Alternate Reality Bytes 3
Cold Case File
by Dragonfly Promises
URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asd/dpromises/arbytes03.php
Summary: An incident on the job prompts the reopening of an unsolved murder case. Can Jack and his detective team solve the cold case file with help from an unexpected quarter or will the killer remain free?
Detective Samantha Carter hugged the brick wall of the alley as she peered around the corner of the building into the shared courtyard. Abandoned pieces of rusted, twisted debris and stacks of garbage and overgrown weeds filled the tenement patio. She looked behind her and saw her colleague, Detective Daniel Jackson, a few feet away with weapon drawn, watchful of her and of the scene before him. Behind him stood two uniformed officers, collectively known as Unit One-Five-Charlie. She peeked back around the corner as she made double sure the safety was off on her gun. This was supposed to have been a simple pickup and interrogation. Their lead detective, Jack O'Neill, had insisted she and Daniel take a couple of uniforms with them because the neighborhood was one of the more unsavory ones in the city. At the time, she had thought it unnecessary. Now she was glad they did. She tried to determine if their suspect was hiding behind some of the junk in the courtyard or if he had gained access into one of the four buildings that backed onto the square. And if into one of the buildings, which one? She looked up at the windows. Most were filthy through years of neglect. Some were cracked with masking tape keeping them held together, others were so completely broken no amount of tape could help. Some were actually open with sheers hanging outside, the breeze catching them, making them move. Of course, it could just as easily be a person behind them making them move, she thought with a knot in her stomach. She turned and silently signaled the men behind her before taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Carefully, she stepped out from the safety of the alley and in a running crouch, made it to the first stack of debris. She turned to see Daniel watching her back, his eyes briefly scanning the area again before he nodded for her to continue. She slowly rose and peered over the top of the stack with her gun aimed at anything that might move. There was nothing there and she quickly dropped back down into her crouch. She looked to Daniel and shook her head then motioned for him to come on over. He looked upwards at the windows and blew out a deep breath. As she covered him, he made his own crouching mad dash to reach her.
"Glad you could join me," she whispered.
"Did you see where he went?" he whispered back.
"No, he was too far ahead." She looked back to the alley where the two cops were watching them.
"He could already be in and out through any of these buildings." Daniel looked up at the windows again. "Maybe we should call for more backup and run a canvas."
Just as Carter was about to reply, the back door to the building opposite of them opened and a woman with a small child stepped out.
"Damn!" Carter hissed as she pointed Daniel's attention in their direction.
"Ah, geez." They so didn't need this.
Daniel waved his arms to gain the woman's attention. She caught sight of him and hesitated, clutching her child to her leg. Daniel held up his badge and tried to wave her back inside the building but the woman acted confused and frightened so he pointed to the cops in the alley, gesturing for her to come over. Relief flooded the woman's face as she saw the uniforms and she grabbed the child's hand to run forward. No sooner had she passed a large stack of refuse did their suspect pop out and grab her from behind. The child went sprawling forward onto the ground and the woman screamed. The suspect held his gun to the base of the woman's throat as he dragged her backwards towards the building, using her as a shield. Daniel scrambled forward with Carter covering him to retrieve the crying child. He snatched the little girl up and took her to the two uniformed cops before moving back into place by Carter. She still had her gun trained on the criminal and knew he could have shot Daniel if he had wanted to. That told her he was more interested in escape than anything else but she knew that could change in a millisecond. The man was trying to open the door the woman had exited from but without any luck. It appeared that it self-locked from the inside. He screamed at the woman for her key to the back door and she pleaded with him to let her go, she didn't own a back door key. Carter could see this was going to get ugly real fast.
She lifted her radio to her mouth. "One-Five-Central, this is Detective Carter on site with Unit One-Five-Charlie. Do you copy? Over."
"Unit One-Five-Charlie, this is One-Five-Central. We copy. Over."
Carter continued. "One-Five-Central, we are requesting additional backup at this location. We have a hostage situation and need a negotiator and SWAT team on site as well as medical personnel on standby. Do you copy? Over."
"Unit One-Five-Charlie, this is One-Five-Central. Request for additional backup and SWAT team is being dispatched now. ETA is approximately ten minutes. Over."
Daniel looked away from the man who had edged to another door and was kicking at it in frustration when it didn't open and turned his gaze to Carter. "Do you think we can keep him from killing her for another ten minutes?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. It doesn't look like he's going to be able to get into any of the buildings and the only other way out is back through the alley." She pursed her lips in thought. "Daniel, when you were a profiler, didn't you used to have to negotiate a lot, talk to these guys, get in their heads?"
Daniel frowned. "Serial killers are a whole different creature, Sam."
"But maybe you could talk to him, just stall long enough for the negotiator to get here."
Daniel didn't really like the idea but he didn't see they had much of a choice if mother and child were ever going to be reunited. He nodded and then tucked his gun into the back of his trousers beneath his suit coat where he could easily reach it if needed. He slowly stood up. His movement caught the gunman's attention and he raised his gun to point it at Daniel.
Daniel lifted his hands in submission. "Don't shoot! I don't have a gun, see? I just want to talk. Can we talk? You don't want to hurt the lady. We know that. Why don't you just put the gun down and let her go?" Daniel slowly began to edge forward. He glanced back briefly and saw Carter was covering him, her weapon trained on the suspect's every movement.
"I didn't wanna hurt nobody. I just can't go back to prison." The man waved his gun around as he looked at Daniel pleadingly.
Daniel nodded. "I understand. My name is Daniel. Your name is Larry, right? Can I call you Larry? Larry, we know you didn't mean to hurt anybody. It was an accident. But taking this lady, this is no accident. You're scaring her. Her little girl is over there crying for her mother."
The man shifted from one foot to the other, indecisive how to proceed. Daniel looked back to Carter who shrugged and shook her head. She didn't know what else to do to stall the man. Daniel turned back around.
"I'm going to take a few steps closer so we don't have to shout so much. Is that okay?"
"What about her?" The man jabbed his gun in Carter's direction.
"She's going to stay where she is. As long as you keep your head, nobody gets hurt. I promise."
The offender returned his gun to his hostage's neck. "Okay, but no funny stuff. You can come as far as that box but no closer."
Daniel nodded and with raised hands slowly approached the box in question. Carter felt her mouth going dry. Daniel was in an extremely dangerous position at this point and she prayed that he had remembered to wear his vest today. From her vantage point, he seemed to be carrying on an active conversation with the man but since he had moved closer to the suspect, she couldn't catch every word. Nor could she tell if he was really making progress or not.
Daniel tried commiserating with the man in front of him, reassuring him nothing was going to happen to him. That it was all a misunderstanding and that he was sure they could resolve it peaceably if the man surrendered now. He tried calming the frightened woman as well, telling her it would be all right. Murmuring soothing words to her and the suspect both. And in the back of his mind he kept wondering where the hell their backup was.
Movement from the alley caught Carter's attention and she briefly glanced in its direction. She caught a glimpse of SWAT logos on jackets before she quickly returned her attention to Daniel. They must have made the run with lights only, she hadn't heard any sirens.
A slender, blond man in a jacket labeled 'negotiator' sidled up to Carter. "I presume you are Detective Carter."
She nodded then pointed towards Daniel. "Detective Jackson is trying to calm our suspect." She eyed the man next to her. "How do you plan to move in and take his place?"
The man watched the scene before him. "I don't. He seems to be handling it okay."
Carter's eyes widened slightly. "Daniel is not an official negotiator. That's your job."
"My job is to evaluate and if necessary, put myself in position to negotiate. Your detective is already filling my shoes. Any attempt to replace him at this point will break whatever rapport he has with the criminal and then all bets are off." He looked at her. "Is that what you want?"
Carter set her jaw at the man's patronizing tone. "Of course not."
He nodded. Then she saw him lift his finger to his ear and realized he was adjusting a radio device inserted there. Apparently, he was listening to his fellow team members relay information. He looked back to her. "We have a sniper in place on one of the roofs. If things go south, we're ready."
Carter looked at him, incredulous at the turn of events. An hour ago, this was supposed to have been a simple pickup.
"Look," Daniel continued, "Let the woman come to me and then you and I can walk out together. No one is going to hurt you if I'm walking out with you."
The man hesitated. He looked at Daniel, then at Carter, then at the others filling the alley.
He finally nodded. He told Daniel to come closer and as he released the woman, he reached for Daniel to take her place. Neither Daniel nor the suspect ever heard the gun go off.
~~
Detective Jack O'Neill was acting commander while his boss Lieutenant George Hammond was in a closed-door meeting with upper brass. Jack didn't know what this particular meeting was about. It seemed like there were so many of them nowadays, most of them frivolous in Jack's opinion. Especially, if the city council - led by Councilman Kinsey – was involved. Jack walked out of the break-room, sipping his coffee, reading the labeled folders in his hand. He crossed the squad room and handed the set of folders to his colleague and friend, Detective Teal'c Murray, who was seated at his desk.
"These are three people we need to interview on that missing persons case. They all have records and match the description our witnesses gave as the person the victim was last seen with."
Murray accepted the folders and looked up at Jack. "Have you not heard yet from Samantha Carter or Daniel Jackson?"
Jack shook his head. "I sent them out on a run earlier. I thought they would have been back by now with our suspect." He paused and corrected himself. "Excuse me, our 'person of interest' as it is referred to nowadays."
"I find it indeed troubling that they have not yet returned."
Jack was poised to answer when he caught a glimpse of his two detectives as they came into sight. Daniel stormed past the doorway, heading down the hall to the locker rooms. Jack was shocked at what looked like smeared blood down one side of Daniel's face and on his clothes. Carter followed at a slower pace, her eyes looking haunted as she glanced in their direction before following Daniel into the locker room. Jack and Murray looked at each other and then quickly moved to follow.
As they reached the door, they could hear yelling and slamming of locker doors. They walked in to find Carter seated on one of the benches near where they all shared locker space, her body leaning forward, elbows resting on thighs, her head dropped down.
They looked in Daniel's direction – his coat was on the floor. His gun, wallet, glasses, and badge were tossed on the bench.
Daniel was stripping his shirt off, barely bothering to take time with the buttons, popping off a couple in his haste. "They didn't have to do that Sam! There was no reason for it," he yelled. He took the shirt and tried wiping more of the blood off his face and out of his hair before throwing it to the ground. "They didn't even know what we had agreed to!" He pulled at the Velcro tabs of his vest and yanked it off along with his t-shirt, tossing it into the locker. He began kicking off his shoes as he unbuckled and unzipped his pants. "I had it under control! The guy was giving up!"
Jack started to interrupt but Carter held her hand up to stop him. Daniel continued to rant as he let the trousers drop to his ankles. "The woman had already been released! He would have walked out with me!" He sat down on the bench next to his locker and kicked off the pants, then bent over to pull his socks off.
"Daniel," Carter quietly started. "He still had the gun. From where we were it looked like he was raising it at you after he had released the woman."
"He wasn't going to shoot me!" Daniel yelled as he stood back up and reached into the back of his locker.
"You don't know that," she countered.
Jack looked at an angry Daniel standing there naked except for his briefs, ransacking his own locker. Assessing the cliff-notes version that had just played out before him of what had happened in the field, Jack came to a quick conclusion. "Sounds like Carter is right Daniel."
Daniel turned to him with a shampoo bottle in his hand and snapped out, "Funny, Jack. I don't seem to recall you being there."
"I'm just saying..."
"Well, don't!" Daniel snapped back. Then he reached down and grabbed a clean towel off the bench and with a barely restrained voice added, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go wash what's left of someone's brains out of my hair."
~~
They could hear the shower turn on from where they were and Jack turned to look at Carter. She was rubbing her hands together then she ran them over her face and through her hair. She looked tired. Murray was now seated next to her, close but not quite touching. Jack knew about the two of them just as they knew about him and Daniel. Still, while they were at work, discretion had to be maintained and only gestures of friendship could be overtly allowed.
"How about you? You okay?" Jack asked her.
She nodded. "Yeah. It's just," she paused, "I've seen a lot of people hurt over the years. A lot of injuries, a lot of gunshot wounds. I've never seen anyone shot in the head before." She swallowed hard at the memory and found Murray was squeezing her hand trying to comfort her.
Jack blew out a breath. He knew what it was like. And it was pretty bad. Nightmare worthy bad. And if he knew his Daniel like he thought he did, tonight was going to be rough.
"So...Tell me what happened." Jack prompted her.
