Third Time's A Charm (Read 6,913 times)

[fluffysmom]

Great chapters. I can't wait to see what happens now that Lawrence is on the scene.

[blueyed358]

chapters 33-36



Sara stood in the bedroom removing her jewelry. Jack had went upstairs and both his children were asleep , Abby had already agreed to stay the night not knowing what time her father would be coming home. Jack came up behind Sara his lips barely touching her neck . She could feel his warm breath on her and it sent shivers across her body. " You looked beautiful tonight , but there is another look I prefer. " Sara smiled at his words , "And what might that be? " Jack slowly unzipped her gown , dropping it to the floor. Kissing her neck and back , taking her shoulders and turning her to him , " That's better. "
Sara took off his tie and opened his button, kissing his throat and chest . Sliding her hands
up and pushing off his shirt. Jack needed this to be slow , he needed to feel every inch of her. He needed to feel her want him, he needed her. To her credit Sara seamed to know exactly what he wanted , needed. She removed his belt and lowered his pants to the floor. The stood for a long moment , hands just roaming and feeling one another. Sara ran her hand up around Jack's neck and pulled him down to her kissing him gently but filled with desire. " I need you too Jack. " Those were the words he had to hear from her , he leaned down and lifted her off her feet, her arms around his neck , his arms around her and lowered her on to the bed and the rest of the world melted away.




The rain was coming down hard and Jennifer paced her living room. Daniel was not listening to her. She had tried to tell him she could not see him anymore, but those words fell on deaf ears. " Look Jen , you are just feeling this way because of the things Jack went through. It's understandable. Now is not the time for this, I am going to take care of you I promise . Jack can't be trusted to stick around , you know that in your heart. He seemed very cozy with that reporter too. You are only going to get hurt again if you go back to him. " Jennifer needed to try and explain this to him. " I need to do this for me Daniel. I need to be on my own for a while, I need to figure things out. Figure myself out. I am so sorry. I can't be with you. " Daniel was angry , " Why don't you just say what you mean ? You want Jack back right? Seeing him with Sara tonight just made up your mind. Did you ever really love me or was that all an act ? " Jennifer felt ashamed of herself , a feeling that was getting familiar to her . " I wanted to , maybe if we didn't rush into it ... " Daniel shook his head , " I think you need a few days to think things through. I will call you in a few days. Just remember Jen , he left you. " Then she was alone . What was Jack doing right now she wondered . Then recalling the look in his eyes aimed not at her, but another woman , she didn't want to know .







It was still early morning and Jack and Sara, still wrapped around one another listened to the rain outside. " I love the sound of rain, " Sara remarked. " Mmmm, " Jack mumbled sleepily."Sara .... please promise me you will be careful today. " Sara was looking up at him and despite herself she was touched by his concern, " I promise " she told him. " She watched a smile creep across his face. " Jack ? " He pulled her close and held her tightly. "Yes? " Sara snuggled into him, " Don't ever tell me you aren't going to ALLOW me to do something again , understand. " Now Jack opened his eyes slowly , " No , I am afraid I don't. " Sara squinted her eyes , of course he understood, he was just being playful. " Oh , you don't? How about now? " Sara pulled the pillow from behind her and hit Jack in the face with it. " Well if your feeling frisky , I have a much better way to release that. "




