The Truth Is

Letting out a small sigh Jamie's eyes held much sorrow. She felt so very bad for Con and she new that once his own mind was made up there would be no turning back. He's always been like that since she could remember, and about as long she remembered Con working for TJY. To think of him not being here anymore..it made her sad and wish for the simpler days.

Busy at work Katie looks up at Con's voice and offers him a smile. Seeing the dark look in his eyes though Katie's smile fades just a little bit. She new what had happened on there mission but she always new it was many different people fault and not just Cons. She had thought for sure he'd just bounce back but now..she wasn't so sure.

   "What your...leave?"

Putting her paper down and standing Katie moves a little closer to Con. They had said goodbye once before and Katie remembered how much it had messed with her emotions. Now she could feel that hurt and that pain all over again but having a little bit more controle over her emotions and how she reacted felt it was different.

   "Con, you can't leave...not over this. We all need you here still, I need you here still. You don't HAVE to go!!!"

Searching Alec's face Ryan listened to his words and she was a bit surprised by what he had to say. He was giving her an out, telling her he was sorry and letting her know that no matter what he felt he would leave her alone if she asked. This was definitely a different Alec than the one she had known before. He was looking out for her this time and not himself...he cared.

   "Alec, If I wanted you to stay away don't you think I would have told you that already? There has been a change in you, and its been causing my emotions to go crazy."

Cocking her head to the side for a second and still studding Alec Ryan can't help but look into his eyes. If she left the truth would...would it make a difference...if she admitted to her feelings would she be able to move on. Or would it make things worse? That was a question there was no answer too.

   "The truth is Alec...I still love you and I hate you for that fact alone. But its the truth and I don't know how to stop it."

I'm Sorry

Con shakes his head, refusing to look Jamie in the eye. "I don't care if it was all my fault, half my fault or just ten percent my fault... If I'd been capable of doing my part, Dalton would not have almost been killed. It's time I faced facts and gave up pretending that I can do this job."

Picking up his badge, he runs his thumb over it for a moment before eventually glancing at Jamie again. Leaning down, he gives her a light kiss. "I'll let you know when I leave." 

It would be at least fifteen minutes later and after an argument with Reese that Con finally emerges from the office again. Heading back to his cubicle, he pauses, his eyes landing on Katie's cubicle. He'd told her goodbye once before and it had not gone over well. But things were different this time - she wouldn't mind nearly as much, and they'd still see each other... sometime. 

Though he wanted to just slip out of the building unnoticed, he forces himself to turn around and go to Katie's desk. She was like his little sister after all, and he owed this to her. Leaning over the wall, he gives it a tap, offering her a weary smile. "Hey, Kat. I just, um... wanted to let you know I've resigned, and... I'm leaving today." 


Relieved Ryan would take a moment to talk to him, Alec follows her out to the parking lot away from the others. She... didn't seem too apprehensive. But surely she knew Eli had come to see him - and her brother wouldn't have been that angry for no reason.  

Glancing at the ground, Alec really wasn't sure how to begin. "I, um... well, I just got to thinking, and..." He swallows hard and looks back up to find Ryan's eyes. "I... miss you so much that it hurts. Some days I'm just no good at all 'cause all I can think about is you."

He pauses for a moment, just trying to read her gaze, but she wasn't making it easy. There were so many different levels... all so deep and cryptic... it was difficult to know what she was thinking or feeling. "But even though all that's true, the last thing I wanted to do was upset you. I never meant for that to happen, so... so if you really never want to see me again... I understand."

There. He'd said it. But even so, his heart beat wildly as he hoped beyond hope that she wouldn't say that's what she wanted. "If you'd rather I don't talk to you or approach you when I see you around then... then I'll respect that. Won't be easy." He gives a sorry kind of laugh. "But... I'd rather have a tough time dealing with that than see you sad 'cause of something I did. I know my desire to be friends is too much to ask of anybody after all I did anyway. I just... I'm sorry that I upset you, and I just want to know what you want me to do so it won't happen again." 


"Hmm?" Rosalyn opens her eyes and blinks before sitting up and shaking her head sleepily. "No... I'll probably just sack out on the couch off the dining hall anyway." 

Sighing, she glances at Chad, wishing she could just curl up next to him. She had no intention of anything else and she knew he didn't either. But it wouldn't be right... and he was correct - it wouldn't  help anything with her father if he found out. 

Sliding off the bed, she picks up the picture he let her keep, making sure she didn't forget it. "Thanks for coming, Chad... I really enjoyed this evening. I'm glad you came." 

Maybe

   "Con, you don't have to do this? It wasn't just your fault what happened!"

Jamie's heart went out to her husband. She could see the look in his eyes and it just broke her heart. She new him and how his brain worked and he was always one to take everything else on himself. It wasn't just him though and Jamie wished he would see that.

   "Maybe you should just talk with Reese about it first?"

Looking up at Dani and leaning his head into her hand a little bit Dalton new she had to get going. As much as he wanted her to stay the Dr's would never go for it since they weren't married. If he had more energy he would argue.

   "Don't go to far...when I wake up again, I want to see you. I love you Dani."

Slowly letting his eyes fall shut Dalton new that sleep would come quick. That was part of his body recovering and part pain killers. He only hoped when he woke again Dani would be there once more for him to smile and remember one of the many reasons he was fighting through this all.

Looking up hearing someone coming next to her Ryan was a little surprised to see Alec. His bike couldn't be broken again already, they wernt shopping was he finally just here to see her? Studying him for a long moment Ryan wondered what he wanted to talk to her about. It wouldn't hurt for a moment to see right?

   "Yeah yeah, I can chat for a few minutes, I haven't taken my break yet."

Taking her rag and whiping her hands off Ryan sets her tools down before motioning outside for Alec to follow her. It would be quiet out there and they could talk alone with out worry of anyone hearing them.

   "Whats up?"

As Rosalyn makes herself comfortable on his chest Chad can't help but smile. Bringing a hand to her face and tucking a strand of hair behind her hair. Just feeling her soft breathing Chad moves the pictures aside a little bit. He didn't have the heart to wake her right now, she seemed to peacful.

Just letting the minutes pass Chad keeps himself awake but lets Rosalyn sleep. Finally though his own eyes were having problems staying awake and he new he needed to have her go before he did fall asleep.

   "Rosalyn Hun...It's time to have you head back to your place. If we both fall asleep here I don't think it will help our case with your dad. Would you like me to walk you home?"

Sleep

Not hearing Jamie approach, the touch to Con's arm brings his head shooting up. Looking up at her, there was no smile this morning. No playfulness. Her question brings his gaze back down on the box he'd been working on. 

"Cleaning out my desk." He leans down to check one of the bottom drawers. "Starting tomorrow, I'll be looking for work." Finding nothing else, he finally stands up. "I need to go turn in my badge to Reese, then I'll be going home." 

Just feeling Dalton close was enough to reassure Dani that he really wasn't going to leave her. Even so, she couldn't remember a time she'd been so frightened. It was perhaps silly that she'd never thought about it before - since Dalton was an Elite agent after all. But losing him just had never... crossed her mind. Now though... now she was reminded how quickly life could change. It wasn't just him she could lose - it was anybody.

Lying quietly for a few minutes, Dani knew she couldn't stay, even though she wanted to. Dalton needed his rest and the doctors would not allow this. Rising on her elbow, she looks down at Dalton's face... his tired eyes. Placing a hand on his cheek she offers him a small smile. "I need to go. You rest. I'm not going very far." 

Slipping back off the bed, she squeezes his hand before bending down and giving his lips a light kiss. "Keep your promise," she whispers. "I'll see you in a little while."

