Cut In

“Yeah… later.” Aaron watched Sam leave before glancing at his one free arm. She’d kept her word. That was…commendable. And a little odd. Not that she’d tell the truth, but that she’d follow through with risking leaving him half free. He looked over to where Misty was working across the room. She was always super quiet, mostly ignoring him, so Aaron never tried to interact. He wondered what it had been about her that had attracted Carson when he’d been brought here. How had he been turned around? Made to think life outside the Agency was better? Was it just his attraction to Misty that had led him astray, or something else? 

Shaking his head, he leaned back in his pillow and reached over to grab a magazine. Maybe there was some article he’d forgotten to read… 

The rest of the day was pretty typical of days now. Slow. Quiet. Boring. Filled with naps, and leaving Aaron wide awake at night. The next day was quiet as well. And the next. Since there wasn’t much new to work on – like a haircut – his interaction with Sam was limited to a couple lunches and one walk when Rick wasn’t there. But that was about it…

“…Well?” 

Rick paused his examination of Aaron’s knee to give him a dim look. “It’s healing,” he stated flatly. “Thanks to you finally doing as you’re told.”

Aaron sighed. “You’re just in better and better humor every day, you know that?”

“And you’re more irritating.” Rick stood up straight and fished a pen from his pocket to mark some things down on his clipboard. As he did so, he didn’t notice the paperclip that came with the pen and fell onto the bed. Aaron saw it fall, and shifted a little so the paperclip would hide under the blanket. Rick grunted a little as he turned to walk back to his desk. “You can start your walks again, but no weight yet. Crutches will be your closest friends for at least two weeks.” 

Aaron just nodded. Rick had been super grouchy the last few days, and there was no point in riling him. Besides…now he had something else to think about…


Saturday evening. Garret lay on his cot like usual, feeling even more miserable though. He glanced at his watch. Maggie would be getting ready for the dance soon. He hoped she was actually going with Nate. Would she be too disappointed? Would she think he just really didn’t want to go with her? That would be the hardest thing to deal with. He hoped Nate had assured her that it wasn’t his fault he couldn’t be there. He sighed and rolled onto his side. There was no point in staying awake. Tomorrow was Sunday. Nate would go to church, and take the rest of the day off. But maybe he’d at least come in to tell Garret how the dance had gone. 


Reese leaned back in the couch, sitting close to Angelica after supper. He was worn out from the day, and his body just wanted to go to bed early, then sleep late in the morning before church. But his mind was not letting him relax. All evening his mind had been stuck on one thing, and even now, he couldn’t shake it. He had to. He was being foolish. He couldn’t afford to be thinking about it. And yet…he just couldn’t let it go. So many things ran through his mind. Previous conversations. What he knew was right. What he knew was wrong. What logic told him. What his heart told him. 

Quit suddenly, he stood up from the couch and slipped on his sneakers. “I’ll be back,” he told Angelica. “Keep the couch warm.” Without any further explanation, he grabbed the keys and was out the door. 


Garret’s eyes flew open as the sound of the cell door woke him. Turning, it took him a moment to even recognize Reese. He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen him not dressed in a button-down shirt and nice pants…but tonight he was in a pair of faded jeans and a plain sweatshirt. 

“Reese, what…” Garret sat up as his confusion increased. Where was Nate? Had something happened? “What’s going on?”…


…The rented room was full of high school kids and adults, tables with elegant place settings, and dim colored lights that gave the atmosphere a dreamy feel. Classical music played while those brave enough dared to dance, some doing well, others just trying it for the first time. As an attempt to bring different worlds together, it was going quite well, and smiles were all around. 

As the waltz continued to play, a figure made his way around the dancing couples until finally he found who he was looking for, giving Nate’s shoulder a tap. “May I cut in?” Garret gave a slight bow. He was cleaned up, freshly shaven, his hair combed, and he was wearing a smart tuxedo for the occasion. “I apologize for being late.”


Hunter grabbed his phone as it buzzed and brought up Ryan’s text. Even with his conversation with Eli, he was a bit surprised she was following through with it.
Hey. Yep I’m ok with that.
I don’t mind the company.
Prolly next week sometime.

He sent it, then considered more and texted her again.
16 hours ish. You gonna 
wanna stop overnight?

He usually drove straight through, but if Ryan needed to stop, he would. It was the least he could do, but maybe she wouldn’t even be comfortable with that option. He didn’t mind – it was her, he was concerned about.