Carter filled Jack and Murray in on what had taken place. From the moment Jack gave them the assignment to the moment the bullet blew out one side of the man's skull all over a stunned Daniel and a screaming, hysterical woman. Seeing all that blood and gray matter covering Daniel had nearly sent Carter into shock too. If the marksman had been the slightest bit off......She kept asking Daniel if he was okay but he just stood there, frozen, blinking. A paramedic handed her a towel and she tried to clean off as much of the horrendous mixture she could. Just as she was about to ask the paramedics to check him out, Daniel snapped out of it and began yelling at the officers. They didn't seem too bothered by what had taken place and she'd had to drag away a pissed-off Daniel to keep a fight from breaking out. Then she brought him back to the station to get cleaned up.
Jack studied her a moment before he spoke. "I want you to take the rest of the afternoon off. Take some lost time, whatever. I'll let Hammond know what's up. You know, of course, you'll have to see the department shrink on this one?"
She nodded. "What about Daniel? I mean it's one thing to see it happen, it's another thing to be standing right next to it when it does."
"I'll see to Daniel. Murray, you take off too, make sure she gets home." He looked back to Carter. "Tomorrow, first thing, you make that appointment with Doctor MacKenzie."
Carter nodded and moved over to her locker to store away her vest and gun. Jack thought she was going to say something to him but she seemed to change her mind and shook her head instead. He watched as she and Murray left together and then Jack stepped back into the squad room for a moment to let their office assistant, Walter, know where everyone was at in case Hammond inquired. When he returned to the locker room, the sound of the shower had stopped but there was no sign of Daniel. Jack walked back to the showers and found Daniel with a towel wrapped around his waist sitting on a bench, body slumped forward, head dropped, staring at the floor. Jack grabbed a clean towel and moved over to Daniel and began drying his hair for him.
"You're not supposed to do that," came a mumble from under the towel.
"Do what?" Jack innocently asked.
"Do any 'beyond friendship' kinds of things in public," came another muffled reply.
"Well, I'm not seeing anybody around at the moment. Do you want me to stop?"
There was a slight hesitation before he heard a soft "No.".
Jack smiled and continued to rub the towel over Daniel's hair. "You want to talk about it?"
"No."
"You know that Hammond is going to order you and Carter to see the department shrink, right? So you might as well call first thing tomorrow and set up an appointment with MacKenzie and get it over with. It's what I told Carter to do."
"Whatever."
A smirk appeared on Jack's face. Sometimes talking to Daniel was like dealing with a kid and it never ceased to amaze Jack the diversity that was Daniel. One moment he could be the sharpest, brightest, most caring and generous man Jack had ever known. Then on the turn of a dime he could be the snarkiest, most petulant, son of a bitch you could ever come across. Daniel had been known to deliver some of the most clever and evil barbs and witticisms Jack had ever heard. It was something Jack enjoyed witnessing – unless it was directed at him, that is. Of course, being known for his own sarcastic wit, most people would consider him a little biased.
Jack looked down at the bent head. "You got a change of street clothes to put on?"
"Just got a change of underclothes. Been meaning to bring an extra shirt and pants to replace the ones I wore to O'Malley's the last time we went there after work but I keep forgetting."
"Okay. Well, I've got an extra shirt and a pair of jeans in my locker that you can wear."
"Uh, we're not the same size, Jack."
Jack dropped the towel from Daniel's now semi-dry hair to his shoulders. "We're close enough."
"Your legs are longer."
"And your thighs are bigger, so what?"
Daniel frowned. "Your hips are wider."
"And your butt is rounder so it's not like they're gonna slide off before you get home. You gonna wear them or not?"
Daniel shrugged. "Yeah, guess so."
"Okay then." Jack moved back to the lockers and Daniel followed, drying off his arms and chest along the way.
Jack opened his locker and retrieved the shirt and jeans and handed them to Daniel. He looked down at the pile of discarded clothing on the floor. "What do you want to do about those?" Jack asked.
Daniel's jaw tightened. "Throw them out."
Jack started to say something then decided better. He crossed the room and grabbed a garbage bag and began picking up the clothes while Daniel got dressed. As Daniel slipped on the jeans and began to zip them up he paused and looked at Jack wide-eyed. "I stripped off in front of Sam."
Jack grinned. "Well, it's not like she hasn't seen your ass before. Or are you forgetting that skimpy little patient's gown you wore while chasing a killer through Memorial hospital?"
Daniel's face flushed at the memory.
Jack grinned wider at the sight. "Finish getting dressed and I'll see if Hammond is back. If he is, I'll fill him in and then we're on our way home."
Technically, they each had separate places but Daniel spent more time at Jack's than he did his own so whenever the phrase 'home' was used, both naturally assumed it was Jack's place. They had kept both places for general appearances sake and occasionally it had come in handy. But if it were up to Jack, Daniel would always be in his bed in 'their home' and nowhere else.
~~
After they had gotten home and had eaten dinner, Daniel headed to the bedroom to change into something more comfortable. Already having changed clothes, Jack plopped down into his recliner with a beer and began to channel-surf, trying to find something soothing for Daniel to watch on television. His attempts to get Daniel to talk were thwarted each time so he backed off, giving Daniel some space. As he continued flipping through the different programs, he thought about how much Daniel enjoyed educational shows so he scanned to the obvious choice. He stopped on the Discovery Channel just as a lion ripped out the throat of a gazelle. Jack pursed his lips. Okay, maybe not such a good choice after all. He continued to press the remote.
Jack looked up when Daniel finally reappeared wearing a t-shirt, sweat pants, and socks. His arms were wrapped around his chest in a self-hug and to Jack, his hair looked a little damp. He moved over to stand next to Jack. "Anything on television worth watching?"
Jack shrugged. "Not really. Here you find something."
Jack handed the remote to Daniel who immediately began his own channel-surfing. He too landed on the Discovery Channel, this time just as a pack of hyenas were ripping apart some poor unfortunate animal and devouring it. Their feral little faces were covered with blood and they smacked with contentment as they ate their meal. Jack winced and looked up at Daniel just as Daniel reached down and snagged Jack's beer. He took a couple of swigs before handing it back to Jack, his eyes never leaving the screen.
"You want me to get you a beer?" Jack asked, concerned.
Daniel shook his head and began channel-surfing again. He landed on a program about ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs and handed the remote back to Jack. For some reason, Daniel seemed to find ancient cultures or just about anything educational interesting while Jack preferred programs revolving around military history or sports. The only genres they both agreed on were programs that seriously dealt with real world criminology or the occasional National Geographic special.
Daniel moved over to the couch and sat down, curling his legs up under him and pulling a pillow into his lap, hugging it to himself. Jack frowned but said nothing. After a few more minutes of silence, Daniel spoke.
"I can still feel it," he said, continuing to face the television.
Jack's brow furrowed. "What's that?"
"I can still feel it." Daniel repeated and then turned to face him. "His head exploded like a soft melon and I could feel the side of my face covered with something warm and sticky and lumpy. The smell was almost sweet-like. It didn't register at first what it was, like my mind didn't understand." He swallowed hard but continued. "When I did, I was horrified, couldn't move. Sam tried to help get it off but it was everywhere. In my hair, on my face, on my clothes, in my ear." He turned back to the TV screen. "I keep trying to wash it off but I can still feel it."
Jack's mouth had dropped open as the words were spoken. Now it closed tight in anguish for his lover. He set the beer down and moved over to the couch. He removed the pillow from Daniel's lap and pulled him into his arms, wrapping himself around Daniel, holding him tight.
Daniel rested his head in the curve of Jack's shoulder and snuggled himself against Jack's side. Jack carded his fingers through Daniel's hair and then leaned his head a little to kiss Daniel on the top of his head. Daniel squeezed him back. No words passed and none needed to. They watched television in silence for some time until Jack heard a light snoring coming from the man he held. He gently roused Daniel awake just enough to walk him to the bedroom and get him settled into the bed for the night.
~~
His eyes fluttered opened. Something had awakened him. He looked around and saw the room was still dark. Only soft light filtering through the window broke the shadows. He sat up and saw the moon shining brightly across the covers on his bed and landing on his stuffed teddy bear sitting in its little chair. He frowned at the toy. He was getting too old for that baby stuff now. He was more interested in things like the telescope his dad had bought him. He slipped out from under the blankets and quietly moved over to the window. The stars filled the night sky, twinkling at him full of secrets and promises. He smiled back at them and pressed his nose against the glass, fogging the pane. He giggled and wiped the window clear with his pajama sleeve and stared back up at the stars some more, caught up in wonder at their beauty and sheer numbers. Then he heard the voices. They sounded like they were arguing, like they were angry. He frowned and left the window. He moved to the doorway of his room and listened some more. One of the voices sounded like his father's. He didn't recognize the other man's voice. Then he heard his mother softly speak before she was cut off by the strange man talking over her. Daniel tried to understand what was being said but he was too far away from the living room to hear clearly. He quietly slipped out of his room and padded down the long hallway in sock-clad feet. He slowed as he approached the living room. He knew better than to walk in there when adults were arguing, he wasn't some naive little kid like that Johnny next door. So he hugged the wall as he peeked around the corner. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a single table lamp and a small fire in the fireplace. The stranger's back was to him and Daniel's father and mother stood side-by-side facing the man. He could see they were not happy. Daniel's mother tried to appear firm and unafraid but Daniel could tell she was scared because her hand gripped his father's arm as though holding on for dear life. But his father wasn't scared. His father was angry. Daniel had never seen him so angry. All of a sudden the strange man pulled out a gun and aimed it at his father. Daniel's eyes widened in horror as the first bullet hit his father and then a second and a third. He could hear his mother scream, saw her drop to her knees next to his father's collapsed form on the floor. Then with tears streaming down her face she turned to the man and began screaming at him in anger now. Daniel saw the gun raised and aimed at her. For some reason, he didn't hear the shot. But it must have happened because he saw the surprised look on her face as she fell sideways in slow motion over onto the body of his father. Her face was turned towards Daniel and her eyes widened as she saw him and she gasped as she reached out towards him. Then Daniel jumped as he heard the gun go off again and his mother was no longer moving, her outstretched hand lying still. Daniel wanted to scream. In his mind he was screaming. But it wasn't coming out. It was lodged in his throat, little gurgling sounds taking its place instead. Stunned, he fell backwards onto his butt staring at the dead figures that were his parents, lying on the floor. Then as the stranger began to move, some kind of self-survival instinct kicked in and Daniel began to scoot along the floor backwards, flipping over onto his knees, crawling away as fast as he could then finally scrambling back to his feet, running, trying to find some place, any place, to hide. He grabbed the handle to the hall closet but it slipped in the grasp of his sweaty palms. He tried again, using his pajama sleeves to help open it. He ducked quickly inside. There was no lock on the door so he scooted back into the corner behind the long coats his parents wore. Coats, jackets, sweaters and shoes filled the tiny room with a musty outdoorsy smell. He drew his legs up close to his body and wrapped his arms around them as he tried to calm his gasping breaths. He could hear the man moving about as though looking for something. Then he heard the footsteps coming towards the closet. They paused a moment and then they were approaching again. Daniel drew himself as far into the corner as he could squeeze and dropped his head down onto his arms pulling himself into the smallest little ball he could. He felt himself begin to shiver and shake at the sound of the handle turning and he closed his eyes tightly, in the child-like hopes that it would somehow make him invisible. He heard the man's heavy breathing and the hairs on his neck stood on end. The man reached in and removed a coat from one of the hangers and Daniel could hear him slip it on. Daniel was shaking uncontrollably now and he thought a whimper must have escaped him because the man paused and seemed to become quite still as if listening. And then it happened again. A small whimper escaped him and he heard the rustle of the man's coat as he moved forward and pulled the hanging coats apart. Daniel thought his heart was going to pound through his chest and he squeezed his eyes even tighter. Suddenly, he felt the man's fingers card through his hair and that was when the screams finally escaped their prison......
Jack grunted as Daniel kept tossing and turning. He had expected something like this to happen after what Daniel had experienced that day. He started to just let him ride the dream out but when Daniel started shivering and shaking, Jack thought maybe he should rouse him. He leaned in closer, his warm breath causing goose-bumps on Daniel's skin. When Daniel began to whimper, he reached over and brushed his fingers gently through Daniel's hair calling his name softly. Jack was totally unprepared for what happened next. Suddenly, all hell broke loose and Daniel began screaming at the top of his lungs. Not an angry yell about being woke up but a terrified, heart-stopping, gut-wrenching curdle that scared Jack down to his toes and sent his own heart to hammering. The still half-asleep Daniel flew upright and pushed away from Jack, clambering off the bed and into the far corner of the room where he huddled, legs drawn up and arms wrapped tightly around himself as he rocked back and forth and whimpered, shivered and shook. Jack lay there stunned, not sure what just happened. He threw off the bed covers and quickly but cautiously eased his way over to Daniel, calling his name, murmuring comforting words. Jack could see Daniel was still partially asleep, just beginning to come out of his stupor but he was afraid to touch him again until he was fully awake. He kept talking to him hoping his voice would bring his lover back to reality away from whatever horrific nightmare still held him in its grasp.
