Compromise

Justin sighed a little as Beth talked. He'd hoped she'd given up that notion, but apparently she hadn't. "The Agency only targeted you because of me," he reasoned quietly. "If I'm not around, you're free. But you start helping the Elite, then you will have your own target on your back. You really want that?" 

He searched Beth's face, finding everything he didn't want to. Her desire to help. Her stubbornness. Her willingness to follow him. He knew if he put his foot down, she'd respect it. But she wouldn't be happy. 

"Besides all that, they think they know who killed your sister - they just don't know where exactly they are. Nothing you or I do can help with that." He knew good and well she was looking at the big picture though...Just like he always had. It was about more than just one person. One criminal. It was about taking down an evil organization bit by bit. 

He sighed again and picked his fork back up to run it through his lettuce. Maybe he should just let her do what she wanted. It would make her happy and at least she'd be close to people who could look out for her. And besides, it wasn't up to him whether she could work there anyway - she'd have to go through Reese and the FBI agent...Who knew what they'd say to a young woman with absolutely no experience?

His eyes rose to meet Beth's and he gave her a small apologetic smile. "But if that's what you want... I won't stop you. Maybe at least if you worked in North Springs I wouldn't have to drive so far to see you." He finally took another bite of salad. "I may move that direction myself... I just didn't want to be even further from you." 


Hal gave Sam a bit of a smile and shook his head. "No... he's not. Can't say I'm all that thrilled myself, but so far nothing bad has come from Aaron being loose so I'm not gonna complain. Rick though..." He leaned back and put his hands behind his head and set his get up on his desk. He swiveled a little as he looked up at the infirmary monitor. "He's been in a sour mood ever since Scott went to the hospital. He's threatening to go to Reese, and Reese will want to keep the peace, which would mean bad news for you and Aaron. So we may need to come up with a compromise."

He turned his head to glance at Sam. "I think Rick feels unsafe with Aaron loose like that, and... I can't really blame him. Truth be told... Aaron really shouldn't be free at night yet. Not when there's no one around to keep an eye on him. I know he can't get far with his knee, but if he grabbed a scalpel, he wouldn't need to run fast with a hostage." He paused, just letting Sam think. "So... If you're completely convinced he wouldn't harm anyone, you can work it out with Reese. But if you have any doubts, it's time to think up that compromise."


Garret was surprised at Nate's suggestion, but it didn't bother him. "Okay. Not sure Reese will be happy to deal with me, but I'll give it a shot."

Leaving, he went to Reese's office and knocked. Hearing Reese's voice, he entered and automatically stood with feet slightly apart, his hands clasped behind his back. "Good morning, Sir."

Reese was sitting in his chair and quirked an eyebrow. "So formal after our little escapade last night."

Garret cleared his throat. "Sorry. Habit."

"That's okay. Relax. What's up?"

Garret explained what he'd told Nate, along with the question of what to do.

"Hmm..." Reese shook his head. "I'm honestly not sure the best route to take. I'm afraid if Gunner knew about this, he'd start focusing on work instead of himself."

"Then I'd suggest we limit who works directly with him so we're aware of anyone who might be alone with him or evaluating him."

"Agreed. Get on it."

Garret blinked. "What..."

"Do it." Reese nodded. "Find out who's there, make sure they're not Agency, then coordinate with the facility. Doctor Hawks is aware of Gunner's status as an Elite agent, and should be willing to work with you. If you need access to a computer or assistance, I recommend Sapphire."

"Oh...kay..." Garret finally nodded. "I'll...let you know what happens." Leaving the office, he shook his head, a bit bewildered. He actually had an assignment. It wasn't big and wouldn't take long and was hardly exciting but... Reese had actually handed him the reins. 

Getting back to Nate's cubicle, he stopped and cocked his head. "Who's that in there, and where the heck is the real Reese? He just gave me this case."