Tip of the Iceberg

To: Katie
From: Hunter
Sounds to me like u already have
found the balance. Work in the field
and visit the ranch whenever u want.
Pretty sweet deal if u ask me. ;)

To: Katie
From: Hunter
LOL I doubt Id kiss somebody else.
Might be good to introduce me
anyway tho. :-p

Heaving a sigh, Hunter rolls onto his side and closes his eyes. He really was pretty tired from the day. And yet... he wouldn't trade his time here for the world. The longer he stayed, the more he relaxed, and the more he relaxed, the easier it was to think through things that he hadn't even realized needed to be worked through. Mick was helping with that. It felt good here, and he was treated like family. And for the first time, he wondered if it might be harder to leave here than he'd first thought.


...Time has a way of drifting along without notice until it's gone and missed. Nothing can stop it. Nothing can speed it up. It happens whether anybody wants it to or not. And thus, days move on until more than a week passes... 


To: Katie
From: Hunter
Hey babe! Just sayin hi before I hit
the hay. Got yelled at to take it easy 
today, but bein off crutches makes me 
wanna move. Let Clint rev up my bike 
this morning. He had a blast.
Hope ur day has been a good one.

He pauses for a moment in thought. They hadn't exchanged texts all day - he'd been kept busy with all sorts of stuff, and he assumed she'd been busy at work. He knew from previous texts that she still had been stuck at her desk, and he knew it probably frustrated her. There wasn't much he could do though, but try to make her smile.

Keeping that paperwork in line? ;)

Aside from each day's normal routines, his knee was healing nicely. Not as quickly as he wanted, which had tagged on an extra week for him to wait before trying to handle his motorcycle, but he wasn't going to push it - or Angel's advice. He knew it would be dangerous if he took off without being ready, then had trouble on the way home. He could finally walk around pretty well by now and didn't want to make it worse. 

Dying to see you. B4 u know it I'll 
be home. Still miss me?


"Reese?" Pete knocks on his door before entering. "Got that evidence you wanted." He hands him some papers.

Reese stands from his desk and accepts them, scanning the information. He sighs deeply, but nods. "I wish we hadn't found any."

"I know. But we need to deal with it now before we get into trouble." 

"Yeah. Okay, thanks..."


"Yeah, Carson, it's Reese. New case. Need you down here tonight if you can come."

Carson cradles the restaurant phone on his shoulder as he stirs a pot of sauce on the stove. He really didn't want to be on any case right now. He had enough to worry about. "Timing's not so great right now, Reese. Got anybody else you can use?"

"You'd be the best for this one. At least come in and look it over. It's only a weekend case if everything goes right."

Carson looks dimly into the bubbling sauce. Normal... be normal... when had that become so hard? He was supposed to be excited about being on cases so he could get out of the stuffy restaurant now and then. And today he wanted no part of it. "Yeah, okay. I'm closing up early tonight anyway. Eight o'clock okay?"

...The day had been long and Carson was in no mood to go to TJY. But he was there anyway, trudging through the rows of cubicles, making sure he made eye contact with no one. It felt as though he were in the enemy lair, walking to the gallows. Was everyone else around here so perfect? He opted not to ask.

Being met by Susanne and told that Reese and Con were in the interrogation room, he heads down the hall. Apparently there were many people working late tonight - an obvious sign that work was piling up again. Approaching the infirmary, his stomach performs a little flip. And for a split second, he's walking down this hall for the first time, a bullet in his shoulder and just about to meet the woman who would become his wife. Without realizing it, he's stopped at the open door just long enough to catch sight of Misty working. Knowing he mustn't linger, he tears himself away to continue to the interrogation room.

"Carson," Reese greets as he enters. "Shut the door, please."

Carson quirks an eyebrow, but does as he's told. This must be a higher security case than he'd thought. He shuts the door then takes a seat across from Reese and Con. "Alright... what's all this about?"

Reese leans forward and folds his hands on the table. "We have reason to believe that you're working for the Agency."

Carson blinks. "Excuse me?"

"Look, I don't have time to waste, and I really don't want to deal with needing to put you in the holding cell. So it'll be better if you just tell us the truth right now."

Carson was shocked. They thought he was working for the Agency? Seriously? "Wh..." He couldn't even begin to formulate an answer. "I... I have no idea what you're talking about. Why on earth... why do you think I'm working for the Agency?"

Reese squints at him. Was that genuine surprise and confusion? Carson was one of the best actors he knew. "Tell us about Jaz DeMoy."

Carson sits back, his face flushing slightly. "I'm living with her. She's behind the reason Misty wants a divorce. What else you want to know?"

"She used to be Agency."

"So what? So did I. That's where I met her. You got something on her now?"

"We've seen you and her meeting with others whom intel suggests are currently Agency." Reese grits his teeth. "Now I'll ask straight. Are you working for the Agency?"

"No I'm not working for the Agency! What is this?" Carson looks between Reese and Con, confused and on edge.

Reese gives Con a sidelong glance. Con clears his throat and rocks his chair back slightly. "We've had a tail on you. We've seen you with Agency scum more than once. You left your wife for an ex-Agency member. You've turned your life upside down, you've avoided the Elite as much as possible, and we know you've been using a computer here to dig into files. Now... you tell us what we're supposed to think."

Growling, Carson stands up to pace the room. He glares at the mirror on the wall, not knowing who was on the other side, but positive that someone was watching. "Guys leave their wives every day," he reasons. "And you know my track record. It's not like it's a shocker." He scoffs and continues to pace. "And I don't know what Agency scum you're talking about. I talk to tons of people every day. I've avoided the Elite because everybody hates me. And as far as files go, it's my job to know what's going on so I can be yanked in on cases whenever you please. So come on... that's all you got? And you're accusing me? By all means, cuff me and throw me in jail." He holds out his wrists. "You got your chance. If you really believe it, then here. Take me."

Reese shakes his head. "Carson, sit down. Can you blame us for suspicion? We know you better than this. We know you don't meet up with the Agency and not realize it. If you give it to us straight, we can help. So, please... level with us before this gets out of hand and we can't help you."

Carson sinks back down in his chair. "I've told you all I can." His eyes wander the room. "Now if that's why you called me down here, I really have to go. I told Jaz I'd pick up a late supper on my way home."

Reese bristles. "I'm sorry. The evidence is too great. We'll have to keep you." He stands and walks to the intercom. "Hal? Please come escort Carson to the holding cell."

This couldn't be happening. Carson could feel the blood draining from his face and he felt dizzy. It wasn't supposed to be like this. It couldn't. He couldn't be put behind bars - not now. But what choice did he have? If anyone found out he'd been interrogated, he'd never be able to live with the consequences. But which was worse? Being in held by the Elite or taking a risk and speaking? "Wait."

Reese turns slightly.

"Wait. Don't." Carson cringes. He'd never thought he'd be accused of working with the Agency. And he'd never thought it would come down to this. But it had to be done. If he didn't come clean now, everything would be ruined. He would have no chance after this, and lives were at stake. He wished he could continue his charade, but he was also smart enough to know when he'd been backed into a corner. He hadn't expected this, but he had to deal with it here and now. "I'll level with you."

Reese hits the button again. "Scratch that, Hal. Thanks." No one else would know that he'd called a broken phone in the lower level. Returning to the table, he takes his seat again. "Okay... Let's have it."

Carson swallows hard and stares at the table. His thumb rubs a scratch in the surface. He was about to say what he'd wanted to for so long, yet he still could barely bring himself to do it. The fear that ran through his veins still felt fresh. "It's all been a lie." His voice was quiet - almost soft. "From the very beginning."

"What has? I don't understand."

"Everything." Carson's eyes gloss over as his emotions get the best of him. "I... haven't been... unfaithful. Not like everyone thinks."

"Wait..." Reese frowns. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that Jaz and I aren't... we don't have a relationship."

"But you left Misty for her."

"No... No." Carson shakes his head. "I left because I was told to." He still refuses to look up. "I was... met by Jaz and... she relayed the message that I was to leave Misty and make it look like I was having an affair, so that... um... so that... well, just to torture me and Misty... and uproot Jaz, too."

Reese looks over at Con. Con's eyebrows are raised, but that's about it. Was this true? Reese looks back to Carson. He wasn't sure he'd seen such emotion in the younger man ever before... did that mean this really was true? "But... why did you do it? Why didn't you come here? Why didn't you refuse to do it, and tell us so we could help?"

"They said they'd kill Misty... and worse...."

"...they're going to kill her, Carson!" Jaz hisses. She glances out of the small room in the back of Mom and Pop's. Having shown up out of nowhere, she knew it had thrown Carson for a loop, but she was trying to make him understand. "You have to play along this time!"

"No... no, I won't." Carson glares at her, his hands on his hips. "How can you expect me to pretend I'm cheating on Misty with you? It's ridiculous."

"Did I say I disagreed? It's not me you're arguing against, it's the Agency!" She tries to keep her voice down, her eyes wide with desperation. "Look, they came to me and took me from my home." Tears form in her eyes and her voice wavers ever so slightly. "They told me to make sure you did this or I would die and so would Misty. They know your every move, Carson. They told me your daily routine, where you went every day, who you were with, who your friends are and how much time you spend with your wife. They know way too much to be taken lightly." She pauses, having composed herself. "You're just a lab rat and you know it. We both are. But if you love your wife, you don't have much of a choice."