It seemed to be working as Daniel slowly stopped rocking and became still. He blinked several times and looked at Jack wide-eyed and confused. Then Jack saw slow recognition in Daniel's eyes and smiled softly at him. But Jack's smile was short lived when he saw tears begin to stream down Daniel's face. At first the tears fell silently but then a sob escaped his lips and it seemed the more Daniel tried to hold the sobs in, the harder they wracked his body to get out. Jack sat on the floor next to him, facing the opposite direction and pulled him into a hug. At first Daniel tensed at the touch then he seemed to collapse into Jack. Jack had no idea what was happening with his friend and lover. He had never seen him like this before. He rubbed Daniel's back in small circles trying to soothe and calm him.
"Oh, God, th-they kn-knew him!" Daniel sobbed out.
Jack had no idea who 'they' were. Much less 'him'.
"A str-stranger doesn't hang a coat in the cl-closet, does he?" he continued to cry.
Jack was totally confused by the question but just kept rubbing Daniel's back.
"H-He saw me. T-t-touched me," Daniel gasped as tears continued to pour.
Jack stiffened. "Touched you? Who touched you, Danny?"
"H-He did!"
"Who is 'he' Danny?"
Daniel continued to sob and Jack grabbed Daniel's head between his hands trying to make him focus.
"Daniel, who touched you?"
"T-The man. H-He touched my hair. S-Said it was s-soft."
Daniel's body continued to jerk and snatch as he gulped in huge breaths. "S-Said to b-be quiet or h-he'd come b-back." He ran his hand over his eyes and nose, trying to wipe the tears away, sniffing and gasping with each word.
Jack shook his head and hugged Daniel closer. This wasn't making any sense. He wasn't totally sure Daniel was awake yet, he was sounding like a child with his answers. Was he stuck in a dream? Or could this possibly be a memory? Then it snapped into place for Jack. When he had sought out help at the FBI on 'The Ripper' serial killer case, Lou Ferretti had given him Daniel's name as a profiler along with info on his background. Part of that info included the unsolved murder of Daniel's parents when he was only eight years old. Daniel had been left alive and everyone assumed it was because the killer didn't know of his presence in the house. Had they been wrong? Had the killer been so close to the child as to touch him, caress his hair and talk to him? Oh God.......
~~
Morning came and Jack carefully eased out of the bed trying not to awaken his exhausted partner. He had managed, with great difficulty, to get Daniel back into the bed. After what seemed like a half-hour of incoherent babbling as Jack held him, the younger man fell into a deep silence. It took Jack a few minutes to realize that Daniel had actually cried himself back to sleep. Jack closed the bathroom door before he flipped on the light. He quickly relieved his bladder and then moved to the sink to wash his hands. He looked into the mirror and saw a very tired-looking, sleep-deprived face staring back at him. He yawned as he dried his hands on the towel.
He needed to call Hammond in a little while and let him know Daniel was in no shape to be on the streets today. Maybe if the lieutenant was feeling generous, Jack could swing the day off for them and he could try to get to the bottom of what last night had been all about. He also needed to contact Carter to see how she was doing. Hopefully, her night had been less eventful.
He re-hung the towel and flipped the light off just as he opened the door. Daniel hadn't moved from his curled up position on the bed. Jack quietly made his way out of the bedroom, through the living room and into the kitchen where he flipped on the overhead lights. He opened the fridge and grabbed the orange juice container and set it on the counter. Then he opened the cabinets and pulled out a small glass and filled it with the juice before returning the carton to its home. Carrying the glass with him and sipping on its contents, he moved back through the living room to the front door where he unlocked it quietly and retrieved the morning paper then gently shut the door, locking it back and making his way back to the kitchen again.
Jack spread the paper out on the kitchen table and scanned the headlines. Most were terribly depressing. Others were just idiotic. And others claimed new discoveries and realizations that Jack knew full well had been 'discovered' and 'realized' over twenty years ago. Talk about your recycled news. He continued to sip on his juice as he turned the pages and then a small blurb caught his attention. 'Local Police Kill Hostage-Taking Suspect'. What a stupid headline, Jack thought. He ran his eyes over the article and grimaced at the incorrect 'facts' listed. He shook his head. Maybe Daniel wouldn't see this. He folded the paper back up and set it aside before moving over to the coffee maker. Jack had hesitated to make any coffee yet because he knew it was Daniel's siren song but he really could use a cup himself so he was going to risk it. Then if Daniel did wake up, maybe the coffee could produce a coherent conversation from him.
~~
Daniel's nose began to twitch. With eyes still closed, a small smile appeared on his face as he recognized the delicious aroma. Coffee. Someone was making coffee. Hmmm. He began to slowly stretch as he yawned and his eyes fluttered open. Then he felt the bed beside him. It was empty and the sheets were cool so Jack had been up a while.
He sat up in the bed and yawned again as he rubbed at puffy eyes. His memory of the night before was hazy at the moment but he was sure something important had happened. So he closed his eyes and sat there half-awake, half-asleep and let the memories come slowly back to him. His brow gradually furrowed as a frown set on his mouth, then his eyebrows lifted in surprise and his lips parted in a gasp, then he tensed and shifted his position, then suddenly his eyes flew wide open.
~~
Jack looked up from the piece of toast he was buttering to see a wide-eyed Daniel standing in the doorway of the kitchen. He looked pale, his face strained. He moved over to the table and sat down across from Jack.
"Daniel?" Jack prompted.
Daniel didn't answer but ran long fingers along his unshaven jaw and over his lips as he studied Jack.
Jack raised a questioning eyebrow but Daniel's response was to begin chewing at his lower lip, never taking his eyes off Jack as though evaluating something.
Jack was getting a little concerned when Daniel finally broke the silence.
"They knew him."
"So you said last night. Care to clarify?"
Daniel took a deep breath and relayed the dream to Jack. Only it wasn't just a dream, it was a memory relived. He continued where the dream had ended. When the killer had spoken to him as he gently caressed a trembling child's hair. When Daniel screamed and the man grabbed his shoulders to keep him still. When Daniel squeezed his eyes even tighter, wishing the man away. The man smelled of peppermint candy and he cooed and softly sang as he continued to stroke the child's hair. Then the man said it was late and he had to leave. He cautioned the boy to keep quiet. If he didn't, the man might have to make a special trip and come back to take care of 'things'. Then suddenly the hand was gone, the smell was gone, the voice was silent. Daniel heard footsteps walking away and the front door opening and closing. He couldn't make himself move. He wanted to move. He wanted to go see his parents. Maybe they weren't dead. Maybe someone else heard and would come to help. But he was afraid to move. If he did, the man might come back
The next morning he heard the cleaning lady arrive. She let herself in with her own key. He knew when she left the entry hall and entered the living room because he heard her screams. He heard her frantic phone call to the police, heard the sirens, heard them calling his name as they searched for him and yet he still could not move or call back out to them. The man might know and come back. Eventually, they found Daniel but they never found the killer. Daniel had not seen the man's face, only his back. Adults didn't understand when he said the man smelled of peppermint and even if they had made sense of his words, it was not enough to arrest anyone on. So Daniel withdrew into himself.
His mother's father was tracked down but he was too busy following his life's career to be bogged down with a traumatized, uncommunicative child. And so Daniel's life at the mercy of others began. Everything was taken away from him. His toys, his books, his music, his telescope. He was only allowed one item to take to the orphanage. Ironically, it was the stuffed teddy bear he chose. He kept to himself but quietly watched the other children and gradually he learned how to get by on his own and do for himself. And when he was too old for the state run orphanage, he was placed in foster care where he ran through a series of homes for various reasons, never to be adopted, until he was old enough legally to be on his own.
Daniel paused in his tale and looked up to find shimmering brown eyes watching him. Eyes full of love and sorrow all at the same time. Daniel reached his hand over and Jack took it and squeezed it gently.
"But I think I turned out okay, considering." Daniel smiled softly.
"Better than okay," Jack choked out.
They were silent for a moment, just holding hands, thumbs caressing. Then Daniel spoke up. "Sorry about how I freaked out last night. It's so strange because I've seen a lot of stuff over the years, particularly given my previous profession, that you would have thought something would have triggered those memories long before now."
Jack thought for a moment. "Well, most of what you have encountered in your career was 'after the fact'. You weren't there when it happened. Yesterday, you were inches from where someone got his head blown off. I think that constitutes as being a little more intense than the norm."
"Maybe so. But I've seen some pretty bad things, Jack."
"Yeah, well, maybe your subconscious suppressed the memories because it knew you couldn't handle bringing it to the surface before now. Maybe something has changed that allowed you to feel strong enough to face it."
Daniel smiled softly and squeezed Jack's hand. "Well, I'm pretty sure I know what that is."
"You said twice now that your parents knew their killer."
"They had to. He came to the closet to retrieve his coat, not to find me. He didn't even know I was in there until he heard me. Formal guests get coats hung in closets, not strangers or people just dropping briefly by."
Jack's eyebrows rose. "Good point."
Daniel chewed at his lip undecided how to approach the idea he had. "Uhm, Jack. Do you think Hammond might make some inquiries? I mean it's a cold case file now. Nobody has probably worked on it for years and even when they did it was probably sporadic because it's so old. I know it's not in our jurisdiction and a lot to ask but maybe as a professional courtesy they'd let us look at the case file? And well, do you think there is anyway we could maybe, you know, reopen the case?" He winced as he waited for Jack's reaction.
"I'm not sure. But we can talk to Hammond and see what he says. You never know until you ask."
Daniel nodded, suddenly excited. "And maybe I might start remembering more details if I study the case records."
"Slow down, Danny. One step at a time, okay?" Jack didn't want him getting his hopes up too high just yet. He also wasn't too sure how Daniel was going to deal with certain parts of the case file if they did get to look at it. Things like crime scene photos and autopsies. He didn't think Daniel had really run all that through his mind just yet and after last night, he was a little worried what the reaction might be when he did.
He let go of Daniel's hand. "First things first though. What do you want for breakfast?"
~~
Instead of calling in to take the day off, Jack and Daniel headed into work. Jack drove, stealing glances over at Daniel to make sure he was okay. Daniel could feel Jack's stare but opted to ignore it for the scenery passing by his window as they rode along. Daniel was anxious for Jack to talk to Hammond to see what could be done. And Jack wanted Daniel to talk to MacKenzie. For more reasons than one now.
~~
Carter called and made an appointment for herself with MacKenzie for later that morning. She also took the liberty and made one for Daniel immediately following her own. They had become very close friends since he had left the FBI and joined them. Daniel was like a brother to her, closer than the blood-related one she actually had. She did not feel awkward about making the appointment for him and she knew he would not be offended that she had done so. When he walked in with Jack, she took note of the tired look they both wore and knew neither had slept well. She grimaced. Neither had she and consequently Murray for that matter. They all looked a little ragged today. But there seemed to be something more with Daniel and as Jack stopped by her desk to inquire about her own well-being and tumultuous night, she noticed a strain on Daniel's features that had more behind it than just a bad night's sleep.
"I'm doing okay," she offered. "Just didn't sleep real well. How about you guys?"
"Yeah. Rough night with us, too. You call the doc?"
"Yes. Made an appointment for both of us. Daniel's appointment is right after mine. We can go together."
"Sweet." Jack looked back at Daniel who had moved on over to his desk and lowered his voice. "Keep an eye on him today as much as you can. You and Daniel are riding a desk until you're cleared. That means Murray and I are on the streets so I can't be around. I've got to go talk to Hammond about something then I'll give you a heads up on what's going on."
Her brow furrowed at the mysterious statement but she agreed to do as he asked.
~~
Jack went into Hammond's office and explained to him what he was requesting on Daniel's behalf and why. He told him that Daniel had stayed over at his place due to the trauma he had experienced on the job and that Jack had felt obligated to keep an eye on his friend. He told him about the nightmare but did not enlighten him on the sleeping arrangements however. He suspected Hammond knew about him and Daniel but chose to turn a blind eye to the relationship just as he did for Carter and Murray. Relationships between co-workers in their line of work could be dangerous and devastating but Hammond had no desire to separate the members of his top-notch team and Jack knew it. But Jack also respected the man's position so that was the reason he made sure everyone kept a low profile and showed discretion while on the job.
"I'll look into it, Jack. See what I can do. I can't make any promises, you realize that of course."
"Yes, sir. Just thought it wouldn't hurt to ask."
Hammond looked through the glass partition of his office out onto the floor where Daniel and Carter were talking. "I can't imagine having gone through what he did and be able to be on the job."
"I think maybe it's why he does it. Maybe all these years in law enforcement on some level has been his way of trying to get to the answers all along."
"Maybe so." Hammond sighed. "Keep an eye on our boy, Jack. I hate to speculate on what reopening this case might bring up. But it has been my experience that it usually isn't anything good."
