Good Start

Karla can't help the look of surprise as she looked around again. Now that she took a little more time to look one could they really didn't have a secretary  and they did need help bad. She chuckled to herself a little. Though a lot of bad had happened today she couldn't help but wonder if maybe this was another door opening for her. She was going to have a lot of time on her hands now, and filling it with something good not to mention putting a little money in her pocket was a good thing.

   "Yeah....I think you guys did bite off a little more than you thought."

Karla couldn't help but let her eyes go wide as she just watched Levi throw the papers on the desk without a care. This place needed a lot of organization, a lot of love, and a deep deep clean for sure. Looking at Levi again for a long moment there was something about him Karla couldnt put her finger on.

   "So when do you need me to start? I've never been a secretary before, but I did work with a band for a while so I know how to be organised. Maybe just start a few days a week and if you like me I can do more."

Giving a smile Karla realized she hadn't even introduced herself. She could kick herself right now.

   "Wow what a good start I haven't even introduce myself. I'm Karla!"

Looking down at Jared she quirked an eyebrow at him. She wasn't sure what was going on with him today but she didn't like it. Maybe he really had, had to much. No matter the reason his words stung and cut her deep. 

     "I'd be coming back tomorrow even if you told me not to Jared. You dont get to tell me when to come or not come because it's my job to come. I get paid to come for an hour and try and help you. The other three or four hours those...those are my time trying to be a friend, maybe the only friend you got left. So if you want to push me away so be it...I'll just come for my hour, collect my money and leave."

Turning Grace makes her way down the steps before stopping and turning to face Jared the rain still coming down. In a way she was happy for the rain. It masked the tears that rolled down her cheeks as she looked at her and it felt like her heart was breaking.

    "Just so you know....I didn't think it was a good idea that's why you weren't alone. Just because you can't see someone doesn't mean they are not there and it looks like you did fine getting home, so at least I know you got the drive to do that."

Turning again Grace makes her way to her car. She would be back tomorrow, but right now she was hurting more than she had in a long time.

Feeling Mick's foot under the table Rosetta couldn't help he smile that spread across her face as she studied her husband across the table. She could see in his eyes something was wrong and she couldn't help but feel the same a little. There was a lot unanswered on Lane's part. There just seemed more to the story even if she couldn't put her finger on it.

Conflicting

Levi finally shook himself loose from the chair and got himself to his feet. "Secretary? What secretary?" He took the rescued papers from the visitor, his hand brushing against hers as he did. "Thanks. We just, sorta, um..."

"What he's trying to say," Keith interrupted, "is that we've bit off more than the two of us can chew and we don't have a secretary, let alone one on vacation."

"We will though." Levi tossed the papers onto the desk in yet another haphazard pile. "Soon. We hope to, I mean. We're looking." He stopped, his cheeks finally back to their normal color, and gave her a crooked smile. "I'm Levi." He offered her a handshake. "You're not looking for a job are you?" he teased.

Keith rolled his eyes. "No, she tripped over my cleaning supplies out there and was gracious enough to bring them in with a stiff reminder not to forget them out there again."

Levi's eyes twinkled as he looked down at her. "Good, 'cause when I tried that, he didn't listen. You sure you don't want a job?"

"Levi!" Keith chided. The phone rang again an he sighed before going to his own desk to answer it.


Lydia was confused at seeing Grace come in the back door, but obeyed and kept quiet. Once she realized what was really going on as she peeked out from behind the curtains, tears pooled in her eyes. She would want to help anyone - but this was her son. So staying inside without going to help him hurt her heart.

Jared glanced up as Grace came out on the porch, unable to help the surprise that flashed in his eyes, even though he tried to hide it. The surprise was quickly replaced by his irritation though, and he looked away before taking the box of bandages. Able to get to his knee through the tear in his jeans, he simply covered the wound with a couple bandaids until he could clean it more thoroughly.

"You can come tomorrow," he growled, "but don't expect any cooperation from me. Not after you decided leaving me out there on my own was a good idea." He hurt all over. He was wet. He was cold. He was embarrassed. And he was angry.

"If that's what therapy is, you can take it and shove it."


"Oh..." Lane blinked. "Yeah...yeah, sure." Being the center of attention wasn't quite what he'd had in mind, but Angel was right - there would be a lot of questions from more than on person, most likely.

The door suddenly opened again. "Hey, Angel would you..." Luke's voice trailed off as he saw Lane. He was about ready to apologize for interrupting, thinking it was just a ranch visitor, but then, no one was scheduled to arrive today, and...did he know him?

Lane turned to see him, his eyes taking in everything from how Luke had aged, to the leg braces, to the cane he used. "Hi, Luke."

Luke glanced at Angel, then back again, silent until it finally dawned on him. "Mississippi?"

"The one and only."

"Oh wow..." Luke slowly stepped all the way into the office, his eyes wide. "What...brings you here?"

"Just in the area." Lane smiled. "Thought it was about time I saw my sister again."

"I'd say so. It's been what...?"

Lane shrugged. "I've never been too good at math."

Luke tried to think that far back, but it wasn't easy. He at least knew Mississippi had never met his niece so it had been a very long time. "Well it's good to see you. Staying long?"

"I've got some time to spare, so I'd like to hang around a few days and see everyone."

"Good...good." There was an awkward pause before Luke looked back to Angel. "Um..." He paused, then chuckled. "I have no idea why I came here," he admitted. "I'd retrace my steps, but I don't think my legs will let me." He rolled his eyes and eased down in a chair so he wouldn't fall down. At least today he was up and moving. Yesterday the pain had been so bad, he hadn't even been able to get out of bed. "Um, the bunk next to Eric's is open, I think. Number five," he mused before looking to Lane. "Unless you wanna stay in the house with us. We've got a spare room - I'm sure Angel wouldn't mind."

"Oh, no, it's okay, I'll stay in the bunk." Lane waved off the offer. "I wanna see y'all, not impose. Angel was just gonna get folks together," he continued so Luke wouldn't argue with him, "so I wouldn't have to repeat myself a hundred times. I didn't mean to cause a stir."

"Well, it's not every day someone from that far in the past shows up without warning."

"Right..." Lane finally slapped his hat back on his head and glanced back to Angel. "I'll, um... grab some of my stuff outta my truck, if that's okay. I can find the bunk alright."

Only after he'd left did Luke look to Angel, his eyes still a bit wide. "This is certainly a surprise. I wonder what made him decide to come here after all these years..."

...Lane made himself scarce until about suppertime when Angel managed to gather most everyone in the main house. It was awkward at first, and not everyone remembered him at first, but once they realized who he was, the memories started coming back...

"Wow..." Mick was the first to step forward and offer a handshake. "Been a long time, Mississippi."

Lane grinned and shook his hand. "Lane, please. Mississippi is such a mouthful. And yeah, I guess it has been a while."

"Like...twenty years?" Trent was the last to walk in the back door and came up slowly.

Lane smirked a little. "Trent. Wondered when you'd show up. I'd say it's been a little more than that, but who's counting?"

Trent grinned. "Not me."

Once everyone who had known Lane had a chance to greet him, Mick set his hands on his hips. "So what in the world brings you here?"

"Oh, just...chasing the wind." Lane fiddled with his hat. "Passing through, had a nostalgic moment and thought I'd drop in."

