Court

The courtroom held quiet murmurings of those gathered on this gloomy day. Rain pattered against the windows and the people, few in number, shift in their uncomfortable seats. One in particular though, feels the discomfort more than anyone else. He sits slumped in his chair at the front of the room, his wrists bound in handcuffs. His head hung, his eyes dim like a candle that had been snuffed out. The knee of his jeans was torn and his navy long-sleeved t-shirt wrinkled... it was the best they had for this day. His hair had grown too long, and he needed a shave - perhaps when he'd looked at himself in the mirror this morning, he'd been satisfied that his appearance reflected what was happening on the inside.

As the judge comes in and everyone stands, Alec grudgingly gets to his feet. He' been poked, prodded and pushed by Justin, he'd been interrogated and raked over the coals by Reese, and he'd been advised by Angelica. Yet he had refused to let them in... he had refused to allow them to know what he'd decided to say in his own defense - if he was to defend himself at all. A sidelong glance to his side met Angelica, though his expression remains the same. Able to sit again, he slouches and looks with little interest to the bench as the case is presented, lawyers briefly state their cases and the judge reminds the court that this is not a normal hearing. The Elite was special and proceedings never could be quite the same as those with normal law enforcement. The judge had already read all the reports and received all the details about the case. So today, the Elite had a chance to defend themselves as well as Alec. The judge also reminds the court that not only was Alec's future at stake, but the future of the Elite's rehabilitation program for Agency victims was as well. If Alec had gone bad, would others?

"...Yes, Sir... I... I did see a change in Alec." Gage swallows hard and shifts his feet around the legs of his chair as he sits on the witness stand. He didn't like this, but Reese and Angelica had asked him to be here. His eyes roam the other eyes in the room that were staring at him, making him squirm all the more.

The judge leans forward, taking the liberty to ask questions himself. "In what way? What makes you say he had changed from the Agency killer he'd been trained to be?"

Gage chews on his lower lip. "He... well..."

Alec looks on, trying to ignore the faint tug on his heart. He'd treated Gage pretty poorly most of the time. Surely this was a weak line of defense.

"I guess I watched him," Gage resumes. "He was always trying to get around the rules... like a dog that's chained up but never gives up trying to break his chain."

Alec fidgets with his hands.

Gage eyes the judge. "But I saw the effect of friends... of people who cared. I saw Alec change into... into someone who maybe still didn't like the rules, but he was learning to live within them anyway. We didn't talk much but... I owe a lot to him."

"In what way?"

"Well, the job I've got. He went out on a limb, really. I guess I didn't know enough or... maybe just didn't have the guts to go after something more than what I had. But he did... for me. Now I've got a job as a janitor and I've got art classes too - something I'd never though I'd have." Gage pauses and looks down for a moment. "That takes someone with a good heart, Your Honor. It wasn't just a job he got for me but... but he knew what my passion was and cared enough to help me go after it." His eyes rise to land on Alec. "Even if he'd never want to admit it."

Alec looks down. Maybe he really had cared more about his fellow Agency-recovered man than he'd let on.

The judge nods thoughtfully. "Anything you'd like to add?"

Gage thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. "Just that I know after having been given a second chance, I haven't always made the right choices either. But... I'll always be grateful for those who gave me a third and fourth chance, and... I'm glad there's someone out there like the Elite, willing to help people like me."

"Thank you. You may step down." The judge glances over some papers before they call for the next testimony...

...Carson sits straight in the chair, unafraid of being on the stand. Sighing as the prosecutor complains that he's Alec's brother, he shakes his head and dares to interrupt the squabble with the judge. "Look..." He manages to cease both men's voices. "I may be Alec's brother. But that doesn't mean I'm afraid of saying he's a ruffian."

The judge raps his gavel loudly and points to the prosecutor. "I will allow his testimony."

After watching the lawyer flop down in his chair, Carson rolls his eyes. "I'm not one to lie just because there's family blood on the line. I'll be the first to tell you that Alec's nowhere near an angel, and anybody would tell you that our past record certainly hasn't shown any trust between us."

Alec feels another faint pang and he stares down at the table in front of him. Some witness Reese and Angelica chose. Carson was going to crucify him. And somehow... that thought brings on a little-known emotion: humility.

Carson sighs deeply. "But..." He shrugs. "That doesn't mean I didn't see what the Elite did for him. It wasn't all that long ago that I was the murderer... I was the ruffian no one trusted. Maybe I learned my lesson about staying on the right side of the law a little quicker, but that doesn't mean Alec's a lost cause. I may not like him... but I can't say I didn't see a change. I don't know what happened with this latest incident... but before that, I saw a man who just needed a goal - something to work for. He needed love - something foreign to him. He needed patience from those working with him - something he'd never been given before."

Pausing, Carson looks over to Alec, but his brother's eyes were downcast. "I had my reasons to avoid him. But I'll admit now that I think I failed as a brother... and as someone who had been given all the chances a man doesn't deserve and should have passed on. Maybe I didn't trust him... maybe I still don't. But what right have I to say he shouldn't have a second chance at life? Nobody really deserves second chances... but that's where humanity comes in. The Elite saved my life - truly. I can't sit here and deny someone else that same life."

Alec could feel a slight bit of heat crawling up the back of his neck. Carson cared? Really? For a split second, he thinks of Mackenzie. If he went to prison and the Elite program failed and past cases were brought back to court... she might lose Carson for good...

"...You are a counselor by profession, is that true?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"And what is your professional opinion of Alec's mental state?"

Justin sits calmly, his hand folded in his lap. "My opinion is that Alec has a very strong mind and his mental state is stable."

The prosecutor quirks an eyebrow. "Killing people is stable?"

"You don't have to be insane to pull a trigger." Justin eyes him with quiet confidence.

The lawyer checks his papers. "As Alec's counselor, do you feel he is a threat to society?"

"No."

"How can you sat that, when he just murdered innocent lives?"

"If you think he's a threat, why did you ask?"

The judge raps his gavel as a warning to both of them and addresses the prosecutor first. "This isn't a trial. Please refrain from badgering the witness. Mr. Hawks, please simply answer the questions."

Reese refrains from a sigh. No, they weren't on trial... not yet. If it came to that, they'd be eaten alive in here and Alec would never stand a chance. Today was a rare occurrence in these courts.

The prosecutor takes a moment to regroup. "Taking into consideration that Alec has murdered, do you still believe he is fit for society?"

"Yes."

"And what brings you to that conclusion?"

"I believe his story," Justin states flatly. "I believe that he started with good intentions and that plans fell through by no fault of his own. Any man that survives the Agency and comes out alive is lucky - Alec is fortunate to be here today, and I firmly believe that given a second chance, he would not disappoint society or the Elite."

"Is it not true that there was another man, Scott Johnson, kidnapped by the Agency, then later so mentally disturbed he had to be placed in an institution?"

Justin bristles for the first time. "Scott Johnson is one of the strongest, bravest men alive. What does this have to do with-"

"Please answer the question," the judge intervenes.

Justin sighs. "Yes."

The prosecutor nods. "You just claimed that you believed Alec was mentally stable. But taking this into consideration, could we not assume that Alec's mind is unstable as well? We just heard from a man that seemed to be stable, but what are the odds? Couldn't Alec turn out like Scott and not like Gage?"

Justin hadn't been prepared for this line of attack, but he was quick to ready an answer. "Scott Johnson underwent a treatment by the Agency they call assimilation. They hooked him up to a bunch of computers and infiltrated his mind, forcing data into him like you'd choke a kid with a spoonful of peas. He endured torture, humiliation, and a whole list of abuses on top of the assimilation process. He came back to the Elite as a mere shell - a shadow of the man they'd once known." His tone remains steady and firm and he leans forward to be nearer the lawyer. "If you'd like to experience his past first hand, I'd be glad to take you to him sometime and have him relive it all for you. Alec's short time returning to the Agency cannot even compare to what Scott endured. How dare you try drag Scott's name through the mud, using him while trying to get me to say things which I don't believe are true. "

Reese was shocked the judge hadn't interrupted. He wanted to stand up and clap, and almost had to sit on his hands not to.

The prosecutor stares at Justin, his mouth slightly open. He clears his throat and sifts through his papers, obviously shaken from his original plan of attack, and only a few more questions follow.

It doesn't take long until Alec is finally being called forward. So far, everyone that Angelica and Reese had found had made pretty good arguments on his behalf - something he hadn't expected. Sitting down in the stand, he stares at his handcuffs. Relent or fight? Give in or refuse?

