Two weeks later

Jason chuckles. "Yeah well, I say creativity is only dangerous when it involves sharp objects or things that blow up. Anything else is pure art."

Lifting his pop, he offers a toast. "To your creativity, and the baby's room. May it not be wild enough to disturb the baby's sleep."

Only later would Jason realize that he had really enjoyed the evening. He still felt off kilter. He still had mixed emotions about Katie and he missed her terribly, while still being angry with her at the same time. But... slowly, slowly, those emotions began to be less severe, turning into a dull ache.

It was after hours, but Axel was bent over the car engine, a light hanging from the open hood. Fingering his wrench, he squints, tinkering for several minutes. He didn't normally stay up this late working, but it had been a long day with a long conversation with several other people, and he'd been in too sour a mood to settle down for the night. He'd called off his date with Jess and had ignored the two messages on his answering machine from the band. He figured he'd feel better tomorrow, but for tonight, he just wanted to keep himself occupied until he was tired enough to sleep. 

Several days ago, things had been fine. He'd had his suspicions and had even voiced his concerns. But regardless, he hadn't seen this coming. And now... now he wasn't sure what to think or believe.

Hearing the garage back door open and close, he doesn't lift his head. He'd normally check to see who it was - no one should be here at this hour, and without the security system on, it wasn't the safest place to be. But somehow, he didn't have to ask who had come. Somehow, he knew.

Carson approaches slowly, tucking his hands in his denim jacket pockets. He'd tried to call Axel several times today but had received no answer and no call back. It wasn't like his friend and he'd grown concerned... until he'd found out that Rocky had told Axel what had been going on. Carson hadn't planned on telling Rocky everything, especially so soon after moving, but when he and Phil had come to the restaurant for an in-depth Bible study last night, the truth had come out. Neither one had said much, but Carson hadn't given them a chance either, hibernating in the kitchen until they'd left.

Now though, he just wanted to make sure his best friend would still socialize with him. Coming slowly to Axel, he stops near the car and waits, unsure how to initiate a conversation.

Axel feels Carson's eyes but takes his time. Finally straightening, he pulls a rag from his back pocket and slowly wipes his greasy hands. Eventually, his eyes rise to see Carson. What he found was not an arrogant man or a man proud of his actions. What he found was as man who looked like he'd been beaten from the inside out. But that didn't dissolve the feelings he had. He eyes Carson for several moments before breaking the silence. "What do you want?"

Carson's shoulders drop just a little bit more. "I dunno. I just... when you didn't return my calls, I called Rocky and he said he'd talked to you." Rocky had also been rather cold, to say the least, making his disapproval quite obvious. "I... guess I thought I should drop by."

"Not sure what for." Axel tries to clean off some grease on his palm but even the towel won't rub it off. He looks at his hands, battling his feelings as he had been the whole latter part of the day.

Carson swallows hard. The atmosphere was thick enough to slice with a knife. "I... well are you... I mean we..."

"Look." Axel stops fidgeting with his rag and looks up again. "If you're looking for approval for what you're doing, you came to the wrong place."

"No, I-"

"If you're looking for a shoulder to cry on, you still came to the wrong place."

"It's not-"

"And if you think I'm just gonna ignore the whole thing..." Axel pauses, pursing his lips. He knew that Carson was his brother in Christ. He knew that a sin, no matter how big or small was a sin just the same and that it was man that labeled rankings from bad to worse. He knew that he had no right to judge, lest he be judged himself for his own wrongdoings. But this... he couldn't stand by and let Carson think that he approved or thought this was fine. To love was his Christian duty - but also was rebuke. "I'm sorry, Carson. But if you ever wanted for me to lose all respect for you... you have succeeded."

Carson's head hangs and slowly, he turns around. "Goodnight, Axel. Sorry to bother you."

Watching him walk away, part of Axel wanted to stop him and talk more about what had happened. But he doesn't. Hearing the door open and close once more, he returns to his work on the car until much later when he finally was weary enough to call it a night.

Jeff wants to argue with Katie about Angel, but he holds his tongue. He really didn't want to ruin their day by being negative, no matter how frustrated he was. 

"Alrighty then." He aims Hawk down the trail. "Tallyho." 

It took a while to reach the perfect spot for a picnic, so at least when they did, appetites were ready, and Jeff was feeling a little less irritated. He avoided talk of himself, but really, much conversation wasn't needed anyway. Just spending time with his daughter was nice, whether talking or being quiet. He did tell her a little of his trip to Jay's, and he did ask her just a bit about what had happened with Jason. Though upset with Jason's actions, he encourages Katie to stay at the ranch as long as she needed, promising he'd be sticking around too, with no plans to leave town again any time soon.

It wasn't until later that afternoon that Jeff would excuse himself to his bunkhouse to take a much-needed nap after the long ride. He didn't want it, but his body insisted and he didn't want to risk making Katie or Angel any more upset with him. The nap only came after making sure he saw Ashlee though, wishing her a belated birthday along with giving her a gift card to the tack shop in town. He'd planned on taking her and Stacy there himself but... he didn't make mention of that now. Not after having seen Eric and Stacy cozying up to each other like they had been. No, for today, a nap was the only other thing he'd do.


"Justin? It's Ken Truman." 

"Oh, hi." Justin keeps one hand on the steering wheel as he drives towards North Springs. He was halfway there and hoped Ken wasn't calling to cancel his session with Mackenzie. Although he'd been dealing mostly with Carson, so hearing from Ken at all was a bit of a surprise. "What can I do for you?"

"I... needed to let you know about a change." 

Justin wasn't sure he liked his tone, and prepares for anything. "Okay..."

"We were informed that Carson has left his wife and is now living with another woman."

Justin couldn't help his surprise and he spoke without thinking. "What?!"

"We were surprised too." Ken pauses. "Jeanette and I have discussed it though, and... we both feel it's not a situation that we want Mackenzie around. So for the time being at least, we've suspended any visits to Carson." 

Justin's heart sinks. "How's Mackenzie taking it?"

"Not well. I can't tell if she's more upset with us for not letting her see him anymore, or more upset with him for leaving Misty." 

"Probably both." Justin sighs. "I'm glad to know this though, thank you."

Zach pulls up to the curb and parks, checking himself once in the mirror. It wasn't often he had a nice dinner date. Getting out of his car, he straightens his light green shirt under his black blazer and makes sure it's tucked into his dress pants. 

Making his way to the apartment door, he rings the doorbell and waits, a single daisy in hand for Beth.


The next couple weeks seemed to pass in a strange kind of blur. It was funny how the company of one could help heal the wound that another had made. Regardless, Jason found himself spending many evenings with Misty under the guise of helping her or keeping her distracted from her own worries. But in reality, he needed the company just as much. Whether it was supper or hanging out to watch a movie, having someone just to sit with who understood what he was going through was nice. And... he hoped he was doing the same for her. He still hung out with Sandy and the guys, but they didn't know his history... they didn't understand about Katie. It was just... different. They were a piece of life Jason needed, but so was one-on-one time with someone who shared a different kind of common ground.  He didn't want to overstep any bounds or crowd Misty or give anybody else the wrong idea about his intentions... on the contrary, it was just nice to spend some time with her to help and be helped.

Alec trudges down the sidewalk, not sure where he's headed. It had been almost a month since Reese had given him freedom. During that time, half the mornings he'd woken up with a hangover, he'd been turned down for five jobs and he was now dangerously close to having absolutely no money at all. He'd already quit using his motorcycle, unable to pay for any more gas. Hooking up with a few acquaintances, he'd cashed in all the favors he could, but that money was already gone and there were no more favors left. No one wanted to help him when they didn't owe him anymore.

Finding himself in front of Mom and Pop's, he glances in the window, stifling a cough. It had been quite a while since he'd seen his brother. Come to think of it, he wasn't sure he'd seen Carson since he'd been in court after the Agency incident. He hadn't seen him... or Dani... or even Mackenzie. Alec might never tell anybody, but he thought about his family often. He knew they weren't full-blooded family, and he knew they didn't like him... but deep down, he'd always had an unexplainable longing to be closer to them. It made him feel weak so he'd never admit it. But he couldn't help the strange desire.

Sighing, he looks at the door. It was a long shot, but maybe he could wash dishes or something to earn a few bucks until he could find something better. He wouldn't beg... and he knew Carson didn't trust him... but he was getting pretty close to his wits end. Entering the restaurant, he finds it quieter than he would have thought for the noon hour.

Someone coughing makes Carson glance out of the kitchen. Seeing Alec, he immediately bristles. Things were bad enough without his lowlife brother coming around. He'd figured after all the trouble he'd caused, he wouldn't be around here anymore - figured he'd skip town after being released from the Elite. Exiting the kitchen, Carson glares at Alec over the counter. "What do you want?"

Alec hadn't expected a warm welcome, but the glare made any hope diminish. "Just... decided to drop in." He forces a grin. "No harm in that, is there?"

"How many times have I told you you're not welcome here?"

"I dunno." Alec shrugs. "I figure every man has the right to change his mind sometimes."

"Well this man hasn't," Carson hisses. "Now get out."

Alec frowns. "It's been how long? And you still hate me. I was just wondering if you needed any help around here."

"Go find work somewhere else," Carson growls. "You've caused enough damage other places - I don't need you doing it here too." He was in no mood to deal with this. Today was the first day Dani had not been here to work after she'd given him notice. It should seem reason enough for him to want an extra hand. But not Alec. No.

Alec covers another cough and shakes his head. "What's got you in such a sour mood anyway? I'm the one that's been kicked out on his hind end. You still got a great life."

Carson leans closer, gritting his teeth. "Then you haven't been listening to the word on the street. Now get out. Before I get my shotgun."

Alec swallows hard and slowly backs away from the counter. Maybe this hadn't been such a great idea. Come to think of it, it had been downright stupid. His brother would never accept him. "Yeah... okay.... nice to see ya." Heading back outside, he stops near the curb and looks down the street, not even knowing where to go next. And what had Carson meant about implying he didn't have a great life?