Dean watched Sara and Lawrence from across the street at her request and he wasn't happy about it. He had to promise Jack several times he would take of everything but Sara altered the plans when Alamain objected to the photographer's presence. She had switched on the transmitter they always carried on them , just in case. Dean listened at nausem to Alamain's recount of the night his wife stabbed him. Then he told how his "advisers" felt it best to fake his death until she was apprehended. " You don't impress me as the type of man who would hide in fear of a woman , or anyone else for that matter " Sara had told him. " Well I was weak and just did what they thought was best. " Lawrence answered . : What about the claims Jack Deveraux has made charging you with kidnapping and attempted murder ? " Lawrence flinched a moment , but enough for her to see he wasn't happy and then she heard it in his tone of voice. " Jack Deveraux and his ex wife have been trying to ruin me for years. He has never forgiven me for marrying Jennifer." Sara nodded , " And the rape of Jennifer that you were convicted of? " Now he was smoldering but still in control , " I was forced into that plea , they had fabricated evidence against me , my former employees made up lies to get a plea bargain. " Dean didn't like what he heard in his voice but stayed in place taking photos , he got the guards , the car, everything. Then his heart began to race when he heard what came next. " You know Miss Jamison , if you want to continue this interview I would prefer to do it elsewhere. Will you join me for a ride? Unless of course I make you too nervous? Oh he was slick, Sara thought, " You don't make me nervous. " Sara told him in a matter of fact tone. " No Sara , don't do it" Dean repeated to himself over and over. " Well then , shall we? " Dean watched as they moved to the car.He ran across the street but by the time he got there the limo pulled away and was gone. Then just when he thought it couldn't get any worse , he heard Alamain over the transmitter, "You wont be needing that microphone any more . "

Jennifer sat in Bo and Hope's kitchen having coffee with them when there was a pounding at the door. Jack came bursting in, pale and breathing hard " Bo you have to help me , he has her . Alamain, he has Sara."










"Calm down Jack, tell me what's going on " Bo spoke in a low calm voice. " Lawrence has Sara , I told you. We have to have to find her " Jack spoke through gritted teeth. Dean stepped up, " She was doing an interview with him at a cafe, she had on a mic. I always make her use it when there was a potential for danger. " Dean told everyone how Lawrence took Sara for a "ride", then telling her to remove the microphone. " You never should have left her alone with him " Jack said to Dean. " She wasn't alone , I was right across the street. I thought that I was close enough. " Jack shook his head at Dean's words, " Well obviously that was not the case. I should have went along, damn it , I knew I should have went along. " Angela put her hand on Jack's arm , " Sara does as she wants Jack , not you , Dean or I , hell not even her editor is going to tell her how to go after a story. " Jennifer watched as the color drained from Jack's face. He was sick with worry ,
" It's going to be alright Jack , Bo will find her and everything will be alright. " Jack looked at Jennifer, " It wasn't alright when I couldn't get to you , when I couldn't stop you or save you from him. " Jennifer's heart felt heavy , " I don't think he is going to hurt her. " Jack thought on her words for a moment , " He better not or it will be the last think he ever does."





" It really is impolite to tape a conversation without consent Miss Jamison, or may I call you Sara. " Lawrence told her as he tossed her mic out the window. " Taping an interview is standard procedure and yes you may call me Sara . You also owe the NY times two hundred and fifty dollars for the equipment you just tossed out your car window. " Lawrence laughed at that remark. " Tell me Sara are you planning on reporting my story or a story that paints me in a negative picture. You see I have read your articles thus far and they don't seem very sympathetic toward me. " Sara had seen his type before. The burning hatred and anger covered by the cool emotionless exterior. " I could only report the facts as they were presented , I had no way to report your story as I was unable to locate you, after all you were 'dead' but we are here now and I will do my best to get your version told. " There, she thought that should appease him. Lawrence eyed her closely , " I certainly hope so , you see bad things tend to happen to my enemies. Tell me Sara are you my friend or my enemy ? I would much prefer you be my friend, you are far too lovely and would hate to see something happen to you. " Sara had to admit she had never seen such lifeless eyes before, even the members of the Iraqi terrorists she had interview didn't have eyes like his. For the first time in many years she felt a shiver of fear go through her. She shook it off quickly and matched his cool demeanor. Knowing that he would be able to tell if she was lying , she went for as close to the truth as possible, " I would have to say that I am neither at the moment, more like a neutral observer . " "Well," Lawrence said, " Let's see if we can't change that." The limo came to a stop and Lawrence got out , extending a hand to Sara. It was a large mansion that even felt cold from the outside. " This is were I will be staying while I am here in Salem. I am told that the house once belonged to the Deverauxs."