...Carson closes his eyes for a moment, trying to forget. Trying to forget the phone call he'd made after Jaz had given him the number, since he hadn't believed her...

"...or we will kill her."

The voice on the other end of the phone made Carson's skin crawl. "You can't. I'll have her protected and you know it. There's nothing you can do."

"Oh, but there is. Do you know where your wife is right this moment? We do. We know everything. We even know you had grilled cheese sandwiches for supper last night."

Carson's blood runs cold. "I won't do it," he refuses again. "You can tell Medridge that this lab rat found a way out of his cage."

Laughter comes across the line. "Then he will study you after he kills the woman you love. It's a win-win situation for him. The question is, would you be able to live with yourself if you refuse this and you allow Misty to be kidnapped, tortured, then killed a violent, bloody death?"

Carson leans against the wall lest his knees give out on him. Slamming the phone back in its cradle, he turns to look at Jaz.

She is close to tears again. "I'm sorry," she whispers. "I told you."

"Fine." Carson points a finger at her. "I'll do it. But mark my words, I will find those who are spying on me and Misty and they will pay. And when they do, this charade will be over. I'll play along but only for as long as it takes for me to find these guys and take them down. I will not leave Misty - I will find the thugs before I have to. And there will be nothing, I repeat, nothing, between us. Got it?"

"...Carson?" Reese snaps his fingers. "Is that all?"

"There... they knew more. They threatened more."

...The charade had taken too long and not enough "progress" had been made.

"You're not doing a very good job," the voice mocks over the phone.

Carson grips the phone so tightly that his hand cramps. He was glad Misty had gone shopping so he was alone in the house. "Are you kidding? All my friends are suspicious. People are talking behind my back. My wife knows something is up. I'm doing exactly what you wanted me to do."

"Ah, but you're supposed to leave her, Aussie, remember?"

"I'm doing what you told me to do!" Carson was desperate. He still hadn't found the guys who were after them. He'd tried - he'd tried so hard. It was just taking longer than he'd thought it would. He wanted to just keep on doing just enough to keep the Agency satisfied and then be able to expose the whole thing before bending to their more drastic demands. But he'd taken too long. And now they were pressing for him to act. "I have to be realistic you know," he reasons. "Having an affair then leaving a wife doesn't usually happen overnight. I've just been building it all up so no one will be suspicious that it's fake and-"

"You're stalling, Carson." The voice prompts with sickening smoothness. "You've done a good job with your groundwork, I'll give you that. No one would believe you're not having an affair. But it's time for action. You have one more week to leave your wife."

...That dreaded morning had come. Misty was gone and Carson was left staring at the unwritten note in front of him. His bags were packed. But he couldn't do it. He just couldn't. Setting down the pencil, he turns to take his bags back to the bedroom. He'd go in to TJY today. Somehow he'd make it look like he was called in and he'd tell Reese the whole thing. He'd-

"Well go on. Write it."

The voice startles Carson so much that he jumps and whirls around, his hands ready for a fight. He'd been so involved in his inner turmoil that he had not heard anyone enter the house. And now he stood face-to-face with one of the hated enemies. "No," he refuses bravely. "I have played this game, I have made everyone suspicious and have made a fool out of myself. I cannot leave my wife. I won't do it."

"Huh... well, okay." The man shrugs and pulls a knife out of his pocket to test the blade. "I guess I can tell my boss that. I mean, if you're serious. You probably won't see me again. Your wife will, but you won't."

"What do you mean?"

"Well you're not with her twenty-four/seven, are you?" The man grins. "I just got in your house without you even knowing it." He looks at his knife again. "Can you imagine this blade pressed against your wife's soft, warm neck?"

Carson can feel his face turning red as his anger boils. But he knew better than to pounce - not when his opponent had a weapon...and not when he knew taking down an Agency man would just make things worse at this point in the game....

...Carson brings himself back to the present. He'd written the note with the man staring over his shoulder. And he'd left... he'd left the house... he'd left his wife.

"Carson?" Reese was still waiting. "What else did they threaten?"

Carson didn't like his answer. He didn't like telling Reese why he'd been so scared. "Apart from harming Misty, they..." His voice cracks before he swallows and composes himself. "They knew about the baby..."

...A child? A baby? Carson stares at the closed door through which Misty had just walked. Terror seizes him. He had left her only hours prior, and now she'd informed him that she was pregnant. This couldn't be happening. It had to be a nightmare. "No..." He shakes his head. "No. This ends now." Desperation shoots through his veins as he races to the door. There was no way he could carry on this lie now. No. This news changed everything. He'd tried to end this whole thing sooner. It hadn't worked and he'd been backed into a corner. But this... no... no this was too much. Way too much. Any risk far outweighed him leaving her like this now.

It was a mixture of shock and love that drove his feet. Bursting outside onto the sidewalk, he sees Misty just getting into her car. He couldn't let her go - not like this. She had to know the truth. He couldn't follow through with this now. Not now that she was pregnant. She was carrying their child... his child... and the thought of leaving her now was more terrifying than the news itself.

He tries to shout Misty's name but no sound ever comes. A cold fist meets his mouth and he's shoved back inside the restaurant.

"Don't even think about it," the angry voice orders.

Carson lifts a hand to his bloody lip and stares back at his assailant, not knowing whether he was more angry or crushed. "I can't do this. I won't. My wife is-" He stops himself lest he give the agency a greater foothold. "I can't do this."

"But you will." The bigger man brushes off the front of Carson's shirt. "Because if you don't, not only will we kill your wife... but your child as well."

Carson could feel his heart crumbling. How did they know? How could they do this?

..."I tore apart the restaurant." Carson continues, though his mind is still replaying the picture from that fateful day. "I finally found the bugs they'd planted." He had, too. And it had taken him all night to put things back together again for the next day. "I guess that's how they knew the same time I did."

Reese couldn't help it that he had a hard time swallowing this whole thing. He, along with everyone else, had been led to believe some very horrible things - and now Carson was saying it wasn't even true? "So you mean to tell me that all of this has been a lie? From the very beginning?" How could it really be? How was it possible that Carson had simply been acting? It couldn't be that easy. "You really expect me to believe that?"

"Look, I didn't volunteer to come down here!" Carson's voice rises as do his eyes to glare at both men. "You're the one that dragged me in here on suspicion of treason and when I deny it, you still don't believe me. What do you want me to say?!"

Reese sighs, trying to control his own temper. "I want the truth and nothing but."

"The truth, ay? The truth. Alright. Yes, it's been a lie from the beginning like I just told you."

"So you didn't really have an affair?"

"No. I didn't."

Perhaps it was Reese's personal feelings for his niece that drove him further down this line of questioning. "But you have been living with Jaz DeMoy."

"Yes."

"And you really expect me to believe that you lived with her but didn't have a relationship with her?"

Carson's eyes remain on Reese, but his mind, yet again, takes him much further away...

...He sat at the little kitchen table, a half a cup of cold coffee in his hand. He didn't know how long he'd been sitting there, but he didn't really care. Leaning on the table, his eyes were tired, his shoulders bent. He felt old today. Nothing much seemed to matter anymore, other than living in misery... and trying to beat this thing. He had to. He had to find the answers then win back the wife that was slipping through his fingers.

Two hands come to his shoulders to rub them softly. "Hey you," Jaz greets. She stood in her robe after waking from a nap. "You look terrible." She frowns as her fingers dig a little deeper. "And you're awfully tight. How about you take the bed tonight? I don't think sleeping on the couch is doing you much good and-"

Carson cuts her off by reaching around and gently removing her hands from his shoulders. "Don't," he requests quietly.

Jaz recoils before furrowing her brow and coming around to see his face. "I'm just trying to help. You won't even let me rub your shoulders? What's so wrong with that? It's not like we're-"

"My wife is the only woman allowed to touch me," he interrupts.

Jaz sighs. "Your loyalty is commendable but you need to-"

"I need Misty," Carson states flatly. He rises to throw in the sink whats left of his coffee. "And that's all there is to it."

...Carson's eyes bring Reese's face back into focus. "That's correct."

Reese sighs deeply. This was a lot to take in, and it certainly changed everything. "Look, I think we need to keep talking about this, but I don't have time right now. I want you to spend the night here."

"What? Why? You don't believe me, do you?"

"I'm sorry. But there are just too many holes yet to be filled and if you're not telling the truth, we can't afford to have you leave now."

Carson stands up, leaning across the table. "You have no hard evidence that I'm on the Agency's side. You don't have enough to keep me here, so you better not try."

"I'm not going to try. I'm going to do."

"Dang it, Reese!" Carson's hand slams down on the table. The all-too familiar desperation was returning. His voice suddenly drops. "At least put a guard on Misty. I beg of you. If the Agency finds out I'm here and being interrogated, they'll hold true to their word and I couldn't live with it if they hurt her. Please... for her sake. And the baby's."

"Okay." Reese stands slowly. If he had any soft spot, it was for his niece and unborn grand-nephew. "I'll inform Alec to be wary. "

"Alec couldn't look out for a pet rock," Carson snaps. 

"Then I'll have Jason stay with her." 

