Susanne can't help a little laugh and she shakes her head at Chuck. He was silly for asking, since she'd just suggested the movie herself. Not that she minded... it meant he really did want to spend more time with her.
"Yes... yes, I think I will. However, I must warn you, it's a sappy musical." Her smile turns into a sly sort of grin. "But I have a feeling even if you hated the movie, you'd come anyway just to lay on a little more of that charm." She looks at her hand he had kissed. "You might want to be careful... lay it on too thick and I'll start dripping."
Eli didn't mean to look so surprised, but his eyebrows did rise as Ryan talks about wanting him there. He'd figured she might miss him, sure, but maybe he hadn't realized that how he felt about her was how she felt about him. He loved his sister dearly - he just hadn't thought she really cared one way or the other where he was. Realizing that she did want him here... maybe even needed him here... it made him all the more glad that he'd decided to stay.
As the conversation shifts, he lets the other subjects drop, figuring it was best. He wouldn't make her talk about things she didn't want to - a distraction would be good.
"I would love to watch a funny move." He nods and stands up and heads to the cupboard to nose around. "As long as we have popcorn. Popcorn is a must." Searching a little more, he finds a box of microwave popcorn. "Eureka! Now we're set. I'll let you choose the movie though - I'm too indecisive."
And time moves slowly on...
Finished with his shower and getting dressed, Alec eases down at the kitchenette table in the hotel suite. Taking a swig of coffee, his gaze lingers on the table, his mind far away. His face was pale and dark circles were under his eyes. One might be surprised to discover he'd only been away from a healthy lifestyle for a few days. But during those few days, much had happened... much had changed.
"Mmm... you smell good." Yvette comes up behind him, slipping an arm over his shoulder and down to rest her palm against his chest as she takes a breath of his wet hair.
"It's the coffee," Alec responds dryly.
"Oh, I don't think so." Yvette slides her head down to kiss his ear then his cheek. "Nope... it's definitely you."
Alec takes another sip of coffee. "Where's our next target?"
Yvette sighs and straightens up. "You're certainly a stick in the mud this morning. Bit of a contrast to last night, don't you think?"
Alec quirks an eyebrow before slinging a glance over his shoulder at Yvette's scantily clothed figure. "No focus, no job." He points to the table. "Target?"
Rolling her eyes, Yvette retrieves a map from the counter and tosses it on the table in front of him. "Brummel Hotel on the other side of town. We go in, kill the guy and get out. In the meantime, we keep our cover here as newlyweds for two days or until we receive our next destination coordinates."
Alec only grunts in response before studying the map and following the road with his finger before reaching the red ink circle. "You'd think I'd never done this before," he mutters.
"I was only repeating our instructions."
"So repeat them to the mirror."
Yvette scowls and aims a backhanded slap to his face, but her wrist is caught midway. Alec's grip tightens and he glares up at her. "Wanna try that again?"
Yvette wrenches her arm loose and rubs her wrist. Leaning down to put her face in front of his, she eyes him without fear. "Don't forget who I am," she threatens.
"Oh that's right, you've got pull with the big boss." Alec's eyes wander down her figure then back up again. "I wonder why."
Through the angry glare, a faint grin appears at the corner of Yvette's mouth. "You're smart enough not to wonder." Cocking her head, she leaves a tantalizing kiss on his lips. "And I'll see to it that you never do wonder."
Left alone again, Alec downs the rest of his coffee and focuses on the map once more. Hearing the shower running a few minutes later though, he gets up to wander in that direction.
For the tenth time that morning, Carson finds himself standing in the kitchen with his thoughts so very far away from the restaurant. What was going through his mind had been bothering him all yesterday and all night. He'd picked up the phone twice to call Reese, then had changed his mind. How could he be in his right mind to even consider giving Alec the benefit of the doubt? It was ridiculous. All the clues added up - he and Reese had proven that. There could be no doubt. Anyone with half a brain would see that Alec had turned his back on the life he had now and had returned to the Agency. He'd robbed, he'd run from the law and he'd killed. He was back to smoking, doing drugs and he was doing who knows what with Yvette. So why on earth was Carson's conscience bothering him so? Why did he keep thinking back to that stupid deck of cards? It was ridiculous!
Growling in frustration, Carson takes off his apron. "Dani, take over," he hollers. "If you need help, call Herb."
Dani's eyes widen as her brother walks to the front door. "But..." They were just starting for the day and it was looking to be a busy one. "Carson!" Too late. He was already gone.
Driving across town, Carson's mind continues to work overtime. By the time he reached Alec's apartment, he didn't even know what he was looking for. But he had to find something to prove one theory or the other.
Getting to the apartment door, he easily picks the lock and enters. Wandering through the one room that served as both living room and bedroom, he goes over everything, even knowing that Reese had already had someone down here to search for clues. They'd turned up nothing. But surely there had to be something more decisive. Something more concrete.
He checks the mattress, checks the window sills, under rugs, under chairs and behind the television set. The kitchen was next. It shouldn't take long - it was tiny enough. But he does take his time, checking every nook and cranny. The last place was the far cupboard. Removing the few canned goods that were there, he stops. Turning a can over in his hand, he read the tomato soup label. But... this can weighed a whole lot less than it should. He shakes it. His ears don't hear liquid - instead, they hear something light and solid. What on earth?
Carson runs his fingers around the edge of the can. It didn't look like it had been opened. Oh, wait. His thumbnail lifts up the lid. It had been cut around and below the lip instead of inside of it, forming a nice lid that was almost impossible to see. Finally able to see inside, Carson's eyes widen. He pulls out a roll of cash. They were big bills too. Fifties, twenties and at least a couple hundred dollar bills. There had to be several thousand dollars here.
The first thought that would cross anyone's mind was a payoff from the Agency. But Carson, as much as he hated to admit it, knew better. If it was a payoff, Alec would have taken it with him. He hadn't left in a hurry and forgotten the money - it was obvious that he'd been very systematic about his departure. He had left his money here on purpose. But why? Who would do that? Anybody would want all the money they could get.
Whether Carson liked it or not, he knew the truth. He knew it, and he had to do something about it. Putting the money back in the can, he takes the whole thing with him.
The ride to TJY was a quick one. Thankfully, Reese was free.
"Alec didn't turn." Carson dumps the can on his desk.
Reese looks at him in confusion. "What?"
"The can. It came from Alec's apartment. I was just there. He's got at least several thousand dollars in there."
Reese's eyebrows rise. "Yeah, I knew he had that. But what does that prove?"
"You knew?"
"Yeah, I had someone keeping an eye on him. He got it through winning bets for underground fighting - the same as what you were involved with before."
"And you didn't arrest him for being involved?"
"Technically, he wasn't." Reese gives him a wry sort of grin. "He had a guy at the car races who did all the dirty work and got a cut of the winnings for doing it. Alec had a nice little deal going on with him. I figured he could be in worse trouble so I let it go."
Carson rolls his eyes. "I wish I would have known that. Regardless though, if you were heading out of town, would you leave that much cash behind?"
"Probably not." Reese leans back in his chair, curious. "But we can't just think he's innocent because of-"
"And the fact he stole my car and left his watch for us to find."
"You think it was on purpose?"
"When was the last time an Agency agent like Alec was sloppy? His watch was easily identified as his. He could have erased his phone's voicemail. Him stealing my car made him traceable until he switched vehicles, pointing us in the right direction."
"You have a point, but still..." Reese sighs. "You're part of the reason we formed this opinion of Alec, you know. Your perspective means a lot and I respect it - you have had no trust for Alec up until now. You explained away everything and now you're telling me the opposite. What changed?'
Carson fishes in his pocket for the deck of playing cards. "These were his. There are two extra aces in here."
"So?"
"He's cheating."
"Well, obviously, but-"
"No. Not cheating with cards. He's cheating the Agency. He's trying to beat them at their own game."
Reese isn't convinced. "Carson, that's pretty far-fetched. Don't you think that-"
"It's something we used to do," Carson explains. "Agents used to leave each other messages with cards all the time because it would be overlooked by the police or anyone else."
"Why didn't you say something before?"
Carson swallows hard. "Because I didn't believe Alec was innocent. I didn't give him the benefit of the doubt."
"You now think your instincts were unreliable?"
"I don't know. Maybe I just had a personal grudge against him because of what he did with Dani and because having him around reminds me of my father." Carson sighs. "Maybe I've just been selfish and I wanted to prove I'd been right. Well... maybe I was right about him. But maybe he's changed and I just didn't want to see it."
"Why wouldn't he alert us, rather than giving in to the Agency?"
"I don't have an answer for that."
Reese stands up and paces for a moment. "We're still tracing him - or rather, following his wake of destruction. He and Yvette have hit two hotels - four people dead, including that first gas station attendant. We always arrive too late, but Gunner and Nate are working on tracing a pattern and if we can find out his next stop, we might be able to snag him. If he's innocent, why is he involving himself in those things?"
"I don't know. But when the Agency latches on, it's hard to shake them and sometimes you just have to do things to save your own hide."
"You think Alec would kill rather than be killed?"
Carson shrugs. "I betrayed the Agency so TJY wouldn't kill me. All I'm saying is that there's something else going on here that we can't see. Alec wanted us to know it was him and to be able to trace him."
"What if it's a trap?"
"The Agency is too cocky for that. They'd rather meet someone head-on rather than lure them with bait like that - especially Alec. He's a guns blazing guy, not someone who is patient enough to lie in wait."
"I have to admit, you're pretty convincing. But I still don't know..."
"What do we have to lose?" Carson holds his hands out to the sides. "If we go in after him and he's guilty, then we've captured him and put a lid on him leaking any more information about the Elite. If he's innocent, then we've rescued him."
Reese sighs deeply. "Look, Carson... I understand what you're saying, and I want to believe Alec is innocent too. But we have to look at the facts. Whatever his intentions were, he is now running with the Agency and he's killing people. If it were just a woman or just the drugs, I might be able to let it go - but it's bigger than that. You know it, and I know it. I can't tell my men and the local authorities to make sure Alec isn't harmed. When we go in, we go in to extract him - dead or alive. You know how it works."
Carson's shoulders drop slightly. He never thought he'd be defending his brother, but he was tired of fighting his gut instincts. Something just wasn't right, and he knew, without proof, that whatever was behind Alec's actions were motives that had yet to be seen. Unfortunately, he also understood Reese's position. "So you're gonna send in Elite men who will team up with local cops wherever the hotel is, and go in after Alec and Yvette to arrest them. Without giving Alec a chance."
"I didn't say he wouldn't have a chance. But I'm not going to walk in, unarmed, and try to negotiate with him. I'm not going to try to call him first and ask him to repent or else. Whatever his intentions were, he went too far, and I'll not play this game. I don't care if the Agency forced him to return to them - he still had a choice, and he chose to join and kill."
...It wasn't five minutes later, that Carson was leaving TJY. He was frustrated... frustrated that he didn't know the real truth behind all of this, and frustrated that Reese wouldn't at least give Alec a chance to return on his own... and he was frustrated that he understood completely why Reese was taking the stand that he was. Reese was right - Alec was a murderer on the loose, and that wasn't good. But there was something... something that just wasn't right here.
"Hey, Carson?"
He stops at the exit and turns to see Ty. He lifts his eyebrows, a little surprised. "Yeah?"
....Midnight. Ty cleaned the TJY main floor just as he had two nights ago. He looks at the clock. This time, a visit wasn't going to surprise him.
He sweeps out the next cubicle and empties the trash, absentmindedly cleaning some dust off the desk as well. His mind wasn't on task though. It was quite a ways away, really. But he knew what he was going to tell Ryan once she showed up. He'd said he would help, and he would.
1/28/11
1/27/11
Hurt
Sitting at the little desk in her house Hope holds the letter from Scott in her hand. He eyes scanning the page. She'd been so happy to receive the letter. To finally hear from Scott had had warmed her heart. She missed him so much with every day that had passed, being alive and on the mend she couldn't wait to be able to see him.
But as her eyes continued to scan the paper soon Hope's heart became heavy as it pounded in her chest. She understood what he was saying but at the same time she didn't understand. He wanted her to be free? To be full of joy? How could that even be possible. The love of her life was just breaking up with her. Oh how her heart flooded with pain.
Standing Hope slowly walks over to the window and stands by it. The letter still in her hand. Scott was no long her boyfriend, and her heart was breaking. It hurt more than anything else right now. To lose someone so close to her. Pressing her hand against the glass she remembered her sessions with Scott. She remembered there laughs and there love, but now...it was gone. Now there was a hole. All the stuff she could tell other people about moving on, and in time it would be ok, but now coming to her own self, it just didn't seem like it would help much.
Following behind Susanne as she makes her way back to his bike Chuck can't help but smile. Her own words just seemed to float on the air so pleasing to his ears. Walking a little faster to catch up with her Chuck takes his hand in his own for a moment and brings it to his lips as he hears her mention of the movie tomorrow.
"Susanne, would you like to join me at the movies tomorrow?"
Chuck new she would say yes since she did just mention it but he wanted to ask anyways. It only seemed right rather than just assuming. Not to mention he liked asking and hearing Susanne say yes!