Pulling into the auto shop parking lot, Alec slows his motorcycle to a halt before cutting the engine. Taking off his helmet, he eyes the open bay doors for several moments. All night, he'd tossed and turned, his mind wandering from Ryan, to Eli, to the choices he had in front of him. Questions drove him mad, and guilt for upsetting Ryan, as Eli had implied, was not making things any easier. Finally he had decided that there was only one way to find out where he stood. But perhaps he feared the outcome. Would he really be able to accept whatever Ryan said? He would have to. But he wasn't going to let Eli bully him into backing off - it was Ryan's call. 

Instead of going inside the front door like a customer, he wanders to the shop side, finding the bay where Ryan was working. Standing quietly for a moment, he saw several pairs of eyes on him. The guys were cautious to say the least. Unhappy to see him at the most. He couldn't blame them though. 

Coming a little closer to the car Ryan was working on, he waits until she lifts her head to give her a bit of a crooked grin. "Hi..." Tucking his hands partway in his jeans pockets, he shrugs lamely. He had no business being here to see her and he knew it. But he was. And he was going to accomplish his purpose. "Can we, um... talk?" He nods outside - out of earshot of the other guys. "For just a second? It won't take long." 

"Mm... thank you." Rosalyn does accept the photo, running her finger over the scene one more time. She already knew which frame she would put it in. It was too pretty to leave in a closed album. 

Seeing the seal, she giggles at the story and shakes her head. "Sounds like kindred spirits to me - you and him." Leaning her head into Chad's shoulder, she could feel her eyes starting to close. It wasn't that this was boring or that she didn't want to hear what Chad had to say... she was tired from the late hour and even more tired from stress. 

Opening her eyes wide, she blinks, realizing she'd just about dozed off. Trying to listen to Chad, she glances down at the next picture or two that he was explaining. But try as she might, her eyes just didn't want to cooperate. She didn't want to leave though. Not yet. She was too warm and comfortable and... 

Her head slips down a little on Chad's chest as her breathing slows, and her fingers that were intertwined with his suddenly loosen their grip.

Worry

As Dani gently gets in the bed next to him Dalton does what he can to hold in the small twinge of pain he felt as the bed moved. He wasn't going to let Dani know it hurt a little bit, no...not when he wanted her in his arms so much. Nothing was going to stop him from having her close to him now.

   "I Love you very much too. I've got to much to live for to give up now. You have my word on that."

Wrapping his arm around Dani a little bit Dalton holds her close to him before leaning down a little bit and giving her a kiss on the head. Leaning his head back again he didn't want to fall asleep but his eyes were heavy and having Dani in his arms provided the peace for the moment he needed.

Wondering the hall and looking down the cubicles Jamie spots Con and gives a little sigh. She guessed he was still here and she felt bad for him. All she could do was support him the best she could but Jamie wished there was so much more.

   "Con...?"

Jamie comes up to him and lays a hand on his arm. The last few nights she missed him very much. It just seemed to lonely at him without him around. After having him there for so long the quiet even sounded a little fighting to her when laying in there bed. 

   "What are you doing Hun? I've been worried sick about you."

Sitting comfortable with Rosalyn on the bed Chad really was enjoying himself and showing her the pictures he had, had. Since he'd met her the amount of pictures he took had grown in number but that was because he wanted to be able to share this with Rosalyn. If he couldn't actuly take her with him right now that he'd just have to have her live through the picture with him.

   "Mmmm...This was when I was in Cali. This picture turned out so much better than I had hoped. If you would like to keep that one you can."

Tightening his arm around her a little bit Chad really didn't mind if she took any of the pictures. He had the real thing in his mind so if she wanted one of them it was completely ok with him.

Picking up another picture it was on of him in the water with a seal next to him. It almost looked like that were playing together. Giving a laugh and showing Rosalyn Chad can't help but laugh once more before explaining the picture.

   "This is Otter, the seal. He had a broken flipper from a boat that was going to fast in an area they shouldn't have been. He was a playful little thing that liked people. If it wasn't illegal to have a pet seal I would of done it in a heart beat. The local aquarium took him in because he can't swim right anymore to be on his own and he is way to friendly to be out in the open and not get himself into trouble."

 Smiling again and going through more picture Chad continues to explain them to Rosalyn. The smiles faces, the animles, and the picture of the others that worked with him too. He could remember the details of every picture like it had happened yesterday and he was happy to share that with Rosalyn.

Every bone

Dani feels a tear trickle down her cheek even though she smiles. "Oh, Dalton..." 

Looking over her shoulder, she checks to make sure they were still alone. She knew that just having Dalton awake and speaking was more than the doctors had hoped for - while she also knew that he wasn't quite out of the woods yet. But... what could a couple minutes of gentleness harm? 

Being careful, she eases down to lie beside Dalton on her side, cautious not to disturb the IV or wires or put any pressure on his chest. Just letting her head rest on his arm, she sniffles, trying not to let him see how upset she was. Locking her fingers with his, she closes her eyes tight, trying not to cry any more. 

"I love you so much," she whispers. "Please don't leave me." 

Chuckling, Eli waves Ryan off, even though deep down he was glad they could share a tender moment every once in a while. If there was one thing they'd never lose, it was their bond of being brother and sister. "Yeah, yeah... get going, Squirt. See ya tomorrow." 

Left alone in the living room, he sits quietly by himself for a long while, keeping his rampant thoughts to himself. Finally though, he does go to bed before getting up early and heading out, leaving Ryan a note that he'd see her after work....

"Well now... fancy meeting you here."

Alec whirls around and almost drops the loaf of bread he'd just retrieved from the grocery store shelf. He'd come shopping for Misty and had only been here a few minutes. Staring back at the cold eyes, he automatically takes a step back, raising his free hand in defense. "Eli... what... what do you want?"

Eli leans an arm on one of the shelves, his leather jacket creaking as he moves. Flexing his hands, his motorcycle gloves emphasize his fists. "You um... look a might timid there, Alec. What's the matter?"

Alec's eyes narrow slightly, trying to figure out Eli's tone. They'd been good friends once... but right about now, it felt as though they were strangers. Or enemies. He swallows hard. "Nothing. You just surprised me." In truth, the look in Eli's eye was rather intimidating. Alec knew he could handle himself in a fight, but if there was anybody he wouldn't want to go up against, it was Eli. Alec had good moves, but Eli knew how to street fight. "What do you want?" he repeats.

"Can't I do a little shopping?" Eli's eyes catch movement at the end of the aisle, and he watches as a young woman sees them both and decides to turn around and go into the next aisle. Looking back at Alec, he shakes his head. "What about you? Buying bread or trying to catch a ride with my sister again?"

Alec finds himself backing up another step. It felt strange to not want to fight. To not feel that cockiness rise up and strike a challenge. But for the first time when being stared down, he'd rather just walk away. He'd fought enough and was tired. Unfortunately, Eli's reference to Ryan makes him stay put for now. "She was just being nice," he defends quietly. "I had no intention of meeting her here or asking for a ride. You can thank my niece for that one."

"And needing your bike fixed? And sending flowers?"

Alec can feel a strange tingle run down his spine. He didn't like that anger in Eli's eyes. He was not afraid - but he knew now was the time for extreme caution. "That's between her and me, don't you think?"

"What are you trying to pull, Alec, hmm?" Eli cocks his head. "You wanna win her back with some sweet talk? A few flowers here and there? Give the girl a little special attention so she'll let you back in her life? Why? So you can turn around and cheat on her and leave her high and dry again?"

Alec's face flushes with shame and anger. Though his muscles tighten, he still didn't want to throw the punch his arm wanted to. "I thought I was being nice. I just want to be friends again because I miss her."

"Friends? When my sister comes home late 'cause she's been out crying, I'd say she's had an encounter with someone less than a friend, wouldn't you?"