Finally looking up, he looks around the room for the first time, seeing the faces of all who were there. There weren't many. He knew some. Some were on his side and others were trying to shut down the Elite's program. Then his eyes land on someone he had never expected to be there. Surprise flashes in his gaze as his sights lock with Ryan's. She'd come? Why? Was it because she supported the cause, or because she wanted to see him put away? The blank expression on her face told him nothing. He blinks, but she doesn't disappear. A chill runs down his spine and his heart thumps in his chest. "I hate you." The last words he'd spoken to her echo in his mind. But today... today he'd never be able to convince himself that hate was what he felt.

"...Mr. Banks?"

Alec's attention snaps back to the judge, not having heard a word. "Huh?"

Reese rolls his eyes and leans back in his chair beside Angelica, sighing. It was a risk, putting him on the stand, but they had to. Now it was all up to him.

"You're free to give your opening statement if you please," the judge repeats.

Alec's eyes flit between Reese, Angelica, Carson, Ryan, Justin and Gage. How badly did he not want to go to prison? How badly did he not want to see others' lives ruined too? He clears his throat. "I... I want to start by saying I'm sorry." He swallows hard. Perhaps the acidic taste in the back of his throat was the remnant of humble pie that battled his stubborn pride. "I'm sorry that after all the Elite did for me, I made such a big mistake. I know now that I had other options, but at the time, I was blinded by my own desperation to keep those I cared about alive."

He pauses and looks down at his hands. "I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt, let alone killed. I tried to keep it from happening. I was taken in by the Agency against my will as they had threatened the lives of my family and friends if I didn't cooperate." He shrugs lamely. "You've seen the report. You've seen why I did what I did. I know it might seem stupid now but... at the time, I panicked. I didn't want to lose the people I cared about, and I didn't want them to suffer because of me."

The prosecuting attorney eyes him skeptically. "Didn't you say that you had been planning this fiasco from the beginning? Ever since you first were arrested by the Elite?"

Alec grits his teeth and looks up bravely to meet the man's stare. "I lied."

"Why would you lie about something like that? Your own brother and girlfriend, at the time, gave you the perfect opportunity leave the Agency and yet you treated them as enemies, threatening their lives."

"The Agency isn't just some half-witted gang. They're a devious organization that sucks the life out of people they claim as their own. I didn't have a choice but to stay, and the only way to keep Carson and Ryan from getting their fool heads blown off was to reject them."

The prosecutor shakes his head as he glances as his papers in-hand. "Is it not true that you entered into a relationship with an Agency felon while on this little killing spree of yours?"

Alec's eyes narrow. "First, it wasn't a killing spree, and second, I didn't enter into a relationship with anybody." He sits back, mumbling. "I'd already been in a relationship with her."

"I'm sorry. What was that?"

Alec raises his voice. "I said I'd already been in a relationship with her! What's that got to do with anything?"

The lawyer smiles. "You were obviously a friend of the enemy." A list of questions ensue to try and back Alec into a corner. Questions about his motives, how he felt about the Elite and if he'd go back to the Agency. Alec grows more and more tense, wishing the interrogation would end. He couldn't deny the things he'd done or his guilt. But he wouldn't back down from his claim that his intentions had been pure.

The prosecutor pauses in between questions, feeling mighty fine, now that he had Alec on the defense. "Do you realize that the people killed had families? That you have successfully ruined lives?"

That was the last straw. Alec's cheeks were burning and his eyes were dark and cold. "I'm sorry," he hisses. "I'm sorry that people died. I'm sorry that I was stupid enough to think I could fix things on my own." His voice begins to rise. "I'm sorry that I thought I was smart enough to figure things out the right way. I'm sorry that I'm not the man everyone wants me to be!"

He rises to his feet, despite the judge's gavel banging to get him to sit back down. "I'm sorry that I want to be free. I'm sorry that I'm confused about where I fit in life. I'm sorry that I never learned what love was until it was too late! I'm sorry that I never had the chance to live with a loving family to teach me right from wrong!"

"Mr Banks! Sit d-"

"I'm sorry that I never had a father around to be a role model! I'm sorry that all I ever do is screw up! And I'm sorry that I was ever born!"

"Sit down!" The judge barks and hits his gavel one more time.

Alec finally relents and sits back down before he's thrown out of the courtroom. His eyes glisten. "I don't know what you people want," he concludes more calmly. "I'm sorry for a lot of things but I can't go back and change what I've done. If you wanna shoot me, just do it now - I deserve it. The Elite... and others... they've all cared and tried to show me they care, but I never have figured out why. They're sticking their necks out for me and I don't even deserve it. So if you're gonna send me to prison, at least let them keep on with the program, 'cause it's my own fault I screwed up, not theirs."

A strange quietness settles over the room. Justin rests his elbows on his knees and folds his hands under his chin. It was pity he felt... pity for someone like Alec who was bound by his own chains.

Reese sits and dares a quick glance at Angelica. He hadn't expected an outburst like that and was a little bit surprised. He guessed maybe he'd never thought about Alec's family life or him not understanding the right way to live even before the Agency.

Carson swallows hard as he watches his brother suffer. Alec had been stupid, but no one deserved this kind of torture. Carson could relate... boy could he relate. He'd been given another chance - why not Alec?

The prosecutor slowly backs away from the stand. "I'm done," he concludes quietly.

The judge purses his lips grimly. "There's been a lot of information shared here today..." He goes on to give his opinions about what had been said, and explain his train of thought. "...and in the end, I don't want to see a program like the Elite destroyed because of one man's mistakes." The judge nods. "I hearby sentence Alec to six months of community hard labor, continuing to be a ward of the Elite. During that time, the Elite may adjust his services and requirements accordingly. After the six months are up, if there has been no further incident and it is proven that his record is clean, I may renew his sentence for another six months. I reserve the right to adjust his sentencing at that time as I see fit. At the end of that six months, if his record is clean, the Elite may release him on probation."

A few murmurs ripple through the room. Reese is washed with relief - hardly able to believe the judge had actually come to that conclusion. The judge's own neck would be on the line for this one - letting a murderer walk. But Alec would stay... the rehabilitation program would be safe. Under the table, he squeezes Angelica's hand.

Alec felt so sick to his stomach, he wasn't sure if he was relieved or not. He just sits limply in his chair, feeling utterly drained.

"However..." The judge makes sure everyone is still paying attention. "...if at any time during the next year, he is found to be at fault against the law, and I feel he is uncontrollable, he will be sent to prison for life, no questions asked." He eyes Angelica and Reese sternly. "You will be reporting to Chief Brown, who will be reporting to me. I expect the reports to be accurate."

Reese nods. "Yes, Your Honor."

As court is dismissed and people begin standing and filtering out of the room, Alec is guided from the stand to be brought back into Reese's custody. His eyes roam the faces, bouncing back and forth until he finally lands on Ryan again. And all he can do is stare.


A flashlight is pressed up to the window pane before it's turned on. The dark figure remains in the shadows, squinting against the glass to peer inside the apartment. Nothing. No movement. No life. Curtains hung on most of the other windows, closing out the world. Shining the flashlight's beam upward, a few cobwebs are illuminated. There was no one here. It had been a little while since anyone lived here.

Shutting off the light, he turns to stand with his back against the side of the building. A deep sigh is all he's motivated to express. He'd come this far. Did he dare tempt fate further by continuing his search? And in the end - would it really bring resolve, or would it just bring even more haunting memories? He was escaping Elite and Underground radar for the moment - would his visit here prove to be his demise? Yet even without them watching his every move, the mere fact of needing to remain hidden was suffocating.

Chance looks up at the night sky. It appeared more vast than it used to... almost as if he were realizing just how small he really was. Though the feeling of insignificance was growing more and more common.

Finally pushing off the wall, he ambles to his car and sits behind the steering wheel for a while, just fiddling with his keys. He knew the way. He'd only been there once, but he knew. But... was it worth the attempt?

Eventually, Chance pulls away from the curb and heads to his third destination. If she wasn't there... he'd have to risk his exposure to find her, but he'd decide that when he had to.

Luckily, he didn't have to. Driving up to the house, he saw lights on and a car he recognized. His heart skips a beat. Did he really want to do this? Yet if he didn't, this entire trip would have been wasted.

He doesn't know how long he sits in the car. But by the time his nerves are collected, he's sure he's worn the grooves out of his car key from fidgeting with them so long. Stepping out of the car, he shuts the door quietly and slowly approaches the house. Tucking his keys in his leather jacket pocket, he wanders up onto the porch and holds out his thumb to hover over the doorbell. What if she wasn't really here? What if she shut the door in his face? He knew he didn't look very good... come to think of it, he really looked terrible with his messy hair and a face that needed a shave... and clothes he'd slept in the last three days. But he was here... and that was his point, disheveled or not.