Bo told Jack that they had an APB out on Lawrence's car , thanks to Dean's photo of the license plate. Jack was pacing , "This is ridiculous , I am going out after her myself. " Dean told him he was going with him , but Bo stopped them, " Neither of you are going anywhere, until you calm down. " Jack was getting animated " I am not going to calm down until we find Sara , Let's go over to the house , maybe he brought her there. " Bo thought about it " Alright I'll get a couple of of uniforms to meet us there. " Jennifer stepped forward , " Hope and I will go to the Penthouse Suites and get JJ and Abby and bring them back to the house. "





Sara was getting a bit anxious , she had seen Dean chasing after the limo . By now Jack was in panic mode. " Well thank you for the tour , I should be going , I need to organize my notes and start on my story. " Lawrence was not ready to let Sara go just yet, "Nonsense it's so early let's have some dinner first , you will join me wont you? " Sara didn't like this one bit , he was stalling her . " Actually I have a dinner engagement . " Lawrence spoke in a clipped tone , " Cancel it , I insist you be my guest this evening. " Now Sara was getting mad , " Well I would but I seem to have misplaced my cell phone. " 'Lawrence smirked " Oh yes , one of my guards picked it up from the table at the cafe. I will find it for you in the mean time please make yourself at home, it could be quite some time before dinner is ready,you might be here a while. " Lawrence left the room and Sara went straight to the phone. There was no dial tone , she followed the line and found that it was plugged in. She wasn't waiting around, in fact she had the distinct impression that she would not be leaving here anytime soon. Lawrence reappeared and Sara asked for a bathroom to freshen up a bit. Sara was relieved to find the bathroom had a small window. She had to get out of there while she had the chance. "





Jack stood in the driveway of his former home. So many memories crashing down on him.
Memories he hoped to forget , Kayla sick and helpless and of Harper , almost every memory of him now was bad. Then there was Jennifer , in the tub with him falling in , her locking the door to his bedroom trying to seduce him. Then making love in his bed and showering together. He thought of the circumstances surrounding his moving out to the penthouse , wanting a fresh start after ending his engagement to Jennifer. "Jack" Dean touched his shoulder , bringing him back to the present. " You ok ? " Jack nodded " Yea , yea I'm fine , it's just been a very long time since I have been back here. " Bo looked at Jack and Dean " Just let me handle this." Bo banged on the door loudly and Lawrence opened the door himself. " Well to what do I owe the pleasure of this unannounced visit ? "



"Where is Sara Jamison? " Bo asked. " She is inside freshening up , " now looking at Jack,
" we were just going to have a quiet dinner. " Jack stepped forward, " Sara! " he called out but there was no answer and she did not appear. " Well feel free to go knock on the door Jack , I am sure you know the way. " Jack knocked on the door but there was no one in the bathroom. " Where the hell is she? " Lawrence was a bit shaken that Sara had gotten out of the house without his knowledge. " I guess she had to leave . " Jack moved toward him but Bo stepped between them, " If you have done anything to hurt her .. " Lawrence was smiling now " My Jasper you certainly have gotten bold since we first met. "


The three men drove down the driveway and started down the road , they saw a small frame walking down the road. " Bo stop the car. " Jack jumped out and at the sound of the approaching car Sara turned around , " Sara! " Jack ran to her, his long legs taking him there in two strides. " Jack " He grabbed her and pulled her to him " Are you alright? " She told him she was but he wasn't satisfied, cupping her face in his hands , " Look at me , are you alright.? " She could feel his hands shake, " Jack I am fine , I got a few scrapes climbing out that damn window and I am starving but I am fine. " He leaned down and kissed her to ease the pounding fear in his heart.