Alec is genuinely surprised, and some of his anger dissipates. "What?"

Eli grits his teeth. "I don't like seeing my sister upset."

"I... I'm sorry." Alec wasn't sure what to think now. Had he really upset Ryan that much? "I didn't mean to upset her. I was just trying to-"

"So help me, Alec..." Eli grits his teeth. He takes a step nearer and leans in close, lowering his voice. "If you hurt her again, I will break every bone in your body."

It takes all Alec has to not either run, or take the first swing. His eyes lock with Eli's as they both wear icy stares. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Good." Eli backs up but keeps his eyes on Alec until he finally turns and walks away.

Left alone, Alec felt he might get sick. He hadn't meant to start trouble. Ryan hadn't seemed all that opposed to seeing him - had it been a lie? Was her smile not a genuine one? Did she really not want to ever see him again but just hadn't said so? Obviously Alec had missed something - something big enough that Eli had felt it necessary to confront him. He didn't want to upset Ryan though, and Alec truly felt sorry if he had. He just... hadn't known.

Trying to finish shopping wasn't easy as now Alec's mind was very far off task. Eventually though he does make it back home with everything on the list.

It was mid-morning by now, and the Elite staff had been filtering in for at least the last hour. Time felt rather distant right now though. It seemed as though the night had perhaps lasted a lifetime. Or a split second. Perhaps a merging of the two - so opposite that it created the illusion of time having stood still.

Con didn't need a large box. And almost everything was already cleaned out of his desk. Anything person, that is. After having spent several hours alone downstairs, he had finally risen to come to come to his cubicle after having retrieved a box from the supply room. And in the box now were a couple picture frames, a few little trinkets he'd been given, a couple notes from Jamie that he'd pinned up. The list went on, but not very far. For such a short list though, when all was packed, it left the cubicle seemingly cold. Without personality. Without life. Although maybe that was appropriate for this day.

Sighing, Con sets the box aside and sets his elbows on the desk, hiding his face in his hands. He'd called Jamie not long after getting back here after the mission. He'd given her few details other than Dalton had been shot, and he didn't know what time he'd get home. As it turned out, he hadn't gone home at all.

There was more than one good reason for him to quit this job for good, and it was finally time. He had outlived his usefulness here and should go before making things worse. People would argue with him, he knew. They would try to get him to stay. Try to convince him it wasn't his fault Dalton was shot. Try to tell him he'd be fine. That there was plenty of good he could still do here. But he'd tried. He'd given it his best and had still fallen short. No... no, it was time to finally say goodbye.

Rosalyn's grip tightens around Chad's hand as he speaks. If ever there would be a time when she might not be able to say no to him, it would be right now. But he wasn't even thinking for one second about taking advantage - instead, he was going to do what was right. How could her father even doubt that? 

Though sighing, she smiles and nods her head on his shoulder. "I'd like to see the pictures very much. I like hearing about what you do." 

Once they were back to the ranch, all was quiet. Rosalyn knew that Stacy was probably making her rounds, but that was the only thing stirring. It didn't look like there were any late night games going on in the dining room either. Taking advantage of the quiet night, Rosalyn joins Chad in his bunkhouse, glad to continue their time together by looking through pictures. 

Sitting next to him on the bed, she happily listens to his explanations of the photos he'd taken, while being sure he kept his arm tucked around her shoulders. 

"Mmmm.... this one looks like it should be a post card." She points to a beach scene with a palm tree.

Gentile Sneak!

Hearing Dani's voice and than feeling her hand in his own Dalton closes his fingers around hers a little bit. He still felt weak, and things were still pretty foggy but he new her voice anywhere. Turning his head to look at her Dalton gives a little wince but lets his smile shine through anyways.

   "Hey Babe! How are you?"

Once could only imagine without the haze in his mind that she wasn't doing well. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she looked extremely tired, and she probley had been worried sick too. But he wasn't sure what else to say to her let alone let his own brain think through what he wanted to say.

   "You look tired, maybe if your gentile you can sneak next to me here. I'd like to be able to put my arms around you a little."

Looking down at her brother and giving a shake of her head Ryan smiles. It was nice to see Eli happy and have someone in his life that made him that way. Ryan was happy for him and sometimes she did wonder where He and Scarlet were going in there relationship but if it was forward she'd be happy to have her as her sister in law.

   "You sat around and drove me crazy. Not that I didn't mind it or anything."

Running a hand through her brothers hair Ryan shakes her head again. He was always good to her, to the family and when he was ready to start his own she new he'd be really good with them too. He just had the right temperament, the will to protect and understand his family's needs.

   "Alright Alright before this gets any more sappy I need to go to bed. I have a long work day tomorrow. Thanks Eli for always listing and offering help to me."

Even if Ryan played that she hated the sappy and mushy stuff...inside it really did make her feel good from time to time and something told her Eli new that too.

Driving Chad feels Rosalyn's head rest on his arm as her fingers find his. He new why she was quiet and though she didn't say anything he could read very well the reason for it. He felt bad, and wished he could of done more. To take her away, or tell her they didn't have to go home but as much as he wasn't going to give her up, that would be against his morals and that was just as important to him as she was.

   "We sure can pretend, but it can only last till we get back to the ranch as sad as it is. Running away for a few hours is ok, but running away from the rest of your life is not to smart. Facing it head on, standing your ground now thats what I call over coming something in the way."



Wrapping his fingers around hers he falls silent again for a moment letting his owe mind wonder. He hoped once Rosalyn's dad calmed down he could talk to him and they could at least become friends. Than Chad could at least show him he wasn't a bad guys at all

Bring his mind back to the woman next to him Chad smiles. He couldn't help it when he could of Rosalyn it made him do that. Really he was a lucky guy to have found something like her.
  
 "So tomorrow if you like I have a bunch of pictures I took. Maybe we could look through them together?!"

Forever

Looking up at Nate, Dani wipes away some of her tears as she shakes her head. "No... no news. And I'd be holding up a lot better if that jerk brother of mine wouldn't have come." She scoffs. "Like he thinks I'd want his company." 

It wasn't that she enjoyed feeling bitter, but after the stunt Carson had pulled, she couldn't just pretend nothing had happened and go back to the way things were. She knew she wouldn't hate him forever, but right now was not the time he should be trying to get back in her good graces. 

Waiting seemed like an eternity and longer. At least Dalton was stable, but that was providing little hope against the odds. As the nurse comes to inform them he was awake though, new hope rises. 

Dani is quickly on her feet, her heart beating a little faster. "Thank you..." She glances at Nate before heading for the door. She didn't care if he came along or not. All she wanted was to see Dalton and make sure he knew she was there. 

Returning to his room, she enters softly and cautiously approaches the bed, trying not to startle him. "Dalton?" Her voice quivers just a little bit, even though she'd told herself she was done crying. Finding his hand with hers, she gives it a little squeeze. "I just wanted to come say hi..." 

Eli manages a chuckle as he reaches up an arm to return a little hug to Ryan. There was no conclusion to their conversation about Alec, but maybe that was best. It was her job to think it through - not his.

Laughing at her question, he shrugs. "I dunno. Probably not. I do try to control myself when she comes back, ya know." His lips form a sly grin. "But hopefully I show how much I always miss her. The worst part is not having anything to do." He rolls his eyes. "What did I do before she came along anyway?" 

The sky had grown black. Stars twinkled from light years away, while a few clouds blocked some of the view. Rosalyn's eyes stare up at the darkness through the windshield of Chad's jeep as he drove back towards the ranch. It had been a wonderful evening. After such a nice dinner, they'd found a movie they both wanted to see and had enjoyed that together as well. Unfortunately, the inevitable always came, and tonight that meant they had to go back to the ranch. 

