Shadows Of Suspicion

Title: Shadows Of Suspicion

Author: Suz W.

Feedback: I would love it!!

Spoilers: After Foothold and Urgo (episode tag)

Rating: PG-13, S/J Friendship, Romance, Sexual Situations, Hurt/Comfort, Mild Violence

Summary: When Sam’s house is broken into, Jack takes matters into his own hands.

Disclaimer: All publicity recognizable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended.

Copyright: The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. Copyrighted on January 8, 2004, by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh.

Author’s Notes: This story follows “Rendering Hope”. You will find that the end of this story may seem unfinished, as if it is to be continued. It is complete, but the end is setting up the next story to come, and focuses on setting up one of the Stargate episodes that will be featured in it as a spoiler. I hope you enjoy it, and as always on any of my stories, I encourage and welcome your feedback!

Dedication: This story is dedicated to Tasha! She is fairly new to the world of Stargate! I hope you continue to enjoy my stories, Tasha, and want to welcome you into the realm of Sam and Jack! We’re glad to have you and your support of our favorite couple!

Sam walked out of the infirmary. Janet had just finished doing a routine examination of her and her teammates after they had returned from P4X-884 for the second time. It was Urgo’s planet, or rather Togar’s, his creator. As much as she had admittedly liked Urgo, she was glad to find that her thoughts were her own. The corridor around her was quiet as she made her way to the locker room to shower and change. It was something that she normally didn’t notice. Sure, there was the occasional overhead page, elevator doors opening, personnel passing by, and the occasional alarm. But since having Urgo removed from their brains, the quiet was something she swore she’d never take for granted again.

Sam rubbed the sides of her temples with her fingertips. A dull, steady headache had persisted to irritate her ever since they’d returned. Having gotten the all clear from Janet, she knew that this couldn’t be related to their latest mission. Knowing it had been a long couple of days trying to discover how to turn Urgo off and remove him, she chalked it up to a simple lack of sleep and fatigue. Arriving at the locker room, she found herself hoping that maybe with a hot shower and a change of clothes, her headache would just disappear like Urgo had.

Twenty minutes later, she walked into her lab, showered and changed, but her headache still persisted. Trying to quiet the dull ache, she had stopped by the infirmary for a couple of Tylenol before coming here. Hoping that maybe she could distract herself with one of her latest challenging projects, she picked up her notes and began reading over them. As she read through them, she furrowed her brow in confusion.

“This isn’t the order I left these in,” Sam said quietly to herself. Reaching for another pile, she noticed that they too were out of sequence. Looking over at her computer, she decided to compare them with her notes stored within the database. Picking up the two piles of paper, she turned around with determination, and ran straight into a lab technician who had just entered. Not reacting quick enough, she dropped the papers she’d been holding in her hand, sending them all over the floor in front of her.

The technician stumbled all over himself. “Major Carter! I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you.”

Sam gave him a quick, frustrated smile. “It’s alright. It was probably just as much my fault as yours. No big deal.” She sighed, squatting down to the ground as she started to round up the papers.

The lab technician, Henry, immediately followed her lead. “Here, let me help you. I didn’t mean to make you drop these. Now because of me, they’re out of order. I am so…”

Sam put her hand up and gave him a firm look. “Henry! It’s okay, really. They were already out of order.” As they continued picking up the notes, Sam had a thought. “Henry? You’ve been here most of the day, right? Has anyone been in my lab that shouldn’t have been?”

Henry gave her a puzzled look. “No, Ma’am, not that I’ve seen. But I’ve been in my lab most of the day. I was on my way in to borrow one of your calibrators when I ran into you.”

Sam furrowed her brow once more. “But it’s been quiet, right? No unusual sounds or activity?”

“No, Ma’am, not that I know of. I’ve been the only one here for most of the day. With respect, why are you asking? Is something missing?” Henry was trying his best to be of assistance. She looked tired to him, which was not characteristic of her.

Sam shook her head. “No, nothing. I thought my notes had been put in a different order than I had left them…but who knows. I probably did it myself without realizing it.”

Henry gave her a sympathetic smile. “Well, Ma’am, you have been working long hours lately. Maybe you just need to rest.”

