Warmth

Sapphire enjoyed the meal and having a nice time with Gage like always. Sapphire could see he was a little frigidity but she chalked it up to him being tired. Non the less she was happy to spend the time with him knowing soon it would come to an end.

Finally done with the meal and heading back to the car and than to Gage's apartment Sapphire didn't want there time to end either but she had to get back to work and she new Gage needed some sleep.

"Your right I would chew into you for now sleeping. Its not healthy."

Sapphire gives a little laugh and shakes her head a little bit her eyes giving a small twinkling in her eyes.

"I will call you around six so we can get together for dinner. Maybe I'll bring something over to cook at your place and we can just stay in and snuggle while its cooking."

Not paying much attachen to Chance's grumbling and really what he said from this point out Misty still heard it but just didn't reply. There really was no point in trying to get past his anger to penetrate something deeper. He was angry at the world and feeling sorry for himself nothing would go through that at this point.

Stopping at the door and turning at Chance's last comment Misty gives a nod. She didn't know if she would every see Destiny and depending on the mood or how everything was going she would tell her. Heading out the rest of the way Misty heads back to the infirmary.

Feeling Leo's arm go around her shoulder Ryan can feel the warmth that comes from it. It was the same warmth she had always felt from Leo. The one that said I'm here, I'm always here and I can if I am or not. Just continuing to walk twords the door she new the others were behind them now and couldn't help but laugh at there comments.

"Ohhh...Axel is tied with me. That just means when we get back I am gonna have to step up my game a little."

As Leo lets her go Ryan wonders over to her car opening the door. But before getting in she hears Leo's challenge and raises an eyebrow a little looking over the top at him.

"You...want to race me...do remember who I am right?"

Giving a grin and looking around at the other she gives a nod.

"Ok, your on. I'll even give you a 10 second head start. Whoever wins has to by the other person pizza. Sound fair?"

Race ya

"Mm-hmm." Gage nods. "That's always better than Chinese."

Grinning, he settles back into the seat to buckle in, and engages Sapphire in some small talk on the way to the restaurant. Remaining alert, thought just a little goofy, Gage keeps up with her through their meal, chattering about this and that. A bit more fidgety than normal, he does manage to be quite awake, and by the time they are finished and get back to his place, he doesn't want her lunch break to be over.

Sitting in the car, not really wanting to get out yet, he sighs. "Now I have to go several hours without seeing you." Giving Sapphire a sidelong glance, he grins before leaning over to give her one more kiss. "But I don't want you clobbering me for not sleeping. So... see you tonight?"


"I said patching, not picking," Chance grumbles, wincing as Misty continues on his face. "Regardless, whether I can pick myself up or not really isn't the issue here, is it?" His tone was full of spite... spite for the Elite and spite for himself. "The whole point is just..." He pauses as Misty cleans his lip, his eyes watering from the sting. "...not getting caught."

Feeling her put the him back into the handcuffs, his head hangs again. He had no idea what fate awaited him. At best, he might get away with a year or two in jail, and that was if Reese was nice to him.

Hearing Misty leaving, he calls to her. "Misty..." He pauses, feeling humiliated. "Someday... if your path crosses with Destiny's... tell her I'm sorry. It wasn't supposed to happen like this."


Being pulled up and closer to Ryan, Leo can feel his face start to redden, but he doesn't pull away. Ryan wanted her friend back, and he wanted to try.

Laughing, he slings his arm around her shoulders to drag her towards the door. "I don't think I'm the only delirious one around here, and no, please don't quit your day job. Then I couldn't tease the other guys for getting beat by a girl every day."

"Heeeey," Axel defends as he ambles out with them. "I'll have you know we're tied at the moment."

"Oh, sorry." Leo smirks. "I'll just make fun of the others then."

"What about you?" Ron shoots back. "You get beat too."

"Ah. But I don't profess to be greater than the almighty, wrench-wielding McKade!" Letting Ryan go, Leo gives her a playful punch to the arm. "Race ya to the pizza box."

Sorry

Getting to Gage's house Sapphire smile when she see him coming to the car before she even shut it off. It was good to see him smiling again today, and not to tired though she still didn't understand how he was even walking. She'd be dead on her feet by now.

"Hey there...oh Chinese sounds...."

Having her words cut off by a kiss from Gage Sapphire wouldn't complain as the warm soft feeling washing over her. As he pulls away Sapphire gives a smile as she brings her hand to the side of Gage's face and runs her finger on his cheek.

"I think that was better than Chinese, but I guess we should head out now."

"I'm not picking you up Chance the only one who can do that is yourself. I'm simply cleaning the wounds because its the right thing to do, and I know somewhere inside, you are a good guy."

Bringing her hand up to Chance's face again Misty continues to clean him up. She felt bad for him and hoped he would be able to pick himself up. There was good in him somewhere she new there was. The look he had in his eyes when he had been here before, it only proved somewhere, there was good.

"Tilt your head up a little, let me see your lip."

Tilting his head a little and and patting his lips before putting some cream on it. Doing a few more things around the to clean him up Misty was done. Gathering things up she looks at the cuffs on the table and gives a sigh. She didn't want to cuff Chance again but she new she had to.

"Sorry I have to do this."

Taking the cuffs and going behind Chance Misty gently puts the cuffs back on him and than resting his hands behind him against the chairs.

Continuing her work Ryan stays focused on what she was doing keeping her mind off of many other things Alec seeming to be in the middle of them right now. Ryan just wish she wasnt hanging in limbo.

As the time moves on and work was done Ryan laughs and smile with the other pushing her feelings away the best she could. Seeing Leo joking with the other was good, and a sudden feeling washes over her almost a longing, or a thought of something that once was.

Watching as Leo starts to sing and comes sliding across the floor Ryan gives a laugh and a little shake of her head. A look passing through her eyes and she had to admit she missed Leo and his quirky ways. Was this normal to miss an ex or had she really made the wrong choose?

"Alright you crazy...wonderful...crazy man lets get some more pizza before you sing anymore."

A grin forms on Ryan's face to show she was joking before she holds her hand out to Leo to help him up. Not looking him right in the eye right now so he could tell the feelings she felt. This wasn't his concern, She'd made the desition she had to deal with it. At least she had her friend ship.

"Hey you guys ready or what? I think Leo's getting a little delirious here me too."

Ryan pulls Leo into a half friendly hug as she leans her head to his for a moment her own voice chiming in.

"Pizza, pizza here we come, pizza pizza our work is gonna have to wait to be done."

Giving a little laugh Ryan shakes her head before looking around.

"I guess I shouldn't quit my day job."

Better things to do

"Food..." Gage talks to himself as he goes to take his shower. "Mmm... Chinese. Yes. I still have yet to try different things. It shall be... an adventure."

Showered and in a clean set of clothes, Gage amuses himself with some television for a little while, but winds up pacing, checking his watch and pacing a little more. It was way too boring when he was here alone.

Eventually though, he gets the call and goes outside to wait, pacing up and down the sidewalk, counting squares until Sapphire arrives. When she does, his smile goes from ear to ear and he gets in quickly so she doesn't have to turn off the engine.

"Chinese," he states, first thing. "But before that..." Leaning over, he gives her a soft kiss to the lips. "Okay... now Chinese. Twelve hours at the mill and I am famished!"


Leo laughs and shakes his head, going back to his car. "The day I beat you is the same day pigs will fly. But that doesn't mean I won't keep trying."

The morning goes quickly as the others filter in and the noise and motivation picks up. The guys give Leo a bit of a hard time about his appearance, but he shrugs it off, giving a brief explanation but not letting it grow into a full-blown conversation. Bantering with Miles leads to laughter, and though they were covered in grease and sweat, there was a satisfaction in the air for the work they were accomplishing.