Carson bristles. "Don't you have anybody else?"

"Reese folds his arms. "Beggars can't be choosers. If all this is true, you're probably pretty unhappy that Misty's got a boyfriend. But he's the best man for the job at this point, so it's either him or just Alec."

Carson sighs, but shrugs his defeat. "Fine."

Con joins them on his feet. "Might I suggest getting Ryder to look after Mom and Pop's? Maybe have Carson call Jaz and tell her he's on a case - just to make it seem like everything is normal?"

Reese purses his lips, then nods. "Okay. I'll call Ryder. Carson, you can call Jaz from here..."

...Left alone in the locked room, Carson buries his face in his hands. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. This was all going wrong. Everything. From the very beginning. What was going to happen now?


Walking down the hall back to his office, Reese stops in the open door of the infirmary. Seeing Misty, he enters quietly, offering her a small smile. "Working late?" He folds his arms and thinks for a moment. "I, um... I need to tell you that we're holding Carson here for questioning. There's... been a connection made between him and the Agency. We're not sure yet what the real story is exactly. Until we figure it out... if it's okay with you, I'd like Jason to bunk down in your house for a night or two just so you have someone close besides Alec." He'd spare her the details for now. He wasn't sure if Carson was telling the truth, and whether he was or not, Reese wanted facts before telling Misty anything more. "Call me an overprotective uncle. How 'bout it?"

Kiss her

Getting Hunter's text Katie gives a little shake of her head even though he couldn't see her. Her heart would always be at the ranch but it would be here working in the field. There was a balance for both.
 
To: Hunter
From: Katie

No, no bug bit me. It's always been this way...
I love both places, the ranch and being here in
the field. There is a balance somewhere for
both I just haven't found it yet.  Maybe I never
will but I love both places just as much and 
always will.

Standing and bring her phone with her Katie wonders to the kitchen grabbing a glass for water. Feeling her phone vibrate again with a low beep she could guess who the message was from again without even looking. Taking a sip of her water and going back to the living room to sit down she finally pulls out her phone again reading the message.

Katie was happy her dad was doing well. It was kind of nice having Hunter there a little extra so she could make sure her dad was doing ok. She really didn't want anything to happen to him or for him to go back to his old ways while she was gone.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Everyone there is good like that. Good to know
he is being looked after.

To: Hunter 
From: Katie

Ya know I was just thinking about something...
You have never met my cousin Jasmine, or 
as she likes to be called Thirteen. She looks 
just like me and was even passed off once as 
being me..(long story with the Agency, I'll
tell ya about it sometime.) I should probley 
Introduce you before you come over to see
me and kiss her on mistake. lol

Misty gives a nod to Justin. She didn't mind one bit if he gave her number to Ken. She'd probley give it to him anyways if Mackenzie start coming over just so he had it if he needed it. If it help him fele more comfortable about her being here as well than she really had no problem. At this point she'd probley do anything to get the girl to be able to come over and spend time with family. 

   "Thanks Justin so much for trying to help. I know in the end things will work out and be ok."

Bug

Alec nods immediately in response to Misty's comment. "Yeah... yeah, I'm not planning on going anywhere, and if Mackenzie likes being here then I'm all for helping out." 

Justin runs a finger around the rim of his glass, recalling the several phone calls he'd had with Ken over the last couple days. "Yes... they were - are - hesitant..."

A pause makes Alec shrink back a little. "Because of me right?" 

"I gotta be honest... yes. Mostly. They're a little concerned about Carson being around, even though I told them he wouldn't be, and..." Justin looks to Alec. "Your brother told Ken quite a bit about you, apparently, so neither him or Jeanette were thrilled to know you were here." 

Alec sighs, but he understands and couldn't blame them. "How'd you convince them it was alright?" 

"I told them from what I saw, you weren't the same man you used to be. That you and Mackenzie seemed to have a connection that she responded to well. And that if Misty allowed you here, then you must be doing something right." 

Alec glances down, suddenly not liking the topic being on him. "Oh. Well... I'm glad they relented."

"Me too." Justin's eyes move back to Misty. "I will be in touch with Ken tomorrow and I'll let him know that you and Alec both would like to have Mackenzie visit. I'm sure he'll be willing to set something up soon. I may have him call you directly so you guys can work it out on your own, if that's okay with you."

Lying on his bed after just showering, Hunter holds up his phone, reading Katie's texts. He grins a little and replies.

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Born for the field huh? Not to live

here at the ranch? Sounds like the

Elite bug bit u pretty fast after u

got back eh?

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Your dad seems to be doing ok.

Looks tired but far as i can tell

not overdoing it. I see him visit 

with Angel a few times - figure 

she's looking out for him good

like usual. ;)

Shot

Listing to Justin a lot of what he said she already new. Her and Carson had talked lots about it and gone over things over and over again yet somethings still surprised her and made her gut twist. She'd had a pretty rough life herself so in a way she understood where Mackenzie was coming from in a way. And maybe thats why she was so strong in helping her. She wanted the young girl to have a better life that she could be happy with.

   "I really do feel bad for her and thought all the stuff you explained you can see how hurt she is. She's such a special girl she deserves so much more."

Picking up her water and taking a sip Misty looks down in her glass for a second. Was she prepared to handle a grown child while she hadn't even had her own yet to learn from. She wasn't sure but she was going to do the best she could. This was important and she refused to let her go to a trouble girls home.

   "I'm ready to give it a shot as long as Alec is will to help too. I'd still like her to spend the night too but we can work up to that after we see how everything else goes."

Misty couldn't help but be a little bit excited. She really did think she would enjoy having Mackenzie around and she was sure it would even help her. Love would always find a way of that she was sure.

   "So how was Ken and Jeanette? Did they seem hesitant at all about her coming here?"


To: Hunter
From: Katie

Wow, what timing...I was just about to text you.
Sounds like you had a pretty great day. At least
everyone is keeping you busy but not harassing
you quiet as much.

Katie sends the text with a smile as she leans back on the couch. No one was home right now but thats how most nights were. Most nights since she had been back were like that though. Thirteen worked late or just hung out with Ryder at work. Katie guess she liked walking around the zoo for hours looking at everything. Maybe because when she was younger she never had that chance, she never had much of a childhood at all. In a way it kind of mad Katie sad.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Ha..I got to answer some calls today while
Susanne was out with Chuck. That was a 
change up. Other than that I was still doing
paper work.

Katie thinks about her day. She'd seen other people coming and going with work. Leaving the office, files in hand and leaving with guns at there side. She couldn't help but wonder if Reese was keeping her back because he didn't think she could handle it or if it was because of her desition to take of leave to clean her head. Whatever the reason she hoped it would pass soon. She loved being out in the field most of all. Her desk was nice but at times it almost felt like a cage.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Hoping it changes soon. I was born to be
out in the field. I'm trying not to be 
impatient but its hard sometimes. How's
dad doing? Taking care of himself?

Foggy Mind

Turning his head to look at Rosetta, Mick smiles. He loved the way she thought... her big heart... her strong faith. "Yeah... He's let us all on some pretty wild adventures, hasn't He." 

Rolling onto his side, he puts his arm around her and snuggles in close, sighing deeply as he closes his eyes. "I love you," he whispers. "Thanks for all you do." 

The next day, Justin finds himself busy with errands, work, then heading to North Springs for the evening. Arriving to Misty's, he joins her and Alec for a very nice meal, getting to know them both, and quietly observing them and their behavior and reactions. Eventually, as the meal comes to a close, Justin finally brings up Mackenzie in particular, knowing that it was time to get down to the whole purpose of this visit.

"I'm not sure how much you both are aware of Mackenzie's story." He nods to Misty. "You probably know most of it." His eyes glance to Alec. "What about you?"

Alec shrugs. "I know her mom died and she was in an orphanage and was stubborn about meeting her dad - Carson, that is, and he didn't want much to do with her. And now she's with that other family. That's all I know." He'd never dared ask Carson about it, and he and Misty hadn't really discussed the issue, other than wanting to help the girl.

"Okay." Justin nods. "Well, the first part's right. But she was adopted before Ken and Jeanette by another couple. The man abused her... in many different ways."

Alec could feel a strange sort of churning in his gut. Justin needn't say more - he could imagine. And he didn't like it. He'd hurt plenty of people in his life - women included. But a littler girl? It made him sick.

Justin purses his lips grimly. "Once he was found out, Mackenzie was placed back in the system and then adopted by her current family. Since then, she has been just as insistent as ever to see her biological father. Now that..." He clears his throat, trying to remain respectful around Misty. "Now that she's not allowed to see him because of his choice in lifestyle, her rebelliousness has just worsened to the point where Ken and Jeanette are afraid they can't handle her anymore."

"How come they don't want her seeing Carson? Just because he's got another woman?"

"No... it's more than that." Justin tries not to smile. Alec really had no idea why Mackenzie would be kept from that situation. "It's the example Carson's setting and the influence he'd have on her. Her parents aren't comfortable being unsure what kind of man he is right now."

"Oh." Alec still wasn't sure he understood all that but he'd take Justin's word for it. "You think bringing her here will actually help?"

"I do. And the reason is, I saw her here the other day and she obviously trusts you both. She may not say so, but this is where she wanted to come. She knew Carson wasn't here, but she knew you were here, Misty. And she obviously likes her uncle as well."

