Alternate Reality Bytes 5

Where There's Smoke

by Dragonfly Promises

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asd/dpromises/arbytes05.php
Summary: A rash of unexplained fires draws Jack and his team into a dangerous investigation into arson. Are the fires random or purpose-driven? Can Jack and his team stop the arsonist before he strikes again?

Orange and red flames shot up into the night sky as the fire licked the walls of the building making its way higher and higher throughout the structure. Tiny pops of shattering glass and small percussive explosions echoed the roar of the flames as they engulfed everything in their path. Paint began to blister and peel off the walls of the upper floors, the lower ones already consumed by the hungry blaze. Heat and smoke filled every floor announcing the arrival of the fire before it actually made its appearance to devour anything that tried to block its way.

Sirens filled the air and the living fire seemed to know its adversaries would appear soon. Suddenly, part of the wooden staircase collapsed, feeding the inferno below, speeding up the destruction a little more.

Flashing lights now appeared, bouncing off surrounding buildings as sirens drew nearer and then abruptly ceased. The fire would win this time. It seemed to dance with joy at the knowledge, flames jumping from structure to structure. Fiery fingers began to caress the ceiling, the last obstacle to the rooftop and its goal. It punched a thin tendril through to the outside and drew a deep breath of oxygen into the heat below to feed its strength.

A terrible hissing sound rose into the night as cool water was sprayed onto the flame-engulfed building. Steam flooded the sky, competing with the billowing smoke already present. Voices could barely be heard over the rumble of engines pumping water and the roar of the fire warning its adversaries of the danger it wielded.

The war would wage for hours and while the surrounding buildings would be saved, this particular one was already a casualty. The fire knew this and mocked the men and women battling it. Yes, it had won this time. It was so obvious that it would. After all, it had been given a head start.

~~

Daniel emerged from the bathroom into the bedroom drying his damp hair with a towel and wearing a second towel wrapped around his waist. He opened one of the dresser drawers and started to pull out some socks and boxers when he heard the television in the living room announcing some kind of special report. He tossed the clothes onto the bed and headed into the other room to see Jack sitting on the edge of his recliner watching the newscast.

The screen filled with images of billowing smoke and flames and the slow collapse of a building engulfed in an inferno. Scenes of firefighters clearing lines and others barely able to hold onto massive hoses as they struggled to douse the flames could be seen behind the reporter broadcasting the story. Multiple fire engines could be seen tapping into the hydrants, churning out water and sending misting showers from atop extended ladders trying to drown the flames before they could jump to other buildings.

Daniel moved over to stand next to Jack as he watched the newscast unfold. "Another fire? How many does that make now?"

Jack shook his head. "Three or four at least. It has to be arson. You'd think the fire department would go ahead and declare that and let us step in to help investigate."

Daniel pursed his lips in thought. "Well, their arson investigator has to call it first. Maybe there isn't enough to prove anything yet."

Jack shook his head again and pointed at the screen. "How much proof do they need to know they've got a fire-bug on their hands?"

"I don't know. I've never dealt with arson before."

Jack sighed. "It was a rhetorical question." He turned his head and looked at his partner and felt his breath catch. Daniel was still watching the television so Jack took in his fill of the view. A damp Daniel with an even damper towel clinging around his hips and other body parts, obviously slowly loosing the perch it originally held around his waist.

Jack reached a hand for the towel and found it slapped away before it reached its goal. "Stop that." Daniel said as he continued to watch the television.

Jack's eyebrows rose. "Daniel?"

"I'm trying to hear about the fire, Jack."

"I think there's a fire here that you need to be paying closer attention to Daniel."

Daniel snickered and grabbed the hand that was reaching for the towel again. "So what? We're playing fireman now? Next thing you know, you're gonna tell me you have a really big hose and ask me do I want to see it."

Jack grinned. "Well, do you?"

"Careful, you might cause me to swoon and pass out. Then where would you be?"

"But if I'm a fireman, I know all about carrying you to safety and performing mouth-to-mouth.....among other things."

Daniel smiled. "I see. Well, what if I'm not into firemen?"

"Well, I'd just have to give you a demonstration to convince you otherwise."

"A demonstration?"

"Of my technique."

Daniel's eyebrows rose. "That being?"

Jack reached up and grabbed Daniel's wrist, then suddenly stood before him, bending forward and yanking Daniel to him, pulling him onto his back and shoulders and with a growl of effort, lifting him off his feet.

"Jack!" An upside-down Daniel yelped out. "Put me down!"

"Not finished with the demonstration yet." Jack grunted out as he started to carefully make his way towards the bedroom

"You're going to hurt yourself! Now put me down!"

"Nope. Not yet." Jack ground out through gritted teeth.

Daniel started laughing and tried to break Jack's hold. "You're making all the blood rush to my head and I'm not talking about the one you want it to go to."

Jack shifted his weight and slapped Daniel on the ass, the wet towel causing his own hand to sting. "Stop squirming around or we'll both end up on the floor with something strained or broken."

Daniel stopped struggling and groaned in frustration. He studied Jack's butt from his upside-down position. "Nice ass," he said as he squeezed it.

Jack popped him on the butt again and Daniel laughed so hard he gulped in air, triggering hiccups. Jack made it to the bed and then turned and tossed Daniel off his shoulders down onto the mattress. Daniel landed on his back, bouncing on the bed. Jack stood in front of him grinning.

Daniel grinned back, his eyes full of mischief. "Hey - hic - there."

Jack's eyebrows rose and he tried not to laugh. "Hey there."

"So what - hic - are you going to demonstrate - hic - now?"

Jack struggled to keep a straight face. "Well, I think all restrictive clothing must be removed first." He reached over and pulled the towel off of Daniel's hips, exposing his naked body for Jack's eyes to feast on.

"Oh - hic - Mister Fireman. Are you going to - hic - show me your hose now?" Daniel smirked.

"I'm thinkin' we need to find a way to get rid of those hiccups." Jack grinned as he pulled his t-shirt over his head.

Daniel watched lustfully as Jack continued his slow strip-tease, working his jeans and briefs down over his hips and long legs. Daniel felt his mouth begin to water then another hiccup racked his body as he lay there.

Jack moved back to the bed and slowly lowered himself onto Daniel. He could feel the hiccups echoing through Daniel's body and into his own.

"I think maybe some mouth-to-mouth is what's needed here." Jack whispered as he leaned in and took Daniel's mouth with his own.

Lips parted and tongues introduced themselves to each other. A greedy hunger took over and soon the tongues were dueling, the lips were claiming ownership and moans were escaping the bodies entwined around each other.

Jack pulled back, gasping for air. "There. Did that help?"

Daniel licked at swollen lips and then before he could reply, hiccupped again. "Nope."

Jack sighed and dropped his head forward onto Daniel's shoulder.

"So, Fireman Jack - hic - now what?"

"It's time for plan B."

"You have a - hic - plan B?"

"Indeed I do, Daniel. You see just like a good boy scout, I am always prepared."

Daniel crinkled his nose. "You're not going to start - hic - singing songs around the campfire now, are you?"

Jack frowned. "One theme at a time Daniel." He paused. "Although the thought of what you might have to do to earn a Merit Badge does sound promising."

Daniel snickered.

"No, I was thinking more of something like this." Jack's hand trailed down Daniel's chest and stomach, causing a sharp intake of breath and goosebumps to rise. His fingertips toyed with the little curls of hair they found before running along the thickened cock. Jack watched as Daniel inhaled and held his breath as Jack's fingers caressed the heavy balls, massaging them gently.

Jack leaned over and sucked on the tight little nipples laid out before him. Daniel gasped and bucked as teeth gently raked over the sensitive nubs. Jack's hand began to slowly pump the rigid shaft it now held and he leaned in again to kiss Daniel as his hand continued to stroke, pressing his own erection into Daniel's thigh.

Daniel pushed at Jack to break the kiss. "Want to - hic - taste you. Want your cock in my mouth." He gasped out.

Jack groaned and kissed Daniel again. Then slowly he released his hold on Daniel and moved to lie down so Daniel could go down on him but Daniel shook his head and moved up to lean against the pillows at the head of the bed, indicating Jack should follow. Jack closed his eyes as his cock flooded with enthusiastic understanding. He moved forward and carefully straddled Daniel's upper body, a knee on either side and his groin pressed towards his face, hands holding on to the headboard.

Jack's engorged cock poked eagerly at the kiss-swollen lips. Daniel's tongue snaked out and licked the weeping cock, running along the shaft and returning to the head flicking his tongue over the tip.

"Fuck my face, Jack." He whispered just before his mouth sucked in the inflamed organ.

Jack gasped and shuddered as much at the words as he did at the hot, wet mouth taking control of him. Lips and tongue pulled and sucked at him as hands made their way to his hips and began pushing them forward.

Jack braced one hand against the wall to keep from shoving too far forward and hurting Daniel, the other hand remained on the headboard to keep his balance. He pulsed his hips in gentle short thrusts as fingers massaged his ass and found his entrance. He groaned as a finger slipped inside and he bucked forward involuntarily as it lightly brushed across his prostate.

"God, Daniel. Careful. I don't want to choke you."

Daniel moaned in reply and the hum of the response echoed against Jack's cock sending shudders throughout his body. A second finger slipped into Jack and he thought he was going to pass out. He knew he couldn't keep this going for long, not as aggressive as Daniel's mouth and fingers were being tonight. His hips started pulsing faster, losing some of the control he had been able to hold before. Daniel's fingers matched Jack's thrusts and his other hand moved around to brace Jack's hips, preventing him from ramming his cock too far into Daniel's throat.

Jack could feel his balls practically drawing up inside him and began mewling as he felt the familiar tingling begin in his toes and move its way up. Daniel took the sounds as a warning and withdrew his fingers, moving both hands into place on Jack's hips, steadying him as he began to pump harder and faster. Suddenly, Jack became rigid and gasped out Daniel's name as he shot his hot load into Daniel's willing mouth. Daniel sucked and swallowed and sucked some more, taking in all that Jack could give. Jack leaned his head on the arm braced against the wall, his empty cock melting in Daniel's mouth. Jack began to tremble, still gripping the headboard as Daniel released the softening cock from his lips. Then Daniel slipped out from under Jack quickly and helped him out of the awkward position to lie down on the bed.

"Jack, you okay?"

Jack nodded. He had no strength for words right now. In fact, he wasn't even sure he had any bones left in his body. He reached up and cupped the side of the face staring down at him in concern. Then the face broke into a smile and leaned forward to kiss him. Jack could taste his own cum on Daniel's lips and it never ceased to amaze him how sexy that was. Daniel sat back up and stroked the side of Jack's face, then his eyes widened and he grinned.