Once lunchtime rolls around, the guys put their work on hold in order to go to the pizza box for their free hour. Leo, put into a silly mood by Miles, uses his wrench as a microphone and sings along with a rock song on the radio. Throwing in a couple dance moves, he spins around, then slides on his knees in front of Ryan, head thrown back as he sings at the top of his lungs. However, instead of the right lyrics, he winds up with his own words. "Baby it's pizza time, yeah! Quit your work and hustle on out, 'cause it's pizza time!"

Miles whistles and he and Ron clap, Jed and Axel laughing and clapping as well at the silly performance.


As expected, Chance remains silent upon Misty's presence. He doesn't fight her, but rubs his wrists gingerly where the cuffs had dug into him. As she cleans the cuts on his face, he flinches, cringing at the stinging pain.

He does finally speak, though his mouth is so sore that it's a bit mumbled. "Don't bother..." He swallows hard, his eyes closing. "It doesn't matter."

Reaching up, he stops Misty's hand. He deserved this pain. "You've got better things to do than easing Reese's conscience by patching me up."

In the clear

Giving another laugh at Gage mixed together and broken words she shakes her head. A little slired words would be normal for someone who went without sleep for twenty four hours. She just felt a little bad she had contributed to his lack of sleep. But lunch was lunch and after he said he would rest.

"Ok, I should be going on my break here shortly. Let's say meet me hour side in a half hour. And decid what you want to eat I picked yesterday."

Finishing up her conversation with Gage Sapphire gets back to work making sure she could get her work done in time so she could see Gage. There wasn't a lot of work, but she did need to get it done. What she couldn't she'd finish when she got done with lunch.

Looking down at Leo's hand Ryan would of rather giving him a friendly hug but maybe the handshake was best. Linking her hand with his and giving it a strong shakes she nods. A friendship still with Leo was important and going out for pizza with everyone and having Leo come along too sealed the deal with Ryan that at least he was trying.

"You already said you were sorry Leo, nothing more needs to be said on it. Whats done is done, and I've moved past it, your in the clear with me."

Letting go of Leo's hand and just watching him for a moment Ryan finally gives his arm a little wack with her rag as she see some of the other guys starting to filter into the area.

"Alright get back to work slacker, lets see if you can beat me today huh?"

Giving gives a grin to Leo. It was going to take a while to form a strong friendship like they had but it was a path there were both willing to take now and thats what was important.

Back at her car she leans to look into the engine and for a moment she just looks letting out a long sigh. Still no call from Alec, and it made her wonder. What she being to stubborn, to bull headed not to try and call him? But if he cared, why hadn't he called her? And if she did call him would she be giving in? Not sticking to her guns and showing she was serous about him trying run who she hung out with?

Letting out another sigh Ryan shakes her head a little. She had to have a clear mind so she could work and not worry about this right now. She could think about this later and figure stuff out.

Looking up as Hal came into the office Misty gives a solom nod listing to him. She was shocked and saddened to hear about what had perspired with Chance. He's seemed like an ok guy who had really been fond of Destiny just from the simple look in his eye she had seen the day she had been shot. Maybe he had cared but just got turned around, or a bad intention only to realize he cared about this woman. Whatever the case was she now had her own job to do.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do with him."

Standing and takes the keys from Hal Misty gathers a few things together to fix cuts, swelling and making Chance as comfortable as she could. Taking her bag and make her wait to the irrigation room she enters.

Just standing there for a moment Misty can feel the awkward tension in the air and always hated it. But it was her job so she had to plug along anyways.

"Hey Chance, I'm going to clean up some of those cuts and what not you have ok?"

Not really exspecting an answer Misty sets her bad down on the floor before walking around the table to where Chance sat. Keeping her self awair of what was going on in the room just incase.

"Ok, lets get these cuffs off you and let your arms rest a little."

Once taking the cuffs off Misty sets to work on cleaning Chance up making it swift and trying not to hurt him all that much. Making him comfortable was important to her no matter what he had done.

Fate

Reese thoughtfully considers Katie's suggestions, while nodding. Silent for a moment, he leans forward, folding his hands. "We're short on hands right now, but I don't want to keep you from your vacation to see your family. If you have plans, go - I don't want you burning out."

Thinking about Jason, he sighs. "Yeah, I wondered about that. Would you mind asking him and seeing what he thinks after this debriefing? It's a start, and for now, Gunner's there, so we're okay. But I want Destiny to be comfortable too. I feel we've done her an injustice, even if it wasn't our fault."


An hour later, Hal emerges from the interrogation room, putting his watch back on and going to wash his hands. They were unable to extract information from Chance on where the Underground headquarters was or who was running it. But they were convinced that no other Elite members, at this point, were involved. Chance had been the "chosen" Elite to be the one to infiltrate and share information. Without him, the Underground would be on their own, or would have to prey on another Elite member.

Even without all the information they wanted, Reese had called a stop to the interrogation. Chance was suffering enough and they would find the Underground on their own - they were bound to cross paths again.

After cleaning up, Hal enters the infirmary, gesturing to Misty. He briefly explains about Chance, then hands her a set of handcuff keys. "He's in the interrogation room. Reese would appreciate it if you looked after him, then left him there until it's decide where he will go." The look in Hal's eyes was a weary one. He didn't like this part of the job, but Chance hadn't given them much of a choice.


In the interrogation room, Chance sits in a chair several feet from the table. His hands were cuffed behind him and his head hung. Blood ran from new cuts to his mouth and his left eye was swollen and bruised, adding to the other marks on his face. What Jason and Destiny had started, Hal had finished and Chance was now a mess. He knew that Reese had allowed it only because what Chance was involved with was such a security risk. He knew that under normal circumstances, the Elite didn't use brute force, but Chance was different - he provided a different kind of risk, and therefore, he was treated the same as someone from the Agency. But even despite that understanding, there was a dull angry ache that burned beneath the surface. He was too weary to fight anymore though. He was just too tired.

Swallowing hard, it hurt just to do that, and he shifts a little in the metal chair, his hands testing the cuffs again, only to find that they were still securely in place. So head hanging, he just sits and waits... waits for his fate.


Leo pops the hood on the car and starts to tinker as Ryan approaches. Her offer for him to join them for lunch raises his eyes to hers. Straightening up, he fiddles with the wrench in his hand.

Shifting a little, he considers it, wondering if he really wanted to socialize today. The other guys had yet to question him about his appearance and he wasn't looking forward to explanations. Then this whole thing with Ryan... But he did want to bury the hatchet, right?

His eyes drift down then back up again to the eyes that he'd fallen for. It seemed ages ago now. "I think that... pizza sounds great." A smile surfaces, making an almost-funny picture with his beat-up face.

Reaching out, he offers a handshake. "Truce?"


"Any time. Soon as you're on break. You pick. Soon. I don't care." Gage laughs at his own clumsy speech. "Just call before you get here so I got time to throw on my shoes and meet you outside. And yes, fine, I'll sleep afterward. Promise."

Pizza Box

Surprised that Gage could even talk after getting out of work and not fall over from exhaustion Sapphire gives a shake of her head even though he couldn't see her, a small smile was on her lips.

"Mmm...I guess lunch wouldn't hurt anything. After that though I want you to get some sleep ok? And if your feeling up to it we can do dinner as well. I love spending time with you Gage so there is no way to say no to dinner."

Moving some papers around on her desk Sapphire was happy Gage called. At least she new he made it home but how he was still standing was beyond her.

"What time would you like me to pick you up hun?"

Looking up from her car at the sound of Leo's voice Ryan gives a smile happy to see him again today. He looked a little better after being cleaned up, but one could still tell he put up a good fight.

"Good Morning Leo."

Though Ryan's eyes were a little tired, and held that look she smiled anyways trying her best to be herself. She didn't want to be odd with Leo and make him think it was him because right now it wasn't.