Still looking down at her own bottle as her brother talks Ryan can't help but let out a long sigh. Maybe Alec hadn't changed? She refused to let her own mind believe that but what her brother said did make sense and it seemed from what Ty said it was that way too. Even if he had run away, if he was with another woman not only was he cheating on her than that meant he really didn't care after all. It was just all confusing to her no one had ever been able to pull one over on her like this before.
"Yeah, I just...I guess I just wish I could find out for myself what was going on. You know I've always been hardheaded unless I can see it with my own eyes."
Letting out another sigh Ryan leans back in her chair for a moment. Hearing Eli talk about his job offer and how he wasn't going to take it Ryan's head snaps up as she looks across the table at her brother. He was going to stay? He had the offer of money but he was going to stay anyways?
"You...but...Eli, I am happy you choose to stay. On top of everything else I don't think I could handle my brother leaving me too. It would be way to quiet around here without you and I'd miss you something terrible. I love having you here. So thank you."
Ryan new Eli was making her feel better and even if she did a little still the whole thing with Alec was heavy on her mind. It was one big mess, but soon Ty would have the information for her and she could get to the bottom of it herself. Than maybe...she could move on.
"Want to see about finding a funny movie to watch?"
But as her eyes continued to scan the paper soon Hope's heart became heavy as it pounded in her chest. She understood what he was saying but at the same time she didn't understand. He wanted her to be free? To be full of joy? How could that even be possible. The love of her life was just breaking up with her. Oh how her heart flooded with pain.
Standing Hope slowly walks over to the window and stands by it. The letter still in her hand. Scott was no long her boyfriend, and her heart was breaking. It hurt more than anything else right now. To lose someone so close to her. Pressing her hand against the glass she remembered her sessions with Scott. She remembered there laughs and there love, but now...it was gone. Now there was a hole. All the stuff she could tell other people about moving on, and in time it would be ok, but now coming to her own self, it just didn't seem like it would help much.
Following behind Susanne as she makes her way back to his bike Chuck can't help but smile. Her own words just seemed to float on the air so pleasing to his ears. Walking a little faster to catch up with her Chuck takes his hand in his own for a moment and brings it to his lips as he hears her mention of the movie tomorrow.
"Susanne, would you like to join me at the movies tomorrow?"
Chuck new she would say yes since she did just mention it but he wanted to ask anyways. It only seemed right rather than just assuming. Not to mention he liked asking and hearing Susanne say yes!
Still looking down at her own bottle as her brother talks Ryan can't help but let out a long sigh. Maybe Alec hadn't changed? She refused to let her own mind believe that but what her brother said did make sense and it seemed from what Ty said it was that way too. Even if he had run away, if he was with another woman not only was he cheating on her than that meant he really didn't care after all. It was just all confusing to her no one had ever been able to pull one over on her like this before.
"Yeah, I just...I guess I just wish I could find out for myself what was going on. You know I've always been hardheaded unless I can see it with my own eyes."
Letting out another sigh Ryan leans back in her chair for a moment. Hearing Eli talk about his job offer and how he wasn't going to take it Ryan's head snaps up as she looks across the table at her brother. He was going to stay? He had the offer of money but he was going to stay anyways?
"You...but...Eli, I am happy you choose to stay. On top of everything else I don't think I could handle my brother leaving me too. It would be way to quiet around here without you and I'd miss you something terrible. I love having you here. So thank you."
Ryan new Eli was making her feel better and even if she did a little still the whole thing with Alec was heavy on her mind. It was one big mess, but soon Ty would have the information for her and she could get to the bottom of it herself. Than maybe...she could move on.
"Want to see about finding a funny movie to watch?"
Letter Goodbye
Justin laughs and shakes his head. "I don't think I could get tired of your pie." He pats his stomach. "However, I might have to start working out more if you keep feeding me. I just can't say no."
"I don't know." Eli sighs and gives Ryan's shoulders one last loving squeeze before moving around the table to take a sip of his beer. "Some people just... refuse to actually change." He shrugs. "You know Alec wasn't my favorite person in the world, but lately even I had to admit that he was doing pretty well... he seemed... I don't know... more mellow. I guess I'm just as confused about this as you are."
Taking another swig of beer, he swishes it around in his mouth before slowly letting it slide down his throat. "I guess the only thing to do is move on, ya know? If he's getting himself in as much trouble as I think he is, even if he does come back, it'll only be to put him behind bars." Reese and Carson hadn't said so, but Eli assumed by now that if Alec was running with the Agency, he wasn't being an angel.
Easing down in a chair opposite Ryan, Eli is silent for a few minutes, reading the back label of his beer bottle for no real reason. Finally though, he looks back up at his sister. "I... never told you that I had a real good job offer back in Florida." He gives her a crooked grin. "Woulda been for about a year or so... maybe longer. I, um... didn't think I could pass up the money... woulda been able to pay off some of my debt and pay you something too."
He spins his bottle between his hands, trying to collect his thoughts. "In the end though, I decided to stay here. I... know you don't need me and I imagine having your apartment back to yourself is probably appealing. But I guess I'm the one that didn't want to leave." He gives her a little nod. "I guess it was me that decided I had too much here to leave. I got a girl and I got a sister that's absolutely amazing." He shrugs. "No matter what happens here with Alec... you're still amazing. I guess I just wanted you to know that."
"Mmm." Susanne sighs and looks up at Chuck. "The sun and the moon say it has to end. I guess that means we're really not in a fairytale, doesn't it?"
She smiles. "But when one day ends, it only means another is about to begin."
Giving his hand a little squeeze, she finally lets go and starts slowly towards his motorcycle. "You know... tomorrow night, one of my favorite movies is playing at the dollar theater..."
Scott paces his room like a caged animal. It wasn't like him to be this unsettled before bed. But the nagging feeling in his gut hadn't ceased. The face he continued to see in his mind would not fade. The voice he heard would not leave.
Giving an audible growl, he sits down on the edge of his bed and puts his hands in his lap. He hadn't been able to concentrate on anything all day. Not even his session with Justin - though it had gone much better than he'd anticipated. But it wasn't thoughts of the Agency that were haunting him. It wasn't even something bad. But bad or not, it was frustrating.
All day he'd deliberated. All day he'd jumped from one perspective to another. And still, he was unable to take a side. But he had to. He had to make up his mind. It wasn't only his heart at stake here and he had a responsibility. A responsibility to the one who was holding on to love.
Retrieving a pad of notepaper from his dresser, along with a pen, he eases down beneath the window to write by the light of his bedside lamp.
Dear Hope,
I'm sorry you have not heard from me sooner. It was such a shock and relief to know that you were on the road to recovery, that I'll admit it took me a while to realize my grief need not be anymore. I had imagined you gone. I had imagined life without you. I had been encouraged to remember all of the things worth living for and not just one. Even so, I never forgot you.
It's with a heavy heart I write these words tonight. And I can only pray that God will guide my words to your own heart. I looked in the mirror today and I realized that I am not the same man I once was. I realized that though I believed I had recovered at one time, now I see how the Agency stole a part of me that I will never gain back. What you did for me before - it was not in vain, nor was it untrue. It was simply a stepping stone on this path I walk. Had the assimilation data remained dormant, I believe my recovery, with your help, would have been complete.
But today, as I stare at the walls of this room... this room that has become my four-sided world, I see that the only life I have right now is a life in which I can only focus on conquering that which is inside of me - not only the Agency data, but the remnants of hate and anger I have yet to destroy.
The energy and willpower it requires to triumph over my daily sessions with Agency data is exhausting. I can focus on nothing else, lest I be too spent and fail - either refusing to try or being conquered myself and dragged into a dark hole that I never wish to enter again.
I feel my words sound prideful - that it sounds as if I care only about myself and no one else. Oh, how far from the truth that is. My reason for writing tonight is not for myself, but for you.
My distance from you, both physically and emotionally, has taught me a lot about hope and perseverance - though I would never wish to go through it again. Today though, as I begin to see more clearly my path, I have begun to understand the necessity of remaining apart. It pains me to write these words, but please know that it is not you or your actions that have brought me to this conclusion - no, it is I and my circumstances.
Each day, each step I take is a stressful exhaustion. Each night I have nothing more to give but the energy to fall into bed and sleep a restless sleep. Each morning I have nothing to give but my attention to recovery. Each moment, there is nothing more but the strain of conflict - the battle within myself between victory and total loss.
Unfortunately, you have already been caught in the crossfire of my unstable condition for far too long. It is my fault for keeping you there - keeping you wondering and waiting - and I am sorry. I am so very sorry for forcing you to hang on to but a shadow of the man I used to be.
That is why tonight I
Scott's pen hovers over the paper as tears fill his eyes. He blinks and swipes his eyes, wincing as he rubs his blind eye too harshly. This wasn't fair. This was so very unfair. But he had to do it. It was the right thing to do. Swallowing hard, he continues to write.
That is why today I release you. I don't want you to be caught in a world full of dark clouds like mine. I don't want you to be forced to cling to that which only brings nightmares. I don't want you to suffer as you endure me - a man incapable of showing love, for the interference of war.
I am not ready yet to face the world. I am not yet ready to face the ones I love. Until I am, I need this time. I need the solitude in order to learn and recover. Had I realized these things before, perhaps you would not have suffered for so long. I blame myself - for the pain you've endured with me.
So when you read this letter, please do not think you have done anything wrong. No, on the contrary, you have done everything right. You have done more than you ever should have. But it is time to move on. It is time to allow growth and allow healing. But for that, for me, separation is the doorway. My recovery demands my full attention, and you deserve so much more than that.
My fondest memories of you remain my strongest. And when I am well, I will look forward to seeing you again. Always know that though there was sadness and pain, you did what was right. You have played a bigger part in this journey than you may even realize - a part that deserves more gratefulness than even I could supply.
You will always remain in my heart. But life demands sacrifice. I pray that you live life to the fullest and that you will be blessed with a second chance at
Scott stops again as more tears roll down his sunken cheeks.
a second chance at love. For you deserve the best.
Goodbye for now, my precious Hope. May your heart be filled with joy, not sadness. And when we meet again, may we both embrace the paths that are laid before us.
Scott
And when the letter is folded and sealed, a teardrop stains the return address. And when it is mailed the next day, another tear follows. And the following day when Scott knew Hope would be receiving his words, he stands at his window and places his palm on the glass, soaking up the warmth of the sun through the cool glass.
"I don't know." Eli sighs and gives Ryan's shoulders one last loving squeeze before moving around the table to take a sip of his beer. "Some people just... refuse to actually change." He shrugs. "You know Alec wasn't my favorite person in the world, but lately even I had to admit that he was doing pretty well... he seemed... I don't know... more mellow. I guess I'm just as confused about this as you are."
Taking another swig of beer, he swishes it around in his mouth before slowly letting it slide down his throat. "I guess the only thing to do is move on, ya know? If he's getting himself in as much trouble as I think he is, even if he does come back, it'll only be to put him behind bars." Reese and Carson hadn't said so, but Eli assumed by now that if Alec was running with the Agency, he wasn't being an angel.
Easing down in a chair opposite Ryan, Eli is silent for a few minutes, reading the back label of his beer bottle for no real reason. Finally though, he looks back up at his sister. "I... never told you that I had a real good job offer back in Florida." He gives her a crooked grin. "Woulda been for about a year or so... maybe longer. I, um... didn't think I could pass up the money... woulda been able to pay off some of my debt and pay you something too."
He spins his bottle between his hands, trying to collect his thoughts. "In the end though, I decided to stay here. I... know you don't need me and I imagine having your apartment back to yourself is probably appealing. But I guess I'm the one that didn't want to leave." He gives her a little nod. "I guess it was me that decided I had too much here to leave. I got a girl and I got a sister that's absolutely amazing." He shrugs. "No matter what happens here with Alec... you're still amazing. I guess I just wanted you to know that."
"Mmm." Susanne sighs and looks up at Chuck. "The sun and the moon say it has to end. I guess that means we're really not in a fairytale, doesn't it?"
She smiles. "But when one day ends, it only means another is about to begin."
Giving his hand a little squeeze, she finally lets go and starts slowly towards his motorcycle. "You know... tomorrow night, one of my favorite movies is playing at the dollar theater..."
Scott paces his room like a caged animal. It wasn't like him to be this unsettled before bed. But the nagging feeling in his gut hadn't ceased. The face he continued to see in his mind would not fade. The voice he heard would not leave.
Giving an audible growl, he sits down on the edge of his bed and puts his hands in his lap. He hadn't been able to concentrate on anything all day. Not even his session with Justin - though it had gone much better than he'd anticipated. But it wasn't thoughts of the Agency that were haunting him. It wasn't even something bad. But bad or not, it was frustrating.
All day he'd deliberated. All day he'd jumped from one perspective to another. And still, he was unable to take a side. But he had to. He had to make up his mind. It wasn't only his heart at stake here and he had a responsibility. A responsibility to the one who was holding on to love.
Retrieving a pad of notepaper from his dresser, along with a pen, he eases down beneath the window to write by the light of his bedside lamp.
Dear Hope,
I'm sorry you have not heard from me sooner. It was such a shock and relief to know that you were on the road to recovery, that I'll admit it took me a while to realize my grief need not be anymore. I had imagined you gone. I had imagined life without you. I had been encouraged to remember all of the things worth living for and not just one. Even so, I never forgot you.