Jack nodded and thanked Hammond again. As he closed the office door behind him, he heard the lieutenant on the phone already with their assistant authorizing him to contact the law enforcement agency in Daniel's home town.
Jack walked over to where Carter and Daniel were talking to see Murray also intently listening. Carter's "Holy Hannah!" pretty much answered what Jack suspected. Apparently, Daniel had decided to tell Carter and Murray about the dream and that fateful night all those years ago. Carter's hand rested on Daniel's shoulder in sisterly support of the words he spoke and Jack was glad of it. He wanted Daniel to be reminded that he had family here in his friends and in Jack, even in Hammond. Especially now.
"Carter, Daniel." He continued as they turned to face him. "Murray and I will probably be out on the street when you're done with MacKenzie. If he clears you, then see if Hammond wants you to join us at whatever location we happen to be at or if he has another case to assign."
Jack saw Daniel looking at him imploringly, hearing the unspoken. "Yes, Daniel. I asked and Hammond is going to make inquiries." Jack was rewarded with a beaming smile that should have warmed his heart. But Jack had a cold dread that was beginning to fill him and the more he thought about these buried murders, the more he was sure things were going to get ugly before it was over with.
~~
Carter flipped through the pages of the magazine and glanced up at the wall clock once more. Her appointment had gone well and the psychiatrist had cleared her for full duty. Now she was waiting on Daniel to wrap up his appointment but it seemed like it was going well over its allotted time.....well over.
Suddenly, the door to the office opened and Daniel stepped out with MacKenzie on his heels. "You can return to full duty but I highly recommend that you attend some kind of therapy or counseling sessions as this case unfolds. It is possible there will be things to deal with you haven't even considered."
Carter's eyebrows rose at that statement but she wasn't sure what the psychiatrist meant by that. Daniel politely thanked the doctor for his concern. Too politely, Carter noted and she knew in that instant that Daniel had no intention of following the man's advice. The psychiatrist returned to his sanctuary as Daniel turned towards her. Carter put the magazine down, grabbed her purse and headed for the door that Daniel was now holding open for her.
"How'd it go?" She asked as they walked down the hallway, curiosity killing her.
"Oh, peachy. The whole time I was talking I could tell he was sizing me up for a little white padded cell." Daniel pushed the down button for the elevator.
She snickered. "I think that's something they do automatically."
"Well, it's a little unnerving the way he watches you as though he knows everything and talks to you like you're not totally of sound mind. I kept half expecting a straight jacket to suddenly appear." A little bell pinged and the elevator doors opened to grant them access.
Carter looked at him a little suspiciously as they stepped into the elevator and she pushed the lobby button. "You didn't do anything that's going to get reported back to Jack or the lieutenant did you?" She knew Daniel could be on the snarky side when it came to authority and power issues.
Daniel blushed and she knew he had. "Confess." She ordered him since it was only the two of them on the ride down.
"He was just being so.....so arrogant. I decided if he was going to treat me as simple then I would be. So I told him that when he explained things to me, he needed to 'go slow'." A small giggle escaped Daniel. "And to my surprise, he did! The sarcasm was totally lost on him!" Daniel's face held a totally amazed look on it as he remembered the scene.
Carter grabbed his arm and howled in laughter. "That's why your session lasted so long! I knew something was up. Oh, I wish I had been there!" She grabbed her side as the laughter continued. "Serves you right. 'Go slow'!"
Daniel grinned and shook his head. "Do you have any idea how hard it was to keep a straight face after I realized he thought I was serious? And I couldn't take it back!" The elevator pinged once again and the doors opened to release them out into the lobby. "I'm sure he has no idea I was being an ass. Don't tell Jack though, I stay in enough trouble as it is."
Carter promised to keep her silence and she continued to wipe tears from her eyes as her laughter began to die down. She had her arm looped through Daniel's as they crossed the lobby and exited onto the street, both of them smiling. A trip to the psychiatrist had done them both some good after all.
~~
Carter and Daniel met up with Jack and Murray in the field. They were on the scene of a pedestrian versus vehicle accident. Murray was talking to a witness, while uniformed officers were keeping the crowds away.
Jack was standing away from the scene, writing some notes in his log when they approached him. "Hey, glad to see you two. MacKenzie cleared you, huh?"
"Yeah, we're good to go." An amused Daniel with hands in his pocket looked at Carter and she looked away. Jack frowned. What was that all about?
"So, whatcha got Jack?"
He gestured over his shoulder at the crime scene behind him. "Some clown got hit by a car."
Carter's head snapped around and Daniel frowned. "Jack!" He chastised. "That's a terrible, insensitive thing to say."
A puzzled Jack looked up from his notes at the two frowning faces looking at him. Then he realized what he had sounded like. He stepped aside so that they could see past him to the half-covered body Frasier was examining and Siler was photographing. The clown lay in the road, a sad figure with a shock of yellow-green hair and incredibly huge shoes.
Jack shrugged. "The guy was on his way to a kiddies birthday party, was running late and dodged out into traffic. Apparently the car was going fast and the clown was going slow. And that was that."
Jack turned back around to witness Daniel struggling to maintain composure. His jaw was working with little jerks and snatches and Jack wasn't sure that he didn't hear a whimper escape him. Carter was pressing her lips together in a vain attempt to keep control and then a hand flew to her mouth. Then the two looked at each other and all self-control was lost. Daniel leaned forward, hands on thighs, trying not to laugh, clearing his throat with a fake cough that wasn't fooling anyone. Carter leaned on Daniel's shoulder and said something like "Go Slow!" before peals of laughter escaped them both. Jack wondered if MacKenzie had given them something to take while they had been in his office.
Jack frowned. "I think you two should just head back to the house for now. Murray and I have got this one covered."
Daniel and Carter both nodded, gasping and wiping at their eyes and waving weakly at Jack before returning to their car. He could hear another round of muffled laughter after their car doors shut. Jack shook his head as he watched them drive off. Maybe he should consider going to see MacKenzie himself.
~~
"Jack, may I see you for a moment?" Hammond motioned for Jack to enter his office.
Jack clicked 'save' on the report he was working on and pushed himself away from the computer. He glanced at Carter and Daniel and saw both of them lower their eyes. They had been extremely demure since his return to the office and he wondered if there was something he should know about. He entered Hammond's office and closed the door behind him.
"Have a seat, Jack. I've heard back from the police chief in Daniel's hometown. He has no objection to you looking at the case file. In fact, he seems to be quite open to you researching it. He is sending a copy of the file and photos by overnight courier. They should be here early tomorrow. Thought you'd like to break the news to Daniel."
"Thank you, sir. I'm sure it will make him very happy."
"Well, from what I can tell both he and Carter appear to already be in good spirits. Maybe more of our people should drop in on the good doctor."
"I'll be sure to pass that along." Jack said as he eased out of the chair and reached for the door. "Thank you again for your help."
Hammond nodded and waved Jack off. Jack exited the office and looked at his detectives. One very inquisitive-looking one and two very guilty-looking ones. Jack pursed his lips. Yep, he and Daniel were going to have a really interesting talk at home tonight.
~~
After they got home, Daniel grabbed a shower while Jack started dinner. Jack hadn't told Daniel yet about Hammond's conversation. He wanted to do that after they had gotten home and had a chance to relax. He still felt unsure about the whole thing but it was something Daniel needed to happen so Jack was determined to be there for him as they tried to work the case out.
Jack stirred the spaghetti sauce and as the water started to boil for the noodles, he felt arms slip around his waist from behind and a chin came to rest on his shoulder.
"Shower's free." Daniel said as he kissed Jack on the temple.
Jack leaned back into him and turned his head to the side for a better kiss. Daniel smelled of soap and shampoo and something so uniquely Daniel that Jack couldn't put a name to it. Jack set the spoon down and turned in Daniel's arms and took his face in his hands. He ran his tongue over Daniel's lips and then plunged in for a kiss. Their mouths opened and tongues met, dueling for dominance between them. Jack pulled back, his mouth tugging at Daniel's lower lip as he withdrew. Jack licked his lips as he looked at Daniel's thoroughly kissed, swollen ones and saw dreamy eyes looking back at him.
"Keep an eye on the sauce and drop some noodles in the water. I'm gonna go grab a shower." Jack swatted Daniel on the ass as he left him standing at the stove and headed to the bathroom for his own turn in the shower.
When Jack returned later drying his hair with a towel, he saw Daniel had set the kitchen table. The spaghetti noodles were draining in the colander and the sauce was set off to the side. Daniel, in sweat pants and a t-shirt, was bending over with the oven door open, checking the garlic toast he was heating. Jack stood in the doorway of the kitchen, taking in the view. It was one he never got tired of.
Daniel took out the toast, set it on top of the stove, closed the door then reached over and turned the oven off. He turned around and jumped back startled when he saw Jack. "Geez, Jack! Give me a heart-attack, why don't ya? Always sneaking up on people. Where did you learn to do that anyway?"
Jack shrugged. "Became a handy thing to learn when I was seventeen and stayed out past curfew. Didn't you ever sneak around when you were a teenager?"
Daniel looked at the noodles draining in the sink and quietly spoke. "No. My teenage years were a little different. Sneaking around wasn't something that was tolerated very well. Among other things." He emptied the drained noodles into a waiting bowl.
Jack's eyebrows rose at Daniel's statement. It piqued Jack's curiosity. He could see that he and Daniel needed to sit down and have a nice long talk. And when they did, he was going to find out just what had happened in all those different foster homes.
They ate dinner and chatted in-between bites talking about the day and possible plans for the weekend. Jack set his fork down and reached over for the paper, checking the television listings.
"Nothing on TV tonight unless you want to see Lethal Weapon for the hundredth time."
"I'll pass. You can always read, you know."
Jack snorted. "I've already finished the latest National Geographic that came in the mail the other day."
Daniel smiled wryly. "Well, there are other things you can read."
"Nah, I'll come up with something." Jack folded the paper back and set it aside. He picked up his fork and finished the last few bites off his plate. Then he leaned back and patted his stomach. "That was good if I do say so myself."
Daniel smiled at him. "You've got some sauce there." He pointed to the corner of Jack's mouth. Jack swiped at it with a napkin and missed. Then Daniel had this déjà vu' feeling. They had done this before. At Daniel's place, before they had become lovers, when they had ordered pizza and Daniel had wiped off the pizza sauce from Jack's lips with the beer soaked napkin. He had wanted Jack so bad that night but neither one had acted on their feelings until much later. He felt the heat rise up inside of him at the memory. Then in a husky voice he said to Jack, "Here let me get that for you."
Daniel leaned over and ran his tongue over Jack's lips, licking the errant sauce from the corner of his mouth before taking possession of him in a breath-taking kiss.
Jack moaned and melted into Daniel's oral probing. Damn, the things Daniel could do to him. He felt the responsive heat building in his groin and knew what he wanted to do now instead of reading or watching television.
They quickly shoved the leftovers into the fridge and practically tossed the dishes into some soapy water to soak. They began kissing in the kitchen, Jack's hands tugging at Daniel's t-shirt, slipping his hands up under it in search of warm skin to caress and Daniel brushing his fingers over Jack's nipples through the cotton material, making him jump and gasp through the kiss. Both moaned and kept moving towards the bedroom, continually touching the entire way.
They made it to the bed groping and fondling each other. Daniel pushed Jack back and down and then tugged at Jack's shirt, pulling it up over his head. He moved in beside Jack and let his hands trail over Jack's chest through the light curls of hair there. He loved that about Jack's chest, it was so different than his own smooth one. He leaned in and flicked his tongue over one of the nipples as Jack gasped and held Daniel's head to him. Daniel closed his eyes and began to suck and lick as his fingers tweaked the other nub, making them hard. Jack's hand slipped down inside the back of Daniel's pants, kneading the firm ass it found there.
Daniel scooted down and tugged at Jack's pants and briefs, pulling them off his hips, pushing them to the floor. He looked back to see Jack's engorged cock waiting for him, the tip glistening, and Daniel whispered, "Beautiful."
Jack flushed when Daniel said those kinds of things about his body but he knew the younger man meant what he said just as Jack did when he spoke of Daniel's.
Daniel moved in-between Jack's legs and nudged his thighs apart. He licked and kissed the inside of Jack's thighs and then gently held Jack's cock out of the way as he sucked Jack's balls into his mouth. Jack moaned and bucked and Daniel sucked some more before he released them. He licked at them lightly before running his tongue along the underside of Jack's dick, trailing along the vein that stood out there. Daniel held the base of the shaft firmly as he ran his tongue around the head in slow circles. Then he plunged the cock into his mouth, sucking it, lathing it, worshiping it as Jack's ragged breaths were coming faster. Daniel pulled the cock almost all the way out of his mouth, just leaving the tip between his lips and then he began to tongue the tiny slit with rapid fire darts sending a groaning Jack into thrusts and spasms as the intensity was becoming too much. Daniel quickly eased off and squeezed the base of the cock and ran his fingertip behind the balls along the perineum so Jack wouldn't come yet. Then Daniel ran his tongue over the shaft again lightly several times before slowly moving back up his lover's body with little kisses, stopping at Jack's navel and gently swirling his tongue over it, traveling up further, teasing the little rosebud nubs hiding in the chest hair, continuing even further up only pausing to lightly bite and nip at the jaw of his lover before returning to the open, panting mouth, taking it, possessing it, with his own.