Trent quirked an eyebrow. "Where you at nowadays anyway?"

"I hang my hat wherever it falls." Lane shrugged. "Guess that part of me hasn't changed much over the years."

Mick glanced at Rosetta before clearing his throat. "Well, um, if you're gonna stick around, what say we all catch up over supper? Becky's got something cooking in there that smells awfully good."

"I don't know how I could say no to that." Lane tossed Angel a look. "Guess you're stuck with me..."

...A couple hours later, Lane sat at one of the dining room tables with Angel, Luke, Wendy, Clint and the kids. He'd interacted with almost everyone, rather overwhelmed by so many wanting to talk to him. Not that he'd expected a poor reception, but they all seemed to be even more gracious than he remembered.

Though his eyes were tired, he tried to stay alert. Dinner was over, but the fellowship continued, and Lane was still the center of attention. Listening to something Luke said, his attention was diverted when he felt something on his leg. Looking down, his eyes met those of Kaylee. She grinned up at him and said something no one could interpret. Lane chuckled and moved his chair back a little. "And to what do I owe this visit?"

Kaylee reached up her hands and giggled.

"Boy, you're a friendly little tyke, aren't you?" Lane didn't mind, and lifted her up onto his lap to bounce her and make her giggle even more.

Across the table, Clint had his own lap full of Chase, who had conked out half an hour ago. "She kinda claims everybody around here as her own," he commented wryly.

Lane chuckled. He could see Wes in the little girl's eyes. "I don't mind."

"You seem pretty comfortable with it."

Lane just shrugged without really responding. He glanced over at Wendy for the umpteenth time though, lost in thought.

Luke saw it and quirked an eyebrow. "Hard to believe that much time has gone by huh?"

Lane snapped back to attention before giving Kaylee a pat and sending her on her way. "Yeah...yeah, sorry," he apologized to Wendy. "Just glad I finally got to meet my niece. I heard you were born, and today you're all grown up with kids of your own." His eyes flitted to Angel, then back again. "Time...really does fly."


Mick's eyes continued to watch Lane as they had all evening. He was glad to see their old friend. Their paths has crossed only for a short time, but that time had been good. After so many years though, no one was ever the same. And showing up out of the blue like this... Mick couldn't help but be alert. So far, his observations were somewhat conflicting.

Lane had laughed and smiled with everyone, yet physically, he sat rigid and on edge, not having relaxed once. He conversed easily, yet there were very few questions he'd answered straight - after several hours, it was still unclear where he lived, where he'd been or what he did for a living. He appeared to enjoy everyone's company, but had yet to actually be clear about what brought him here. He asked questions and conversed, but somehow it seemed he was surprised by nothing, as if he was already familiar with everyone here. Seeing kids like Wendy or Dylan, Luke's condition, hearing Trent had a daughter, finding out about Wes' time in the military - none of it seemed to surprise him. At the very least, Mick would surmise Lane wore many layers, built up by a past he wasn't willing to share. At the very most...Mick wasn't sure he wanted to assume the worst, but something just didn't feel right. He just hoped it was something simple that would take care of itself.

Realizing he'd been neglecting his own table, Mick glanced across to Rosetta. Eying her with mischief, he slid his foot under the table to nudge her playfully. 

Million and One

   "Old man??? You better not let anyone hear you say that since you are younger than us all."

Angel couldn't help the laugh that escaped. Pulling away from her bother and looking up at him she eyes were filled with so much. Amazement, wonder and questions. She was so happy her brother was here, but at the same time it was just a tiny bit odd.

    "There is always room for family, even if there really wasn't. We would figure it out and go from there. Not to mention the ranch had grown a lot since the last time you were here."

Going back over to her desk Angel had a million questions she wanted to ask but she wondered if maybe calling the group together would be a better idea.

    "As happy as I am to see you there are a million and one questions that everyone is going to want to ask. Let me call everyone together so we can all catch up and you wont have to answer the question more than once."

Just continuing to look down at Jared his words stung. She new he was frustrated, and upset but non the less his words hurt and it took all she could not to show that hurt. Turning quickly Grace walked away. She'd meant it, if he wanted to pout than he could pout and have a pitty party on his own. She'd done all she could to keep that from happening and now she was just tired herself of holding it together and being fought tooth and nail. Getting far enough away that Jared couldn't see her anymore Grace ducks behind some bushes and continues to watch Jared. She felt like a creeper but as much as she wanted him to think she left him there she didn't really want to leave him there.

It seemed like forever but seeing Jared finally get up and make his way to home Grace smiled a little to herself before taking an alternative rout back to the house and slipping in the back door. Seeing Lydia she smiles and held her finger to her lip. She new she would be confused, but she didn't want Jared to know she had really come back here, not yet anyways. 

Giving Jared enough time to sit there Grace heads out with a box of bandages and drops them in his lap. She cared, she cared maybe more than he even realized. Maybe thats why she did all she did because she cared to much.

   "Glad you made it back. I'll be back again tomorrow same time and we can start again."

   "Yes, I think I am ok for the most...."

Karla's word trailed off at the comotion that was coming from behind Keith. Her eyes widened slightly slightly and it took as she could not to full out laugh at the sight that was happening before her, but a smile did spread across her lips. She had no idea what was going on right now, and maybe this business was running differently than most but she was happy she'd deiced to come in today. Through all the pain and hurt she at least got to smile a little.

   "Hi, yeah...I think it's your dad...who helped me. But it looks like you need more help than I do."

Bending down Karla starts to help pick up some of the papers that had fallen. She kinda felt bad. It really look like they were struggling here with everything going on all at once. She couldn't help but wonder if they were understaffed, or everyone was on vacation.

   "You guys sure do have your hands full. Is your secretary on vacation?"

A very pretty female visitor

A smile automatically came to Lane's face as Angel called him by his nickname. And how long had it even been since he'd heard her voice at all? Receiving her enthusiastic hug though, he stiffened before laughing and prying her away. "Whoa there... I'm an old man now, ya know." Still smiling, he held her at arm's length for a moment and just looked at her. Had he sent her a birthday card about ten years ago? He thought maybe he had. Other than that though...this was the first real contact in a very, very long time. His sister had no idea what his life was like now...or even who he really had become.

Emotions filled his eyes and his expression softened. "It's awfully good to see you," he mentioned quietly. Finally dropping his arms, he cleared his throat. "So, um...I was in the neighborhood and... thought maybe there was a chance I could stick around a few days or something. Spend some time with you... say hi to some of the others..." Question lingered in his gaze. Obviously Angel was glad to see him, but it might be bad timing, or there might not be a free bunk. After all...his arrival was certainly a surprise after not being seen for half his life. So much had changed. No one here even knew where he lived now or anything about him.

Realizing he was still staring at her, he shifted his eyes. A strange awkwardness seemed to settle over him, and he toyed with his hat. "Um... so yeah." He gave her a new smile. "That's why I thought maybe I shoulda called first."


Jared hadn't known what to expect from his little outburst, but a tongue-lashing wasn't it. Staring up at Grace as the rain came down on his face, his expression changed into a glare. Too caught up in his negativity to care about his language, this time his curse was aimed directly at Grace. "If you're so enthusiastic about getting back to the house, then just go! Leave me here. What do I care?! I never needed you or your help in the first place!" 