"What?" Jack asked, unsure of the meaning behind the grin.

"You got rid of my hiccups."

Jack barked out a laugh and pulled Daniel down to him for another kiss. He felt the younger man's erection pressing into his hip.

"Uhm, Daniel?"

"Yes?"

"What are we going to do about this?" Jack reached down and gently grabbed the throbbing cock of his partner.

Daniel hissed at the touch. Then he whispered into Jack's ear. "I was thinking that maybe Fireman Jack would like to slide down the firehouse pole."

Jack couldn't breathe. Sometimes Daniel's words just literally took the breath away from him with their images.

"Sounds wonderful. I'm just not sure the old fireman here can ride the pole very well with these bum knees after what he just did."

"That's okay. Just lie back and open your legs. The pole will come to the fireman."

Jack shuddered at the lurid whispers and eagerly complied, drawing up his knees and opening his thighs for Daniel.

Daniel placed a pillow under Jack's hips and then slipped in two fingers at Jack's entrance, already having loosened him up while being face-fucked by Jack. He slipped in a third and continued stretching him as he watched Jack's face contort with pleasure. Then Daniel coated his cock generously with the lube before lining himself up at Jack's hole and pushing his way inside. He pressed steadily, pausing as he met resistance then continuing as muscles relaxed further, granting him access.

Finally, Daniel's cock was all the way into the tight gripping heat, his balls nestled against Jack's ass. Daniel swallowed hard then leaned forward and kissed Jack before beginning to move his hips. He drew back and pushed in deep with one long stroke. He heard Jack gasp and did it again. With each long, deep thrust he watched as Jack writhed in pleasure beneath him, his prostate being stimulated once again.

Jack moved in sweet agony as Daniel filled his ass with his huge cock. He could feel his own shaft beginning to fill again and stared at it in amazement before catching the amused glint in his lover's eyes.

"God, Danny, you're going to kill me." He managed to gasp out.

Daniel leaned forward on his arms pausing a moment, sweat dripping off his chest down onto Jack. Jack reached up and brushed his thumb over Daniel's lips. Daniel sucked the thumb into his mouth and began thrusting again. Jack moaned and pulled his thumb from Daniel's lips then moved his hand down between them, grasping his own rock hard rod.

Jack began stroking himself to the same rhythm as Daniel's thrusts. Daniel leaned back a little so he could watch his lover jerk off as he continued to drive into him. As he watched Jack's strokes quicken, he could feel his own breath match pace and began pulsing faster until gradually he found himself pounding into Jack, riding him, taking him, claiming him as his own.

Jack gasped at the pounding thrusts into his ass, wanting it as much as Daniel did. Several more quick jerks and the milky semen was shooting out over his hand splashing onto both his and Daniel's chest and stomach. His ass muscles clamped down on Daniel's cock and Daniel yelled out Jack's name as he released his own pulsing hot seed into Jack, marking him as taken.

Daniel collapsed forward onto Jack, his breaths ragged, his eyes closed tight as they rode out the last of the orgasmic spasms. Jack lowered his legs and wrapped his arms around Daniel, holding him in a hot, sticky embrace. Jack wasn't sure but he thought the younger man might have passed out. He could barely keep his eyes open himself.

"Danny?" Jack began sleepily inquiring.

"Huuummph."

"Was that a word?"

"Hhmmm."

Jack gently smiled and patted him on the back before letting him go. "How about rolling over? You're like a thermal blanket and it's pretty hot in here."

Slowly, Daniel pulled his softened cock from Jack and then rolled off his lover onto the bed and onto his back. Jack turned his head to the side and studied Daniel. Everyday he woke up next to this man, he felt lucky. And the funny thing was, he knew that Daniel felt the same way about him too.

Jack yawned. They really should get up and get cleaned off before they fell asleep. But somehow he didn't have any muscle coordination to move and it looked like Daniel was out for the count. Jack yawned again. He would get up. Any minute now. Get cleaned up and bring a cloth to wash up Daniel. Yep. Annnny minute now, he was going to move. Yes sir. Any minute. As soon as he could remember how.

~~

Carter watched as Jack struggled to open the bottle of ibuprofen in his hands. Suddenly, the top popped off at the same time an "Oh, yes!" escaped Jack's lips.

Carter's eyes widened and she looked to Murray to see a small smirk appear at the corner of his mouth. Jack emptied out four of the pills into his hand and then downed them with a glass of water.

"Are you okay?" She felt compelled to ask.

Daniel snickered at the next desk over and received a glare from the older man.

"Perfectly okay, Carter."

Another snort came from Daniel's direction and Carter frowned. "It's just you seem to be having trouble with your back today. Did you pull a muscle or something?"

Daniel coughed with a grin then suddenly jumped up and grabbed his coffee cup, making a dash for the breakroom. Carter curiously watched him leave and then turned back to Jack.

"I was just demonstrating fireman tactics and strained myself a little, that's all."

"Firemen have tactics?" Carter asked and looked to Murray who lifted an eyebrow in response.

"You know. Drop and roll, that sort of thing."

"Oh." She paused. "But why would you – a cop – be demonstrating firemen's tactics?"

Jack grimaced. Why was it Carter couldn't seem to leave things alone? "Well, we were watching the news report about the latest fire last night and we started discussing the fire department and one discussion led to another and well, there you go. Strained back."

Carter continued to look at him with a puzzled expression. "I still don't understand. How can you get a strained back from that?"

Jack pursed his lips. Okay. She asked for it. "I demonstrated a fireman's lift – sort of."

"A fireman's lift? Who did you try to lift? Daniel? Why would you lift Daniel? He's too heavy for you. What were you thinking?"

"Samantha." Murray interrupted quietly.

She looked at him and Murray held her gaze for a moment as realization slowly set in. "Oh." She blinked several times. "Oh!" She turned back to Jack, her face flushed as various scenarios played out in her head. "Holy Hannah!" She flushed a deeper red and her hand flew to her mouth as it dawned on her she had said that out loud.

Jack smirked just as Daniel re-entered the squad room. Daniel looked from Jack's expression to Carter's blush and knew Jack had somehow caused it. He shook his head and moved over to his chair. He began sifting through some of the papers on his desk and happened to glance up to see Carter looking at him. She was absent-mindedly fanning herself with a steno notepad and when she saw he was looking back, she flushed again. Daniel's eyebrows rose at the sight and then he cut his eyes over to Jack to see an innocent mask slam into place at the last minute. Innocent my ass, Daniel thought. And he briefly wondered exactly what Jack had said in his absence.

His thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of their office assistant, Walter Harriman, escorting a very young-looking man through the squad room to Hammond's office. The visitor smiled shyly at everyone he passed, nodding his head and murmuring hellos along the way. Daniel surprisingly noted the fire department insignia on the man's shirt sleeve and looked to see Jack notice it as well.

After closing the office door and heading back across the squad room, Harriman was flagged down by Jack. "Hey, Walter. Over here." Jack leaned forward and gestured towards the lieutenant's office. "What's up with the smiling twelve-year old?"

"He's the new arson investigator. Name is Jonas Quinn."

"Quinn, huh? What happened to Kieran?"

"Early retirement." Harriman leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "Scuttlebutt is he kinda lost it." He drew circles in the air at the side of his head.

"Ah." Jack nodded and sat back.

"Yeah, this guy was his assistant so I guess he has to take over until they find a permanent replacement."

"Thanks, Walter."

Harriman nodded and then left to return to his duties.

Jack pursed his lips in thought. "Quinn does look kind of green. Could explain why they've been so slow to declare these fires as arson."

"Jack, we don't know anything about the fires or about this guy."

"What? I can't have an opinion?"

"Well, if you had a little more basis to form a good solid one then I wouldn't object. Right now it's just wild speculation."

They were interrupted by the office door opening and Hammond stepping out, escorting Quinn over to the group.

"I'd like for you to meet my Chief Detective, Jack O'Neill and his team, Detectives Daniel Jackson, Samantha Carter and Teal'c Murray. Detectives, this is the fire department's acting Chief Fire Investigator, Jonas Quinn." Hellos were murmured and hands were shaken.

"Looks like you've got a fire-bug on your hands, Quinn." Jack quipped.

The smiling Quinn winced a little. "Hmm, not exactly."

"How's that?"

"A true pyromaniac – a fire bug – doesn't tend to use accelerants."

"And these fires showed signs of accelerants." Daniel offered.

"Oh, yes. But a different kind each time, making them harder to link together."

"But you've done that now and that's why you're here - so we can go find the guy for you?" Jack asked.

"Hmm, not exactly."

"Oh, for cryin' out loud, Quinn. What's with the 'not exactly'? What are you here for then?"

"When the firefighters were going through the rubble to make sure there were no smoldering fires under the wreckage, they found a body."

Jack looked at Hammond who nodded.

Quinn continued. "Up until now all the buildings have been empty of people. I have no idea if it's the arsonist or some unfortunate who ended up picking the wrong place to crash for the night or if it was murder. And that's why I'm here."

"Yeah, well all fire-related deaths are treated as homicide until proven otherwise." Jack replied.

Hammond stepped in. "Frasier and her team have already been sent down there and are on location by now. Take your team and see what she has to tell you. Quinn here can walk you through his investigations and help set up the interviews with the firefighters. Find out what you can."

~~

Quinn led the way through the burned-out husk of a building to where Frasier and her forensics team were attempting to process the site.

Frasier looked up. "Hey, Jack. Cute hat."

Jack grimaced. He hated wearing the hard-hat that Quinn had made each one put on. He understood it was for safety reasons but he felt really stupid and goofy-looking nonetheless. Particularly since he was wearing it in conjunction with the orange jumpsuit and boots Quinn made each one change into to spare their dress cloths from the sooty debris. At least he didn't look as goofy as Murray did. Jack saw Murray narrow his eyes. Oops. He hadn't said that last thought out loud, had he?

"Whatcha got, Doc?"

"A forensics nightmare. All the damage from the water and the fire makes this a hard site to process. What little we're going to be able to get is going to be suspect at best due to the contamination of the scene."

"Can you tell me anything about the vic, yet?" Jack asked, wincing at the blackened, warped torso lying before them.

"Not much. The remains are pretty charred. The curled, pugilist position is typical of a fire death so that doesn't tell us much. Looks to be an adult male. We're trying to preserve as much skin on the hands as we can for printing but it's not looking very promising. Dental records are going to be the better bet for identification in this case."

She paused to call over one of her assistants to give them brief instructions regarding the body and then turned back to Jack. "I'll have more info to give you after the autopsy has been done. I think I'll sit in with Warner on that, I have a few questions of my own for him."

"Thanks, Doc. Keep me posted."