Alec wasn't sure why that put another strange little feeling into him... but it wasn't in his stomach - it was in his heart.

Justin takes a sip of his iced tea, gathering his thoughts. "After all that Mackenzie has been through, she has a very difficult time trusting people beyond the surface. Her mom was taken from her, she was treated okay but not great at the orphanage, she was adopted by someone she thought she could trust and he just abused her... when she finally got to see her real father, that was taken away from her too. I understand Ken and Jeanette's frustrations, but I understand Mackenzie's side too. She's having a difficult time adjusting to her new family and while some people might say that this is giving in to her rebelliousness, I think it is a wise move to allow her the time to see both of you. This is a safe environment that I believe she should be allowed to be in - within reason of course."

He goes on to explain Mackenzie's mood swings and angry outbursts, advising how to handle her - to be gentle but firm and not give in to her every whim. There were times she'd become physical as well, and restraint might be needed. Hopefully not, but it was a possibility and Justin wanted both Misty and Alec to be aware.

"...so... really, that's about all I can say. She's a very hurt and confused little girl. But I believe love is the answer. Do you think you both are prepared to have her come visit? It'll be up to you if you ever want to have her overnight - that's something you can discuss with Ken and Jeanette, though I would suggest just a couple hours on visits to start out."

"Helloooo." Sandy waves a hand in front of Jason's face as they sit opposite each other at the small table near the snack bar after having just finished one game of bowling. 

"Hmm?"

Rusty elbows him. "Wake up."

"I'm awake." Jason elbows him back. "Can't a guy think?" 

"No." Will shakes his head from where he sat next to Sandy. "No, that's definitely not a good thing. A guy should not think at all." 

Rusty shrugs. "He's right. Women don't believe we think anyway, so we might as well not try.

Sandy rolls her eyes before sipping from her straw and drinking some more of her lemonade. "You guys are hopeless." 

Jason grins and finishes off his french fries before taking a swig of his pop. "Sorry. My mind's been foggy all day." It had been, too. Ever since yesterday's lunch with Katie. He'd finished off the work day, spent the evening with Misty, and had told her about the strange conversation. She seemed to understand how it might be hard for him and he appreciated that. He was glad that she wasn't upset or taking it the wrong way that he was uneasy being around Katie right now. It was just... hard. Finishing off the evening on the couch with her had gotten his mind off other problems though, and a bit of good kissing and cuddling had sent him off into a good night's sleep. Today though, back at work, seeing Katie around... it had just set his mind thinking again and had made concentrating difficult. Knowing Misty had dinner plans tonight with Alec and Justin though, he'd opted to take his friends up on their offer to go bowling. He knew he could have sat in on the discussion about Mackenzie if he'd wanted to - Misty wouldn't mind. But he wanted to give her and Alec a chance to talk it through with Justin alone - it just seemed right. So bowling it was.

"Oh, so that's why you're such a bad partner tonight." Rusty smirks. "It's the foggy brain's fault."

"Hey don't give him too bad a time," Sandy warns. "Will and I like winning." 

Jason's eyes narrow and he gives Rusty a sidelong glance. "I think the fog is lifting. We are so gonna cream them our next game."

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Hey Sunshine. Missing u today. Ive been

kept busy with all sorts of interesting 

stuff. Cleaning tack, washing horses, more 

work on the shed... Im not sure if I like 

being off crutches or not... hehe jk. 

Hows ur day been? Anything exciting or 

still stuck with paperwork? 

Red, Pink, Yellow

Rosetta gives a soft hum as she layed on Mick's chest. She'd had a nice time tonight and though she was tired right now, there was still a slight bit of steam, and energy remaining for her to be able to chat with Mick. She'd always saved a little extra to be able to talk with him, that was one of those things she never wanted to miss out on.

   "I think you might be right. He's done a bunch of good since being here, while hel[ping himself alone the way."

Sitting up Rosetta leans on her pillow cocking her head to look at Mick and smile. She'd noticed that since Hunter had come here many different people had been acting differently and most of it was in good ways. Had God brought Hunter here for more than one reason? If he did, Rosetta sure was pleased with the outcome so far.

   "There is always a bigger plan out there that we don't know about. God's good like that and I think thats what I look forward to most each day. See how he's going to surprise me and what new things he'll show me that day."

A few days later Chad was was still in Organ and for how much longer he wasn't sure. Walking through shops he'd finally had a little spare things. Rosalyn's letter still in his mind and her question about what they were.

Passing a flower shop Chad stops and goes inside. Looking around at all the flowers he wasn't sure what he wanted to pick. Finally setting on some red roses there was also a yellow, and a pink mixed in with baby's breath.

   "I need to send these please."

Giving the clirk the address of where they needed to go Chad also wrote on the little card. He was excited for Rosalyn to get them and hope she liked them. He wasn't sure what kind of flowers she liked but these looked pretty.

   Rosalyn,
        My letters will not fade, and what do they mean?
For you will always be in my heart, and I will continue
to pursue till you tell me to stop. My words are never
empty because you are the first woman in a long time
who has made me speak like a mad man.
          Forever and Always,
               Chad 

Bigger

Having BJ tell him that he'd been missed gave Dylan a strange sort of feeling. He didn't despise the boy like he had when he'd first come here. Especially after that time he'd gotten lost. Maybe it had evolved into him actually caring about his "little brother" but it was still from a distance. He didn't know how to act around BJ, not to mention, Mick thought the world of him and Dylan knew his father was glad for another chance at raising a boy that wouldn't be trouble. 

He remains quiet as everybody else gathers to the table, including Hunter. The food really was awfully good - Dylan liked Becky and Rosalyn's cooking, but he did like Rosetta's too.

Perking up at Rosetta's question, Mick glances to Hunter and Dylan who seemed perfectly content to let him do the talking first, and he grins. "It was long, and I got a sore backside from breaking in that gelding Sparky brought home the other day." He rolls his eyes. "Next time, I'm going with him so he quit bringing back these ornery beasts." 

Hunter chuckles. "You mean like Bonzai?"

"Worse." Mick shakes his head. "When I sell this one, he's going to be sold along with a pillow for the rider to sit on when he's through riding." 

Laughter seemed to ease some of the tension, and the evening proceeded as very pleasant. Dylan smiled once or twice, and though that was it, Mick did notice, and he held onto it, hoping that it was the start of his son finally opening up. He hoped that every day... but maybe tonight was different? 

After supper, several games ensued. First a board game that BJ could play too, then once he was in bed and Rosetta was cleaning up the kitchen, Mick brought out the bowl of pennies - which would all return once the game was over - and a deck of cards. As it ended up, all three men were pretty evenly matched when it came to poker, and it wasn't until midnight that they finally decided to call it a night, even though there had been no winner yet. 

It was a while later that Mick was lying on his back in bed, unable to sleep, even though it was late. Though Rosetta was using his chest as a pillow, he knew by the sound of her breathing that she wasn't asleep yet either. 

"I think Hunter had something to do with Dylan coming tonight," he comments quietly. "I'm beginning to get the feeling that there was more than one reason that man was brought here. I thought it was just for his own sake, but now... I'm wondering if God's plan was bigger than that." 

Family

To: Hunter 
From: Katie

Ok, I'll try not to run out of them. I'm
still holding you to your promise of a
kiss attack. 

Giving a nod to Mick Rosetta smile and watches him walk away. Letting him clean up would allow her the time she needed to finish putting the touches on dinner. Getting plates, setting out items and the little extra time for Hunter to get there as well.

Bringing the pan with chicken parm in it to the table Rosetta looks down the hall before giving a yell for BJ to clean up and than come help her.

It didn't take long before the young boy comes from the hallway stopping at the table seeing Dylan. Giving a big smile Dylan was still one of his favorite people for one reason or another that no one really new.

   "Hey Dylan. Mom didn't tell me was coming to dinner."

   "Were Hunny, were coming to dinner."

   "Mom didn't tell me you were coming to dinner. I'm happy you did though, i missed you."

Giving a smile and stepping away from the table BJ disappears into the kitchen to help Rosetta. It wasn't long before everything was ready and everyone was sitting around the table. Looking from one person to the next Rosetta can't help but smile seeing how there little family was once again growing. Rosetta didn't mind, she rather enjoyed it. She was a family person and they meant everything to her.

   "So how was your guys day?"

Saving Up

"Yeah, no kidding." Mick was still surprised and still curious as to why his son had come over tonight, but he wasn't going to complain. He was thrilled that Dylan was here, and just hoped that he had a good time and maybe, just maybe he might come more often. 

Wrapping his arms around Rosetta's waist Mick gives her a squeeze before bending over her shoulder to give her cheek a kiss. "I'm gonna go clean up. I'll be done in a jiffy." 

Running a comb through his damp hair, Hunter felt ready enough to head on over to supper. Just as he's about to leave his bunkhouse though, he feels his phone go off and he smiles. He had a feeling he knew who that text was from. 

Sitting on the edge of his bed, he checks his phone. Sure enough, it was Katie. 

To: Katie

From: Hunter

Hey - sorry lunch didnt go quite like

you wanted. Gotta feel weird for u.