Rosalyn had been quiet since setting out again. She wasn't really sure what to think or say or do. Would her father still be up when she got home? What did her mother think? What about anybody else? Had her father caused more trouble after she'd left? Did she even want to go home tonight at all? She'd already toyed with the idea of sleeping on the couch in the living room off the dining hall. Anything to avoid her father. 

Sighing deeply, she leans her head over to rest it on Chad's shoulder, while her fingers find his free hand on his lap. "Can I just pretend that this night will last forever?"

Awake

Misty gives a smile and a nod she would let Jason clean up while she made the tea. Getting two cups and a few saucers she put some cookies on them setting them on the table. Pouring the tea and than sitting down again waiting for Jason to come back after cleaning up. She was looking forward to drinking the tea and enjoying it.

Coming out into the waiting room as Carson leaves Nate doesn't say anything but watches as he walks back down the hall. He'd gone home and gotten dressed talked with Laura before coming back for a little bit. Shaking his head Nate comes into the waiting room more sitting down next to Dani.

   "Hey Dani, how you holding up? Any new on a change?"

It wasn't till a few hours later that Dalton would start to stir. Things were hazy and he hurt so much not quite sure where he was. The last thing he remembered was he was on a missing, and than he thought he remembered he heart Dani's voice telling him not to give up but...everything seem fuzzy.

   "Hey...its good to see you awake Hun!"

Looking to the side and seeing a woman in his room Dalton squints. He was still confused on everything that was around him. Had he gotten hurt?

   "What...happened?"

Coming closer to Dalton the nurse gives a smile laying a hand on his arm trying her best to be soft. He'd been through a lot and she didn't want to get him upset again.

   "Just stay calm ok? You were shot and things are rough still but your stable for the moment. I think you have some friends here too that might like to see you give me one second ok."

Leaving the room the Nurse heads down the hall finding Nate and Dani in the waiting room. Coming closer she gives a smile looking at them. It was a good sign that Dalton was awake. Even if he still had to take it easy and not get to excited about thing at least he was awake and doing things on his own.

   "Dalton is awake now if you guys would like to go in and see him for a little bit. Just...try not to upset him to much ok?"

Looking at her brother again Ryan gives him half a smile. His words were always made her feel better even if they were few. What Eli thought was always important to her, and having him talk to her just seemed to help a little bit.

   "Thanks Eli for dealing with my moody self. I hope to not be like this for to much longer."

Standing Ryan goes over to his chair and leans down giving him a kiss on the top of his head. Before giving him a little hug too. She really was so happy that he was here with her. She liked her alone time but she really enjoyed having her brother close too.

   "Better tell that woman of yours to come home soon or your going to go stir crazy. Thinks she really knows how much you miss her?"

Rejected Again

Jason nods numbly before turning to look at Misty and reaching out to pull her into a hug. What if it had been him tonight? Kissing the top of her head, he gives her an extra squeeze. "Tea sounds good... I need to settle down. Just give me time to change out of these clothes." 


Being released from Rick's care felt good, especially since Carson wasn't sure how much longer he could survive just a room away from Misty without being allowed to see her. What he hadn't planned on was the day he was able to get out, being informed of Dalton's condition. And despite the rift between him and his sister, he wanted to make sure she was okay. So before going back to the apartment, his destination was the hospital. It also gave him more purpose for leaving TJY... otherwise he might stick around and try to see Misty again, but he knew he was not wanted. As hard as it was for him to accept, he knew that his company was no longer welcomed, whether he'd told the truth or not.

Getting to the hospital, he goes inside and asks around to finally be pointed in the right direction. Though still feeling more depressed than ever in his life, he at least had regained physical strength under Rick's care. Color was back in his face again and he had slept enough the past few days to make up for most of his exhaustion. He'd been warned though, to take better care of himself. Another attack like that and he could wind up spending more than just a few days at TJY.

Finding the waiting room, he hesitates a moment before going inside. For the moment, Dani was the only one there. "Dani?"

She looks up quickly from the magazine she'd been browsing, her eyes going wide at seeing Carson. She hadn't expected him to come here at all, and her surprise is quickly overcome by a bitter tone. "What are you doing here?"

Carson hadn't known what to expect, but he hadn't thought she'd be this cold, especially at a time like this. "I... I came to see if you were okay."

"Me?" Dani stands up, tossing the magazine back on the table. She was upset about Dalton, she'd had very little sleep, and she didn't want to deal with her mixed emotions about her brother right now. "I'm not the one who got shot. If you want to go see Dalton, be my guest, but I'd prefer it if you left me alone."

Carson's shoulders drop. "But... didn't anyone... I mean..."

"Did I hear the so-called truth that you didn't really let your life go to pot? Yeah, I did. And all I know now is that you're an even better liar than I thought."

"But I-"

"I don't want to hear it, Carson." Dani points to the door. "Please leave."

Dani too. First Misty, now his own sister. Both knew the truth, and both chose not to let him back into his lives. How could he have been so wrong? "Can I just... sit a while with you?"

Dani looks away from his pleading eyes, fearing she would give in. She'd never seen him like this before. He looked terrible and he was so... so... crushed. It was heartbreaking, but she still didn't want to deal with him. Especially not now. "I'd rather not."

"But-"

"Out, Carson!" She points to the door one more time. "Take your good will and stick it up your butt. I don't need it, and I don't need you."

Swallowing hard, Carson finally backs away before turning around and leaving. How had his presence just made things worse? He'd come to help... come to make sure his sister was okay. And she treated him like this? Why? He'd been so sure that the truth would make everything right again. But it was as if it had almost made things worse. How could he have misjudged everyone so much? It made him feel sick. And worse, it made him feel worthless.

Sitting back down in the chair, Dani leans forward to put her face in her hands as she cries. She did want company. She did want comfort. She did want someone to talk to and a shoulder to cry on. But not Carson's. Not the man who lied to everyone and broke their trust. Not the man who knowingly hurt those around him because of his pride. No... she just couldn't do it. But how it made her heart ache. And more tears come.


Eli purses his lips as he thinks, trying to subdue the irritation he felt below the surface. Not against Ryan - against Alec. Alec was not to be trusted. He had hurt Ryan and hurt Tal, almost killing him. And now he was obviously trying to get back into Ryan's good graces, and in the process, he was upsetting her. If he hadn't shown back up again, Ryan wouldn't be struggling with her feelings now. But Eli knew he couldn't be harsh. He knew his sister, though tough, had tender feelings deep down and he wasn't about to step on them. She couldn't help it that she still loved Alec. 

Sighing, he gives Ryan a good long stare. He wanted to advise her. He wanted to tell her to quit being so nice to Alec. He wanted to tell her that Tal was the better man - that Alec was scum and would just hurt her again. But he knew it was her life, not his. This was her choice, whether he liked it or not. 

"Well... I guess I can't say I've ever been in that position, so I don't know what it feels like, but..." He shrugs lamely, not even knowing where that train of thought had been going. "I guess if you hate to love Alec, then you have the choice of either not hating it anymore, which would separate you and Tal, or resist it and tell Alec he has no business in your life anymore. I just hate seeing you stuck like this... I miss your smile." 

Love, Hate

As Jason stands at the sink Misty's heart went out to him. He'd spent more time interacting with Dalton from day to day so this had to hit him a little harder than her. Standing Misty goes over to Jason and lays a hand on his arm. She might be going through somethings but that didn't mean she didn't want to be there for Jason too.

   "I'm sorry about everything that happened Jase. I am sure Dalton will be ok. Would you like me to make some tea or coffee?"

Misty gives a smile to Jason doing her best to give him a little comfort in this time. She wanted to help him even if it was just a little bit. That was just the part of her heart that cared for him a great deal. Seeing him hurt, hurt her as well.