Frasier nodded and turned back to processing the crime scene.

Jack turned his attention to Quinn. "You got a point of origin for this fire and the kind of accelerant used?"

"Haven't had a chance to work this site in any depth yet but I've done a preliminary walk-thru. Follow me."

Quinn led them to a shell of a room. Jack looked around. It all looked the same to him. One huge smoky, charred mess.

Quinn gestured around the room. "Try not to handle anything. Even though the fire was put out a while ago and the place was checked for hotspots, some of the areas are still pretty warm to the touch."

He moved towards a partial wall and pointed to the baseboard. "As you can see, the charring is darker along the baseboards, particularly in the corner. We've got some ink blot patterns here that indicate a liquid splashed onto these areas and soaked in before the fire was lit."

Jack sniffed the air. "Smells like my Grandma's old kerosene lamp."

Quinn smiled. "Very good Detective. Yes, it's very likely it was kerosene. I haven't run any chemical tests yet on this site to verify that but it was used at one of the other fires. Also, kerosene burns hotter and faster than something like gasoline so it's common as a professional's choice."

"Are you intimating that this is the work of a professional, Jonas Quinn?" Murray asked.

Quinn shrugged. "That's for you guys to figure out."

Daniel stepped in. "So, explain to me how you know this was a fast burning fire."

"See this? A normal fire pattern burns in the shape of a 'V'. A wide angle 'V' indicates a slow burning fire. A narrow angle one, a fast burning one. As you can see, the angle here is narrow. Also, if you look over here at the irregular cracks in the glass. Fast fires do that. Slow ones make large cracks, not this pattern."

Quinn looked around the room. "I have a lot to go through here and document to make it official. But unofficially, this is a case of arson by person or persons unknown just like the other fires." He looked at the team of detectives and smiled. "Ball's in your court now guys."

~~

Carter handed out copies of the fire investigation reports to her colleagues around the conference table.

"These are Quinn's official reports. Obviously, we don't have this latest one but I have gone ahead and pulled the building's blueprints to get an idea of the location of the body in respect to the origin of the fire and the building's exits. Siler took photos of what's left of the building inside and out and Janet said she'd get us copies ASAP."

"Good job, Carter. Do we know yet who owns these buildings and if there is a link?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. Murray and I are working on getting that info. Plus we're trying to find out who holds the insurance and if any claims have been filed."

Daniel spoke up. "I checked with missing persons to see if anyone has reported an adult male missing but no one has in over a month. Of course it's pretty early yet, his people may not even realize he's missing. I asked them to give us a heads up if anything crosses their desk."

"Good. Do we have any interviews set up with the fire crew yet?"

Carter nodded. "We have a few set up for this afternoon at the firehouse. The lieutenant there agreed to let us talk to his people barring any unexpected emergencies that might take them away."

"Okay. Let's go over these reports, see if anything leaps out at anybody. Then we'll go talk to some of the fire-eaters and see what they have to add. Also, we are going to want to set up a canvas in the various neighborhoods, see if anybody has any info they'd like to volunteer."

"Fire-eaters, Jack?"

"What? They call each other that half the time and they call us a lot worse things most of the time."

Daniel frowned. "That's beside the point. It just doesn't sound very respectful."

"Oh, I respect them Danny. Believe me. I wouldn't do what they do for anything. But it's a tradition for cops and firefighters to dislike each other."

"That's stupid, Jack. It sounds like a lot of muscle-flexing and posturing to me."

"Exactly. And here I thought you didn't get it."

~~

Jack and Daniel were escorted into a small office in the fire station, their guide announcing their presence.

"Lieutenant? The detectives are here to see you."

The man sitting at the desk looked up from his paperwork and thanked the fireman before introducing himself. "The name is Landry. Lieutenant Hank Landry. You're some of Hammond's boys, right?"

Jack nodded. "I'm Detective Jack O'Neill and this is Detective Daniel Jackson." They all shook hands. "Our office called to set up some interviews about last night's fire. Your people free for a few minutes?"

"Don't see why not. It's pretty quiet at the moment. But if that alarm goes off, the interview is over - they've got to go, no lingering."

"Understood."

Daniel spoke up. "We'd specifically like to talk your people that found the body."

"Not a problem. Look, we don't have a conference room or anything like that and this office is pretty small. We hold most of our meetings around the kitchen table. Come on upstairs and I'll clear the room, send the rest packing to watch television in the rec area."

Jack and Daniel followed Landry upstairs and true to his word he sent everyone out of the kitchen area with the exception of the guy that was cooking dinner. The aroma smelled wonderful to Daniel and he thought he heard his own stomach growl.

"Mal Doran! Mitchell! Get in here now!" Landry bellowed. He looked to Jack and Daniel and shrugged. "I like to yell. Besides, they expect it. If I didn't, they'd think something was wrong."

"Yeah, Lieutenant, what's up?" the woman asked as she entered the room. A man roughly Daniel's age followed behind her.

"These men want to talk to you about the body you found at the fire. Meet Detectives Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson. Detectives, meet part of my crew, Vala Mal Doran and Cameron Mitchell."

Jack noticed the woman's eyes rake over them, sizing them up. Her attention lingered on Daniel and a small predatory smile appeared on her face. Jack narrowed his eyes at her.

Mitchell stepped up and shook hands. "Just call me Mitchell," he said before pulling out a chair at the table to sit down.

The woman continued to smile at Daniel. "Call me Vala." She moved to sit next to Mitchell.

Jack and Daniel sat down as well. Jack opposite Mitchell and Daniel opposite Vala.
Jack started the conversation.

"What can you tell me about the body you found?"

Mitchell responded. "Well, the fire was out for a while before we could move in. We had to check for hotspots to make sure there were no smoldering fires under the debris that could flare up again. When we turned over a large chunk of collapsed wall, we found the body."

"You didn't see anything else like a fuel source or a container or anything that caught your attention or made you curious?"

Mitchell thought for a moment and then shook his head.

Vala leaned back in her chair and slid into a relaxed slouch. "Nope. Nothing there but the crisper."

Daniel looked at her, puzzled. "Excuse me? The crisper?"

Mitchell grimaced. "Ignore her. It's a crude term for a burnt body. Vala sometimes lacks tact."

"What about the fire when you first arrived?" Jack interrupted. "Tell me what you saw and what your first impressions were."

Again, Mitchell answered. "The building was probably already three-quarters gone by the time we got there. We couldn't get the water on it fast enough so the only thing we could do was try to prevent it from jumping to nearby buildings. It was obvious an accelerant was involved."

Jack looked at the woman. "What about you?"

She shrugged. "I defer to his assessment." She grinned as she slouched lower in the chair, practically lying down in it. "You see, Ole' Mitch here is our fire-ace. Our little hot-dogger. Fearlessly leaps flaming buildings in a single bound. Anybody needs rescuing, he's your man. Anything you need to know about fire, he's your go-to-guy."

She turned her gaze from Jack to smile at Daniel. Daniel jumped unexpectedly and then flushed. Jack looked at him, frowning. Vala grinned.

"What about people at the scene? Did you see anyone there? If you did, did they look familiar like they may have been at one of the other fires?" Jack asked the firefighters the question but he looked at Daniel and saw him squirm in his seat and flush a brighter red.

"Are you okay?" Jack asked him, concerned.

Daniel nodded but didn't answer. He scooted his chair back a little and Jack could have sworn he saw Vala pout at that.

Mitchell spoke up. "I didn't see anyone at any of the fires and I haven't heard any of the rest of the crew saying they did either. I'm sorry we haven't been much help."

"That's okay. Just if there's another fire before we can catch the guy, keep your eyes open and give us a yell if you see anything. Or if you think of something about these other fires." Jack handed each one a business card.

Vala looked at it then at Daniel. "You don't have a business card?"

Jack smiled thinly. "It's the same number. You call him, you call me."

Vala looked at Jack again, re-evaluating him. Then a light seemed to come on and a smile spread across her face as she looked from him to Daniel. "I see. How interesting." She licked her lips with a hungry look. "I think I shall keep this number handy." She tucked the card inside the front of her shirt into her bra. "After all, you never know when a girl might need a cop....or two."

~~

When they got to the car, Jack looked at Daniel. "You know I've heard the term 'hot as a house on fire' but damn that woman was about to send the place up in flames with her innuendos and leering looks. And what was with you? You looked like you were going to jump out of your skin."

"She had her foot in my crotch, Jack. How else would you have expected me to act?"

"What?!" Jack thundered.

"When she slouched down in the chair, she slid her foot up my leg. The next thing I knew, it was resting in my crotch - doing things."

"Doing things?" Jack's voice was tight.

Daniel flushed for the third time. "Yes. She has very talented toes."

Jack growled. "She is so dead."

"You can't do or say anything, Jack."

"She molested you, Daniel! Right under my nose!"

"Let it go, Jack."

Jack snarled as he started up the car. "You are so not coming back here. If we need anything else from them, I'll send Carter."

Daniel chewed his lower lip. "I'm not sure she'd be safe either, Jack."

Jack looked at him wide-eyed and then they both busted out laughing.

"Let's go check in and then call it a day. I'm ready to go home."

"No argument here." Daniel leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes. It was a good thing he didn't tell Jack about the pinch on the ass.

~~

Daniel was signing on to his computer when he saw Carter out of the corner of his eye approach his desk.

"Did you get anything from the firefighters yesterday?" Carter asked while sipping her morning coffee.

Jack growled and Daniel grimaced. Apparently the pinch had been hard enough to bruise and Jack had noticed.

Thoughts of the previous night flooded into Daniel. They had taken a shower together and as they were drying off, Jack's hands were lightly caressing him. Jack looked at Daniel's ass as he ran his hand over it and that was when he saw the purple mark. Jack's hand stilled and his voice was tight.

"Daniel, what's this bruise from?"

Daniel flushed. "It's nothing. Must have backed into something."

"Try again."

"It's nothing. Just don't get all crazy about it."

"It was that Vala woman, wasn't it?"

"Jack..."

"When did she have a chance to pinch you?" Jack asked, incredulous at the woman's boldness.

Daniel sighed heavily. Jack wasn't going to let this go. "When we were leaving and you stepped into Landry's office to let him know we were done. She came up to supposedly say goodbye again and well...."

Jack shook his head. "She is soooo very dead."

"Jack, are you jealous?"

"Only were your ass is concerned."

Daniel's eyebrows rose. "Just my ass?"

Jack growled. "You know what I mean."

Daniel smirked. "Show me."

And Jack did. Daniel felt a smile creeping over his face at the memory and he came back to the present to see Carter still staring at him, waiting for an answer.

He cleared his throat. "Uh, no. Nothing that was very useful." He cut his eyes over to Jack.

