Smoke

Justin forced a smile and nodded. "Trust me...the two hour drive sucks. So if you do end up working there, you'll definitely want to move." He really didn't want to move himself, but being an hour away from the Elite and North Springs was hard. He just wasn't willing to move unless Beth was closer too. Not to mention he had pretty particular wants when it came to where he'd want to live. He loved his little place now - it would be hard to find something he liked just as well.

Getting his mind back on track, he set down his fork and slid his hand across the table to take hers. "I'm sorry I haven't been myself lately... I feel like a heel not being able to support you through all this."


Garret just shook his head and finally shrugged. "Okay then. Guess I got work to do." He turned to go back to his own space, but then changed his mind and wandered across the floor to Sapphire's cubicle instead. 

"Hey, Sapphire? Um... I've got some research to do on Brookshire and... A computer would be handy." At least he'd been able to work with her once before and she hadn't seemed to mind him. Actually...She had been one of the few around here to treat him nicely.  "Reese said I could ask for your help... unless you're too busy."


Hal started to grin, and chuckled softly. "Cool your jets... I'm starting to see smoke." He shook his head. "I understand why you're upset, but you're giving up way too fast. And don't take Rick so personally - his bark is worse than his bite anyway."

He cocked his head, just studying Sam's face. "Use your head. We got options here. Aaron won't react well to being forced back into the cell and you know it. If you think that would harm your progress, then don't let it happen. There's a bedroom right next to the infirmary with a lock on the door. Or if he has to stay where he's at for now, we got laptops around here - why not set up in the infirmary so you're free to work and keep an eye on him in a way that makes Rick more comfortable? Or how about longer restraints so he can move around in the bed but just can't get up and leave?"

He paused again, his eyes still on hers. "There's more than one way to skin a cat. How about talking to Rick to see what would make him feel better? If you're so mad he went around you, then go fix it. Don't let anybody around here walk on you. You're new and you're gonna have to stick up for yourself."