Jack was tending to Sara's cuts and scrapes when there was a knock at the door. "It must be the delivery man. " Angela said as she went to the door. It was Jennifer , " I am sorry , but J seems to think he left his video game here. " She entered the room and saw Jack putting a band aid on Sara's knee. Dean handed Jennifer the toy and she said " I'm glad you are ok Sara . " She looked up at Jennifer too tired to be suspicious " Thanks." Jennifer spoke to Jack " I will keep JJ overnight ok Jack? " He didn't look at her at first " Yea ok thats fine , thanks. " Then tearing his gaze from Sara , " You do have the guard with you right? " When he was satisfied with her answer and the fact that Bo was seeing them home he said . " I will call you in the morning. " She realized she was an outsider there. For the first time in many years there was a part of Jack Deveraux's life that she was not a part of. Jennifer knew that she would have to change that and soon , but today was not that day. When everyone had left Jack pulled Sara to him and held on to her kissing the top of her head. " I'm sorry that I worried you Jack. " Jack swallowed hard " Right now all I care about is that you are ok and here with me. " He tilted her chin upward and kissed her . " I'm not going anywhere Jack. " She said in between kisses. " Promise " he said with a kiss on the tip of her nose. " Promise" she said as he continued to ply her with kisses.






Jack could barely sleep that night. He was filled with worry , for Sara for Jennifer , for his children. What was Alamain's next move going to be ? Sara, his feelings for her were growing stronger everyday. He would never love anyone the way he loves Jennifer , he knew that , but what he felt for Sara was something that he could not walk away from. He had done that with Jennifer many times in the beginning and he wasn't going to repeat that. No he will follow this and see where it will lead. Jennifer...what to do about Jennifer. She has someone else now , but if that were to end would he pursue a reconciliation with her?
No , he thought he liked who he was now , with Sara . She didn't want him to be anyone other than himself , even if they didn't agree about something she wanted him to hear his view, she wanted him as is. Jack removed Sara's arm and leg that was draped around him. He got washed up and ordered breakfast , Saturday was waffle day he thought, funny how quickly he remembered little things about her, like her love of pigs in a blanket , he would get her some later he thought. Sara was starting to stir, Jack laid back down on his side just watching her. Without opening her eyes she said , " stop staring at me. " Jack smiled ,
" Why ? you stare at me when I sleep. " Now Sara was chuckling , " That's because you look like a little boy when you sleep. " Jack ran his finger down her cheek and over the dent in her chin, " Yea well you look ..beautiful. " They heard someone at the door, " Your waffles are here. " Sara smiled " Yeah waffles...you remembered. "



"Waffles? I made you pancakes baby " Jennifer told her little boy. " But Saturday is always waffle day. " Jennifer had to smile at him " You and Daddy have waffles every Saturday? " JJ shook his head , while chewing " No , sometimes Daddy does but mostly it's me and Sara."
Jennifer gave start at those words , " Do you spend much time with Sara? " she asked. JJ shrugged " I guess , Dad is always with her and Dean , he's really fun. " Abby was listening at the door then she came into the room and they all exchanged morning greetings . " I am done Mom , can I go play now? " Jennifer checked his plate and excused him. " Mom what are you going to do about Dad? " Jennifer was going to give her daughter a speech about moving on but she she just couldn't do it. " I don't know, I told Daniel I couldn't see him anymore but things are still strained between your father and I . " Abby didn't want to hurt her mother or betray her father, but she felt that her mother needed to know the truth of the situation. " you need to start repairing your relationship with him now if you ever want him back. He and Sara are ...involved. Daddy said that she makes him happy. I know that he is just hurt but you could end up losing him for good. " Jennifer hung her head knowing that it was so.. " Mom , you need to fight for Daddy. You two belong together. " Jennifer looked at her daughter " I know , I am going to try baby . " After Abby left and the dishes were done Jack phoned. He said he would be over in about an hour and they would bring JJ to the park together.




" You sure you'll be ok ? " Jack asked Sara for the third time. " Yes , just like I told you three times already. Dean and Angela will be here in a few minutes. I want to to start writing up this interview. " Jack watched her closely , she hadn't spoken much since he told her of his days plans. " Sara , you don't need to worry. " She turned to see him , standing with arms folded in front of him. " I am not worried . I told you , I don't even think Alamain was ... "
Jack shook his head and cut her off , " About Jennifer. You are upset that I am going to see her today. " Sara was not pleased about the situation but she knew that there was nothing she could do about it. " I am fine about it Jack don't be silly. You need to keep an eye on her and it is nice for Jack to spend time with his Mom and Dad. " Jack could see it in her eyes. " I have been totally honest with you about my feelings Sara. I want to be with you."
Sara took a deep breath and said what was on her mind. " I know that and I want to be with you too. The problem is so does Jennifer."