Jack growled and rolled Daniel over pulling at the t-shirt and almost ripping it off. He yanked Daniel's pants off and was thrilled to see no briefs or boxers to get in his way. He plundered Daniel's mouth with his own and worked his way along his jaw and down his neck where he licked and sucked and marked him with teeth and lips. Daniel moaned and held Jack to him as he felt the pulls at his skin. Jack's hands wandered over Daniel's body, needing to touch, needing to feel. Jack moved his mouth down to Daniel's nipples, traveling back and forth, favoring them both with loving attention from his lips and tongue. He gently grazed them with his teeth, causing Daniel to buck beneath him, gasping at the light pain on his sensitive skin.
Jack worked his way down, licking and sucking, leaving a wet trail on hot skin. He took Daniel's rock hard cock into his mouth and made love to it, licking it, stroking it with his tongue. He ran circles over the head, lapping up the leaking fluid and massaged Daniel's balls in his hand. He moved his mouth onto the balls and sucked on them one at a time as he pushed Daniel's legs apart. He gently released the balls and then lifted Daniel's legs enough he could get to his ass. He spread the cheeks, slipping his tongue between them. Daniel jumped as the tip of Jack's tongue slid over his anus, trying to force its way inside.
"Jack!" Daniel managed to croak out as the tongue probed his ass again.
Jack stopped and looked up into the normally blue eyes now almost black with pure desire. Daniel handed Jack the lube and Jack smiled and moved to take it, licking at his lover's inner thigh as he maintained eye contact. Deftly he opened the tube and slicked his fingers with the gel. He kissed the inner thigh again as he slipped a finger inside of Daniel. Daniel groaned, his eyes closed briefly and he licked at his lips as he slowly pushed down against Jack's finger, eager to take another one. Jack pulled the finger back out and then gently pressed two in together, slowly easing past the initial resistance until Daniel relaxed. Jack pushed them in and out gently rotating, stretching and then Daniel began pushing back against them, slowly fucking himself on Jack's digits. Jack smiled. He enjoyed watching his lover do this. Jack reluctantly removed his fingers and heard Daniel moan at the loss of contact. He squeezed out more of the lube, covering his cock with it. Moving to his knees, he positioned himself between Daniel's legs. He pulled Daniel's hips up and lined the tip of his cock against Daniel's entrance. Then gently he pressed forward, slowly and firmly pushing his way in until he was buried deep inside Daniel, his balls resting against Daniel's ass. Both gasped at the feel of it. Daniel from the way he was stretched and the fullness of Jack's cock within him. Jack at the tight heat of Daniel's ass gripping his cock. Jack leaned forward and kissed Daniel then began to move his hips. He pulled almost all the way out and thrust back in sharply then shifted his angle and tried again. Groans of pleasure rose beneath him and he knew he had hit Daniel's prostate that time. He kept that angle and began setting a steady pace of thrusts, the man beneath him responding with movements of his own. Then Jack briefly paused, leaned forward and kissed his lover again, trying to draw out their love making session as long as possible before he began pumping his hips forward once more.
Daniel gasped as each plunge drove Jack into him deeper. When his prostate was hit, shudders passed through him at how delicious it felt. He ground his ass back against Jack, begging for more. His hands roamed over Jack's arms and chest and he pulled at the hardened nipples, pinching them, tweaking them. He licked at the sweaty skin of his lover wherever he could reach it, the flavor of salt and a uniquely Jack-taste mixing on his tongue.
As much as he had tried to draw it out, Jack knew he couldn't last much longer and he reached between their bodies for Daniel's leaking cock, curling his fingers around it. Daniel laced his fingers over Jack's and together they began to pump Daniel's shaft as Jack plunged into him, matching the same rhythm, thrust for thrust. Daniel felt his balls draw up even tighter than he thought was possible and knew he was going to explode all over the both of them. Before he could say anything, he came hard and fast, gasping and calling out Jack's name as ribbons of semen shot all over them both. His ass clenched in spasms of ecstasy pulling Jack's orgasm out of him and sending him over the edge as well. Jack pounded into Daniel releasing his hot load into the tight pulsing cavern, lights exploding behind his eyes as all coherent thought fled.
Jack collapsed onto Daniel, panting, his sweat soaked skin resting on Daniel's hot, fevered flesh. Daniel ran his hands through Jacks hair, spiking it as the sweat made it stand on end. Jack's softening cock slowly slid out of Daniel, both of them bemoaning the loss. Then Jack moved over onto his back to lie beside Daniel, trying to cool off before attempting to move anymore. They lay in silence, Jack reaching over and running a hand lightly over the chest of a completely sated Daniel. Daniel laced his fingers with Jack's then brought Jack's hand to his lips, gently kissing it. Murmurs of "love you" echoed between the two as their bodies cooled off and the sweat evaporated leaving the two totally satisfied lovers not wanting to move, much less get up. Then Jack rolled over off the bed and headed to the bathroom. He washed up while there and retrieved a warm wet washcloth, bringing it back to Daniel to clean-up with. He kissed Daniel as he handed him the cloth.
After cleaning off, Daniel tossed the cloth aside and scooted over so Jack could climb into the bed beside him to go to sleep. Jack spooned up behind Daniel, wrapping his arms around him.
"I meant to tell you," Jack murmured sleepily in his ear, "Hammond reached the police chief in your hometown and he okayed us reopening the case."
Daniel drew in a breath. "Thank you, Jack. It means a lot to me."
Jack squeezed Daniel in response and they lay there drifting off to sleep.
Then Jack murmured in Daniel's ear again. "So what were you and Carter laughing about so much today?"
Daniel chuckled softly. "It gets lost in translation. It's one of those 'you had to be there' kinds of things."
"Not gonna tell me?"
"Nope."
Jack snuggled in closer. "We'll see." Then both drifted off into a relaxed, restful and very contented sleep.
~~
When Hammond received the courier package the next day, his detectives were out in the field. He made the decision to look through the case contents and as he worked his way through the file, his frown deepened. The crime scene photos were very clear. Multiple gunshot wounds to each victim. The notations of the injuries sustained and positions of the bodies were very detailed. The pre-autopsy photos and medical examiner's report were included as well. Very specific and extremely graphic. Ballistics indicated the weapon was a .38 caliber handgun. Nothing was remarkable about the bullets in and of themselves and without a gun to match them to, not worth much. Forensics of the day were much more limited than current methodologies employed so the case file held more detective notes than actual forensic data. There had been no forced entry into the home. The victims were facing the same direction, their entry wounds frontal so apparently they had not been attacked from behind or surprised by some unseen assailant. Fingerprints had been lifted from the living room and the entry hall as well as the front door. All prints were easily accounted for and proved nothing. A possible suspects list was included and all notations from the interviews were also there. Apparently, over the years as the cold case was looked at periodically, notations were made. Unfortunately, instead of new information being added to catch the killer, the new notes usually contained a date of death for a suspect or officer involved with the case.
Hammond pulled out another photo. This time it was a family portrait. The father looked to be in his thirties and had dark hair that was a little on the long side so typical of the day. He looked into the camera with a strong, firm, intelligent face. He wore studious glasses, his dark eyes looking penetratingly at the photographer, a trace of a smile visible on the full lips. The mother also looked to be in her thirties, her coloring much lighter than that of her husband. She looked to have Danish or Swedish heredity. Her light-brown, almost blond hair was pulled back away from her face and the blue eyes behind the wire-rimmed glasses spoke of great intelligence. Her smile was tinged with kindness and generosity. Between the two sat a small boy, a little moppet. His hair was long, like his father's but the coloring was closer to his mother's. The brilliant blue eyes that shone behind the glasses on the small face were full of life and laughter. The boy's shoulders where scrunched up to his ears as though he was tickled and struggling to sit still and the smile on his face spoke of giggles and sunshine and innocence. He was leaning back into his parents and they had their hands around his waist, their fingers lacing with each other. His small hands rested on theirs. Hammond didn't know if he had ever seen a more loving portrait in all his life. He sighed deeply at what had once existed and had been so cruelly destroyed.
A fatherly regard washed over him and Hammond filtered through the photos once more. He left the photos taken in the home as Daniel had been there and witnessed the atrocities first hand but he withdrew the pre-autopsy pictures and set them aside. The medical examiner's report was specific enough, these photos didn't need to be included for the young man to see. He shuffled the remaining papers and pictures back together and returned them to the folder. He placed the folder back into the courier envelope and resumed his regular duties as he waited for his detectives to return.
~~
When they returned to the squad room, Hammond motioned for Jack to come into his office.
He sat back down at his desk and cleared his throat. "There's a reason why people don't work on family member's cases. But he's already seen this, Jack. First hand, he was there. It's not pretty." Hammond handed Jack the courier package.
"As long as it doesn't interfere with your unit's current caseload, I'm authorizing permission for your other team members to assist. But I'm emphasizing that this case takes backseat to your other work. I'm counting on you to know when to proceed and when to back off, Jack. It's possible this case may never go any further than its current status. I don't know. But be prepared to reel him in if you have to."
~~
Jack motioned for his people to follow him into the conference room and then closed the door behind them as they moved to chairs around the table. He held the case file under his arm as he explained to them what Hammond had agreed to regarding their participation on the investigation. He looked at Daniel hesitantly before removing the folder from the envelope and handing it to him.
Daniel accepted the file and set it on the table, staring at it, not yet opening it. He licked at dry lips then slowly opened the folder. The room remained quiet except for the shuffle of paper as Daniel sorted through the pages. After he read each page, he passed it on to Jack who in turned passed it on to Carter and Murray. When Daniel reached the photos, his hand stilled. His breathing changed and his face paled as he stared at the bodies sprawled on the living room floor. He closed his eyes and swallowed. He could do this. He had seen worse when he worked at the FBI, hadn't he? He could do this, he had to do this.
Jack reached over and touched his shoulder, concerned at the change he saw in Daniel's demeanor.
"I'm fine." Daniel opened his eyes, trying to reassure him but Jack had felt the shudder run through the body underneath his hand.
Daniel began to slowly frown as he looked at the subsequent photos of the crime scene. "This is wrong."
Eyebrows around the room rose but Murray was the one who spoke. "How so, Daniel Jackson?"
"This is not the position my parents were in when they died."
"Daniel?"
"I was there, Jack. It's not something you easily forget."
"Walk us through it. What's wrong with the picture?"
"My father was shot first. Three times. Then my mother was shot. She fell over onto my father and was then shot a second time. These photos show her lying off to the side, parallel to him."
Carter spoke up. "Could she have moved maybe after you ran to hide?"
Daniel shook his head and paled even further. "No. She was already dead. I was the last thing she saw."
"Maybe the crime scene photographer moved them to get a clearer picture?" Jack offered.
Carter flipped through the papers. "There's nothing here to indicate that. Based on the notations, this is exactly how they were found."
"Well, the notes are wrong." Anger was beginning to seep into Daniel's voice.
"We believe you, Daniel. We're just trying to account for the discrepancy."
Murray broke in. "You said there were a total of five shots fired. The autopsy report indicates six entry wounds. Two for your mother, four for your father."
Daniel shook his head. "My father was shot only three times. The fourth must have been from the second bullet that the killer shot at my mother. She was draped over my father at that point. It must have exited her and entered him." He ran his hands over his face and through his hair. He blew out a breath and then he reached for more of the folder's contents.
This time the photograph Daniel pulled out was the family portrait. For a moment he froze and then with a trembling hand he lightly caressed the photo. He softly whispered, "I had forgotten how they actually looked. I had no photos to take with me, nothing to remember them by." His eyes welled up with tears as he studied the three smiling faces, so loved and loving. Then with an abrupt move, he shoved his chair away from the table and fled the room.
~~
Jack found Daniel in the bathroom leaning over one of the sinks, splashing water on his face and over the back of his neck. Jack stood there silently watching, waiting. Then he yanked a handful of paper towels out of the wall dispenser and handed them over to Daniel to dry off on.
"You okay?"
Daniel accepted the paper towels. "Yeah. Just wasn't expecting such normalcy tucked into all the other stuff, you know?"
Jack nodded. "Carter and Murray are still going through the file but then they're gonna have to get back to their regular caseload and move this to the back burner. You understand that right?"
