as her shelter. And again, he's glad he hadn't left for Florida.

"Shh... it's okay." He combs his fingers through her hair and gives her an extra squeeze. "Things are gonna be alright..." He wasn't sure how or when, but he knew they would be.

"I know sometimes I'm not around and maybe I'm not sensitive enough but... if you ever want to talk about what happened, I'm here, okay?" He rubs her arm lovingly. His sister was his priority over everyone else, and that was a fact.


"Mmm.... a good meal sounds fantastic." Carson gives Misty another little squeeze. "I'm happy I'm home too. Just give me a minute to go clean up and I'll come back to eat." He still had on the jeans that were bloodstained enough he'd throw them away... he'd take a quick shower and at least throw some clean clothes on. "There's no point in walking around like a living crime scene."

Giving her head a kiss, he goes to clean up, and as promised, he comes back and sit down at the kitchen table. He wasn't sure if he were more tired physically or mentally - but no matter... he was worn out.

Managing a smile for Misty though, he does his best not to let on he was as bothered as he was about the whole Alec thing.


rockin_gts: Got the late night munchies, huh?

rockin_gts: When that happens to me, I usually wind up at the nearest 24/hr. corner store - there's always a bag of Doritos with my name on it.

Rocky leans back and stifles a yawn. Half an hour ago, he would have welcomed the drowsiness. Now he wished he wasn't getting tired.

rockin_gts: Unfortunately, I just yawned. I guess Mr. Insomnia decided to take a hike. Oh, to be young and irresponsible again without worrying about work in the morning. Looks like I better go though.

Walls

Michaela can't help but laugh again as her cheeks start to stop burning just a little. At least it seemed like Rockin_gts wasn't offended so that was a good thing. Where her mind was right now she had no idea.

Thundercat5: Well thats a good thing to know. The later it gets the stranger I get so...at least I know you wont go running for the hills right away.

As something brushes against her leg Michaela looks down to see Sassy's big eyes looking back at her wanting attachen. Reaching down and scooping the cat up she rubs her face against the cats for a moment before giving a yawn and looking back at the computer again.

Thundercat5: I'd say sorry about making you spit juice on you computer screen but than I'd be lieing. I think its way to funny for me to be sorry.

Leaning back in her chair Michaela's stomach gives a loud growl that even causes Sassy to jump down and look at her. Giving a half grin she shakes her head.

Thundercat5: It really is to late at night for my stomach to be growling.

Returning the hug Misty just holds onto Carson feeling him close to her. She missed him and had been worried about him, to have him home now and to be in his arm put her at peace. Hearing his words she doesn't reply for a long moment just holding him close to her and enjoying the silent moment. Finally pulling away and looking up at Carson Misty gives a smile being pulled into the kiss and returning it letting her hand creep up Carson's back to his hair. Letting her fingers rack through it before pulling away again.

"This sheila was waiting for her husband to get home so she could check him over and make sure he was ok before he had his first decent meal since a few days ago."

Misty can't help but let her grin grow a little more. She been worried sick about Carson even if she new he'd be ok that worry was there anyways. Now he was here again she just didn't want to let go.

"I sure did miss you. I'm happy your home now."

Just letting her bag slide off her arm as Eli comes over to her Ryan let out a long sigh. She could feel her walls breaking. She'd been strong, she'd been tough, she had buried that pain so she wouldn't have to feel it but now under her brother question she could feel the walls crumbling.

Looking up at her brother and searching his eyes Ryan could see the worry. Somewhere in the back of her mind, a little voice seemed to chim in as well that said I told you so. Continuing to just look at her brother it seemed as though her walls finally crumbled and all the pain from the last few days seemed to just hit. A few tears seemed to spring into Ryan's eyes till they started to come more, and more, till finally they just streamed down her face.

Taking a few steps forward and just wrapping her arms around Eli Ryan just bury her face into his chest Ryan just lets it all go and cry's as the pain just seemed to grow inside her. It had been a long time since she'd cried let along like this. The last time she could remember was when there father died. Maybe she was due for a good cry.