Grabbing the rag from her pocket and coming around the side of her car to where Leo was working as she really didn't have to yell Ryan gives a look around the quiet shop for a moment. Only a few were in so far but some plans had been made and maybe....Leo would like to come.

" A few of us are going to the pizza box for lunch if we can have a decent time on our cars, your invited too if you would like to come."

Once back to TJY Katie walks behind Chance as Jason was in the front. Katie walks through TJY knowing eyes were on them but keeping her own head up and not answering any questions.

Finally getting into Reese office Katie stands off to the side and just listens. She really didn't have much to say on this matter but she listened and took everything in. It was something she did but just trying to take everything in, and understand what was being said.

Watching as Jason and Chance leave the office Katie gives a sigh and pushes off the wall coming over to Reese's desk and letting out a long sigh. Hearing his questin Katie thinks for a moment before turning a little to look at Reese.

"I was going to see about taking some vacation time to go see my family but I guess now would not be a good time so I can put that off and I can watch Destiny for you, and maybe Jason do. We could do it in shift to make it a little easier and still be able to work here too."

Katie thinks again for a long moment her fingers tapping on the desk for a moment just thinking. It was strange to have Reese asking her for advise but it was kinda nice too.

"I know Jason has been really good with Destiny. She seemed to have responded to him before. Maybe right now he would be the best person for her to have someone she knows and not another person thrown into the middle of everything. Jason could take days and I could always take nights."

Break the ice

Jason senses just a little bit of something close to sympathy, and throws Katie a quick glance, but doesn't comment.

Yeah... yeah, I'm sure Destiny is upset. I'm just mad that we let this happen. Somebody should have been smarter somewhere. Reese better take one of his own to be her bodyguard from now on, whether he wants to spare someone or not. We owe it to her.


Chance leans his head against the side window, his eyes looking out, but concentrating on nothing. He'd been beat up before. Why did today put him in such a state? He could have weaseled his way out if he'd tried hard enough. But this time... this time, it was simply different. He wonders where Destiny is at the moment. Surely she hated him now, and rightly so. He deserved that. He never should have accepted this case, knowing what he did. And he never should have allowed Destiny to get close to him.


Arriving back at TJY, Jason manhandles Chance out of the pickup and to the building. Chance stumbles one but Jason has no mercy, picking him up and forcing him forward again. Chance utters no sound but trudges with his face down.

Entering the building and coming down to the main floor, Chance doesn't look up. He could feel the eyes on him though... he could feel the eyes of the other Elite agents who would be wondering why he was beat up and why he was in Jason and Katie's custody. It was a shameful walk to Reese's office.

Once there, Reese allows all three of them in, allowing Jason and Katie to explain what had happened before turning to Chance. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Chance sits in the chair, looking at the floor. His tongue moves to try and keep his lip from bleeding more. "No, sir."

"Who is the Underground?"

"Jason just told you - a vigilante group."

"Who runs it?"

"I can't tell you that."

"Chance, if you don't-"

"Would you?" Chance finally looks up at him with question. "Would you have given up information about TJY before it was public? You did things against the law from the beginning, did you not? And you did them in the name of justice. The Underground is no different."

"TJY didn't murder," Jason interrupts angrily. "What the Underground has done is despicable and-"

Reese holds up his hand. "Stand down, Jason." Looking back at Chance, he studies the younger man's eyes for several moments. "As Chief of the Elite and your commanding officer, I am hereby stripping you of your rank and association with the Elite. You have violated many terms and regulations by hacking into our system, sharing information with a third party, endangering a witness, subjecting the Elite to sabotage and assisting in killings, justified or not."

Chance's shoulder sink, his eyes drifting downward again. This was the most humiliation he had ever experienced. He might have always liked riding the fence, and he might have always acted carefree - but he had been proud of being an Elite officer and had been proud of his accomplishments. And in one fatal blow, it was all over. His father would be appalled.

Reese continues. "You will be taken into interrogation, after which, your fate will be decided, based on how cooperative you are. Jason, please take Chance to interrogation one."

Jason nods and takes Chance's arm to prompt him up from the chair. "Anything else?"

"After you have secured Mr. O'Mally in the room, please return." Reese looks to Katie as the men leave. "I'm surmising that Gunner is still with Destiny. Do you have any recommendations for a bodyguard at this time?" In all honesty, he was at his wit's end, and wasn't afraid to ask an officer for any suggestions.


Leo enters the shop and clocks in before wandering over to his bay and opening up his tool boxes. Rolling up his sleeves, he takes a look at the car that was on his schedule, hoping he could get it done in one setting.

Glancing over to the car next to him, he spots Ryan. He knew he still didn't look very good after the fight, but he manages half a smile anyway. "Morning," he greets in an attempt to break the ice.


"Soooo.... since I'm up already, I thought maybe we could do lunch?" Gage paces his living room as he talks with Sapphire on the phone. "And then I'll sack out or something but we can still do supper then too... if you want to?"

Swinging into his kitchen, he fills a glass of water to drink, then continues to wander, waiting for Sapphire's response. He knew she said she would wait for him to sleep, but with a little help from Lonny again, he was feeling just fine and would rather spend more time with Sapphire than waste time sleeping. He'd catch a few hours later.

Pillow, and Fluff

Leaning her head back on the truck seat Katie continues to take in the emotions and though Jason says he is sorry Katie doesn't retort this time. She'd come to relize that no matter how many times she told him not to say sorry he would because thats just what he did.

Yeah, it seemed like there was a little more there than maybe we even new. I think that might make the whole thing even worse.

Letting out a sigh and pulling down the visor of she looks in the mirror to see Chance without turning around. Just watching him for a moment Katie couldn't help the little ping that hit her heart for Chance. She was angry at him too, and very upset but still there was that feeling she had.

I hope Destiny will be ok. She was pretty upset!

Finally getting most of the blood off her hands Destiny turns the sink water off before looking down at her hands. There was still blood under her fingers nails but no matter how she scrubbed would it really even come off?

Once Gunner was gone Destiny slowly moves from the bathroom and to her bed. Laying down and taking the smaller pillow in her arms Destiny pulls it close to her as she just lays her head on the other free pillow.

So much was still running though her mind, and on top of the memories of her parents she now had memories of Chance too. She was still so angry at him, and hated how he had made her feel, but at the same time it felt odd knowing he was not there. Someone else was but...it wasnt Chance, and it wasn't what they sheared together.

Burying her face into the pillow a little more Destiny's tears start all over again her sobs muffled but the pillow and her crys of pain being blocked by the fluff. Just letting out all she was feeling till finally, she'd become exhausted and would cry herself to sleep.

Between those two

Gunner nods solemnly, wishing he could do more for Destiny, but recognizing that right now, he could not. "Okay. I'm gonna stay with you for a bit so... if you need anything, just holler."

Feeling badly, but helpless, Gunner nods again and backs off, giving Destiny her space. Wandering back to the computers in the living room, he sit down and opts to browse, knowing that they would have to eventually anyway. He might as well get a jump on things and find out as much as he could. If Chance had made a mistake while hacking, there was a chance he had saved things he shouldn't have.


Chance remains unresponsive, but once they're in the truck and moving, he takes the paper towels Katie had given him and tries to stop some of the bleeding on his face, starting with his nose. The pickup hits a bump and he cringes but doesn't say a word.

How could he have gotten into this mess? How could he have slipped up this badly to be caught? Now the whole Underground was in jeopardy.

As he drives, Jason continues to feed Katie his anger to avoid any explosions.
Sorry. Rick says control my temper. Right. How would he like it if he were walking around with a hundred times the emotions?
He sighs. He knew Katie hated it when he apologized, but he'd never stop. He never liked seeing her in any kind of discomfort, whether the emotions were what she needed or not. He wished it could be less painful.