It's with a heavy heart I write these words tonight. And I can only pray that God will guide my words to your own heart. I looked in the mirror today and I realized that I am not the same man I once was. I realized that though I believed I had recovered at one time, now I see how the Agency stole a part of me that I will never gain back. What you did for me before - it was not in vain, nor was it untrue. It was simply a stepping stone on this path I walk. Had the assimilation data remained dormant, I believe my recovery, with your help, would have been complete.
But today, as I stare at the walls of this room... this room that has become my four-sided world, I see that the only life I have right now is a life in which I can only focus on conquering that which is inside of me - not only the Agency data, but the remnants of hate and anger I have yet to destroy.
The energy and willpower it requires to triumph over my daily sessions with Agency data is exhausting. I can focus on nothing else, lest I be too spent and fail - either refusing to try or being conquered myself and dragged into a dark hole that I never wish to enter again.
I feel my words sound prideful - that it sounds as if I care only about myself and no one else. Oh, how far from the truth that is. My reason for writing tonight is not for myself, but for you.
My distance from you, both physically and emotionally, has taught me a lot about hope and perseverance - though I would never wish to go through it again. Today though, as I begin to see more clearly my path, I have begun to understand the necessity of remaining apart. It pains me to write these words, but please know that it is not you or your actions that have brought me to this conclusion - no, it is I and my circumstances.
Each day, each step I take is a stressful exhaustion. Each night I have nothing more to give but the energy to fall into bed and sleep a restless sleep. Each morning I have nothing to give but my attention to recovery. Each moment, there is nothing more but the strain of conflict - the battle within myself between victory and total loss.
Unfortunately, you have already been caught in the crossfire of my unstable condition for far too long. It is my fault for keeping you there - keeping you wondering and waiting - and I am sorry. I am so very sorry for forcing you to hang on to but a shadow of the man I used to be.
That is why tonight I
Scott's pen hovers over the paper as tears fill his eyes. He blinks and swipes his eyes, wincing as he rubs his blind eye too harshly. This wasn't fair. This was so very unfair. But he had to do it. It was the right thing to do. Swallowing hard, he continues to write.
That is why today I release you. I don't want you to be caught in a world full of dark clouds like mine. I don't want you to be forced to cling to that which only brings nightmares. I don't want you to suffer as you endure me - a man incapable of showing love, for the interference of war.
I am not ready yet to face the world. I am not yet ready to face the ones I love. Until I am, I need this time. I need the solitude in order to learn and recover. Had I realized these things before, perhaps you would not have suffered for so long. I blame myself - for the pain you've endured with me.
So when you read this letter, please do not think you have done anything wrong. No, on the contrary, you have done everything right. You have done more than you ever should have. But it is time to move on. It is time to allow growth and allow healing. But for that, for me, separation is the doorway. My recovery demands my full attention, and you deserve so much more than that.
My fondest memories of you remain my strongest. And when I am well, I will look forward to seeing you again. Always know that though there was sadness and pain, you did what was right. You have played a bigger part in this journey than you may even realize - a part that deserves more gratefulness than even I could supply.
You will always remain in my heart. But life demands sacrifice. I pray that you live life to the fullest and that you will be blessed with a second chance at
Scott stops again as more tears roll down his sunken cheeks.
a second chance at love. For you deserve the best.
Goodbye for now, my precious Hope. May your heart be filled with joy, not sadness. And when we meet again, may we both embrace the paths that are laid before us.
Scott
And when the letter is folded and sealed, a teardrop stains the return address. And when it is mailed the next day, another tear follows. And the following day when Scott knew Hope would be receiving his words, he stands at his window and places his palm on the glass, soaking up the warmth of the sun through the cool glass.
1/26/11
Cherry out!
Beth can't help but let her smile grow again. Justin was right everyone did needs friends. She'd just recently learned that herself and now having one, letting Justin in to know her she new what she had been missing and how much now she enjoyed he'd gone out of his way to become her friend.
"Well I was thinking about steak on the grill I finally pulled out, and baked potato and corn on the cob."
She really did love cooking for Justin and it made her feel even better that he liked her cooking. It made her feel good to be able to cook for someone and have them enjoy it.
"And than I was thinking about making some cherry pie. If your not all cherry pied out!"
Looking up at her brother Ryan found it hard to control her emotions. Her brother had always been there for her, and a shoulder to cry on. Why she just couldn't let him show in front of him now. Maybe because she felt a fool, or just silly she wasnt sure.
"I just don't understand Eli."
Looking down at her beer bottle again and picking at the label. Ty's words still played over in her head. Alec was with another woman, they were travailing together. She could put two and two together on what was going on there.
"It doesn't add up. Why?"
Walking around the pond with Susanne Chuck kept his fingers linked with Susanne's. He's been having a really nice time with her and there conversation had been nice as well.
"Being a little insane is not always a bad thing. As long as its not the bad kind."
Chuck cocks his head before shaking it a little. Sometimes he made no scene at all. But as long as Susanne didn't mind to much it was ok. Coming back around to where they had started again Chuck lets out a small sigh.
"Does the night really have to end?"
"Well I was thinking about steak on the grill I finally pulled out, and baked potato and corn on the cob."
She really did love cooking for Justin and it made her feel even better that he liked her cooking. It made her feel good to be able to cook for someone and have them enjoy it.
"And than I was thinking about making some cherry pie. If your not all cherry pied out!"
Looking up at her brother Ryan found it hard to control her emotions. Her brother had always been there for her, and a shoulder to cry on. Why she just couldn't let him show in front of him now. Maybe because she felt a fool, or just silly she wasnt sure.
"I just don't understand Eli."
Looking down at her beer bottle again and picking at the label. Ty's words still played over in her head. Alec was with another woman, they were travailing together. She could put two and two together on what was going on there.
"It doesn't add up. Why?"
Walking around the pond with Susanne Chuck kept his fingers linked with Susanne's. He's been having a really nice time with her and there conversation had been nice as well.
"Being a little insane is not always a bad thing. As long as its not the bad kind."
Chuck cocks his head before shaking it a little. Sometimes he made no scene at all. But as long as Susanne didn't mind to much it was ok. Coming back around to where they had started again Chuck lets out a small sigh.
"Does the night really have to end?"
1/25/11
Raincheck
For some reason, Justin finds himself looking down as an almost-sheepish grin curls his lips. Why Beth's last words made him react so, he really wasn't sure. But for some reason, it didn't seem like the description of a good friend applied only to Scott.
"Yeah, well..." He tries to think of a way to shrug it off, but his mind draws a blank and he just laughs. "I guess we all need a friend, right?"
Still smiling, he shakes his head and looks to Beth again. Things had been a little rough lately, especially as the days without hearing from his mom continued to add up. But Beth had definitely been a bright spot.
"So what are we doing for dinner tonight anyway? My creativity for the day has run completely dry."
Eli doesn't even try to smile. He just didn't feel like it. He knew his sister was hurting without her saying so, and in turn, it made him hurt and made him mad - mad at the man who could hurt his sister.
Nodding at the offer for a beer, Eli retrieves his own bottle and opens it, taking a swig. Wandering to the table, Ryan's question makes him sigh. "No... no, we didn't do anything tonight."
He sets his beer down and moves behind Ryan, putting his hands on her shoulders and giving them a gentle rub to try and get her to relax. "I was too uptight and I wanted to be here in case you came home. So... I took a raincheck with her."
"Yeah, well..." He tries to think of a way to shrug it off, but his mind draws a blank and he just laughs. "I guess we all need a friend, right?"
Still smiling, he shakes his head and looks to Beth again. Things had been a little rough lately, especially as the days without hearing from his mom continued to add up. But Beth had definitely been a bright spot.
"So what are we doing for dinner tonight anyway? My creativity for the day has run completely dry."
Eli doesn't even try to smile. He just didn't feel like it. He knew his sister was hurting without her saying so, and in turn, it made him hurt and made him mad - mad at the man who could hurt his sister.
Nodding at the offer for a beer, Eli retrieves his own bottle and opens it, taking a swig. Wandering to the table, Ryan's question makes him sigh. "No... no, we didn't do anything tonight."
He sets his beer down and moves behind Ryan, putting his hands on her shoulders and giving them a gentle rub to try and get her to relax. "I was too uptight and I wanted to be here in case you came home. So... I took a raincheck with her."
Beer
Beth can't help but let her smile grow at Justin's complement. She'd never had one of those in a long time. Her first instinct was to try and brush it off, but for once why couldn't she enjoy it? Justin was her friend after all.
"Thank you. I just...wanted something different to make me feel good. So I got it done this morning."
Leaning back a little and hearing that Scott did want Justin to come back Beth gives a little nod. Not only would she be able to see Justin for dinner, but she would see him in the day time as well. So even on days there was no dinner because she had to work Beth could still see him and that made her happy.
"Well good. I'm happy Scott wants you to keep coming back. He's got a might good friend trying to help him. That is for sure."
Turning around to look at her brother Ryan lets out a long sigh looking down at the beer bottle she held. She wasn't going to come home tonight. She'd thought about driving to the river, or just siting under the starts but no matter where she went she'd see Alec so what was the point.
"Yeah just peachy. Couldn't be better, I guess. Want a beer too?"
Ryan takes a sip of the beer before moving over to the table and sitting down. Letting out a long sigh she gave her head a shake to try and chase those tears away that wanted to come so bad.
She wanted to sleep, she wanted to run she wanted to do something to forget at least for even a little while. But though she felt drained she new she wouldn't be able to sleep. So drinking was the only thing she could think of that would do any good. It would be a long night, and work tomorrow would be heck but right now she didn't care.
"Did you end up going out with Scarlet tonight?"
"Thank you. I just...wanted something different to make me feel good. So I got it done this morning."
Leaning back a little and hearing that Scott did want Justin to come back Beth gives a little nod. Not only would she be able to see Justin for dinner, but she would see him in the day time as well. So even on days there was no dinner because she had to work Beth could still see him and that made her happy.
"Well good. I'm happy Scott wants you to keep coming back. He's got a might good friend trying to help him. That is for sure."
Turning around to look at her brother Ryan lets out a long sigh looking down at the beer bottle she held. She wasn't going to come home tonight. She'd thought about driving to the river, or just siting under the starts but no matter where she went she'd see Alec so what was the point.
"Yeah just peachy. Couldn't be better, I guess. Want a beer too?"
Ryan takes a sip of the beer before moving over to the table and sitting down. Letting out a long sigh she gave her head a shake to try and chase those tears away that wanted to come so bad.
She wanted to sleep, she wanted to run she wanted to do something to forget at least for even a little while. But though she felt drained she new she wouldn't be able to sleep. So drinking was the only thing she could think of that would do any good. It would be a long night, and work tomorrow would be heck but right now she didn't care.
"Did you end up going out with Scarlet tonight?"
1/24/11
Running
Joined by Beth, Justin grins. "Forever can be hidden in a moment if we just look hard enough."
Watching her sit down, he cocks his head, his grin widening. "Yeah... yeah things went pretty good today, actually. I think Scott finally had a breakthrough... seems he wants me to keep coming back again. Maybe he'll get out of here one of these days after all."
Still grinning, his eyes twinkle. "You're looking awfully cute today."
Hearing the door open and close then movement in the kitchen, Eli slips from his bedroom and wanders down the hall. Reaching the kitchen, he leans on the doorway and just watches Ryan for several moments.
"Hey, Speedy..." He hadn't been sure she'd even come home tonight. He'd been worrying about her all evening. "You alright?"
Carson sits at the little kitchen table in the apartment, shuffling the deck of cards absentmindedly. He didn't know why he still had them. It was the deck taken from Alec's place. If anything, he should have left them at TJY, but he'd forgotten to take them out of his pocket. He should have given them to Misty to take back, but for some reason, he found himself fiddling with them instead.
It was late at night. He and Misty had gone to bed a couple hours ago, but he'd been unable to sleep. Finally getting up, he'd read his Bible for a while then gotten something to drink, but was still restless. Finding himself at the table with the cards, he had nothing else to keep his mind occupied at the moment - other than that which he didn't want to think about. The subject of Alec weighed more heavily on his mind than he'd thought it would. He'd have his car back tomorrow, so what more was he supposed to be concerned about?
Laying out the cards, Carson stacks seven rows to play solitaire. Yes, what more should he be concerned about? Alec was a half-brother, but that didn't matter. Right? Ever since he'd arrived, Carson had battled with that thought. For sure, he didn't trust Alec, nor did he want to socialize with him as part of the family - especially after Alec got Dani in trouble so early on. And yet there was a small voice way deep down that reminded Carson that family was family, no matter what. He remembered what it was like to have a family... to be close to his sisters, even if their circumstances hadn't been the best. As far as he knew, Alec had never had any of that. But was that Carson's fault? Alec was still someone he didn't trust.
Three... three... jack of hearts... three... Carson turned over the cards three at a time, fishing for cards to play. Six of spades... ten of clubs... ace of.... wait, what? Carson frowns. He'd already played the ace of diamonds. Sifting through the cards in his hand, he realized he had two extra. He knew he'd counted the stacks right so... why were there extra? Confused, he gathers up all the cards and turns them over, sorting through them one at a time. In the end, he had one full set, plus two extra aces. That was odd. If Alec liked to cheat at cards, he certainly wouldn't have stored the two aces in the deck, lest someone find them.