I miss u bunches too. Dont run out

of those kisses yet! Im saving up for

u ya know. When i get back... look

out. lol 

Not Everyday

Hearing Mick comes him she just lets him chat with Dylan for a second before he comes into the kitchen. Giving a smile over her shoulder at Mick she leans back into him just a little bit and putting her head on his chest. 

   "Mmm...I'm not to sure. He just came in a little bit ago and asked if he could have dinner with us."

Turning around from the counter and placing the break into a basket Rosetta places it on the little island. Once everything else was ready she would bring it to the table with everything else but for now it would stay in its place. 

   "I couldn't say no. It's not like everyday he asks to come for dinner."

Getting back to work Katie heads for the break room first to put her sub in the fridge for now. Than heading back to her cubicle Katie would get back to work. She didn't know how well she was going to focus because now her head had a whole new set of things to work through but she would.

Pulling out her phone Katie starts a text message for Hunter. She wanted to tell him how things went he had a right to know and most of all she wanted to say hi.

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Hey babe! Lunch went alright. It was awkward and not
as good as I had hoped, but it was done. At least I might
be able to work decently with him. I do have to work 
after all.

...Send...

To: Hunter
From: Katie

Did I tell you about how I miss you more and more
each day? I can't wait till your back and we can 
spend time together.  I think I'm running out of kisses.

Food

Jason stands from the booth and gives Katie a little nod. "Yeah, sure... I, um... yeah... see you back in the office."

Heading with her to the door, he pauses for just a second before holding it open for her and motioning her through first. Hurt, yes. Bitter, maybe. Mean or impolite, he would refuse to be. Following her out, he heads to his truck and waits for her to pull out of the lot before he starts his truck's engine. 

Getting back to work, he wouldn't go inside right away. Instead, he found himself sitting and thinking for several long minutes, letting his mind wander to place he hadn't in quite a while. It wasn't fun, and it didn't feel good... but maybe it was necessary. 

Eventually though he knows he has to get back to work, so he finally does go inside and to his office to work the rest of the day. 

Dylan gives Rosetta a half a smile - which, for him, was quite a display. "Thanks. That sounds really good. Especially the extra cheese part. I'll... just, um... wait in the dining room for Hunter." Slipping back out of the kitchen, he wanders to the table to sit down, not minding that he was alone for a short while. He was used to that. 

It wasn't very long before Mick returns from the barns, entering the house and kicking off his boots. "Hey Rosetta," he calls. "Do I have time for a shower? I..." His voice trails off as he realizes that his son was sitting at the table and his eyebrows rise. "Well hi, Dylan. What brings you here?" 

Dylan shrugs. "Uh... food... I guess." 

Mick smiles. "That's usually what brings me home too." Still surprised and a bit confused too, Mick sidles into the kitchen catching Rosetta's eye before thumbing out to the dining room. "What's the occasion?" he whispers. 

Of course

Looking back at Jason for a long second Katie lets out a sigh as she searches his face. It sucked to see how hard it was to make conversation. Maybe with time that would change too. As things moved forward they could talk like normal people would.

   "Umm....I don't think so. Not right now anyways that I can think of."

Gathering her stuff up Katie felt like she needed to say more but she really didn't know what. A simple goodbye seemed to little bit it was all she really did have to offer. Maybe thats all they really needed to do they didn't keep going in circles. 

   "Thanks Jason for coming and talking to me. I guess...I'll see you back at the office."

Hearing Dylan's voice Rosetta turns around and smiles at him. It wasn't often he came here for no real reason but Rosetta was always happy when he did. She wished he'd come around more because it was always nice to have him.

Listing to Dylan's question Rosetta was a little bit surprised but at the same time pleased. Even if she hadn't had enough food she would of made it work for the sake of Dylan staying. She enjoyed the young man's company around the house.

   "Of course you can stay for dinner. I always make to much food so there is more than enough. It's chicken parmesan, with Italian bread. As long as you like that, with a little extra cheese than you are more than welcome to stay."

Supper?

Jason nods thoughtfully, understanding what Katie said about the ranch. He loved it there too, he just didn't visit very often. He should though... to at least see his mom and sister. He'd wanted to go recently, but... not while Katie was there - especially with Hunter there as well.

"Glad your dad is better. I was kinda worried there when you said he'd had a heart attack. I know he hasn't been strong for a long time."

Glancing down he picks at the edge of his sub wrapper. Even though the tension was a little less, it was still just as hard to think of what to say next. Right now, he was at a loss for words. It was strange... for so long he and Katie had communicated without talking. It had been so natural. They'd had conversations all day long just by listening to each other's musings. Once that was gone... well... he wasn't convinced that they really did have anything once that connection had been taken away.

Realizing he'd been quiet for several seconds, Jason clears his throat and wraps up the rest of his sub too. He probably wouldn't eat it, but he wouldn't waste it here. Finished, he folds his arms on the table and looks at Katie again. "Well... I'm ready to head back to work, unless there's more on your mind. Your call."

Sitting in the grass and leaning back against the back wall of the barn Hunter takes a long swallow of cold lemonade before wiping sweat from his brow. Bum knee or not, he'd been helping Dylan clean up the toolshed they'd just painted the day before, and as hot as it was out today, it had been hard work. 

Dylan sits next to him and sighs, closing his eyes while cradling his own glass of lemonade. "I have to get back to my schoolwork," he mumbles. 

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. I usually work a bit after morning chores, right before lunch, then again late afternoon, then after evening chores when the others are all calling it a night." 

Hunter quirks an eyebrow and turns his head to look at the younger man. "I figured it wouldn't take as long, you being homeschooled and all."

Dylan shrugs. "I'm trying to catch up. I was behind... got further behind... yeah. Rosetta's cool though - she's been helping me catch up. She's let me test out of a few things so my plate isn't so full. I'm already a grade behind though - I don't want to fall back any further than that."

"Mm. I can understand that." Hunter takes another swig of his drink. "What about your dad? He help you with school too?"

"Nah." Dylan opens his eyes and squints out at the back pasture. "Fine with me though - he tells me what to do enough without having him do it with my school too. I'd never do it good enough anyway." 

Hunter purses his lips in thought. He didn't want to interfere, but what he saw of Mick was certainly a different picture than what Dylan saw. He understood father/son tension though, and knew that there were always two sides. "I dunno... seems to me he's pretty proud of you." 

Dylan scoffs. "Are you kidding? He's pretty proud of Jade, but me... I've always been the failure. I'm the child that always got into trouble and disappoints."

"Well we all make mistakes." 

"Not like me." Dylan concentrates on his lemonade for a moment before shaking his head. "Don't tell me you don't know about me either, 'cause you're too smart not to have at least figured it out." 

Hunter grins. "I guess I put a few pieces together. Regardless though... I've had a few talks with your dad and he-"

"Yeah he likes to talk to everybody but me." Dylan can feel his own bitterness and he bites his tongue. "Guess I deserve it though." 

Hunter sighs. "Look... I know what it's like to be at odds with your dad - I haven't even spoken to my father or seen him since I was in high school."

Dylan quirks an eyebrow. "Really? Why?"

"Got in a fight. Some of it was me. Some of it was him. He was pretty rough on me when I was a kid." 

"Yeah well... Mick hasn't exactly been what you'd call soft either."

"I know. He's told me." Hunter shrugs. "I know you see things different, but let me tell you... I'm actually pretty jealous of you."

"Huh? Why?" 

"'Cause no matter what's happened, your dad loves you. Every time he talks about you, I see it in his eyes - he thinks the world of you, regardless of past mistakes - yours and his. If my dad ever would have had that look in his eye when talking about me... I woulda felt like I was walking on the moon." Hunter finishes his off his drink and nods with satisfaction. "Yeah... even with the bad, I wish I had a dad like yours." 

Dylan looks down at his glass and shoos away a fly. "I wanna be closer to him," he admits quietly. "I just... don't know how and... I figured it was best that way." 

Hunter grunts in response. "That's just the easy way out... but even if it's easiest, it's also the suckiest 'cause you end up alone. And this... I know." 

"So how come you haven't spoken to your dad if that's how it is?"

Hunter grins. "Because I'm only now figuring it out." He gives Dylan's arm a whack. "Just don't tell anybody. I want 'em to think I was this smart when I got here."

Dylan rolls his eyes, but a little smile tugs at his mouth too. "Well... you might be right, but that doesn't mean things'll change between my dad and me."

"Maybe not. I bet he'd meet you halfway though."

"Halfway to what?"

"Whatever you want. A nice word. A handshake. Dinner?" He eyes Dylan thoughtfully. "Speaking of which... I'm going back over to your dad's and Rosetta's house tonight again for supper. I betcha they'd set an extra place for you if you showed up." 

Dylan smirks. "Isn't that me going all the way instead of halfway?"

"Nope. The other half is your dad letting your stay and enjoying your company. And if I'm wrong, you can hit me... on my bad knee... as hard as you want." 

Dylan's eyes narrow and he huffs a sigh before standing. "We better get back to work." 

"Ugh. Why did you have to say that?" Hunter pulls himself up and bends his knee a couple times to gain back his flexibility. "Mm... that smarts." 

"Bad?"

"Eh... gets a little better every day. It better, if I'm ever going to leave."
 

"And here I thought you wanted to stay."