Later at his apartment, Alec found himself where he usually did lately... sitting on the floor in the corner, with nothing to do, nowhere to go, no one to talk to, and his mind wandering places he'd rather not go. He'd failed another job interview today after leaving Mom and Pop's. It had been hard before to get a job with his record - now it was even harder. And with no allowance coming in, things weren't looking good. And... he had no one to turn to... Or did he? 

Two hours later, he'd emptied his memory of phone numbers for guys he'd worked with or had dealings with in the past. No one wanted a roommate. No one wanted to help. They were all busy, broke too, or just plain didn't want to have anything to do with him. And back in the corner of his apartment, any pride left continued to dwindle.

"Carson? What is that?" Jaz comes up behind him in the apartment after the other man had left.

Carson closes the door and folds the papers he'd been given before she could see them. He'd thought this day couldn't get worse. He'd been wrong. Turning, he shoulders past Jaz, heading for the kitchen. 

"What..." Jaz throws up her arms. "Are you going to tell me?" 

Carson continues walking and simply holds up the envelop so she could see before he disappears around the corner. "I've been served," he calls over his shoulder. 

Jaz frowns. "Served?" Shaking her head, she follows his route to the kitchen to find him slouching in a chair at the table. "What are you talking about?" 

Carson grits his teeth and stares at the envelope. Dani had quit. His best friend had turned his back. He had heard nothing from TJY for the last two weeks, even despite his routine late night visits to use the computers. He was no longer allowed to see his daughter. Faithful customers at the restaurant who were his friends had stopped coming, bringing numbers - and income - dangerously low for this time of year. Alec's visit had done nothing but irritate him. And now this. "That guy at the door was serving me papers," he finally explains. "Misty wants a divorce." 

 

...Thunder rolled across the sky, making the earth tremble. It was another miserable day. Sitting under the window with his head resting against the pane, Alec watches the rain run down the glass in uneven streams. It didn't matter how hard he tried... nothing mattered anymore. He could be good, he could be bad, and in the end, it just didn't matter.

Coughing, he winces, his throat feeling like he'd swallowed nails. Digging into his pocket, he pulls out some change and counts it. Not even enough for the cough syrup he wanted so badly right now.

Resuming his stare out the window, his mind wanders to Ryan, like it did so often. It had been the worst torture ever experienced to not try and see her. He'd heard that she and Tal were still together, and that Tal was on the road to recovery. For that, he was actually glad, but a piece of his heart was still missing.

Alec had tried everything to survive here, but found himself failing. After so long of fighting the rules and straining to be free... this is what he got. Freedom. Was this what it really was? He wonders what would have happened, had he never been caught that night at Scott's house. Being a servant of the Agency seemed better than this right now.

Looking out through the rain, his eyes land on the payphone and he again counts the change in his hand. He just wanted someone to talk to was all... some company? There were a few people he hadn't dared try yet... people he really did miss but hadn't had the guts yet to seek their company. Was it worth it now?

Fifteen minutes later, he's hunched over under the small covering of the payphone in another coughing fit. He'd called the Elite but Dalton hadn't been there. Ty was too busy. Susanne had seemed sympathetic, but had explained she had a date tonight.

Shivering, Alec puts in another quarter but only before he realizes he doesn't know Dani's number...

...Hearing the doorbell, Dani groans. Coming down the hall, she tries to get her earring on at the same time. At this rate, she'd be late meeting Dalton for the dinner and movie they'd planned. Who would be stopping by now anyway?

Getting to the door and opening it, her eyes fall on a weary, damp, rather disheveled brother. And immediately she's on edge. "Alec? What on earth are you doing here?" 

"Um... Just stopping by." He covers a cough with his hand. It had been a long walk, but at least the rain had let up for a while.

"Now's not a very good time."

Alec bites his lip. She didn't seem happy to see him at all. On the contrary, she appeared pretty annoyed. Did she feel the same as Carson? Had he told her about yesterday and put her on guard? "I just wanted some company," he explains quietly. "Thought you might... I don't know." He shrugs. "Talk?"

The longer he stood there, the more Dani's distrust grew. She knew all he'd done. The lies. The cheating. The trouble. And she wanted nothing to do with him. His appearance and tone did tug at hear heart, but she ignored it. No, she wouldn't be pulled in this time. "Sorry, but I have other plans."

Alec's hope vanishes. "Oh."

Dani waits for him to leave but when he doesn't, she starts to close the door as a hint. "I have to go now."

"Yeah... yeah, okay." He backs away, leaving her alone. He'd really hoped he'd receive a warmer reception than this but... he shouldn't be surprised. "Bye, Dani." Trudging back out to the street, just as he reaches the curb the skies break open and the rain pours down in sheets. Pressing himself up against a nearby building, it doesn't help much and a clap of thunder makes him jump. Squinting through the rain, he feels his eyes grow hot. So this is what freedom really was, huh? He'd thought he'd been lonely before. It was nothing compared to this. He'd always prided himself in being able to get whatever he wanted. Now he had no pride left at all. Was this the way it would always be now? Was this ache in his heart here to stay? For once... he had nobody to make it feel better...

...Standing at the bottom of the porch steps, Alec stares at the closed door that was only feet away. The rain was still pouring down, but he didn't move. He was soaked from head to toe - not only from his long walk, but also from having stood here for ten minutes already. Hunching over in a coughing fit, he leans on the handrail until it passes, left to shiver as a new chill hits him. Did he have a fever? He hadn't thought of that. Maybe it would explain his pounding headache. 

He felt stupid. He really didn't know why he was here. He didn't know why he'd thought of here and had actually come. He was just setting himself up for another rejection. Maybe it was his last ditch effort. If Carson's car would have been here, he would have passed by but... it wasn't. It was late in the evening, and Alec knew that most nights Carson got home later than this after closing up the restaurant, so maybe it would be safe for a little while yet. But... would Misty feel the same as the others had? She'd been nicer to him than some, so... maybe she would be now? All he wanted was... someone.

Finally, Alec's feet move and he steps up onto the porch and to the door. The light coming through the window almost feels warm as if it beckons to give rest to weary bones. But he tries not to even hope. Knocking on the door, he waits while dripping on the welcome mat as he continued to shiver. His sight narrows in on the painted wood panels, even though it stings. Maybe no one would notice that the droplets on his face weren't just raindrops. Maybe the redness in his eyes would be overlooked.

But as the door is opened, his gaze immediately drops. He couldn't even find the strength to look up at Misty. "Can I..." Alec's voice cracks and he tries not to let any more tears fall, but it doesn't work very well. "Can I come in?" He eventually lifts his eyes enough to see Misty. "I don't want to be alone and-" A raspy cough slips out and he does his best to stop it. "...and I don't have anywhere else to go."

Jeff wanders towards the house, pausing as he sees Cindy kneeling in the flowers out front. He hadn't seen much of her the last couple weeks. Even though she was doing better, he worried about her, as did most of the others. "Knock knock." 

Cindy looks up quickly, squinting in the evening light. "Oh hey, Jeff. What are you doing all the way out here?"

He shrugs. "Just... taking a walk." In truth, he'd wanted to get away from the ranch for a while. After helping Mick break in one of the horses this morning, he'd been read the riot act by several people for the hard work. He'd been tired, sure, but even more so, he'd been upset at their reaction. He was fine. Just fine. He'd given Angel the anxiety pills back after they bothered his stomach, and his nerves felt as though they were shot, but he didn't care. He just wanted everyone to quit worrying about him. 

"I see." Cindy places another flower in a small hole, patting down the dirt. "Well, it's a nice evening for it."

"Yeah..." Jeff leans on the porch railing, just watching her for a moment. "How's Kaylee doing? I saw her yesterday at the ranch running around a hundred miles an hour."

Cindy chuckles. "She was. Yesterday. The day before. And before." She shakes her head as she continues to work. "She's quite the ball of energy. I wore her out today though and she's already inside conked out." 

Jeff grins. He'd been watching the little girl and loved seeing her run around chasing butterflies. It made him remember Katie when she'd been that age and he'd visited her as her "uncle." At least he had her as his daughter now. The last couple weeks had been nice. They'd had a few long walks and long talks, and he hoped that she would find herself as she'd started out to do here. He avoided talk of his health - that was a subject he didn't want to discuss. But otherwise, he and Katie conversed freely and it was nice. At the same time though, watching Eric and Stacy had made Jeff realize he still had a chunk of his heart missing, and the ache grew day by day. The last couple weeks truly had been nice... and they'd been difficult too. "Well... if you ever need any help with her or anything... I'm available." 

Cindy pauses her work, but keeps her eyes on the dirt. Why had Jeff's tone changed? "Thanks, I appreciate that. Becky usually keeps her occupied when I need a break though." 

"I see..." Jeff runs his thumb along the railing. "Well if... if you ever wanted to get away for an evening or something... I'd be glad to take you to town or something.... Dinner maybe?" 

Cindy could feel heat coming to her cheeks, even though she knew that Jeff's invitation was surely innocent. But she also knew that everyone here was starting to settle on the fact that Wes was not coming back. And though she still wore her wedding ring, people were starting to consider her a widow. And it hurt... a lot. 

Finally turning to look up at Jeff, her expression was not angry, but it was not happy either. His moves on Stacy recently had been obvious. Now that Eric had taken over that territory, Jeff was here instead. "Jeff, it would probably be best if you stopped hitting on the same women you pity." 

Jeff straightens, not having expected that. And something inside...hurt. "I'm...I didn't..." He swallows hard. Had he really meant it that way? Maybe... he had. Now though, he was royally embarrassed. "I'm... I'm sorry." He turns to leave. 

Cindy cringes, not having meant to hurt his feelings. "Jeff, wait, I..." Too late. He was gone. She sighs deeply and turns back to her flowers. A tear rolls down her cheek and she runs her fingers through the dirt. "Oh, Wes," she whimpers. "I don't know if I can ever let you go."

"Wai-wait... I um...got it I got it..." Grabbing the barstool and trying to pull himself up, Hunter's foot slips, sending him right back to the floor into a howling fit of laughter. "How's 'bout you just'n bring me my my drink down here?" He points at he floor. "It's clean 'nuf."

One of his drunken buddies snickers as he leans heavily on the bar to keep himself from winding up in Hunter's position. "I could give ya a...a...a slurpy thingy."