I don't even know what to say about Chance. Destiny was pretty broken up... I had suspected before that there might have been something going on between those two... I think if there wasn't, Destiny wouldn't have been quite so upset today.

What now?

Letting out a long sigh Katie takes in Jason emotions and though it drained her, it gave her strength too knowing she couldn't wind down now. There was more work to do and she could be weary later.

It's never easy J when someone gets hurt, I guess when they have become closer to us its even worse.

Getting outside and walking to the truck Katie waits till Chance is in before she goes under the seat for the paper towel. Pulling it out she rips three or four off handing them to Chance. Seeing that he took no move to take them Katie puts them in his lag before taking one and holding it to the cut on his face before lowing it and putting it in his lap.

Moving away and shutting the door Katie goes to the passenger side and gets in. Buckling up she new that the ride would be a quiet one as much hung in the air.

The soft sobs continued to come from Destiny's lips as she washed up in the bathroom. Scrubbing the blood from her hands.

Looking up quickly and hearing Gunner's words Destiny looks down again scrubbing her hands. She just wanted the blood gone, and she hurt so much right now she didn't know what was physical and what wasn't.

"Yes, I am in a great deal of hurt, but this blood...its not mine."

She hurt, she was in pain and she didn't want to be anywhere. How was she to feel better how? How would things move on? Would this pain ever go away?

"I think...I just want to lay down now. It's....all I can think of doing right now because I have no will for anything else."

Hurt?

So focused on Chance, Katie's words breaking through to Jason are like a small jolt to his system. Her hand coming to him forces more of his anger her way instead of to Chance, rechanneling his dangerous emotions.

Trying to subdue himself, Jason breathes more deeply, closing his eyes for just a moment, doing his best to calm down. He might have more control now than he used to, but it was still a struggle.

You're right... I'm sorry...

Jason's eyes fly open again as he hears Destiny's voice and then sees her getting Chance up off the floor. Just standing and watching, he lets her own beating on Chance happen, allowing her to express her pain, knowing that it was what Chance deserved.


It was very possible that a strike from Destiny was more painful than any of the blows Jason had given him. Chance can't even move. His eyes remain glued to the floor, his head hanging. Never had he felt this guilty... this ashamed. He'd been beat in his own games before, but this... this felt different. Someone had trusted him - had put their life in his hands - and he had completely destroyed that trust. Who was to say that anything he'd ever told Destiny had been true? Was even the little romantic detour real, or had that all been a lie too?

Another blow to his face comes and he doesn't try to defend himself. Doesn't even move. Being pulled down for a knee to the chest knocks the wind out of him and the last strike to his face knocks him off balance enough to hit the wall and struggle to remain on his feet. But he remains completely silent, his eyes still down. He could hear the pain and rage in Destiny's voice, and he wasn't even sure what he was feeling. He hurt all over, inside and out, but all he could do was just stand there and take whatever blows came his way.

Even after Katie calls off Destiny and she leaves him be, he hangs against the wall, blood trickling from his mouth, nose, and a cut on the side of his face. His eyes, now dull and lifeless look to Jason, Katie, Gunner, then back to Jason as he awaited his fate.

Now halfway calm, Jason moves to Chance and points to the door. "You're coming with us. Out."

Chance hesitates. What about his things? What about Destiny? What about-

"Move!" Jason gives him a hearty shove a little more forceful than intended.

Chance stumbles forward, catching himself on the doorframe but not before his face had slammed into it. Pain courses through his mouth as more blood comes. But he says nothing and instead stumbles out onto the porch.

Jason turns to eye Gunner for a moment. "Stay here with Destiny, would you? At least until we get this figured out."

Gunner nods. "You got it. I'll have Dalton turn the system back on."

"Good." Heading out behind Chance, Jason makes sure Katie is behind him.
So help me... It's days like this I hate my job, and only because I'd get in trouble for knocking his fool block off. Help me get him into the truck and while you're at it, grab some paper towels or something from under the seat so he doesn't get blood all over my truck.


Remaining behind, Gunner makes a quick call to Dalton, not explaining anything, but just asking that the security system be put back online. Hanging up, he can still hear the water running in the bathroom down the hall and he sighs, setting his hands on his hips for a moment. Now what?

Wandering slowly towards the bathroom, Gunner stops and looks through the open door to Destiny, feeling mighty badly for her. Seeing the blood she's rinsing off, he's not sure whose it is. "You hurt?" he asks quietly.

Pain

Keeping her own gun drawn but at her side Katie gives a nod to Jason. Who new what was awaiting on the other side of that door and it was better to be ready. Following behind Jason Katie enters the house keeping her eyes out around the room, and on Destiny and Chance. She hoped they were wrong.

Once Jason directs her to go to Destiny Katie does so keeping her eyes on Chance still as she moved to the side. She felt bad for Destiny, and in a way Chance too but her boiled to much to let it linger.

As the door bursts open Destiny jumps and movies to the edge of the couch. Her own blood was rushing now seeing Jason and the other. What was going on and why where they accusing Chance of something that sounded absurd.

Seeing Katie come over to her Destiny shys away a little and stands moving a little closer to Chance. She didn't understand what they were saying, and she felt very scared.

"Chance has been with me Jason...he..."

Coming a little closer to Destiny Katie does her best to be gentile though the situation was rough.

"Come on Destiny its going to be ok. We wont go far just over here a little way so we are not in the middle ok."

Placing her hands on both sides of Destiny Katie prompts her to come over to the side and stand looking her over and making sure she was ok before drawing her attachen to Chance and Jason again.

Watching her eyes still large Destiny listens to what Jason says and what Chance reply. But as the punchs start to be throw at Chance Destiny cringes and closers her eyes for a moment before opening them again, tears forming in them.

"Jason...stop your hurting him, please."

Destiny couldn't help how she plead as images of her parents flash in her mind. How they were beaten, how each punch had been throw before the were killed.

As everything continues Destiny sobs begging Jason to stop once or twice more though it does no good as Chance continues to be asked questions and he answers his words finally sinking into Destiny that he had lied to her.

But than the words of the worst happens as she hears her name. Tears still in her eyes she listens more intently now still standing with Katie. She was bate...it wasn't the Agency who killed her parents it was....the people Chance worked for and Chance had known? A new anger filled Destiny almost close to a hate. Not that Chance had lied, but he had played her...faked he cared, and had helped kill her parents. It almost made her sick to think she had kissed him the one who planned her parents.

Destiny's eye seemed to grow a fire as almost everything else seemed blocked out. Her fists ball at her sides, she was hurt, betrayed and very angry.

Feeling Jason's emotions go haywire Katie tried her best to keep a lid on it a little. She did her best try and keep Jason calm but without even a little contact to him it was not that strong and Jason's anger was starting to make her feel weak.

Hearing Gunner give her another direction Katie gives a nod. Looking to Chance on the ground and than to Destiny she could leave her here and she'd be ok. Going over to Jason quickly Katie lays a hand on his shoulder and closing her eyes.

J, you need to back off. Your not a killer and if you don't stop your going to kill him. We need to take him back now. Calm down J, its ok, he will get what he deserves.

As Katie walks away to go to Jason's side Destiny can only feel her anger grow even more as she looks to Chance on the ground. She'd grown close to him, she'd cared for him and she was starting to fall for him.

Moving away from the wall and over to Chance Destiny beds down to him before grabbing him by the collor and pulling him up to her, her strength giving by her own anger.

"You lied to me, you used me...and that doesn't even bother me. But my parents, they were good people. They loved there family and had to deal with what was givin to them. My father was Agency but that didn't mean he liked it. He was trying to get OUT."

Her fist balled and not being able to help it connects with the side of Chance's face before bringing him to her again.