Daniel nodded. "I appreciate what they're trying to do – what you're all trying to do. It's been a cold case for long time now. I don't expect to solve it overnight." He finished drying off his face and hands. "We may not even be able to solve it at all." He tossed the towels into the trash. "But I have to give it my best effort, Jack. They deserve that much."
Jack nodded in understanding. "You coming back out?"
"In a minute."
Jack patted Daniel on the shoulder and then left him alone to gather himself and his thoughts before returning to the squad room.
~~
Jack had retrieved the file and took it back to Daniel's desk. Carter and Murray returned to their own cases, resuming the ever-growing paper work that accompanied their field work nowadays.
Daniel entered and thanked them for their help and then resumed his current duties as well. His eyes would occasionally stray to the folder sitting on the corner of his desk where Jack had left it but he refused to open it. He had promised Jack and Jack had promised Hammond. It was secondary priority. It had to be. After fidgeting for awhile, he saved the document he was working on and snagged his coffee cup, heading for the break room.
Three sets of eyes watched him walk away but continued to work in silence. Then Murray quietly stood up and followed after Daniel. He walked into the room as Daniel was replacing the coffee carafe to its stand.
"Daniel Jackson, may I have a word with you?"
Daniel looked up from where he was adding sugar to his cup. "Sure Teal'c." He gestured to the table. "Have a seat."
Murray inclined his head and pulled out a chair to sit in. Daniel also sat and looked at his friend inquisitively.
"I understand what it means to lose one's parents. My mother died of illness when I was young. My father died in the line of duty when I was but a teenager."
"Your father was on the job?"
"Yes. He was a uniformed officer. Shot while responding to a call. He died from the abdominal wound."
"I didn't know, Teal'c. I'm sorry."
Again Murray inclined his head. "My father had a dear friend who attended the police academy as a cadet with him. They were assigned to different precincts however and were not partners. If he had been my father's partner, it is possible he would still be alive to this day."
Daniel had no idea where any of this was leading but Murray was his friend and he knew Murray never spoke without careful consideration and distinct purpose so he waited patiently for the point to be made.
"He took me under his wing and taught me many things. He essentially adopted me. Coached me as I made my way through the academy. He now teaches there as a weapons and self-defense instructor. His name is Tony Bra'tac. He simply goes by Bra'tac."
Daniel chewed at his lip, hesitant to interrupt. "I'm glad you had someone to turn to Teal'c. I'm just not sure what you're trying to tell me here."
"The family of my childhood was taken away from me. But I found another family. In Bra'tac and in the people here – O'Neill, Samantha Carter, Janet Frasier, even Lieutenant Hammond. And now in you, Daniel Jackson. I consider you my friend and my brother. You had your childhood family taken from you too soon just as I did but you also have a new family here in us. I wished you to know that."
Daniel had to take a moment before he could speak. The words had been simple but they had carried a lot of heart-felt emotion. "Thank you, Teal'c. I feel the same way."
"Bra'tac taught me a method of meditation that is deeper and more intense than what one normally encounters. I would like to teach it to you, if you would let me. I believe it would help you to retrieve some of the memories buried deep within your mind regarding that night. But even if it did not, then perhaps it could at least help bring you some peace concerning those things that you do remember."
Daniel was truly touched by the other man's offering. For someone who always tried to appear so intense and intimidating to the suspects they encountered, he could really be quite gentle and caring. Daniel nodded in acceptance. "I'd appreciate that, Teal'c. I would love for you to teach me."
Daniel saw a small smile appear. And he wasn't sure but he thought he caught a pleased little twinkle light up the other man's eyes.
~~
Every night for three weeks, Murray arrived at Jack's place and he and Daniel would sit in the den with candles lit and meditate. Jack tried it a few times but found he preferred beer and a hockey game to reach his particular Zen zone.
Jack would keep the television volume down low in the living room out of courtesy for the other men and sometimes he could hear the two of them talking. Mostly it would be Murray guiding Daniel through the steps but sometimes Daniel could be heard asking questions, eager to learn.
On this night though something seemed to be different to Jack and he could not pinpoint what. Somehow it left him feeling edgy. There was less talking and a lot more silence in the den so he pushed up out of his recliner and moved to the doorway where he studied his friends in their deep contemplations. There seemed to be a certain tension in the air, an electricity that made the hairs on the back of Jack's neck stand up. Whether it was the way Daniel held himself as he concentrated or whether it was the sweat popping out across his brow, Jack knew something was happening. He looked to Murray who would occasionally open his eyes to look at Daniel as if to check on him and then close his lids again, returning to his own reflections.
Daniel's eyes were closed and his brow furrowed. He cocked his head to one side as if he were straining to hear someone speaking.
"You have an ethical duty, Doctor Jackson - both of you do – to keep confidential what has been told to you, what has been confessed.
"Do not confuse me with your priest! I am released from that particular obligation if it involves concealment of a crime. Especially, an ongoing perpetration of one!"
Jack watched as Daniel shifted his posture and his brow furrowed further in concentration.
"How dare you judge me! How can you call yourselves doctors?!"
"I am not judging your illness. However, I am holding you accountable for your actions. You cannot continue to function in your current capacity!"
Daniel licked at his lips and he swallowed several times. His eyes seemed to close tighter as though trying to see better the scenario playing out before him.
"You can't do this to me!"
"I have no choice but to contact the proper authorities. I'd prefer that you did it yourself. I would even go with you. But I cannot - and will not - turn a blind eye to what is happening!"
Jack watched as Daniel began to become agitated. The shift in his breathing caused Murray to cease his own meditations and watch the younger man with some concern.
"You're taking everything away from me!"
"You cannot hold me accountable for the consequences of your transgressions. You have to face up to your responsibilities to these people!"
Daniel shifted his position further and his breaths became more shallow and faster.
"You'll ruin me! Ruin everything I've worked for!"
"I cannot cover for you! I have an obligation to these people, to this community!"
"I'm sorry, Doctor Jackson. You leave me no choice. I simply can't let you tell."
In his mind's eye, Daniel saw the gun raised and he instinctively reached out his hand to stop it. Then the sound of the gun rang in his ears at the same time he screamed out "No!"
His eyes flew open and he looked at Jack and Murray wildly as Jack dropped to his side and Murray moved in closer.
"You remembered something, did you not, Daniel Jackson?" Murray asked anxiously.
Daniel nodded, eyes wide, breathing rapidly. Jack was not happy that Daniel's breathing was so out of control.
"I'm going to get you some water to drink, Daniel. Try to take slower breaths."
Daniel nodded and Jack hurried to the kitchen to retrieve the water. When he returned, Daniel had regained his breath and was beginning to look better. Jack handed him the glass of water and shaking hands accepted it gratefully. After Daniel had gulped half the glass down, Jack began asking him questions.
"Did you see who it was?"
"No, but their words came through." And with that he recalled the scene that had just played out in his memories.
"But you didn't see a face or get a name?"
"No." Daniel chewed at his lower lip. "But he has to be someone important, someone that lived there and that the information would ruin."
"Something your parents qualified as an illness but that was also criminal." Jack pursed his lips in thought. "Okay, what kinds of things come to mind first that are scandalous to someone in a position of power?"
"DUI's, prostitution, drugs, gambling, embezzlement, murder, sex crimes, bribery."
"Okay. And of those, which affects the community? Your dad said he had a responsibility to 'these people', 'this community'. It sounds like an injured party was involved and that others could be potentially in danger."
"Well, I don't think they were talking about murder or the guy wouldn't have been let into the house to begin with. And gambling hurts himself and maybe his family but not others."
"Bribery or embezzlement could hurt others." Murray added.
Daniel's eyebrow lifted. "Yes and definitely DUI's are an issue for everyone. Then of course, there are the sex crimes which could be anything from raping women to molestation of children. How are we going to narrow it down?"
Jack stiffened. "Danny?"
Daniel looked to Jack, concerned when he saw how pale he had suddenly become. "What is it Jack?"
"Think back to the other night a couple of weeks ago. When you woke from the nightmare."
Daniel frowned. "Yeah? So?"
"You said the man touched you."
Daniel looked at Jack as if he were some alien. "Yeesss. He touched my hair."
"But what did he say?"
"He said it was soft and felt nice and...." His eyes widened. "Do you think he was a pedophile, Jack?"
"I think you're lucky that he was in a hurry and didn't decide to take you with him that night."
~~
The next day at work, Daniel filled Carter in on the previous evening's revelations and the theories they surmised. She studied him a moment before she spoke.
"Don't take this the wrong way Daniel, but if he was a pedophile, why didn't he take you with him?"
"I don't know. He said it was late and I should keep quiet or he'd have to make a special trip back."
She narrowed her eyes in thought. "You were eight years old at the time so your bedtime would have been fairly early. When you woke up, chances are you didn't know how long you had already been asleep, you only knew it was dark. Are you sure he said 'it' was late or did he say 'he' was late? That would give it a whole different meaning."
Daniel sat back in his chair contemplating her words. "You know Sam, you may be right. And if so, then it sounds like he had somewhere specific to be."
"Well, that could be as innocuous as his own home where the family was waiting or a dinner with friends."
"Or, it could have been some kind of function that he had to be present at."
"Which would marry along with your theory of his importance in the community."
"We'd have to search old newspaper articles on social and political events at the time."
"Oh, Daniel, I doubt that's on a database anywhere. You'd have to go there and search the local library, probably go through micro fiche for something that old."
"Yeah, Jack's gonna love it when I tell him that."
Both were quiet for a few minutes until Carter broke the silence. "Look, you've been working on this for three weeks now. During that time, Janet has reviewed the forensic data in the file and found nothing out of the ordinary. Murray and I have run down the list of suspects and tracked those still living. None of them seem to fit the profile of the man you're looking for. You and Jack have talked to the most of the surviving officers by phone and have drawn a blank. So, you're pretty much at a dead end unless you go back there. And if you do go and nothing comes from that, well then you've done your best." She reached over and touched his arm. "It's all they would have asked."
Daniel nodded. He knew she was right but his heart was heavy that he might not be able to do more.
~~
Daniel set his travel bag down by the front door. He turned and faced a frowning Jack standing with his arms crossed watching as Daniel grabbed his jacket, slipping it on.
"I'll only be gone for the weekend, Jack. I'll be back late Sunday night. I promise I'll be at work bright and early Monday morning so Hammond won't give you any grief."
"I'm not worried about that. I just don't like you going there alone."
Daniel moved closer to Jack and leaned in to give him a quick kiss. "You know there is no point in us both going. I'll call you when I get there. I'm just going to check some old articles, talk to a few people, maybe visit the old neighborhood then I'm out of there. I'll be back before you know it."
Daniel tried to make Jack smile but he was having none of it and kept the frown. "Don't pout, Jack."
"I'm not pouting."
"Yes, you are."
"No, I'm not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are."
"Not."
Daniel laughed and that made a small smile flitter across Jack's lips. "Love you," Daniel said as he planted another quick kiss before moving towards the door and picking up his case. "I'll call later."
"Be careful. I mean it Daniel!" Jack hollered as the figure disappeared out the door. "And I love you too, by the way," he sighed softly.
~~
Late into the night, the phone rang. Daniel was calling to let Jack know he was there.
"I'll get an early start in the morning, try to make the most of the time I'm here."
Jack snorted. "You getting up early? On a Saturday no less? That's rich. Wish I was there just to witness that."
"Well, maybe I need sufficient motivation to get up early on weekends," came the lurid sneer down the phone line.
"Oh yeah, wait to be a tease when you're out of reach and I can't do anything about it, why don't ya?"
"Oh, you can do something about it Jack," came the throaty whisper.
Jack felt a definite stirring in response to that. "Are you trying to seduce me into having phone sex with you, Daniel?" Jack had never done anything like that before and he briefly wondered if Daniel had. The thought somehow seemed naughty and yet very erotic at the same time.
A husky laugh traveled down the line. "And if I were?"
Jack licked at dry lips. "Keep talking."
"So, Jack. Tell me where your hand is...."
Jack drew in a sharp breath. For some reason the room was beginning to get really warm.
~~
Daniel awoke early the next morning eager to begin his investigation. He ordered breakfast in his room and then quickly dressed. He made a brief stop in the hotel lobby to talk to the desk clerk. It had been years since he had been there and so many things had changed he wanted a map so he could get his bearings. As he stepped outside into the bright morning light, he took a deep breath of the clean, crisp air and smiled. Yep, he had made the right choice to come. He just knew he would find the answers. He could feel it.
~~
Jack rolled over and his hand landed on the empty bed beside him. He frowned and looked around him sleepily before he remembered Daniel was out of town. Damn. Then he remembered their phone conversation from the night before and a smile crept across his face.