Hunter's eyes widen as he quirks one eyebrow. "A wha? Oh a straw!"

"Yeah yeah, right."

Hunter starts laughing again and points to the door. "A reaaaaaaly long 'n right on out to th' curb to put in th' beer truck." Finding the thought quite funny, he shakes his head, unable to stop his laughter. "Hook me up, boys! At'sa next hot thing 'n gettin' drunk!"

The night hadn't started out with the intention to get drunk. It just seemed the thing to do after earlier events. There had been a good crowd at the desert race tonight and Hunter had been fired up. It was just one of those days that he could care less about life, would rather forget the past, and figured he had absolutely nothing to lose. It was a day to throw caution into the wind and push the limits, wherever they might be. It was the kind of a day where Hunter had wanted to rebel against his innermost thoughts of life, loss and regret. 

More laughter fills the bar and Hunter manages to pull himself up on his knees, his eyes barely able to see up over the bar. Reaching blindly with his hand, he finds his beer bottle. Sliding back down to the floor, he brings the bottle with him, spilling half of it on the way. "Oops." He grins up at his laughing friend and points to the puddle on the floor. "Hey look! Th' drinks 'r on th' house!"

There's a strange pause until one of the guys suddenly bursts out laughing again. "I got it! The house! Floor... house..." He cackles and stumbles up to the bar to order another shot of whiskey.

"A toast!" Hunter raises his beer sloppily in the air. "Ta good timesss, beer, an'... an'...."

"Women!"

"Amen." Hunter nods and takes another long swig.

 Hunter was behind. Somehow he'd wound up in fourth place, which was no place to be for the money that was riding on this tonight. He knew Ryan was in first place and it burned him up that she'd have him again this week. It had been three weeks since he'd raced against her and won, and it was about time for that to change. 

Shifting gears, he pushes his car to the max, despite the upcoming curve. He could handle it - he hadn't missed this turn yet. And he didn't. The slide was beautiful. From a distance it would have looked like a floating cloud of dust. The only thing missing was Hunter's regard for the other drivers and what his maneuver might cause. With eyes only for his win, he'd lost sight of the other cars.

No one was sure exactly what happened after that. The car next to Hunter's spun out of control as the driver apparently overcompensated to avoid a collision. Without warning, Hunter's car was hit with just enough force to send it rolling. Jostled to the point of dizziness, pain shot through Hunter's skull as his head hit the window, and once his car had stopped, it took him several moments to regain his senses. 

After that, there had been an explosion. Gripped with fear, Hunter had freed himself of his own car to sprint for the one on fire where he was met with several others to help pull the driver to safety. It wasn't long before the lights of the ambulance had come. Jerry was badly burned and had a broken leg and arm but was going to be okay. Hunter escaped with only a bump to the head and a few bruises. And when leaving the hospital hours later, guilt would be the toughest to recover from. No one blamed him for the accident, but it was obvious that Jerry was lying in that hospital bed because he'd made a reckless move. He might not be openly accused, but he knew good and well that it was his fault. And his confidence in himself, his choices and invincibility was severely shaken. An invite to the bar was all it had taken to send him towards the bliss of drowning out the terror of almost killing another man... and himself.

"Alright, you, I think you've had enough. How about I take you home?"

Hunter looks up to squint at the one sober guy in their little group. "Just'n 'cause you the dresernegated droover d'sn't mean I haft-" He pauses mid-sentence to belch. "...hafta leave when yooooou say so." His pointing finger sways back and forth.

"Yeah well, I gotta get home and if I'm gonna drive you, we need to leave now, and no, I'm not leaving you here."

"Kay...kay..." Hunter relents and tries to pull himself up again, only to slide back down to the floor. Snickering, he shakes his head at his friend. "An'body gots a truck tow?"

Half an hour later, he was being dumped into his bed and left for the night. Tomorrow, he would only remember half of the evening at the bar. His head would pound. And he'd feel no better...

...Staring blankly at the kitchen table, Hunter manages another swallow of coffee. Why he did this to himself, he'd never know. It wasn't worth it and he knew it. Getting that drunk was stupid, pointless, dangerous and unhealthy. Yet he'd found himself, once again, with his rowdy friends who just encouraged him to drink one more...and one more until he'd been so drunk he didn't even remember coming home. All he knew was he'd woken up with a giant of a hangover.

It had been a while since he'd gotten this drunk. Come to think of it... the last time he'd even come close was the night Katie had arrested him, and that time hadn't been all that bad. After that... when he'd felt like getting drunk, he'd called or texted her instead and had wound up with something other than a beer to keep himself occupied. Maybe somewhere down deep he'd been searching for someone to keep him from his own stupidity, whether he'd admit it or not.

Images of the evening before flash in his mind. Rolling in his car. Seeing an explosion in his mirror. Helping pull Jerry - burnt and unconscious - from the flaming car. He hadn't even realized his own head had been bleeding until someone had pointed it out. The evening would have been a good one, had he not been so reckless. But he just hadn't... cared. He hadn't cared about risking his own neck, nor anyone else's. And right about now, it didn't feel good at all.

Turning back to his coffee, he swallows the last of it and grimaces. It tasted terrible. Maybe he'd just go back to bed for a while. He didn't have anywhere to go anyway...

...Straddling his parked motorcycle, Hunter looks out at the lake, glowing with colors from the setting sun. He'd bypassed another invite to the bar - it had taken him all day yesterday to get over his hangover... he really didn't want another one so soon. Not that coming to the lake alone was all that great.

Sighing, he folds his arms and just watches the water. Life. Why was it so depressing? There had been a time he'd been happy. He'd loved life. He had goals. He had dreams. And now... ever since that accident with Break Out... everything had become one murky blur. No matter how hard he tried, it just hadn't gained any clarity at all. He was as confused and angry today as he was then. Nothing he did returned to him his dreams. Nothing resolved this aching guilt for his lifestyle. Nothing allowed him release from the memories of friends he'd turned his back on.

His recent accident just added to his muddled emotions. He knew he'd been reckless as of late, but no one had ever gotten hurt from it. He'd done a lot of stupid things that had risked his neck, but seeing Jerry like that...

Hunter didn't want to admit it, but he was scared. For the first time, he was scared of himself. What if he did something stupid like that again? What if somebody else got hurt? He'd been acting as if he were invincible - but he was not, nor were the people around him. How many times had he gone racing down crowded streets just for a thrill? What if he'd hit someone? The other night in the desert, his only focus had been on winning - he'd completely ignored the other cars around him, and had especially ignored their safety. They all knew the risks. They all knew that accidents happened. No one blamed him in particular for the accident. But... it had never happened before. Would he be reckless again? Would he let his desire to win override safety again? What if Jerry hadn't survived? Then what?

Sighing, he digs his cell phone from his pocket. He didn't want to bother Katie. She was trying to forget about Nevada and her problems. Venting to her would only cause her more stress. And yet... if there was anybody he wanted to talk to right now, it was her. She wasn't like his other friends. She talked to him - not just convincing him to go get drunk like the others. She was just... special. And even if he wouldn't ever dare say it... he kinda missed her.

Finally flipping open his phone, he types out a text message.

What up? Hope ur getting some good

relaxing. Me I got myself in a
fender bender. Kinda. Desert race
gone bad. My fault. Other guy will
be ok but not good.

Hunter's fingers pause above the small buttons as a lump rises in his throat. He was angry. Angry with himself and angry that he couldn't handle this on his own. Rubbing his forehead, his fingers run over the bandage, reminding him of his short hospital visit.

Car's busted. Idk if I'll race when
its fixed tho. Got a bad taste in
my mouth I guess. Dont wanna hurt
somebody else.

Would she be able to tell what a hard time he was having? He kinda hoped not. Maybe he shouldn't send this at all. Maybe he should just say hi and leave it at that. He sighs. Nah... he'd go ahead and send it. It wasn't that bad and she probably wouldn't read into it enough to be worried about him.

Anyway... Hope ur smiling cuz ur
even prettier when you do. Ttyl.

After sending it, he just stares at his phone for a few minutes. It would be nice to actually talk to her. Maybe he should have just called her. No, she might be busy or trying not to talk to anybody right now. A text was better. That way she could more easily ignore it if she wanted to. If she wanted to call him back she would, but he figured she'd probably just text since it was easier. She probably had enough going on the way it was.

Words

Misty can't help but laugh at Jason's comment. What turned out as a joke had caught on and now that it had Misty could really see it happening and would make sure of it. There was just a nice ring to it and knowing Jason would be there made her feel good. At least the baby would have some males in his life to replace there father even if it was only as uncles.

  "Uncle Jase, alright...I think I can handle that one."

Leaning back and taking a sip of her iced tea Misty can't help but continue smile. In the last few days it had been the most she had. Jason provided a good detraction and Misty was really thankful for that. It was what she needed now.

   "Huh...I'm gonna have to go pay Phil a visit and check some stuff out there. Maybe it will give me a spark for my own creation. Though...that could be dangerous."

   "Well she worrys dad because its her job and she is looking out for you. So before you snap on her maybe you should remember that?!"

Katie wasn's angry with her dad nore was she giving him attitude she was just reminding him that it was Angel's job and she had a right to be that way. No one wanted to see Jeff hurt and if he didn't slow down like the dr ordered he'd end up finding himself in a hospital again.

For now though Katie says nothing about it. The last thing she wanted to do was rune there good time. She was getting this moment, this day to spend with her father to spoil it before it started would be a shame. So no more now would be said even if she was slightly worried.

   "I think the foothills sounds great. There is a nice view out there too. Sitting and eating there would be great not to mention being hungry at that point is a good thing."

Hearing a beep on her home laptop Hope take a moment from some of the paper work she was writing up to open her email. Seeing Scott's note and reading is a smile crosses her face. A small tear finding its way to escape from her eye. He'd come so far, he'd fought for so much and now he was living again. It made Hope proud to know someone like Scott and get to watch his walk.

Rain

Jason quirks an eyebrow before laughing, giving Misty's shin a light kick back. "Uncle Jason, huh? I don't know why, but that makes me feel old for some reason." He grins. "We're definitely teaching that kid to call me Uncle Jase. It sounds cooler."