"..My mother was not to die. Thats a lie!!! I watched as my father was beaten and shot in the head, I watched as my mother cried, and they shot her in cold blood than turned to me. If I had not gotten away I would of been shot too."

Crying and bringing her fist to Chance's face again Destiny felt as though she lost all reality and she this was the only thing to ease her pain.

"...The people you work for are no better than the Agency. Killed, innocent...my mother and father, my life. How could you...HOW COULD YOU!!!!"

With a scream Destiny brings her fist to his face again, and than brings her knee up to his chest, than a fist to his face. She was in pain and she wanted him to be in pain too.

Still focusing on Jason Katie opens her eyes and see Destiny hearing her words her eyes widen. She couldnt leave Jason but someone had to stop Destiny. It was easy to see she was in pain, but if she didn't stop her own strength was going to kill Chance herself. Using a rough voice she calls.

"Destiny, Back off. Your not like him, your going to kill him if you don't stop."

Hearing Katie's words the tears fall from her eyes some more. Oh how it hurt, and how she wanted it to stop. She didn't know what to do past the anger and hurt as everything just seemed to be ripped open again.

"Why...Why Chance...my parents ...I don't deserve to be here either."

Letting Chance go Destiny could feel herself shaking as she felt so hot, and angry, and said. The hurting just coursing through her. Looking at Chance's body bloody just there she lets out a cry again as she turns quickly and makes her way down the hall to her bedroom and the bathroom to scrub the blood from her hand and just cry, as the pain washed over her.

The real truth

"Alec, huh." Reese shakes his head. "I don't know what I'm gonna do with that kid. One minute I want to kiss him and the next I want to throw him in jail. Keep him with you a while longer - at least when he's working with you, he's not getting into trouble."


"It's Chance. We think he's our hacker." Jason's mind had already jumped even further ahead than that, even if Reese hadn't verbalized it yet. Everyone was aware of the murders that were happening lately, and it didn't seem a coincidence that the hacking had started at about the same time. It didn't take a genius to put the pieces together - someone was figuring out their pattern and killing people before the Elite could get to them. "And if we catch our hacker, we might have our murderer too."

Stalking down the hall to the supply room, he catches sight of Gunner. "Gunner! With us. Now."

Gunner skids to a halt, his eyes wide as he looks between Jason and Katie. "Alright... where we going?"

"Safe house. Destiny may be in danger. Come on."

Within minutes, two vehicles were flying down the street - Jason in the lead in his truck and Gunner following.


Stopping at the store for some ice cream and a movie, the rest of the ride back to the house was a fairly quiet one, though Chance does a good job at making the mood light after the strange trip they'd had.

Back inside, the bowls are gathered and the movie cued. Chance flops down right next to Destiny so his elbow bumps her on purpose. Giving her a silly grin, he takes a big spoonful of ice cream and leans over to let his head rest against hers for a moment. "Mmm... maybe it really was destiny that led us back here, huh?" His grin widens. "I like the mall but... I like this too."


Still driving, Jason phones back to TJY to have Dalton remotely shut down the security system at the safe house so they can arrive and go in without warning. Reaching their destination, they park alongside the road and the three agents head to the house. Jason already has his gun out, not willing to play any games. If they found out Chance was innocent, so be it, but Jason wasn't willing to take a risk.


Inside, Chance was relaxed on the couch, clueless about the three that were approaching the house. A blinking light in the corner was the only signal that the system had been shut down and his eyes didn't catch it.


"Alright..." Jason's voice was low as he leans against the house beside the door. "Let's surprise him."

So help me... if Chance is our guy, next time I've got a bad feeling about somebody, I'm going straight to Reese.

"In we go." Swinging in front of the door, Jason gives it a swift kick, barging inside. "O'Mally!"

Completely clueless, Chance jumps, his reflexes getting him to his feet and his gun drawn in an instant. "Jason..." His eyes drift wildly between the three, his gun was on Jason, and Jason's gun was on him. "What's going on?"

Jason doesn't lower his gun, but stares at Chance coldly. "One wrong move, and you're dead. Gunner - go check the computer."

Gunner does as he's told, skirting around Jason to head to the corner where the computers were.

Jason continues to stare at Chance. "Put it down. Now."

Chance swallows hard. "Not until I know what's going on." He positions himself between Jason and Destiny in a protective stance.

"What are you afraid of?" Jason questions. "Huh?"

Gunner calls from the computer. "Gambler. It's him."

Chance's face pales. They knew. That's why they were here. Somehow, they'd figured it out. Somehow he'd slipped up and now they knew. They'd traced the hacking back to here and they knew it was him. There was only one option now.

Lowering his gun, he tosses it into the easy chair and lifts his hands to his sides. "Look, there's a perfectly understandable explanation." A smile seeps out. "Come on... I'm on your side." He glances to Destiny, then back to Jason. "There's no need to scare Destiny, right? Come on... put that thing away and we'll talk."

"Not on your life." Jason advances towards him.

Katie, take care of Destiny. Keep her out of the way and make sure she's okay.

Taking Chance by the collar, he slams him back against the wall. "You better talk and you better talk fast," he hisses. "You've been hacking into the Elite system, haven't you?"

Fear races through Chance's eyes as he's pinned, and he knows it's no use trying to fight. "So what? I needed information."

"Why didn't you just ask for it?" Jason tightens his grip.

"Why should I?"

Jason lets go, only to let his hand come back in a swift backhanded slap to Chance's face. "Why?!"

Chance curses at Jason, glaring up at him as he touches his stinging face. "I don't have to answer to you."

Gunner is still at the computer, confirming what they had discovered, but now steps back, keeping an eye on Jason, making sure Katie has a handle on Destiny and staying out of the way.

Jason whips Chance around, punching his gut to knock the wind out of him. "Why did you hack our system?!"

Chance coughs and gasps for air but doesn't answer.

Jason grabs him and throws him face down on the coffee table, sending books and ice cream bowls flying. "Have you been leaking information about the Elite's cases?"

Chance has trouble breathing against the table and still doesn't respond.

Jason yanks him up and gives him an angry punch to the face, making Chance's nose bleed before he slams him back down on the table. "Answer me!"

Chance winces, his whole face throbbing. "Yes!"

"Have you been doing the killings?" Jason tightens his grip, pressing Chance down even harder. "Answer me, or so help me, I'll put a bullet straight through your head."

"No!" Chance shouts. "It wasn't me!"

Then it was true. There was a connection after all and Chance had just walked right into the verbal trap. Jason doesn't relent. "Who, then?"

"I don't know!"

"Are you working for the Agency?" Jason waits, but receives no response. "Yes or no?! Are you working for the Agency?"

Chance cries out as his head is bashed on the table again. "No! I hate them as much as you do!"

"Then who are you working for?!"

"The Elite!"

"Who else?!"

"Nobody!"

"Tell me!"

Chance swallows hard, his eyes closing as his mouth and nose still bleed, bruises starting to form on his cheek. "I'm just a go-between!"

"For who?!"

"The Underground, alright?!"

Jason looks up to Gunner with question, but receives only a blank stare.
What's he talking about? The Underground?
"Who are they?"

Chance can't catch his breath, and his hand grips the edge of the table, still being pinned in place. "Haters of crime."

Jason's eyebrows raise. "A vigilante group?"

"Yeah." Chance cringes in pain again. "They clean up the messes the Elite leaves behind."

"What do you mean?"

"Unfinished business. The Elite has gotten too soft... so the Underground makes sure the scumbags don't get a free ride."

Jason grits his teeth. "You mean by killing them."

"I don't do the killings!" Chance insists. "I only get them the information!"

"Yeah? And how much do you get paid for doing it?"

Chance tries to breathe, but it's nearly impossible. "No less than a thousand a job... ten if it's for someone who's Agency."