Jack spoke up. "Mitchell seemed pretty competent. Probably very good at what he does. The woman seems a little off. But she must be fairly capable because I can't see Landry letting anyone stay there that wasn't. Still, neither one saw or heard anything that was helpful."

"Well, Murray and I are still trying to track down the building owners. We checked the property appraiser's online database but the information doesn't look complete." She sat down on the edge of the desk and continued. "We also sent a request to the insurance companies to let us know when any claims have been filed on these buildings. No bites there yet. Oh, and Janet called. She and Warner are doing the autopsy thing this morning. She said she should have something for us this afternoon."

"Thanks, Carter." Jack tapped his pencil against a folder, lost in thought. "I think we need to create a case summary board on this one to see what we've got. After we meet with Frasier this afternoon, I want to get together and let's plot out what we have. There's something here that we're not seeing yet."

"Okay, I'll pass the word on to Murray."

Jack looked around. "Where is he, by the way?"

Carter smiled. "Teal'c felt that the property appraiser's office wasn't being as helpful as they could be. So he went to see them in person to have a little discussion on the importance of expedient cooperation between governmental agencies."

Jack grinned. God, he loved his kids.

~~

"Jack, Daniel. Come on in." Frasier motioned for the two men to enter her office. She noticed Daniel look at her and then quickly look away. Obviously, she still wasn't totally forgiven for helping Jack in his undercover charade and pretending to be his girlfriend. How was she supposed to know Daniel would witness them kissing? Jack said they had to make it look real to keep his cover so she did. Apparently, it looked a little too real. She still felt bad about the charade for Daniel's sake but she was helping Jack on an investigation and she felt no regrets for that because their hard work removed a cancer from within the department itself. She pretended she didn't see the hurt look.

"Doctor Lee and I were just discussing your victim. You know Doctor Lee, right? He's our forensic Odontologist."

"Hiya Doc."

The man nodded at Jack. "Detective O'Neill." He looked at Daniel questioningly.

"Uh, Daniel Jackson. Nice to meet you." Daniel extended his hand.

"Bill Lee." The man replied and shook hands.

"Doctor Lee was just telling me that your dead body isn't exactly a local citizen."

Jack looked to Lee. "So what's the story?"

The little man pointed to dental x-rays displayed against the bright fluorescent light.

"Yes, well you see we have third molars here – wisdom teeth - so that puts the victim at least between the ages of 17-25, probably a little older actually. If you look at the second molars, you'll see three cusps. Now that's typically found in Europeans. And see this flat lingual surface on the incisors? Again, common among the Europeans, not to mention the cast steel crown."

"So he's not from around here."

"Well, no. I don't see any recent dental work so I can't tell you if he has been to a dentist here yet or how long he has been here. We'll put out a message on the boards and see if anyone remembers coming across a crown like this in a patient recently. If someone has, we can get those dental records and try to match them to these x-rays. Until then, there's not a lot more we can do on the identification."

"Thank you, Bill." Frasier patted him on the back.

"Detectives." Lee nodded at them as he moved to leave.

"Thanks, Doc." Jack nodded back. The door closed and Jack turned back to Frasier. "Okay so what do you have for us?"

Frasier snorted. "Not a whole lot more. Except that he was dead before the fire started."

"Go on."

"Well in a true fire-related death, most victims die from carbon monoxide toxicity or pulmonary injuries from breathing the super hot air. Most are already unconscious or dead before the actual flames get to them. Your vic had clear lungs. He didn't breath in any of the air from the fire."

Daniel spoke up. "Of course that only means he was dead before the fire started. Not that he wasn't there to help get it started. So he could either be an arsonist whose partner decided to get rid of him or he could be someone not related to the fire who was killed then placed in the fire to destroy evidence."

Jack thought about that for a moment. "Either way, I take it Warner ruled this as a homicide?"

"Oh yeah. No question."

"Any idea what actually did kill the guy?"

"There doesn't appear to be any drugs involved. No bullet wounds or knife wounds that we could determine. No evidence of asphyxia - no petechiae hemorrhaging in the eyes to indicate manual strangulation and no blockage in the air passages to indicate choking or suffocation. We did find what appears to be a significant blow to the skull but..."

"But?"

"A blow to a stationary head or a head striking a stationary object can cause an epidural hemorrhage - which is the most lethal type of intracranial hemorrhage. The thing is, fire induced fractures are common in a body and when the fluids on the brain super heat, it creates a granular, mud-like material between the bone and brain that mimics an epidural hemorrhage. It's hard to tell which we have here."

"So we really don't have anything except he wasn't alive to start the fire."

"Well, not this one at least. Couldn't tell you about the other fires. Sorry, Jack. I know it's not what you wanted to hear."

Jack blew out a breath. "That's okay. Sometimes finding out what you have begins by finding out what you don't have. C'mon Daniel. Let's head back and see if Carter has anything new. Thanks Doc."

~~

They exited the building and began their short walk back to the precinct in silence. Jack looked over at Daniel who seemed to be intent on looking everywhere but at him.

"You're pretty quiet. What's up?"

"Just thinking."

"About this case or something else?"

Daniel shrugged. "A little of both."

"You still got problems with Janet?"

"Nope. We're good."

"So if I were to say - invite her to join the team for a Friday night get-together at O'Malley's or at the house - you would be okay with that?"

Daniel's jaw tightened. "Sure."

"Don't say it if you don't mean it, Daniel."

Daniel stopped walking and locked eyes with him. "Since when have I EVER said anything that I didn't mean, Jack?"

Jack grimaced. He'd been waiting for this shoe to fall for a while now. He thought Daniel had been a little too forgiving a little too quickly.

Daniel started walking again. He had cut both Janet and Jack a lot of slack because he knew it had been an undercover operation. He knew after the fact, that is. And while his head knew it and his heart was only filled with love for Jack, it was still a little unsettling to see them side by side in the same room. Even when their contact was just about work. Jack didn't understand that and he had no way to make him see.

"Maybe I'll invite Vala to come join our Friday night dinner."

Jack narrowed his eyes. "Now see, that is so wrong on so many levels."

Daniel looked at him innocently. "How so?"

Jack frowned. "Frasier and I were just pretending. That Vala creature has the hots for you and I wouldn't put it past her to throw you down on O'Malley's billiards table, rip your clothes off and take you right there, hard and fast, in front of everyone."

Daniel's face flushed at the image. It didn't sound half-bad, particularly if you substituted Jack for Vala. Obviously, his dick was interested in it since it just stood up and said hello.

Jack's eyes widened as it dawned on him Daniel was turned on by the mental picture.

"You want Vala?" He croaked out.

"No!" Daniel hissed. "I just got a picture of you.....doing that and it was....really hot."

Jack began to grin. "Hot, huh? Why, you little exhibitionist!" He let the image come to mind and felt his own surge of interest as well. "Damn it, Daniel. How am I supposed to work the rest of the day with that image in my head now?"

"You're the one that brought it 'up' and I'm not just talking about the image." Daniel smirked.

Jack looked down and saw a definite bulge beginning in Daniel's pants that matched his own.

"Good thing we don't have much further to walk." Jack added.

Daniel frowned. "We can't go back in there looking like this around Sam and Teal'c." He looked across the street. "Let's go to the park for a minute."

"What? We can't do anything in there."

Daniel shook his head. "I'm not looking for a grope among the bushes, Jack. I thought we could go there to let 'things' settle down a bit. And while we're there, I'd like to check out the memorial. It was finally finished but I haven't had a chance to see it yet."

Jack stopped walking. Daniel turned when he realized Jack wasn't with him. He walked back to Jack and took in the sad face.

"Jack?"

Jack looked away but Daniel could see his eyes beginning to mist. "Uhm." Jack cleared his throat. "I don't know if I can."

Daniel placed a hand on his arm. "I'll be with you. Come on. I think you need to do this."

Jack nodded and swallowed hard. He let Daniel lead him by the elbow to cross the street and enter the little park that had become a hellish nightmare one night not so long ago.

They crossed over to where the bench once stood. After the bodies of the officers had been removed, no one could fathom anyone wanting to sit in the place of such a horrific slaughter left by the serial killer. Instead of the bench, there now stood a memorial with a plaque surrounded by a lush and blooming rose garden.

Daniel squeezed Jack's arm. "It's pretty what they've done with the roses. I imagine Kawalsky would have had something to say about it though." Daniel gave Jack a half smile.

"Yeah. He would have." A solemn Jack stepped forward and ran his fingertips over the names and details of the slain officers. Kawalsky and Elliot. He shook his head at the memories.

They stood there for a few moments in silence. A tear slipped and Jack swiped at it brusquely. "Can we go now?"

Daniel patted him on the back. "Yeah. C'mon."

~~

"O'Neill. Are you not well?" Murray asked as Jack and Daniel entered the squad room.

A grim-looking Jack waved him off and headed to the locker room. Carter and Murray looked at Daniel.

"We stopped by the park on the way back - to look at the memorial." He let out a deep sigh. "I thought he was ready to see it."

"Oh." Carter looked sadly towards the locker room.

Daniel moved over to his desk and dropped into his chair frowning. He took off his glasses and tossed them onto the desk. He ran his hands over his face and through his hair and blew out a deep breath. Damn. He really screwed that one up. He propped his elbows on his desk and massaged at aching temples as he looked over at Jack's empty chair. Then he dropped his face into his hands to muffle the roar he let out.

"Daniel Jackson? Perhaps I should have asked if you are all right."

"I'm fine, Teal'c. Just frustrated." He propped his head against one hand, massaging his forehead as he looked at Carter and Murray. He was starting to get a headache. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Did you guys find out anything on the arson case? All we got was that the guy was dead already when the fire started and that he wasn't from around here."

"Indeed we did. I had a most productive conversation with the people in the property appraiser's office and found out the names of the property owners. After further research, we determined these names to be falsified. After looking into the tax collector's records, we determined a single entity paid taxes on these pieces of real estate. An individual named Frank Simmons."

"Really?" Daniel's eyebrows shot up.

"Do you know this man, Daniel Jackson?"

"No. But I know of him. He's actually a front man for a guy by the name of Adrian Conrad. He's the one you want."

Jack walked into the room at that moment. Daniel looked up at him and saw the dampness of Jack's hair and knew Jack had taken the time to splash water on his face before making an appearance. Daniel tried to communicate his apology and love to Jack but Jack wouldn't look at him - as though he couldn't stand to deal with him right now. Jack began talking to Murray instead. Crap. Daniel sighed and laid his head down on his desk. God, his head was really starting to hurt now. He listened to Jack fill Murray and Carter in on the details of their findings and vice-versa.