Maybe he didn't really think she'd actually walk away. Maybe he didn't really think she'd leave him here by himself. But...he was wrong. Swearing again was the only thing he muttered as she walked away, and for a good long few minutes, he did just sit there on the wet sidewalk. By himself. Now soaked to the bone. And miserable. 

His eyes glanced back down the route to the house. One block. That was all. It really wasn't all that far. But Grace was nowhere in sight. She really had left him. A new kind of fear mixed in with his anger. He'd said he hadn't needed her. But in reality, he'd never have made it this far without her. And now she'd called his bluff. 

It was a few more long minutes before he eventually tried standing again. With just one crutch for support, he fell several more times before finally being able to balance and support his own weight. His knee was still bleeding, and still hurt. His hand that had skidded on the pavement hurt. His back ached. Every muscle he could thing of was screaming at him to just stay on the ground and give up. But he made one step. Then one more. Without the support of someone else's arms, it was inevitable that he fall again. And he did. But this time at least, he was close enough to his abandoned crutch that he could crawl to it and now have two to work with. 

He wasn't sure how long it took him to make it back to the house, but when he finally did, he collapsed on the porch steps. Pulling himself up to where he was at least out of the rain now, he leaned back against the railing, utterly exhausted. He was too tired, too hurt and too angry to be proud of himself, though. He needed to get a bandage on his knee, but moving anything just took too much effort for the moment.


Glancing up as the door opened, Keith blinked when he saw the young woman with his cleaning supplies. "Oh, Hun, I'm so sorry." He quickly came over to her and took the bucket to set it aside out of the way. "I got so wrapped up in my work I totally forgot about this." It wasn't hard to see her red eyes, but it seemed perhaps the tears had come earlier than this incident. That didn't mean she hadn't hurt herself just now, though. "Are you alright?"

Back at his desk, Levi was ignoring everything else as he handled yet another phone call. “Yes, of course… Right… Yes, I’ve got it right here…” He glanced around, shifted a stack of papers that fell over to mix with a different stack, then looked under the desk calendar, still not finding the paper he was looking for. “Uh-huh…” Swiveling in his chair, he spotted it on top of an open filing drawer. Rolling towards it, he leaned backward to reach it, only to have one of the chair’s casters snap off. Crashing to the floor, his legs were mangled in the chair, while the rest of him got impossibly tangled in the phone cord.

Keith interrupted his short conversation with Karla to spin around at the loud commotion, eyes wide.

Now almost spread-eagle on the floor – except for one leg that was somehow wrapped around the chair’s armrest – Levi groped for the paper without even skipping a beat on the phone. “Yep, I’ve got all the numbers you emailed us yesterday… Right… Perfect…. Thanks, Joe. Talk to you again soon…. Bye.” Once he’d heard the click on the other end, he tossed the receiver aside and groaned. He’d twisted his knee, got rug burn on his elbow, and the chair that had been held up with duct tape for a whole year had finally bitten the dust. His eyes finally glanced up. And to top it all off, they had a visitor. His cheeks grew hot. A female visitor. A very pretty female visitor.

Keith's eyes were still wide as he looked back at Karla. “Um…excuse me for just a tiny moment.” He wandered over to Levi and had to try really hard not to laugh. “You, uh…okay there, Son?”

Levi propped himself up on his arms as if everything was perfectly normal. “Yeah, why?” His face remained red, despite his calm demeanor. “Found that info on Joe.” He gestured to the paper that was now on the floor as well. “And by the way, we need to buy a new chair.”

“Apparently so.” Keith folded his arms. “Need help getting up?”

“Naw, I was just getting comfortable.” Levi tried to pull his leg loose, but the cuff of his jeans had somehow gotten caught, and no amount of pulling was going to free him. Giving up, his eyes rose to the young woman again and he gave a little wave from where he was. “Hi,” he greeted calmly. “Have you been helped?”

Crap

Sometimes Karla wished she had a car. Today would be a nice day for that. To just get away and not have people staring at her because it was easy to see she had been crying. Leaving Kip standing there was one of the hardest things. It took all she will power not to turn around and run back to him.

Completely lost in though Karla dosnt even notice the bucket of cleaning supplys in front of her till it was to late and she already tripped over them with a loud clatter. Shaking away the fog of what just happened Karla eyes the bucket and than looks up to where she'd fallen. McAlister & Son Advertising.

   "Well McAlister..maybe you should learn to pick up your crap."

Standing Karla takes hold of the bucket and goes inside just standing there for a moment looking around at the mess. It sure did explain why the bucket was left outside, everything was a mess in here too.

  "Umm...excuse me? You left this outside and its going to get someone killed. Since I already tripped on I thought I'd return it to you."

Walking and taking Jared's own pace was nice. Grace didn't mind it one bit and the cool rain felt nice on her skin. Just staying silent they walked. It wasn't till Jared stumbled that Grace jerks a little trying to catch him but she just couldn't. 

As he threw a cuse into the air, and sate there salking had, had just about enough. She'd been easy going with him, didn't push but now...it had gone one enough. Jared needed to snap out of it. Bending down in front of him.

   "If I felt sorry for myself every time I fell down I wouldn't be where I am now. Now get up off your butt, and try again or I'm going to leave you here to wallow in misery by yourself while I go back to the house to dry off and have coco with your mom."

Standing again Grace looks down at Jared. She new she was being a little harsher than normal but it was about time it needed to be done. Jared needed to get it together.

   "So whats it going to be..are you going to give up, or try again?"

Looking down at the file in front of he Angel rests her head on her hand. Today had been a long day and she was sleepy. Everything around her just seemed to fade away. So when someone came into the office she didn't even look up from what she was readying.

Hearing a voice Angel's head shot up started for a moment. Squinting her eyes for a second she hadn't been expecting anyone but there was something familiar. Letting her eyes adjust she couldn't help the look of shock on her face as she jumped up realizing who it was.

   "MISSISSIPPI.....!!!!"

Running over to her brother and throwing her arms around him she gives him a big hug nuzzling her face into him. It had been a long time, to long since the last time she had seen him. Not a day went by she didn't think of him, and she missed him more than most people new.

   "Of course you didn't have to call. You know you are always welcomed here. I missed you so much..." 

Long lost face

If the earth would have opened up right there to swallow him, Kip would have let it. Karla's words struck him to his very core, even though it was all his own fault. Her tears hurt like nothing else...yet he was helpless to comfort her...not when he'd been the one to cause her pain.

Realizing she really was going to walk away without giving him another chance, his hand slipped from her shoulder as she left and didn't even turn around. Though everything in him wanted to continue begging, the burn in the pit of his stomach told him that it would only make things worse. She was gone. And this may very well have been the last time he'd ever see her.

That thought alone sent new tears into his eyes. He'd just lost the best thing that had ever happened to him. He'd just lost his best friend. All because he was a wretched loser. There was no going back. No fixing it. No second chance. He was alone.

He didn't know how long he stood on the porch, but the image of Karla walking away would be burned into his mind forever. At some point, he ended up back in his room, curled up on his bed as his tears fell silently into his pillow. And for the moment, he was sure that he'd never be able to forgive himself for what he'd done.


“Yes…yes, we’ll have the designs sent right on over to the printers. Uh-huh…sure thing. Right.” Levi nodded, even though the client on the other end of the line couldn’t see him. He jotted down another note on a piece of scratch paper. “Yep. It’s all taken care of…. Right, I’ll get those other bids to you this week… Okay… Have a great day… Goodbye.”