Hunter grins. "Who said I didn't? I have to leave... that doesn't mean I want to..."

...It was later that evening and while Hunter was still cleaning up, someone else was stepping up on the house porch. After knocking, lightly Dylan slips inside, glancing around quickly. He didn't see his dad yet, but he could smell something good in the kitchen. "Rosetta?"

He wanders in that direction, poking his head into the kitchen. "Hi. Um... I know Hunter's gonna come over for supper... he um... well..." He shrugs lamely. "Can I stay too? If there's not enough food, that's okay - I can go back over to the dining hall." 

How Long...

Taking another nibble of her sub Katie gives a small nod listing to Jason. Misty had always been a strong woman in no matter what she faced. It didn't surprise Katie she was doing well or to most is seemed she was. Knowing what she did Katie felt bad for Carson and Misty. It was a tangled web and it was rather sad.

   "Oh, doesn't surprise me Rick is keeping a close eye on her. Wouldn't shock me if Reese was doing the same thing in the background. "

Placing her sub down again Katie takes the wrapper and wraps the rest of her sub up again slipping it back into the bag. She really wasn't that hungry and couldn't force herself to eat. She'd have it so if she got hungry in a bit she could eat it. 

Pulling her cup a little closer Katie takes a sip before looking up at Jason again. Looking back at him Katie wondered what he was thinking about as he watched her. Maybe he was looking for something or just searching. His words that followed though Katie gives a small smile and a nod.

   "I always love taking time to go home. It's so peaceful and relaxing. It's a good place to try and work through things. Not to mention there is never a dull moment and being able to spend time with my dad is always great too. He's doing better now and I am happy about that."

   "How long has it been?"

Wes looks out the window of the hospital. He'd been healing pretty good with very little complications. He was riddled with scars mostly on his back, and a good one along his jawline, and his limp was really the only things that said anything had been wrong. The only thing keeping in the hospital was his memorie loss. He had no where to go, he had no memorie of who he was and it was a danger to himself.

He was lonely, depressed, and frustrated. Every night he had a dream of his family, and now he was making out there face but there names, his name, it still didn't come. He'd left people behind that needed him, he'd been told he was a hero but not even that could he remember.

   "It's been about a year now that you've been here."

One of the counslers sat in another chair in his room. He saw him about once a week and was told it was to keep his spirits up and to continue working with him to remember. While slowly in his sleep he was Wes couldn't help but feel like it was a loss cause.

Sometimes Wes didn't understand why they still kept him here. He was told it was because he had no family he could call, or friends. If they let him go he would be on the street and still being over seas that would be a bad idea. So they kept him in hopes things would work out slowly. 

   "Do you think my family is still looking for me or do you think they think I am dead?"

   "I think you need to worry about remembering and than everything else will fall into place."

Wes lets out a long sigh before looking out the window again and leaning his head against the glass pain. Would he ever remember? Would he ever find his family and the people who he thought loved him?
  
   "I've got to....I just have to...they need me."

True Feelings

The switch in conversation felt abrupt, but Jason knew that there wasn't much more he and Katie could say about their relationship - not unless they wanted to keep digging at the wounds, and he knew she wanted that about as much as he did - not at all. 

"Misty's doing alright." He takes a sip of his water, trying to clear his head. It felt strange, talking to Katie about Misty, who was now his girlfriend. 

"She's probably doing better than most would. Stubborn enough not to let Carson's arrogance and stupidity get her down." He shakes his head and scoffs. "He really surprised us all on that one. Funny thing is, Alec and I are starting to be friends. Who woulda thought that would happen?" He rolls his eyes "Overall though... I'm glad I can be there for Misty. I know she still gets lonely and I know that under all that hurt, she still misses Carson - I can't blame her for that. He was her husband, after all. So I know there are some holes I can't fill, but... I'm doing my best. As far as her health is concerned, Rick is watching her like a hawk." 

Talking about something else seemed to have eased some of the tension, and Jason could feel himself relax a little bit. Enough that he could look past his own hurt and confusion for just a few minutes at least. Cocking his head, he studies Katie's face again, looking at different things this time. 

"You look better than when you left... I trust your visit to your family was good."

"Pst..."

Rosalyn turns quickly from the kitchen sink, automatically grabbing a towel to dry her hands. Seeing Mick, she smiles, but is curious as to why he was in the house. She usually only saw him out around the barns unless it was mealtime. "Well hi there. Looking for a snack?"

Mick chuckles and shakes his head. "Naw. I was just on my way to the office and thought I'd drop this off on my way." He hands her a letter.

Accepting it, Rosalyn's heart jumps when she sees it's from Chad again. Catching her uncle's eye, her cheeks gain a little heat. "Thanks..."

Mick cocks his head and studies her for several moments. There had been several letters from Chad since he'd left - it was growing apparent to him that it had not just been a casual correspondence until the newness wore off. "Must be quite a guy to keep making the effort to write to you."

She tries to hide her smile, but it's nearly impossible. "He is."

"You, uh... writing back to him?"

Rosalyn nods. "Yeah... Yeah, I am."

Mick continues to study her. He wasn't going to tell her what to do, but he did feel some responsibility as her uncle. "Not jumping into anything too quick there, are we?"

Rosalyn squares her shoulders stubbornly. "Chad has been nothing but a gentleman, and I-"

Mick holds up his hand to stop her, giving her a gentle smile. "Shh," he warns, keeping his voice quiet. "I'm glad you're able to correspond with him."

She backs off a little, now hesitant. "You... you are?"

"I am. I just want to make sure that you're using your keen mind as much as you're using your beautiful heart."

Smiling, Rosalyn understands, appreciating his gentle concern. "I am. Just... you haven't told Dad, have you? He wouldn't understand."

Mick shakes his head. "It's our little secret until you feel ready to tell him." He pats her on the shoulder before turning to leave. "Enjoy yourself. You deserve it."

Watching him leave, Rosalyn bites her lip while her smile lingers. She loved her uncle so much. One day she'd be able to repay him somehow...

...It was evening, after supper and after all the cleaning up was done. Rosalyn had been holding onto Chad's letter all day until she had her free time, and she'd turned down a card game to escape to her bedroom at home. And immediately after reading - and smiling more - she had settled on her bed to reply.

Dear Chad, 

Oregon sounds beautiful. I love the rain and could imagine those misty mornings before the sun. Walking in a gentle rain is one of my favorite things to do. If I'm sad, the gray clouds seem to wrap me in a blanket with the rain covering up my tears. And if I am happy, the lightning seems to smile, and the raindrops are heaven on my skin. 

You're a brave man to accept such an endeavor as my safety. I fear perhaps you don't fully understand how serious a situation it is, because the ranch itself is safe and peaceful. We are untouched here, as there are too many of us - our strength lies in numbers. But outside, there is danger. I have never been harmed. But I have never faced the outside world while so closely connected to this clan's inner circle. My fear is not that you would cower, but that you would be harmed because of me. That is something I'm not sure I could live with. I will not let my fear keep me from you though. I will only pray that God would protect us both, no matter where this leads. 

Pausing her letter, she thinks about her short conversation with Mick. Was she really using her head? Where was all this really going? Did she know? Did she care? Was she being wise or just throwing caution to the wind? It was only letters... or was it? 

I feel sometimes that I wish I knew more of what you and I have - where we are going, and if the letters will fade, or become something more. But I know that right now, neither you or I can afford more than written words, entrusted to the mail. And I think I'm satisfied with that, if you are. I have no one else knocking on my door or asking me for a date. Yet if they did, what would I tell them? How serious are you? How serious are your sweet words that make my heart flutter? Are they empty, written only in fun to temporarily occupy your heart? Or are they sincere, meant only to me? Miles between make it difficult for a young woman like me to know for sure whether this path is right and smooth, or if it is crooked and full of pitfalls. When I imagine your arms around me, I feel safer than anywhere else. When reading your words, I feel like an undeserving princess holding a treasure. Am I naive and foolhardy? Or am I feeling what is true and embracing it? 

She thinks of her father's reaction when Chad had left. Was he right? She'd been so embarrassed and upset. She'd never told Chad about that, and wasn't going to yet either.

While I search for answers, know that I dearly love hearing from you and also writing to you. For someone I hardly know, I miss you a lot, which is confusing to my heart. If I had to sew a hundred buttons, I wouldn't mind, if it meant I was able to see you again.  

It's getting late and I have an early morning tomorrow, so I better get this letter to the mailbox so I can go to bed. I'll say hi to the moon on my walk. 

Rosalyn

Had she said too much? Had she written too many doubts? Would they scare Chad away or make him leery? She hoped not. But she did want to be honest with him, and what she'd said was truly what was on her heart and mind.

Defend

Katie gives a little nod, she understood what Jason was saying and respected that. She wished he didn't feel like he had to walk on pins though. Nothing he said or did would upset her, it just wasn't her right to be upset about that anymore. 

Friends...could they be? At least that would try and thats what was importance to Katie. She new for her like for Jason it would be hard but she was willing to work twords it and do the best she could.

   "So, how is Misty? I kind saw her the other day but really didn't talk much to her."

It was a lame attempt at keeping a conversation going and Katie new it but they had to start somewhere right? She really did want to know how Misty was holding up too. She'd made a promise and she was going to keep it. Not to mention she was her friend and she did care.