Taking another bite of his sub, he nods as he chews. "Ya know... Mercury Hardware - where Phil works - they've got a home section with all sorts of decorating ideas. Paints of all colors, and they've got this book of samples for different kinds of rooms. I bet they've got some cool ideas for baby rooms." He shrugs. "Something to spark your own ideas maybe." 

"Well Angel can just have a fit and fall in it then." Jeff wasn't snapping at Katie in the least - he was more perturbed with Angel herself than his daughter. "She needs to learn to relax more and quit worrying so much." 

Keeping a steady hand on Hawk to maintain a slower pace, Jeff scans the area. "I don't know... How about we ride up the trail to the foothills? That'll give us time to work up an appetite."

Sitting at his computer at home, Scott's fingers over above his computer's keyboard. He'd had a good day today. He'd worked longer than planned, though nothing had been high-pressure. It had felt good to be back to the Elite again, and Dalton was being very considerate of his new needs, as was everyone else. It had proven to Scott that he'd made the right decision - that going back to work was something he needed to do. He knew he'd have his bad days for sure, but as long as he continued walking forward, it was going to be okay. And he was more confidant in that than he had been in a very long time. A conversation with Reese also confirmed that his knowledge and skills were still needed - that he could help fight the Agency in new ways, using the things he now knew. It wouldn't be easy, but it was something Scott could do to contribute in spite of what had happened to him.

Opening a new email message, he enters the addresses of most all of the people at TJY, including his sister and Hope and Dalton, and even Justin. The subject line read: Back to Work.

To those who have traveled the last couple years with me, whether by my side or from a distance through prayer,

Looking back on my journey, I find things that I would change if I had the chance to go back in time. While a change in my circumstances would have eased the way, it is not that about which I have regrets. Rather, the regrets lie in and around my attitudes and actions towards the people for whom I care the most.

I wish I would have had more courage - not to face my trials, but rather to stand up and tell the ones I loved that I did love them. I wish I would have been stronger - not to overcome my own demons, but to accept the love and care shown to me by others. I wish I would have been more understanding - not of my own circumstances, but of what others were going through right alongside me as they waged war on my behalf.

I am learning to accept the fact that I am no longer the same man who was captured by the Agency. I am learning to not try and live in a world that no longer exists, but rather find peace in that which I have been dealt. The past has shaped me into the man I have become, and I can no longer fight it, but I find the need to work with it, through it, and use it to my advantage. I am a marked man, wanted by the Agency. I am an officer of the Elite, now with skills and information that should no longer be kept to myself.

In recklessness, I abandoned the things that meant the most to me. I denied myself the comfort offered by others. I left behind what I loved. Failing at the attempt to destroy the past, I now begin to pick up the pieces left by my own destruction, and I begin to embrace the old and the new as one. My eyes have been opened to now see that it was never about me. It was about war. It was about God's grace. It was about love. It was about growth.

No longer will I be held by the chains of a fearful past. I am free - free to embrace and use that very past to create good, as a vengeful act against that which started this war. For to give up the battle is to surrender to evil and that I can no longer do. The edge of the cliff came all too close, but I have pulled away and faced that which will make me stronger and prepare me for the future. There will be good days. There will be bad days. But I will not surrender.

I am Scott Johnson. And I am learning to walk in the rain.

Color

Being pulled into the hug Nikki wraps her arms around Pete. Her comfort was much needed and welcomed. Even if Nikki new her mom was going to heaven, even if she new she was going home it was still hard and it still hurt. She would miss her mom when that time came and she new it.

   "I know you are, thank you so much Pete. You know what...I sure am happy God put you in my life. "

Giving him a little extra squeeze before pulling away Nikki smiles and goes back to the dishes. Once they got done here they could go into the living room with her mom and start there movie. Though she would be asleep Nikki new she would still feel there presence she was always good like that.

Still pacing the room Trey thinks for a second. Four or Five it really didnt matter much to him, as long as Pete would be ok with him driving at that time. If not Trey did have a back up plan of asking Reese if he could barrow one of the cars. Either way he had a plan as long as it worked out the way he wanted.

   "Ok, five it is, and yeah Chinese food it good.  So I guess I'll see you than, than."

Misty thinks for a moment and gives a thoughtful nod as she takes another bit of her sub. She never thought about doing a softer color, or trying to mix things together that could be for a boy and a girl. Most of the stuff she had always seen was one or the other.

    "Mmmm...I bet yellow and mint green would look good together."


Setting down the sub and whips her mouth Misty gives another laugh at the mention to the bikes. She liked motorcycles but never been completely into them like some people.


   "I think Motorcycles is more of something Uncle Jason would want..."


Misty gives Jason a light tap under the table with her foot a smile spreading across her face. She was happy to have something else to take her mind off everything else right now. A distraction was what she needed because when night time came she new she would think about reality all to much.


Katie rolls her own eyes at Jeff's brush off of what happened. Katie new that with him something small could be something big and it just made her worry more that he brushed it off. Letting out a sigh though she swings herself on top of lighting. Making sure everything was secure she starts out after Jeff.

Taking a little time to catch up with him after he had the head start Katie finally does. Going fast on a horse was always fun kind of like a motorcycle.  It was just something about going fast and being free. Pulling up along side Jeff Katie slows down a little bit looking at her dad and shaking her head.


   "You know...if Angel new you just did that she would have a fit."


She new Jeff hated that he had to take things easy sometimes, she wondered if her own stubbornness for that came from him too. She'd never rat him out to Angel though unless it was clear he was hurting himself. She'd only chide him here and there to let him know she cared about him and what he did.


   "So...where would you like to have our picnic?"

Head Start

Pete was glad that Nikki's mother enjoyed having him around. He wasn't sure why Carol liked him, but it made him feel good if he could get her to smile or laugh and... maybe down deeper he knew that perhaps Carol was the only other person besides himself who had thought about his role in the future, as far as her daughter was concerned.

Nodding slowly, it pained him to know that Carol didn't have much time left. Nikki loved her so, and to see her hurting hurt him even more. But... that's what life and death were about. He knew that Nikki hoped to keep her mother at home for as long as possible, and in a way, Pete hoped that when the time came, Carol would go quickly so she wouldn't have to suffer long in a hospital. 

"I suppose in a way, I'm jealous," Pete admits. He gives Nikki a soft smile. "She's gonna get to meet Jesus before me." 

Still smiling, he pulls Nikki close for a hug and kisses the top of her head. "I'm here," he assures. "No matter what you need... you just call on me." 

"Next Tuesday..." Ariel shrugs and sets her book aside as Slinky jumps up into her lap. 

"Make it five instead of four and I can do that, and... do you like Chinese?" 

Jason laughs and swallows his bite of food. Misty had just found out she was pregnant and already wanted to get everything ready. Maybe it was good though, that she had something like this to focus on.

Grinning, he shrugs. "You could always choose something neutral, as far as colors go. Like yellow or mint green or something. Then you could pick a theme later if you wanted to be more specific. Like flowers or Harley motorcycles." 

He laughs again. "Or maybe both." 

Jeff shakes his head, rolling his eyes. "It's just a scratch." That much was true. It was just that a scratch for him was as bad as a deep gash for someone else. "I'm fine." Maybe it hadn't stopped bleeding completely but close enough. 

Moving around and mounting up on Hawk, Jeff refuses to even hesitate. "Angel's seen enough of me today as it is. I'm going on a picnic with my daughter. So come on." He gestures to her horse. "You better get on before I get too much of a head start." 

Grinning, he swings Hawk around and digs in his heels, sprinting for the back lane. He wouldn't usually do that to a horse he'd just taken out of the stall, but Hawk had been out all day yesterday so Jeff knew he'd be fine... and... he wasn't about to let Katie talk him into staying and making a big deal out of something so small. Not today. 

Having you around

Finished in the kitchen Katie swings the bag over her shoulder and heads outside again joining Jeff once more. Attaching the bag to the horse Katie gives it a soft pat on its hind end before turning to Jeff again. Catching sight of the bandage on his hand than the blood on his pants Katie's heart races for a second not know what went on

   "Dad what happened?  Are you ok, do you need to go see Angel?"

Katie had the look of worry on her face. If Jeff needed to go see Angel she had no problem with that. Riding could wait as long as he was ok. He always came first to her because she never wanted anything bad to happen to him.

   "Riding can wait for a little while longer I don't mind."

   "Oh boy someone more stubborn than me....we are in for trouble now."

Misty gives a laugh as she heads outside with Jason. Getting into the truck the talk is light or non at all till the get to the restront. For it being a slower night it dosnt take long for them to get there food. Misty's mouth almost watered as she looked down at her sub. It was not the normal that she would get but it did look good. She could only guess this was some of the cravings she had heard about when one was going to have a baby.

Finally biting into the sub She can't help the smile that spread across her face. It tasted soooo good she couldn't even describe it. Silence rains for a while as she continues to eat till finally she decides to come up for air.

   "So, I am kind of being impatient. I want to know the gender of the baby now so I can start making his or her room up."

Giving a little laugh Nikki's eyes twinkled before giving a thoughtful nod about her mom. She had looked pretty tired at dinner time and she would of guess that soon after she would of been sound asleep in her chair.

   "I figured it wouldn't take her long to be out. She seemed to eat a little more today though. I think it was because you were here. She likes having you around."

Thinking for a second about her mom dr appointment the other day Nikki's face changed slightly. Though she tired to still hold a smile there was a small bit of sadness in her eyes too. Her mom had lived a good long life so Nikkie new she shouldn't be sad but it was hard not to be. The only comfort she had was that when her mom did pass she new she would see her again.

   "The dr said mom was doing the best she could be, but the cancer was moving quickly though mom's body. The cemo hasn't been doing much good and the dr fears if we continue it, it will do more harm than good. It's only a matter of time now till her body finally gives out."

Nikki draws in a breath and than slowly lets it out. She trusted God, and new her mom did too but it still hurt.

   "Mostly all she does now is sleep and its becoming hard for her to move around the house. I...I exspect as much as I don't want it...God will be calling her home soon."

Pacing his room at TJY Trey things for a second. She had said yes, and he hardly ever did anything that was planned so anyday was really clear to him.