After hanging up, he stood from the cluttered desk and pinned his note – which looked like it was full of chicken scratches – to the cork board on the wall. “Mr. Hollingsworth is pleased with our progress, and wants those bids on the business cards and posters as soon as possible.”

“Nicely done.” Keith nodded to his son before continuing to clean the two large windows that overlooked the street. “How are we doing with the designs for that pet store?”

“Great! I…think.” Levi turned to stare at the desk. “It’s somewhere between the Hollingsworth job and the….oh, shoot, do I need to call the newspaper today for the Jackson event?”

“Um…” Keith paused his work. “I think so. Didn’t we write it on the calendar?”

“Yeah…” They both looked at the wall calendar which was full of handwritten notes – most of them barely readable. Levi grimaced. “You mentioned a couple weeks ago something about hiring a secretary…”

Keith tossed his dirty paper towels into a nearby trashcan. “Evidently we need an extra set of hands.” He grinned sheepishly. “Guess that’s what happens when you outgrow your basement.”

“Guess so. Progress, right? I looked at the books last night…we can’t afford to pay too much, but if we find the right person, it would be nice to have someone to at least keep track of our deadlines. Maybe handle the phones.”

“Agreed.” Keith walked over to the second desk and woke up his computer. “Let’s not advertise too widely yet. How about just putting a sign in the window and seeing if anybody bites?”

“Sure. If nothing happens and this place gets worse, we can put an ad in the paper.”


Though he didn't say so, Jared was glad for Grace's reassuring arm as he stared down at the porch steps. Fumbling his way around inside the house was one thing. Going down stairs - quite another.

It took all his strength to balance on his crutches as he slowly took it one step at a time. Four steps never seemed so tall. Once on the sidewalk, the rain pelted his face, and he took a moment to just breathe in the warm, wet air. They'd both be soaked in minutes, but he didn't care.

Eyes glued to the sidewalk, it was slow going. He remained quiet, still tucked safely back in his own little world, while also requiring most of his concentration just to get his muscles to cooperate. Each crack in the pavement could have been three-foot hurdles. Each slick spot, a trap for his crutches. A few times, he had to rely on Grace to keep him steady as his legs tried to buckle.

The length of one block. And he was absolutely exhausted. His hands ached from holding all his weight on the crutches, and his back had gone almost numb from the pain. Any strength left in his legs was just about gone. Soaked to the bone, his t-shirt and jeans clung to him as he turned around and stared back towards the house. The block may as well have been a mile. But Grace couldn't carry him. Walking was the only way back.

Only a few more steps, and Jared's legs had had enough. Unable to lift his foot anymore, his toe caught on an uneven spot in the sidewalk. With weakened arms, and too much weight for Grace, falling was inevitable. Hindered by the crutches made it even worse, and when it was all over, he was sitting in a heap on the wet sidewalk, one hand with scraped knuckles, and a tear in the knee of his jeans where blood was already showing through.

The physical pain hurt. The emotional pain hurt. And it was all he could take.

Yelling a curse into the wind, he took one of his crutches and sent it flying where it landed quite a ways away, narrowly missing someone's mailbox. Sitting on the wet ground as the rain continued to fall, Jared ignored his bleeding knee. He was sick of hurting. Sick of needing to rely on everybody else. He knew he was on blood thinners and shouldn't risk even a little injury like this, but he just didn't care anymore.

"I can't take it anymore!" he shouted angrily. "I can't do this!" His eyes glared up at Grace, even though she really wasn't the target of his anger. "It's stupid to keep trying! I'll never be the same again! I have no life anymore, no job, no future, and it sucks!"

Tears mingled in with the rain that ran down his face. "Why me?! Why didn't I just die?!"


Aaron slowly opened his eyes, trying to bring everything back into focus after being knocked out by Garret. Seeing someone standing over him, he lurched against the restraints in his bed.

Justin didn't flinch, but simply remained standing, his arms folded as he observed this angry and desperate man. "Ya know - you're not gonna break loose. I mean, I don't care if you keep fighting, but honestly, there's no point unless you're trying to build up your muscles or something."

Aaron glared at him. "Who are you?"

"Why does everybody always ask me that?" Justin sank down in a chair and grabbed his notepad. "Aaron, huh? Heard you were a pretty good agent."

"You the one that's brainwashed Garret?"

"Why do you think he's been brainwashed?"

"That's the only reason he'd be trying to keep me here instead of going back where we belong." Aaron pulled against the straps again. "But I'll never give in," he growled. "You can try all you want. I'm not going to stay here. I'm not going to give anybody any information, so just give up now and leave me alone!"

Justin smirked. "Really? That's all you got?"

Aaron's glare remained, but he stopped struggling. "What do you want, anyway?"

"Nothing, really. Just wondered what kind of material you're made out of. Garret speaks pretty highly of you."

"Garret's a traitor, and obviously far less intelligent than I ever gave him credit for."

"Ya think?" Justin cocked his head. "What if he found something better than being a soldier for the Agency?"

"There's nothing else for guys like us," Aaron hissed.

Justin made a note. "How'd you wind up in the Agency anyway?"

"I was recruited 'cause they knew I'd make a good agent. And I didn't disappoint." Aaron flexed his wrists once more against the restraints.

"Mmm. And Garret? How'd you end up with him?"

"I was good enough to be on his team. Period."

"So he's one of the best."

"He was," Aaron muttered. "Now he's just a nobody who's lost all my respect."

Justin nodded and made another note. "You wanna get out of those restraints?"

Arron frowned. "Of course I do."

"Good." Justin turned to Rick. "Hey, Rick? Wanna come help me a second?"

Rick had been listening, and now gave him a very leery glance. "I don't think that's such a good idea."

Justin shrugged. "He didn't get very far the last time."

Aaron pulled again and threw him a new glare. "Just give me on second and I'll have you flat on your back."

"Oh yeah?" Justin set his hand on his knee and squeezed, making Aaron writhe back in pain. "I...kinda have a feeling you and I are gonna get along alright." With Rick, he freed Aaron's wrists and ankles.

Aaron didn't try to get up, but just flexed his joints, confused at Justin's behavior. "You can't expect me to stay in here."

"What are you gonna do? Walk away? From what I hear, it's gonna be a while before you're gonna walk straight again. So if I were you, I'd just cool my jets and chill out. Can't beat laying around all day and getting three square meals for free."

"It's not free when I'm a prisoner."

"Ya know...maybe if you really respected Garret as much as you did, you should take a second look at what he's done. You might be surprised at what you find."

"I doubt it."

"Suit yourself." Justin made another note before wandering over to the phone and dialing. "Hal, listen, we could use some eyes for a while... Yeah. Just to make sure Rick and Misty don't get bushwhacked by this maniac... Okay, thanks."

Aaron rolled his eyes. "So you think I can't run away, but you're still gonna put a guard on me."

"Only because if I didn't, Reese would have my hide. I don't think you're going to run away again, and I don't think you're going to hurt anyone. There's no point."

Aaron fell silent, and the short session was over. Justin would digest their interaction and give his report to Reese in due time. And surprisingly enough...Aaron wouldn't try again that day to escape.