Sitting at the marina Chad's feet just dangled above the water as he held Rosalyn's letter in his hand. He was on lunch and alone able to read the letter and even start a reply. It seemed most of his time was spent alone so he could read, write or think about Rosalyn. Questions had come up on why and if he was getting depressed but he'd left everyone wondering only smile and reassuring them he was in face not depressed. How could he be with someone so special writing to him.

Rosalyn,
   
   You fill my days with joy when I get one of your letters and when I can quietly slip away to to have some free time to read and even reply it is truly peace I feel. Today I write to you while I am on my lunch. Sitting in the marina in Oregon. Most mornings here are cloudy and filled with rain but by noon the sun comes out. I find it funny that at that very same time is when a letter from you comes. I can't help but smile and think it's you that brings the sunshine.

   Our apple tree......Mmmm.....I like the sound of that. To think we have our own spot, a place to look forward to seeing again, a place where memories to be placed. Its our first and I can hope there will be more spots too.

Going back to her letter and going over again what she wrote about her family and about this Agency he wanted to make sure he understood what he was ready. He did know a little from Katie about the stuff that went on with the family and people had been after them for as long as they remembered. Though he didn't completely understand it it did not push him away from giving Rosalyn the happiness she deserved and the happiness he wanted.

   You might be marked but I'd hate to be the person who would try and bring any harm to you. Does this news frighten me away from you? No my dear it does not, not even in the slightest, I would defend you with my life till I couldn't anymore. Oh Rosalyn...How special you are, and though I may not understand everything I would not take something lightly when you have told me. Maybe on day when we are face to face again you can explain a little more to me about the Agency so I am prepared to keep you safe. You have over looked my past, I over look yours but keep myself ready to defend when I need too.

Looking out across the water Chad gives a large smile. To think about Rosalyn it just did that to him, made him smile, made him feel all warm and fuzzy. It was just a nice feeling, one he'd missed, and he wasn't backing down not yet. It was comforting to know she was looking at the same sky too.

   Well as much as I would like to continue this letter to you, I must get back to work. I look forward to getting another letter from you soon, and being able to reply as soon as I can. Tonight I will look at the moon too. 

     Forever and Always,
          Chad

  

Eventually

Another sigh surfaces and Jason sets his sub aside. Friends? Could they really even get back to that point again? 

"I don't hate you Katie," he answers quietly. "I never did. I'm just... hurt. And I'm trying really hard not to be bitter. Having you back is harder than I thought it would be. I don't know what to say or how to act anymore. It's like walking on pins and needles and... I just don't know if that's gonna change or not." 

He knew that's not what she wanted to hear, but what else could he say? He couldn't lie and tell her it would all be just fine. He didn't know if it would be or not. 

"We... shared something special... something more than friends, and more than being boyfriend and girlfriend. We shared... each other's souls. Our thoughts. Our emotions. We were intimate in ways that no one else could ever understand. And after all that... to have it wiped out and torn to pieces... to say 'hey, lets be friends' is... well it feels a little harder than that to me."

Searching Katie's eyes, he sees her tears, and his heart hurts a little bit more. "But... it would seem a worthy goal," he relents. "I don't want our jobs to be a nightmare because of the tension between us. We were just friends once a long time ago... I'm sure we can pull it off again eventually." 

Dear Chad,

Your letter, as usual, brought a smile to my lips. I never knew a man who could write such nice words, let alone legibly - you have mastered both skills quite well. 

As I write, I'm sitting under our apple tree. It was too nice of a day to stay cooped up inside, and I was able to find the quiet privacy I wanted here. If I close my eyes and try very hard, I can imagine I am sitting here with you. But I miss the warmth of your arms around me. 

Leaning her head back against the bark, Rosalyn sighs and closes her eyes. Chad's most recent letter had more than confirmed that he wanted to continue writing, and that his intentions were for more than that too, if it would somehow work. The thought created a strange new sense of fear, yet it also filled Rosalyn's stomach with butterflies. While good sense told her that perhaps she shouldn't avidly pursue this, she couldn't help but write him back. He had come out of nowhere, swept her off her feet, and made her feel so very good... how could she ignore that?

Looking back down at the paper her pen hovers over the next line. In all reality though... she needed to be fair. There was more than one reason a man might not want to actually get involved with her.

You flatter me with your intentions. I wonder what it would be like if we were not separated by miles. Perhaps it would be sweeter. Or perhaps you would quickly grow bored of me and realize the ocean was still your first love. 

If, though, you do indeed intent to pursue me, then there are some things you must know. I am sure you have put a few pieces together - perhaps you have gleaned a little bit of information from Katie as well. In the end though, the bottom line is that my family is not a safe family to get involved with. You see, for many years, we have been hunted. I'm sure this will sound like a fantastically fabricated tale, but you must believe me. There is an illegal organization that has tried to control both the Henson and Pent families since the older generation were mere children. This organization is called the Agency and it has harmed us in many ways for a very long time. They are the reason I grew up without knowing my father - he feared for my family's safety and therefore he and my mother remained separated until they felt it safe once again. The Agency is also the reason that my parents gave up my younger brother, Ty, for adoption when he was a baby - for his safety. Clint and I grew up under the impression that Ty had died, and only recently did we find out the truth. 

Most others in our two families have been affected in one way or another by the Agency - and none of it is good. We are always watching the horizon. We trust no strangers. We wait - living not in fear, but in constant caution. Even while you were here, security cameras held you in their sights most of the time. Many have died going up against the Agency. It is nothing to be joked about or taken lightly. 

You may or may not believe the severity of this issue. Were I to have enough paper I would write you page after page of stories of how the Agency had almost ruined my family time and time again. How they have almost destroyed most everyone here at the ranch. There is so much that I could tell you - want to tell you - but one letter is hardly enough. I have been sheltered from direct danger, but that does not remove the fact that I am a marked woman by my name alone. I am James Henson's daughter - that is enough for me to be the Agency's prey. 

If you can still desire to have my heart after knowing this, then I will have no choice but to accept your letters and beloved poems, for it will prove to me the purity of your heart. But if you choose to step aside now to avoid any undo misfortunes, I will not blame you nor think badly of you. I will simply cherish what we've had, and rest assured that you are somewhere out of harm's way. 

I do not want to end this letter on a sad note though, for fear of this special place under our tree becoming something less than happy. So I will close now. And tonight, my eyes will be on the moon once more.

Rosalyn

All I want

   "If you want to hate me Jason, thats completely up to you and I wont hold it against you. For me, I'd like to try and be friends. Be able to stand each other at work so we can work, so there wont be an awkwardness."

Katie searches his face for a long moment. Thinking about all this stuff was hard, and talking about it even harder. To think someone she held so dear to her at once was now so far away and it was her own doing it was rough.

   "I know its going to take times and I'm not asking for answered prayers over night...but if we can at least try. I can't do it alone I need you to try as well. That's all I want from this is for at least be friends."

At this point thats all Katie did want. Even if it took a little while to be friends with Jason again was her goal. They had been close, they had gotten along and Katie just wanted a little bit of that back. Jason had always been a good friend that she couldn't deny.

Why?

Once again, words evaded Jason. He didn't agree about their connection - to him, it was pretty plain that that's all they'd had. True love? It didn't seem so any more. But he wouldn't say so. It would only start an argument, or cause more pain at least. And neither he nor she needed any more of that.

Eating in silence for a few more minutes, Jason finally speaks again. "So... where do we go from here?"

He searches Katie's face once more. "I mean... why are we here? Just so we can tolerate each other at work? To prove we don't hate each other?"

Not Sure

Katie could feel a pain in her heart return as Jason talks about he was going to come the morning of and try and works things out. Her own pigheadedness had lead to the not happening, if she had only opened her eyes and tried a little harder, things could of been so different and this pain of loss would be less.

Another pain seemed to follow hearing that Jason really believed that she had wanted someone else besides him. She'd thought for sure he'd known her better than than but than again actions speak louder than words and without there connection that little extra that said I'm yours and your mine was not there and know what one thought or felt had been a great deal harder.

   "Yeah, I...I can't blame you for that Jason. If I'd been in your shoes I can't say I would feel any differently. I should have let you explain, and if not at that moment because I was so upset I should have at least talked to you later in the night when I cooled down."

Looking out the window for a very long moment Katie hated how she felt. Being here, saying she was sorry to Jason she wondered if it was doing any good or just putting them through more pain. That was the last thing she wanted to do to him. He seemed happy, and Misty was a good woman, Katie new she'd take care of him since it was no longer her job. She'd still worry though because at one point Jason had meant everything to her, and she did still want to be his friend.

Sighing and looking back to Jason Katie couldn't help the small tears that had formed in her eye. The truth hurt, the past hurt, words hurt...but she new it was how Jason felt and there was no way she could fault him for that. She had her feelings and he had his even if she didn't agree.

   "I'm not sure I believe it was only the connection that was holding us together, but I do know it was the connection that tore us apart."

Finally picking up her own sub Katie takes a nibble of the edge of it. She wasn't really hungry but she wanted to try and at least eat a little bit. She could bring the rest of it home and eat it later. Maybe it could be here dinner tonight too. Than she wouldn't have to worry about cooking or bothering Thirteen and Ryder.