Murray wrapped their conversation up. "Daniel Jackson has heard of this Frank Simmons before. He was explaining to us a connection to an individual named Adrian Conrad when you walked in."

All eyes turned to Daniel. Jack frowned when he saw Daniel's head down on the desk.

"What's wrong with you?" Jack asked more harshly than he intended.

Daniel heard the sharpness in the words and wondered about the phrasing. Was Jack actually inquiring into his health or was Jack referring to why Daniel thought it was a good idea for Jack to take another step forward in dealing with the loss of his good friend and colleague?

"Daniel?" Jack started again when he didn't get a reply. "Why do you have your head down on your desk? Are you sick?"

So. Maybe he wasn't pond scum after all. "I'm fine. I'm just tired." Daniel lifted his head and reached for his glasses to slip back on. "Adrian Conrad. American businessman. Very rich. Investigated by the FBI for international transportation of illegal goods among other things. He's into a little of everything but there's never been enough evidence to convict him of anything." He looked from one to the other. "A very dangerous man. Acquaintances of his have been known to disappear and never return."

"Like maybe they disappeared in a tragic accident such as a fire?" Jack prompted.

"Possibly. But not proven."

"Well, it's a place to start." Jack looked at his watch. "It's later in the day than I thought it would be. Wrap up what you can and let's pick this up first thing in the morning."

They all nodded and moved back to their desks to document their findings of the day before heading out.

~~

Jack looked over at Daniel in the passenger seat with his head leaning against the window. His eyes were closed and his forehead was pinched in obvious pain. Jack knew Daniel had a headache. Why he insisted on waiting so long to take something for it was always beyond Jack. It was one thing to not want to become a habitual user of any drug, even ibuprofen, but if you left things too long then it was a lot harder to get rid of the pain and you probably ended up taking more of the stuff in the long run. For somebody as smart as Daniel was, he sure missed some common sense things.

"You should take something for that."

"I will when we get home."

"You should have already taken something."

Daniel sighed. He didn't want to argue. "I know."

"So what do you want to do about dinner? I don't feel like cooking and it's obvious you're not up to it either. Want to order something in?

"That's fine."

"Pizza?"

"Fine."

Jack pulled out his cell phone while keeping one hand on the steering wheel. He hit the memory key and pulled up the number of the pizza place they usually ordered from. As Jack began to place the order, Daniel cracked open one eye to verify what his ears were hearing. He and Jack had talked about this before. He really didn't like Jack driving and talking on the cell phone at the same time. It was too distracting and he was worried that one day Jack would be in an accident because of it. He thought they had agreed to only talk and drive if they were trying to reach someone – most likely each other – in the case of an emergency.

Jack flipped the cell phone closed and looked over to see Daniel watching him. He knew what Daniel was thinking already.

"It was an emergency. This way the pizza will arrive not long after we get home and you can grab a shower, take your ibuprofen and go to bed early."

Daniel closed his eye back. He wasn't going to argue. The more he thought about it, the more he realized they were beginning to think and sound and act like an old married couple. It could be worse.

~~

Jack slipped into the bed and scooted up behind Daniel. They had eaten dinner and while Jack cleared away the leftovers, Daniel had grabbed a shower and crawled into bed with his headache. Jack had taken a shower too and after finding nothing on television worth watching and not feeling like reading anything, he opted for an early night as well.

"You asleep?" Jack asked as he spooned up closer behind Daniel.

"Yes."

Jack smiled. "So we're not having a conversation right now?"

"No."

Jack chuckled and kissed Daniel on the shoulder. "Headache any better yet?"

"Some."

Jack was silent for a few moments. "Sorry about the Janet thing. And the Vala thing. And the memorial thing."

"Same here." Daniel paused. "I didn't mean for you to relive that night. I just thought it would be a good thing for you to see how they were being honored and remembered."

"I know." Jack lightly caressed Daniel's arm. "I guess I should be over it by now."

Daniel turned his head to look at Jack. "Who says so? There's no time limit on grief, Jack. Everyone is different. Every situation is different. As long as you try to continue moving forward and working your way through it, then it just takes as long as it takes. It's when people wallow in it and make no attempt at accepting it that there is a problem." He laid his head back down. "You've come a long way. You're not having nightmares anymore and you can actually talk about old times with Kawalsky and laugh. That says a lot. Don't make today in the park a bigger obstacle than it is."

Jack slipped his arm around Daniel's waist and squeezed Daniel to him as he kissed his shoulder again. "I love you, you know."

Daniel smiled softly. "In case you've missed it, I love you too."

Jack nudged his nose into Daniel's hair. "You know what I've heard is a great cure for headaches?"

Daniel smirked. "Isn't that your cure for everything?"

Jack paused for a moment. "Pretty much."

"Hmmm. Not to be cruel but I think I'll have to pass tonight. Now the morning might be a different story."

"Promises, promises." Jack kissed his neck then scooted until he found the most comfortable position that allowed him to stay snuggled next to Daniel. Slowly, they both drifted off to sleep.

~~

Jack began scribbling on the board. "Okay what do we have and what do we need?"

Daniel started as he sipped on his coffee. "We have a dead body with a generic identification. We need a real identification, a name to attach to it."

Carter piped in. "We have four fires set by an arsonist. Use of accelerants indicate someone who knows what they are doing – possibly a professional. We need to identify the arsonist."

"Do we have a list of known fire starters in our area?" Jack asked.

"Yes. We're already on it." Carter replied.

"Good. What else?"

Murray spoke up. "We have a common link between the properties in question. Adrian Conrad. However, we do not have a link between him and the fires themselves or the dead body."

"Well we would need to identify a motive to do that." Daniel offered.

"Indeed." Murray inclined his head.

"Okay," Jack chimed in. "Let's start with money for motive. How well are the places insured? Is he going to make a nice fat profit?"

Carter responded. "All the buildings were pretty well insured and he could potentially receive a nice chunk of change. But the thing is, he hasn't filed a claim yet on a single one of them."

"That's odd." Daniel frowned.

"No kidding. And I'll tell you why it's doubly so. He carried insurance with different companies on each place so no one insurance company in particular would get the hit. Plus the properties were in different names. Obviously, that cuts down on raising red flags to the insurance investigators so why hesitate to file?"

"Yeah, but could he really file while there was still an investigation pending with the fire department?" Jack countered.

Carter shrugged. "No payout would take place until it was cleared by the fire investigator but he could file a claim at any time. Most people would be contacting their insurance agent the next day."

Daniel chewed at his lower lip. "Which then begs the question, if not for profit, then for what?"

Carter mirrored Daniel's lip tug. "Would he actually stage the first three fires to make the fourth one with the body look like the work of a serial arsonist?"

Daniel frowned. "That seems like an awful lot of work for this guy. He makes people disappear like David Copperfield. I can't imagine he would go through such a crude setup to dispose of someone he considered a nuisance."

"Unless he was sending a message to someone." Carter offered.

"Maybe it's the other way around. Maybe a message was being sent to him." Jack pointed out.

"But is not the message incomplete either way without the identity of the victim, O'Neill?"

"Touche', Murray."

"So we're back to the identity of the body." Daniel pointed out. He tapped his pencil against the table, lost in thought. "It's possible this guy was a Red Fellow."

"You're kidding." Jack looked at him wide-eyed.

Carter looked from one to the other "What does that mean?"

Jack looked at Daniel but spoke to Carter. "The Red Fellows is the name given to the Russian Mafia. They're bad news, Carter. Very bad news."

Carter frowned. "I didn't think those guys really existed."

Daniel cleared his throat and began. "Oh, they exist. And they are the most vicious, most dangerous of all the mafias. Worse than the Sicilians, the Columbians, and La Cosa Nostra combined. They are the most educated of any organized crime unit in the known criminal world. Many members hold PhD's even. And they are not hierarchically organized like any of the other mafias either. It's a much more loosely connected group which makes it nearly impossible to tie them to each other or their activities. They're very smart and very ruthless and they will do anything that will gain a profit. Drugs, prostitution, arson, murder, gun-trafficking, dealing in weapons left over from the cold war. It wasn't too long ago that one of them was actually caught after a two-year sting investigation trying to sell a nuclear submarine with warheads down in Miami."

"Holy Hannah!" An astounded Carter yelped.

Daniel continued. "They are very slippery and did I mention ruthless? They don't hesitate to kill anyone in their way either, no matter who. There were rumors that Conrad had ties to them but again they were only rumors."

Daniel looked at Jack. "You may want to call Lou Feretti in on this one Jack. Get the FBI involved before we step in way over our heads."

"But we don't know that's what we have here yet, Daniel. It could just be a simple ole' case of homegrown arson."

Daniel nodded. "Maybe. But don't count on it if Conrad is involved."

Jack blew out a breath. "Okay. Let me talk to Hammond and see what he thinks." He ran a hand over his jaw. "In the meantime, Murray, go back to the tax rolls and see what other pieces of real estate you can tie Simmons name to. It's possible the fires aren't over yet."

"Carter, go see Frasier. If this guy was a Red Fellow they should have found tattoos on his shoulders and arms. That's a big thing with these guys. Stop by the anti-crime unit and get some pictures of the kinds of tattoos they sport to take with you. Yeah, I know the body was pretty charred and they wouldn't have found anything at first glance but they might be able to pick up some of the ink deeper in the flesh. Have her and Warner look again."

"Daniel, call Lou. Just try to feel him out without giving too much away. We don't want to officially bring the FBI in here just yet. See if he's heard any traffic about this Conrad guy recently and what might be going on with him."

Jack looked at the case board and frowned. They had more questions now than when they started. "Okay campers, we've got things to do. Let's move it out."

~~

Carter was keying in the latest info into her report when her phone rang. She reached over and snatched it up.

"Detective squad, Carter here."

"Well, Sam. Tell Jack he's done it again." Janet spoke into the phone as she studied the photographs before her.

"How's that?" Carter reached for a pencil, ready to scribble a note.

"Warner and I went back over the body. Had a hell of a hard time bringing up any ink on the guy. We found a partial tattoo on the left shoulder that resembles one of the photos you sent over. The other shoulder was too far damaged to retrieve anything. It's not a positive match but it looks close from what we can tell." Frasier laid the photos down. "Is this good news or bad news for you guys?"

Carter tapped the pencil on the notepad. "At this point Janet, I don't really know."

~~

Murray smirked as he watched the clerk help him research the records for more links to Simmons. He only had to appear in person and now they were most cooperative with all his requests. O'Neill had once said that people sometimes found Murray intimidating but that if used wisely, it could be a good thing. O'Neill was right.