   "How about next Tuesday at four and you can pick the place."

Quiet

Once Katie goes to make the sandwiches, Jeff heads to his horse's stall to start saddling up. He knew Katie would give him all the time in the world, but he wouldn't lollygag. 

As he has his mount in the crossties, movement catches his eye and he looks down the barn aisle to see Eric and Stacy walking by. Together. Yes, obviously together. Again, that strange little feeling enters his gut and he sighs. Well, so much for that. Hopefully Eric was happy at any rate. It did seem a little unfair though. He'd had it in mind to do something special with Stacy and Ashlee as a belated birthday treat for Ashlee but... maybe that wouldn't be so smart now.

Pain brings his mind back to what he was doing, and he realizes that he'd just cut his hand on the buckle to his saddle's girth. Muttering under his breath, he wipes the blood off on his jeans, but it the cut was just deep enough that it didn't want to stop bleeding. Sighing, he goes to the supply room for the first aid kit. He knew good and well to take care of this one - he was on blood thinner for his heart and if he didn't get this covered, he might never get it to stop bleeding. Strike two for the day.

It takes a bit of doing, along with several bandaids, but once he's finally got that under control, he goes back to tacking up, trying hard not to let these things get to him. Everything was fine. He was fine. Things were good. His daughter was here... it was going to be a good day. 

Once finished, he leads his horse outside to wait for Katie. 

Jason laughs and heads out into the hall. "The Sandwich Basket it is then. Do I look like a guy who would argue with the baby? Ten bucks says he or she will have at least five times your stubbornness, and that, I will not go up against." 

Leading the way outside and to his pickup, the ride to the little restaurant doesn't take long. It was a little later in the evening so it wasn't very busy - which was pleasant. 

Seated to the side, Jason works on his sub, while conversation has a bit of a hard time coming. It was kind of strange though... even though there were many pauses, Jason didn't feel they were awkward. As unfortunate as it was, he and Misty had something in common right now and neither needed to say it. 

"Mmm." Pete returns Nikki's kiss before smiling. "I can't decide. I want to help with the dishes, but you fit so nicely right here that I could just stand here all night." 

Giving her a little squeeze, he finally lets her go, moving to the side and grabbing a towel. "Your mom's asleep on the couch," he informs. "She seemed pretty zonked from the day." 

He pauses and wipes a plate thoughtfully. "What did the doctor say at her appointment the other day?" 

Sitting on her couch with a good book, Ariel is a little surprised to hear Trey's voice. "Hey there..." 

Hearing his offer, she quirks an eyebrow. Dinner? He'd even pick her up? That seemed pretty nice of him. Did she want to?" 

"Umm..." She glances to the wall to squint at the calendar. It was clear. She worked during the day but the evening didn't have anything going on unless she went to the stable. Did she really want to go hang out with Trey? The last time they'd met had been kind of nice and at the very least, she knew he needed some good friends right now. She also wondered if he'd decided yet on whether he was going to stay in Nevada or go back to Mexico. Maybe that's what he wanted to talk to her about. 

"Okay. Tell me what time and I'll be ready."

Baby Said

All saddled and ready Katie continues to brush her horse as she waits for Jeff. She didn't mind how long he was she could stand here and brush for hours knowing the horse wouldn't mind either. Hearing Jeff though she turns and gives a smile.

   "No problem, I don't have anything else planned so take your time."

Hearing about the food Katie takes the rains of the horse and ties it around on of the posts.

   "I'll go grab them while you get ready."

Katie didn't mind and Jeff wouldn't feel rushed. She could get the food and Jeff could get ready it was killing two birds with one stone and a way to calm her excitement a little bit.

Heading to the dinning hall and into the kitchen Katie find the stuff to make sandwiches and pulls everything out getting to work. Once she was finished she starts looking for the bag she new use to be around here somewhere for lunches to be packed in when riding was the method of transportation.

Misty smiles a little and shakes her head. She new Jason would have given her a hard time and she probley would of done the same to him but for once she didn't balm him for wanting to work late when she new why she was doing was almost the same.

   "I have to pick huh? When than your driving. I don't want to have to do all of the work now."

Just giving a faint smile Misty grabs her leather jacket and her wallet before starting to exit the infirmary with Jason. Thinking about where she wanted to eat her stomach gave a learch to somethings she thought about while other seemed to make her even more hungry.

   "I don't think I am the one deciding where to eat at. Everything I think of my stomach feels sick."

Misty can't help but give a genuine laugh. It was still strange thinking of herself having a baby but she was slowly getting use to the idea, and was starting to get excited.

   "The baby said the Sandwich Basket sounded good. As long as thats ok with you."

As Pete comes up behind her Nikki can't help the smile and the small murmur of pleasure. She loved feeling his arms around her. It made her feel safe, sheltered, loved, and everything else in between. Pete just had a special way of making her feel extra special.

   "Can't have you feeling left out ya know. You can help by drying the dishes...or just standing there holding me. That's always a big help."

Turning her head to the side Nikki gives Pete a soft kiss on the lips before pulling away. Just looking into his eyes the smile never leaves her face. If someone had told her a long time ago that some day Pete and herself would be in a very happy relationship she would of told them only in her dreams. But now it had become real and she could never be more happy.

   "Hey Ariel, its Trey!"

It had been over a week since Trey had talked to Ariel last but he had done it to give her a little space. Things had been hairy since the night he had gotten drunk and in a way he was still ashamed.  But now he was slightly lonely, and maybe it was time to try things again.

   "I was wondering if tomorrow you would like to go to dinner. I can pick you up around four if thats not to early."

Heart attack

Jeff's eyes drift to the floor, knowing good and well that Angel was chiding him under her gentle tone. He also knew she was right. And he was also frustrated. 

Accepting the bottle of pills, he nods. "Okay... I'll let you know how I feel." He remains seated for a few moments longer, just studying the bottle, lost in thought. It had been a good visit with his brother... and a bad one at the same time. He knew he deserved Angel's reminder to take it easy, but sometimes when he just wanted to let off some steam, he was trapped between letting his emotions out and making himself ill - or worse. He had a weak heart, a weak immune system and just about anything else that could be weak... and he knew it. Getting a simple cold was cause for concern. Getting too upset or even too excited could give him a heart attack. And most of the time he didn't feel very good - he just hid it well. There were days he considered just throwing a temper tantrum so he'd have that heart attack and just be done. With his luck though, he'd survive as a vegetable.

Finally standing, he forces a perky smile to Angel. "Thanks. I'm heading out to ride, but I promise I won't do any crazy stunts... at least not very many." 

Grinning, he tosses her a wink. "See ya later." Heading outside, he tucks the bottle in his pocket and takes route to the barn. Finding Katie, he gives her a warm hug. "Good morning, Sunshine. Give your old man a few minutes to saddle up and I'll be ready to go. Oh, and there's some sandwiches in the kitchen fridge we can grab before we go." 

Jason gives Misty a grin. "I'd give you a bad time myself for working this late... if I wasn't doing the same thing."

Biting his lip, he looks down at her and finally nods. "Yeah... I guess things are just a little too quiet, even with Trooper giving me a bad time." He shrugs. "I got an invite to go bowling with some friends but... I dunno... guess I wasn't in the mood." 

A pause follows before he shrugs and fishes his keys from his pocket. "Well... I'm ready whenever. We can take both our cars or I can drive us if you want. You're gonna have to pick the place anyway."

Pete leans on the kitchen door frame just watching Nikki wash the dishes from supper. A faint smile was pasted on his lips, his mind seeming to be far away. He'd had a nice evening here with Nikki and her mom. He liked it just as well as a date night, enjoying both their company and being in their home. There was a peace here that was too inviting not to feel. 

Eventually coming into the kitchen in his socks, his footsteps are almost silent. Approaching Nikki from behind, he slips his arms around her waist and leans his head over her shoulder to blow a soap bubble in the air. "Can I help? I feel left out."

Don't listen

Looking Jeff over Angel just listens to him at the same time. She could tell there was more to what he was saying and things might have been a little worse than what he was leading onto but she wouldn't push the issue to much. He was here now and she was looking him over so that was good. 

   "What is it with you guys humm? I tell you to take it easy and you don't listen to me."

Angel shakes her head her eyes twinkling to show she was not upset but she did mean what she said. If they would slow down a little bit and just relax things would be better but one thing she had learned if anything was the guys at this ranch where thick headed, but she loved them all anyways.

   "Well I don't normally like putting people on medicine when I know they  can control it on there own but maybe in this case if I give you a low dose it might be a good thing. You're going to still have to try and take it easy though...and I mean it Jeff? If you don't its going to be the death of you."

 Going over to her cabnit and looking through the bottles Angel finally finds the one she is looking for. Separating it into another bottle she goes to the computer and prints out a label before putting it on the bottle as well and talking back over to Jeff.

   "Here you go. Take one a day with some thing to eat. Come and see me again in a few weeks and we will see how your feeling ok?"

Holding a finger up to Jason to wait one second Misty continues to write a formula down she had been thinking about. Getting to the end she finally looks up and gives a small smile. Most everyone was gone now though Misty still felt like someone was there it seemed her guess of it being Jason was right.

   "Getting something for dinner sounds nice. It will get me to stop working too. If Reese finds out I haven't gone home yet...I'll hear it tomorrow."

Closing the folder she had been working on and turning around to put it back in the file cabnit Misty closes and locks it. Turning she stands at the desk for a moment before looking up at Jason again and studying his eyes. Did he really not want to go home or did he know she didn't want to go home either. Maybe it was a little bit of both, and through this time they could support each other.

   "I guess we both have something else in common too now. We don't want to face home alone."


  

Half truth

Jeff was glad that Katie liked it her and liked spending time with him. The only thing he'd argue was that he didn't feel he'd been there enough for her... especially when she'd been growing up. Though at the time he'd given her up to Jay he had felt it was best, there were days now he held regrets. 

"Alright then, it's a date." He smiles, already looking forward to tomorrow...

"Oh good, I hope the answer is yes." Eric gives Stacy a flirtatious look before standing up and gathering their dirty bowls to take to the sink. "Looks like I'll see you in a little while then...