As she finished collecting her notes, they both stood up. Looking down at them, she gave Henry’s comment some merit. “You know what, Henry? You’re right. Rest does sound good right now. Maybe I’ll head home for the evening.”

Henry gave her a genuine smile. “I think you’ll feel better if you do.”

Sam walked past him towards her computer. “Thanks, Henry. I appreciate your help in picking these up.”

“You’re welcome. If you need anything else before you leave, I’ll be across the hall.” Walking over to the spare calibrator, he picked it up and walked out, leaving her to her own thoughts.

She could feel her headache starting to intensify. Deciding that putting her notes back in order now would only cause her head greater pain, she looked up at the clock. 2000 hours. She sighed. She usually could get so much work done during this time with most of the base gone for the evening. She was planning on just staying on base for the night, but suddenly her own bed sounded really good.

Walking over to her filing cabinet, she unlocked it and took out the folder that contained her notes on the imaging disks that the aliens had used to impersonate them in the recent foothold of the base. She had made some detailed sketches of them, and had also spent a great deal of time analyzing how they might work before they were taken to Area 51. With their latest mission as a distraction, she hadn’t had time to compile her theories.

‘Maybe if I go home, I can get rid of this headache and actually get some work done.’ Her thoughts gave her a little more confidence in leaving, so she put the file in her bag, locked up the filing cabinet, and headed out of her lab. On her way past Henry’s lab, she popped her head in.

“Henry, I’m taking off. I’ve got a headache I can’t seem to shake. I think you’re idea of rest should do the trick. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Henry smiled at her. “See you then. I hope you’re able to get some rest.”

“Thanks. Good night.” With that, Sam continued down the corridor and to the elevators that would take her to the surface. As she waited for them to open, her thoughts went to Jack. She really wanted to see him, to feel his arms around her. That would be the best medicine she could ask for. As the doors opened, she hesitated for a moment.

‘He’s probably up to his elbows in paperwork, Sam. You can see him tomorrow.’ As her thoughts pushed her onto the elevator, she sighed sadly. ‘Man, I must be really tired! That was too easy.’

Not thirty seconds after the doors had closed, taking Sam to the surface and towards home, Jack walked past them, heading towards her lab with a slight smile on his lips at the thought of seeing her. Reaching her doorway, he immediately frowned in disappointment at not finding her in there. He expected to see her mulling over a problem he couldn’t even say, so it surprised him when she wasn’t there.

Hearing an instrument in use in the lab across the hall, Jack poked his head in to see if by chance she was in there. Frowning again, he only saw a technician that he’d seen working with Sam on occasions. Clearing his throat, he spoke up.

“Um, excuse me…Harry?” Jack winced slightly at the confused looked the man gave him. He was terrible with names, and he’d be darned if he could remember this guy’s.

Henry gave him a half irritated smile. “It’s Henry, Sir. What can I do for you, Colonel O’Neill?”

Jack swore he heard a sarcastic tone in that statement. Pushing the thought aside, he continued. “Sorry…Henry. You don’t happen to know where Major Carter is, do you?”

“Actually, Sir, you just missed her. She said she had a headache and was heading home for the evening. You just missed her. She left only a few minutes ago.” Hesitating, he continued. “Was there something I can help you with?”

Jack shoved aside his instant concern long enough to answer him. “No, thanks. I’ll catch up with her later.” With that, he stepped out of the lab and started back towards his office. He had been looking for an excuse to escape his paperwork, and he thought paying Sam a visit would be just what he needed. Now what was he going to do? The last thing he wanted to do was go back and write mission reports.

Slowing his pace, his thoughts returned to what Henry had said. She left because she had a headache. He didn’t like the idea of her being in any kind of pain or discomfort. Ever since their date a few weeks ago, she had been constantly in his thoughts. Though they’d been able so far to push aside their attraction to an extent when they were on base, the occasional looks and smiles was enough to send his thoughts in a direction that wasn’t exactly professional. He longed to hold her again, to kiss her, and feel her heartbeat against his.

