Lots of Coffee

Destiny's compliment made Zan grin, a little color coming to his face. He'd chosen wisely. 

Putting the car in gear and pulling away from the curb, he nodded. "Okay, well, that works, 'cause I'm craving steak. That's a rarity," he admitted, "but every once in a while I just gotta have real meat." He stopped as he reached an intersection, and took his time since no one was behind him. "So... we got the Hangout, although we were just there, and I might like a place that doesn't smell like grease tonight. Um... Daisy's got steaks I think. Ooh... ever been to Chapter Ten? Weird name, but they've got steak, chicken, salads... nicer than a grease joint but not upscale." He glanced over at her, hoping that's what she'd pick, but he'd still go wherever she wanted, regardless. 


Kirk rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help his grin. "Yeah... we'll just have to be ready for when he does decide to use this against us."

Shaking his head, he straightened before combing back his hair with his fingers and pulling it back at the nape of his neck. He wouldn't bother braiding it again. "So anyway... where were we?" He threw her a look. "Before you distracted me." He glanced at some of the files and cocked his head. "Ya know... I do want a collection of successful cases. You're right... we can't be done fighting yet. Especially not with what I'm going to suggest to Reese."

"What are you going to suggest?"

Kirk looked up before he got himself up off the floor to face Reese. "Well... I had a thought. About how we might be able to beat the board at their own game."

Reese leaned against a cabinet and folded his arms. "I'm listening."

Kirk decided not to beat around the bush. He'd just come right out and say it before he lost his nerve. "How would you feel about going back underground?"

Reese's eyes widened. "Um... well that's a little... impossible, since, you know... the public knows we exist."

"Yeah, but... the public... or the FBI... doesn't have to know everything... right?"

Reese cocked his head as his brow furrowed. "What are you driving at?"

"I'm not sure yet," Kirk admitted. "But if you're willing to go out on a limb, give me twenty-four hours to come up with a plan. We're gonna get a new building... there's gonna be a lot we can do under radar. We're just gonna have to put on an awfully good front so no one else is the wiser."

A grin tugged at the corner of Reese's mouth. He wanted to ask more about what was going through Kirk's head, but he resisted. "I'll do better than that. I'll give you forty-eight hours." He turned to leave, calling over his shoulder. "I expect you to impress me."

Left alone once again, Kirk glanced back to Adison. "I'm offering lots of coffee at my place tonight. You in?"


Jason sighed and shook his head. "I dunno. Let's just play it by ear I guess." He yawned again and finally rolled his eyes. 

Okay. I give up. You drive.

Finding a spot to pull over, he switched places with Katie so she could take the wheel for a while. He was already pushing it, and didn't want to risk falling asleep while driving. He did end up sleeping for about an hour, then took over again for the rest of their journey. 

It was past midnight when they finally pulled into the ranch driveway. It felt a little odd tonight... as if they'd been gone for so long, and yet they'd just been here recently, fighting for their lives. It looked like everyone was in bed. The main house lights were off, the bunkhouses were dark, as were the barns. 

"Hmm..." He parked near the main house anyway before shutting off the engine and headlights. "I said let's pay it by ear, and now I'm not sure what to do." Getting out of the car, he waited for Katie, and glanced around, squinting in the dark. 

"Well I'll be..." 

Jason spun around quickly, having not even heard someone behind them. Just as quickly, he relaxed, but the adrenaline had still made his heart race. "Mick... hi."

Mick approached with eyebrows raised. "You two are the last people I expected to see." He brought Katie in for a warm hug before he shook Jason's hand. "Quick stop or...?"

"Yes and no. Things are okay though. We're safe and... going to head back to Nevada. We got word the FBI isn't going to be informed. Katie just wanted to come see our families before we went back since we knew you all were probably worried."

"That's... an understatement," Mick admitted. "But I'm so glad you guys are alright."

Jason cocked his head. "Little late for you to be up, isn't it?"

Mick chuckled. "You calling me old?" He shook his head. "It was just a busy day that didn't want to end. Rosetta just went to bed about half an hour ago. Speaking of which - anybody else know you're here?"

"No... we felt it best not to send any messages. So at this point, you're the only one."

"Well... it's late." Mick gestured towards his and Rosetta's house. "Come on. One of you can take the spare room and one of you can have the couch. We'll get it sorted tomorrow."

Jason smiled, glad for the invite, and helped Katie get her bag along with his out of the car before following Mick. 

Once inside, Mick wandered down the hall quietly, trying not to wake BJ, and flipped on the light in the guest room. He kept walking though to the master bedroom where he slipped inside and sat on the edge of the bed. "Hey," he whispered and rubbed Rosetta's arm. "Asleep yet? We got company."