Carson's mind automatically reverts back to finding the deck in Alec's apartment. The phone, the chain, the note... everything had all made sense. But why the deck of cards? The phone - a signal that he no longer wanted to be reached. The chain - a sign that he was done with his girlfriend. The note - his reason for taking off. The deck of cards - .......? Carson drew a blank. Come to think of it, he didn't even know why they hadn't questioned that in the first place. He and Reese had been so busy putting other pieces together that they hadn't asked each other why Alec would have left the cards there. Unless they went along with the chain and it was something between him and Ryan. But... why the extra aces?
Then a new thought strikes him. He wasn't sure he liked it, but what if it were true? He studies the cards for a few more minutes. Why would he be thinking this? It didn't make sense, did it? Surely, it didn't add up. But the more he thought about it, the more it did. The watch. The car. The deck of cards. The voicemail message.
So which theory was right? This one, or the one he and Reese had from the start? Alec siding with the Agency was the most reasonable, simple answer. It was obvious. This new theory was...
Carson shakes his head. No. It couldn't be. It was a silly thought. Stacking the cards all together again, he returns them to the box, including the two extra aces. But as he continues to sit at the table, his thoughts continue to wear on him. He needed to go back to bed before Misty woke and missed him, but his mind seemed to not allow him that luxury. No, sleep wasn't going to come easily tonight, no matter what.
Passing under light after light, the drive down the highway droned on and on. Alec kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other taking care of his cigarette. Yvette's words bounced off the inside of the car, some registering in his mind and some not.
Old habits never die,
Heading back to what I was.
Choices lead to gallows high,
But I don’t care.
Robbing hearts and stealing faith,
Hope don’t mean a thing.
Renegade on the loose,
I’m running… running.
"This wasn't part of the plan."
"So plans change." Yvette hands Alec the gun. "They want proof."
"Aw come on." Alec takes the gun and cocks it, flicking his cigarette out the parked car window. He looks out at the night sky before his eyes return to the little gas station. "They want to get me caught is what they want."
"They want to make sure you still know how not to get caught."
"Are you kidding me?" Alec scoffs. "I haven't been gone that long."
"Mm... I'd say you have." Yvette yanks him closer to plant a deep kiss on his lips. "Now go rip off the poor sap, shoot him and let's go. We're running out of time."
Alec's eyes narrow, still only inches from her face. "I call the shots," he hisses. "And I'll go when I'm dang ready."
Three minutes later, a shot shatters the peaceful night air.
Don’t look back. Shadows ahead.
Darkness fills my heart.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Fighting unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean tears for me.
Chains of guilt bind my soul,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
"Hotel Luxury. Here we are."
"I have eyes." Alec steers the car into the lot, checking the clock. "Five minutes early. And they thought I was rusty."
Yvette throws him a sly look. "You're anything but rusty, hot stuff."
Alec quirks an eyebrow as he parks the car. "Don't get used to it. We got work to do."
"What's a little work without a little pleasure?" Yvette gets out of the car first, starting to grab their bags.
Alec follows suit and within minutes, they're inside, checking in. "Yes, we're Mr. and... Mrs. Barrington."
"Oh yes." The man at the counter smiles. "The new couple. Welcome." He hands them the key cards to the newlywed suite and tells them where it's located. "If you need anything, please feel free to take advantage of room service."
Yvette grins. "I don't think we're going to need a thing." She links arms with Alec. "Come on, Honey."
It doesn't take long to be on the fifth floor and into the large suite. Yvette dumps her bags on the bed and takes a look around while Alec investigates windows and vantage points, setting up their laptop. "And... we're set to go. Twenty-four hours from now, the target will be down and we'll be gone."
Yvette leans over his shoulder as he sits at the computer desk, then moves her attention to kissing his neck. "That's an awfully long time from now."
History repeats itself,
Shouldn’t be surprised.
Lighting splits the worlds apart,
But I don’t care.
Crushing peace, loathing truth,
Freedom beckons me.
Renegade on the loose,
I’m running… running.
Don’t look back. Shadows ahead.
Darkness fills my heart.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Fighting unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean tears for me.
Chains of guilt bind my soul,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
Waking up at four a.m., Alec can feel Yvette sleeping soundly in his arms. Slipping noiselessly from her, he slides out of bed and pulls on his jeans before wandering to the kitchenette for a drink of water. Padding quietly to the bay window in the living room area, he looks out over the city lights. His course had been laid.
Fear an option never taken,
Love forgotten evermore.
Time means nothing,
Heart of steel.
Useless dreams erased.
Don’t look back. Shadows near.
Darkness fills the air.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Defying unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean shame for me.
Chains of guilt bind my heart,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
I run anyway.
Watching her sit down, he cocks his head, his grin widening. "Yeah... yeah things went pretty good today, actually. I think Scott finally had a breakthrough... seems he wants me to keep coming back again. Maybe he'll get out of here one of these days after all."
Still grinning, his eyes twinkle. "You're looking awfully cute today."
Hearing the door open and close then movement in the kitchen, Eli slips from his bedroom and wanders down the hall. Reaching the kitchen, he leans on the doorway and just watches Ryan for several moments.
"Hey, Speedy..." He hadn't been sure she'd even come home tonight. He'd been worrying about her all evening. "You alright?"
Carson sits at the little kitchen table in the apartment, shuffling the deck of cards absentmindedly. He didn't know why he still had them. It was the deck taken from Alec's place. If anything, he should have left them at TJY, but he'd forgotten to take them out of his pocket. He should have given them to Misty to take back, but for some reason, he found himself fiddling with them instead.
It was late at night. He and Misty had gone to bed a couple hours ago, but he'd been unable to sleep. Finally getting up, he'd read his Bible for a while then gotten something to drink, but was still restless. Finding himself at the table with the cards, he had nothing else to keep his mind occupied at the moment - other than that which he didn't want to think about. The subject of Alec weighed more heavily on his mind than he'd thought it would. He'd have his car back tomorrow, so what more was he supposed to be concerned about?
Laying out the cards, Carson stacks seven rows to play solitaire. Yes, what more should he be concerned about? Alec was a half-brother, but that didn't matter. Right? Ever since he'd arrived, Carson had battled with that thought. For sure, he didn't trust Alec, nor did he want to socialize with him as part of the family - especially after Alec got Dani in trouble so early on. And yet there was a small voice way deep down that reminded Carson that family was family, no matter what. He remembered what it was like to have a family... to be close to his sisters, even if their circumstances hadn't been the best. As far as he knew, Alec had never had any of that. But was that Carson's fault? Alec was still someone he didn't trust.
Three... three... jack of hearts... three... Carson turned over the cards three at a time, fishing for cards to play. Six of spades... ten of clubs... ace of.... wait, what? Carson frowns. He'd already played the ace of diamonds. Sifting through the cards in his hand, he realized he had two extra. He knew he'd counted the stacks right so... why were there extra? Confused, he gathers up all the cards and turns them over, sorting through them one at a time. In the end, he had one full set, plus two extra aces. That was odd. If Alec liked to cheat at cards, he certainly wouldn't have stored the two aces in the deck, lest someone find them.
Carson's mind automatically reverts back to finding the deck in Alec's apartment. The phone, the chain, the note... everything had all made sense. But why the deck of cards? The phone - a signal that he no longer wanted to be reached. The chain - a sign that he was done with his girlfriend. The note - his reason for taking off. The deck of cards - .......? Carson drew a blank. Come to think of it, he didn't even know why they hadn't questioned that in the first place. He and Reese had been so busy putting other pieces together that they hadn't asked each other why Alec would have left the cards there. Unless they went along with the chain and it was something between him and Ryan. But... why the extra aces?
Then a new thought strikes him. He wasn't sure he liked it, but what if it were true? He studies the cards for a few more minutes. Why would he be thinking this? It didn't make sense, did it? Surely, it didn't add up. But the more he thought about it, the more it did. The watch. The car. The deck of cards. The voicemail message.
So which theory was right? This one, or the one he and Reese had from the start? Alec siding with the Agency was the most reasonable, simple answer. It was obvious. This new theory was...
Carson shakes his head. No. It couldn't be. It was a silly thought. Stacking the cards all together again, he returns them to the box, including the two extra aces. But as he continues to sit at the table, his thoughts continue to wear on him. He needed to go back to bed before Misty woke and missed him, but his mind seemed to not allow him that luxury. No, sleep wasn't going to come easily tonight, no matter what.
Passing under light after light, the drive down the highway droned on and on. Alec kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other taking care of his cigarette. Yvette's words bounced off the inside of the car, some registering in his mind and some not.
Old habits never die,
Heading back to what I was.
Choices lead to gallows high,
But I don’t care.
Robbing hearts and stealing faith,
Hope don’t mean a thing.
Renegade on the loose,
I’m running… running.
"This wasn't part of the plan."
"So plans change." Yvette hands Alec the gun. "They want proof."
"Aw come on." Alec takes the gun and cocks it, flicking his cigarette out the parked car window. He looks out at the night sky before his eyes return to the little gas station. "They want to get me caught is what they want."
"They want to make sure you still know how not to get caught."
"Are you kidding me?" Alec scoffs. "I haven't been gone that long."
"Mm... I'd say you have." Yvette yanks him closer to plant a deep kiss on his lips. "Now go rip off the poor sap, shoot him and let's go. We're running out of time."
Alec's eyes narrow, still only inches from her face. "I call the shots," he hisses. "And I'll go when I'm dang ready."
Three minutes later, a shot shatters the peaceful night air.
Don’t look back. Shadows ahead.
Darkness fills my heart.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Fighting unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean tears for me.
Chains of guilt bind my soul,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
"Hotel Luxury. Here we are."
"I have eyes." Alec steers the car into the lot, checking the clock. "Five minutes early. And they thought I was rusty."
Yvette throws him a sly look. "You're anything but rusty, hot stuff."
Alec quirks an eyebrow as he parks the car. "Don't get used to it. We got work to do."
"What's a little work without a little pleasure?" Yvette gets out of the car first, starting to grab their bags.
Alec follows suit and within minutes, they're inside, checking in. "Yes, we're Mr. and... Mrs. Barrington."
"Oh yes." The man at the counter smiles. "The new couple. Welcome." He hands them the key cards to the newlywed suite and tells them where it's located. "If you need anything, please feel free to take advantage of room service."
Yvette grins. "I don't think we're going to need a thing." She links arms with Alec. "Come on, Honey."
It doesn't take long to be on the fifth floor and into the large suite. Yvette dumps her bags on the bed and takes a look around while Alec investigates windows and vantage points, setting up their laptop. "And... we're set to go. Twenty-four hours from now, the target will be down and we'll be gone."
Yvette leans over his shoulder as he sits at the computer desk, then moves her attention to kissing his neck. "That's an awfully long time from now."
History repeats itself,
Shouldn’t be surprised.
Lighting splits the worlds apart,
But I don’t care.
Crushing peace, loathing truth,
Freedom beckons me.
Renegade on the loose,
I’m running… running.
Don’t look back. Shadows ahead.
Darkness fills my heart.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Fighting unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean tears for me.
Chains of guilt bind my soul,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
Waking up at four a.m., Alec can feel Yvette sleeping soundly in his arms. Slipping noiselessly from her, he slides out of bed and pulls on his jeans before wandering to the kitchenette for a drink of water. Padding quietly to the bay window in the living room area, he looks out over the city lights. His course had been laid.
Fear an option never taken,
Love forgotten evermore.
Time means nothing,
Heart of steel.
Useless dreams erased.
Don’t look back. Shadows near.
Darkness fills the air.
Fear breeds hate and hate I love,
Defying unseen enemies.
Kill the one that holds the law,
It don’t mean shame for me.
Chains of guilt bind my heart,
But I run anyway.
Vengeance slays with bloody hands,
And I run anyway.
I run anyway.
Alone
Continuing to just look at Ty Ryan lets out a small low sigh. It was hard to keep everything in check right now when it seemed she was mixed with so many emotions. It was hard to figure out what emotions over road the other. But pain....pain seemed to ring through clearly. Pain for her heart being broken, or pain from anger she was not sure.
"Yeah alright. A few days and than back here at midnight. Thanks Ty, I owe you one."
Giving a nod and turning Ryan makes her way back across the floor again and back up the steps. Getting outside and taking in a deep breath of cool air it stung her lungs but she didn't let it bother her. Just closing her eyes and standing there for a long moment she tried to calm her quivering breath.
Starting up again Ryan gets to her car and gets in. Taking a swipe at her eyes and wipes the escaped tear from her eye. She felt foolish for crying. It wouldn't change anything so why would she? Starting the car it doesn't take Ryan long to get home. She didn't know if Eli was home or not but it didn't matter she really didn't want to talk one way or another.
Getting into the house and going right to the kitchen Ryan grabs on of the beers. Opening it and just taking a sip a new felling seemed to settle in. She was alone, Alec was always over, he always spend the night...but now...she was...alone. It had been a long time since she had felt like this, and she swore never to feel alone again but now...now she remember why she had made that vow. Because it hurt more than anything.