Suddenly, a smile formed on his lips. ‘This is perfect,’ he thought to himself excitedly. ‘This is the best excuse I could have hoped for to give her that little gift I bought last week. It’s sure to cheer her up!’ Picking up his pace, he walked with determination to his office to grab his keys and coat. All he had to do was stop by his house briefly and he could be on his way to her house within the hour. Then he could finally hold her as he’d been longing to do ever since their first date.

Sam pulled into her driveway and got out of her car. The night was cold, but not as cold as it had been. Indications of spring had begun to show all over the mountain, in the melting streams and the slowly budding trees. Snow still covered the ground, but instead of being hard and compact as in the heart of winter, it was now softer as it began to melt slowly in the warming sun each day.

Sam took in a deep cleansing breath, filling her lungs with the sharp, cold air, waking up her senses. Her headache had begun to dissipate on her way home, and as it did, she knew she’d made the right decision. Walking up to her front door, she unlocked it and slowly pushed it open as she readjusted the weight of the things she was carrying. Stepping up into her house as she did this, she about dropped the satchel she was holding. Fumbling for a moment, she placed her keys in her pocket in order to free up her other hand.

As she reached for the light switch, she suddenly heard an unfamiliar creak echo in the house around her. She froze in place. After a very short moment, she heard another one. Sam slowly put her things down as quietly as possible. Instinct taking over, she turned her head in the direction the sound had come from. It was coming from the study that was adjacent to her living room. Pining herself against the wall, she let her eyes adjust to the darkness before moving forward along the wall, creeping slowly like a cat on a hunt. Her heart was racing in her ears as the adrenaline in her body was kicked into high gear.

Knowing there were two exits to the study, she had to choose one to enter through. Without a weapon to use, she reached into her pocket and tightened her fingers around her keys. As she reached the frame of the doorway, she stopped and listened. Hearing nothing, she took in a silent breath of air before moving forward. Using her military training, she quickly surveyed the room in front of her as she quietly entered.

Before moving past the bookcases that still concealed her position from the rest of the room, she stopped. Someone was there. The room seemed empty enough, but her instincts told her otherwise. Not knowing which way to go first, she drew all her strength together and quickly pounced around the corner to her left, her body alert and ready to defend against the unseen threat. Not seeing anyone, she knew she’d chosen the wrong way to turn first. Whipping around as fast as she could, she barely had time to visualize an arm moving up towards her face to strike. With lightning speed, she brought her own arm up to block the attack. Without hesitating, she produced a powerful sidekick that contacted the unknown figure in the abdominal area. The kick sent her attacker flying back as the unknown person slammed into one of the bookcases. A slight groan was heard as the intruder attempt to regain their ground.

Sam didn’t waste any time. Moving forward, she came within reaching distance and threw out a forceful punch, her fist connecting solidly with the jaw of the other person. As she ducted a return punch, she failed to hear a second person coming up from behind her. As she straightened herself back to full height, strong gripping arms came around her, pinning her arms to her side. Struggling, she kicked out as she was slightly lifted off the ground, her feet once again slamming into the person in front of her who had come closer. Desperate to be free of her captor, she moved her hands into her pockets as best she could. Stretching her fingers, her skin made contact with the cold metal of her keys. Yanking them out, she twisted her wrists enough to reach back and stabbed at the side of the person holding her.

A yell escaped his lips as the key dug its way into flesh, creating a small gaping wound. Releasing her as he staggering back, she quickly turned around, deciding that it was safe enough to do so since apparently her last desperate kicks had sent her original attacker into a daze on the floor. Throwing herself forward, the heel of her hand slammed into the chest of the person who had just released her. In the same motion, she brought her foot up, and kicked out his legs from beneath him.

Sprawled out on the floor in obvious pain, Sam took her foot and placed it against his throat, applying pressure. Breathing hard, she spoke firmly, her voice echoing in the blackened room around her. “Who are you and what are you doing in my house?!!” When no response came, she applied more pressure, bending down long enough to remove the black ski mask from his face. Peering into the darkness, she didn’t recognize him, though she couldn’t make out much more than the structure of his face. “Who do you work for? Answer me!”

Piercing black eyes just stared up at her, defiant to the end. “Fine. Have it your way!” Sam reached over and picked up the phone. As she began to dial, she looked over her shoulder at the other intruder. Just as her brain registered that there was no longer a black form lying on the floor, she felt a tremendous force connect with the back of her head. Swirling gray became darker as she fell to the floor, the room fading from her sight as she lost consciousness.