Swallowing hard, Chance rings the doorbell and takes a step back to stare at the door. As he waits, his hands fidget restlessly at his sides to hide the slight tremble. His gut was twisting in knots and part of him just wanted to turn and leave. But he plants his feet, willing himself to stay.

When the door finally opens though, words escape him as his heart leaps into his throat. A chill runs down his spine as his gaze locks with the same eyes that had lured him closer to love than he'd ever been before. He shifts his weight uncomfortably. "Destiny..." His voice is hardly above a whisper. "I..." The mouth that would always show a smile, even in awkward or desperate times was missing on this night - it was as if it had been lost, somehow, leaving his expression vacant. Yet there was something there... something few would see. The fire was gone, but a small ember still glowed, hanging on to the last thread of hope that somehow, some way, he could fix what he'd broken. "I just... I had to see you... again."


"I'm headed out for a while, Mom." Jared grabs his keys and checks himself in the hall mirror one more time.

"Okay," Lydia calls. "Will you be back for supper?"

"Uh..." He tucks a strand of hair back in place. "Yeah, probably." Supper yes. After that, who knew?

"I will keep leftovers in case you are late."

Jared rolls his eyes and mutters under his breath. "Of course you will." He moves from the mirror and heads for the door. "Alright, sounds good," he calls back.

Hearing the front door shut, Lydia waits until she also hears Jared's car. While wiping her hands on a dish towel, she wanders to peer out a front window to make sure he was really gone. Returning to the kitchen, she picks up the phone and dials the number on the napkin. But it was a man that answered, and he knew no one named Beth. Hanging up and feeling flustered and embarrassed, Lydia stares at the number again. Moving to the light of the window, she squints at the writing. And only now did she see that a 6 used to be a 5. And immediately, her heart sinks. She couldn't tell what other numbers had been changed and she didn't want to make guesses and call more wrong numbers.

Crumpling up the napkin, she throws it away. Sighing, she finishes cleaning up the kitchen before heading to the living room. Spying her purse on the couch, she mumbles something in Greek to herself and rolls her eyes at her forgetfulness. Picking up her purse to put it where it belonged, she carries it to the hall table. But as she sets it down, she notices something she should have seen before but never had.

Pulling out the napkin, she's surprised to find a duplicate of Beth's phone number. A smile creases her lips. "Beth Parker, you are a smart one." Beth must have known there was a chance Jared would interfere, so she'd dropped her number in Lydia's purse too.

Lydia shakes her head and returns to the kitchen phone. This time, it was a female voice that answered. "Beth? This... um... this is Lydia Hawks. I... I have some time... a couple hours probably that I am alone." She bites her lip, thinking of consequences. "You're probably busy, but if you want to come over to have some coffee, you can."


"So... you gonna come over again tonight?"

Jared grins over his small glass of scotch and stares at the tall blonde across the table. "Maybe."

She leans back and tosses him a sly look. "Or did Mommy find out you'd been a bad boy?"

Jared chuckles and sips his drink. The club was noisy and crowded, but he preferred this atmosphere. "It really is sad," he muses. "I'm just like a teenage kid sneaking out at night. But I think she turned off her motherly radar about ten years ago so it's a whole lot easier now to fool her. The poor dear isn't the brightest match in the box."

The woman laughs. "Why not just tell her and let her be shocked?"

"Aw, if I did that, she might kick me out."

"Mmm... Then what? You'd lose a fortune?"

Jared squints a little as he finishes his drink. "I don't think we know each other well enough for such a personal conversation."

"Even after last night?"

Jared grins. "That was just an introduction."

"Oh, I see." The woman reaches across the table to trail her fingers over his hand. "Well, maybe we need a second introduction."

Jared's eyes drift up to the neon clock. "Midnight at your place?"

She chuckles. "I'll leave the porch light on."


Jason smiles a little, always glad for Katie's graciousness. "Okay. Feel free to stay... if you want." He didn't want her to think she couldn't stay at his place just because his mom was here. If she'd feel awkward, he wouldn't want that, but he wanted to make sure everyone got what they wanted at this point.

Sighing deeply, he tries to remain alert for everyone's sake. "I'll see you after work, Babe. Drive safe."


Kip gives Karla a bit of a grin and swings her hand around as they walk. "Yeah, well... I can play the keyboard too," he admits sheepishly. "...And the drums. Not like, fantastic or anything, but... yeah."

He falls silent for a moment, lost in thought about the scene they'd just left behind. Why couldn't he have guts like that other guy? Why couldn't he get it together like him? Why did he keep floundering like an idiot?

He sighs and tries to refocus, changing the subject before Karla read his mind. "So yes... ice cream. I'm thinking something with chocolate... lots of chocolate... and peanut butter."


Quinn's mouth breaks into a smile as he sees Anastasia. Ceasing his playing, he looks to her, his eyes sparkling. "Well... yes, I was waiting for someone, but if they decide not to show, it's their own fault, right?"

He bends to lay his guitar in its case. "I mean, if a fairytale princess just happens to stroll by, what's a fella to do but have that coffee with her?"

Straightening again, he grins at her. "And I only see one princess around here, so... I think I better take you up on your offer." Picking up his guitar case, he ambles closer and slings an arm around Anastasia's shoulders. "Let me put this thing in my car and we can walk to the coffee shop if you want."


Seeing Stacy glance his way, Eric locks eyes with her for just a moment before she looks away again. She had a pretty smile... it was-

He stops his thoughts abruptly and finally looks down at his food to finish eating. It was stupid. Not her smile. Him. His thoughts. Or something. He rolls his eyes at himself and thinks about his truck to get his mind back on track. Later though, his brief stare to Stacy's table would be his demise... or at least it felt that way...

"Hey, wait up."

Eric halts his route to his bunk after he'd finished supper and filtered out with several others. Jeff 's voice makes him turn. "Yeah?"

"I'm sorry... I gotta ask..." Jeff's grin is almost hidden in the evening darkness. "Where do you know Stacy from?"

Eric quirks an eyebrow and stuffs his hands in his jacket pockets. "Who said I knew her at all?"

"Oh come on. I saw you looking at her at supper tonight. Looked to me like history."

Eric could feel his cheeks growing warm, but he didn't let his expression change. "What do you care?"

Jeff shrugs. "Me and Clint, we-"

"Uh-huh." Eric smirks. "I forgot about the gossip around here, though it ain't usually the guys that are flappin' their jaws, it's the ladies."

"So you do know her, then."

Eric shakes his head, knowing it was useless. "She pulled me over."

"She... what?"

"Pulled me over. You know - a ticket? I was speeding through Nevada, she was on duty, and the rest is, as you so lovingly said: history."

Jeff can't help the snicker that slips out. "And that's all?"

"That's all. Now you can go tell your pseudo nephew that's all the juicy details there are."

"Well... Mick was kinda wonderin' too."

"Great." Eric's eyes narrow. "Can I go to bed now?"

"Oh, sure thing, Partner." Jeff gives his shoulder a playful whack. "Sweet dreams." He ducks to miss a flying hand aimed at his head.


It was a couple days later, and not much was different at the ranch. Things had been quiet, but after the incident with Dylan, quiet was a good thing.

Sparky wanders around the side of the barn, finally finding who he was looking for. Approaching the pasture fence, he joins Stacy. "Hey... been looking for you. Had a question."

He nods towards the barn. "Just had a talk with Dylan. He and I are going saddle shopping on Saturday, so I'm assuming you'll be coming too. He didn't want to go with you as his shadow, but... I told him Jeff was coming too, and Eric needs a new hat so he's tagging along. I think it helped Dylan a little, knowing it wouldn't just be him in the spotlight."

Sparky shrugs. "At any rate, I wondered if you'd feel comfortable with all us guys, or if you preferred something different."

Pretty Interesting

Walking with Kip, Karla enjoyed it. Even if they didn't talk much, it was ok with her. They didn't need words to speak. Much could be said through the unsaid with them.

Hearing the soft sound of music, Karla's eyes follow Kip's. Seeing the man with the guitar, a small smile spreads across her face. He had guts to be out there in the open, and good.

Feeling Kip's hand in hers, Karla stands and follows close behind him. Drawing close, the music sounded even better. As the man greets them, Karla smiles and gives a nod, her cheeks growing a little rosy. She still had yet to get over being shy to new people.

As the man gives Kip his guitar to play, she can't help but be a little surprised. She never knew Kip could play anything else, but now she was more than willing to listen.