Giving a sigh Katie sits up a little bit and searches Jason eyes. She new if she didn't go spend a little time with her family she might make Jason feel worse, but how was she to have a nice time when she would be worrying even if he told her not too.
"Ok, I'll go visit with them for a little bit. But if you need anything or anything changes will you please call my cell phone?"
Katie new Jason didn't want her to worry but she would. It was hard not to while they weren't connected. Not to mention on top of that she felt so...different. Like she didn't even know who she was. She felt like a whole different person.
Coming down the sidewalk Beth's stride was slow like normal but today there was something slightly different about her. Taking a closer look someone might notice she got her hair cut. It was now shoulder length with a cute style. Much different from the normal but it made her feel good, and pretty in a way. It had been a giant step for her but she had done it.
Getting to the bench Beth gives a smile. It was good to see him here again. That meant that his friend really did want his help again and Beth new that would make him happy. She also wondered if Justin would notice and if he would like it.
"It seems like such a long time ago was the first time I ment you here. When really, it hasn't even been a year yet."
Giving both the dogs a gentile pat on the head Beth moves around to the other side of the bench and sits down next to Justin. Over the last few days they had really become good friends. Mean with each other, talks it really was nice to just have someone else there. It really did make her feel good.
"So how did it go? Better?"
"Yeah alright. A few days and than back here at midnight. Thanks Ty, I owe you one."
Giving a nod and turning Ryan makes her way back across the floor again and back up the steps. Getting outside and taking in a deep breath of cool air it stung her lungs but she didn't let it bother her. Just closing her eyes and standing there for a long moment she tried to calm her quivering breath.
Starting up again Ryan gets to her car and gets in. Taking a swipe at her eyes and wipes the escaped tear from her eye. She felt foolish for crying. It wouldn't change anything so why would she? Starting the car it doesn't take Ryan long to get home. She didn't know if Eli was home or not but it didn't matter she really didn't want to talk one way or another.
Getting into the house and going right to the kitchen Ryan grabs on of the beers. Opening it and just taking a sip a new felling seemed to settle in. She was alone, Alec was always over, he always spend the night...but now...she was...alone. It had been a long time since she had felt like this, and she swore never to feel alone again but now...now she remember why she had made that vow. Because it hurt more than anything.
Giving a sigh Katie sits up a little bit and searches Jason eyes. She new if she didn't go spend a little time with her family she might make Jason feel worse, but how was she to have a nice time when she would be worrying even if he told her not too.
"Ok, I'll go visit with them for a little bit. But if you need anything or anything changes will you please call my cell phone?"
Katie new Jason didn't want her to worry but she would. It was hard not to while they weren't connected. Not to mention on top of that she felt so...different. Like she didn't even know who she was. She felt like a whole different person.
Coming down the sidewalk Beth's stride was slow like normal but today there was something slightly different about her. Taking a closer look someone might notice she got her hair cut. It was now shoulder length with a cute style. Much different from the normal but it made her feel good, and pretty in a way. It had been a giant step for her but she had done it.
Getting to the bench Beth gives a smile. It was good to see him here again. That meant that his friend really did want his help again and Beth new that would make him happy. She also wondered if Justin would notice and if he would like it.
"It seems like such a long time ago was the first time I ment you here. When really, it hasn't even been a year yet."
Giving both the dogs a gentile pat on the head Beth moves around to the other side of the bench and sits down next to Justin. Over the last few days they had really become good friends. Mean with each other, talks it really was nice to just have someone else there. It really did make her feel good.
"So how did it go? Better?"
Promise
Ty wasn't sure if Ryan had reacted to the news of Alec's activities or not. He was a little surprised, perhaps, that she hardly batted an eye. Did she really even care about the guy? Maybe she wasn't surprised - maybe Alec had made a habit of running around on her. No matter the reason, Ty shrugs it off. This whole thing really was none of his business.
Thinking for a moment or two, he finally shrugs. "Yeah, I can help you. Wouldn't be the first time I did something under their noses around here. I'll need a couple days though so nobody gets suspicious."
He grabs his broom again, letting his glasses fall back on his face, and he sweeps up some dirt he'd missed earlier. "Come back here two days from now... but come later than this. About one in the morning is when it's the most dead. I'll have something for you."
He pauses his work and looks at her again. "In the meantime, lay low. The last thing we want is any attention drawn to yourself if you're gonna hook up with someone from the Agency."
Jason sighs a little and lets his thumb run over Katie's hand in slow circles. "You're right... there's absolutely nothing for you to be sorry about. If anyone should apologize, it's me."
Thinking a few moments, he tries to pull himself up to sit a little straighter. Hiding the pain, he manages not to wince like he wanted to. "You really should see your family though. I'll be fine here for a little while - I promise." He lets go of her hand to brush her cheek softly. "One day you'll run out of 'see them anytimes.' I'm probably in better health than your dad is anyway."
He tries to prompt Katie to stop worrying so much. "I'm awake now, I feel fine, and I'm not going anywhere. Besides all that, this thing won't kill me in the next couple hours so you have plenty of time to go enjoy your visit then come back. I'll still be here."
Walking slowly up the sidewalk with Danitza and Zora, Justin spies Scott to the far right on the familiar picnic table. Jenny had told him that Scott had been sitting there for the past several days - a sign that he was not only willing to see Justin again, but wanting to.
Approaching cautiously, he takes a seat across from Scott and quietly tell the dogs to lie in the grass. Looking at Scott for several moments, he cocks his head. "Hi."
Scott looks back at him, then lowers his gaze, his hands staying safely tucked in his pockets. "Hi."
"So what's up? Heard you wanted to see me."
"Yeah, I... I guess so."
Justin lets a pause linger. "Still hate me?"
Scott's eyes shoot back up again. "Just partly."
A wry grin curls the corner of Justin's mouth. "Fair enough. So what is it you want to see me about then?"
"You already know." Scott's look is a dry one. "Dr. Hawks called you, told you everything, and you just want me to explain so I'll verbalize it."
Justin leans his arms on the table and gives a little sigh. "Back to that again, are we?"
Scott shrugs. "I just..."
Justin waits. "You just what?"
"I'm still mad at you for not telling me about Hope. But you're the only one that has any idea how to help me."
Justin manages a small smile. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For not telling you about Hope."
Scott's eyes wander then come back up to Justin. "I thought you figured it was best."
"I did it because I knew it was Hope's wish to not make things harder for you. If I hadn't respected her so much, I probably would have told you. I know it felt awfully unfair when you found out. And for that, I apologize."
Scott mulls it all over for a few moments before shrugging. "I guess I... well I guess I can't stay too mad at you then."
Though Justin's facial expression and body language showed a quiet confidence and understanding, inside he was relieved and happy... happy that perhaps he was getting a second chance with this. "What about your sister? And Dalton?"
Scott's jaw tightens.
Justin wishes Scott could have seen the look on Dalton's face when he'd informed him that Scott didn't want to see him anymore. "Wasn't easy telling them not to come back here."
"Why not?"
"Because they care. I knew it hurt them." Justin cocks his head. "My own mother has rejected me. I know how it feels. But I did it to those who love you anyway because I knew you'd just get upset if they did show up."
"I still would."
"Why?"
"They betrayed my trust."
"So did I."
"That's different."
"Why?"
Scott sighs. "I don't know why. It just is."
"Maybe it's because you care about them so it hurt more."
Scott picks at a splinter on the table. Maybe. He loved his sister. And Dalton was his best friend. He could understand Justin keeping something from him, but not them. They should have told him about Hope.
Justin watches quietly for a few minutes before reaching into his backpack and pulling out the familiar deck of cards. "How ya feeling today?"
Scott eyes the cards as a shiver of fear runs down his spine. But instead of shrinking away, he looks back up at Justin. "I'm feeling like kicking some Agency butt."
Justin's smile couldn't have been wider. Determination. It really was there. Finally, finally after so many long months, Scott's will was returning. "Sounds awfully good to me."
Scott nods and watches as Justin spreads out the cards face-down on the table to begin the matching game of Agency-related faces that would trigger his data. "I... I guess maybe I realized the other day that... that if I could control this thing then maybe... I could use it against the Agency. I was able to retrieve some data on my own to help with a case and... maybe I realized it would be a waste of a whole lot of valuable information if I gave up."
Justin sits back, his head cocking slightly. Even with a revelation like that, Scott's attitude change was still a miracle. It wasn't going to be easy. No, just because he was determined today didn't mean he would be tomorrow. But it was a step - a definite step. And with or without the change in Hope's condition, or Scott helping with a case, Justin knew that when it really boiled down to it, God deserved the credit for this one. He'd always had hope for Scott and knew that a breakthrough was possible, but if looking at the raw facts and going over all that Scott had been through - he should be in the permanent mental ward here, not still trying to get out. Yes... today marked the day of one small step. And now Justin felt the burden of making sure that no steps were taken backwards. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
Scott nods then looks down at the cards. Though his hand trembles, he reaches for the first one and turns it over...
It was a couple hours later that Justin is finally walking back down the sidewalk. Satisfied but weary, he eases down on the same old bench, the dogs automatically lying in the grass. He sighs deeply and runs his hand over the back of the bench. He'd met Beth here so many times - it really was amazing to see how far they'd come since then... to see how much Beth really had grown.
Opening his backpack, he fishes to find a granola bar to temporarily satisfy his growling stomach. He'd already made plans to meet up with Beth here while she visited her sister, then they would meet later for supper.
Thinking for a moment or two, he finally shrugs. "Yeah, I can help you. Wouldn't be the first time I did something under their noses around here. I'll need a couple days though so nobody gets suspicious."
He grabs his broom again, letting his glasses fall back on his face, and he sweeps up some dirt he'd missed earlier. "Come back here two days from now... but come later than this. About one in the morning is when it's the most dead. I'll have something for you."
He pauses his work and looks at her again. "In the meantime, lay low. The last thing we want is any attention drawn to yourself if you're gonna hook up with someone from the Agency."
Jason sighs a little and lets his thumb run over Katie's hand in slow circles. "You're right... there's absolutely nothing for you to be sorry about. If anyone should apologize, it's me."
Thinking a few moments, he tries to pull himself up to sit a little straighter. Hiding the pain, he manages not to wince like he wanted to. "You really should see your family though. I'll be fine here for a little while - I promise." He lets go of her hand to brush her cheek softly. "One day you'll run out of 'see them anytimes.' I'm probably in better health than your dad is anyway."
He tries to prompt Katie to stop worrying so much. "I'm awake now, I feel fine, and I'm not going anywhere. Besides all that, this thing won't kill me in the next couple hours so you have plenty of time to go enjoy your visit then come back. I'll still be here."
Walking slowly up the sidewalk with Danitza and Zora, Justin spies Scott to the far right on the familiar picnic table. Jenny had told him that Scott had been sitting there for the past several days - a sign that he was not only willing to see Justin again, but wanting to.
Approaching cautiously, he takes a seat across from Scott and quietly tell the dogs to lie in the grass. Looking at Scott for several moments, he cocks his head. "Hi."
Scott looks back at him, then lowers his gaze, his hands staying safely tucked in his pockets. "Hi."
"So what's up? Heard you wanted to see me."
"Yeah, I... I guess so."
Justin lets a pause linger. "Still hate me?"
Scott's eyes shoot back up again. "Just partly."
A wry grin curls the corner of Justin's mouth. "Fair enough. So what is it you want to see me about then?"
"You already know." Scott's look is a dry one. "Dr. Hawks called you, told you everything, and you just want me to explain so I'll verbalize it."
Justin leans his arms on the table and gives a little sigh. "Back to that again, are we?"
Scott shrugs. "I just..."
Justin waits. "You just what?"
"I'm still mad at you for not telling me about Hope. But you're the only one that has any idea how to help me."
Justin manages a small smile. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For not telling you about Hope."
Scott's eyes wander then come back up to Justin. "I thought you figured it was best."
"I did it because I knew it was Hope's wish to not make things harder for you. If I hadn't respected her so much, I probably would have told you. I know it felt awfully unfair when you found out. And for that, I apologize."
Scott mulls it all over for a few moments before shrugging. "I guess I... well I guess I can't stay too mad at you then."
Though Justin's facial expression and body language showed a quiet confidence and understanding, inside he was relieved and happy... happy that perhaps he was getting a second chance with this. "What about your sister? And Dalton?"
Scott's jaw tightens.
Justin wishes Scott could have seen the look on Dalton's face when he'd informed him that Scott didn't want to see him anymore. "Wasn't easy telling them not to come back here."
"Why not?"
"Because they care. I knew it hurt them." Justin cocks his head. "My own mother has rejected me. I know how it feels. But I did it to those who love you anyway because I knew you'd just get upset if they did show up."
"I still would."
"Why?"
"They betrayed my trust."
"So did I."
"That's different."
"Why?"
Scott sighs. "I don't know why. It just is."
"Maybe it's because you care about them so it hurt more."
Scott picks at a splinter on the table. Maybe. He loved his sister. And Dalton was his best friend. He could understand Justin keeping something from him, but not them. They should have told him about Hope.
Justin watches quietly for a few minutes before reaching into his backpack and pulling out the familiar deck of cards. "How ya feeling today?"