"You swine." Jason rips Chance to his feet, staring down into his eyes. "You're no better than a hired hitman."

Chance sniffs as his nose still bleeds, and licks his lip, though it does nothing to stop that blood either. His eyes go to the floor, then swing up and around to Destiny. Everything he'd told her about his phone calls... everything he'd said about what he did... everything he'd told her about his undercover work... it was all a lie. From day one, after she'd caught him in a lie, he'd doubled his efforts in a cover-up and had successfully piled one lie on top of another. He looks back to Jason, knowing he had no way out now. "That's not true."

"Then what would you call it? Whoever this Underground is, they're taking the law into their own hands, and they're hiring you just to point out who should go down. Why did you really come here, Chance? Why are you really a so-called bodyguard here, huh?"

"That was legit," Chance insists. "When Toby said he was sending him here, I got in touch with my other contact and he said it was the perfect opportunity because I'd be close to the Elite headquarters."

"And Destiny? You were just going to risk her getting caught in the middle while you did all this?"

Chance knew if he didn't come clean, it would be worse for him. He knew when to take a gamble and when to fold, and right now he was in the worst predicament he could have ever managed. No matter the consequence, right now he needed to give answers, lest Jason kill him right here.
"She was bait from day one. The underground took out her father since the authorities were ignoring his connection with the Agency - her mother wasn't supposed to go down too but it happened. I was supposed to lure Destiny into a place where the Agency could strike because we knew they'd be after her for information... then we could take them out, or preferably, trace them to their own territory. The funeral wasn't good because there was too much Elite presence. So they wanted me to take her to a more enclosed place, like the mall, after I'd gained her trust so I could get her in a vulnerable spot, but..." Chance shifts his weight but doesn't dare look over to Destiny now. He knew he had betrayed her in the worst way. "...but I couldn't do it. I... I changed my mind."

Jason's anger boils. Chance had known all along about Destiny's father. It hadn't been the Agency. It had been someone he worked for and he had never said a word. And suddenly he'd changed his mind? "Why?"

"I was going to tell them that I'd doubled the price but-"

Jason can't take anymore. Chance had been working for the Elite, but had been selling information to another group that was taking the law into their own hands. Not because he believed in the cause even, but just for the money. And he was even willing to risk innocent lives - Destiny's life. "I can't believe you," he cuts Chance off. As his anger heightens, a nearby lamp suddenly pops and sparks, sending lightbulb fragments in all directions.

Chance flinches and jumps, new fear coursing his gaze. He doesn't have time to react before a forceful backhanded slap hits him once again. He stumbles back and falls to the floor in a heap, beaten, defeated and with no where to run.

Jason stands over him, his hands balled into fists as ire shoots through his veins. Gunner watches carefully, only now willing to step in. "Let it go, Hotshot... he'll get what's coming. We need to take him back in one piece."

Jason continues to glare. He looks to Destiny, then back to Chance. This man had been willing to risk this innocent woman's life all for the name of money.

Gunner grows a little uneasy and looks to Katie. "Get him to back off, Kat," he warns. He did not want to have to step in and physically stop Jason from doing anything stupid.

Wrong too

Dalton gives a nod to Reese once Jason and if and he gives his thanks. He new about Destiny and Chance but he had no idea where they were staying. If this address was right than Destiny was in danger weather Chance was Agency or not, he was a dangerous man.

"Not a problem Reese, Alec found the open link for me and I just when from there. He had as much to do with it as me."

Dalton gives a little nod satisfied to have throw Alec's name in there. If it could help Alec even a little bit that would be good. Though it was odd, Dalton liked Alec and could see something good inside of him.

"Alright, I am going to go check the address again, I know I am right and there is no mistake but Just to make sure I'll run through it one more time. Let me know if you need me for anything else Reese."

Dalton new Reese didn't want to think it was one of there own men, least of all someone who was meant to be protected. So even though Dalton new the address was right he'd check again and recheck. Also making sure there were no other links to who could of found that address. Somewhere...he'd hope he was wrong too.

Looking up as Jason draws close Katie new there was some kind of disturbance that caused Jason's emotions to go slightly haywire but as to what it was she didn't know. Hearing that had a job to do Katie didn't have to be asked again, and from the look on Jason's face she new it was important.

"I think I saw Gunner over in the supply closet. Whats up J?"

Making sure she had her own items with her as she walks her badge was in her pocket and her gun in its holster she was ready. She didn't know what was going on so to have all bases covered was important.

Slightly confused, and being able to tell that Chance was lieing and something was wrong Destiny shifts a little to face him more. Did something happen? Did he not want her to worry about something? What was it that caused him to tell a lie that nothing was wrong? Watching him intently Destiny tried to figure it out until finally he answered her again.

Hearing he had a bad feeling Destiny trys to relax just a little bit. If thats all it was, than it was better to just leave than risk it but still she felt like there was something more he wasn't saying, but what?

""Oh, well thats understandable I trust your judgment, your the one protecting me after all."

Sifting a little in the seat again so she was facing forward once more Destiny gives a nod and a smile trying to let the lingering feeling in her gut pass. She didn't do that often but she did have to trust Chance. She'd been with him for a while now and she had to let go of the odd feeling.

"I think picking up a treat sounds like a good plan. The movie too. And as long as its you I am snuggling on the couch with I think that sounds even better."

Good work

"Nothing." Nothing was wrong. Chance was lying through his teeth and he knew that this time Destiny would be able to tell with no problem. But he offers nothing more anyway.

Stopping at a red light before the main road, his thumb taps the steering wheel. Destiny needed a real answer. She needed an answer that made sense. She needed whatever it took to fix the horrible mess that Chance had just created. In that one moment of hesitation, he'd made a decision that would cost him.

"I got a bad feeling a soon as we were there," he finally replies, his body language relaxing. "I'm sorry. I've just learned that when I bristle, I better pay attention to it. It mighta been fine in there, but maybe not, and you know I wouldn't want to risk your safety."

The light turns green and he pulls out into traffic, heading back towards the safe house. "Didn't mean to ruin the afternoon," he apologizes. "How about we pick up a treat on the way back and just watch a movie instead? Together... on the couch..." He gives her a quick grin, hoping that she would move on from this predicament and forget how strange it was.


Jason stands at Reese's desk as they discuss a case. "Yeah, that sounds okay. I was thinking maybe-"

Interrupted by Dalton bursting into the office, Reese jumps, his face going from bewildered to annoyed. It was not like Dalton to enter without knocking. Reese opens his mouth to reprimand, but can't even get that far as Dalton starts to explain.

Reese's eyes widen with interest. Standing, he takes the paper from Dalton and scans it - most of it making absolutely no sense to him. But when Dalton rattles off the address, Reese's head shoots back up, stunned. "What?"

By now, Jason was forgetting his own conversation, more interested in this one. He blinks. He was one of the few that would know that address, too. "That's the safe house."

Reese's face pales slightly as his mind reels. "Gambler..."

Jason's emotions give a lurch - something like a mixture of anger and fear. "The hacker is Chance."

Reese shakes his head. "There's no way... I mean..." He looks to Dalton. "Could it just look like it was from this location? Could someone have rerouted it?"

Jason steps closer, his face tight. "Who else would know that address, Reese? Think about it."

Reese looks at his paper again, then up at Jason. "You think Chance is Agency?"

"There's only one way to find out." Jason was more than ready to go. He had no doubt in his mind that what Dalton was saying was true and that it was Chance. He'd had a bad feeling about that guy in the first place.

"Perhaps we should call Toby and-"

"And wait for something to happen to Destiny? As far as we know, she's okay, but if Chance is Agency, then her life is in danger. We can't wait."