Jack pulled up into Sam’s driveway, parking behind her car, and turned off his truck. Reaching over to the seat next to him, he picked up the gift he’d stopped by his house to get. Excitement at seeing her began to build even more as he got out of his truck and looked up at her house. The smile that was on his face quickly faded into a frown as he noticed that the house was dark. Had she gone to bed? Her car was in the driveway, so she had to be home.

But what sent his heart pumping harder in alarm was when he noticed that the front door stood partially open. Dropping his gift onto the driver’s seat, he reached behind the seat and drew out a slim lockbox. Quickly finding the key he needed, he unlocked the box and drew out his Glock 19 9mm handgun. Gently closing his door, he made his way up to her house. Flattening himself against the outside wall that was adjacent to her front door, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his desperately beating heart. Slowly reaching around, he pushed the door open the rest of the way with the tip of his gun. Grateful that her door didn’t squeak, he rushed forward, checking all immediate areas around him as he entered the house. Once everything in that area checked out, he pushed himself against the wall opposite the door and listened. Despite the sound of his blood pumping loudly in his ears, he was able to make out a muffled groan that sounded female. Sam.

It was coming from the study. Making his way slowly to the doorway, he looked around it, his gun at the ready. Searching out the darkness with a trained eye, he was able to make out Sam’s form lying on the ground in the middle of the room. She had begun to move, attempting to roll over onto her back. Objects had been thrown everywhere, indicating a struggle. Not wasting anymore time, he moved forward, checking all points around him. Assured that the room was empty, he moved over to where she was lying.

“Carter!” Jack whispered, trying to get her to come back to a fully conscious state. Anger boiled in his blood as he made out traces of blood on her fingers. Touching the back of her head as gently as he could, he found a small bump that was also bleeding slightly. Who could have done this to her? All Jack knew was that when he got his hands on them, they were going to wish that they’d never been born.

Covering her arm with his hand, he attempted to turn her over. “Carter? Can you hear me?” His whispers echoed eerily off the walls of the room.

Sam registered the pain in her head and the hand on her arm. Startled and ready to again try and defend herself, she rolled over quickly. But instead of reaching up to strike, she froze. Her eyes first met the gun. It wasn’t pointed at her, for the moment. Moving her eyes up to the face of the person holding it, she felt her body instantly relax when she recognized Jack’s eyes. She could see the seriousness in his face, yet could also sense the concern coming from his touch.

And then she heard his voice in tense, hushed tones. “Carter! Look at me. Are you okay?” His hand moved from her bicep to her face, cupping it gently. His eyes were full of concern and fear.

Sam nodded slowly. “I think so, Sir.” As she tried to lift her head, pain shot through her, sending stars into the realm of her vision. “Whoa!” She brought her hands to the top of her head, applying gentle pressure.

Jack winced. He could see she was in pain. Taking his hand from her face, he placed it on her shoulder. “Stay here,” he instructed, still speaking as quietly as possible. “I’m going to check the rest of the house. Use this if you have to.” He fished out a large pocketknife from the front pocket of his jeans. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Just lay still.”

Sam wasn’t going to argue with him. She knew in her dazed state that if she attempted to get up, she would just make matters worse. She waited, poised in the darkness, listening for any indication that would tell her where Jack was in the house. After what seemed like an eternity, but was in actuality only a few minutes, Sam saw the first light in the hall flip on as Jack closed and locked the front door. Walking towards the study, she heard his voice.

“I’m going to turn on the light in here. Close you eyes for a moment.” Sam did as she was instructed. Moments later, light flooded the room, causing her to squint despite her eyes being closed. Opening them slowly, she was finally able to make out his entire face. It was hovered over her, tension now replaced on it by a look of great concern.

“I didn’t find anyone in the house. Whoever the bastards were, they’re now gone. Do you think you can sit up?” Jack stroked her hair slowly, trying to do anything to make her feel safer.

Sam nodded slowly. “Yeah...I think I can manage it.” She felt her whole body complain as Jack helped her to sit up. Leaning against the side of the loveseat, she leaned her head back carefully and focused her eyes on Jack. She smiled. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Jack tried to smile, but found he couldn’t. “I’m just sorry that I wasn’t here early. What happened?”