He stretched and yawned then laid there for a little longer contemplating what he was going to do for the day. He had a lot of yard work that needed to be done. He really needed to go to the store and get some groceries too. Another hundred mundane tasks that they never seemed to be able to get done during the week loomed up in his mind vying for a position to hog his weekend time.
~~
Daniel rented a car and drove to the old neighborhood. He found the house that he had once lived in and parked across the street, just looking at it. Funny how different things look when you are a kid. He studied the nicely-sized home with its large yard and he wondered how much it had changed on the inside. He had no intention of bothering the current residents to find out. He thought he would feel a deep sadness when he saw the home. Instead he felt a tug of familiarity and regret for what was lost. He sat for a little while longer wanting to let all his emotions have their day before he left this place behind him once and for all.
Slowly he drove off, in search of the local police station. He wanted to check in with the authorities as a professional courtesy as well as seeking more info and thanking them for what they had already supplied. He looked at the name the hotel clerk had given to him as the officer in charge. Sheriff John Sheppard. Daniel frowned at the semi-familiar name. Then his eyes widened. Well, looked like little Johnny from next door had gotten wiser over the years after all.
~~
Daniel walked into the precinct and introduced himself to the desk sergeant. He requested to see Sheppard and waited on the hard bench in the lobby while the message was communicated.
When Sheppard came out of his office, Daniel recognized him immediately. He looked exactly as he had at six years old. His dark brown hair stood on end as though he had just come out of a wind storm or had an electric jolt run through his body. He still wore the same loopy little smile but the eyes were a lot sharper, saw a lot more. Daniel surmised that he probably was not the only one over the years to underestimate John Sheppard.
"Danny Jackson, as I live and breathe!" They shook hands and studied each other, evaluating childhood memories against adult observations. "I always wondered what happened to you. My parents didn't really tell me a lot. Just that the little boy next door had to go away. It wasn't until I was much older that I found out what had really happened. I'm so sorry about your folks." Sheppard guided Daniel into his office and gestured towards a chair to sit in. Daniel sat down and they traded a brief synopsis of their life stories, nodding at shared memories and intently listening to the divergence of their paths. "So, what brings you here, Danny? Your boss asked for the old case records and I sent them along a few weeks ago. Have you turned up something?"
"I appreciate that you did that. And I, uh, go by the name of Daniel now." Daniel didn't want to offend Sheppard but he really didn't like anyone calling him Danny except Jack. Daniel detailed the information he and the others had developed and the reasons for his trip.
Sheppard leaned back in his chair and studied Daniel. "So, you want to go through old archives and see if something big was happening around that time?"
"Yes. Also, I'd like to talk to the officers that worked the case. I've spoken to a couple by phone but I want to speak to the first ones on the scene. Specifically, the person in charge."
"And why is that?"
Daniel explained the body positions and the tampering with evidence.
Sheppard raised an eyebrow at that. "That's a pretty bold statement to make."
"The photos are wrong. I was there."
"And so you were." Sheppard blew out a breath and looked at a line of photographs hanging on the office wall. He pointed at one of the pictures. "Acastus Kolya was sheriff at the time. Nothing happened that he didn't know about. Word over the years had it that he was corrupted and in the mayor's pocket. I don't know how true that is, could just be gossip. I never cared for the man myself. But Mayor Cowen has been out of office for eons so has Kolya. I don't know if he would even see you."
"Still, I'd like to talk to him. But first, I'd like to check out the library."
Sheppard nodded and ushered him back out into the lobby. "Sergeant Bates, I'm going to escort Detective Jackson over to the library. If McKay or Zelenka calls in with my forensics results on the Sumner case, find me. Also, if Beckett has finished the autopsy on the Abrahms' case make sure he sends me a double copy of the report please."
"Yes, sir!" Bates acknowledged.
As they exited the building, they encountered two uniformed officers. "Daniel, may I introduce to you two of our finest, Officer Teyla Emmagan and Officer Aiden Ford. Troops meet my good friend and former neighbor, Detective Daniel Jackson."
Daniel's eyebrows rose at the phrase 'good friend' but then he remembered as a child he was one of the few older kids that actually let little Johnny tag along and didn't push him around. In fact, he had defended the little guy once. Apparently that had meant a lot.
They shook hands and murmured 'hellos' at each other.
Officer Emmagan spoke to Daniel but looked at Sheppard with a twinkle. "So, you knew our John when he was a child? Has he changed very much? I suspect not."
Sheppard smiled. "I've always been fun, Teyla. I can't help it if I've kept my youthful charm."
She snickered. "That's not exactly what I meant." She looked at Daniel. "Have you no tales to regale us with?"
Daniel pursed his lips, amused. "Well, there was this one time....."
"Ah, ah." Sheppard raised a finger to stop him. "We all agreed that was never to be brought up again."
Ford's eyes widened. "Sounds like blackmail material to me."
"Which is why you'll never find out what it is." Sheppard grinned.
"Detective Jackson, are you here to consult on the Sumner case?" Teyla asked.
Sheppard answered before Daniel could. "No, actually he's here on something else that he and I need to get moving on. You two go on in and check with Bates. See if anything else has developed."
Daniel watched as the officers entered the building before he spoke. "You just talked to Bates about that case. What's going on here, John?"
Sheppard shrugged. "We've had a couple of murders recently that appear related. The deaths are very similar but I'm not thinking serial killer. There's been a rumor of a cult group that has set up in the next town over. We're just checking into all possibilities."
They climbed the steps to the old library and entered the quiet tomb-like building. They found an aide that could help them and give them the information they needed. As they were about to be led to the old archives, a woman's voice caught their attention.
"Why John you continually surprise me."
Sheppard and Daniel turned around to face a tall, slender dark-haired woman dressed in a business suit. "Elizabeth! Slumming this morning?"
A wry smile appeared on the woman's face. "Very funny, John. I just dropped by to pick up some books they were holding for me. What brings you here?"
"You know me, Elizabeth. I just like to look at the books with the big pretty pictures."
She laughed. "Okay, so you're not going to tell me. Are you going to introduce me to your friend here?"
"Sorry about that. Elizabeth, meet Detective Daniel Jackson. Daniel, meet our town mayor, Elizabeth Weir."
They exchanged pleasantries and Weir studied Daniel before releasing his handshake. "So Detective, are you here offering help or seeking it?"
Sheppard answered for him. "Actually, a little of both. By the way, I see Peter has tracked you down. He's waving for you over by the entrance." Sheppard pointed to a man trying to gain their attention.
Weir turned and looked. "Yes, I have a meeting this morning." She checked her watch. "Looks like I don't have time to stay and chat. Can I assume, John nothing nefarious is going on and I won't get hit by a media frenzy later?"
Sheppard shrugged. "You know me, Elizabeth. Trouble is my middle name."
She grimaced. "Yes, I know. Fortunately, you're good at what you do or the city council would be calling for your head." She turned to Daniel. "Well, it was nice to have met you Detective. Perhaps we'll get that chance to chat before you leave." She smiled graciously and turned to join the man waiting on her.
"Who's the guy?" Daniel asked, curious as he watched the man take the books from the mayor and begin chattering away at her.
"Peter Grodin, her personal assistant. Probably having a heart-attack because she's gonna be late for her own meeting. Come on, I'll help you go through some of the old records. My staff knows where I'm at."
"I notice you tend to answer for me when anyone asks why I'm here."
"Yeah, well it's probably better that we keep a low profile. The people you are looking into may be out of the limelight but it's possible they still have contacts floating around."
"You don't trust your people?"
"I trust them. I just don't want to put them in a position where they have to cover for me if anyone asks them questions."
They made their way to the archives in the library basement and began to peruse any article's surrounding the time frame in question. Time passed and it was already past the lunch hour when a voice loomed up behind them.
"Nice to see where all my hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. You avoiding my lab results or just being a slacker today?"
"Well, now Rodney if I was avoiding your report I certainly wouldn't have told Bates where to find me. And why are you here anyway? Why didn't you just call or send Kavanaugh?"
McKay snorted. "Yeah, right, Like I want all my hard work thrown down the toilet by some inept translation of the facts I provide." He looked at Daniel. "Who are you?"
Daniel's eyebrows rose and Sheppard introduced them both. Sheppard crossed his arms in amusement as he spoke. "Sorry about Rodney's bluntness Daniel. McKay doesn't know too much about tact."
"Hey! Standing right here! And tact? I can do tact. It's just not usually worth the energy."
"Okay. So what do you have for me on the Sumner case?"
"Same as Gaul. Ritualistic overtones. Deaths are similar but not exactly the same. Haven't been able to determine the weapon involved but each has an odd pattern on their chests similarly shaped but varying in size. Radek is still working on that. Both were pretty well exsanguinated. I haven't had a chance to talk to Carson about his findings on Abrahams yet."
"So why not send Kavanaugh to talk to Beckett if you're too busy?" Sheppard spoke to McKay but gave Daniel a wink as if to say 'watch this!'.
"Oh, puh-lease! The man has the personality of a fence post. And his incompetence is only superseded by his superciliousness. To be honest, I believe I'd prefer a trio of baby howler monkeys nest on my head as to listen to the man's inane drivel."
Daniel pressed his lips together and slowly moved a hand to his mouth to cover a small smile starting to form there. He looked at Sheppard and saw an amused tinkle light up Sheppard's eyes as McKay continued to rant.
"Most people don't use half the brain God gave them but Kavanaugh is firing on all cylinders and still falls short."
"Now Rodney, that's not fair. Calvin has made a few contributions here and there."
McKay rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry, did we step into a Twilight Zone episode and no one bothered to tell me? 'Few' being the operative word here, John. Let's not lose perspective."
After McKay calmed down and finished giving his overview of the forensics and left, Sheppard turned to Daniel. "Rodney is really a good man and a good friend. Doesn't always take other people's feelings into consideration but he's right, he can do tact when he wants to. He just rarely wants to. But he's the smartest, sharpest guy I know and you can't get much past him. If you ever need someone on your side that you can always count on, it's him." Sheppard grinned. "But I can't help winding him up over Kavanaugh. It's too much fun."
Daniel studied the man next to him. He thought that maybe the fond look of amusement on Sheppard's face stemmed from something a little more than he was indicating.
They broke for lunch and returned later that afternoon to finish going through the records. They found several articles about Daniel's parents and he read the pieces with fascination as the stories detailed their lives and their work and their horrific ending. There were individual pictures of them that looked like they may have come from their driver's licenses. Then there was one of himself looking small and frightened and being led away by a woman from victim's services to an awaiting car. Funny, he didn't remember her.
Sheppard interrupted his thoughts with a shout. "Here it is!"
Daniel slid his chair over to where Sheppard sat. Sheppard pointed to the item. "There was a huge awards ceremony and dinner taking place that night. Kolya and Cowen were just a few of the dignitaries there." Sheppard paused. "Interesting. Cowen was giving a speech and Kolya was accepting an award. Neither one could have skipped out on that."
Daniel read the editorial. "Seems like we need to go see Kolya now more than ever."
Sheppard looked down at his watch. "Not today though. It's already dinner time and he's not going to see you this late in the day. I can come pick you up at the hotel in the morning, take you over to his place, see if he'll talk to us. I can't guarantee anything."
"I understand."
"Say, you got dinner plans? McKay and I were going to head over to the Pegasus Café. It's nothing fancy but the food is okay. Rodney likes it. Of course that's not saying much, he even likes hospital cafeteria food. So why don't you join us? I'm sure he won't mind the company."
Daniel smiled. Yep, there was more to John Sheppard and Rodney McKay than met the eye.
~~
After an agreeable dinner and considerable conversation, Daniel headed back to the hotel and grabbed a shower before settling in to call Jack to update him on the day's events. He hated phoning so late but he knew even if Jack was already in bed he wouldn't sleep until Daniel had called and checked in.
"So you trust this Sheppard?"
"Yeah, I do. He gives off a kind of goofy air and yet underneath it, you can feel there is a very capable person watching and observing others. I think he's a lot smarter than he lets on. Kind of like someone else I know."
"I have no clue what you're talking about."
"Yeah. Right. Anyway, I'll have you know I actually met someone snarkier than me."
"No way. And is that really a word?"
Daniel snorted and proceeded to relay the encounter with the forensics investigator.
Jack laughed. "Too bad McKay doesn't work here. We could send him to talk to Councilman Kinsey and set a few things straight." He paused for a few moments. "So when do you think you'll be home?"
"Well, Sheppard and I are heading over to Kolya's in the morning. Depends on what we find out there I guess as to what time I'll actually be able to leave. Why, you miss me?"
Jack picked at the lint on his blanket. "Maybe."
Daniel smiled at the warmth and longing he heard in the one word. "I'll be there as soon as I can. After all, I do have to be back to go to work Monday morning."
"Well, be careful when you go see this guy tomorrow. You said yourself that the evidence was tampered with. He had to know. There's a good chance that either he is your man or he knows who is."