~~

"So, Murray has found three more buildings tied to Simmons. Carter says Frasier has found a partial tattoo that may or may not link our dead body to the Red Fellows." Jack looked at Daniel. "So what did Feretti have to say?"

"He says we're playing with fire – no pun intended – and we're gonna get burned if we're not careful."

Jack studied him but said nothing.

"I didn't tell him anything, Jack. But Lou is sharp." Daniel answered the unspoken question. "I still think we should bring him in, just in case."

"So does Hammond." Jack paused. "Okay. Call Feretti back. Give him the four-one-one and tell him to bring everything he has on this guy. But make sure he knows that he's here as a consultant only. I don't want the FBI muscling in on our jurisdiction."

~~

"Feretti!" Carter exclaimed as she saw him enter the squad room. "Wow, it's been a long time."

"Carter! Murray! Great to see you guys." Feretti shook their hands and looked around. "Sure hasn't changed much." He looked over to where Kawalsky's desk used to sit across from his own. He was wrong. In some ways it had totally changed.

"Lou, glad you could make it." Daniel said as approached from the breakroom. "Have a seat. Jack should be back any minute. He and Hammond have been in a meeting all morning with upper brass giving them a status of our investigation. Apparently, they're being hounded by the news media for statements."

Feretti snorted. "As though that was something new."

Daniel grinned. "Coffee? Just made it myself." He took a sip from the cup he held.

"You know I never turn down a good cup of java. It's one of the things I miss most about you leaving the FBI."

Daniel's eyes widened. "So it was you who used to sneak in and take my coffee?"

Feretti laughed. "I thought you knew!"

"No, I thought I was going crazy at first. Then I thought it was Rothman." Daniel chewed at his lip. "Ouch. I think I owe someone an apology now." He glared at Feretti.

Feretti held his hands up in mock surrender and laughed again. Sometimes he missed being around old friends. He followed Daniel back into the breakroom and fixed himself a cup of coffee. He sat down at the table across from Daniel and eyed his friend.

"So, Daniel. You seeing anybody?"

Daniel nearly choked on his coffee. "Why would you ask that?"

"Forgive an old friend for being nosey but our last conversation made me wonder. I don't mean about this case. I mean before when you called and wanted to come back to teach. Just wondered if you were having some troubles that you needed to get away from."

Daniel sipped on his coffee thoughtfully. "Things are good, Lou. No problems."

"You're sure?"

"Yep."

"Plan on introducing me to this lucky person some day?"

"Maybe. One day." Daniel smiled and took another sip. "So, catch me up on what's happening at Quantico."

~~

Jack entered the squad room pissed off. He hated stupid meetings and he hated excruciatingly long stupid meetings even worse.

The fact that upper brass couldn't pull their heads out of their asses was another story entirely. He left Hammond trying to straighten them out and explain everything they were doing to solve these fires.

And then it was going to be up to their media liaison, Paul Davis, to feed the frenzied reporters their meager meal of facts. They weren't going to like their sanitized version of what was taking place but the ongoing investigation could not afford to be jeopardized by an overzealous journalist's desire to capture a coveted byline.

Jack almost felt sorry for Davis. Almost. If it wasn't for the fact that he had caught Davis lustfully checking out the ass of a totally oblivious Daniel, Jack thought he might actually have been able to like the guy. Instead, he kept an eye out for him. Although he didn't think Davis would be stupid enough to make a play for Daniel, it never hurt to let your competition know where they stood. He thought Paul was pretty clear where that was nowadays. If not, Jack was more than willing to remind him.

~~

Feretti looked around the conference table. "I think I might have an ID for you on your body."

Jack sat forward. "How?"

Feretti shrugged. "We have a lot if surveillance going on regarding certain activities. And there are certain individuals that we like to keep track of."

"For cryin' out loud, Feretti. Can you get any more cryptic?"

Feretti looked around the table again. "There was a huge sting operation a couple of years ago in Miami."

Daniel nodded. "The one with the submarine."

"Right. During that sting, we came across a couple of individuals that we could never directly tie to the case. They both left the country on their own and headed to London. But we red-flagged them as people to keep an eye on and notified Interpole of our suspicions of weapons trafficking. I just got confirmation that one of the individuals re-entered this country roughly a month ago."

"And you're just finding this out now?"

Feretti met Jack's stare. "There was no reason for me to know, Jack. I'm not a watcher. It's not my job to keep track of their whereabouts."

"So," Daniel interrupted. "Who is the guy?"

"Goes by the name of Vallarin. I'm working on getting some dental records for you for comparison."

"Is he a Red Fellow?"

"We're pretty positive he is based on what we know about his activities and associates that we can link him to."

"So, what? He's doing these torch jobs as a favor for Conrad so he can collect the insurance money? Doesn't seem right." Jack frowned.

"That's because it isn't. No, from the chatter we're hearing, this is a mini-war you guys have inadvertently stepped into. Conrad isn't responsible for the fires this time. He's the target. Seems he stepped on the wrong toes somewhere along the line. He screwed up majorly. These people do not play well with others."

"So who killed Vallarin then?" Carter asked.

"I'd look to Frank Simmons if I were you. He fronts for Conrad but he also has been known to protect the man's interests and in the past has kept him from being generally accessible. It's possible he caught Vallarin in the act and killed him but not before the fire was set off and was beyond his control to stop."

Jack ran a hand over his face. "Okay. So if Simmons killed this guy and he really was a Red Fellow then there will probably be some sort of retaliation, right?"

"I'd expect so."

"Any idea in what form?"

Feretti shrugged. "I'd expect all the remaining buildings to go on the same night as a very loud message that will be broadcast nationwide on the news. It's one thing to have a rash of arson spread out over a few weeks. It's a whole 'nother ballgame to have multiple strikes in one night and have the entire fire department battling blazes across the city. It's sure to gain national attention. Maybe even international. It'll be like chum in the water for the media sharks. There will be a feeding frenzy like you haven't seen before."

"Ya think?" Jack snapped out and shook his head. He so did not want to hear this.

"O'Neill. Should we not attempt to stake out these remaining properties for suspicious activities to prevent such actions from taking place?" Murray pointed out.

"If we can get the man-power or the overtime approved to do it." Jack replied. "Reynolds' team pulls the nightshift so I'll give him a heads up. Not sure how Hammond's going to want us to work a stake-out but we really need to be involved and all the fires have been at night. I'd really rather not pass the case on to the night crew."

He looked around the table. "Anybody got a problem working the nightshift for a week or two if Hammond suggests we swap with Reynolds?"

Heads shook 'no' in answer. That was it then. He'd have to go talk to Hammond again and see what they could work out.

~~

Jack scrubbed at tired eyes. They had been on stakeout for four nights now and nada. He was beginning to think this was going to be a lost cause. They hadn't been able to locate Simmons and the buildings had remained untouched. So much for plan A.

Jack never cared much for the night shift. He was an early riser by nature. He smiled inwardly. Daniel was just the opposite. He could stay up until all hours, chugging away on his favorite caffeine addiction. But trying to wake Daniel up in the mornings was like pulling a hibernating bear out of its den. He was just as sleep-heavy and grouchy as any old grizzly possibly could be, Jack mused.

Jack scratched at his stubbled chin and looked over to Daniel. He was watching the building but he had on a set of headphones, listening to who knew what. His foot was wiggling in time to some musical beat that Jack couldn't make out. Jack tapped him on the arm. Daniel turned and looked at him and pulled the headset off his ears. Jack could hear the music now and it sounded way too loud.

"You're going to go deaf listening to music that loud."

"What?"

"I said....." Jack stopped as he took in the teasing smile on Daniel's face. Brat.

"You gonna hog that coffee all night?" He pointed to the thermos in Daniel's lap.

Daniel held it up and shook it. "It's almost empty. There's another one and some snacks in the pack on the back seat."

"Well, why didn't you say so?"

"I just did."

Jack rolled his eyes. "I meant before."

"I didn't know you wanted it before."

Jack narrowed his eyes. Sometimes Daniel was deliberately obtuse and hid it behind the guise of innocence. And then sometimes he actually was just plain clueless. Jack never was sure which he was dealing with.

Daniel sighed and turned around in his seat to lean over and reach into the back. He couldn't quite reach it from that angle and had to really stretch to get to the pack.

Jack swallowed hard at the sight of the ass being pushed up and into the air as Daniel wiggled and struggled to reach the coffee and snacks. He had to refrain from just reaching up and grabbing it.

"Got it!" Daniel exclaimed in triumph as he turned and flopped back into his seat. He handed the prize to Jack. "It's about time to check in with the others, isn't it?"

Jack checked his watch. "Yeah. Go ahead and give 'em a wakeup call. Make sure no one has dozed off."

Daniel checked in with Edwards and Pierce staking out the third building. Nothing was happening there so he radioed Carter and Murray next.

"You have any activity over there Sam?"

"Nothing yet. How about you guys?"

"It's been pretty quiet so far tonight." Daniel yawned. "Like every night."

Carter chuckled. "Hey, don't fall asleep over there now."

"Not possible. You forget I'm on stakeout with the task master over here."

"Hey! Sittin' right here next to you." Jack pointed out.

Carter snickered.

"So, how are you guys holding up?" Daniel yawned again.

"Will you stop that?" Jack yawned in echo to Daniel's own.

"We're hanging in there. Gotta say though, I sure hope these guys do something pretty quick because this shift work has gotten old really fast."

"Right there with ya, Carter." Jack agreed.

"Well, I need to get up and move around." Daniel rubbed at the tension in his neck. "I'll check in with you again in a few."

"Okay. Give us a yell if you need us."

"Will do and same goes here."

Daniel set the radio down and stretched and groaned. "I need more coffee."

"You need more coffee like a bag lady needs more coats. Where ya gonna put it?"

Daniel snickered. "I'll have you know I can drink gallons of the stuff before it becomes necessary for me to worry about that."

"And then what? You take a little trip to the nearest piece of shrubbery? Urinating in public could get you arrested, you know."

A devilish smile began to work its way onto Daniel's face. "And who would the arresting officer be pray tell?" He fluttered innocent looking eyelashes at Jack.

Jack groaned. Damn. Daniel knew how to work him. "Stop that."

"Stop what?" Daniel looked over the top of his glasses at Jack, his lashes fluttering again.

The sight went straight to Jack's groin. "You keep this up and I'm gonna reassign the stakeouts."

Daniel snickered. "And what reason would you give the others? That it's too distracting to work with me in an enclosed car at night when there are no others around because it makes you want to throw me into the backseat and have your wicked way with me? That would get an interesting response, I'm sure."

Jack grimaced. "We're on duty so stop with the teasing already."