Walking along side Jason Katie just keeps her fingers locked with his. It seemed in the last few days as though she wanted to take things slower with Jason. Stop and smell the roses a little more. To enjoy his company a little more, and just be with him.

Hearing they could go off the anitdote Katie stands on the other side of the car thinking for a minute. She hated being on it, she didn't like how it felt but she had done it for Jason so did she want to go off it yes, was it smart to..she didn't know.

"Did Rick say it would be safe for you to go off of it? I mean if its going shorten your life being off of it than I don't want to do that. I want to make sure your going to be ok."

It was clear to see the worry in Katie's eyes though she did her best to stay calm about the whole thing. She just wanted Jason to be ok, and do what was best for him right now and not worry what she wanted.

Scoundrel

Stretching, Rocky waits for a response in the chatroom, but finds himself thirsty. Returning just a few moments later with a glass of juice, he takes a sip and slides back down in his chair. Reading Thundercat5's first couple replies, he almost chokes on his juice, trying not to laugh, but winding up with juice all over his computer screen anyway.

He has to clean up before he types a response, and hopes she doesn't think he really did leave.

rockin_gts: I'd like to think I pull off the rugged look quite well, however...

He pauses.

rockin_gts: I don't think I looked very rugged as I blew juice out my nose a moment ago.

rockin_gts: Thank you for the laugh though - my computer screen needed cleaning anyway... lol

He grins and shakes his head, cleaning up a little more. He did think her comments were rather funny - just because of the nature of them, and because he was amused at what seemed to be her getting a little flustered. Maybe he wasn't the only one having trouble with late night humor.

rockin_gts: Don't worry - it would take more than an accidental pass to scare me off. Besides, I'm glad you like whiskers... if I shaved them all off, I might wind up getting stuck in some narrow space that I think I can fit through. Now that would be embarrassing.

Oh yeah. That was clever. He rolls his eyes at himself yet again and looks down at Puzzle. "I'm glad these conversations aren't face-to-face, you know that? What kind of an idiot must I look like?" A meowed response makes him smirk. "You don't have to agree with me."


Carson watches to make sure Ryan makes it inside the apartment before he pulls away. The hardest thing right now was staying awake. He does stop by the hospital briefly, finding that Alec was still stable in ICU, with guards outside the door. His next stop was TJY and he makes it as quick as possible, though reporting takes longer than he likes. And finally, finally, he can go home.

Arriving at the apartment, he parks and gets out of the car wearily, grabbing his bag. Trudging up the walk he makes it inside, depositing his bag and keys by the door. Seeing the kitchen light on, he wanders in that direction, pausing a moment in the doorway to just watch Misty. The aroma of food makes his stomach growl and he grins wearily. He was well taken care of, that was for sure.

Ambling in further, he catches her eye and smiles the best he can. "Hey. What's a good looking sheila like you doing up at this hour waiting for a scoundrel like me?" Pulling her into an embrace, he hugs her close, glad to see her... glad to be home... glad to be alive. Retreating, he gives her a long kiss on the lips as his hands cradle her face. "This scoundrel is awfully glad to see you."


Hearing the door, Eli jumps and looks quickly in that direction. Seeing Ryan, he immediately gets to his feet. Going to her quickly, all those same thoughts come tumbling through his mind and they want to jump of his tongue, but he holds them back. The look on his sister's face hurt worse than he thought it would.

Setting his hands on he shoulders, he searches her eyes for several long moments. He'd been so worried. "You okay?"


"Mmm... there's always a kiss involved," Jason reasons. Waiting for Katie to exit her cubicle, he takes her hand and heads to the exit slowly. "I'm thinking Chinese... that way I get you all to myself and don't have to wait for you while you cook."