"I won't be by myself, I'll have backup."
"Still. I'd like you home in one piece, Daniel."
"I love you too, Jack."
~~
Daniel rose early again the next day. He ordered breakfast in his room and after he finished, he went ahead and repacked his traveling case, gathering up all his belongings. He wanted to be able to head home as soon as he was done. He headed down to the front desk and inquired about the check out time with the desk clerk. Then he decided to go ahead and request his bill be ready and waiting for him when he returned. He moved over to the overstuffed chairs in the lobby and began to read the morning paper as he waited on Sheppard to swing by and pick him up.
He didn't have long to wait before he saw a police cruiser pull up outside in front of the glass doors much to the chagrin of the desk clerk. Sheppard came in the hotel removing his sunglasses, searching for Daniel before spying him folding the paper back up and setting it aside.
"Good morning. Ready to get this show on the road?"
"Morning. Yeah, I am. Uhm, looks like we have an escort?"
Sheppard grinned. "I convinced Ford to tag along. He's young, he can use the overtime."
"Think we need the backup?"
Sheppard shrugged. "I'd rather have him there and not need him than to need him and not have him there."
Daniel smiled. Little Johnny sure was sharper than Daniel remembered.
~~
They pulled up in front of Kolya's home and sat for a few minutes surveying the area. "Okay, Ford. Stay by the car but keep your radio open to mine. I don't want to crowd the man and make him uncooperative but I don't want to be at his mercy either. If you hear things start to get hairy in there, call for backup and get your butt inside fast."
"Yes sir."
Sheppard opened the passenger door and then stepped out and opened the rear door so Daniel could exit the locked back seat. As they headed up the walkway Sheppard reviewed their approach.
"Let me start the conversation out. He doesn't like me and the feeling is mutual but at least he knows me. He doesn't know you and I doubt he's going to be particularly receptive to what you have to say and the questions you have."
Sheppard rang the doorbell. He saw movement at the living room curtains and then after a few moments the door was opened by a large man with a craggy face, newspaper held in hand.
"Kolya."
"Sheppard." The man's eyes roamed over the sheriff and then out to the waiting police car. "What brings you here?"
"This is Detective Jackson. He's helping me work a cold case file and we've got a few questions we'd like to run by you. Mind if we come in?" Sheppard pushed his way into the doorway.
Kolya raised an eyebrow. "I don't know how I can help you."
Sheppard looked around the entry way and then turned to face Kolya. Daniel was still standing on the doorstep. "You were sheriff at the time. Probably one of the first people on the scene. We just have some questions." John smiled that lopsided goofy grin he used to disarm people. Kolya studied him and then grudgingly gestured for Daniel to come inside.
He closed the front door and then motioned for them to move into the living room. "I wasn't expecting any company. Can I offer you something to drink? Coffee? Tea?"
"No, I think Daniel and I are good for now."
Kolya returned to the chair he had been sitting in to read his paper and Daniel sat in a chair nearby. Sheppard chose to sit on the couch opposite from Kolya.
"So. What is it that you think I can tell you?"
Sheppard led the conversation while Daniel watched the man's responses. "There was a case quite a few years back. Husband and wife, both clinical psychologists, killed in their home. Case was unsolved. Ring a bell?"
"Vaguely."
'There was a child, left alive, hidden away in a coat closet. He had no other family here and was turned over to the state."
Daniel saw a flash of recognition about the case in the man's eyes. Kolya darted his eyes from one to the other. "So?"
"So the kid is grown up now. Wants the case reopened. Says there are some discrepancies between what he remembers and what was reported. You know anything about that?"
The big man's face flushed. "What are you implying?"
Sheppard shook his head. "I'm not implying anything. I'm just asking."
Kolya looked at Daniel. "And what is your business with this case?"
Daniel hesitated and looked at Sheppard who just shrugged. "The murdered couple were my parents. I was the surviving child."
Daniel could have sworn that the man froze solid before him. He wasn't even sure the guy was still breathing he seemed so immobile. Then he broke the silence. "I see."
Sheppard spoke up. "Do you? Because I'm not really sure you do. Daniel says he witnessed the killings. Knows the bodies were moved. Who moved the bodies? Had to be law enforcement. Already tracked down the photographer, he says he never moved them. Said they were photographed as he found him. And I believe him."
Kolya shifted in his chair as Sheppard continued. "Now it was believed that a patient had killed the two and that might well be the case. From what Daniel can remember of the conversation he overheard, it would sound reasonable."
Kolya turned towards Daniel, his face grim, his eyes cold. "And just what did you hear that night?"
Daniel felt a chill run through him as the eyes bore into him. "My father was going to report the man. Turn him over to the authorities for ongoing criminal acts."
"And what acts would those be?"
Daniel took a deep breath. "I have only been able to surmise that it was possibly related to child molestation."
The man sat up straighter as he heard the words. "You are merely guessing. And just who is this patient supposed to be?"
"A man of importance. A man of power."
Sheppard picked up where Daniel left off. "There have been suggestions over the years that you looked the other way regarding, shall we say, 'illegal' activities of our former mayor. Cowen was no angel. Everyone knows that. The man handed out bribes like it was candy. So it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to believe that you might tamper with a crime scene or cover in some way for the man that was lining your pockets."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Kolya's mouth and he sat back further into his chair. "You're crazy Sheppard. I always knew you were one brick shy of a load."
Sheppard's eyes narrowed at the man's changed demeanor.
"Now I am very sorry but I have nothing to add that can help you. I found the bodies as they are reported in the file. All my knowledge is there already. I think it's time you gentlemen left my home." Kolya stood up and looked back and forth at them.
Daniel stood up as well as the man moved to escort them out. He felt an anger begin to rise in him. He knew the man was lying, could feel it. Had witnessed the man's discomfort and sensed there was a lot more going on. Suddenly, he saw Sheppard sit forward on the edge of the couch, his surprised face looking like he had discovered an alien species standing before him.
"Cowen wasn't the man with the secret." His eyes continued to widen as the pieces fell into place. "You were. That's how he had you in his back pocket. He didn't bribe you. He blackmailed you into working for him."
Daniel heard the sharp intake of breath next to him and his head snapped around just as hands reached out for him. An arm reached around him and pulled him back against Kolya's chest. Sheppard came flying off the couch, gun drawn and aimed, but was halted by the sudden appearance of a gun placed at the base of Daniel's throat.
"I'll kill him, Sheppard. You know I'm capable of it. So move back. I'm not going to prison. I had no intention of going then and I certainly have no intention now."
Sheppard kept his gun leveled at Kolya's head. "Let him go, Kolya. My man outside has been monitoring our conversation. Backup is being called for now. It's just a matter of time before they get here."
"Yes, time is a factor isn't it? We're walking out of here, now, together. Then when I'm satisfied we're far enough away, I'll release him."
Sheppard shook his head. "Funny but I don't think anybody in this room believes that."
Kolya whispered in Daniel's ear. "You know I should have killed you all those years ago." He felt around Daniel's chest and found his holstered gun which he took and stuck into his own trousers. "Could have saved myself the trouble now if I had." He yanked Daniel back against him again and breathed in his ear as he ran his gun hand through Daniel's hair. "It's not so soft anymore."
Daniel cringed at the touch. He'd rather the man had hit him than caressed him.
"Kolya." Sheppard warned, gun still aimed. "I'm giving you once last chance to release him."
"Or you'll do what? Shoot me?" The man laughed. "That's rich. No, we're leaving and you're going to call off your dogs."
"Can't let you do that."
"Try and stop me."
"Don't make me do this."
"Give it your best shot." Kolya said as he turned his gun towards Sheppard.
Sheppard fired his weapon and the bullet found its mark unerringly. Kolya's head snapped backwards and his hold on Daniel jerked free as the figure collapsed to the floor behind him. Daniel stood there, wide-eyed, unmoving except for the slight shaking that his body couldn't seem to stop. Sheppard rushed to him. "You okay?"
Daniel nodded and turned to look at Kolya's body on the floor. Ford burst through the front door, weapon drawn and they could hear sirens in the distance. Sheppard retrieved Daniel's gun and handed it back to him then handed Kolya's gun to Ford. "Hold that for the crime scene unit and give it to McKay or Zelenka. Anybody but Kavanaugh."
Then he turned and motioned for Daniel to move outside. Daniel stopped as a photo hanging on the wall caught his attention. Like several others surrounding it, it depicted Kolya in uniform. Some showed him receiving awards or on display in some fashion at ceremonies and functions. This particular picture, however, showed Kolya seated at his office desk. But what caught Daniel's eye was the huge jar of peppermint candy sitting on the corner of it. He shuddered at the memory. Sheppard steered Daniel outside onto the front stoop just as other cruisers with lights flashing pulled up in front of the house and officers poured out of them. Sheppard turned to him. "Well, I guess you found what you came for after all."
"Yeah." Daniel watched as the uniformed men advanced on the house and were motioned forward by their chief. "How much do you think Cowen knew?"
Sheppard blew out a deep breath. "Hard to say. About the molestations? Apparently enough for blackmail but chances are the statutes of limitations have run out on those being prosecutable. As far as your parent's deaths, I have no idea. I can take what we have to the District Attorney and see what he recommends. We may not have enough to even indict."
Daniel nodded as he watched the crime scene unit arrive and Rodney McKay step out of the vehicle carrying his CSI kit.
"We'll need a statement from you of course for official reasons." He smiled his loopy smile. "I think it's safe to say Elizabeth is not going to like me very much for awhile."
McKay stepped up on the porch and nodded to Daniel. Then he looked at Sheppard who gave him a small smile of reassurance. They held the look for a little longer than Daniel thought 'just friends' would and then McKay moved on into the house.
"I assume you'll be heading back home as soon as you finish your statement." Sheppard asked as he watched McKay's disappearing form.
"Yeah, and as grateful as I am to you, John, for everything I'm very ready to get out of here."
"I understand. Maybe someday you can come back to visit. When things aren't so crazy."
"Sure. I think I'd like that."
Sheppard smiled. "Do you remember that kid from the next street over that had the one lazy eye?"
"You mean the one that used to through rocks at our bikes as we rode by his house?"
"Yeah, that's the one. Well, I heard....."
Sheppard draped his arm over Daniel's shoulder and the two headed back to the car where Ford suddenly appeared to drive them back to the station. After Daniel provided his official statement, he shook hands with everyone and said his goodbyes then made his way over to the hotel to pick up his belongings and pay his bill. He was more than ready to go home.
~~
Jack heard the key in the front door lock. He lowered the book he was reading and looked at the clock beside the bed. Eleven-thirty. He placed the marker in the book and removed his reading glasses as he heard the door close back and relock. Jack had left the porch light on and a small table lamp in the living room so Daniel wouldn't enter a dark house. He saw the light disappear when Daniel turned it off as he made his way through the house.
Daniel dropped his bag to the floor as soon as he stepped into the bedroom and tossed his jacket onto a chair. He looked exhausted.
"You know you wouldn't make a very good burglar with all that noise you make."
Daniel tugged at his shirt as he kicked off his shoes. "I'm too tired to be stealthy."
A smile tugged at Jack's mouth at that and he watched as his lover continued to disrobe. Jack pulled the covers back and Daniel climbed into bed next to him. Jack pulled him into a hug and they kissed gently without urgency, just a tired 'hello, I missed you' kind of kiss.
When they separated, Daniel rested his head on Jack's shoulder. "It's good to be home," he said softly.
Jack draped his arm around him, holding him close. Daniel yawned and his eyes were beginning to droop with sleep when Jack spoke.
"You got a phone call a little while ago."
Daniel raised his head up and looked at Jack with a frown. "I did? Who?"
"Sheppard called. Said you gave him this number. Said to give you a message."
"And?"
"He said you would understand. There's some kind of media frenzy going on over there and somebody named Cowen has had a massive stroke after hearing the news reports. Want to tell me what that's all about?"
Daniel nodded. "It's about justice, Jack. The long overdue kind. And I'll tell you everything about it in the morning. I would tonight but there's a LOT to tell and I'm just too tired to stay up that late."
"He also said you'd probably have to go visit the department shrink because of an incident today. Want to fill me in on at least that little bit?"
Daniel grimaced at that. He moved to sit up and face a patiently waiting Jack "Well, Jack. It's like....well, it's like this..."
Jack held up his hand. "If you're going to explain it to me simply, you might just want to 'go slow'."
Daniel blinked several times and saw the smile on Jack's face.
"Sam told you!" Daniel exclaimed.
Jack laughed. "I told you I'd find out" Jack cocked his head to one side and studied him. "So, Daniel.....does 'go slow' only apply to talking?"
Daniel's eyebrows rose at that and then a grin appeared on his face. Yes, it was very good to be home.
Next: A Matter Of Trust