Sam gave him the details as best as she could remember them. When she finished, she leaned her head back again and closed her eyes.

Jack watched her carefully. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to comfort her and let her know that it was okay. But his instincts told him to hold off. He needed more information. “Sam. Did you recognize either of them? What do you think they were looking for?”

Sam thought for a moment before opening her eyes suddenly, looking at him. “Well, that makes sense now. That’s why my notes were out of order.”

Jack looked confused. “What are you talking about?”

Sam looked at him. “When I first got back to my lab tonight, I discovered that my notes for several projects I was researching were out of order. I didn’t know how to explain it. So, I just assumed with all that had gone on in the last few days, I must have somehow done it myself.”

Jack was trying to be patient. “Sam. What do your notes have to do with the break-in?”

Sam voiced raised slightly, excited at finally figuring out the mystery that had been plaguing her mind. “Everything. They were looking for my notes. But they didn’t look in the right place.” Pausing briefly to collect her thoughts, she continued on. “Okay. Do you remember those alien devices that were used to mimic our appearances when we had that foothold situation a week ago?”

“Those little disk things they wore on their chests?”

“Exactly. Well, before they were taken to Area 51, I made some detailed sketches of them and had been doing research on how they worked. My thinking is, whoever broke in here tonight was looking for those notes. Somehow, they gained access to my lab, and when they couldn’t find them, they came here.”

“Where are they?” Jack was getting an ugly feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“They are here, with me. I brought them home to go over them. I’ve had them under lock and key in my lab. Sir, you don’t think…”

“NID.” Jack didn’t hesitate finishing for her. “It makes sense. They’re always snooping into our business, and I guess they figured that since the actual devices would be harder to get to, they’d come after the only other person who would have a handle on them.” Jack could feel his blood starting to boil again.

“But, Sir, how would they have known that I knew so much about them?”

Jack thought for a moment before tightening his jaw. “Oh, I don’t know,” he said, a sarcastic undertone in his voice. “Does the name Maybourne ring any bells?”

Sam looked at him, surprised. “Sir, I know that Colonel Maybourne can be a problem, but he was the one who helped me with the foothold situation.”

“Precisely! And he would also be the one who would know that you were the one to figure out how the devices worked and how to override them. I’m sure he just naturally assumed you’d be figuring out the rest in a matter of days. I can’t believe I actually gave that weasel the benefit of the doubt. Hell, I was downright pleasant to him when he came in to give you credit for saving the day!” Jack wanted to ring Maybourne’s neck.

Sam could see Jack’s frustration. “Sir, we can’t be for sure….” Sam stopped and brought her hands to her head as a streak of pain shot through it.

Jack quickly pushed aside his anger and placed a hand on her left leg. “Sam? Are you okay?”

“Well, I came home to get rid of my headache, but it seems I’ve acquired a larger one.” Sam brought one of her hands behind her head and lightly touched the bump on it. She winced.

Jack cursed himself. He should have been taking care of her first, and then concerned himself with what had happened. “I’m going to call a team in to do a sweep of the house. We need to make sure your house isn’t bugged. I’ll also call an ambulance. You need to get your head looked at.”

Sam put a hand over him arm, stopping him from getting up. “Call the team, that’s fine. But I don’t need an ambulance. Just a nice ice pack and some rest. Maybe you could…”

Jack quickly grabbed her hand and squeezed it. Looking at her firmly, he moved his head from side to side every so slightly. Without saying anything, Sam suddenly figured out what he was trying to tell her. He was reminding her that the house could be bugged, and anything that was being said could be heard, if someone was listening. She understood. They could only be a Colonel and a Major for right now.

Sam squeezed his hand back, giving him the signal that she understood. Smiling at him, she continued her sentence. “Maybe you could just help me to the couch. I’ll be fine.”

Jack smiled back at her. He was amazed at how well they worked together and how they understood one another. “I’ll help you to the couch, but I’m getting someone over here to look you over. Then if they decide you can stay, fine. But only if they say so.”