Watching Dani walk away Nate's heart went out to her. He new how he felt, he could only guess how she felt. In a way with what Laura had gone through with there baby he understood how much it hurt to love someone and have them slowly slip away. To feel so helpless and so full of hope at the same time. He'd never wish for anyone else to have to go through this.

Finally sitting up and pulling her legs under herself Ryan just sat there for a long moment letting Eli's question linger in the air. Ryan had been trying to figure that out herself, and her conclusion was not what she really wanted to admit.

   "I....I hate it that I still have feelings for him. I don't want to, I love Tal and being with him and yet there is still something about Alec."

Leaning back on the couch Ryan lets out a long sigh before looking at her brother again. It was easy for one to see the emotion that ran across her face. She'd been so confused and hurt, it was an emotion she did not like.

   "I care about him, and love him still Eli and I hate it because I don't want to. I don't want to lose Tal."

Your favorite

Jason shakes his head at Misty's question, leaving his face hidden. No... he wasn't okay. He and Dalton weren't close friends, but they were friends, and when any member of their team got taken down like that... it was hard to handle. And it drove home the fact that it could happen to any of them any time they were out on the job. It could have been Nate... himself... or even Con. 

Alec stands by awkwardly for a moment before finally returning to the living room. Easing back down on the couch, he curls up on his side, but was too awake now to sleep. He wasn't sure he'd ever felt something like this before. It was different... numbing... scary. He didn't like it. After he'd been such a jerk, he wasn't sure where he and Dalton stood, as far as friendship went, but he still knew he owed Dalton for having treated him well when others didn't care. Why did someone like him have to get shot? It didn't seem fair. 

Back in the kitchen, Jason finally rises from the table and wanders to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. "Yeah, Reese is gonna call me when he knows more," he finally answers her." Watching blood swirl down the drain, he grits his teeth against his emotions. And for once, he wished he hadn't learned to feel again. Splashing some cold water on his face, he leans on the counter and just stares down into the sink, trying to maintain control. He was still on duty. He was here to guard Misty. He had to stay focused. 


The information from Nate made Dani feel numb, even though her body was surging with adrenaline. Sitting down in the chair, she stares at the floor, not even sure what to do. She knew these men, but she had no one here she was close to. No one to really turn to. What was going to happen? Was Dalton going to be okay? She knew that working with the Elite could be dangerous, but he was always back at the office just working on computers. Somehow, she'd always imagined that maybe he was safer from the danger that way. But it was obvious now that she'd only been fooling herself.

Remaining in the waiting room, there were times Reese left for a while, then came back - Dani would hear him talking with Nate in the hall, things to do with the case and what all had happened. Coffee was turned down... though she felt exhausted, there was no way she could sleep anyway. All she wanted was to know Dalton was okay.

As the hours pass, Dani felt trapped and helpless, forgetting even to call in to work. When the doctor finally arrives though, she stands with Nate, attentive and listening carefully. It hurt just to think about Dalton's wounds and the surgeries he'd needed. And to know now that even after all that, he still wasn't out of the woods... it did nothing to comfort her fears.

Glancing up at Reese, she swallows hard. "I'd... I'd like to see him alone for a minute, if that's okay."

Reese nods, and pats her shoulder, motioning her into the hall. Though he and Nate both wanted to see Dalton, it was only right that Dani be allowed a few moments to herself.

Making her way to the room, Dani wraps her arms around herself, feeling as though she were walking in a foggy dream. Reaching the open door, for several moments, all she can do is stare in at Dalton, her breath catching in her throat. Such a strong, healthy, loving man... to be reduced to this... it was heart wrenching.

Finally having the courage to enter the room, she approaches the bed quietly. Machines beeped and whirred, and it was too sterile to be comfortable. Looking down at Dalton, Dani could feel her walls inside starting to crumble. For such a big man, he looked so small and helpless lying there, fighting for his life.

Reaching down slowly, she sets her hand on his, carefully avoiding disturbing the IV. "Oh, Dalton," she whispers. "We had a date today, remember? You were going to take a long lunch and we were going to go to the lake..."

For the first time since Jason's phone call, tears sting her eyes. "I was going to bring sandwiches... and I even made your favorite cookies for dessert." She gives a little laugh as several tears roll down her cheeks. "I know, they're all your favorite."

Sniffing, she gives his hand a squeeze. "Please don't leave me, okay? I don't know if I ever told you I need you but... I do. Please don't give up. I don't want to be alone." Leaning down, she gives his cheek a soft kiss before retreating. She knew she needed to go.

"I'll be back," she promises. Exiting the room, her eyes find Reese, then Nate. Wrapping her arms around herself again, she turns her gaze to the floor to slowly walk back towards the waiting room. 


Listening to his sister, Eli wasn't surprised. He'd wondered if all of this revolved around Alec, and he wished the man would just leave her alone and be gone for good. At least he wasn't pulling any stunts, but it still made Eli's blood boil. At this point though, he knew better than to get upset - it wasn't Ryan's fault, and she obviously felt stuck in the middle of something. Eli didn't like it. But it wasn't his call, nor could he stop the reality of Ryan's feelings. 

"I wish I knew what to say," he responds, his voice remaining soft. "I hope, for Alec's sake, he really is different." He didn't believe it though. It sounded like a royal ploy to him, to get Ryan back. Alec was a good actor, for sure. 

Studying Ryan for several quiet moments, Eli could see a truth that he hadn't wanted to. He wished Ryan could have forgotten. Could have left all of that behind, never to return. But her eyes reflected her heart, and in her heart, he saw that which he wished he didn't. His tone is still tender as he cocks his head. "You still have feelings for him, don't you?"

Searous

Standing when he see Dani Nate could see the look of worry on her face and it pained his heart. He'd always dont what he could to shield people from pain, to try and help but this was just another wake up call they he couldn't always play the hero and sometimes just being there, and being a friend was the best form of help he could offer.

   "We haven't been told anymore other than he is still in surgery. The did one last night when he came in, and than this morning they had to do another emergency surgery."

Gesturing to one of the chairs for Dani to shit down Nate didn't mind standing. He'd been sitting since they had gotten here, standing for a little bit might be nice now. 

And as the hours seemed to pass on one would go fast, and one would go slow but the time did move. Nate moved around lots but it was all he could do to keep himself from going crazy, he window, back to the door, down the hall and to the window again till finally he leaned against one of the walls in the waiting room a silent prayer moving through his mind.

It wasn't till a Dr entered the waiting room and came up to the group that Nate moved again. Coming closer to everyone he extends his hand to the dr giving it a shake before looking from Reese, to Dani and than back to the Dr.

   "Is anyone here Dalton Heathrow's family?"

   "Reese, and I work with Dalton, and Dani is his girlfriend. We are the only family he has."

Giving a nod the Dr. understood and at least Dalton had people here who cared and looked at him like they were his family. It always made Amanda happy when she saw friendships, or coworkers who worked together like that. Though this sad time they would need each other.

    "Dalton made it through both surgery. One of his lungs was punctured, we went in took the bullet out and than repaired it. Through out the night though it collapsed and we had to open him up again, re-inflating it, and repairing it once more. He's breathing on his own at the moment and stable but he is far from out of the woods. With his other health issues the next few days he is going to have to fight for his life and not give up. If you guys want to see him I can let you for only a little bit. He's not coherent but he will be able to hear you if you want to talk to him."

Hearing about Dalton Misty could feel her blood almost run cold. She'd interacted with Dalton before and even if it was only a little bit he'd had an impact on her. There was just something about him that no matter what he seemed to touch someone in some way.

   "Jason...I am so sorry that happened. Is Reese going to keep you up to date on everything going on?"