Scott eyes the cards as a shiver of fear runs down his spine. But instead of shrinking away, he looks back up at Justin. "I'm feeling like kicking some Agency butt."
Justin's smile couldn't have been wider. Determination. It really was there. Finally, finally after so many long months, Scott's will was returning. "Sounds awfully good to me."
Scott nods and watches as Justin spreads out the cards face-down on the table to begin the matching game of Agency-related faces that would trigger his data. "I... I guess maybe I realized the other day that... that if I could control this thing then maybe... I could use it against the Agency. I was able to retrieve some data on my own to help with a case and... maybe I realized it would be a waste of a whole lot of valuable information if I gave up."
Justin sits back, his head cocking slightly. Even with a revelation like that, Scott's attitude change was still a miracle. It wasn't going to be easy. No, just because he was determined today didn't mean he would be tomorrow. But it was a step - a definite step. And with or without the change in Hope's condition, or Scott helping with a case, Justin knew that when it really boiled down to it, God deserved the credit for this one. He'd always had hope for Scott and knew that a breakthrough was possible, but if looking at the raw facts and going over all that Scott had been through - he should be in the permanent mental ward here, not still trying to get out. Yes... today marked the day of one small step. And now Justin felt the burden of making sure that no steps were taken backwards. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
Scott nods then looks down at the cards. Though his hand trembles, he reaches for the first one and turns it over...
It was a couple hours later that Justin is finally walking back down the sidewalk. Satisfied but weary, he eases down on the same old bench, the dogs automatically lying in the grass. He sighs deeply and runs his hand over the back of the bench. He'd met Beth here so many times - it really was amazing to see how far they'd come since then... to see how much Beth really had grown.
Opening his backpack, he fishes to find a granola bar to temporarily satisfy his growling stomach. He'd already made plans to meet up with Beth here while she visited her sister, then they would meet later for supper.
Broken
Katie looks up at Jason he was always so thoughtful and hated taking her away from what she was doing even if it didn't bother her non. But this time she didn't know if she would be able to walk away and enjoy the rest of her time here.
"I can't Jason, not when I can't feel you to know your ok. I can visit my family any time, and I know they will understand."
Letting out a small sigh Katie couldn't help how she felt. While some people would think being linked was odd and something hard to get use to Katie had, and now having that broken off that was the odd and hard thing to handle.
"I'm sorry this all happened again. I know I don't need to say it but I am anyways."
Still leaning against the cubicle Ryan didn't know if Ty would help her or not she could only hope. As Ty starts to talk Ryan shifts a little standing a little straighter as once he gets to the part where they found Carson's car. Ryan's heart pick up as she continued to listen.
Searching Ty's eyes she looks to see if he was telling the truth or not. But why would he lie when he had no reason. He didn't know her, and he didn't know Alec what would be the point of that.
"I still want the information Ty. So I can find out why myself."
Though Ryan's expression didn't change much and her still held her strong shell inside it felt like her heart had been ripped apart. The pain was great and numbing, her anger seemed to boil. She didn't know if she wanted to punch something or break out into tears. But not here...she had to be strong, she had to get through this, let someone make her cry.. yeah if anyone could do it, it was Alec she'd really gotten attached to him and fallen head over heals. But she wouldn't let someone see her hurt like this.
"So, can you help me?"
"I can't Jason, not when I can't feel you to know your ok. I can visit my family any time, and I know they will understand."
Letting out a small sigh Katie couldn't help how she felt. While some people would think being linked was odd and something hard to get use to Katie had, and now having that broken off that was the odd and hard thing to handle.
"I'm sorry this all happened again. I know I don't need to say it but I am anyways."
Still leaning against the cubicle Ryan didn't know if Ty would help her or not she could only hope. As Ty starts to talk Ryan shifts a little standing a little straighter as once he gets to the part where they found Carson's car. Ryan's heart pick up as she continued to listen.
Searching Ty's eyes she looks to see if he was telling the truth or not. But why would he lie when he had no reason. He didn't know her, and he didn't know Alec what would be the point of that.
"I still want the information Ty. So I can find out why myself."
Though Ryan's expression didn't change much and her still held her strong shell inside it felt like her heart had been ripped apart. The pain was great and numbing, her anger seemed to boil. She didn't know if she wanted to punch something or break out into tears. But not here...she had to be strong, she had to get through this, let someone make her cry.. yeah if anyone could do it, it was Alec she'd really gotten attached to him and fallen head over heals. But she wouldn't let someone see her hurt like this.
"So, can you help me?"
Update
Jason offers Katie a smile and a reassuring wink. "Rick always finds away. He's too bullheaded not to." Inside, he had his doubts, but staying positive right now was a must.
"Few years from now, we'll look back on this and laugh about how our vacation was ruined by this silly thing again." He wriggles her hand. "You should make time to be with your family like you planned. I'll be okay here."
Sweeping the main floor, Ty had his headphones on and wasn't paying a whole lot of attention when Ryan approaches. Startled, he takes off his headphones and looks at her with surprise. It wasn't usual that someone appeared here at this time of night. Hal must have seen her on the security cameras, but she wasn't anyone they needed to be on alert for.
Ty nods that she got his name right. "Yeah. I remember you." He was a little leery at this point. No one ever came to see him. As she stands back and studies him for a moment, he looks her straight in the eye, unafraid while anyone was on his turf. There was something odd in her eye... he wasn't quite sure what it was, but he could imagine she was going through a little bit right now with the whole Alec thing.
Even though his mind did think of Alec, Ty is still surprised at Ryan's request. Putting aside his broom and setting his glasses up on his head, he folds his arms, his turn to study her. He'd helped people before - sometimes to his demise. What Ryan was asking was pretty serious - Ty's first responsibility would be to report it. The Agency was nothing to play around with and Reese would have a cow if he knew Ty helped Ryan get in. On the other hand, Ty couldn't blame her for wanting to find out more. Unfortunately, he knew that she probably didn't yet know the latest.
"First off, just so you know, Reese is looking into things and trying to get Alec back. They're not just letting him go and washing their hands of him." He shrugs. "They don't want him leaking information, first off, but if you knew Reese, you'd know he cares and wants to find out what really went wrong. Second..."
He pauses and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He knows he shouldn't be the person telling Ryan this. She probably shouldn't know any of this at all - for that, he could get into trouble. But if it was Libby that had gone off the deep end, he'd want to know, and he wasn't going to keep Ryan in the dark.
"They did find Carson's car this evening, abandoned along a highway. They, um... they know that Alec is traveling with a woman." He searches Ryan's eyes, letting that sink in first. "They think it's someone he was with before, from the Agency." He purses his lips, thinking about which words to choose. "And they do know that... it's not just a business relationship. They're without a doubt intimately involved and right now the Elite is trying to track them down and find out their plan."
Ty cocks his head. "I want to help you, Ryan... I can understand your frustration. Give me some time, and I'd be able to get you in under the Elite radar. But first I gotta know... in light of this new information... do you still want to find him?"
"Few years from now, we'll look back on this and laugh about how our vacation was ruined by this silly thing again." He wriggles her hand. "You should make time to be with your family like you planned. I'll be okay here."
Sweeping the main floor, Ty had his headphones on and wasn't paying a whole lot of attention when Ryan approaches. Startled, he takes off his headphones and looks at her with surprise. It wasn't usual that someone appeared here at this time of night. Hal must have seen her on the security cameras, but she wasn't anyone they needed to be on alert for.
Ty nods that she got his name right. "Yeah. I remember you." He was a little leery at this point. No one ever came to see him. As she stands back and studies him for a moment, he looks her straight in the eye, unafraid while anyone was on his turf. There was something odd in her eye... he wasn't quite sure what it was, but he could imagine she was going through a little bit right now with the whole Alec thing.
Even though his mind did think of Alec, Ty is still surprised at Ryan's request. Putting aside his broom and setting his glasses up on his head, he folds his arms, his turn to study her. He'd helped people before - sometimes to his demise. What Ryan was asking was pretty serious - Ty's first responsibility would be to report it. The Agency was nothing to play around with and Reese would have a cow if he knew Ty helped Ryan get in. On the other hand, Ty couldn't blame her for wanting to find out more. Unfortunately, he knew that she probably didn't yet know the latest.
"First off, just so you know, Reese is looking into things and trying to get Alec back. They're not just letting him go and washing their hands of him." He shrugs. "They don't want him leaking information, first off, but if you knew Reese, you'd know he cares and wants to find out what really went wrong. Second..."
He pauses and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He knows he shouldn't be the person telling Ryan this. She probably shouldn't know any of this at all - for that, he could get into trouble. But if it was Libby that had gone off the deep end, he'd want to know, and he wasn't going to keep Ryan in the dark.
"They did find Carson's car this evening, abandoned along a highway. They, um... they know that Alec is traveling with a woman." He searches Ryan's eyes, letting that sink in first. "They think it's someone he was with before, from the Agency." He purses his lips, thinking about which words to choose. "And they do know that... it's not just a business relationship. They're without a doubt intimately involved and right now the Elite is trying to track them down and find out their plan."
Ty cocks his head. "I want to help you, Ryan... I can understand your frustration. Give me some time, and I'd be able to get you in under the Elite radar. But first I gotta know... in light of this new information... do you still want to find him?"
1/23/11
Think you can
Once Rick was gone does Katie realize she had been holding her breath and finally lets it out. Jason was...slowly dieing? The thought seemed to hit her hard and almost stun her. Her best friend, the man she loved was...dieing? Rick could find a cure though right?
Looking back to Jason Katie's face was weary, and her eyes were sad. How could she deal with the thought of losing Jason? It hurt a great deal, and she was only happy that Jason couldn't feel her right now or it might upset him more than he already might be.
"I'd rather you didn't have this excuse for staying in bed."
Tightening her hand on Jason's just a little she looks down at it for a long moment. There fingers locked seeming not to be separated by any strength. Only now to be threatened once again.
"Rick is going to find this J. He and Misty will find a way, I just know it. They have to."
Pulling into the TJY parking lot Ryan sits in her car for a long moment just thinking. She'd went for a drive, she'd driven fast, and yet...she couldn't get her mind off getting to the bottom of the whole Alec thing. Something wasn't right she just new and she had to find out what happened. Even if that meant going into the lion's den.
Heading into TJY and down the steps Ryan new only a few people would be there still. Coming through the door that lead to the main floor Ryan scanned the area still she saw the one she had been looking for. Walking over to him Ryan sticks her hands in her pockets cocking her head just a little bit.
"It's Ty right?"
Ryan new about Ty a little from Alec and while here once she had met him. He seemed like an ok guy that might be willing to help her. He go to stay here at night alone anyways. He had all the time to try and find something for her.
"I think we met once before. Ryan McKade. Listen I was hopping maybe you could help me out with something."
Leaning aganst the wall for a long moment Ryan's eyes searched Ty's. She held her strong air, and her tough skin but deep in her eyes there was sadness. Maybe she wouldn't say it aloud but she was hurt, sad and angry.
"Recintly my boyfriend Alec has gone missing. Reese and Carson thing he went back to the Agency but that doesn't add up. They wont look into it, and I can't let it go. So I wanted you to get me any information on how one might get in contact with the Agency for me so I can do so and find Alec. No one will know it was you who gave me the information because I wont say a word. So think you can help me?"
Looking back to Jason Katie's face was weary, and her eyes were sad. How could she deal with the thought of losing Jason? It hurt a great deal, and she was only happy that Jason couldn't feel her right now or it might upset him more than he already might be.
"I'd rather you didn't have this excuse for staying in bed."
Tightening her hand on Jason's just a little she looks down at it for a long moment. There fingers locked seeming not to be separated by any strength. Only now to be threatened once again.
"Rick is going to find this J. He and Misty will find a way, I just know it. They have to."
Pulling into the TJY parking lot Ryan sits in her car for a long moment just thinking. She'd went for a drive, she'd driven fast, and yet...she couldn't get her mind off getting to the bottom of the whole Alec thing. Something wasn't right she just new and she had to find out what happened. Even if that meant going into the lion's den.
Heading into TJY and down the steps Ryan new only a few people would be there still. Coming through the door that lead to the main floor Ryan scanned the area still she saw the one she had been looking for. Walking over to him Ryan sticks her hands in her pockets cocking her head just a little bit.
"It's Ty right?"
Ryan new about Ty a little from Alec and while here once she had met him. He seemed like an ok guy that might be willing to help her. He go to stay here at night alone anyways. He had all the time to try and find something for her.
"I think we met once before. Ryan McKade. Listen I was hopping maybe you could help me out with something."
Leaning aganst the wall for a long moment Ryan's eyes searched Ty's. She held her strong air, and her tough skin but deep in her eyes there was sadness. Maybe she wouldn't say it aloud but she was hurt, sad and angry.
"Recintly my boyfriend Alec has gone missing. Reese and Carson thing he went back to the Agency but that doesn't add up. They wont look into it, and I can't let it go. So I wanted you to get me any information on how one might get in contact with the Agency for me so I can do so and find Alec. No one will know it was you who gave me the information because I wont say a word. So think you can help me?"
Found
Taken by surprise by the dip, Susanne's eyes widen before she giggles. His words amaze her, simply because this whole thing was so unreal. "You're definitely hopeless," she agrees. "Is this the part where I get to swoon?"