He grins and slips his arm around her shoulder instead. There were some things he liked about not knowing each other's thoughts all the time. But there were some things he didn't like either, and one of them was having to say everything aloud and sometimes forgetting that she didn't already know what he was thinking. Seemed odd... any "normal" person would think him silly, but really, both of them were so used to the open communication that maybe they'd been spoiled.

Hitting the night air, Jason takes a deep breath, wanting to enjoy it. It seemed he wanted to enjoy a lot of things lately... perhaps he was beginning to see the value in the little things... the little things that he might not experience for much longer. Life really was short, and it really was precious.

His hand slides back down to Katie's again as he limps beside her. "Rick might let me start work again soon," he mentions. So maybe Rick hadn't given him an answer about that at all, but it was still a possibility, right? He might as well make it sound positive for Katie so she didn't worry so much. "He said we could go off the antidote if we wanted..."

"Hey"

Michaela can't help but laugh at Rockin_gts' humor. It was different but it was nice, and it made her smile that was for sure. Sometimes it was easy to tell the people who chatted in chat rooms alot, and other times not so much. For Rockin_gts she wasn't sure. He seemed comfortable talking with new people or at least in a group of people but now one on one with her he seemed a little more on nervous.

Thundercat5: Hey, that might not be a bad thing I think the ones with whiskers are cute.

Stopping for a moment and thinking about what she said Michaela could wack her head into her keybored right now.

Thundercat5: /facedesk

Every if no one could see her, her face was a bright red as she tried to recover from the comment. She couldn't believe she had really just said that.

Thundercat5: I meant the cats with whiskers are cute.

Thundercat5: Not that I am saying your not cute with a little bit of scruff...because I'm sure you look good...

Really was she fumbling over this? This was insane why didn't she think before she hit the enter key.

Thundercat5: Well now that I went and made a mess of that you probably wont come back..lol.

The ride back home was long, longer than it had been leaving. Maybe it was because now there was doubt, misery, pain, and a longing on the inside for things to be different. The adrenalin was gone, the confadince that they were right, guns blazing to save the person they cared about was not turned to a wonder if he would live, or die.

Getting back to her apartment Ryan gives it a quick glance. A light was on so she new Eli was still awake but the will to want to go inside just wasn't there so for a long moment she just sits in Carson's car. Listing to him her heart just seemed to become more heavy than it was. He wanted to die? To leave everything behind not let anyone help him he just...wanted to let go?

Looking to Carson Ryan lets out a long sigh. Alec still really did look so much like him, except for when they saw him at the hotel. Carson was almost a shadow of what Alec was. But he might be dieing...how could Ryan think badly right now, or was she really feeling anything at all. She felt cold, and num still.

"I think after I shower I am going to go up to the hospital and sit with Alec. No one deserves to maybe die alone no matter what crime they have committed. See you later Carson and thanks."

Getting out of the car and grabbing her bag Ryan shuts the door slowly making her way up the sidewalk and to the front door where she hesitates for a long moment. Finally opening the front door and stepping inside Ryan lets it fall shut behind her before slowly making her way to the living room.

Seeing Eli Ryan lets out a long sigh. Lifting her arm she gives a little wave as her bag rolls off her shoulder.

"Hey."

What else could she say? Really there was nothing more she could say to him.

Hearing Jason's voice Katie looks up from her desk at him. Giving him a small smile she just takes him in for a long moment. They had been back for a few days now and how it seemed the days were even longer now that she couldn't talk to Jason freely.

"Hey You. You know dragging me sounds like it might be fun. Does it get followed up with a kiss?"

Shaking her head a little bit Katie puts down the other paper work she had been looking at. She had to admit she was rather tired herself. It seemed with the antidote in them she got tired more often, and just didn't have the energy but it was for Jason's health so it was worth it...right?

"Alright I guess I can spare you this time around and you wont have to drag me out of here."

Katie gathers up her papers and the other stuff she was working on slipping them in her desk for now. They could wait and tomorrow they could be finished. She'd already gotten the important ones out of the way.

"So, are we order in or did you want me to cook something?"

Surgery

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."

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?

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.

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.

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.