Leaning forward a little bit Misty lays a hand on Jason's shoulder. He looked so stressed and filled with emotion she felt so bad for him knowing this had to be rough.

   "Are you ok?"

 Letting out another sigh Ryan shakes her head a little bit just looking upward again. Pulling her one leg up and resting her other on top of it. She wasn't sure how to talk about it or what to say. It was pretty much the same thing she had said before and there was still so much confutation attached to it.

   "While I was at the store I saw Alec again. He was with his neice this time, she's a cute kid and Alec seemed so different with her. He was softer in a way. Than she asked if I could drive them home and I couldn't say no to a child so I did."

Ryan stops for a second before continuing trying to collect her thoughts. Why this bothered her so much she didn't know but in a way she hated the feeling.

   "After I dropped them off Alec gave me a kiss on the cheek. I hadn't expected it and...I don't know how to feel about it. I just feel...confused."

Fault

Reese stands behind his desk, arms folded as he tried to figure out if he needed to be upset or not. When Jason had called him a short while earlier, he'd been informed that things had gone sour and Dalton had been shot. That was the extent of his knowledge though - until now. And even after Nate's brief explanation, he was still rather confused. 

"So you're telling me that all this was due to-" He stops short as Jason and Con finally arrive as well. "Nice of you two to show up," he greets curtly.

Jason doesn't bother covering up a glare. "Nice, my butt. This whole thing was a mess from the start. Either we got some bad intel, or we're the stupidest bunch on the planet. And if we're not, we certainly look like it now." 

Reese frowns, not appreciating Jason's tone. But first thing first. "What's the latest on Dalton?" 

Jason shrugs. "I don't know any more than Nate. He's in critical condition with a shot to the chest. I'd go up to the hospital now, but I got my own job at Misty's." 

"What about the other men who were shot?"

"Cops met us and took over - they were gonna get the guys cleaned up, then taken down to the station. Everybody was gonna be fine, except the one that was killed." 

"Yes, about that..." Reese looks to Con. "Nate said there was some miscommunication. What happened?"

Con swallows hard. There was anger in his stare, but also a strange form of surrender, making for a confusing combination. "These to say Dalton told me to watch his back. I never heard it, so I wasn't looking where I should have been. By the time I saw somebody on that side of the building, it was too late. Dalton had already been shot." 

"I see." Reese sighs deeply and rubs a hand over his face. None of this was good. They'd at least brought in the men they were after, plus one, but it still had not gone own well. And unfortunately, Jason was right - something with their intel was wrong, or they had not adequately prepared. "What about the guy that was killed?"

With no response, he looks to Jason. "Well?" 

Jason shrugs. "He tried to escape. Con took him out." 

"He tried to escape? Was there no other way to stop him?"

Con looks away, his grip on his rifle tightening. 

Reese's stare becomes harder. "Answer me, Con." Without a response, he raises his tone. "Conrad Gibbs, was lethal force necessary?!" 

Con finally glances back at him, and for a moment, the office is eerily quiet. "No." 

"Dang it, Con!" Reese slams his hand down on the desk. "Do you know what kind of trouble you could get yourself into for this? What am I going to say in my report?" He looks between all three men. "We have to answer to other people now, guys. We're not playing the same game we used to. I understand that it wasn't your fault things went bad out there tonight - it happens and I'm not blaming you. But if we don't pull our act together, we're not going to have a team anymore." 

Con fingers his rifle before turning to leave. "I'm putting away our gear." 

Watching him go, Reese doesn't stop him. Sighing deeply, he finally grabs his keys and badge. "I'm going to the hospital, Nate, you come with me. Jason, go ahead and go to Misty's - we'll keep you informed." 

"Right. Anything else?" 

"Yeah..." Reese stops at the doorway and thinks a moment. "Call Scott."

Jason's heart sinks a little but he nods. "Okay."

"And see if you can get a hold of Dani."

...Getting to the hospital with Nate, Reese isn't told much, other than what they already knew - Dalton was in critical condition, and had been rushed into surgery with massive damage from his chest wound. Nobody would say what chance of survival they were giving him, but it was obvious that none of the nurses had high hopes. 

Sitting in the waiting room, Reese is quiet, once in a while making conversation with Nate, but avoiding talk of the botched mission for now. He knew his men had done their best, mistakes or not, and he'd rather go through it all later after they knew what would happen with Dalton. 

It had been at least an hour when Dani finally shows up. In the early morning hours, it was obvious that she'd been wakened by Jason's call. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she had on an old pair of baggy jeans and t-shirt, her feet quickly slipped into her flipflops and an old jacket thrown on. Car keys still in hand, she hadn't even bothered bringing her purse. 

Worry coursed through her eyes as she finally finds Nate and Reese. Biting her lip, she tries to keep her emotions in check. All Jason had said was that Dalton had been shot and was in bad shape.

"What's happening?" She comes into the waiting room, looking between both men. "How is he?" 

Even though it was a late hour, Jason wasn't surprised to see a light still on at Misty's. He hoped she hadn't waited up, but he knew she probably had. Entering the house quietly, he sees the light is coming from the kitchen, and heads that way, finding Misty at the table. 

He knew he looked a mess. He was still half-geared up from the mission, and blood stained his shirt and hands. His eyes were tired and full of concern, his shoulders bending under the weight. 

"Hi." 

"Dude, you look terrible."

Jason looks back over his shoulder quickly to find Alec yawning and rubbing his eyes, obviously wakened from his sleep on the couch. "Thanks."

"What happened?" 

Jason looks to Misty again before sinking down in a chair and putting his head in his hands. "Mission got botched. Got our guys but Dalton was shot. He's at the hospital now in critical condition." 

Alec can feel shock hitting his veins. Dalton, of all people. He'd been out on a mission? Shot? It... didn't seem possible. And for a brief moment, he remembers how Dalton had been one of the few people to give him a chance. And now he... might not make it?

Sitting up in bed, Scott holds Domino in his lap, stroking her head slowly. Sensing her master's stress, the little dog lays quietly, licking his hand every now and then. 

In the dark, Scott's eyes focus on nothingness. His mind played over and over a silent prayer for Dalton, while memories flashed by. Somehow, somewhere along the way, the giant of a man had become his best friend. He'd supported Scott through thick and thin and had never let him down. He'd been there, even when Scott hadn't wanted him to be. And when Scott had come back to work, he'd welcomed him like a brother. Yes, Dalton was even more than a best friend - he really was like a brother. 

Leaning his head back against the wall, Scott's heart ached. He didn't want to lose Dalton... not now... not like this.

Back at TJY, the lower level was dark. All the lights were off, and the only sound was the soft buzz of security cameras as they slowly turned one way then the other. Guns and other gear had long since been returned to their places, but Con was still there. 

Sitting on the floor, just inside the rec room, Con wrapped himself in the darkness. He should be home. Jamie would be worried about him. But he hadn't called her. He hadn't told her the mission was over or that he was back at TJY. Or  that he was still here, unable to get himself to go home yet.

 Tonight's events played over and over in his mind. And over and over he saw Dalton's body just lying there on the ground, his life being bled out of him. The sound of gunshots made him cringe even now. 

It was his fault Dalton was lying in the hospital now. It was his fault for not paying enough attention. For not being more prepared. For not hearing Dalton's orders. 

Not hearing...

Gritting his teeth, Con closes his eyes tightly, pressing his emotions back down deep. He was in a lot of trouble right now - but it was for shooting one of the drug dealers, not for being negligent on the job. Reese had been gracious enough not to put him under the spotlight. But it didn't matter. Dalton's life hung in the balance right now.

And Con knew it was all his fault.