The music playing, Kip's soft words - Karla couldn't help but sway a little. The free style was amazing. Once it stopped, Karla's smile was large as she clapped softly. Giving another nod to the man, she knew she could keep this promise. She would do all she could to not let Kip quit. Who knows - maybe tonight's encouragement did him some good.

Leaving with Kip, Karla pulls herself closer to him. The comment of ice cream sounded good to her. "That sounds great. And you sounded wonderful, by the way. I had no idea you could do that."


Closing the shop doors and locking them, Anastasia couldn't help but smile as the soft sound of music hit her ears from down the road. Quinn was really waiting for her.

Looking to her car for a second, she slips the keys in her pocket. It was too nice to drive - walking would be better. Nodding to a couple as they passed her, Anastasia kept her hands in her pockets of her leather jacket.

"Hey, Mister, you play pretty good. Care to get some coffee? That is, if you're not already waiting for someone."

Anastasia cocked her head a little, the humor dancing in her eyes, a soft smile on her lips.


Sitting in the dining room and enjoying the conversation with the others, Stacy felt content but on guard with the event of today.

Giving a sweep of the room, making sure all was well still, Stacy stops for a moment as her eyes meet Eric's. This was the second time she found him watching her. Not that she minded - he was good to look at too. Giving a little smile, she looks away but lets her peripheral vision continue to watch Eric and the room. He was pretty interesting.


Excusing herself from the table, Ashlee heads outside and takes in a deep breath. The fresh air here was amazing and she never tired of it.

Stepping off the steps she puts her hands into her pockets. Just walking across the yard and enjoying the night, her mind wandered. She noticed tonight Eric watching her mom. Did he like her? It would be cute if he did, but she knew her mom and she would come up with some reason why she couldn't. Ashlee just wanted her mom to be happy, and Eric was a nice guy. She couldn't help but think about what could be done.


Hearing her phone ring, Katie can't help but smile, seeing it was Jason. She always liked hearing from him. Now that their connection was broken, the phone was the next best thing.

"Hey, Sweety. I was just thinking about you."

Hearing Cindy had come to see Jason, she was happy but sad at the same time. She was happy she had come though.

"Thanks for letting me know. Enjoy the time with your mom. I'll be over after work to say hi."

Musician

Skyline? Kip had heard of them. They weren't huge, but opening for them was nothing to sneeze at. And yet... was that what Kip's future really would be? He'd been so sure of everything... then those very things - his world - had fallen to pieces. Was a past dream still a dream worth hanging on to?

Kip's thumb rubs Karla's palm without him even realizing it. Walking with her was always nice. She always seemed to be able to calm his nerves just by being there. He lets the silence be, as the streetlights give them a clear path along the sidewalk. In no time, they'd gone several blocks and Kip moves to one of several benches lit by softer lights. Watching cars and passerbys, it really was amazing how many people were out and about after dark.

Sitting quietly for a few minutes, it wasn't long before Kip's ears picked up the sound of singing and an acoustic guitar. Glancing around, he spies the lone musician on a nearby street corner. His mellow song and strong voice was drawing a few curious people, along with a few dollars in his open guitar case. It wasn't too unusual to see musicians around the square, but there was something different about this one.

Glancing at Karla, Kip gives a short nod before standing and taking her hand again to come with. Wandering closer to the main square, he stops just a short distance from the musician. The man seemed to be very skilled as his fingers pluck the guitar strings or strum in rhythm. His voice really was strong, yet almost gentle. The song was just an older, popular pick that was just fast enough to get listeners to sway, but not so much to keep anyone from listening. There was something almost... magical - if Kip dared think that - about the scene.

As the song ends, the man looks over to Kip and Karla and he smiles. "Evenin'."

Kip hods. "Hey . Sounds good."

"Well, thanks." The musician grins. "Glad, since right after I got here, my pick broke and I haven't a clue why I didn't bring any extras. My fingers will be glad when I decide to call it a night."

Kip gives a soft laugh. Reaching into his jeans pocket, he pulls out a pick and tosses it to the guy. "Try this one on for size."

Laughing, the man catches it. "Not too many people walk around with picks in their pockets - unless they play."

Kip's face grows a little warm and he shrugs. "I do a bit."

The man holds out his guitar. "Take her for a spin?"

"Seriously?" Kip's eyebrows rise. No one in their right mind would let a total stranger handle their instrument. "You'd let me play your Taylor?"

The musician grins and pushes off the brick wall on which he'd been leaning. "Call me crazy." He felt like he was, but there was something about this young stranger that made him compelled to share. "Let's see what you got."

Kip gives Karla a sidelong glance. She knew he wasn't comfortable in the spotlight, but this felt... different. Letting go of her hand, he reaches out to accept the fine instrument, slipping the strap over his head. He didn't even think about the fact that Karla had never heard him play anything but his bass, let alone even know he could.

The man offers him back the pick, but he shakes his head. Strumming gently, he closes his eyes. "Looking in the rearview mirror,
The past is quickly fading.
Winding roads, worn out signs,
Lights blurred by the speed.
I don't know how I began,
I don't know where it started.
I don't know where this journey ends,
Or how I got so far.

Remind me of my origins,
Remind me why I'm here.
Remind me how I've come to know
This love. This love.
Remind me."

Kip's voice was soft but projected in a way of someone who sang often. As he continues to sing, the other man reaches in his case to retrieve a small egg shaker to provide a quiet percussion rhythm. He didn't know the song, though he's able to pick up on the melody enough to hum along in harmony. A few people stop to listen, but Kip keeps his eyes closed until the last notes die away.

The musician smiles broadly, his eyes twinkling. "You got talent."

Kip's cheeks grow warm again and he shrugs before returning the guitar. His eyes glance to Karla "Some people think so."

The man catches the glance and he nods. "She's right."

Kip would rather turn the tables - he'd been in the spotlight too long already. He didn't even know what had possessed him to play and sing. "So you sound great. Always a solo?"

The musician shrugs. "Usually. I just go where the wind blows and think maybe someday God's gonna give me a stage other than a street corner. What about you?"

Kip shakes his head. "The wind seems to be blowing me in circles."

The man points a finger at Karla. "Don't let him quit. He's too good to let all that go to waste." Leaning back against the wall once more, he begins another song to continue his night.

Kip listens for a few more minutes before taking Karla's hand again. He felt as though he should thank this guy for letting him play, but it was obvious that no thanks was needed. This musician loved music - no doubt. Otherwise, he wouldn't be out here tonight with such a feeling of peace. Without asking, Kip knew that's why the man played and sang - for the simple love.

Finally pulling himself from the scene to continue their walk, Kip sighs deeply. His fingers give Karla's hand a squeeze. "I feel like late-night ice cream. What do you think?"


Quinn continues to play on the street corner a while longer, waiting to be met by Anastasia who had promised him a late coffee. It had turned into an interesting evening, and he couldn't wait to tell her.


Mick sighs, but nods. Even if it felt hopeless, he did appreciate Stacy's words. "Thanks. I guess at this point, even if Dylan hates me, as long as he's safe, that's the main thing. Seeing those guys today..." He lets the sentence slide and just shakes his head. He hadn't been that scared since BJ got hurt. "We'll keep talking about it. For now, just keep a close eye on things."


Dylan glares at the four walls of his bunkhouse. His eyes burned and itched, but he'd tell no one about the tears or the terror that had coursed through his veins earlier today. Was this his lot? Was this how he would live from now on? Always looking over his shoulder? And it wasn't even his fault.

Growling, he tries to concentrate on his schoolwork, but isn't very successful. Chores are done in silence, and come suppertime, Dylan had reverted back to old habits. Having sneaked in to get his food from the dining room, he'd slipped back to his bunk to eat alone on the porch. Part of him wanted nothing to do with anyone else tonight. And part of him was so lonely. How different things would be, had he never been pulled down the wrong path. And now he was afraid of his own shadow.


Eric sits at one end of the dining room tables during supper, finding himself sitting alone. No one was avoiding him, but he'd come in late and had found a quiet spot near the window. He watches everyone around him as he eats slowly. He really did appreciate the home-cooked meals after so much time on the road. Even if the food was good and even if his family didn't hate him though, he was still feeling rather out of place.

Sipping his glass of water, his eyes eventually land on the table where Stacy and Ashlee sat. It seemed Sparky and Faith were keeping them company tonight. The two seemed to be settling into the ranch nicely - even Ashlee at her age seemed to be adjusting well. Perhaps Eric didn't realize how long his eyes remain at their table, or how long he studies Stacy from this safe distance.


A knock at the door, followed by Trooper's low growl and bark startles Jason from his lethargic state on the couch. He'd just finally gotten to sleep after an afternoon of battling against throwing up every time he tried to eat, a splitting headache and exhaustion that was countered by insomnia. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to see who was here. If it was Katie, she had a key, and anybody else, he didn't want here.