"...we kinda got in a little spat..." Okay, so it was more than a spat and thinking about it still got Jeff's hackles up. But he really didn't want to go into details. Sitting in the chair in Angel's office, he chews on the inside of his lip, hoping she wouldn't read into things too much... but she usually could see right through him, and he feared what she might say. It was the next morning, and he had come to her bright and early to get this over with before meeting Katie in the barn. 

"Anyway, I guess maybe I got a little too riled 'cause I sorta got short of breath... chest got kinda tight..." No, really tight, but he wasn't going to admit it. "I went and laid down for a while and I felt better though." Actually, he'd gone to lay down so in case he passed out, he wouldn't fall to the floor.  

He shrugs. "When Rick was here that one time, he suggested something for anxiety or something like that so... I guess I thought maybe I should see you about it." 

It was quitting time for the day, but Jason found himself still in his office. Not that he wanted to work, but he didn't really want to go home just yet. 

Finally though, he leaves his office to wander down the hall. Knocking lightly on the infirmary door, he pokes his head in to find Rick gone for the day but Misty still working. Not surprising. Jason suspected she didn't want to go home either. 

"Hey..." Coming in and walking slowly to her desk, he hooks his thumbs in his pockets. "Thought you might still be here." 

He wanted to ask how her day had been but... he knew it probably hadn't been so great. "You wouldn't wanna.... go grab a sandwich or something for supper, would you? I'm looking for excuses not to go home yet."

Flirt

Just listing to her dad Katie gives a nod here and there. He was always filled with such good insight and a take on things no one else really thought of. Even if he said something someone else had said five times over, the way he said it just made more sense in the long run. Not to mention he was always relaxed and layed back about almost everything. Not only because he had to be but thats just how he always was.

   "Thanks Dad, for always be there for me. It really means a lot. Thats another reason I came here...because your here."

It was the truth too. Katie missed her dad and knowing he was here was even better for her. She enjoyed him time with him knowing it was limited. To much time had already been wasted with her not knowing he was her dad. She wasn't going to wast more.

   "I think a picnic and riding tomorrow would be great. I did a little riding alone today to get out some frustration so having someone come alone tomorrow would be great."

Letting Eric clean her cheek Stacy shakes her head letting the food fight die down for not before it got way out of hand. She was only happy Ashlee was off doing something else so she didn't see this little display. She could only guess what kind of comments she would make.

   "I think a hayloft is calling my name too. Or many thats the guy in the hayloft. Either way though I would answer."

Stacy's eyes twinkle at her comment. She was flirting and she new it. In it felt strange but good she liked the feeling.

Hayloft

Eric grins and nods. "Yes... yes I do know I'm lucky." 

Taking the napkin she'd just thrown at him, he reaches over to wipe a little place on her cheek. "Missed a spot." He stifles another laugh. "Wouldn't want anyone around here to think you'd been in a food fight or anything."

Sighing with content, he looks back at his ice cream dish ti find it empty. "Rats. I was enjoying that." He shrugs. "Oh well. I think a hayloft is calling my name anyway..." He lets the sentence linger, giving Stacy a sidelong glance.

Listening quietly to Katie, Jeff takes his time eating his sandwich. He'd been told a little bit, but knew no details, and he was sorry to hear about how Katie and Jason had broken up. 

Nodding slowly, he gives his daughter a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, Katie... that's never an easy thing to go through for anybody - having a loved one betray your trust like that, I mean." 

Sliding his hand over to hers, he gives it a squeeze. "I'm glad you came though. Life has a funny way of working itself out if we just let it sometimes." He knew she was hurting and confused, but he also knew that she was strong enough to pick herself up and move on - with or without Jason. And if Jason was just going to cheat on her, she was better off without him, whether she saw it now or not. Jeff had liked and respected Jason, but if the young man wasn't going to stick to one girl, then it was just as well Katie find out now and not later. 

Offering her a smile, he nods again. "How about tomorrow morning you and I hit the trail with a picnic lunch? I gotta see Angel first thing, but after that my day is yours... if you want." Maybe she just wanted to be alone - he'd let her decide.

Over Reacted

As Eric comes in for the kiss Stacy doesn't have time to stop him though she probley wouldn't try even if she did have time to react. A kiss from him was all two nice, and she enjoyed the affection she had been lacking for all to long.

Returning the kiss and feeling the whip cream on her cheek as Eric backs away Stacy can't help grin and cock her head.  Taking her napkin and whipping her face again Stacy shakes her head lightly. Crumpling up her napkin she throws it in Eric direction.

   "Your lucky I like you, you know that?"

Katie can't help but laugh once Jeff was back and started talking about Jay. That was one way to look at them and man would it be confusing for everyone. She'd always consider Jay a father though even though she new now Jeff was. He'd still taken care of her for most of her life and for that she would be thankful even through the rough times.

   "He either needs to come here or I need to go see him. It's been a long time since I got to spend time with him and the family."

Taking another scoop of her ice cream Katie savers the flavor for a moment. The cold treat felt good going down her throat after a hot day and spending the time sitting here with her dad she wanted to savor it as long as she could.

Hearing her Dad's comment Katie gives a nod. This was the post she was going to hate the post telling her Dad about her and Jason. For some reason there was a fear of disappointment there and she wasn't sure why. Maybe because she didn't want him to be disappointed she couldn't hold it together or maybe it was something else but it was a feeling she didn't like.

   "I'll be here for at least a month or two. That's how much personal time I have from work. I just...need to take it all to find who I am again."

Looking up at her dad Katie searches his face for a long moment. She always been able to talk to him no matter what even before she new he was here dad. It was just a connection they had always had. Looking at her dad her eyes feel almost like they are one fire like she might cry again but she holds them off for now.

   "Jason and I....we broke up. I walked into the concert with some chick he'd been hanging out with kissing him. He told me he had nothing to do with the kiss, and I over reacted but...I just go so mad I...broke things off, and here I am. I was just really hurt ya know? After everything...it felt like my heart was ripped out."

Vanish

Jeff chuckles and accepts Katie's embrace, giving her a tight hug in return. "Mmm it's good to see you, kiddo. I've missed you too." 

Withdrawing, he just studies her for a quick couple moments, searching her eyes. She looked tired. Stressed. But he was glad he'd made her smile. 

Grinning, he looks around her at the ice cream. "What, you think I'd-" His sentence is cut off as he hears Stacy's shriek, and he turns around to see her and Eric playing around at the nearby table. That was... interesting. Swinging his gaze back to Katie, he finishes his thought. "You know I'd never turn down ice cream. Although I haven't even had supper yet so let me go grab something quick from the kitchen and I'll come right back."

He tosses her a wink before heading to the kitchen. 

Sitting nearby, back in the corner with his school books, Dylan watches the scene quietly. Katie and Jeff seemed thrilled to see each other. She loved him to death and he withheld no affection. Was that the way it was suppose to work, or was Jeff just a little over-the-top? Dylan wasn't sure, but somehow watching them created a strange sense that he was missing something.

Eric looks at Stacy with shock as she gets him back. His eyes look down but, of course, he can't see his cheek, nor can he reach the whipped cream with his tongue - which he tries, creating quite a bizarre yet hysterical picture. 

Giving up, he looks at Stacy laughing and tries to maintain control over his own laughter. Glancing at the table, he starts hunting for his napkin but comes up empty-handed. Eying Stacy again, a devilish glint appears. 

Leaning over to her before she can stop him, he plants a kiss on her lips. But when he withdraws, he makes sure he rubs his cheek up against hers, sharing the whipped cream with her face. 

Coming out of the kitchen with a quickly-made sandwich, Jeff says hi to a couple more people and spots Rosetta to wave at her. Heading back to Katie's table, his eyes once again drift to Eric and Stacy who were, by now, involved in quite the little display of what appeared to be a minor food fight. Seeing Eric lean over and kiss her brings a strange sort of feeling to Jeff's gut. He hadn't been gone that long... were they really... more than friends? It seemed so unlikely, yet this scene made it pretty obvious. And any hopes to continue his pursuit of Stacy and Ashlee's company vanish quite quickly. 

Pushing it aside all for now, he pastes a smile on his face as he returns to Katie, pulling out the chair next to her. "Your uncle dad and your sibling cousins say hi." He grins. "Jay's jealous I get to see you and says one of these days they're gonna have to take a family vacation to Nevada." 

He takes a bite of his sandwich and gives her a playful nudge with his elbow. "So how long are you here for? I hope long enough to go for some horseback rides."

Whip cream

As the hands go over her eyes Katie sits back in her chair and a smile slips across her lips. Hearing the voice it confermed not she had any doubt on who it was. Katie couldn't help the small laugh.

   "I new it was you dad the moment you started coming up behind me."

Turning in her chair and standing Katie can't help but throw her arms around Jeff giving him a tight hug. She was wondering when he would be back. Out of all the people here he was the one she wanted to see the most. They had always had a connection to each other before she even new and now...it just seemed to grow knowing he was her father.

   "I'm glad your back I missed you and wondered when you would be home. Want to share the rest of the ice cream with me?"

Having the ice cream put on her nose Stacy gives a little shreak as Eric withdraws. Looking at him and than cross eyed at the ice cream on the tip of her nose Stacy shakes her head. Taking her napkin and whipping the ice cream from her nose Stacy looks to Eric again.

   "Think you funny eh?"

Stacy had been really having a nice time with Eric and it was continuing. Acting quick Stacy takes some of her whip cream and streaks it across Eric's cheek before bursting out in laughter at him. Not being able to talk but just laughing.

Dessert

Dani was glad Carson knew, while at the same time, finding him even more despicable now. Leaving his wife was bad enough - leaving his wife and unborn child was even worse. What kind of a man was he really? All this time she'd fallen prey to his lies that he was a good man who loved his wife and family. He'd come to Dani's rescue and she'd taken him for her big brother hero just like she had as a child. Had she been so blind? It made her sick. 

Pushing aside all those thoughts, she resumes her smile and nods to Misty. "You're welcome, but I can't help it ya know." She reaches over to give Misty's hand a little squeeze. 

"I really am excited for you. And... and I'm glad you and I are okay despite the circumstances. As far as I'm concerned, you're my family no matter what. And if you need anything - anything at all - please let me know." 