Eli grins, appreciating it when Ryan could see their dad in him. If there was any man he'd ever admired or wanted to be like, it was their dad. He often wondered if he'd be proud of them today. 

"Yeah... yeah, he always did seem to hold all the answers. Funny thing though... so often he had us figure out the answer ourselves, while knowing it all along. Like he knew we'd choose the right answer eventually, but wanted us to be able to stretch our own minds instead of him just telling us what to do."

Cocking his head, Eli studies his sister again. What was it that was so heavy on her mind? He wondered if he knew, but he didn't dare voice it. "He always said it helped to talk things out..."

Low Down

Standing and placing a hand on Mick's Rosetta gives him a smile. She new what it was to want, and to wait....she had done it for a while before her heart could finally get what she wanted. It was hard but it was also a test of strength and it made her realize where her heart belonged and with who. She never would want to trade that experience.

   "I think letting Chad stay is an ok move and if Jim has a problem with it till well than we can tell him we made the desition and ultamitly it is ours to make. Maybe we just tell Jim the truth in it all. Chad has done nothing wrong and till we see he has he can stay as a paying guest."

Rosetta never liked using force like that before but it was a simple fact that they had no right to tell Chad to leave. Not to mention She'd seen Rosalyn with him and she smiled, a real smile and that was something she hadn't see from her niece in a long time. She had a good shoulder on her head and new if something went wrong she would let someone know before it get out of hands.

Still on her back and shifting her head again to look up at the cracks on the wall Ryan ponders the question for a moment. How was she doing? It was a hard question to answer honestly because she wasn't all that sure. She just new inside she felt so confused.

   "I'm...ok. Just have a bunch of stuff on my mind is all."

Turning her head again to look at Eli tonight he looked like there father. She couldn't help but smile and on nights like this she missed him but to see Eli it was nice to see him.

   "You sure do look like dad tonight. I don't mind when you do, it makes me smile. I miss him a lot sometimes. He always seemed to know the answers to everything."

   "Enough both of you, we can talk about that later. Right now we need to worry about getting Dalton help."

From than on it was crazy how everything happened. The paramedics came, and picked up Dalton alone with the others who had been shot. There main priority was Dalton who had passed out. He had major blood loss and who knows when else had been hit in his chest.

Loaded into the ambulance and on his way it would be hours before anyone would hear anything. Dalton would need surgery and his contrition was hazy. As much as Nate wanted to head to the hospital but he had to go to the office first.

   "I'm not sure what happened outside! Dalton said something, didn't conferm Con heard, he didn't hear and there was snack attack. Anything more than that your going to have to ask Con and wait for Dalton to pull through."

Nate stood in Reese office giving him the low down on everything going on. They would be heading to the hospital soon but needed to get this settled. It was now or never so they might as well not stew on it much longer.

Missed

Forcing himself to move his sights from Dalton's downed figure, Con swings his rifle back to the front of the building just as the drug dealers scatter. Leg shots took them down quickly, and once all of them were on the ground, Con stands up, watching as Nate heads for Dalton. "Goin' blind, guys. I'm coming down." Slinging the rifle strap over his shoulder, he heads quickly for the fire escape ladder. 

Jason follows Nate out of the building, keeping an eye on their prey - who were all laying here and there on the ground, some forced there by wounds, and a couple spreading their arms in surrender, not daring to even try standing. Keeping a gun aimed at them anyway, Jason backs up quickly to where Nate had found Dalton. Seeing all the blood and receiving Nate's order, Jason doesn't hesitate to retrieve his cell phone and dial. First 911 then Reese. 

By now, Con was back on the ground and sprinting across the street to them. Joining Nate, he takes a knee next to Dalton, his heart racing as he saw the condition of their partner. "No.... Dalton... Dalton, can you hear me? Come on... don't do this." 

Movement catches his eye and he turns just in time to see one of the guys had managed to get to his feet and had started to run. Moving quicker than the eye, Con lifts his rifle to his shoulder, aims and fires. The man goes sprawling in the street from the shot in the back. 

At this point, Jason was off the phone, and seeing what had just happened, mixed with his upset emotions from Dalton's condition, he was furious. "Con!" he barks. "What do you think you're doing?!"

Con stands up to face him just as angrily. "He was getting away!"

"Since when do you shoot somebody in the back?!" Jason gives him a hefty shove. "Reese is gonna be all over you for that one!" 

"Yeah, well then have him come down here and watch Dalton get shot, then have him tell you he'd do differently!" 

Jason glares at him in the dim lighting, his emotions churning. "What happened out here? 

"I was watching the front just like I was supposed to!" 

Jason's eyes widen. "Dalton told you to watch his back!" 

"He did not!" 

"Yes he did!"

"No he didn't!" 

Both men's voices were raised to shouting as they argued, and Jason shakes his head. "He told you to watch his back! Nate and I both heard it plain as day!"

Con is about to rebuttal when he suddenly recoils instead. He'd missed something. He'd missed something Dalton had said. And now... His eyes drift back to where Dalton lay, and his stomach twists. 

Approaching sirens interrupt the scene, and Jason goes to gather up the five thugs that were alive so they could be taken care of then taken downtown to the police station. As for the dead one, Con was going to have to answer for that one. 


Eli smiles at his sister and nods. "Yeah. Yeah, everything's okay as far as I know. Got the ol' Scarlet's-out-of-town blues, but nothing new." 

Looking down at his hands for a moment, he rubs a stain on his finger that he'd been unable to wash out at work. "How 'bout you?" He finally looks back up at her again, studying her eyes and wondering about what he'd seen earlier... and what he'd seen so much lately. He wouldn't pressure her, but he was concerned. 


"I know." Mick sighs and leans back against the counter, shaking his head. "And I don't want Chad to leave anyway. I know he's a lot older than Rosalyn and he's got a past - but even that's nothing horrific." He shrugs lamely. "Maybe if I was her father, I'd feel differently. You know what I did with Dan. But... I don't know... I guess when I was giving Rosalyn all those letters, I saw something in her eye - a spark that I'd never seen before. And I guess I don't want to take that away  from her. Maybe I put myself in her position and saw that she's really been a real trooper, living and working here without a life outside the ranch. I mean, we all do it, but even Jade's got Dan, and Clint and Wendy have their own family. I guess I never saw it like this before, but maybe Rosalyn hasn't had enough chances in life and..." 

He shrugs again, feeling as though he was going in circles. "I dunno. I want her to have her own choice about this. Personally, I think Chad's okay - I don't think he's gonna pull any stunts with Rosalyn. At least that's what my gut says and I hope I'm right, since I sent them to town. But I also know Rosalyn's smart, and she wouldn't go with him if she thought anything was even remotely questionable." 

Tucking his hands in his jeans pockets, Mick looks back at Rosetta, just studying her eyes. He didn't know how Rosalyn and Chad really felt about each other... whether it was just a short-lived romance without anything more than a physical attraction, or if they really did have deeper feelings for each other. But he knew what love felt like, and if anybody had chastised him for wanting to be with Rosetta, he would have been very hurt and angry. He adored Rosalyn as his niece and just couldn't bring himself to make this harder on her. If she made a mistake, so be it - she'd been duly warned by her father. Mick didn't want to just sit back and watch her fall, but everything that needed to be said had been said - and now it was up to her. 

"I just can't tell Chad to leave," he concludes. "But I don't know what that will do to Jim."

Fuzzy

Moving twords the building Dalton has no idea of the danger, or the other assent that had gone unseen. The danger that await was not even thought of till the shot was heard. Ducking his head to was instinct as Dalton turns but a warm dagger hits his chest as everything instantly becomes numb. The last thing he saw before looking up at the sky was the shooter going down as well.