A small, black pickup pulled into the ranch driveway and slowly approached the main buildings. It was an older truck - evident through the rust around the edges, and a dent in the side that had never been fixed. After parking, the driver sat for several moments, just scanning the area before he exited. Squinting out from under his old cowboy hat, he silently took in all the sights. He appeared to perhaps be in his forties, though one might believe life had not been easy on him. He held his tall, lanky frame with confidence, while weariness laid behind eyes of deep green that seemed to speak a thousand languages of emotion.

He shed his denim jacket and tossed it through the truck's open window before making sure his t-shirt was tucked into his jeans and wiping the dust off the top of his worn cowboy boots by using the backs of his pant legs. Though it would seem he was a stranger, he aimed towards Angel's office rather than the main house where most people would go. The eyes that glanced his way from the barns and paddock didn't interrupt his steady stride.

Reaching the porch, he started to knock, then realized the door was already partway open. Only then did he hesitate. For a moment, his hand simply rested on the doorknob as if he couldn't decide if he really wanted to be here or not. Eventually though, he quietly opened the door and stepped inside. Letting his eyes adjust, he spotted Angel at her desk.

A melancholic sort of smile creased his lips, and he took off his hat. "You haven't changed a bit," he mused quietly. Coming a few steps closer, he swallowed hard, the emotions churning in his gaze. Did she recognize him? Would she remember him? It had been so very long. Twenty years? He'd lost track. His driver's license said Lane Lachey. But those here from his past might know him only by Mississippi. "I know I prolly shoulda called first..."

Lead the Way

Stopping and feeling Kips hand on her shoulder Karla couldn't help the tears that ran from he eyes. She once loved Kip's touch, and she loved to have him close, but things had changed now and that's just not how it was anymore. Karla new Kip didn't understand, but it was how she felt, and it was how she saw things. Her voice cracked as she struggled to find words.

   "If you only had feeling for me Kip, this wouldn't have happened. I needed you too". 

Not turning around to look at Kip Karla wiped the ears from her eyes. Oh how she wished she was stronger, how she wished she could of pushed the tears away, but she couldn't.

   "Now when I look at you, or feel your touch I see Whitney too. Knowing that while we were together you were with her, even if it was just night. What was one day be sacred with us, is marked by someone else. I'm sorry Kip, but that is to important to me to just forget about it. I'm sorry."

Slipping out from under Kip's hand Karla continued on her path down the steps. She had to get out of there, she felt like she was suffocating. She just need to get out, clear her head, cry, and start a new tomorrow, alone once again.

Grace didn't know how much time had passed that they sat there and she didn't mind. The sound of the rain drops were nice, the cool wind and rolling thunder, it was just peaceful to her. As Jaded stired she moved her arms to give him the freedom to do what he liked while she just watched. Upon his request Grace smiles. Sometimes the best therapy was no therapy at all.

Coming up along side Jared Grace tucked her arm around his. Still letting him walk on his own but wanting herself to hold onto him. Giving his arm a gentile squeeze and a no of her head Grace waited to go at Jared's pace.

   "Lead the way, I'm just along for the ride."

I need you...

As Karla talked, Kip sank down on the bed. His face showed everything from shame to surprise. He knew he'd done wrong. He knew he'd been stupid. But...she was really going to cut things off? Just like that? Without giving him a second chance?

He blinked in shock as she turned to leave. That was it? He sat stunned for a moment before getting to his feet. He had to fix this. Sprinting through the house, he caught up with Karla on the porch. "Karla, wait...please." He reached out to set a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "I'll do anything," he begged softly. "Just give me a chance to prove it'll never happen again."

Tears stung his eyes. Never had he felt so stupid and ashamed. "I don't have feelings for anybody but you." His voice started to crack as a tear rolled down his cheek. "Please don't leave me. I need you."


Jared's eyes remained closed as he began to relax under Grace's touch. He was so tired, and her hand running through his hair felt so good...

...He pried his eyes open and groggily tried to get his bearings, not realizing he'd been sleeping for over half an hour. A new rumble of thunder made him jump, and he looked up quickly, just now realizing he was still using Grace's lap as a pillow. Slowly bringing his mind out of its fog, he squinted out at the rain and sighed. 

Without saying anything, he gradually sat up and managed to get his legs in a normal position again. Then looking over at the crutches, he gritted his teeth. He could get to them if he really wanted to. Still saying nothing to Grace, he used the swing's chain to pull himself up until he was standing, then let himself fall against the wall of the house where at least his target was within reach. Though unsteady, he managed to get a hold of the handles and strap them to his forearms by himself, then turned towards the steps. 

It was still pouring rain, but in this moment...that's what he wanted. He just wanted to feel the coolness on his skin. He wanted to hide in the wet curtain and feel the thunder. Outside. Where he wasn't caged in. 

"I wanna go for a walk," he requested hoarsely.


Though Jason was a little disappointed he hadn't received a more positive response from Misty, he knew his little speech wasn't entirely wasted. And he was glad she still viewed him as a friend. He knew he'd always treasure her friendship...and the short time they'd had as more than friends. But just to gain back some normalcy would be nice. For now, he'd just have to be patient.

He smiled a little as he stood up and came over to her, gently taking the cold cup from her hand. "I'm a master at making hot tea," he teased. "And as far as the donuts are concerned, the offer goes for any day." He gave her shoulder a pat before heading to the door to make another cup of tea for her.


Off to the side, Garret watched the little scene in confusion. He knew the history there because of all the Agency had done to Carson. He knew Jason had stepped in, then left - though he didn't know why. But the bottom line was, he'd left her. Yet here they were, still friends. Misty was broken, no doubt, but even so, she didn't have to forgive Jason. But she did. Why? It didn't make sense.

Rubbing his wrist a bit gingerly, he realized he must have torqued it in his scuffle with Aaron. Glancing over to the unconscious form, he sighed. Maybe his efforts really were in vain after all.

"You alright?

Garret shifted his eyes to Rick, who had just strapped Aaron to the bed again. "What?"

"Your wrist." Rick gestured to him. "Hurt yourself?"

"Nah. I've had worse."

"I'm sure." Rick rolled his eyes and gestured for Garret to follow him to the counter. "You've got more in common with the agents around here than you think." He prodded Garret's wrist for a few moments. "That hurt?"

"A bit."

"Mmm." Rick retrieved an ace bandage to wrap it. "Slight sprain is all, I'd say. Just try not to get in any fights for a few days, okay?"

Garret watched dumbly as Rick bandaged his wrist. Why did this guy even care? The longer he was here, the more he wondered if these people really had all their sanity in tact.

Rick glanced up and gave him a wry grin. "What? Think I'd strap you to a bed, too?"

"Guess I wouldn't put it past you to try," Garret mused. He flexed his wrist and nodded. "Thanks." Wandering out of the infirmary and finding the hall empty, he aimed for the main floor. He'd already worked out this morning and was going mad with boredom...again. Heading for Nate's desk, his path was blocked by the newcomer.

Kirk was just setting up his laptop in an empty cubicle, and had stepped out to find some extra paper. Seeing Garret, he stopped. Despite the recent scene, his eyes showed no fear - only caution. "Reese tells me you're the newest member of the Elite rehabilitation program."

Garret quirked an eyebrow. He wasn't so sure he liked that label. "And you are?"

"Kirk Young. I'm with the FBI, here to evaluate the Elite."