“I think I can live with that.” Sam sighed to herself as Jack gave her one last glance before getting out his cell phone to dial the base. Having Jack in her life like this was probably one of the best things that could have happened to her. She suddenly found it hard to imagine her life without him, and that was something she didn’t want to ever have happen.

“So you promise me, Sam? You’re going to rest for at least a few days? I don’t want to have to check you into a hospital to ensure that,” Janet said, giving her the watchful eye and waiting for her promise.

Sam smiled at her friend. “I promise, Janet. I’ll rest and take it easy.”

“That means no lab work, right?” Janet wasn’t completely convinced that Sam was going to follow her instructions. She’d never really known Sam to just relax.

“Don’t worry, Doc,” Jack said, coming up to stand next to Janet. He had just finished up with the team from the base, who luckily had found no evidence of bugging anywhere in the house. “I will make sure that Major Carter follows orders. You won’t find her anywhere near her lab in the next few day.”

Janet looked at him and smiled. She had recently started sensing a closer relationship between these two, and she felt confident that Jack would look after Sam. “I’m going to hold you to that, Colonel O’Neill.”

“Yes Ma’am!” Jack smiled at Janet. “So you’re giving her a clean bill of health?”

“Well, from everything I can see, she seems fine. She had a minor concussion on the back of the head where she was hit. But beyond that, she seems physically fine. But I want you to call me if anything changes: dizziness, headaches, or a feeling of weakness. And I want you to come by the base tomorrow for a more exclusive workup. Are we agreed?”

“I promise, Janet. Thanks for coming by.” Sam smiled up at her from the couch, trying to reassure her that she would do as she was told. Besides, she knew it would be pointless to do otherwise. Jack would make sure that she followed orders.

Janet gathered her supplies and made her way out of the house after saying goodnight to them. Jack closed the door after her and made sure that it was locked. Making his way back into the living room, he smiled and sat down next to Sam.

Reaching out, he brushed her cheek lightly with the back of his hand. “Can I get you anything?”

Sam smiled back at him, grateful to have him there with her. “No, I’m fine. Thanks for all you did tonight.”

“Well, I’ll come by and help you clean up your study in the morning. How’s your head?” Jack was relived that Janet had given her a relatively clean bill of health. He shuttered thinking about how much worse it could have been.

“It still hurts, but the ice pack is helping, and Janet gave me some strong pain killers that seem to be doing the trick.”

Jack looked at his watch. “Well, it’s time to get you to bed. I think you’ve had enough excitement for one evening.” Standing up, he surprised her by bending down and scooping her up into his arms.

Sam laughed lightly. “You know, Jack, I’m perfectly capable of walking.”

Jack grinned down at her, his face inches from hers. “Humor me, will ya? Maybe I want to complete my role as your knight in shining armor!”

Sam smiled up at him. Without hesitation, she gripped his neck a little more firmly, and as she brought her head up, her lips captured his in a light, caressing kiss.

Jack could feel the thrilling sensations rolling down his spine. He looked down at Sam, her eyes shining for the first time all night. “What was that for? Not that I’m complaining.”

Sam continued to smile at him, softening her voice. “Well, isn’t the knight in shining armor supposed to receive a kiss from the maiden he rescues?”

Jack laughed, loving how she made him feel. Bending his head down towards her, he returned her kiss with an equal tenderness. Her lips were so soft as he brushed his over them, taking in their texture and feel. As their lips parted, he briefly brushed her forehead with a kiss before bringing his head back up and began to carry her into the bedroom. He felt her head snuggle firmly against his shoulder as he walked. As feelings of contentment washed over him, he made a silent promise to do everything he could to keep her safe. She was beginning to define his life in more ways than he was ready to openly admit to himself. But his heart knew the truth: the feelings he had for her ran a lot deeper than just a simple caring.

Reaching her bedroom, he pulled back the covers as he placed her down on the bed. Sitting down next to her on the edge of the mattress, he smiled. “Now, what can I get you?”

Sam returned his smile, constantly amazed at how this man continued to surprise her. “A glass of water would be great, if you wouldn’t mind.”

“One glass of water coming up!” Jack got up and walked out of the room, heading towards the kitchen. As he was filling up the glass from the sink, he suddenly remembered the small gift he’d left out in his truck.