Now on the ground and looking up at the sky things were quickly becomes hazy. There was a warm sensation that pooled around him and yet his body felt numb. Had he been hit? The lack of movement said yes, but there was no pain, it didn't hurt, but it didn't feel normal either.

 Hearing the shot Nate looks to Jason his eyes going slightly large. There was not much time to thing though as the dealers start to scatter they new that they had to act fast and they did so. Ducking flying bullets of there own and returning fire it was haywire and crazy. Breaking away from Jason though Nate comes from behind at least trying to startle them to run outside and the plan worked.

   "CON, BE READY...THEY ARE COMING YOUR WAY."

Following behind but not to close Nate has Jason follow them out. He new Dalton was down but first they needed these guys taken care of. Once they are outside more shots ring out and the dealers drop to the ground. Not dead but unable to move from there own positions. 

Looking around and seeing Dalton at the far end Nate's heart races. He'd asked for him to come on this mission even though he had little field work, now he hoped it hadn't been a mistake. Running over to him and seeing all the blood Nate's heart races even faster as he slids down next to him.

   "Hang in there Dalton we are going to get you help stay with me buddy ok?"

Lifting Dalton's head a little bit he places his hand on the wound but dosn't push down in case the bullet was still inside of him. The small stream of blood that ran from his mouth was not a good sign and for the first time in a while Nate was scared.

   "Jason get over here...call 911, or anyone quickly."

Feeling Nate's hands Dalton takes in a rigged breath wincing a little bit. Things were becoming slightly fuzzy and the noises around him were becoming softer. Shifting his eyes a little to see Nate he gives a few coughs.

   "I never saw the other guy come up behind me...I should of ....I should of been more careful. Tell...Dani...I love her."

The night moved on and it was a relaxing one. Ryan was thankful for that, and was happy she got to spend it with two of her favorite people. Walking Tal to the door when it was his time to go Ryan gives him a soft kiss on the lips before seeing him out. 

Coming back into the living room and sits down on the couch and gives a stretch before looking to the side at her brother. Something seemed different with him today and she couldn't help but wonder what it was. 

   "Hey, everything ok? You seemed a little more quiet than normal tonight."

Standing in the kitchen with her husband Rosetta hands BJ his shoes helping him tie them as she listens to Mick. She'd heard bits and peaces all day about what was going on with Rosalyn and Chad but it was just now that she was finally getting the full story.

   "Wow...I would never think Jim would get that upset over this. I mean I can understand where he is coming from but I would think he'd also relize that Rosalyn has a head and would never start anything she couldn't handle."

Finished with BJ shoes Rosetta gives him a pat on the head telling him to head out to the dinning hall and they would be following. Turning back to Mick once he was gone Rosetta could see the look of worry in his eye. This was one of those things that was going to be pretty touchy.

   "So what are we going to do if he dosn't calm down at all? I respect his wishes but Chad is a paying customer and unless he has done something wrong we can't really tell him to leave."

Skunks

As an extra person shows up, plans quickly shift. Con wasn't sure now how the other three would handle the situation, but he knew his position. Surveying the situation from his vantage point, he couldn't see clearly enough to know which man was whom on the ground level, but they looked tense. Whatever that fifth man was for, it appeared this was not quite the casual meeting they'd assumed. 

"Looks like maybe we need to take it a step slower," Jason advises as he peers carefully out the window while speaking quietly. He knew Nate was in charge, but he also knew he didn't mind his input. "Let's take up our spots behind those crates like we planned." He gestures in the dark warehouse interior. "I wanna hear what all this is about and why we didn't know about this fifth guy."

Shifting his weight on his elbows, Con fiddles with his scope setting as Jason and Nate converse. Wait... had someone else just said something to him? He stops and concentrates on listening, hearing Dalton say, "Let's do this." Okay, that was all. Right. And his job was to watch the front, making sure no one got out that way or to alert the others if any more unexpected visitors showed up.

Without having heard Dalton's words to watch his back around the corner of the warehouse, Con focuses on the front door again, counting the men enter the building. Five. And his scope remains in that position in case he was needed. He hoped not, but he was ready if things went sour. What he didn't see was a sixth figure in the shadows moving towards Dalton's unprotected position.

And just when the first five men enter the building, a shot rings out. 

Inside, behind the stack of crates with Nate, Jason looks to him quickly, his eyes wide. But by now, the targets were inside and they couldn't speak without giving themselves away.

The five drug dealers all come to a sudden halt in the dimness, seeming to be just as surprised.

 Outside, Con's eyes whip to the side, his gaze coming to rest on the shooter - and a downed body. Adrenaline surges through his veins and without hesitating, he takes aim and fires. The shooter goes down. 

As the second shot is heard, the five men start to run back for the door. Jason steps out from the shadows with Nate, taking aim, though risky, in the dark. "Police! Freeze!" 

No one listens, and instead, gunfire comes in their direction, forcing them back behind the crates. "Con, what's going on out there?" Jason shouts, ducking another bullet. No answer. "Con! Dalton? 

Con's voice finally comes through - angrily. "Dalton's down... repeat, Dalton's down. Get those skunks outta there so I got some targets!"

Tal grins and shrugs, not having much of a comeback. Ryan was right... he did hang out with Eli all the time. And it wasn't nearly as bad as he joked about. If anything, he and Eli were getting to be as close as brothers - and both liked it, even if they drove each other crazy sometimes. 

"Well, your brother wanted to watch a movie. I wanted to try out the new video game. Then we wanted to rent that new action flick but they were all out. So then we thought about catching a football game, but we don't like either team, so then we went back to fighting about finding a movie here or playing the video game, so we arm wrestled for it." 

Eli snickers as he grabs some steak sauce from the fridge.

Tal throws him a look before glancing back at Ryan. "Yeah, you know how that went."

Coming to the table, Eli flexes his bicep. "So what movie are we watching?" 

Tal finally laughs. "Let Ryan pick. I don't care anymore." 

Supper was pleasant, and the steaks were good. With a little bit of banter, laughter came easily. Even though the three hung out a lot, it never seemed to get boring. By the time a movie was chosen and the evening moves on, Tal winds up on the couch with Ryan as usual. Tonight though, it felt like just a little something was... off. Tal couldn't put his finger on it, but for some reason, he felt as though he needed to hold Ryan a little extra tight, as if he might lose her if he didn't. Kissing her goodnight later, he found himself not wanting to leave, but he knew he had to. 

Still sitting in his chair and watching the last of the movie credits roll, Eli keeps to himself as Tal leaves. He'd pushed aside his questions about Ryan, but now they were coming back again. He knew better than to ask her what had happened before she'd come home earlier, but as her brother, he was worried. It seemed too many things had been upsetting her lately and he didn't like seeing her like that. 

Rosalyn finds herself smiling again, though just a little sheepishly. Here Chad was doing his best to give her an enjoyable evening and she wasn't exactly making it easy. "Yeah, okay." 

Withdrawing, she pops another shrimp in her mouth and grins. "One good thing... If it weren't for a fight, I probably wouldn't have gotten to go on a date with you."

"...and Jim's so hot that he didn't even finish up the chores. Becky came looking for him and I was the one that had to tell her about Rosalyn and Chad." 

Mick sighs as he washes his hands at the kitchen sink, cleaning up before he and Rosetta and BJ would head over to the dining hall. Things hadn't gotten easier after Chad and Rosalyn had headed to town, but Mick was just as glad that they were gone. Maybe it was just postponing more conflict, but deep down, he wanted to give the couple a chance. He didn't know Chad personally, but he knew Rosalyn was smart, and he wasn't going to assist in stopping her from being her own woman. 

Shutting off the water and grabbing a towel, Mick turns to give Rosetta a worried look. "It's been a long time since I've seen Jim that mad."