Garret gave him a once over with his eyes. "Here to evaluate, or here to shut it down?"

"Would you like it if I shut it down?"

"Why would I?"

Kirk shrugged. "I guess maybe it depends on where your loyalties really lie."

Garret started to move closer, when Reese's voice from behind stopped him. "Garret, come with me, please."

Despite wanting to take a swing at this FBI agent, Garret refrained, and turned to follow Reese over to Nate's cubicle. Reese gave Nate a stern look. "Would you mind keeping a short leash on this guy until Kirk is out of our hair, please? One more scene like that, and we don't stand a chance." Spinning on his heel, he stalked back to his office.

Garret leaned on the cubicle wall and looked at Nate without much humor. "You can chain me up out back, if you want," he suggested sarcastically. "That would probably keep everybody happy."


Medridge Stared at his map on the wall. One would have to try very hard to even realize it was a map anymore, with so many notes and strings covering it. Faces. Names. Connections. It was only a small glimpse into what his mind must look like on the inside.

"It's been too quiet in Texas," he mused aloud.

Natasha stood nearby, notepad in hand. With Agent Mathis on the Stevenson case in Nevada, she was left to delegate jobs for Medridge as she saw fit. His comment though, made her brow furrow in question. "Sir?"

"Yes...yes, indeed." He paced in front of the map and scanned some of the names before turning around to study Natasha's business-like demeanor. Her dark hair was pulled back into a bun, glasses on top of her head, and her choice of clothing was a smart blouse and skirt outfit. Anyone would guess she was an ordinary secretary, perhaps for a law firm or the like. It satisfied Medridge. She could blend in if he ever needed her on the field. For now though, her job was just to take notes and put men on jobs for him.

He wandered to his desk and took pen and paper to scribble out a name, then handed it to Natasha. "Find him. I want to know all about him. Everything. Then report back to me."

Natasha read the name, still confused. "I thought you were referring to the ranch."

"I am. But we need new eyes. We need someone who can report back to us exactly what's going on inside. That means someone they will trust." Medridge nodded in satisfaction. "But we must trust him, too. Find his weakness. Then he'll be ours to control."

"Yes, sir." Natasha tucked the note in her pocket for safe keeping. "I'll get right on it."

Tea Though...

About to turn away Misty stops at the mention of Wyatt and getting into it with Jason. Her cousin was so proactive Misty didn't mind though it made her feel good he cared. Misty just continued to listen before turning around. Deep down she new Jason didn't mean to hurt her, and she understood why he had broke things off and she couldn't be mad about that either. It was an extremely honorable thing he did, but still on top of everything else she was still hurting.

   "You never lost my friendship Jason. We always have been and always will be friends."

Turning Misty walked to her desk and sat down taking a sip of her tea that had now gone cold. She didn't mind though. Sitting down she let out a small sigh and looked at Jason for a long moment, She wish she felt better, she wished things were better but the truth was they wernt.

   "Thanks for the off but I'm not really feeling up for doughnuts at the moment...I could go for more tea though."

Karla held up her hand to Kip and entered the room. She didn't want to small talk much. She just wanted to get to the point. This was going to be hard for every one involved and it was better to just get it done and over with than.

   "No I'm good thank you anyways."

Pacing for a long moment Karla had her arms wrapped around herself. This was so hard for her and she had no idea what to say first. It took all she could to not just turn into s big ball of a mess right here.

    "Kip....I,,,I did a lot of thinking and I do forgive you, but I cant forget what you did."

Karla turns to Kip and searches his face. So much emotion was on her own. She'd been thinking a lot, about different things and one thing just seems to keep running into the other that she couldn't get over.

   "What we had...it doesn't feel special anymore. Its not just you and me, its you me and someone else. I dont know if that makes sense but to me it does. I know you can say you will never let it happen again but the fact is it did happen. You were unfaithful, our bond broken, and on top of all that...I dont feel special to you anymore. I wasn't good enough to have you call me and tell me what was going on,"

Everything Karla said made sense to her, if it did anyone else she didn't know. It was a hard thing to swallow to look at Kip and know he'd been with another woman. 

   "I'm sorry but I just can't be with you anymore. I cant be in a relationship where I cant trust the other person, where the sacred bond is broken. I..just cant."

Karla turned and headed out of the room. If she stayed there she'd change her mind, or shed break down and cry in front of him. This whole thing was hard to swallow. She only friend, one of the last few people she had, was now gone. Things were just...different.

As Jared shifted Grace just let him. She new how bad everything was for him right now, and he new it was hard. Just resting her one hand on his solder her other hand just absentmindedly ran her fingers through his hair. She was comfortable just siting there with the cool wind blowing.

    "You know, I don't really feel like doing anything today myself. How about we just sit here and enjoy each others company? Sometimes that really is the best therapy."

Donut Runs

Hearing the knock on the door, Kip's heart lurched. He'd been pacing his bedroom ever since Karla had said she was coming over. Things were going to be okay, right? He knew things wouldn't be back to normal right away, but she'd give him a chance to prove he wouldn't be stupid again, surely. Whatever she asked of him, he'd do it to make things right again.

Opening up the door, for a quiet moment he just looked at Karla, his eyes wearing the same sorrowful look they had the other night. He wanted to reach out and hug her, but her expression made him leery. Maybe he should wait.

Backing up, he gestured to his bed where they always sat and talked or cuddled while watching a movie. "Come on in," he invited quietly. "I'm... I'm glad to see you." He really was. Her coming over was a good sign. He tucked his hands in his jeans pockets and shifted his weight awkwardly. "If you wanna stay a while, I can grab us a couple cans of pop or something..."


Jason obeyed Misty's directions, though he sighed when she listed all the reasons for concern when it came to the Agency. He winced a little as she cleaned the wound, but didn't complain. He knew good and well this was the wise thing to do.

He gave her a wry grin as she finished up. "It wasn't my bodyguard's fault. Nobody coulda seen this one - the shooter was too far away. Wyatt feels bad enough the way it is."

Rolling his sleeve back down, he remained seated on the bed. It felt a little awkward to have Misty help him. Though they were okay, it felt like things between them just hadn't ever been quite settled. Though interacting at work, there was just this invisible wall, and Jason hated it. Mostly because he knew it was his own fault. He hadn't exactly planned on saying anything today but...maybe taking advantage of the moment wouldn't be so bad. "Speaking of Wyatt... he told me last night that I'm a jerk." He bit his lip. "Talk about a buzz kill." Really? That's where he chose to start? He inwardly rolled his eyes at himself.

"He pointed out rather boldly that I'm awfully good at starting things...and just as good at not following through. I was mad at him...til I realized he was right."

Would saying these things really make any kind of difference? He had his doubts, but it was too late to stop now. "I guess I really have built quite a pattern of getting in too deep then royally messing things up, and... I know I've apologized for what happened with us but...I guess I'm still sorry. I can't change anything now. I was dumb from the get-go. I don't regret being there for you... I just went about things all wrong and... If I could go back and do things differently, I would."

He searched Misty's face, hoping she wouldn't think him crazy. "Guess I deserved the tongue-lashing from your cousin, but..." He shrugged. "Thought maybe we could at least shoot for being friends again?" A little grin surfaced. "And I'm the kind of friend who even goes on donut runs in the middle of the day...in case bribery works."