Another couple persistent knocks finally gets him up and he slowly limps to the front door. He felt too sick to be cautious, so he opens the door groggily. Who he saw though, woke him up immediately. "Mom?"

Cindy smiles, though her eyes were filled with worry - and no less worry after seeing her son's pale face. "Can I come in?"

Jason hesitates, but only from surprise and he finally backs up, trying to shake the cobwebs from his mind. "Yeah. What... what are you doing here?"

"I... came to see you." Cindy jumps as a cold nose brushes her arm and she looks down before giving Trooper a pat on the head. "Hey, big fella. You're looking mighty fine."

Trooper wags his tail and sniffs her over before he's satisfied it really is her, then he goes back to the living room to lie down.

Cindy looks back to Jason and just stares at him for several long moments. He looked even worse than she'd imagined. "Oh, Jason." The tears wanted to come, but she bravely holds them back. Stepping forward, she wraps her arms around him in a tight hug.

Jason returns the hug and rests his head on top of hers. He knew without asking why she was really here. Maybe part of him could be upset if he thought about it long enough, but he knew she was only here because she loved him - not to make things harder. Finally backing away, he does his best to look well, though if he knew how poor he really looked, he wouldn't even try. "Where's Kaylee?"

"I left her in very capable hands back at the ranch." Cindy chuckles, remembering Clint and Wendy's willingness to take care of Kaylee... and Angel and Luke... Jim and Becky... Jade... the list went on. "Many capable hands, actually."

Jason nods slowly. "First time you've left her, isn't it?"

"Mm-hmm." Cindy shrugs. "I already miss her something awful but... I knew that this trip was probably best taken alone. And I know she's well taken care of so I don't have anything to worry about."

Jason manages a wry grin. "Yeah, but you do anyway."

Cindy grins too. "Just a little."

A pause follows, and Jason knows he really needs to go lie back down or at least sit before he collapsed right here. "Um... you wanna sit?"

"Sure. Yes. I'm sorry - did I wake you?"

"I was just... resting." Making it back to the couch, he eases down gingerly, propping his leg back up again and leaning into the corner to try and get comfortable... a near-impossible task.

Cindy takes a chair. "I... brought stuff to stay a little while. I wasn't sure where I'd be staying. I was told I could use the guest room at TJY if I wanted, but I'll probably find a hotel instead."

Jason shakes his head. "You think I wouldn't let you stay here?"

"I don't want to invade..." Cindy bites her lower lip. "But I guess I just did, didn't I?"

Jason gives her a soft smile. "Yeah but that's kinda what moms are for, right?"

Cindy chuckles, still holding her tears at bay. Jason's voice sounded so weak compared to the last time they'd spoken. "I guess I'll always want to run and put a bandaid on your scraped knees."

Jason's grin remains, and he leans his head back tiredly. "It's okay. But I don't think a bandaid is gonna fix this one."

"I know, I just..." Cindy sighs, as it grows harder to hold back the tears. "I wanted to see you and... and just, um... spend some time with you, because when-"

"Mom, don't." Jason stops her gently. "You wanna bring your stuff in?"

"Yeah... it's just two bags. I can get them. Are... I mean... I was hoping I might be able to cook you a few meals or... or something."

Jason hadn't been eating much lately, but he wouldn't be able to turn down his mother... not and that look on her face. "Katie's been staying over here to help me out but... I might be able to keep down some of your homemade vegetable soup."

Cindy's smile returns. "Okay. If you can't, I won't be offended, but at least it will keep my hands busy."

Once she's out of the room to go get her bags, Jason slides down a little farther into the couch, reaching over his head for his cell phone. He hits the speed dial for Katie, hoping she wasn't in the middle of anything important at work. "Hey, Hero..." He pauses as new pain hits like a wave, starting from his skull all the way down to his toes. Gritting his teeth, he manages to finish. "Didn't want to bother you. Mom showed up at my door a few minutes ago. Guess she wanted to see me. I still want you to come over after work though - I just wanted to give you a heads-up."


Tal's smile lingers as Ryan pulls away. he gives her cheek one last brush with his hand before finally turning to his car. The ride home seemed a little longer than usual tonight. And when he gets home, he finds himself, instead of in bed, on the living room floor in front of his couch, watching stupid late night television. His hand absentmindedly strokes Holly's head that was in his lap. "What am I doing, huh?" he questions her quietly. "Am I crazy?"

Kind of like it

Feeling Tal's hand on her face, Ryan can't help the smile that spread across her lips. It felt really nice to just feel the calm nature from Tal. Different for sure, but nice. Kind of a reminder she was a woman still and needed something calm and stable once in a while too.

"Tomorrow for sure. I like having you around. It's kind of become normal now and..." Ryan pauses for a moment before starting again. "...I kind of like it."

Leaning in and giving Tal another soft kiss, Ryan takes a step away, knowing if she didn't then she would never let him leave.


Karla could see a bit of interest flash in Kip's eyes and it made her own heart jump. Was the spark a good thing? Would this be what Kip needed?

Looking down and seeing the empty MD bottle, Karla grins and stands, following Kip. "Yeah, Kyle said to give him a call. You guys would be opening for Skyline. We all would really like you there too. Just not the same without you."

Taking Kip's hand in her own as they walked, Karla just enjoyed this time with him. Even if they didn't talk much, Karla liked knowing he was there close to her.


Getting Cindy's letter again brings a smile to Wes' lips. He knew all of this was hard on her even if she didn't say it. But seeing she was trying to keep her head up was a start.

"Yo, Captain, we need you out here."

"Alright, I'll be right there." Giving a sigh, Wes knows work calls and for now, another letter home would have to wait. He hated it at times, but he could only hope it wouldn't last too long.


Stopping behind Dylan as he and Mick continued their conversation, Stacy remained quiet. She didn't want to butt into what was going on, but she did need to talk to Mick.

Hearing what Dylan had to say, it really didn't surprise Stacy. Believe it or not, having a reaction like this was normal. Not to mention, it seemed like there was a lot of other things in the mix as well.

As Dylan turns and glares at her, Stacy remains quiet, but watches as he walks away. Turning back to Mick, she gives a smile. "It's to be expected he would act this way, really though. If I was in his position I might feel the same. But maybe we can work something out so he won't even know I am around."

Stacy puts her hands in her pockets and draws silent for a moment. There had to be a way to accommodate everyone. The situation was bad - she didn't want to make it worse. Studying Mick for a long moment, she could see the look in his eye that he longed to be close to his son.

"Don't give up on the father son time yet. It will come. God will see to that. Keep working on it slowly."

Upsets and Insults

Tal's eyes widen, not having meant to get such a reaction from Ryan. He starts to respond, but only gets out a mumble before her lips are on his. Grinning as she pulls away, he shakes his head. "I guess I am being just a little paranoid."

Sighing, he reaches up and runs a finger through her soft hair, watching it reflect the night's natural light. A peaceful smile remains on his lips. "I was wrong about you, Ryan McKade. You're even more amazing than I imagined."

His hand stops near her face so it can rest against her cheek. His eyes hold a million unopened stories, locked deep inside, never shared. "See you tomorrow?"


A gig? What kind of gig? With who? Where? When? All those questions flash in Kip's eyes as he sits a little straighter. So many words wanted to come out. So many words sat a the very tip of his tongue, wanting so badly to leap forward and be spoken. But something held them back. Something still kept them at bay.

Without comment, he takes another bite of pizza, now realizing he was basically scarfing it down... maybe he'd been hungrier than he'd thought.

Karla's suggestion of a walk makes him quirk an eyebrow. "On a full stomach?" he mumbles with his mouth full. He shrugs. Leaning down, he reveals an empty Mountain Dew bottle. "I guess walking this off would probably be good if I want to sleep tonight." A wry grin emerges, despite his weary eyes.

Finishing off his pizza in just a few more bites, he stands up and brushes his hands on his jeans. He nods into the back yard where they could walk around the house and go back out to the sidewalk. It was dark, but she was right - it was nice out. Ambling through the grass, he uses his fingernail as a toothpick, keeping his eyes down. "So I'm supposed to call Kyle, huh?"


Cindy returns to her desk after putting in a load of laundry and checking on Kaylee. Fiddling online for a moment, she then checks her email again. She often did. Too much, in fact. But the hope was always there that she'd hear from Wes. And today, that wish was granted.