Jack got to Jennifer's and found that JJ had fallen asleep. " He should be up soon. I made coffee. " Jack sighed , " Thank you , everything quiet around here? " Jennifer handed him a cup. " Yes, how is Sara doing? " Jack laughed, "She is fine , no damage done. She was starting her article when I left. Thanks for asking. Have you spoken to Carly at all ? " Jennifer frowned , " No we aren't on the best of terms right now , but Daniel said she isn't doing well , he thinks she might be headed for a breakdown. " Jack nodded " Yes well who could blame her ? One former lover is back with his wife , the other is involved with her best friend and the husband she thought she murdered. has come back from the dead seeking revenge. The coming back from the dead thing is something you should be familiar with. " Jennifer stared at him for a moment, " The difference being I was happy that you kept coming back. " Jack shook his head " Like the proverbial bad penny ? "
"No Jack , I was thrilled to get you back. " Jennifer thought about it and decided to tell him about Daniel. " I ended things with Daniel . " Jack looked a bit surprised , " Really ? Let me guess he was romancing another married patient ? " Jennifer rolled her eyes. " No , I couldn't be with him , when I really want to be with you. " Jack closed his eyes and swallowed , " Until the next time. " Jennifer tried to protest but Jack continued , " Did you think that by telling me you ended things with him that I would just move back here? " "No of course not Jack. I thought you would see that I am serious about fixing what's wrong between us so we can be together again." Jack looked into those green eyes he loved to get lost in. She was serious he knew. " Jennifer.." But she just continued " It's like I have always said Jack, we can fix our problems if we work together . " Jack stood and paced the room rubbing the back of his neck. " Jennifer , I don't believe this can fixed." Jennifer's heart was racing , " Of course it can Jack, if we both want it . I know you are still hurt but we have gotten through worse. " Jack sighed , " Working through our problems usually means that I need to change...again. I have turned myself inside out for you. Please don't misunderstand me. You turned my life around , I can't even imagine where I would be if you hadn't come into my life. " Jennifer stepped in front of him placing her hand on his arm , " You changed my life too Jack , you gave me everything. " He stepped back , away from her touch , " I changed for you and then I changed again and again when we remarried. This is it Jack 3.0 . I don't have anymore change in me. Try as I might I just can't seem to become the man you want me to be. Truth be told I like who I am right now. " Jennifer's eyes welled up with tears , " That's not true , I love you , the man you are . You are perfect for me. " Jack was shaking his head " No , that's not true as much as we both wanted it to be. You never really trust me . I am not saying that I didn't always deserve it , but I can't live like this anymore. Now things didn't work out with the good doctor , you've come back to me and when I don't do something the way YOU think I should or I screw up again ? Maybe you meet another man and he seems perfect , what then , I have to win you all over again? " Jennifer stopped him again , " No , that won't happen again. " Jack raised his hands but Jennifer came up to him taking his hands into hers, " Can you tell me that you don't love me anymore? That you don't want me anymore? "She reached up to kiss him and he pulled away , " Don't , Jennifer please don't. I love you and I always will but I can't be with you. Being with Sara has brought back a part of me that I thought died a long time ago. It feels good to just be me , and she doesn't want me to change. " The tears spilled over her eyes , "What are you saying ? Are you saying you can't be with me right now or not ever ? " Jack open his mouth but before he could answer the kitchen door opened and JJ came in and went running to his father " Hi Daddy! Are we going to the park? "