Reese debates for a moment, then nods. "Alright. Go get him. But Jason - take Katie with you. And..." He thinks. Pete was out, Con was out, Nate was at the hospital with Laura... "Take Gunner. If there's trouble, I don't want you there alone." He knew perfectly well that Jason could handle himself. What he was more worried about was Jason becoming too upset and taking things too far.

Jason nods. "Got it." Spinning on his heel, he stalks from Reese's office, making a beeline for Katie's cubicle. He was too on edge to try communicating with her right now. It would just be a garbled mess if he tried.

Skidding to a stop at her desk, he nods to the exit. "We got a job to do. Now. I'll explain on the way. We need Gunner too. Come on."


Back in Reese's office, he sighs deeply and turns back to Dalton. "Thank you... for your hard work on this. I hope we're wrong about Chance, but you did good work here."

I found it!

Following Chance outside Destiny only stops once to take in the nice air. It was nice to just be outside sometimes. Knowing she couldn't just stand there for to long Destiny starts moving twords the SUV again and gets inside.

Just driving with Chance and enjoying the small talk Destiny tried to keep her own nerves down. She couldn't help but be a little nervous about going to the mall even if Chance was going to be with her. But she tried to best to at least be calm a little bit.

Finally getting to the mall and staying in the suv Destiny just figured he was taking everything in and making sure it was ok. Being feeling a strange thickness fill the air of tension Destiny shifts uncomfortably. It was the same feeling she had gotten when she first met Chance, but it had been awhile since than and to have it back was rather unsettling.

As Chance speeds out of the mall parking lot though and his words are short with no explanation Destiny can feel her heart pick up in beats. This was meant to be fun, but something wasn't right. Did Chance see some of the Agency people what was going on?

"Chance whats wrong? I can feel somethings not right...whats going on?"

Hearing Alec Dalton sits up a little straighter. They had an open link, this was the window they needed. Alec he found it, He really had.

"Ok gives me a second to link my computer to yours."

Making the page he was looking at smaller Dalton did a few things a clicked a few buttons before linking his computer to Alec's and getting the information he saw on his computer as well.

"This could be what we were waiting for."

...Time went by and an hour passed Dalton doesn't even bother to knock on Reese door but just goes right in. Knowing this was important and the boss would forgive him later.

"Reese I got what we were looking for. It took some doing but the hackers link was left open this morning."

Holding out a peace of paper to Reese with writing on it Dalton knows it wont make much sense but he gives it to him anyways.

"The hacks are coming from IP address 12.398.00.1.56 and the address linked with that is 45 Dawson Av, and its right outside of town where those new houses were built. I also go times and how long each hack was. If we are quick about it we might be able to watch when he trys to get in again and than get someone over there to nab whoever it is."

No explanation

Pete hides as grin as Nikki returns the tickling to the bottoms of his feet. He hated to disappoint her, but he just wasn't ticklish. Remaining still for a few moments, his foot then begins to move, sliding up just past her ankle before twisting and hooking her foot, dragging her leg out straight just to trap it between his own legs. Continuing to focus on the movie like he wasn't doing a thing, his other foot twists back a little so his toes could tickler her sole again, but this time she couldn't move it away.


"You know me and sleep," Gage responds ruefully. He'd had plenty of sleep... too much sleep... it always cut into his time for other things.

Lacing up his boots, he nods absentmindedly. "Leftovers... got it."

Straightening up, he sighs and just sits there for a moment, fighting a heavy wave of sleepiness that wanted to settle over him. He had to fight it - now was no time to get groggy.

Standing up and stretching, he yawns, then wanders around, collecting anything else he needed, along with his little cooler for his food. Ending up back by Sapphire, he pulls her up, just to take her seat then draw her into his lap. Wrapping his arms around her, he kisses her cheek, then rests his head on her shoulder, just burying his face for a moment. "You're my world, you know that?" he half-mumbles. It was true... without her, where would he be?


Chance laughs and heads to grab his wallet and adjust his holsters. "Alright. Lingerie stores are out."

Coming around near the door to wait, he nods to Destiny with confidence. "We'll be fine. No need to worry about a thing." He tosses her a wink and as she draws nearer, he puts an arm around her waist, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. Tilting back and looking into her eyes, he smiles. "Just a fun day, okay? No worrying about anything because I promise, nothing's gonna happen."

Turning, he opens the door for her, checks once, then motions that she may exit. "Just don't tell Reese." His teasing smile widens.

Once in the SUV and on their way, Chance remains alert as they head through traffic. Always checking his mirrors, he keeps up with smalltalk and aims for the large mall. The further they drive though, he seems to grow just a little quieter and a little quieter.

Finally reaching the expanse of parking lot, Chance drives around a few times before choosing a spot out near the edge. Pulling into the place, he puts the SUV in park, but doesn't shut off the engine yet. His eyes fix on the mall as suddenly he's become silent, his face showing an odd tenseness. For a moment, it might almost seem he'd gotten lost in a trance.

A new nervousness shines through his eyes - one that had not appeared before. A strange, almost eerie tension settles over the vehicle as the motor runs.

Then his voice finally breaks the silence. "Change of plans."

Without even letting Destiny have time to even think of getting out, he's pulling away from the space again and heading back towards the road. His jaw muscles tighten and his fingers grip the steering wheel harder than necessary. But no explanation is given.


"Whoa, whoa, whoa..." Alec sits up straighter in the chair, setting aside his Mountain Dew and staring at the computer screen. He was back on the job with Dalton today and they'd gleaned more information, helping them get closer to their mystery hacker.

"This morning... there's a hack from Gambler just this morning. But look..." He points at the screen. "He forgot to cover all his tracks this time... almost like he was in a hurry." It was the open door Dalton would need, and Alec knew with the big guy's skill, they'd have a location within the hour.

Wont make you

Once the dessert was clear and Carol had gone to her room Nikki was happy Pete commented about a movie. She liked spending time with him, and smiling again with laughing felt all to good.

Watching the movie and getting into it, its not till Pete starts to tickle her feet that Nikki looks to him quickly as she gave a laugh. Seeing as he was playing oblivious Nikki wonders if Pete was still ticklish himself.

Moving her own toes along the bottom of his feet Nikki stops at the middle of his food and wiggles her toes quickly as she wanted him before snapping her own head back to the TV trying her best to contain her smile.

Smiling back at Gage as he comes into the other room once again Sapphire can't help but let her eyes linger on him. She always loved the way he looked and carried himself, and he always smelled good on top if it.

"You have to get at least a little sleep in so you don't get sick. So maybe I will call but later in the day so we can have out."

Giving a smile and just watching Gage for a long moment Sapphire's eyes don't move from his. He gave her a sense of comfort, and a warm feeling inside when his eyes looked back at her. It was a feeling she couldn't describe but like.

"Like I would really say no to spending more time with you? I have no problem driving you in, just don't forget to bring your left overs for dinner."

Coming down the hallways Destiny stops reading her book for a moment just standing in the living room as Chance finishes up his phone conversation. Who ever he was talking to it sounded like they really didn't agree on something. Destiny couldn't help but wonder if it was really about gambling or maybe something more personal. Either way she wouldn't ask because it was non of he business. He often had it out with Toby, and it was a subject she didn't want to keep bashing over the head.

"I guess we have to have rules though. If not that we would all be on a killing spree and no better than the Agency themselves."

Walking into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of water Destiny takes a swig before rotating her shoulder a little. The sling wasn't on anymore and the Dr said he was healing well but it was still tender and she had to constantly move it so it could get strength back.

"I think the mall sounds like a nice place to be right now as long as you think its safe. Promise I wont make you help me pick out underclothes though ok."

Fulfill my promise

Pete flops back down in his seat and grins at the two women. "Thank you, Carol, for saving me from an unpleasant death."