Her heart skips a beat as she sees his email and she opens it quickly. The emotions were always the same... She was thrilled to hear from him... relieved he was alive... sad he wasn't here... warm from his words of love. But each time she finished reading his messages, the tears stung her eyes and she felt the same anger burning deep down that she tried to snuff out. It wasn't Wes she was angry with, and she would never tell him she felt this way at all. She loved her country and knew that her husband was working hard to fight for it... but they still had taken him from her. Why had they needed him? Why now? And if God could work it out so they could read each other's emails the same day, why couldn't He work it out for Wes to come home?

Just letting the few hot tears run down her cheeks, Cindy doesn't bother wiping them away. Instead, she just blinks a few times, squares her shoulders and types her reply.

Wes,
So happy to get your message so quickly. It was a nice little blessing.
Don't worry - not "everything" is going wrong.

Just her life. She sighs.

Things at the ranch are great and I'm so glad this is where I live. The only thing missing is you. Otherwise, it would be perfect. Kaylee is happy and healthy, the weather has been gorgeous, and we even have a new set of eyes, sent from the Elite, to help keep watch over the ranch.

Her typed words seemed so much more positive than the way she felt. But that's what she wanted. She wanted Wes to know about Jason and Trey and that she wasn't having the easiest of times... but she didn't want him to worry about her either. He had a job to focus on, and as much as she wanted him back, she didn't want him to feel guilty for being away.

I'll tell Jase you say hi - I'm sure he'll appreciate that. I know even though you two weren't close, he was beginning to look up to you. I will let you know how things progress. Thank you for your encouraging words. I love you with all my heart.
Cindy


At some point, Dylan decides the ice has done just about as much as it was going to, and he abandons the living room area. Dumping the ice in the kitchen sink, he heads outside, planning to go to his bunk without running into anyone, and therefore avoiding any questions.

What made him think that today would be any different, he didn't know. Halfway to his bunk, he's joined by Mick who had just come from the house.

"Hey, Dylan. How you doing?"

Dylan keeps walking. "I'm fine."

"You sure? We could-"

"Just stop!" Dylan stops and whirls around to glare at his father. "You're as bad as Jade!" His yelling just makes his face hurt, but he ignores it. "Just... just cut it out! I'm fine. It's over. I just wanna go do my school for the day so I can give you your beloved 'A' you're always after."

Mick isn't sure whether he feels more hurt or angry, but he holds his tongue as his hands go to his hips. "Alright, fine," he answers calmly. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Dylan starts to turn, but he stops him. "And... to come get you so we could go talk to Stacy." He saw Stacy approaching, but Dylan's back was to her, so Mick says nothing yet about her presence.

"Stacy? What for?"

"So we can discuss what's going to change around here."

Dylan's eyes narrow. "What are you talking about?"

"Well apparently the Agency is watching you more closely than I thought. Taking you away from the ranch today without someone else was my fault. I didn't think they were going to pounce that quickly." Mick rocks a little on his heels. "So, I think from now on, we just make it a habit that where you go, Stacy goes. We need the eyes."

"What?!" Dylan shakes his head. "No way. I was gonna-" He cuts himself off short.

"You were gonna what?"

Dylan rolls his eyes. "Go into town on the weekend with Sparky."

Mick's eyebrows rise. "What for?"

"It's none of your business!"

"It is too!"

"To get a saddle, alright? You know - one of those things you put on a horse to ride?"

"You've got enough money for your own saddle?"

"Sparky's gonna let me work with his horses to earn..." Dylan stops and shakes his head again. "What's it to you?"

Mick sighs. Sparky did have a few of his own horses that he cared for alone. If he'd worked out a deal with Dylan, that was between them. Mick guessed he didn't care. But what he did care about was his son's safety. "Can we try to have a conversation where one of us isn't yelling for once?"

Dylan quiets his tone, but he was no less upset. "I'm not gonna walk around with some shadow all the time. It's bad enough I got her watching my every move while you're still breathing down my neck. Agency or not, some stupid know-it-all Elite agent isn't gonna tag along like a mommy watching her toddler. I'd rather be a prisoner in my bunk." He pauses with a smirk. "Oh wait... I already am."

Spinning on his heel to aim for his bunkhouse again, he almost runs right into Stacy. Surprise is quickly replaced by embarrassment, which is quickly replaced with ire. Red-faced, he glares at her before shouldering past.

Mick sighs and runs a hand over his face, only now starting to feel the sore spots. He looks at Stacy with weary apology. "I'm sorry. He's, um... upset. He almost got nabbed today at the auction. I guess 'father-son' time just isn't gonna happen."

Letter

Squinting at the top of the TV than at Tal, than the TV again Ryan shakes her head a little bit before looking back at Tal squinting still. Her nose all scrunched up too made it that much cuter.

"My eyes...my eyes...I can't see anymore...my ey..."

Ryan stops talking for a moment and gives a blink of her eyes before opening them a little more to see better.

"Oh there we go I guess it helps when I open my eyes huh?"

Chuckling again Ryan moves a little so Tal can get up and put the movie in before leaning against him when he sits again. Drifting off to sleep here and there on Tal when he gets up to leave Ryan knows its probably a good idea. Tomorrow would come to early again and sleep really was a must.

Following him outside to his car Ryan stuffs her hands in her pockets as she walks down the sidewalk. It was a little chilly out, but really not to bad. The warm weather would be here soon on a non stop bases and she really couldn't wait.

Stopping at his car and just listing to Tal for a moment Ryan raises one of her eyebrows at him. He's said it before to her, and now he was saying it again didn't he get the point if it bothered her any she would of probably told him already?

"I swear to goodness Tal, if you say that one more time I am going to sock you."

Ryan gives a chuckle and a shake of her head.

"If it bothered me I would of told you like I said before, so stop saying it ok? I got the point, you got the point across lets move on and just be happy now ok?"

Moving a little closer Ryan places a kiss on Tal's lips before pulling away but not to far and just smile up at him. In the moonlight his eyes seemed to shine more than normal.

Finding a twig on the pouch Karla picks it up and toss it at Kip so it lands in his hair softly to get his attachen as she tilted her head and looked at him sternly.

"You know darn well that will never happen Kip. In fact the guys wanted me to let you know they have a gig lined up and they would really like there bass player to be there. So I think you should call Kyle and talk to him. Everyone does miss you Kip, even me."

Continuing to look at him Karla's heart went out to him, though she was at her wits end on what to do. Kip wasn't recovering and it was getting more frustrating. She would abandon him in the least, but she just missed the real Kip.

"So, its nice out today. We should take a walk."

Walking the grounds Stacy looks up hearing a car coming up the path. Seeing it was just Mick's truck she continues to walk for now. They had made it back ok thats good. Stacy had been worried about them leaving without her but she was not going to stand in Mick's way if he didn't want it. She was just happy seeing them return.

Going around on of the barns she figured later she would get a hold of Mick and talk to him about a few things. He was probably tired now and wanting to get any horses he go inside and ready for tomorrow. He'd find her or she would talk to him a little later.

Dearest Cindy,
What perfect timing. I just happened to be able to sit down to the computer and I got your email. Gotta love how amazing God is like that. I'm sorry to hear things with Jason arnt getting any better, and everything else is going wrong. It pains me to know I am not there for you. Your a strong woman my love I know you can get thought this. Please let Jason know I said I was rooting for him. I will pray for you even more my dear love, and not a moment goes by I don't think of you and Kali as well. I miss you guys to death and hope to be home soon. I love you Cindy.

Love Always,
Wes

Nabbed

Eli quirks an eyebrow at Ryan's response about Alec, but he doesn't comment. He wasn't too sure how she felt about all this - he just thought she should know about the court hearing. Even if Alec was her ex, it only seemed right that she know what happened to him.

Throwing her a smirk he gestures to the television where a DVD sat. "It's right there. Or have you gone blind?"

Tal grins and shakes his head. He could tell Ryan would rather move on from the subject of Alec right now, and he respected that. "Your brother is just lazy," he comments. Getting up from the couch, he puts the DVD in then comes back to his spot, flopping down a little harder than necessary, just to make Ryan bounce into him so he could "help" steady her by putting his arm around her. His grin remains as he retrieves his bowl of ice cream again and settles back with Ryan under his arm. "Ahh, now this is the life."

It was an enjoyable, peaceful evening. The movie was good and so was the company. Tal doesn't really want to leave when it's over - though that feeling wasn't new. He really did like hanging out over here. He liked Eli and he liked Ryan, and he never wanted to take their friendship for granted.

A little while later, he's ambling slowly to his car with Ryan walking him out. As he nears the parking lot, he gradually comes to a stop and slips his arm around her shoulders. "Ya know... I'm kinda growing fond of you."