Eric was glad that Katie accepts his invitation, and it isn't long before he and Ashlee both have their mounts ready to go as well. He keeps it a light lesson today, letting them  have a little bit of fun, while keeping a good eye on Ashlee to make sure she was doing alright. He takes it easy himself though - with his leg feeling better today, he didn't want to just make it worse again by riding too roughly. 

Once the lesson is over, he heads back to the barn with Ashlee, while Katie goes for her own ride. He knew Ashlee would like to go out on the trail sometime too, but he wanted to make sure she was good and ready before letting her do that.

The rest of the day seems to go fairly well with few mishaps. It's rather quiet but no one seems to mind too much. By the time dinner rolls around, half the people were energized for the evening, while the other half was weary and ready to call it a night. When dessert is served, not everybody has stuck around... 

...Sitting at one of the tables with Stacy, Eric takes a small spoonful of his ice cream, savoring the flavor as he lets it melt in his mouth. He didn't usually let himself enjoy something sweet in the evenings, but tonight it just seemed to hit the spot. Not to mention, it kept him here with Stacy just as little longer too. 

A silence had fallen over this particular table, while conversations continued around them. Yes, it was quiet. Too quiet. 

Without knowing what to say but not liking the silence, Eric's finger "somehow" winds up traveling to his ice cream dish, to Stacy's nose, then to his mouth to suck off what was left of the cold treat. Trying not to smile, it doesn't work very well as he chokes on a laugh while looking at the ice cream on Stacy's nose. 

Slipping in through the back door, Jeff's eyes scan the room. It wasn't really worry that he felt... well, maybe. More concern than anything. Trent had assured him it wasn't an emergency, but he had encouraged Jeff to come back as soon as he could, to see his daughter. And he'd wasted no time. 

Not paying much attention to any of the others, he returns a couple waves but once he spots Katie, he makes a beeline for her table. Coming up behind her chair, he motions for the others not to say anything before slipping his hand around to cover Katie's eyes. "If you guess who, I won't steal your ice cream."

Riding

Looking down at her papers at Dani's question Misty wished so many things were different. She wanted to be happy, she wanted people to be happy, she didn't want everyone to ask her the same question. She new why they were but she wished they wouldn't. There was joy there and Misty just wanted to feel that.

  "Yeah...ya...he knows."

Glancing up at Dani again Misty gives a small smile. Carson new and thats pretty much where it ended but to have Dani still part of her and the baby's life was important. At least the child would know part of its family and that was important. So seeing her get excited was nice as well. She wanted to see that and was happy.

   "So yes, I'm pretty excited about the baby and I was hoping you would be too. I needed that...so thank you."

Continuing to hold Kaylee and just enjoy her energy Katie turns hearing Eric's voice. Giving a smile and letting Kaylee get down she just watches them. That was one of the many things about the ranch she loved. Everyone was family no matter what and everyone looked out for each other. The energy was just amazing.

About to go back to work Katie stops and turns back to Eric at the invitation. It was a little surprising, why she wasn't sure but it made her feel good. It had been a long time since she had been riding and doing it again might be fun. 

Looking around the barn for a second she was pretty much done with what she was working on so there really wasn't an excuse why she couldn't. It might be a little fun and she had heard about Ashlee and Stacy being at the ranch this could maybe help her get to know them as well a little more too.

   "Ok, I'll come along. Let me go saddle up my horse and I'll be right out."

Smiling and giving a nod to Cindy Katie turns and heads back into the barn to get her horse ready. She could talk to Cindy and see Kaylee more a little bit later. Maybe the second time around it wouldn't be as awkward. 

Minutes later Katie was coming out of the barn her horse beind her. Going to the training ring she just waits for Eric and Ashlee to show up. She wasn't sure where the training was at so she would just wait, and watch, and take everything in. Maybe after that she could head out on one of the trails.

Ham

Dani doesn't even realize it when her jaw drops. Misty was pregnant? She was going to have a baby? With wide eyes, Dani stares at her for several moments before a smile slowly spreads across her lips.

"That's so exciting!" A little giggle slips out. "I rather like the idea of having a little niece or nephew to spoil." She clasps her hands in glee. "Oh my goodness, how fun. I..."

Her voice trails off as a terrible thought enters her mind, and her smile is replaced by a look of question and concern. "Does Carson know?"

Kaylee giggles as she's picked up, and she wraps her arms around Katie's neck, giving her a sloppy kiss on the cheek. She nods vigorously. "Yes!" 

Cindy chuckles and shakes her head. "She likes to think she's a perfect child... a holy terror is more like it." She rolls her eyes. "I don't have to have seen Wes as a toddler - I can just imagine what kind of trouble he go into because this little stinker certainly doesn't get it from me." 

Kaylee has no idea what her mother was talking about, but she giggles again anyway, grabbing her pigtails to shake her head vigorously while making motor sounds with her mouth.

Cindy smirks. "Ham." 

"Do I hear a giggling ham?" Eric comes around the corner, grinning as he takes off his gloves. 

Kaylee spots him and squeals before wriggling loose of Katie, sliding to the ground and running as fast as she could towards him. 

Catching her as she reaches him, Eric scoops her up, lifting her high into the air before swooping her back down and landing a loud raspberry on her cheek. Kaylee falls into a fit of laughter before babbling cheerful words that only she understood.

"Is that so?" Eric sets her on his hip and walks to Cindy and Katie, grinning. "Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt the girl time."

Cindy smiles and shakes her head. "We're just out for a walk. I thought it might wear her out... now I'm not so sure." 

Eric chuckles before setting the little girl back down on her feet. Tipping his hat back on his head, he glances to Katie. "I'm giving Ashlee a riding less on a while... you're welcome to join in if you want, just for the fun of it."

Bright Spot

Hearing a soft voice say her name Misty looks up seeing Dani. Giving the best smile she could Misty new why she was here. She was not upset with Dani because of what Carson did she had nothing to do with it, it was just thinking about Carson in general.

   "Hey there Dani."

Misty really didn't know what to say. Was she ok? No not really...she was broken and hurting. Her heart had been ripped from her chest and all she wanted to do was cry. But if she said it would only make Dani worry and thats not what she wanted. 

   "I am trying to push forward the best I can at the moment. Thank you for asking."

 

Thinking for a second Misty thinks about the baby and how Dani was going to be an Aunt. She had a right to know but Misty wondered how much more angry that would make it. It didn't matter though she had to tell her. Dani was family no matter what and this little one would be her family.

   "Ummm..Dani I wanted to let you know, your going to be an aunt. No matter what you will always be my sister in law and thats why I thought you should know."

Katie gives a nod to Cindy. She new she must feel kind of crappy now but she didn't want her to. It wasn't her fault no one told her so Katie couldn't blame her at all.

   "It's alright, its not your fault."

Cindy was like a mother to her she always had been and she always would be. It was one of those things Katie was always proud to tell people. Cindy was such a kind hearted woman she only hoped this falling out wouldn't put a rift there. Something told Katie it wouldn't but she couldn't help but worry a little bit.

About to say something else Katie stops feeling Kaylee tun on her pant leg. Looking down at the little girl Katie's smile grew. She was always so good about taking a moment full of teniton and making the full of joy.

Setting her pitchfork aside Katie bends down and takes the hey from Kaylee bringing it to her nose to smell it and than scrunching it up.

   "It's very pretty thanks you."

Giving a laugh Katie tucks it in her pocket before bending down again and picking up Kaylee and holding her in her arms. She was always a bright spot in anyones day.

   "And hello to you as well. Have you been good for Mommy since I last saw you?"


  

Hi hi

"Okay - thanks." Dani slips her arm around Dalton's waist and gives him a little squeeze. "I'll be back shortly." 

Slipping out of the office, she walks a little ways down the hall to the infirmary and takes a deep breath. She had no idea what she would find. Opening the door a crack, she spots Misty and is half glad and half not-so-glad that she'd have to face this now. But better now than letting too much time pass. She needed... wanted to do this. 

Entering quietly, she bites her lip as she comes closer to Misty's desk. "Misty?" Thankfully she'd gotten her little temper tantrum over with so now it was compassion in her eyes. 

"I, um... I just wanted to stop and let you know that..." That what? That she despised her brother? That she knew he'd left his wife? That she didn't want Misty to think she sided with Carson? 

She swallows hard. "I'm just so sorry," she whispers. "Carson told me he'd left and...  and I'm so upset with him and, and... and are you okay?" 

Seeing how awkward Katie became, Cindy wondered if she'd said something wrong. As the truth is explained though, she realizes that the awkwardness wasn't her fault - there was just a much bigger story than she knew... and it saddened her. 

"Oh, Katie, I'm so sorry. I... I didn't know." Why hadn't Jason told her? They'd exchanged emails since she'd been back in Texas. He'd seemed rather distant, but he'd said nothing about this. Was it because it was his fault? Something about the way Katie implied he wasn't lonely and that he had wanted opportunities elsewhere led Cindy to believe that the breakup was a result of something Jason had done. But what, she didn't know. 

Stepping close, she sets a hand on Katie's shoulder, her eyes full of sympathy. Katie and Jason had been so close for so long... Cindy had often found herself thinking about Katie being her future daughter-in-law. Was it really over or was this just the result of a spat that would be resolved soon? She couldn't tell. All she could tell was that there was pain in the young woman's eyes. 

"I'm glad you're here though. This is a good place to find oneself." 

"Kate!" Kaylee tugs on Katie's jeans and looks up at her, her pigtails bouncing. She gives her a big grin, scrunching up her nose. "You." Holding up her hot fist, in it is several pieces of loose hay she'd picked up - nothing special, though obviously to her they were something to be treasured. She giggles, still hanging on to Katie's pantleg. "Hi hi."

Memorie

Holding Dani still Dalton manages a smile. He understood what Dani was trying to say even though she was having a hard time doing it. No matter what happened with Carson Dalton would still think the same of her and love her like he always had. He new who she was and thats what mattered to him.

   "Oh yes as long as your still up to it we are. Scott is going to come with us if thats ok and Hope too. I thought it would be a nice."