   "I'm happy you and Misty have grown close. You both deserve this after going through so much."

Would they ever be friends again? Katie didn't know but she hoped this was the right path. Her and Jason might never be involved again but that friendship was important to her. So she'd take it slow and just see how things would go.

Meant to Be

Seeing Katie finally arrive, Jason sets aside the sugar packet and offers her a partial smile. And all of a sudden, he regretted agreeing to come. But he had, and he wouldn't go back on his word now. 

Once ordering food and getting settled in the booth, Jason leaves his sub untouched as he listens. Her initial apology comes as a bit of a surprise, and he finds himself just studying her face as she continues to talk. He felt as though he should interrupt and say something, but he didn't know what, so he lets her finish whatever else she felt she needed to. 

As she explains and apologizes more, the dull ache in Jason's heart seems to cause him more pain. Not because he didn't like her apology... but because this whole thing just proved that it was all so stupid and never should have happened at all. But then... maybe a lot of things shouldn't have happened. 

Silence takes over the table as he tries to process her words and accept them. There was a part of him that was still angry, and it's that which he tries to set aside. He knew it was wrong to be bitter - especially after she'd said she was sorry. Staring down at his sub he toys with a couple stray pieces of lettuce trying to collect his own thoughts now. 

Eventually he looks back up again, heaving a weary sigh. His shoulders slouch slightly and he purses his lips, still thinking. "Thank you... for telling me all that." 

What else was he supposed to say? He had no idea. He'd thought up a whole lot of things he'd wanted to say to her over the last month or two, but at the moment, none seemed appropriate. 

His eyes lock with hers searching for something that made sense in all of this madness. "I'm sorry that you had such a hard time, losing our connection. I'm sure that even though it wasn't easy for me either, that it was probably worse for you. More than likely, I didn't do a very good job of recognizing that at the time, so... for that, I guess I'm sorry too." He shrugs lamely. "I could have handled some things differently - like with me and my friends. I never meant to neglect you and..." He gives a slight scoff. "That morning I came looking for you, I'd... made up my mind that I was gonna work harder and try to rekindle what we'd lost. But... I guess the effort was just a few hours too late."

He finally drops his gaze again to stare down at his sub as his mind replays that morning... going to Hunter's... finding Katie there. His appetite now seemed to have fled. 

"It's... interesting to hear you say that all you ever wanted was me. After all that happened, and seeing you with Hunter, I guess I came to the conclusion that you didn't want me anymore and were just waiting for an out. And when you saw Sandy kiss me, it just gave you the excuse you needed to dump me for someone else you wanted more." His fingers strum the table with an erratic tempo. "Hearing you say now that it's not how it was... I guess I want to believe you but it'll take a little while." 

He couldn't help it that that was the truth. She sounded sincere, but after how everything had happened, it still hurt a little too much to just take her word for it now. He'd have to mull it over a while longer and let it sink in before that hurt would go away. 

"Ya know..." A slight rueful grin tugs at his mouth. "Finding you at Hunter's wasn't the worst part. What hurt the most was you not believing me about Sandy." He shakes his head. "I never had any feelings for her, and until she kissed me that night, I never knew she had feelings for me either. Call it being a dumb guy, I don't know. I guess I was just blind. But having the person closest to me not even let me explain... it still hurts."

It did, too. Even now. He could still see the taillights of her car fading as she'd driven away from the concert, leaving him standing helpless to do anything. 

After another short pause, he catches her eye once more. "But I guess none of that really matters now, does it? You got Hunter, and Misty and I have connected." He shrugs again. "Maybe you and I never were meant to be in the first place. Obviously it was the connection that held us together. Without it, we fell apart. So maybe all of this is for the best anyway."

Finally, he forces himself to pick up his sub and take a bite, even though his stomach was in knots. He might just throw it up later, but he might as well attempt eating - at the very least, it gave his hands something to do. 

Just wanted to say

Stepping inside the sub shop Katie was running a little late but the paperwork she had been doing was almost done and she had wanted to at least try to finish it. Scanning the room she hoped Jason would still be here and hadn't given up waiting on her. Seeing him she gives a small smile walking over him but not to big. He's kept his word not that she even though he would.

   "Hey, Sorry I'm late."

Ordering there food and finally settling down Katie looks down at her glass of ice the was floating in her water and slowly melting. She'd known what she wanted to say and now...now all her words seemed a million miles away.  Katie had explained to Hunter before leaving for lunch that she was going to be talking with Jason. He didn't seem happy but he's said he trusted her, and she told him it was for the sake of her job. The thickness in the air couldn't really continue. But now...she had no idea what to say.

    "I new everything I wanted to say coming into this and now...it seems words are lost. While this whole thing comes down to though is I wanted to say I am sorry. Sorry for the way I acted, sorry for the way I treated you, and sorry for not trusting you."

Unwrapping her sub finally Katie looks down at the lettuces that falls to the paper before looking up at Jason again and searching his face for a long moment again. She wanted to make things right, she wanted to be at least friends again but she had no idea how. So many emotions ran though her and she had to try and find the right way to express them.

   "There was many things I could have done better, maybe things I should have done differently and I see what now. When our connection was broken I became lost, I didn't know how to express myself, tell you I was upset, I was hurting I just...I didn't know how and the more I tried the more I failed. I should have taken into consideration how you would feel I didn't and for that I am sorry. My friendship with Hunter I never meant for it to get in our way and it did."

Pain was riddles on Katie's face as she talked. Remember Jason's looks, his pleas, his willingness to try and work things out. Katie had ignored it though, her own thick hardheadedness got in the way and destroyed everything. She saw that now and she new Jason had done nothing wrong.

   "I also wanted to say I was sorry for what happened when I saw Sandy kiss you..."

Kate lets out a long sigh. It still stung a little thinking about it.

   "...I should of talked to you, not walked away like I had...I just...I don't have an excuse other than I was hurting so much already from feeling ignored that I didn't know what else to do. So I am sorry for that, sorry for turning out back on us and putting you through heck. All I ever wanted was you, and only you that I became so wrapped up in what I had lost with our emotions, and what else I could lost, that I actually did lost it. So I...just wanted to say I was sorry to you."

That Simple

Mr. Sub. Jason could handle that. It was close to work and the atmosphere was alright. He gives Katie a slight nod. "Yeah, okay. That'll work."

Her request for him to clear it with Misty brings a rather sarcastic expression to his face before he can stop it. "Of course. If I didn't, that would be pretty hypocritical of me, don't you think?" It may have been a couple months now, but he remembered all too well what it felt like when Katie would do things alone with Hunter. He hadn't changed his stance on the subject, and would certainly run this past Misty before going. And if she had a problem with it he'd take her along or not go at all. It was that simple to him.

Turning around, he talks over his shoulder as he leaves. "I'll let you know if there's a problem."

As suspected, there wasn't - especially with the way things were between him and Katie right now. Jason wasn't doing this for the fun of it. He was only going because Katie had requested it. And as far as he knew, there was no intention of making a habit out of this.

...When one o'clock finally rolled around, Jason was already seated in a booth at Mr. Subs. He hadn't ordered yet - out of respect - but sitting here waiting was making him rather nervous. He hated it, but there wasn't much he could do about it. He couldn't remember a time ever being nervous around Katie. It was awkward and felt unnatural. His feelings were all mixed up, and he still didn't know if he was still angry with her, or missed her. Could he be both? It felt like it.

Playing with a packet of sugar, he waits to get this over with.


Justin laughs, enjoying Misty's humor. "Six tomorrow night sounds good, and I'm not allergic to anything, so don't worry about killing me. And I'll eat just about anything, so you should be safe."

He jots a note down on his desk as a reminder. "I will see you guys tomorrow then. Thanks, Misty. Really appreciate this."

Make sure

Looking down at the calendar on her desk Misty checks what time she is working tomorrow and if she had anything else planned. Jason had to work late tomorrow so if he did come over it wouldn't be till much later and she worked the early shift. She hoped Alec would be around tomorrow but if she wasn't she could always tell him what was going on and was sure he would change it to be home.

   "How does dinner at 6 should. We could have a nice relaxing meal and talk about whatever we need too. Not to early and not to late that we would have to rush things."

Misty leans back in her chair for a second stretching her back a little bit. This morning had not been the best morning as she woke up with a lot of back pain. She didn't complain to much though other than to Alec. She new it was just going to get worse before it got better.

   "Is there anything you don't like to eat or are allergic to? I'd rather not kill you on your first time over."

Seeing the look in Jason's eyes Katie backs away just a little bit not meaning to sound to eager, or crowd him. She new she didn't deserve any kind of explanation, or reasoning she just hoped Jason would let her. She didn't want to do this for herself she wanted to do it for him, for there friendship. If nothing else she wanted to at least be friends with him again even if she new it was not deserved.

   "Mmmm...how about one o'clock at Mr. Sub down the street?"

Katie was thankful Jason would let her talk. She wanted to say they could ride together to save gas but she stopped herself from being friendly to fast. Slow steps, they could drive apart, she new the way Jason new the way and the last thing she wanted to do was step on anyone's toes.

   "Ummm...thanks Jason. Just make sure its ok with Misty alright? I don't want to cause any problems with you guys."