Gray Light

"I can't see her being the leak either," Pete admitted. "She's got one of the sweetest hearts I know. She's been... quieter since she was kidnapped. I'm not sure she's over it but then... I don't know if someone really can get over something like that."

He sighed, lost in thought for a moment. "How bout we..." His voice trailed off as someone passed by in the hall. "Hey, Jamison!"

Jamison skidded to a halt and stepped inside rather hesitantly. "Yes...?" His eyes landed on Ron. Who was he? 

"Ron, this is Jamison. Jamison, Ron." Pete nodded. "He's our newest recruit."

"Ah." It took a couple seconds before Jamison was willing to approach and offer a skeptical handshake. 

Pete glanced at Ron before continuing. He explained the situation and what their plan of action was. "We were wondering if you knew enough about the system to be able to pull up recent activity. For example, can you look and see what Jason's been up to on his computer the last eight weeks?"

"Um..." Jamison thought for a moment. "I think so. Dalton's been training me on the network. I'm not the computer guru he is, but things are making enough sense that yeah... I could probably pull up information on everybody around here."

"Good. Do it. But keep it confidential."

"Okay. Be kinda hard sitting next to Dalton though."

"Just tell him you've been given a sensitive case to work on. He'll respect that."

Jamison nodded. "Okay. I can get started today."

"Good." Once Jamison had left, Pete returned his attention to Ron. "Let's go talk to Misty. I don't wanna drag her in here." 

Going to the infirmary, it was the same spiel all over again as they stood by Misty's desk. "It's obvious there's a leak somewhere, so we're covering all bases." There was no point in beating around the bush or subtly hunting for information. Around here, the direct approach was best. "I gotta ask if you know anything about the sniper activity."


Hunter gave Ryan a little squeeze. Her words warmed his heart. How could they not? Someone actually... appreciated him and liked him just for who he was.

He could feel Ryan already falling asleep, but it took his mind a little longer to settle down. He knew there was a good chance when she was feeling better again, that that would be it. He imagined they'd stay friends, but her affection? It would probably fade. Right now she was still in need and at a different place with different people. Once they got home... Hunter knew things would probably go back to normal. Which made part of him want to resist enjoying any of this, and part of him want to soak it all in before it was gone.

Pulling up the blanket a little more, he finally closed his eyes. For now... he'd just try to sleep...

The rooster crow dragged Hunter's mind from his sleep. Gray light was just starting to come through the window. It was early. Chores would be starting soon. He should get up and help.

Opening his eyes, he realized Ryan was still there. At some point, he'd rolled onto his side so he was facing her, and now she was snuggled in to his chest with his arm around her. He sighed deeply before yawning, and rubbed her back gently. "Psst..." His hand came up to push her hair from her face and he shifted back just a little so he could see her. "Wanna help with chores or you wanna sleep in?"