Jack and Jennifer walked through the park with JJ. Jennifer felt good about their talk even though she had not gotten an answer to her question. JJ ran to the swings and Jack and Jennifer sat on a bench close by. " Jack you didn't answer my question. " Jack swallowed hard and sighed , " I don't know . " Bo and Hope walked by and stopped for a minute to chat , " Hey guys " Hope said. They exchanged hellos and Bo asked about Sara. They had decided to have lunch in the park for a change and were heading back to their car. Bo and Hope started to walk away when JJ saw them and called out to them. They stopped and turned back to wave to him when they were knocked through the air landing hard on the ground. Jack grabbed Jennifer and covered her with his body. People were running and screaming . Jack Jumped up but first looked Jennifer over quickly " Are you ok? " She nodded yes and before she could say anything else he was gone , running through the crowd screaming his son's name. " I'm here Daddy" Jack found JJ on the ground but unharmed , scooping his son up and holding him close, he was back over by Jennifer.
" Oh baby , are you ok? " JJ nodded " Yes I'm fine. " Jack ran over to Bo and Hope. Hope was alright just shaken up and her ears were ringing. Bo had a gash on his forehead that was bleeding pretty bad. It was his car that had exploded , the guard assigned to them was on the ground and he wasn't moving.




Sara and Dean had seen the broadcast about the attempt on Bo and Hope Brady's lives and rushed down to the hospital when Jack didn't answer his phone. " Jack " she said her turn now to run to him , " Are you hurt ? What about Jack Jr is he ok? And Jennifer? " Jack held onto her , " We are all fine. Bo needed a couple of stitches, Hope is fine and the agent has a concussion. " Dean turned his attention over to JJ " Hey little man you alright? " JJ nodded and whispered to Dean " I really want to go home now. " Dean offered to take JJ back to the room and promised that he and Angela would take good care of him. " Will you be coming home soon Daddy ? " Jack promised that he would. When they were sure that Bo and Hope had no complications and were being released, Jack turned to Jennifer " Two uniformed police officers will be driving you home and Shane's agents have swept the house just to make sure. Things may start to really heat up now so please be alert . I will call and check on you later. " Jennifer gave him a small smile " Thank you Jack , for taking such good care of us. " She watched him walk away with Sara and as the elevator doors closed , she saw him speak to here and pull her into a kiss.


Jack got Sara into the elevator, he leaned down and simply said " I missed you . " Then he kissed her sweetly. "






Abigail was not thrilled about going to dinner with her father and Sara but in all fairness, she had dealt with Daniel for her mother . She knew that if her father continued to pursue a relationship with Sara and she fought him she would alienate him. If she was not close to her father she couldn't nudge him back to her mother. Abby got to the restaurant on time and found Jack and Sara , Dean and Angela and JJ already seated. During dinner Abby watched her father and Sara . They didn't physically touch that much but the way they looked at each other spoke volumes to her. She had to admit that she liked Sara. Abby asked many questions about her father and what he was like in college . This was the first time he didn't brush aside her questions and she enjoyed hearing all the stories. After dinner they all went back to the hotel. " Time to put on your pajamas little man." Jack told his son. " Daddy if I put on my pajamas can we play monopoly? " Jack looked around the room as everyone groaned. " Just for a little while. " Angela spoke out loud to nobody in particular " I feel a monopoly marathon coming on. " Dean and Angela went to get their sweats on and Abby said she would take care of JJ while Jack and Sara went to pick up ice cream.



" This has been a nice evening. Abigail seems to be enjoying herself. " Jack said as they waited for their order. " Yes she does. I hope the rest of the evening will be as nice. " Sara said under her breath. Jack frowned , " What do you mean. " Sara laughed . " Are you going to behave yourself or are you going to be cutthroat and try and bankrupt everyone? " Jack thought about it for a second , " Well.. you know..I will be good at least until Jack goes to sleep. Then it's game on. " Sara rolled her eyes " Just don't cry when I get Boardwalk and Park Place. " Jack looked at her through squinted eyes , " I wont , because I am going to get them. " Sara sighed loudly , " Better get some coffee too, it's going to be a long night. "