Jared didn't move or say anything as Grace approached and sat down after shifting his legs. But he didn't complain either. Truth be told...as miserable as he was, her words touched a part of his heart that he usually kept too deeply for anyone to reach. It didn't bring a smile to his face, but he knew what she really meant. He knew her statement didn't just apply to the literal storm clouds rolling by.

Remaining silent, it wasn't clear how many minutes passed until he stirred. It was difficult - especially after going these last few days without any therapy - but he slipped his legs off her lap and shifted his weight. It was wobbly on the swing, but he managed to make the effort anyway, until he was eventually opposite of what he was before. Though his legs weren't as comfortable, he ignored the pain, and leaned back until his head was resting in Grace's lap. He still said nothing, but simply closed his eyes as the swing rocked gently. A tear slipped down the side of his face, as his fingers found her hand. Words couldn't express how dark the world felt to him right now. 

"Please don't make me do therapy today," he whispered.

Wonders

Walking up to Kip's house Karla just stood outside for a long moment. She'd called Kip a few hours ago and asked if she could come over. She wanted to talk to him, she needed to talk to him and it couldn't wait. After the last few days of silence it was time to talk about everything that happened. She new it was going to be hard though, for herself, for Kip...it just was not going to be an easy thing to hash out. She'd cried, she'd prayed, and she'd kept to herself these last days.

Finally getting the courage Karla walked up to the door and gave a knock before opening it and going in. Seeing Gram and Gramps in the living room she smiled a little and waved before heading up to Kips room and giving a knock at the door. Picking at a lose string on her coat she waited till he answered.

Seeing Jason come into the room Misty tried to give a little smile though things seems a little awkward now, and when everything that has been going on she still wasn't her old happy self. Smiles were hard to come by, and her eyes where just dark. Life seemed so different now, she just didn't know how to fix it.

   "Come and sit here."

Misty motioned to the one of the empty beds close to her desk. If Aaron woke up again she wanted Jason as far away as he could be. For all they new Aaron could be the one that was to kill Jason if anything happened. She wouldn't take that chance or risk.

   "My overprotective Uncle is smart. Bullet could of been laced, it could of nicked something a million to one things could of happened specially if it was from the Agency. We all know they know no bounds."

Drawing quiet again Misty sets to work looking at Jason's wound and cleaning it up. The would didn't look to be reacting to any poisons, or any sign that it might, Jason got lucky or the person the Agency send was dumb. Either way Jason wold be ok.

   "You got lucky this time. Just keep clean dressing on it so it wont get infected, and tell your bodyguards to do a better job."

Pulling into the driveway Grace looks at the sky and grimes for a moment. She'd hope to get out and about with Jared today but it looked like the rain had other plans. Getting out of the car and tucking her keys into her pocket she made her way to the porch, up the steps and to the swing. Gentily she lifts Jared's legs and slids under them on the porch swing.

Looking out at the sky again the clouds where thick, and dots of light broke that darkness as thunder formed. A cool breeze blew and she closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again and looking at Jared with a smile.

   "It's always amazing how storms can look so scary, and some times are, but afterwords there is always a calm, a rainbow, new life that forms. One of the many wonders of the world if you ask me."

Chaotic Moment

Watching Karla walk away, Kip tried to say something, but the words caught in his throat. Though he reached out to her, she was gone. His feet felt as though they were glued to the ground. He wanted to run after her. He wanted to say he was sorry at least a hundred more times. He wanted to scream. But this is what he deserved, and he knew it.

With head hanging, he eventually wandered in the direction of home again. Hands in pockets and shoes scuffing the pavement, he walked as a wounded soul. Wounded by his own actions. His own poor choices. Choices that had broken someone's heart.

Getting back to the house, he was surprised to see someone sitting on the porch in one of the patio chairs. Nearing though, he realized it was Gramps. Still, both he and Gram were usually in bed by now. Kip approached cautiously, just wanting to go to bed himself, and pretend that nothing around him existed anymore. But even though he tried to get away with just a little wave, Gramps gestured to the chair next to him.

Sighing, Kip obeyed and sank down, his eyes falling to the porch floor. Gramps studied him for a moment before letting his gaze roam the nighttime surroundings. "Her name was Barbara." It seemed a bizarre place to start talking, and Kip's eyebrows rose.

"I knew her all through grade school and into high school," Gramps continued. "I liked her. A lot. Figured one day I might even marry her." He folded his arms and leaned back as the memories filtered through his mind.

Kip took the bait. "What happened?" he asked quietly.

Gramps shrugged. "I messed things up. Made a big mistake. We fought. It was entirely my fault, even though at the time I wasn't going to admit it for anything." He had to chuckle about it now. "Yes...that was one young lady I'll always remember. I dare say she was my first love."

Kip swallowed hard. "So it...was over...between you two?"

"Yep. That was it. I tried for a while to get back together with her, but she wouldn't have any part of it."

"Are you telling me that I may have screwed things up with Karla permanently?"

Gramps thought for a few quiet moments. "If I hadn't lost Barbara, I never would have met Gram. And I thank God every day for her. I'm not saying a future with Barbara wouldn't have been great. But God worked things out in my life that turned out even better than I'd hoped - in spite of my own silly mistakes."

Had Kip really lost Karla? Surely not. Surely she'd forgive him...right? It might take a while but...but she'd come around, wouldn't she? He'd hear from her and they'd talk things through, and he'd promise never to be stupid like that again, and they'd be okay....right? He focused on a splinter of wood in the floorboards before he finally got to his feet again. "I'm glad you found Gram," he concluded softly. But he really didn't want to think about his own mess anymore right now. He just wanted to go to bed.

Even in bed though, his phone was tucked under his pillow with the volume up. Just in case. Karla could text or call any time, and he wouldn't want to miss it. But he didn't hear from her. Not that night. Not for the next few days. Countless times he started to call or text her, but stopped himself. What could he say anyway? Maybe she just needed time. And then everything would be okay. He'd give her space, and then things could get back to normal.


It was an odd kind of feeling as Jason pulled out of the Elite parking lot with Wyatt tailing close behind in his jeep. It had been such a good evening, and such a long time since Jason had really enjoyed himself like that. He didn't really want it to end...but nothing would last forever. And too soon, the next day had come...

“Hello, Mike Reese?”

Reese stood from his desk as the newcomer entered. He was a medium-height, thin man, clean shaven with dark hair, dressed in nice pants and button-down shirt, and appeared to be in his mid-thirties. Reese acknowledged him with raised eyebrows. “Yes. Agent Young?”

“Yes.” He extended a handshake and polite smile. “But call me Kirk.”

“As long as you call me Reese like everyone else.”

Kirk chuckled. “You got it.” He set his briefcase down and glanced around the office. “So, um…I assume you’ve been brought up to speed.”

“Of course.” Reese moved around to his computer and clicked the send button. The memo he’d had saved for days was now sent to everyone’s computers so they’d immediately see it.

Heads up. Agent Kirk Young from the FBI will be with us for several days. He will be observing our operations and filing a report with the Bureau. This is not a test, or threat – simply do your jobs, answer any questions he has, and be on your best behavior. Yes, we are under scrutiny. Agent Young’s report may or may not affect the future of the Elite. If you have any questions, let me know. Carry on.