He walked back into her bedroom and handed her the glass. “I’ll be right back. There’s something I need to get from my truck.”

Sam looked at him with a confused expression. “Okay, I’ll be here.”

Within two minutes, Jack was back, smiling down at her as he held his hands behind his back. Sam gave him a suspicious look. “What’s behind your back?”

“Oh, come on! Let’s make this fun. Pick a hand.” Jack felt like a little kid as she smiled at him and pointed to his left arm. Bringing it out empty, he shrugged his shoulders. “Guess again!”

Sam couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, physics will devise that my only other choice is your right hand, so I choose that one.”

“An excellent choice, madam.” He pulled his hand out from behind his back. Sitting comfortably in it was a small plush teddy bear. It was dark brown and had a bright red bow tied to the side of its neck. It’s fur gleamed silky and soft in the light, and in between its front paws, it held a white satin heart-shaped pillow, with the simple phrase “Thinking Of You” stitched on it in red thread.

As Sam took it from him, she could feel emotion welling up in her eyes. Looking at it with a smile, she touched its face. “He has your eyes.” Cuddling the bear close to her heart, she looked up at him. “Thank you! I absolutely love it!”

Jack took his seat again on the edge of her bed. “Well, it may be a little silly, but I thought that maybe he would keep you company at night. And when we’re not together, you can look at him and he’ll remind you that I’m thinking of you.”

Sam took his hand in hers. “It’s not at all silly. In fact, it’s the best gift I’ve gotten in a long time. And since it comes from you, it means that much more.” Looking into his eyes, she found the room fading away, leaving only him. Reaching out with her hands, she gripped the sides of his face and brought him to her. Finding his lips, she kissed him with the emotion in her heart. As he moved his lips over hers, she shuttered from the emotion they were invoking in her. Wanting more, she pressed harder, kissing him with such intensity that it surprised her.

Jack felt her need. He was experiencing the same gut-wrenching emotion. As their tongues found each other, he probed deeper, pulling her into his arms as they moved down onto their sides together. Her hands massaged his back as his lips moved from her mouth to her neck, kissing it hungrily.

“Jack,” Sam said breathlessly.

“Sshhh.” He found her lips again as the fire inside continued to grow. As he kissed her, he felt her hands move from his back to his stomach. She pulled at his shirt, and within moments, he felt her fingers on the skin of his abdomen. Her touch seemed to electrify every nerve in his body. She began working his shirt up towards his head, and breaking briefly from the kisses, she pulled it up all the way over his head.

As she stretched her body to get the shirt off, Jack captured her neck with his lips again. Rolling up on top of him, Sam brought her lips down to his chest and caressed it with her lips, making her way up to his neck, returning the kisses he’d been giving her. Jack’s hands found the bottom of her shirt, and lifting it up slightly, he moved his hands up under it and fingered her back. She arched up at the touch of his fingers. Jack sat up, moving her with him, and found her mouth as he continued to move her shirt higher.

Sam took over for him and drew it up and over her head, leaving nothing on the upper part of her body but the black silk and lace bra she had on. They looked at each other for a moment, passion flooding their eyes. Jack drew his eyes away from hers and moved them down her body. Bending his head down, his lips found the top of her breasts just above the fabric of the bra. He felt her shudder at his touch, and gathering her into his arms, he laid her down on her back, her head resting on the pillow. Smiling down at her, he moved over her and bent his head down to kiss her once more.

As Sam pressed her head into the pillow, welcoming his kiss, a sharp pain shot through her head. Letting out a muffled cry, Jack quickly moved off her, concern on his face. His breath a little heavy, he found his voice. “What’s the matter? Is it your head? Talk to me!”

Sam was holding her head with her hands again, her face scrunched up slightly. Bringing her arms down, she looked over at him. “I’m so sorry. I guess I pressed a little too hard on that knot on the back of my head. I’m okay. It was a sudden sharp pain. It just took me by surprise.”

Jack sighed. “Well, I think that’s a good indication that we need to stop…as much as I don’t want to.” He kissed her again, this time lightly on the lips, but still just as passion-filled.

Sam looked at him, longing in her eyes. “I don’t want you to stop.”