Dalton smiles at Dani before looking to Scott and giving a little nod than looking back to her. They had a little bit more work to so a few extra second to work on a little more would be ok.

   "Just let us know when your ready ok?"

Giving a nod to her Uncle Misty new working right now really was the best thing for her. She wouldn't sit and stew about things, and she did have unfinished work to do anyways.

   "Alright thanks for the talk."

Standing Misty gives a half smile to her Uncle. It was the best she could offer right now but at least she was trying. Leaving his office and heading to the intermarry she slips in quietly and sits down. Pulling a file from her desk the silver bracelet that she always had on caught her eye. Carson's initials carved into it. She had worn it since the day that seemed like forever ago he gave it to her. Pushing on the clasp she unhooks it and open the top dest drawr and pulls out a small envelope dropping it inside along with her wedding rings. Looking down at her empty hand there was an imprint still on her finger of where the rings had been...she felt naked without them..but it was better to do it now than try to do it later.

Diving head first into her work Misty is quiet and working diligently and quickly. Filling her mind with so many different formulas, and equations she couldn't think about anything else. Not right now, just for a little bit she wanted the hurt to go away.

Moving around the barn and doing some chores Katie had deiced to help. If she was going to be here a whole she should earn her keep like everyone else. Not to mention she liked being around the horses and barns she really had missed it.

Hearing Cindy's voice Katie lets out a sigh small enough no one would see it. Cindy was the one person Katie was nervous about seeing. She wondered what Jason had told her, and how she would act. Katie didn't know what she new and what she didn't but she new this encounter would be awkward.

   "Hey Cindy, yeah I got in late last night."

Leaning on the pitch fork the words that followed grasped at Katie's heart as she realized Cindy new nothing about what had happened.  An awkward situation turned even more awkward and Katie didn't like this feeling at all. She shouldn't be the one telling Cindy this it should be Jason but Katie couldn't lie now either.

   "Yeah I left him back in Nevada, as for being lonely...I don't know about that. I think he's got the company of his friends. Cindy...I..."

Shifting her weight a little bit Katie didn't know how to tell Cindy about what happened, or to even how much to tell her. She new she had to now but how. The poor woman had already been going through so much this would just be another thing added to it.

   "Jason and I aren't together anymore. We had a falling out, and I don't know if it was a long time coming, or the lack of communication, or he just...wanted to seek opportunity else where but...I'm here to try and find who I am again...and...he's back home. We aren't talking right now. I'm...sorry I thought he would of told you."

   "There is screaming, and a boy. He looked so scared and unable to move. He...He is calling but I can't make out the words. The building was about to collapse on him as another bomb goes off and all I could think of was....what if he was my child. I couldn't just let him die..he had as much of a right to live as anyone else."

Wes open's his eyes and looks back at the dr who was busy writing things down. A week had passed and nightmares still came to him. Though he could see no faces, remember no names or reasons they came and torched him.  It was like seeing shadows with no colors, and hearing voice but not the words. He could only guess they were part of his past.

   "Did...I try to save someone? Is that why I am like this?"

The Dr looks up from his paper work and gives a small nod. Before looking down and starting to write again. Clearing his throat and putting his glasses up on his nose again he finally speaks.

   "When we found you, you were under rubble from a house. Under you was the body of a small boy it seemed as though you were trying to save."

Wes eyes grow slightly big. He was no hero for sure but he was trying to save a child. That must mean he was a good guy right? His past was clouded but that meant he had morals, and maybe even someone important. 

  "Did he make it?"

   "He's still in for observation but yes..it looks like he will make it too."

Sitting back and giving a small smile Wes was thankful. If he never got any of his memories back at least he new that he's saved someones life so the reason for his memorie loss was not a total wast. This was a good start to remembering maybe a little more information and they could find out why he was here.

Disappointed

Grinning, Gage's cheeks gain a little bit of color. He'd worked hard at this, for sure. But it wasn't easy for him to take a compliment. 

Walking Sapphire to the door, he bids her goodnight and promises he'll see her tomorrow night. Closing the door, he turns and sighs deeply, just looking around his apartment. Checking the time, he finds that he's not tired, despite the hour. So instead of calling it a night, he aims for the spare room and turns on the light. Grabbing a box and emptying its contents, he sorts through paints, brushes and more, starting to set up this room as his art room. And it felt oh so good. 

Dani rises out of her chair to welcome Dalton's arms. Nuzzling into him, she sniffs again, fighting her mixed emotions. It wasn't her that Carson had left - he had his life and it wasn't her responsibility to look after him, nor was it her place to tell him how to live. But she was just so very disappointed in him and hurt that he would do such a thing. She agreed with Dalton's last statement, but it still hurt. No one would blame her for anything, but Carson's actions were still a reflection on his family, and she was his sister.  She could only hope that no one would be uneasy around her as a result of what he'd done. 

Sighing, she looks up at Dalton and manages a little smile. "Thanks... I'm sorry for bursting in here. I just didn't want to go home and do something stupid or anything. I'm just so... so..." 

"Disappointed." 

Dani turns to see Scott and nods. He knew. "Yeah. Sorry for bursting in on you too. I didn't realize you were even here."

Scott shakes his head and gives her a crooked grin. "I'm only half here anyway. Besides, I mighta done the same thing if it were me." His gaze goes back to his computer for a moment. "Who did you say Carson is living with?" 

"Um... Jaz something or other." Dani wipes her eyes, now composing herself. "I think I've seen her a few times lately and there was always something I didn't like... almost like I've suspected something all along but just thought it was crazy to even think that so I decided to ignore it." 

"Mmhmm..."

"Why? Do you know her?" 

Scott shrugs. "I've got a whole file on her." 

Dani furrows her brow. "What do you mean?"

"Up here." Scott gestures to his head. Jaz's first name alone had triggered a flash of data. Thankfully, with so much practice with Justin, those flashes didn't usually overwhelm him anymore, and he could think about the data much more calmly now. "She's ex-Agency like Carson."

"So he did know her before."

"Yeah. They were together on a list of missions a few years back."

"Then... this isn't the first time with her." 

Scott shakes his head sadly. "No... no, it's not." 

Dani sighs deeply. "Well... this sucks." Moving away from Dalton, she rests her hand on his arm. "I want to see if Misty's here... I feel like I need to at least say something to her. We're still going to do lunch though, right?" 

Though Reese lifts his eyebrows, he really wasn't all that surprised that Jason was supporting Misty. He'd always seen that those two got along well and... in a way, Reese was glad Jason had something other than himself to focus on right now. Ever since Katie had left, Jason had been sluggish in his work and Reese had been leery of giving him too many cases. Maybe being able to think about somebody else for a while would help him get his mind back on track. 

"Well I'm glad. I can't think of anybody here who wouldn't help you if you needed it." 

It would be difficult for him to keep Carson on staff, but he knew that he couldn't fire somebody for living a lifestyle he wouldn't choose. There would be days when Carson would be here and he would be on cases and his path would cross with Misty's. If Reese had his way, he'd never hire Carson for another case again. But unless Carson did something illegal or anything worth not having him on the Elite team, Reese was bound to continue having him do work. That didn't mean though, that Reese would have to give him any special privileges, and... he wouldn't.

He gives Misty an extra little squeeze. "How about you work for a while and get your mind occupied with some other things, and we'll talk more again sometime, okay?" 

Cindy lets Kaylee toddle along beside her, walking slowly past the barns and to the dining hall. She hadn't been around the ranch much since getting back but... gradually, the days were looking a little better and she was able to socialize a little more again. After the morning rain had passed, she'd opted for a nice long walk that would tire out Kaylee enough to take a nap later... hopefully anyway. 

Passing the open barn door, Cindy spots a familiar face and is surprised but smiles. "Well hi, Katie." She approaches as Kaylee bends to pick up a piece of hay to study intently. "I didn't know you were visiting." 

Not that she needed to know, but she usually heard when she was going to come. Having not been told by her son the things that had transpired, her smile remains. "Left Jason all by his lonesome back in Nevada, huh?" she teases.

Dumb Butt

As Gage helps her hands up Sapphire just smiles. It was nice that Gage gave her the credit for helping him do everything and maybe encouragement was all he really needed but most of this he had done on his own. She'd just been there to continues having faith in him and push him in the right direction.

   "Your welcome but I can hardly take all the credit...you did this all yourself. I just gave you the encouragement to do so. I'm proud of you."

Leaning in and giving Gage another kiss Sapphire takes a few steps back. Her eyes twinkled. She really was proud of him and everything he had done. It meant a lot to her and she was happy to see him grow.

Taking in the explanation once again Dalton could feel his own heart turn heavy. For Misty, for Dani, for himself, he'd really looked up to Carson and respected him and now all that was shattered. For what? Because he wanted to be with someone besides his wife? It was a hard thing to comprehend but it sucked. Dalton didn't understand why Carson would act like he changed only to fall into bad habits again.

   "I don't blame you for quitting."

Seeing the tear that escaped Dani's eye Dalton stands and goes over to her. Bending down and wrapping his arms around her just sheltering her with comfort. There were so many things going on right now it was hard to think what one was sadder, Carson hurting his wife, his sister, his friends. He'd turned his back on everyone who had giving him another chance.

   "It's going to be ok Dani, we will figure it out. Your brother is a dumb butt and thats just all there is."

Dalton really didn't know what else to say beside comforting Dani. She looked so sad and so hurt it crushed his heart. He hated seeing the people he loved hurt, seeing them cry. He just didn't understand how Carson could do this.

Misty was thankful again for her Uncle's kindness. He'd always been like that with her even from day one. She was very thankful to have him in her life, and she couldn't think of anyone else she would want to take his place. Giving a sniff and a nod she new it was right. This wasn't her fault, and this was just...who Carson buried underneath everything. Maybe you really couldn't change a person deep down.

   "Thanks."

Hearing her Uncle talk about the baby and her being watched Misty can't help but let her smile grow a little it more. despite the rain and sadness there was good and hearing a little bit of excitement in her Uncle's voice helped with that.

   "If I need any time off I'll let you know. Right now I am ok through, I don't really do much outside the office so I should be ok. As for being watched like a Hawk....Jason kinda made mention to the same thing."