He smiles down at her as they stand near the parking lot light. "Thanks for allowing me into your life. Getting to know you and Eli, it's... well, it's been a real blessing." Having started out with the intention of helping Ryan, he'd wound up with some unexpected benefits too.

He turns and lets his hand slide down her arm until his fingers reach hers. "I, um... I don't want you to ever feel pressured or that I want more out of this than you do..." He really meant it. He honestly didn't know where their relationship was going at this point, but he didn't want to seem like someone who had pounced as soon as Alec was out of the way. On the contrary, he just really wanted someone to treat Ryan right, so he'd decided to be that someone. "I mean, I know you and Alec are over, but I know it's not just as easy as saying that either." He shrugs. "I guess I just wanted to say that."


Kip glances up at Karla and eyes the pizza as his stomach rumbles. He'd skipped supper... it looked like she knew him too well.

Sitting up a little straighter, he accepts the slices and gives her a half a smile. "Thanks." Hearing everyone missed him, he shrugs and takes a bite of pizza. "I figure one of these days I won't show up and nobody'll notice."

He thumbs inside the house, moving on quickly since he knew Karla would chide him for that comment. "Looking at the paper today. Grocery store down a few blocks from here is hiring. Thought I might go check it out."


It didn't seem possible, how fast time went by. But without warning, a week was gone. The ranch was peaceful. There were ups and downs and daily trials, but nothing anyone could really complain about.

"Hey, Dylan?"

Dylan finishes tossing a shovelful of manure into the wheelbarrow before turning to see Mick in the stall doorway. They hadn't spoken much lately... Dylan really hadn't spoken much to anybody this last week or so. He'd been bored out of his mind while trying to recover from his fall, and finally yesterday Sparky let him back in the saddle - it had been a good ride without incident. That seemed to help his spirits some, and even if he said he hated cleaning stalls, he really didn't mind the job so much anymore, and he'd come to realize that it was better than sitting in his bunkhouse all day like he had been. He'd talked a little with Ashlee the last few days but it was mostly "hi" and "see you later" at mealtimes or in between. Now having Mick address him, Dylan's first thought was that he'd done something wrong. "Yeah?"

"I'm gonna go to a horse auction this afternoon." Mick leans on the doorway and shrugs. Though he was trying to be casual, he really wanted to find some kind of an open door to spend more time with his son. He wanted so badly to fix things between them, and apparently one or two family meals hadn't helped much. Or if they had, Dylan wasn't letting it show. "I... thought maybe since you were getting a little more interested in horses, you might like to tag along."

Dylan's eyebrows rise. His dad was inviting him to go with? Because of an interest in horses? Even after Mick found out he was riding, he'd made Sparky promise not to let Mick watch - he just liked it better that way. And yet Mick was still trying to spend time with him? Knowing his son didn't want him around hadn't thwarted him? Dylan finally shrugs. Actually, since he wasn't so scared anymore, going and seeing a whole bunch of horses was rather appealing. What would have terrified him a few months ago, now was something he thought he might actually like. "Maybe."

Mick gives him a little grin. "There's always a bunch of cute cowgirls," he prompts. "And besides, it'll get you out of here and out of work for half a day."

The first bribe was amusing and had definite appeal, but it was the second one that pushed Dylan over the edge. He hadn't been away from this place in how long? Yes, it would be nice to get away, even if it was with Mick and even if it was only for a few hours. "Okay." He turns back to cleaning the stall. "When are you going?"

"In about..." Mick looks at his watch. "Half an hour..."


...Dylan leans against the rail, watching another horse being brought into the ring and bid on. He and Mick had arrived about an hour ago and since then, Dylan had seen more horses than he had in his entire life. People were everywhere, horses were everywhere and the atmosphere was noisy and chaotic, yet almost exciting at the same time. He hadn't said a whole lot, but had simply tagged behind Mick, looking at horses and shrugging when asked his opinion. He had spotted a couple good looking horses, but hadn't said so - he'd rather just stand back and watch. Now looking around the milling crowd, he elbows Mick. "I'm gonna go get something to drink."

"Yeah, sure." Mick's eyes take a quick sweep of the indoor arena. "I'll either be here or up in that second row."

Dylan nods and heads through the mass of people towards the food stand he'd seen outside earlier. Once there, it seems to take forever to get through the line but he finally gets the Pepsi he really wanted. Taking a short swig, he aims back to the crowded entrance. Without warning, a big man seems to appear out of nowhere and Dylan runs right into him. His newly bought drink goes flying and spills out onto the ground.

Quickly getting over his surprise, he looks up with a glare, irritated that he'd wasted all that time and money and now he'd have to go right back again. But instead of just one man now, there are two. He's about to ask them what their problem is but is cut short as one of the men takes him by the shoulder.

"It's your dad," the man directs gruffly and steers Dylan towards the corner of the large barn. "He told us to come get you."

"Dad? But..." Dylan realizes now he's been pushed by both of them. Who were they? What was the hurry? Why would his dad send them anyway? He'd only been gone ten minutes. "He's inside," he argues. He tries to plant his feet, but continues to be pushed.

"No, no, he came out back. Something about a horse," the second man explains. "Just around this corner here."

Turning the corner of the barn, it's much quieter as there was no auction activity at this end right now. One could think no event was happening at all if it weren't for the grassy lot full of parked pickups and horse trailers. But it wasn't the trailers that Dylan saw. It was a van parked up by the road with the side door wide open. And immediately, fear courses through his veins.

Spinning around, he tries to bolt, but the men are too fast and grab him harder, becoming rougher with him. "Let me go!" he yells. Dragging his feet, he tries to kick or hit, but they are far stronger than he. A big hand is clamped over his mouth as he starts to scream and he winds up being dragged backward towards the road. In one last effort, he manages to rip himself loose, only to be tripped and wind up on the ground with a heavy boot pinning him down. Still fighting as he's yanked to his feet, the knuckles that slam into his face are enough to disorient him and the taste of blood enters his mouth. A blow to his eye would have sent him to the ground again had he not been caught and pulled again towards the van.


Back inside the barn, Mick takes his eyes off the arena to glance at his watch. He knew there'd been a line outside, but shouldn't Dylan have been back by now? If he left to look for him and Dylan came back, they could miss each other in this crowd. But then... Mick had a funny feeling that leaving his post would be the best option. He didn't think Dylan would run off from here but... maybe it would be better to be safe than sorry. Stacy hadn't wanted him to come with Dylan without anyone else, but he'd insisted on some alone time with his son. That didn't mean he wouldn't be cautions now though.

Making his way outside, he looks at the line to the food stand but doesn't find Dylan. Had he gone to the truck for something? Wandering around the corner of the barn to head for the pickup, Mick glances down the rows of vehicles, planning on going to the far side of the barn and then through the back to return to the arena. But halfway there, he stops dead in his tracks. Black van. Open door. Two thugs. And Dylan. Without even thinking, Mick breaks into a sprint. "Dylan!"

The two men look over their shoulders and pause, almost at the van. "Crap. It's Henson."

"What do we do?"

"Get the kid in the van. Finish the job."

Though they try to close the gap between them and the van, Dylan knew Mick was coming and he tries all the harder to break loose. Giving all he has, he kicks and yells and tries to rip his arms loose. Suddenly he's let go and he stumbles to his knees, realizing that Mick had just plowed into the larger of the two men. He really isn't sure what happens next, but looking up and squinting, he sees Mick giving the thugs a run for their money. Too weak to assist, all he can do is wait for the opportunity to trip one of the men and send him to the ground. It was enough to convince the men that this wasn't worth it anymore - they were creating a scene to which there were now many witnesses.

"Let's get out of here, come on!"

Holding himself on his hands and knees and trying just to breathe, Dylan sees the men make it to the van and speed off down the road.

Adrenaline still races through Mick's veins. He didn't even notice his cuts and bruises that he'd feel later. Heart pounding, he kneels next to Dylan, putting a hand on his back. "Dylan... Dylan, are you okay?"

Dylan isn't even sure. Turning so he could sit on the ground, it's only now that he realizes his hands are shaking. "I... I don't know. Who were those guys?"

Mick grits his teeth. Though he had no proof, he knew that this wasn't just some random kidnapping attempt. He could feel it to his very core. "Agency."

A chill runs down Dylan's spine and all of a sudden he starts to feel pain in his face and knees from where he'd been hit and had fallen. "I guess I'm an easy target," he mutters.

"Come on." Mick helps him to his feet. "Lets get out of here before anybody comes back and tries anything more stupid." There was no point in calling the police - not this time.

Dylan obeys and follows Mick closely until they reach the ranch truck. They'd be pulling home an empty trailer today and amongst everything else he was feeling, Dylan felt guilty. Sliding in the passenger side and buckling up, his eyes are downcast. "I'm sorry," he mumbles.