It took all of Jack’s restraint to stay where he was, lying next to her on his side. All he wanted to do was to make love to her, to take her completely. “I know…I don’t want to either, but Sam, if you get worse instead of better, ol’ Doc Fraiser will have my head! Then where will we be?”

Sam sighed heavily in disappointment. “I suppose you’re right.”

Jack smiled at her. “I’m holding you to a rain check on this, though. I want to finish what we started.”

Sam caressed his cheek with her hand. “I’m counting on it.”

Jack looked over her shoulder at the clock. “Well, if you’re going to get any rest, I’d better get going.”

As he started to get up to reach for his shirt, Sam put her hand firmly on his arm, gripping it. “Don’t go, please Jack. Stay with me. I don’t want to be alone tonight. Could you just hold me?”

As her eyes pleaded with his, he knew he couldn’t tell her no. Bringing his hand to the side of her face, his thumb gently rubbed her cheek. “Of course I’ll stay.”

Without another word, Sam moved over as Jack took off his shoes and climbed under the covers. Gathering her into his arms, he held her tightly for a moment before reaching over and switching off the bedside lamp. They laid there in the darkness, feeling one another’s bodies pressed against the other. Sam laid her head on his chest, and he brought his arms around her, holding her close to his heart. As their breathing began to match in slow, easy breaths, they slowly drifted off to sleep.

That night, they slept soundly. And though they shifted ever so often, their connection was never broken. Holding each other closely in peaceful sleep, their hearts began to sing to one another a song that was rarely heard, except between soulmates.

Later the next day, they found themselves at the base. Janet had called earlier that morning, waking them both up from pleasant dreams. She wanted to see Sam for her checkup ASAP. Groaning over the phone, Sam told her that she’d be at the base in a little while.

Jack reluctantly drove home, telling her that he’d catch up with her there. He just wanted to go home and shower and change. Arriving at the base an hour after he left Sam, he poked his head into the infirmary to make sure she’d gotten there okay. Of course to Janet, it appeared that he was just saying good morning to both of them. Exchanging glances, Jack left Sam in the capable hands of her doctor and headed up to see General Hammond about the break-in.

After last night, he’d had enough of the NID. Attacking Sam was the final straw. He wasn’t going to sit by and wait for them to make their next move. Something had to be done, and soon. Knocking on the General’s door, he entered, and closed the door behind him.

General Hammond looked up from his desk. “Good Morning, Colonel O’Neill. By the look on your face, I take it you’re here to talk about the break-in at Major Carter’s house last night.”

Jack sat down with a thump. He could already feel his blood starting to boil again. His thoughts kept returning to the pictures of Sam lying in the middle of her study, bleeding and semi-conscious. He tightened his fists. “Yes, Sir, I am. Something has to be done to stop them. I’m sorry, general, but what they did last night was beyond wrong!”

General Hammond held up his hands. “I know, Jack, but we can’t be sure it was the NID.”

Jack couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Oh please! Who else would have known about Carter’s research notes? That slime-bag weasel Maybourne was probably the one who tipped them off! Hell! He’s probably leading them.”

“I understand your frustrations. But before you continue, hear me out. I’ve got some pretty reliable sources in Washington that can finger the NID for what happened. And it seems they’ve been pretty busy as well, possibly off world.”

Jack’s head flew up. “What? What are you talking about? How would they get off world?”

“I’m going to explain. I’ve formulated a plan that might just help to expose them. But you must first know that what I’m about to tell you has to stay in this office. You’ll understand after I explain. You also should know that this plan is going to involve the Tolans….”

Jack sat back and listened as the General explained what he’d come up with. Thinking of Sam and what had happened, he couldn’t afford to not take any action. And this plan might just do the trick. After the General had finished, Jack simply looked at him and nodded firmly. “I’ll do it.”

Keeping Sam safe was all that mattered. No matter what he had to do, he intended to keep that silent promise he’d made to himself last night as he carried her to her bedroom. As he left the General’s office and closed the door, he stopped and took in a deep breath. “I’m doing this for you, Sam.” Moving forward, he left the briefing room area and headed back down towards the infirmary to check on her.

Next story---> "Whispers Of Doubt"

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