Daniel started to reply but instead his head snapped around at the sound of multiple gunshots coming from the warehouse. Jack quickly exited the car, drew out his gun and ran across the street. Daniel yelled into the radio for backup as he watched Jack sidle up against the building. He pulled out his own weapon and ran to catch up with Jack.

~~

Carter and Murray heard the call go out for backup. Carter looked to Murray and he nodded. A building was just a building. Their friends needed their help. Murray started the car, put it in gear and hit the gas. Screeching tires announced their departure to rush to their friends' aid.

~~

Jack and Daniel worked their way around the building until they found a way to get inside. Jack slipped in first with Daniel following closely behind. With weapons raised and ready, they stealthily made their way through the first floor.

Daniel's nose crinkled at the smell. He whispered to Jack. "I can smell kerosene."

Jack nodded and kept moving forward. As they rounded a corner, they saw a figure lying on the ground. Jack covered Daniel as he ran in a quick crouch over to the body. Daniel rolled it over.

"It's Simmons." He harshly whispered. He checked for a pulse. "He's still alive but I don't know for how long."

Daniel froze and Jack raised his gun and aimed it at the ceiling when they heard movement on the floor above them. To Jack, the smell of kerosene was getting stronger. He looked to Daniel.

"We need to go ahead and get the fire department here." Jack pointed to Simmons. "And an ambulance. You called for backup, right?"

Daniel nodded.

They froze again as more bumping upstairs could be heard. "Take the radio outside. We don't want the guy upstairs hearing you make the call. I'll grab Simmons. Hurry!"

Daniel stood and helped Jack get Simmons off the floor before racing outside to make the necessary additional radio pleas for help.

~~

Daniel finished calling for emergency services and was heading back to help Jack with Simmons when he heard a huge whooshing sound. He looked to see flames shoot up at one end of the building and his heart began to pound. Jack! He ran to the door he had exited from and found it had closed and locked behind him. What the hell? He pulled at the door with all his strength put it wouldn't move. He tried reaching Jack on his radio but all he got back was static. He banged on the door, trying to get Jack to open it. The door was not the kind that had a handle or lock that could just be shot off. He pounded on the door harder and called out Jack's name as he saw the flames spreading.

Frantically, Daniel began trying to find other ways into the building. Where was Jack? Why wasn't he answering? Why wasn't he out already? Had he encountered the arsonist? Daniel's stomach lurched in fear. Oh, God, Jack. Where are you?

~~

Jack tried opening the door that had closed behind Daniel. It wouldn't budge. He let Simmons slide to the floor and began pushing on the door in earnest. Nothing. He tried raising Daniel on his radio but something inside the warehouse was causing interference and he couldn't get through. Jack moved off a little, trying to find an alternate exit. How the hell was he supposed to get out now? Suddenly, he heard a whooshing sound and he could smell something burning. Oh shit.

~~

Daniel could hear the sirens now but they still sounded so far away. He was panting harshly, running from door to door, window to window, trying to get inside to Jack. He couldn't lose Jack. Not like this. He felt tears stinging his eyes and he had to push down the emotions. He couldn't let himself feel right now. He had to focus on getting to Jack and getting him out now. He ran back to the car. Maybe if he could find a crowbar, he could pry the door open. As he reached the car trunk a sickening realization dawned on him. Jack had the keys.

~~

Smoke was beginning to fill the lower floor and Jack started coughing. It was getting harder to see by the minute and by the sound of the roar, flames were engulfing the building at record speed. Jack tried to pull some boxes under one of the windows but they were too heavy for him to maneuver alone. He coughed some more. His eyes were starting to burn from the smoke. He kept expecting a sprinkler system to kick in to attempt to douse the flames but nothing was happening. Apparently, Quinn was right in his assumption that all alarms and sprinklers were disabled before the fires were set. Jack coughed harder. He ripped off a section of his shirt tail and tried tying that across his face to help breath. It was of minimal use. He knew he needed to stay low as much as possible since smoke rises and he'd find fresher air closer to the floor. But he only had so much room to work with here. He started to feel a little light-headed as he made his way back to the door and Simmons' unconscious body.

~~

Murray and Carter's car came to a screeching halt. Daniel was never so happy to see them in his life. They quickly exited the car and he ran to them.

"Daniel Jackson, where is O'Neill?" Murray asked, his worried eyes reflecting the flames.

"Oh, God , Teal'c. He's inside and I can't get him out and I can't find a way in and he doesn't answer." Daniel was gasping for breath as he clung to Carter who was trying to steady him. "I need a crowbar, anything to try to get the damn door open!"

Murray quickly moved and retrieved the crowbar from his own car. He used it to pop the trunk on Jack's car and retrieved that tool as well. He and Daniel raced back to the door, both of them trying to wedge the tools into the door frame.

The sirens were drawing nearer and help would be there soon but Daniel was terrified it wouldn't be soon enough. He and Murray were both straining to pry the door open but were not succeeding. Out of the corner of his eye, Daniel saw a figure fleeing from the site. He dropped the crowbar and took off after him.

"Daniel Jackson!" Murray called after him but he didn't stop.

The bastard had found a way out of the building and Daniel was going to make him show them how even if Daniel had to beat the living crap out of the man to make him do it.

~~

Jack slowly slumped to the floor. This isn't how he expected to go. It wasn't right. He and Danny had just found each other. Had just started a life together. To go this way so soon after was offensive on a cosmic scale. And how would Danny deal with this? Having been left behind once again? He thought about eating a bullet. He'd really rather not feel the flames as they turned his body into the same twisted, charred hunk of flesh they had found in the other building. But what would that say to Daniel then? That Jack didn't trust him to get him out? That Jack had no faith in him or what they had? Jack coughed some more. If Daniel couldn't get to him in time, he prayed that Frasier was right in that he would be unconscious or already dead when the flames came to claim him.

~~

Daniel tackled the man, ignoring the gun he was brandishing that went sailing into the air. A wild desperation flooded Daniel and he began to pound his fists into the arsonist, screaming at him to tell them how to get to Jack. He jerked the man to stumbling feet and half-dragged, half-shoved the man back towards the site.

Carter came running up beside him. "Daniel!" She didn't recognize him like this. Her normally sweet - almost to the point of innocent – friend had been replaced by this nearly savage man, born of terrified desperation. She grabbed his shoulders and began shaking him literally. "Daniel, stop it! The firemen are here! They're here Daniel. They're working on the door now. Let me take this guy into custody. Go see about Jack, Daniel. Go see about Jack"

Daniel blinked and looked at her as though waking from a dream. He looked down at his hand still clenched in the criminal's shirt. He swallowed hard and let go. The man crumpled to the ground. Daniel looked at her, tears welling in his eyes.

She squeezed his arm. "It's okay. They're rescuing Jack now. Go to him, Daniel."

Daniel looked to the building and could see the flashing lights of the fire trucks bouncing off the walls. He took off running.

Carter knelt down by the arsonist, slipping the cuffs onto his wrists as she explained his Miranda rights to him. She yanked him off the ground and as she pulled him towards the waiting uniformed officers she whispered with a feral sneer, "You are soooo lucky it was the nice one of us that caught you."

The man's startled eyes looked at her in fear as she passed him off to the officers.

~~

Daniel watched as the firefighters broke the door down. Smoke billowed out but he could see the two figures by the door. He watched as Mitchell, Mal Doran and others pulled the bodies outside and carried them to safety. The ambulance pulled up and the paramedics spilled out, rushing to the sides of the fallen men to quickly assess their injuries.

Vala gave Daniel's arm a squeeze and smiled at him briefly before she moved back to join the others battling the blaze raging behind them.

Mitchell removed his mask from Jack's face then slipped it back over his own before heading back to the fight the fire as well. He patted Daniel on the back as he passed. Daniel would never be able to thank him enough.

Daniel watched the two return to the battle and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. After things settled a little, maybe they could all meet at O'Malley's for dinner one night. He'd see what Jack thought about that. He turned back to Jack and watched as the paramedics checked him and Simmons out.

He could feel himself shaking. Carter came and put an arm around him. He couldn't go to Jack like he wanted to. He had to stand off to the side as a friend and just watch. There were too many people here to do otherwise. Murray moved to flank Daniel on the other side and Daniel sighed. He was grateful for his friends - old and new. But most of all, he was grateful for Jack and he wasn't prepared to lose him just yet.

A coughing rose from the stretcher followed by a raspy, "Oh, for cryin' out loud! Get that thing off me," followed by more coughing.

Daniel grinned. Jack was going to be okay.

~~

"Do you guys need a ride home?" Carter asked.

Daniel nodded. "A ride home would be great. Don't know how long it'll be before he gets released though."

"No problem. We'll wait. I think Teal'c and I can find the coffee shop blind-folded by now."

"Funny Carter," came Jack's muffled reply through the oxygen mask.

She smiled and squeezed Daniel's arm. "Come find us when you're ready."

Murray and Carter exited the curtained emergency room cube just as Feretti entered.

"How ya doing, Jack?" Feretti asked as he dropped his coat on the end of the bed.

Jack removed the oxygen mask to answer. "Peachy. Just a little smoke in the lungs. They're sending me home as soon as the doc signs the release."

"He'll be home for a few days though. Hammond insists." Daniel interjected and without thinking about appearances, moved the mask back into place on Jack's face.

Feretti noted the obvious domestic interaction. So. This explained a lot. Neither man was easy to live with all the time but both had a lot to offer. After everything both had been through in their lives, Jack and Daniel had deserved to find some happiness. That it just so happened to be with each other, somehow seemed fitting to him. They were his good friends and he was happy for them. He smiled. They both could have done a lot worse.

"We'll be taking Simmons into Federal custody once he makes it through surgery and is capable of travel. We have a few questions for him." Feretti looked at Daniel. "We also are taking in the arsonist you and Carter apprehended. He's balking, saying something about police brutality. Don't suppose you know what he means by that?" Feretti looked down to see Daniel's bandaged knuckles.

Daniel flushed. "Nope. No idea."

"Didn't think so. Anyway where he's going, I don't think anybody is going to care too much what he has to say about that."

Jack looked from Feretti to Daniel and then down to the injured hands. He was missing something here. Daniel said he'd hurt his hands trying to get Jack out of the building. Was Feretti saying otherwise? He'd have to find out what the real story was from Daniel later on when they got home.

"Conrad is missing." Feretti announced.

"Missing?" Daniel echoed.

"No trace. But it doesn't look like it was his choice."

"Come again?" Jack asked, curious.

"Everything is still there. Car, house, clothes, money. But no Conrad."

"But if this was the work of a group like the Red Fellows, wouldn't they have taken all that as well as dispose of him? I mean they have a reputation for putting profit at the top of their list." Daniel pointed out.

"Sometimes messages are worth more." Feretti countered.