“We have several empty cubicles out on the main floor – let’s get you settled.”

Kirk nodded his thanks. “Alright. Lead the way.”

"I'm fine!"

"You're bleeding!"

"It's just a scratch!" Jason yanked his arm away from Wyatt as they walked through the main floor of the Elite.

"Even a scratch should be taken care of!"

Reese stopped in his tracks on his way to showing Kirk around. "What on earth is going on here?"

"We got shot at," Wyatt stated flatly. "That's what's going on. Or more accurately, our hitman had this hothead in his sites."

Jason rolled his eyes. "I'm fine. It was just a cheap shot."

"That grazed your arm only because you bet to tie your bootlace! It woulda been your head otherwise!"

"But it wasn't!"

"Hold it!" Reese held up his hand. "Did you get any kind of lead on the shooter?"

Wyatt shook his head. "I dug the bullet out of the doorframe and my guess is it's from some kind of high powered rifle. I followed the angle and couldn't see anywhere the shooter could have hidden, so I'm guessing he was quite a ways away, which increases the risk since we may never get a glimpse of him before he shoots."

Reese gritted his teeth and looked back at Jason. "Have Rick look at your arm."

"But-"

"No arguments. I wanna make sure that bullet wasn't laced with any poison. Wyatt, take Pete and see if you can figure out anything else."

Garret had been avoiding stopping by the infirmary. Not because he wanted to avoid Aaron – on the contrary, he wanted to see him. But he also knew it would just stir up trouble that he’d get blamed for. Today though, as he wandered down the hall towards the main floor out of boredom, a commotion stopped him.

“Get back in bed this instant!” Rick’s stern voice rang out into the hall before being followed by a loud crash and clattering of infirmary paraphernalia. Aaron stumbled through the doorway, his eyes darting wildly at these surroundings as he tried to find an exit. He fell against the wall as his leg buckled under his weight, and by the look on his face, it was excruciatingly painful.

“Aaron!” Garret barked and jogged the rest of the way down the hallway.

“Get away from me,” Aaron hissed. He stepped forward again, and again almost fell. Sweat poured down the sides of his face and he shot Garret a warning glare. “You can’t keep me here. No one can.”

“Well what…” Garret glanced back to the infirmary. What had happened to Rick? “You can’t leave.”

“Watch me.” Aaron took another painful step.

“Don’t do it,” Garret warned. “I’m not asking.”

Out on the main floor, Justin had just come in to see Reese, then make an initial assessment on Aaron for the books. He paused by the little group though, sensing something was wrong. "Hey guys. What's..." His sentence trailed off as they heard the commotion down the hall, and all of them automatically headed that direction. As they got to the hall though, they hadn’t expected such a ruckus as they found.

Aaron ignored Garret and took another step towards the freedom he thought he could find. But Garret wasn’t going to let him ruin what he had here. “Aaron,” he ordered, “one more time. You can’t leave. I will stop you.”

“You’re a traitor,” Aaron spat out. “That’s all you’ll ever be.”

Garret wasn’t going to let Aaron cause trouble – not when he was trying so hard to establish trust here. To establish a new beginning. He stepped forward and grabbed Aaron’s arm.

Aaron tore himself away and stood straighter, despite the pain in his knee. “Touch me again, and you’ll regret it.”

Garret was done talking, and aimed a fist a Aaron’s face.

Aaron blocked and tried to get his own punch in, but failed.

Garret grabbed his arm and torqued it – hard – making Aaron turn against the wall. “Back in the infirmary. Now.”

But Aaron was not in the mood for cooperating. Fighting against Garret’s strength, a short brawl ensued, though Garret took no hits, while Aaron’s own face received several punches. The scuffle ended with Aaron caught in a strong headlock from behind, struggling to breathe.

“Garret!” Reese stopped in his tracks at the hallway. “Stand down!”

Garret’s gaze snapped up but he didn’t let go.

Reese’s eyes narrowed in a warning. His hand went to his sidearm, but Justin stopped him. “No. Let him go.”

“What?” Reese hissed. “Are you kidding me?”

Justin shook his head. “Somebody’s gotta be the alpha dog. If you’re ever gonna tame Aaron, let Garret do this.”

Garret wasn’t sure what was being said, but continued his hold on Aaron until his struggling slowly subsided and he slumped down in Garret’s grip. Now that he was rendered unconscious, Garret grabbed him under his arms and dragged him backward, back to the infirmary.

Reese relaxed and rolled his eyes. "Justin, go see what's going on. Jason, go with him and get yourself taken care off and check on Rick. Wyatt..." He glanced at his son, too stressed to even think straight. "Go find Pete and work on finding that shooter." He turned around and almost ran right into Kirk - he'd forgotten he was even there. "So how about we find that empty desk for you to set up?"

Kirk's eyebrows were arched and his gaze implied there was plenty he'd like to say, but he held his tongue and just nodded instead. "Lead the way."

In the infirmary, Rick was dabbing a cut on his head, with Misty's help. Aaron had broken loose and knocked him over while Rick was trying to administer a shot. Taken so off guard, Rick had been dazed and just let Aaron go, knowing he wouldn't get far anyway, and simply let Misty help get him back on his own feet. 

Looking up as Garret came in dragging Aaron, Rick smirked. "Is he alive?"

"Of course he is." Garret shoved Aaron's limp form up on the bed and huffed a sigh. "He'll be out for a little while, but you better watch him."

"No kidding." Rick nodded to Misty. "Thanks. I think I'm alright now." His pride was more hurt than anything else. Ready to get back to work, he was then surprised at Jason's entrance. "What happened to you?" 

"Bullet." Jason glanced at Misty and grimaced. "Just a scratch. But your overprotective uncle made me come."

"Oh for crying out loud." Rick rolled his eyes. "Misty, take care of him, would you? I'll get our unconscious friend over here settled." 

Justin leaned on the open doorway and studied the chaotic scene with just a little bit of amusement. So much for his initial assessment. It would be hard talking to a guy who was dead to the world at the moment. 

Jared turned his head in the hopes that Grace wouldn't take note of his tears. He'd always been on top of the world. At the head of the pack. One step in front of everyone else. And now...now he was a pathetic excuse for a man - not even capable of taking care of himself, let alone just walking across the floor. And just when he thought things couldn't get worse, they did. When on earth was it going to end?

He closed his eyes and decided to just let himself fall asleep if he could, rather than trying to talk anymore. There was little point anyway...even if Grace's words did linger in the back of his mind...

...It was several days later. Stabilized with new medication, Jared had been released from the hospital with the doctor's approval to continue as he had been with physical therapy and daily activities, as long as he didn't have any more seizures. His emotional state was something else altogether though.

Stretched out sideways across the porch swing was usually one of Jared's favorite places to be. But this afternoon as the dark clouds covered the sun and the rain fell, he just wanted to be back inside in bed. Unfortunately, his mother had forced him up and had helped him out here, intentionally leaving his crutches just out of reach so he'd have to stay a while. Still in an old t-shirt and sweatpants, he hadn't even bothered to dress more than that this morning. It just felt too hard anyway.

A painful muscle spasm in his back made him cringe and curse under his breath. Pointless. That's what his life was. Pointless. He stared out at the rain and barely noticed the low rumble of thunder in the distance. He'd lost track of time and didn't even think about the fact that Grace was supposed to come today for his therapy.