She dramatically throws a hand back on her forehead and closes her eyes, suspended in Chuck's arms. "Take me to your castle, oh Prince Charming, where we shall live happily ever after." Opening her eyes again, she frowns. "No, scratch that. You'd probably have to fight off some dragon or something."
Sighing, she rights herself again, her cheeks flushed. When she speaks again, her tone is a little more serious, though not enough to ruin the moment. "When you say forever, I feel like I'm a victim of love at first sight. But since I don't believe in love at first sight, and I don't think you're some serial killer, that only leaves that you're absolutely bonkers."
Taking a step back, her hand slides down his arm to find his fingers and give them a little tug. "Let's walk. At the very least, I'll end this day having walked with a mad man."
Jason sighs and continues to absentmindedly run a hand through Katie's hair. He appreciated her concern, and he was concerned too. But he hated being forced to take actions like this - feeling as if there was no choice. It made him realize this was beyond control and that wasn't something he liked.
"Okay, we'll ask Rick," he relents.
"Ask me what?"
Jason looks over to the door where Rick had just reappeared with a glass of water and some pills. "About the antidote."
"Oh?" Rick approaches and hands Jason the water and pills. "Here. These will ease the pain. I've got someone bringing over some breakfast for you too."
Jason didn't feel like eating, but he wouldn't argue. Downing the pills, he gives back the glass. "Katie and I don't have to stay on the antidote, do we? I mean, since I'm awake and fine now?"
"Fine?" Rick quirks an eyebrow. He glances to Katie then back to Jason. "You're hardly fine, Jason. You've been asleep for two days and you can barely move. Does that sound like fine to you?"
Jason smirks. "Well I will be."
"Look, Jase... it will take some tests to confirm it, but I'm ninety percent sure that you had several seizures. Your entire body basically shut down from an overload, you hurt all over and your knee is in bad shape for apparently no reason. Now tell me how soon you'll be fine."
Jason swallows hard. He wanted to be mad... he wanted to tell off Rick and just power through this like he always did. He wanted to ignore the danger and pretend that everything really was alright. But his gut knew otherwise, and he also knew Rick was right. "So is that a no about getting off the antidote?"
Rick retrieves two syringes from his pocket, his facial expression grim but kind. "Yes. That's a no. I want to give you more time to heal before letting you go back to what's normal for you. If you don't heal and you have another attack... well... let's just not let that happen, okay?" He leans forward and gently takes Jason's arm, prepping it, then giving him the shot. Next, he goes around the bed to Katie, offering her a smile. "You're doing the right thing... I'm proud of you." Giving her a shot as well, he turns to go again. "I'll be back."
Jason's eyes follow him, but he doesn't let him leave yet. Something still wasn't right. Rick just wasn't acting like he usually did, and he'd never reverted to using the antidote like this before. He was usually more willing to experiment and let Jason fight things out. There was something else. Something he wasn't saying. "Rick."
He stops and turns around. "Yes?"
"Level with me."
Rick wanted to ask "about what?" but he didn't. He knew. Jason knew. "I'll have to wait and see the results from your bloodwork, and I've already scheduled you for a list of tests once we're back in Nevada. I won't know anything until then."
"Rick," Jason warns. "Your gut has been better than any test before. Tell me what you really think is going on."
Rick fiddles with the water glass in his hand. He didn't want to say it, least of all in front of Katie. But Jason wasn't giving him much of a choice. "Like I said, I won't know anything until I see test results so I can see what's going on in your body. But..." He sighs. He'd thought he could say it. Now he wasn't so sure.
Jason's arm was around Katie and it tightens slightly without him realizing it. "Say it."
Rick finally nods. "I could be wrong, so I'm not taking any actions until we have those tests. But without seeing the results yet... if forced to make a diagnosis... I'd say that whatever this is lately is killing you. And if you have another attack before you're fully recovered, I'm not sure you'd survive."
Jason grits his teeth. "Thank you."
Rick can't say "you're welcome." It just didn't seem right. "I'll be back shortly. I'll let your mom know you're awake now, too."
Left alone with Katie again, maybe Jason is glad she can't feel him right now. He did his best to hide how upset he was by turning to her and giving her a little smile. "And I thought having a twin brother was the most I had to worry about. At least I have an excuse to stay in bed, right?"
Outside the room in Angel's office, Rick sits at a little table again where all of his books and files were spread out everywhere. Who was he fooling? He knew without the tests what was going on. He and Angel already agreed that Jason had had seizures. They already both agreed his body was weakened and responding lethargically. They already agreed that he had symptoms of general physical failure. It was obvious without any tests that something was attacking Jason with fury. But what?
He slams a hand down on an open book, his frustration bubbling over.
"Rick?"
He whirls around and stands when he sees Cindy. "Cindy. Good morning."
She gives him a weary smile. "I heard Jason was awake."
"Yes... he is."
"Then what's... what's wrong?"
Rick sighs and leans back against he wall. Folding his arms, he closes his eyes, weary and having a headache. Telling Cindy was worse than telling Jason.
Cindy approaches him with worry and places a hand on his arm. Seeing her son would wait. "Rick?"
He opens his eyes and looks back at her, trying to remain strong and encouraging. "Lots of things are wrong but lots of things are good, too."
"What's happening? Is Jason going to be okay?"
Rick gently puts his hands on her shoulders. "If I have anything to say about it - yes."
Cindy isn't convinced. "Tell me the truth." Tears glisten in her eyes. It had been a long time since she'd felt this scared. "Tell me what's really going on."
Rick is silent for several long moments before he moves over to the set of chairs and sits with her. "Slowly but surely, Jason is dying."
One of Cindy's tears escapes to trickle down her cheek. "Why? How?"
"I'm not sure. Each emotional attack he has, makes him sicker and sicker each time. It's beginning to do more damage and eventually that damage will be permanent. Each time he passes out, he's in danger of brain damage. This time, he actually had several seizures which could have numerous side affects. We've got him on pain meds just for his bad knee, and he has no signs of outer trauma to that joint." Rick purses his lips grimly. "This... this emotional power or gift or curse he has, is killing him."
"But... but why didn't we see this before? He's had this condition for a long time now."
"I don't know. The only thing I can come up with is that his condition has worsened after he received that chemical dart a while back. Before that, he'd get sick and of course it didn't do his body any good - but it wasn't life-threatening. At least not as extreme or quickly. Eventually it would have wore on his body, but this is much more rapid and each attack is much more severe."
Cindy swallows hard. "Is there anything you can do?"
"I'm going to try. But it's going to take a lot of blood work and more equipment than they have here. We need to take him back to TJY so he can recover and so Misty and I can start a series of tests."
"Carson, they found your car." Reese paces by his desk as much as his phone cord would allow.
"Where?"
"It was abandoned along the highway up north." Reese's eyes catch movement in his doorway and he sees Ty, hesitating with the cart to gather trash. It was late evening and usually the offices were empty by now. Reese waves him in, letting him clean while he remained on the phone. "We think they switched vehicles so we'd lose the scent."
"They?"
"Yeah, we found some witnesses at a gas station and one other driver who saw them pulled over. Alec is traveling with a woman - probably this Yvette you mentioned."
"Aw, great. So when do I get my car back?"
"Tomorrow. I've got someone lifting prints and the like, then it'll be detailed and brought back here."
"Detailed?"
Reese rolls his eyes. "Don't ask. I will say that Alec is having himself a great time. Got himself a woman, we found cigarette butts and it looked like a bottle of pills had been spilled - looks like that drug he and Gage were on when they first got here."
"Nice. Well, let me know if there's anything I can do."
"I will. I'll keep you informed." Reese hangs up and sighs, standing out of the way as Ty returns his emptied trash can.
Ty finishes but doesn't leave right away. "Went back to the Agency, huh?"
"Mm-hmm." Reese sits down and sifts through a few papers.
Ty lingers, his curiosity growing. He'd heard bits and pieces since he'd gotten here tonight, and none of it sounded good. "The woman... old lover of his?"
Reese gives him a slightly annoyed glance. "If not an old one, she's a new one."
"Weird."
"Why's that?"
"I don't know." Ty shrugs. "Just hearing about him and whats-her-name... Ryan... didn't seem like he'd go off and cheat on her."
"Well, lots of things happen when you're in the Agency. There's no doubt what he's doing with the woman and there's evidence suggesting he's throwing himself back into his old life all the way. Some people never can completely break free. Some people always return."
Ty purses his lips, finding that statement sad. "I guess. You gonna be here late?"
"Um, just a while longer, then you can clean the floor."
"Got it." Ty leaves the office to continue his nightly work. Sometimes he felt left out of the loop as far as what was going on at TJY, but as long as he was just the janitor, it would probably stay that way. He'd learned how to keep his ears open though and had gotten pretty good at figuring out what was happening and who was on what cases just from listening. Came in handy sometimes. "Aw, Gunner." Ty looks at a handful of gum wrappers that had been thrown towards the cubicle trash can but hadn't quite made it. They were scattered over the floor instead. Even if he didn't know he was in Gunner's cubicle, he'd know it was him - he was the only one that chewed cinnamon gum.
Carson sinks down in the couch, tired, even though he'd left the restaurant work to the others for the day. It wasn't the sort of tired that told him it was bedtime though... it was a sort of tired that made him feel weary. He'd been thinking of Alec all day, fluctuating between being angry and being confused. It made perfect sense, yet didn't make any sense at all. Carson wanted to just believe all the evidence and know that Alec had simply returned to the Agency. But why his gut wasn't letting him fully believe it, he didn't know.
She dramatically throws a hand back on her forehead and closes her eyes, suspended in Chuck's arms. "Take me to your castle, oh Prince Charming, where we shall live happily ever after." Opening her eyes again, she frowns. "No, scratch that. You'd probably have to fight off some dragon or something."
Sighing, she rights herself again, her cheeks flushed. When she speaks again, her tone is a little more serious, though not enough to ruin the moment. "When you say forever, I feel like I'm a victim of love at first sight. But since I don't believe in love at first sight, and I don't think you're some serial killer, that only leaves that you're absolutely bonkers."
Taking a step back, her hand slides down his arm to find his fingers and give them a little tug. "Let's walk. At the very least, I'll end this day having walked with a mad man."
Jason sighs and continues to absentmindedly run a hand through Katie's hair. He appreciated her concern, and he was concerned too. But he hated being forced to take actions like this - feeling as if there was no choice. It made him realize this was beyond control and that wasn't something he liked.
"Okay, we'll ask Rick," he relents.
"Ask me what?"
Jason looks over to the door where Rick had just reappeared with a glass of water and some pills. "About the antidote."
"Oh?" Rick approaches and hands Jason the water and pills. "Here. These will ease the pain. I've got someone bringing over some breakfast for you too."
Jason didn't feel like eating, but he wouldn't argue. Downing the pills, he gives back the glass. "Katie and I don't have to stay on the antidote, do we? I mean, since I'm awake and fine now?"
"Fine?" Rick quirks an eyebrow. He glances to Katie then back to Jason. "You're hardly fine, Jason. You've been asleep for two days and you can barely move. Does that sound like fine to you?"
Jason smirks. "Well I will be."
"Look, Jase... it will take some tests to confirm it, but I'm ninety percent sure that you had several seizures. Your entire body basically shut down from an overload, you hurt all over and your knee is in bad shape for apparently no reason. Now tell me how soon you'll be fine."
Jason swallows hard. He wanted to be mad... he wanted to tell off Rick and just power through this like he always did. He wanted to ignore the danger and pretend that everything really was alright. But his gut knew otherwise, and he also knew Rick was right. "So is that a no about getting off the antidote?"
Rick retrieves two syringes from his pocket, his facial expression grim but kind. "Yes. That's a no. I want to give you more time to heal before letting you go back to what's normal for you. If you don't heal and you have another attack... well... let's just not let that happen, okay?" He leans forward and gently takes Jason's arm, prepping it, then giving him the shot. Next, he goes around the bed to Katie, offering her a smile. "You're doing the right thing... I'm proud of you." Giving her a shot as well, he turns to go again. "I'll be back."
Jason's eyes follow him, but he doesn't let him leave yet. Something still wasn't right. Rick just wasn't acting like he usually did, and he'd never reverted to using the antidote like this before. He was usually more willing to experiment and let Jason fight things out. There was something else. Something he wasn't saying. "Rick."
He stops and turns around. "Yes?"
"Level with me."
Rick wanted to ask "about what?" but he didn't. He knew. Jason knew. "I'll have to wait and see the results from your bloodwork, and I've already scheduled you for a list of tests once we're back in Nevada. I won't know anything until then."
"Rick," Jason warns. "Your gut has been better than any test before. Tell me what you really think is going on."
Rick fiddles with the water glass in his hand. He didn't want to say it, least of all in front of Katie. But Jason wasn't giving him much of a choice. "Like I said, I won't know anything until I see test results so I can see what's going on in your body. But..." He sighs. He'd thought he could say it. Now he wasn't so sure.
Jason's arm was around Katie and it tightens slightly without him realizing it. "Say it."