Jack frowned. "Explain."

"Someone like Conrad doesn't just leave everything behind. Even if he could buy all new things to replace what he left, he still had to take the money to do so. And while I am sure he had money hidden in off-shore accounts and the like, it is very unlikely that he would walk away and leave this much cash behind as well." Feretti expounded.

"But not impossible." Daniel interjected.

Feretti shook his head. "Not impossible. Just highly improbable."

"So, we either have a dead Conrad or a Conrad in hiding scared to death of the people after him." Jack summed up.

"Either way, a message has been delivered to anyone dealing with these guys. How much more frightening can it be to know that someone can come and take you from your home or drive you from it? If someone as powerful as Conrad couldn't win against them then who could? You'd really want to stay on their good side and not fuck with them, wouldn't you?" Feretti picked up his jacket. "Don't be surprised Jack if – in a few months or maybe even a few years – you come across a body that DNA will show is Conrad." He slipped his jacket on. "To be honest, this is one time when I think they may have actually done us a favor."

"Thanks, Lou. For all your help." Jack extended his hand for a goodbye handshake.

Feretti accepted it. "No problem. You take it easy, Jack. A few days off to lounge around at home must be nice."

"Yeah but look at what he went through to get it." Daniel countered, frowning.

Jack shrugged. "What's a little smoke inhalation here and there?"

"Well, Daniel. Keep in touch. You know there's always a place for a profiler with us." Lou shook his hand, careful of the injuries.

Daniel smiled. "Been there, done that, got a t-shirt. Have a safe trip back, Lou. And thanks again."

Feretti nodded and made his way out the door.

Jack reached over and took Daniel's hand gently, running his thumb lightly over the bandages. "So, you gonna take a few days off and hang out with me?"

Daniel smirked. "Uh, 'hang out' with you?"

Jack grinned. "Well, it wasn't exactly what I meant but I can go for that."

"Well, I don't think Hammond would. Probably would raise a few questions if I were off just because you were."

"I'm injured and in need of attention."

"Unfortunately, your medical records don't support the need of around the clock care. And as far as 'attention' goes, you just need to take it easy for a few days – hence the phrase 'time off'." Daniel thought he actually saw a pout. "We're dropping the shift work so I'll be at home tonight and every night, Jack. It's not like you won't see me at all."

"I'll get bored."

"No you won't. Only boring people get bored and you are far from boring, Jack."

"Oh yeah?" Jack lifted a brow.

"Yeah." Daniel smiled.

"Sweet." Jack grinned.

~~

Daniel walked into the house and tossed his keys onto the hall table. He slipped his jacket off and hung it up, sniffing the air. He didn't smell any dinner cooking yet. "Jack?"

He looked in the quiet living room. "Jack?"

He walked into the kitchen. Empty. Nothing cooking on the stove. He walked into the dining room. The table was cleared, nothing on it. Daniel frowned. He turned and looked out the sliding glass doors into the backyard. The grill didn't seem to be started and there was no sign of Jack. Puzzled, he turned back around to the dining room and came face to face with Jack standing there.

"Jack! Didn't you hear me call you? What's..."

Jack grabbed Daniel and pulled him into a breath-taking kiss. Daniel squirmed and moved a hand between them to break Jack's hold and pushed him back.

"Jack, we can't. We've got...."

Jack pulled him close again, devouring his mouth with his own. Needy moans from Daniel started to echo Jack's own but still Daniel struggled to break free.

"No, Jack." Daniel panted out, getting dizzier by the moment. "We have com...."

Again, Jack latched onto Daniel, consuming him in a fiery lip lock. Hands wandered and groped, moans echoed in each other's mouths and Jack maneuvered Daniel backwards until he was bumping against the dining room table. Jack shoved the end chair out of the way and pushed Daniel back and onto the table in a seated position. Jack moved in between Daniel's legs and grabbed the front of Daniel's shirt and ripped it open sending buttons flying across the room, landing with little pings as they struck different surfaces.

"Jack!" Daniel gasped out as Jack shoved the shirt off his shoulders, down his arms and dove forward to begin sucking and licking and biting his neck. Daniel's eyes rolled back, moaning at the siege on his body. Daniel ran his hands over Jack as Jack moved his way to Daniel's nipples and teased and tormented them while his fingers quickly worked at unfastening Daniel's pants.

Daniel moaned again as he squirmed and bucked under Jack's aggressive mouth and hands. There was something he wanted to tell Jack. Something he wanted to remind him of. But all thought processes were slipping away fast. His mind was cloudy. He couldn't think. The world outside was gone. All he knew now was Jack was here, Jack wanted him and Jack was going to take him – on this table - hard and fast. And he wanted it, too. Ever since Jack had planted that image in his head about the billiards table, he had wanted this. Wanted Jack to pound into him and claim him, mark him as his. His cock jumped at the thought and he pushed his hips against Jack.

Jack kissed him again and then moved down to quickly pull off Daniel's shoes and socks and toss them aside. He removed his own clothing and saw Daniel's lust-filled eyes watching him as he stood there naked and erect. Jack moved back between Daniel's legs and leaned in for another possessing kiss. Then he shoved Daniel onto his back on the table and reached for the last remaining clothing between them.

Jack yanked Daniel's pants down and off roughly. He was going to have Daniel. Was going to take him. Was going to ride him, claim him, mark him deep inside as his and only his. He wanted Daniel to know that no one – not Janet, not Vala, not Paul, not any man or woman alive – could ever come between them. They belonged to each other. He wanted this. And he knew Daniel wanted it. He saw Daniel swallow hard in anticipation. Jack dropped to his knees and pushed Daniel's legs further apart and back, exposing his ass. There was going to be minimal prep this time. Jack spread Daniel's cheeks and ran his tongue over Daniel's ass. Daniel gasped and moaned as Jack's tongue forced it's way into his hole, teasing him, licking him, sucking him. Daniel yelped and bucked. Jack's hand moved and rested on Daniel's hip, holding him down as he continued to probe with his tongue, working Daniel's ass with his mouth. Daniel could hear himself whimpering at the continued assault. It felt so good yet it was sweet torture.

Then Jack stood up and moved to stand by Daniel's face. "Take me in your mouth. Make me wet and slick so I won't hurt you when I fuck you."

Daniel closed his eyes and groaned at the words. He opened his mouth and willingly took the hard shaft in. He sucked and bathed and caressed it with his tongue. He tasted the salty fluid leaking from the very ready cock and felt his own cock jerk and bounce against his stomach, eager to be a part of the plan.

Jack pulled his cock from Daniel's mouth and kissed him once more before moving back between his legs. He grabbed Daniel's hips and pulled him to the edge of the table. The table was just the right height for Jack to be able to penetrate Daniel and plunge into him. He'd figured that out before Daniel got home. He pushed Daniel's legs up and back and lined his cock at Daniel's entrance. He began to slowly push his way in, meeting some resistance but not stopping. The lack of lube and prep was making it harder than usual but Daniel's own desire for this was opening him up to Jack.

Jack gasped at the tightness of Daniel's ass. Without the lube, everything felt more snug and gripping. Daniel moaned and groaned beneath him as Jack pushed further and further in, stretching him, filling him. Jack watched Daniel, looking for any signs of true distress, wanting both of them to enjoy this. Finally, he was all the way deep inside the tight heat, his balls nestled against Daniel's ass.

Jack's throat was dry. He rasped out. "Are you ready?"

Daniel licked at dry lips and nodded, wrapping his long legs around Jack. Jack took a firm hold on Daniel's hips and pulled back then plunged forward in one long, hard thrust.

Daniel cried out and Jack froze. Daniel looked at him dazed and gasped. "Again, Jack!"

Jack did it again and again and as Daniel cried out and moaned each time, Jack realized he was hitting Daniel's prostate with every thrust and with more intensity from this angle and height than usual.

Soon sweat coated both of their bodies and as he gripped Daniel's hips harder, Jack knew there would be bruises there to remind them of what they had done this night. Jack knew he wasn't going to last long. He was panting and gasping already, his heart felt like it was going to explode through his chest. His body seemed to have taken control all by itself and he could hear himself grunting wildly as he was pounding into Daniel, slamming into him, making Daniel keen and mewl with each and every hammering thrust, picking up speed as Jack drew nearer to completion.

Daniel's cock was weeping and bouncing all over everywhere. It was so hard and taut and ready to explode, Jack knew all it would take was a touch to release it. "Danny," Jack gasped out, "touch yourself."

Daniel could barely hear Jack's command. All he could do was feel. Feel the fullness of the huge cock within him. Feel Jack driving into him like a wild man, taking him, splitting him in half, claiming him, owning him and oh, God, it all felt so damn good, he could barely breathe. He could tell Jack was nearing the end as the speed of his thrusts were picking up. Daniel's own cock ached for release too and then it registered what Jack had ordered him to do. He reached down for his cock and as he touched it, an explosion of lights set off behind his eyes and he could barely hear his own voice in the distance calling out Jack's name.

~~

"Daniel said he was going to leave the door open because the door bell isn't working. But the door's locked and nobody answered when I knocked." A puzzled Carter looked at the others.

"Their vehicles are in the driveway. It would appear both are at home." Murray replied.

"Well, maybe they're out back." Janet offered.

The trio traipsed around to the back of the house where the picnic bench and grill were.

"They do not appear to be here either." Murray commented.

"And nothing is cooking on the grill." Carter observed.

Janet made her way up to the sliding glass doors and cupped her hands to see inside better.

"Oh, my God."

Carter and Murray quickly stepped up to the glass and cupped their hands to see inside as well. Carter's mouth dropped open. Janet grinned. Murray's eyebrows rose.

"I don't think we're getting any dinner tonight." Janet snickered. "How many times do you suppose they've done that on the dining room table?"

A flushed Carter answered. "I don't even want to know. Isn't this rude to be watching? Shouldn't we be leaving now?"

"Indeed." Murray said, his voice sounding mesmerized.

"So how come no ones moving?" Janet snickered again as the three continued to be voyeurs.

A muffled "Ahhhhh, Jaaackkk!" rang out into the air followed quickly by an "Oh, God, Dannnyyyyy!"

"Holy Hannah!" Carter flushed deeper as she witnessed the men come.

"Yee Haw!" Janet exclaimed at the sight. "God, that was hot!"

Murray silently grinned, his eyes sparkling.

Then they heard muffled words again. "Danny, did you hear something?"

The three quickly moved away from the glass and scrambled to get off the deck and out of the back yard, heading swiftly for their cars. They looked at each other's flushed expressions and started laughing as they climbed into their vehicles. Friday night, team night, was never going to be quite the same again.

Next: Twilight Zone