Taking another bite of the cake, he glances to Nikki, winking at her. Good clean fun was hard to come by anymore, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

After dessert, Pete steps right in and helps clear the rest of the table, rinsing a few things and helping Nikki get them into the dishwasher. The evening had extended later than planned and eventually, Pete finds himself curled in the corner of the couch again as a movie played. His feet rested against Nikki's feet as she sat on the other end of the couch and he wriggles his toes to tickle her once, but keeps his eyes on the television, pretending to be totally clueless.


"I don't know," Gage hollers from the bathroom where he was changing clothes. "Call me anyway." If Lonny was there... Gage might very well be enough awake tomorrow to do something with Sapphire again. "Maybe I'm finally getting used to these hours."

Coming back out to the other room, he sits down on his mattress to pull on some clean socks and put on his work boots. "If you give me a ride, we have more time..." He looks up at her and grins, a lock of his hair falling over his forehead as his eyes sparkle.


"But are you sure that-" Chance sighs as he paces the living room, still on his cell phone. It wasn't unusual for him to be talking to an unknown party, though he often mentioned to Destiny that it was about his undercover case and that he was struggling to keep his cover since Toby was putting restrictions on him.

"That's kind of steep," he argues. "Look, I know when to play it smart." He gestures with his arms as he talks, stopping to look out the front bay window. "I'm the gambler, remember? Trust me."

His arm falls back to his side and he bristles. "Yeah, I do have a problem with this one. I don't think it's smart. I'm just getting things stable and you want to risk it all. It's not wise." He grits his teeth as the other end gives him a negative response. "But I don't have any guarantees! No, I'm not backing out. ...This has nothing to do with my loyalty here. Don't put words into my mouth!"

Spinning around, Chance realizes that Destiny wasn't still in her room, but had come down the hall. Trying to calm himself, he turns back around. "Alright, fine. I'll play it one more time. Next time, the price goes up."

Shutting his phone, he sighs deeply. Then turning around once more, he studies Destiny for a moment. "Rules. Regulations. They get tiring after a while."

He shakes his head and glances out the window, then back to her. "It's too nice of a day to worry about what ought not be worried about. How about I fulfill my promise and we go to the mall? Maybe we can get lost in the crowd and forget about reality for a little while."

Like a log

Feeling Pete's arms go around her and hearing his words Nikki can't help the laugh that comes out. Holding the plate out the little farther she looks over her shoulder a little and grins. She did think this was rather amusing.

"But...you said it wasn't good...so first words are true words..."

Giving another laugh Nikki trys to move a little bit but can't with his arms around her. Just just holding the cake out Nikki stays but. Feeling a rather hard tap to her leg through Nikki looks down at her mother who was whacking her with her cane.

"Ouch Ma, who's side are you on here?"

Carol gives a laugh but continues to whack her daughter in the leg before she says anything.

"I am on my own side, I want my cheese cake back..."

Giving a glance behind Nikki at Pete Carol smiles before looking to Nikki again.

"And give the poor boy his own cake back before he shrivels up right there."

Letting out a long sigh Nikki looks to her mom and finally gives in bringing the plate back to Pete so he could finish his cake.

"Alright...here you guys go and Pete you can have the left overs we wont need more than a peace each."

Having a lovely meal with Gage Sapphire had enjoyed the pizza and to her own surprise there was a little left that she told Gage to take for his own meal at work. She didn't need the extra's at home they would only go to wast.

Pulling into the parking lot and putting the car into park Sapphire hardly wanted to say goodnight to Gage already. They has spent the afternoon together, but it just didn't seem like enough to her. So hearing Gage ask if she wanted to come inside Sapphire perked up a bit.

"Sure I don't see why not. I can just hang out while you get ready. It will give you someone to talk to, and keep me out of trouble."

Giving a laugh Sapphire gets out of the car and waits till Gage pulls up along side her so they could walk into together. Taking his left overs to the fridge and getting her own drink Sapphire takes makes her way to the little card table to site down as she talks a little louder for Gage to hear her while he got ready.

"So...tomorrow I probably wont see you right? Your going to sleep like a log when you get home."

Drowsy

Pete's eyes widen as Nikki calls his bluff, scrambling to save his plate, but having it slide from his grasp. "No! No, no!"

Out of his chair in one movement, he grapples for the cake, slipping behind Nikki and stopping her as he puts both arms around her. "On second thought, I'm sure it's fine," he reasons, laying a hand on his plate again an taking it while still behind her. "You wouldn't want to starve a poor man, now would you?"

He looks over Nikki's shoulder to Carol. "You wouldn't let her do that to me - you're much too kind."


"Mmm, okay, that sounds good." Gage nods his approval at the simple topping suggestion for their pizza.

Enjoying the time and the meal with Sapphire, Gage joins her in small talk, a little bit of talk about TJY, but mostly just about their days, plans for the next time they had days off, and what he might like to do someday.

By the time they leave Mom and Pop's, he's starting to feel a little drowsy, but he shakes it off, knowing that it was too late now for any sleep before work. If he sacked out, he'd never wake up in time to go.

Getting back to his apartment, he just sits in the car for a few moments before swinging his gaze back over to Sapphire. He had to be at work in an hour now. "Wanna come in for a few minutes? I gotta get ready for work but... you're welcome to."

Extra

Nikki can't help the giggle that escaped her lips at Pete's comment. She was happy he liked it, though at his mention to them hating it she did look down at her own and pick at it a little before looking up again.

"Nope, nope if its that bad I'll just throw it out...its ok we have ice cream."

Standing Nikki reaches out to take the cheese cake and than collect Pete's plate that only had half of his gone. It was easy to see she was playing around, but she did it anyways just to get a rise out of Pete.

Smiling at her daughter Carol gives a nod of her head as Nikki starts to clear the cheese cake.

"Thats right, we don't want you to get sick or anything. Than it would be on our head and we would feel so bad."

Contemplating for a moment Ryan finally sits up on the couch. Eli did snore like a monster when he was sitting up, and she did have to work tomorrow. So the last thing she needed right now was him keeping her awake. Giving a laugh she stands and stretches.

"I guess your right, you do snore pretty loud."

Collecting the plates from the table Ryan brings them to the kitchen before returning to the livnig room once again.

"We are going to have to do this again. It was really nice. I better head to bed now. See you in the morning Eli."

Sapphire gives a nod as her eyes sparkle with teasing in them. She liked to tease Gage sometimes and he accepted it well knowing she was only joking.

"So extra olives got it."

Looking up from the menu at Gage Sapphire finally gives a little chuckle and decides not to torture Gage to much. She was happy he was starting to find his likes and dislikes, it was good to see him making designations.

"How about just cheese and pepperoni. Thats sounds good to me today."

All myself

"I just want pizza." Gage laughs and reaches across the table to take Sapphire's hands in his. "I don't care. Wait... no, I do. No olives." He grins. That was one thing he'd found he did not care for. "Otherwise, it's your pick."

Retreating to lean back in his seat, his eyes roam the inside of the restaurant, lingering a moment on the kitchen door. He was trying hard to get on with his life without baggage of the Agency, but sometimes he just couldn't shake it. How did someone like Carson manage to get out and get this far? Why was Gage struggling so?


"Anytime." Eli ruffles Ryan's hair again. "You can stay here for all I care. I'm comfortable. But you know since I'm sitting up that I'll snore, then you won't get any sleep at all."

He chuckles, sliding his feet off the coffee table. He knew well enough that she was probably missing Alec, whether she was sticking to her guns or not. And he felt badly. But there wasn't a whole lot more he could do.


Finally dropping his gaze, Pete picks up his fork and tries a bite of the cheesecake. "Mmm." He closes his eyes, savoring the taste. "Yep... it turned out alright. No wait." He glances to the rest of the cake, then Carol and Nikki. "It's horrible. You'll hate it. You might as well just give it to me so I can take it and eat it all myself."