Rick finally nods. "I could be wrong, so I'm not taking any actions until we have those tests. But without seeing the results yet... if forced to make a diagnosis... I'd say that whatever this is lately is killing you. And if you have another attack before you're fully recovered, I'm not sure you'd survive."
Jason grits his teeth. "Thank you."
Rick can't say "you're welcome." It just didn't seem right. "I'll be back shortly. I'll let your mom know you're awake now, too."
Left alone with Katie again, maybe Jason is glad she can't feel him right now. He did his best to hide how upset he was by turning to her and giving her a little smile. "And I thought having a twin brother was the most I had to worry about. At least I have an excuse to stay in bed, right?"
Outside the room in Angel's office, Rick sits at a little table again where all of his books and files were spread out everywhere. Who was he fooling? He knew without the tests what was going on. He and Angel already agreed that Jason had had seizures. They already both agreed his body was weakened and responding lethargically. They already agreed that he had symptoms of general physical failure. It was obvious without any tests that something was attacking Jason with fury. But what?
He slams a hand down on an open book, his frustration bubbling over.
"Rick?"
He whirls around and stands when he sees Cindy. "Cindy. Good morning."
She gives him a weary smile. "I heard Jason was awake."
"Yes... he is."
"Then what's... what's wrong?"
Rick sighs and leans back against he wall. Folding his arms, he closes his eyes, weary and having a headache. Telling Cindy was worse than telling Jason.
Cindy approaches him with worry and places a hand on his arm. Seeing her son would wait. "Rick?"
He opens his eyes and looks back at her, trying to remain strong and encouraging. "Lots of things are wrong but lots of things are good, too."
"What's happening? Is Jason going to be okay?"
Rick gently puts his hands on her shoulders. "If I have anything to say about it - yes."
Cindy isn't convinced. "Tell me the truth." Tears glisten in her eyes. It had been a long time since she'd felt this scared. "Tell me what's really going on."
Rick is silent for several long moments before he moves over to the set of chairs and sits with her. "Slowly but surely, Jason is dying."
One of Cindy's tears escapes to trickle down her cheek. "Why? How?"
"I'm not sure. Each emotional attack he has, makes him sicker and sicker each time. It's beginning to do more damage and eventually that damage will be permanent. Each time he passes out, he's in danger of brain damage. This time, he actually had several seizures which could have numerous side affects. We've got him on pain meds just for his bad knee, and he has no signs of outer trauma to that joint." Rick purses his lips grimly. "This... this emotional power or gift or curse he has, is killing him."
"But... but why didn't we see this before? He's had this condition for a long time now."
"I don't know. The only thing I can come up with is that his condition has worsened after he received that chemical dart a while back. Before that, he'd get sick and of course it didn't do his body any good - but it wasn't life-threatening. At least not as extreme or quickly. Eventually it would have wore on his body, but this is much more rapid and each attack is much more severe."
Cindy swallows hard. "Is there anything you can do?"
"I'm going to try. But it's going to take a lot of blood work and more equipment than they have here. We need to take him back to TJY so he can recover and so Misty and I can start a series of tests."
"Carson, they found your car." Reese paces by his desk as much as his phone cord would allow.
"Where?"
"It was abandoned along the highway up north." Reese's eyes catch movement in his doorway and he sees Ty, hesitating with the cart to gather trash. It was late evening and usually the offices were empty by now. Reese waves him in, letting him clean while he remained on the phone. "We think they switched vehicles so we'd lose the scent."
"They?"
"Yeah, we found some witnesses at a gas station and one other driver who saw them pulled over. Alec is traveling with a woman - probably this Yvette you mentioned."
"Aw, great. So when do I get my car back?"
"Tomorrow. I've got someone lifting prints and the like, then it'll be detailed and brought back here."
"Detailed?"
Reese rolls his eyes. "Don't ask. I will say that Alec is having himself a great time. Got himself a woman, we found cigarette butts and it looked like a bottle of pills had been spilled - looks like that drug he and Gage were on when they first got here."
"Nice. Well, let me know if there's anything I can do."
"I will. I'll keep you informed." Reese hangs up and sighs, standing out of the way as Ty returns his emptied trash can.
Ty finishes but doesn't leave right away. "Went back to the Agency, huh?"
"Mm-hmm." Reese sits down and sifts through a few papers.
Ty lingers, his curiosity growing. He'd heard bits and pieces since he'd gotten here tonight, and none of it sounded good. "The woman... old lover of his?"
Reese gives him a slightly annoyed glance. "If not an old one, she's a new one."
"Weird."
"Why's that?"
"I don't know." Ty shrugs. "Just hearing about him and whats-her-name... Ryan... didn't seem like he'd go off and cheat on her."
"Well, lots of things happen when you're in the Agency. There's no doubt what he's doing with the woman and there's evidence suggesting he's throwing himself back into his old life all the way. Some people never can completely break free. Some people always return."
Ty purses his lips, finding that statement sad. "I guess. You gonna be here late?"
"Um, just a while longer, then you can clean the floor."
"Got it." Ty leaves the office to continue his nightly work. Sometimes he felt left out of the loop as far as what was going on at TJY, but as long as he was just the janitor, it would probably stay that way. He'd learned how to keep his ears open though and had gotten pretty good at figuring out what was happening and who was on what cases just from listening. Came in handy sometimes. "Aw, Gunner." Ty looks at a handful of gum wrappers that had been thrown towards the cubicle trash can but hadn't quite made it. They were scattered over the floor instead. Even if he didn't know he was in Gunner's cubicle, he'd know it was him - he was the only one that chewed cinnamon gum.
Carson sinks down in the couch, tired, even though he'd left the restaurant work to the others for the day. It wasn't the sort of tired that told him it was bedtime though... it was a sort of tired that made him feel weary. He'd been thinking of Alec all day, fluctuating between being angry and being confused. It made perfect sense, yet didn't make any sense at all. Carson wanted to just believe all the evidence and know that Alec had simply returned to the Agency. But why his gut wasn't letting him fully believe it, he didn't know.
1/22/11
Long time
Continuing to just let her head rest on Jason's shoulder Katie thinks about his question. It was a hard one to answer. Part of her screamed yes she wanted it to wear off, but part of her was telling her no.
"I...yes, but no. I want you to be able to heal without the constant strain. I want to do whats best for you. Maybe we should ask Rick?"
Katie looks up at Jason a little bit. She was worried and she did hate being separated but she had to do what was right for Jason too. It wasn't always just about her.
As Susanne turns in his arms and slips her own arm over his shoulder Chuck can't help the small chill he got down his own spine. Even if it was something small and simple for Susanne it was a big step and Chuck was pleased.
"I think...hopelessly romantic suits me best."
Taking Susanne a little closer in his arms he leans her back into a dip and just holds her like that. Just looking down into her eyes Chuck's own reflected his emotions. Oh the feelings he felt, weather fast, or not he didn't care. What he felt now was true.
"Forever is a long time, but I think I'm willing to spend it with you."
"I...yes, but no. I want you to be able to heal without the constant strain. I want to do whats best for you. Maybe we should ask Rick?"
Katie looks up at Jason a little bit. She was worried and she did hate being separated but she had to do what was right for Jason too. It wasn't always just about her.
As Susanne turns in his arms and slips her own arm over his shoulder Chuck can't help the small chill he got down his own spine. Even if it was something small and simple for Susanne it was a big step and Chuck was pleased.
"I think...hopelessly romantic suits me best."
Taking Susanne a little closer in his arms he leans her back into a dip and just holds her like that. Just looking down into her eyes Chuck's own reflected his emotions. Oh the feelings he felt, weather fast, or not he didn't care. What he felt now was true.
"Forever is a long time, but I think I'm willing to spend it with you."
Wildcat
Chuck's voice was so sweet and soothing. Susanne closed her eyes for a few moments, a smile spreading across her lips. Had he just made up those words? She wasn't sure but it was awfully cute.
"Oh, Chuck..." She sighs deeply and gives his hands a little squeeze as he tightens his arms around her. "You make it sound as though you're ready for the rest of our lives together, when you still hardly know me at all. I could count on one hand the times we've seen each other, and you already make it seem as though you want me forever." She would expect that from someone who had been dating for a year, not only a few days.
She cocks her head to glance up over her shoulder at him before turning around within his grasp and slipping her arms up over his shoulders. Looking up at him in the moonlight, she studies the features that still gave her goosebumps.
"Are you so blind that you would rush headlong into a future with someone you hardly know... or just that hopelessly romantic?"
Watching Ryan walk away, neither man tries to stop her. Eli wanders to the window as he hears the squeal of tires and he sighs. Turning around, his facial expression was not a happy one. "Alec's gonna pay for this," he mutters.
Carson folds his arms and sighs. "Hopefully. But it better not be by your hand or your sister's unless you want to get killed in the crossfire."
"I know."
"Keep an eye on her, will you?"
"As much as I can. But caging a wildcat only breeds more fury."
Without much more to say, Carson and Reese leave, heading back to TJY to begin an official investigation and get eyes on the lookout for Carson's car. Alec might have been cocky enough to steal it as a bold statement, but it would also serve as a mistake they could use. Wherever Carson's car was, that's where Alec was and that was their best bet in finding him.
"Got your stuff?"
"Mm-hmm." Yvette checks herself in her compact mirror, making sure she was all put back together again before taking one last glance in the car.
Alec rummages in the backseat, putting his shirt back on and grabbing his duffel bag. Moving to the other waiting car, he tosses the bag in that backseat instead and takes one last look at Carson's car. Looking to his palm where the lone car key was, he flicks it onto the gravel shoulder of the road where it lands near the front tire.
"Fingerprints?" Yvette questions.
Alec throws her a withering look. "As if they'll check the key and not all over the inside of the car."
She smirks. "I guess they'll find two sets then won't they?" She puts a hand to the side of her face, pretending to be shocked. "What ever shall we do?"
"I don't know, but be my guest if you wanna clean out your prints. Don't forget the back window."
"Nah. Let 'em wonder." Yvette wanders up to the other car. "We'll lose them after this anyway."
"Yeah." Alec squints into the setting sun before pulling down his sunglasses again. They'd made it the whole day without getting caught - that wasn't something just anybody could do. Lighting up another cigarette, he slides in behind the wheel. "Grab the map. I want to get there on time."
"Hey..." Jason's voice was soft as he ran his fingers through Katie's hair as she rested on his shoulder. He didn't need to feel her to see how upset she was. "It'll be okay." It had to be, right? He was in an awful lot of pain right now the way it was, but he felt worse for Katie and what she was enduring.
"Do you want to let the antidote wear off?" he asks quietly.
"Oh, Chuck..." She sighs deeply and gives his hands a little squeeze as he tightens his arms around her. "You make it sound as though you're ready for the rest of our lives together, when you still hardly know me at all. I could count on one hand the times we've seen each other, and you already make it seem as though you want me forever." She would expect that from someone who had been dating for a year, not only a few days.
She cocks her head to glance up over her shoulder at him before turning around within his grasp and slipping her arms up over his shoulders. Looking up at him in the moonlight, she studies the features that still gave her goosebumps.
"Are you so blind that you would rush headlong into a future with someone you hardly know... or just that hopelessly romantic?"
Watching Ryan walk away, neither man tries to stop her. Eli wanders to the window as he hears the squeal of tires and he sighs. Turning around, his facial expression was not a happy one. "Alec's gonna pay for this," he mutters.
Carson folds his arms and sighs. "Hopefully. But it better not be by your hand or your sister's unless you want to get killed in the crossfire."
"I know."
"Keep an eye on her, will you?"
"As much as I can. But caging a wildcat only breeds more fury."
Without much more to say, Carson and Reese leave, heading back to TJY to begin an official investigation and get eyes on the lookout for Carson's car. Alec might have been cocky enough to steal it as a bold statement, but it would also serve as a mistake they could use. Wherever Carson's car was, that's where Alec was and that was their best bet in finding him.
"Got your stuff?"
"Mm-hmm." Yvette checks herself in her compact mirror, making sure she was all put back together again before taking one last glance in the car.
Alec rummages in the backseat, putting his shirt back on and grabbing his duffel bag. Moving to the other waiting car, he tosses the bag in that backseat instead and takes one last look at Carson's car. Looking to his palm where the lone car key was, he flicks it onto the gravel shoulder of the road where it lands near the front tire.
"Fingerprints?" Yvette questions.
Alec throws her a withering look. "As if they'll check the key and not all over the inside of the car."
She smirks. "I guess they'll find two sets then won't they?" She puts a hand to the side of her face, pretending to be shocked. "What ever shall we do?"
"I don't know, but be my guest if you wanna clean out your prints. Don't forget the back window."
"Nah. Let 'em wonder." Yvette wanders up to the other car. "We'll lose them after this anyway."
"Yeah." Alec squints into the setting sun before pulling down his sunglasses again. They'd made it the whole day without getting caught - that wasn't something just anybody could do. Lighting up another cigarette, he slides in behind the wheel. "Grab the map. I want to get there on time."
"Hey..." Jason's voice was soft as he ran his fingers through Katie's hair as she rested on his shoulder. He didn't need to feel her to see how upset she was. "It'll be okay." It had to be, right? He was in an awful lot of pain right now the way it was, but he felt worse for Katie and what she was enduring.
"Do you want to let the antidote wear off?" he asks quietly.
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