Abby was in the bedroom on her cell as JJ was setting up the game.. When the knock on the door came JJ ran to open it, thinking it was Dean but when he opened the door he found Lawrence Alamain standing there. " Can I help you? " he asked. " Well I was looking for Jack Deveraux. " JJ looked at the man in the doorway. He knew that face but he wasn't sure from where. " He isn't here now, but he will be back soon , " the little boy told him. Lawrence looked at him , he thought how Jack would react if he were to find him there with his son and that pleased him. " You must be Jack Jr , I am Lawrence , may I come in and wait for your father? " JJ stared at him. Then a light went off in his head. He remembered where he saw the man. It was the man in the picture his father and Dean had. The one he saw on the pier." No I don't think so. " and he slammed the door shut and locked it. " Well Jack that's not very friendly , I am a friend of your daddy. " Lawrence felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned to find Dean standing next to him. " What do you want Alamain ? " Lawrence curled his lips into a phony smile , " I was going up to the Penthouse Grill for dinner and I thought I would stop by and inquire about Bo and his wife. " Dean nodded " I see, Mr Alamain don't ever come near that little boy or his sister again. " The smile faded from his face , " Or what Mr Michaels ? " It was Dean's turn to smile , " Use your imagination . " Lawrence didn't like being threatened , " Mind your words Mr Michaels. "



" Daddy that man from the picture is outside the door!" Jack's heart raced , his breathing became shallow , " Don't open the door ! Let me speak to your sister." Abby took the phone, " It's ok Dad , Dean is out there with him. " Jack breathed a sigh of relief , " I will be there in five minutes. "




" I don't know about your country , but in this country we don't like it when people harass children . " Before Lawrence could reply to that Jack was there. Grabbing Lawrence by his Jacket and slamming him back into the wall. Lawrence's bodyguard pulled Jack off him punching him in the ribs. The searing pain sucked the air out of Jacks lungs. Dean jumped on the guard and punched him in the stomach. Jack got to his feet and charged at Alamain but Sara stepped in between them " That's enough ! " she shouted. " Get the hell out of here " She told Alamain. " I merely came here to.. " Sara put her hand up , " Nobody gives a damn why you are here , only that you leave , now. " Lawrence adjusted his tie and brushed off his jacket and as he turned to walk away Jack grabbed his arm , " If you come near my family again the next time we dual you wont be getting up. " Pulling his arm from Jack's grasp Lawrence told Jack " Consider the gauntlet thrown. "




Jack called Jennifer to check on her. " Oh Jack , you shouldn't have threatened him. " Jack had thought the same thing but tried to console her, " I know but on the bright side our son did everything right, I am quite proud of him, " JJ beamed at his fathers praise. " He is an incredible little boy, " Jennifer said, " Just like his Daddy. " When he hung up with her he insisted that Abby stay there the night and she wasn't about to argue with him. Abby went into JJ's room with him to watch TV. " Jack you should have these ribs checked out, just to be sure. " Jack frowned, " Not necessary , I promise you. " Sara got up and kissed him, " I am going to bed , I will see you in the morning. " She started for the door and Jack stopped her , " Where do you think you are going? " Sara looked confused , " Ahh
to my room? " Jack shook his head, " We are all staying here together. Please don't give me a hard time about this. I won't get any sleep if you leave, I need you here , just to be sure you are all right. " She didn't have the heart to argue with him , she knew he was worried . "Fine. " she said in a defeated tone. " Thank you . " He held her close kissing the top of her head. He knew relinquishing control of any kind was difficult for her , but still she did it for him.




Sara woke up to the sound of pounding computer keys. " Jack , what are you doing. " "Setting up a viewing." Sara yawned and stretched out on the sofa, " What are you going to view? " Jack turned around in his chair to look at her, "You know , you look very sexy in the morning. " Sara chuckled , " Yea right. What are you up to Jack? " Jack got up and sat on the floor next to her , " I had an idea. " Sara smirked " Stop the presses. Should I be worried? " Jack kissed her forehead then her cheek then her lips, " I found a house to rent. It's less then 5 miles from Jennifer , in case of an emergency . " Sara hated the idea already, " I see , well If that will make you feel better. You can still stay with me when she has JJ right ? " Jack had a strange look on his face, " Ahh no you don't understand. It has three bedrooms and a finished basement. You and Dean will becoming with me. " Sara's eyes popped open , " What? maybe I want to stay here. " Jack looked shocked " Without me? I thought it would be best if we were all under one roof, security would be easier.. you know , you will have your own room..if you choose to sleep in it. " Sara thought he was very sweet , not to mention she wasn't about to let him be that close to Jennifer without her there. " Well maybe I will want you to stay at my place too. " Jack knew that meant she would do it. " Well I am sure that can be arranged.