Mick lifts an eyebrow and starts the engine. "For what?"

"Ruining the day."

"Well it certainly wasn't your fault." Mick shakes his head in disgust. "It's the almighty, arrogant-" He bites his tongue from the names he was about to call the thugs. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

"You didn't get any horses."

"So?" Mick cocks his head and gives Dylan a once-over, noticing the grass-stained jeans, the bruises that were quickly forming on his face, and the split lip that was still bleeding. His tone softens a little. "Dylan..."

Dylan swallows hard but finally glances up. "What?"

"It's not. Your. Fault." Mick nods with emphasis. He wasn't really sure why Dylan was blaming himself for anything - it didn't seem to make much sense, but he didn't want his son to feel that way, no matter how silly it seemed to him. "I'm just glad I came when I did." He pulls a bandanna from his back pocket and gestures to Dylan's lip.

Dylan hadn't realized his lip was still bleeding until now when he licks it and tastes the blood. Accepting the bandanna, he puts it to his mouth before leaning his head against the window and turning his gaze away from Mick. Maybe it wasn't his fault. But there were far worse feelings than that... and he was feeling them now.

The lapse into silence makes Mick sigh but he pulls the pickup from their parking spot. Flexing his fingers, he knows they're going to be sore later, as would the rest of his body, probably. It used to be he could get in three brawls a day and hardly feel it. Not so anymore...

...Getting back to the ranch, Dylan insists he's fine and puts up such an argument that Mick doesn't make him go to Angel. The tension in the air was getting thicker and he really didn't want to make things worse. So he leaves Dylan to himself while he goes to the office to find Rosetta and let her know what happened, then to find Stacy.

Dylan trudges to the dining hall in search of some ice, not intending on seeing anyone, but it looked as though his bad luck was staying around.

"Dylan? Oh my goodness, what happened?" Jade had just come from cleaning one of the back rooms, and her eyes widen ad Dylan's appearance. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Dylan shoulders past her. "It was nothing."

"Nothing? You've got a huge black eye and your lip is all swollen... what happened?"

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like you've been in a fight."

Dylan keeps walking towards the kitchen and he waves a hand in the air. "Three points for the genius sister."

Jade's eyes narrow. "Very funny." She follows him, not yet giving up. "So how did it happen? Are you sure you're okay?"

Dylan stops in his tracks and spins around to glare his sister in the eye. "I said I was fine," he hisses. "Some guys thought they'd use me as a punching bag, alright? It doesn't matter how it happened - just leave me alone!"

Jade blinks as she watches Dylan go to the freezer and find some ice to put in a bag. She hadn't meant to nag... she only asked him questions because she cared. She bites her lip and turns to leave. She'd find out later, she guessed.

Dylan presses the cold pack to his eye and sighs deeply. Wandering into the living room area, he flops down on the couch and leans back, keeping the ice on his eye. He should go to his bunk, but he didn't feel like walking there right now.


A tear trickles down Cindy's face and she brushes it away angrily before setting her hands back on her keyboard. She hated this. She hated all of it.

My dearest Wes,
I'll soon be going to Nevada for a short while. I've received word from Rick at TJY that Jason is not improving - instead, it seems, he is growing worse. Rick and Misty are doing all they can, but it's not looking good. Unless they find a cure, Rick doesn't give Jason much more time to live. That is why I am going... to see my son for perhaps the last time. I will leave Kaylee at the ranch. I don't want to be separated from her, but I think it best for this trip. If you get this, please pray for me. I love you and think of you every moment of every day.
Love, Cindy

Count on it

Letting out a long sigh Karla looks down at the paper for a long moment. She understood why the band would be moving forward with or without Kip. It wasn't like the band was trying to leave him in the dust, they were giving him a choose and he was just hanging in limbo. It made Karla sad because she new this was something Kip love. She could only hope telling him about the gig would get him motivated.

...Getting to Gram and Gramp's Karla enters without even knocking. She has learned quickly there was no need to knock anymore. Passing the living room she smiles and gives a little wave before heading up the steps a few slices of pizza from the brand practice in her hand.

Giving a knockComing to Kip's door Karla lets out a small sigh seeing it closed. It really didn't surprise her that it was. That was the normal now, the door wasn't locked but it was still closed to the world. on the door and than opening it Karla steps in.

"Hey Kip it's just me."

Entering and seeing Kip wasn't there Karla was a bit surprised but she new where else to look for him. Going back down the steps and heading out to the back porch Karla smile seeing him. Coming out and sitting on the top steps next to him she holds out the pizza.

"Figured I would bring you a few slices since there there was some extra. Everyone missed you today."

Taking the bowl of ice cream from Eli Ryan moves a little closer to Tal again folding her legs Indian style and leaning on him slightly. Hearing what Eli said about Alec she found it strange that Reese would call him, but Ryan figured it might be the only way a message about Alec would get to her.

"With any luck he wont be stupid that people are trying to help him and let them, but I wouldn't count on it."

Putting a spoon full of ice cream in her own mouth Ryan looks ahead at the TV. Nothing really good was on but it was something to focus on for the moment. She put up a good act of not caring to much what happened to Alec but deep down she really did wish he would smarten up. Not for her, but for himself. He really did have a lot to offer the world.

Finally looking to Eli and than to Tal she rolls her eyes a little bit. Maybe the conversation should move on? She wasn't sure if Tal and herself were more than friends but they have been spending lots of time together so talking about an ex was kind of strange.

"So, did you guys remember to pick up the movie or am I stuck watching one I've seen a million times?"

A right

Kyle sighs deeply, but he did respect Karla's response. "Yeah... I know it. It's just kinda hard when it's always a one-sided conversation." He purses his lips and shrugs. "I can try again though."

"And if he still doesn't give you an answer?" It was Erik who spoke this time.

Kyle looks his way, then back to Karla for a long moment, then back to Erik. "Then we continue with the forward momentum we've been provided."

Russ frowns. "I thought we weren't going to leave him behind."

"There's a difference between leaving a man behind when he's down, and moving on when a man refuses to make a choice." Kyle didn't want to be harsh, but to him, it was the truth. He was staring at a group of people whose futures were riding on this band's survival, and they were looking to him as their leader. If he held back because of Kip, he would potentially be holding back the futures of the entire band, and he couldn't do that.

"But if he doesn't come and we leave him in the dust, where's that leave us?" Russ shakes his head. "Where's the bass player then?"

"Well, it could be you, Erik or Twila, really. Or we find someone else. None of us want that, but Wayne and Jackie aren't gonna take "no" for an answer. If we back out of the gigs they line up because we don't have it together, they're gonna drop us. And if they drop us, then we all better start looking for jobs."

The final note is a grim one. Band meetings usually ended with laughter, so tonight, it felt strange. But as the gang splits up until the next day, not much more is said. Perhaps Kyle's own words didn't set right with him, but nobody argued or accused him of being too harsh. Tonight, they had begun to face reality.


Kip sits out on the back porch at Gram and Gramp's - his usual perch on the middle step with his legs stretched out across it. Leaning his head back against the railing, he could make out a few stars, and the moon shone brightly tonight. Things seemed a little dimmer than that in his soul though. If asked to describe the days lately, he might have said it was like wading through mud. It was slow... hard... and he seemed to be getting nowhere.

Readjusting his weight so his leg didn't fall asleep, he keeps his hands in his hoodie pocket and his hood up around his head to thwart the chilly night air. He didn't know what time it was, but he didn't really care. Time didn't seem to matter much lately.


An old man... Jason hadn't thought much about that until now when Katie mentioned it. He'd never had much use for looking that far into the future. Now though... it seemed ironic that he would want to become old.

Sighing, he lets his arms wrap around Katie and just hold her close. It was strange - it was almost as if he felt her tears more now than he could have when they were connected. Perhaps without feeling so many emotions all the time, his instincts had room to breathe again.

It was only a few more moments until Jason had drifted to sleep.


"Got a call from Reese today..." Eli hands a bowl of ice cream to Ryan and one to Tal on the couch. He picks up his own and settles into his chair before turning the movie back on. Scarlet was busy tonight, so it was the threesome again, which was growing more and more normal.

Eli eyes his sister but remains casual. "I guess Alec's got a hearing this week that'll probably help determine whether he'll walk or be put in the slammer for life."

Tal sucks on a spoonful of ice cream, remaining outside of the conversation, even though the corner of his eye kept watch on Ryan. Even if she and Alec weren't an item anymore, it probably didn't feel very good to her to hear about all this. Not that he blamed Eli - Ryan had a right to know.