[MrsM]

Action packed!!! Can't wait to see what is next!!

[jaysdelina]

I love that Jack is in the middle of both women but doesn't quite realize it yet,and I LOVE that he isn't giving in to Jennifer even if he knows what she wants.It'll be interesting to see more of Alamain.He was such a snake on the show and you've written him fabulously well in your story.Can't wait for the next chapters

[fluffysmom]

Very exciting chapters. I suspect that Lawrence's games have only just begun.

[gapeach]

Okay I finally got caught up!! This is a very exciting story. Can't wait to see where it goes and what happens with Jack & Jennifer, or Jack & Sara.

[blueyed358]

Chapters 37-40



" Damn" Jack mumbled. " What's wrong ? " Sara asked. " I haven worn this shirt in weeks and it's missing the top button. You haven't found a button have you? " Sara didn't want to lie so she said nothing. Jack saw Sara's metal box in the corner of the room. " Sara did you take my button ? " Sara's opened her mouth and started to shake her head but decided to tell the truth instead, " I might have seen it on the...oh , Yes I took it. I am going to just jump in the shower. " Jack laughed to himself , how could he have forgotten , all during college he was always missing buttons or even an occasional belt loop . She would save them to mark the date or as she would call it , make a memory . It was an odd habit but one he thought adorable. He thought about the last time he wore this shirt ,yes it had to be. he had it on the first time they made love. Jack went over to the box and sat on the bed with it. There were her latest acquisitions. The button from that night dated and initialed. He looked at all her memories good and bad some he even remembered. The was a secondary box inside. He opened that one and his breath caught. They were about Robert. first tooth, a patch from his little league uniform, his first haircut. Jack fingered the small soft curl of brown hair and sighed deeply. Then he looked down and found his son's dog tags. He held them tightly in his hand. " You can have them , if you want . " Jack looked down at them " I couldn't take them from you. " She walked over and placed her hand over the dog tags in Jack's hand, " I want you to have them but more importantly he would want you to have them. "




They had checked out of the hotel and were getting settled in the house . Jack went to pick up pizza and was going to stop by Jennifer's to get the rest of his and JJ's things. Dean was setting up his equipment in the basement and Sara and Angela had went out and bought bedding and towels. The house had come furnished , but needed cleaning. " This will be interesting. " Angela stated. " Sara ? " She lifted her head to look at Angela , " Sara are you sure you know what you are doing , with Jack I mean. You know I how much I care about him but I am worried about you getting hurt. " Sara smiled at her friend , " I am doing what I want to do , what I need to do. I think that we never really ended things the last time and if and when that happens at least this time I will have closure. I love him Angie , I always have , i have an opportunity to be with him and I am going to take it. i don't have any illusions. I just want to him to see he can have a life without her , to see that he has a choice this time . " Angela had to ask , " And if he chooses to go back to her ? ' Sara looked past her friend and considered it a moment , " Then I will know that were weren't meant to be , but I will have this time with him to carry with me. I know she wants him back and I am willing to fight her for him . "






Jack arrived at Jennifer 's and she smiled at the sight of father and son in their jeans and tee shirts. She thought it sweet how her little boy always tried to emulate his father. " Hi you two come on in. What are you two up to? " Jack's eyes darted around , making sure everything was all right. " We came by to pick up the rest of our things. " Jack informed her. She felt her heart sink a bit , " Oh wont that be too much stuff for your hotel room ? " Jack turned now to look at her , " We checked out of the hotel , I have rented a house. It's close by so I can be here in five minutes in case of an emergency. " This was a good development Jennifer thought , he and JJ would be close by her and away from Sara. " Well that's a great idea . I could help you get settled in , I could even make you some dinner. "
Jack looked a bit uncomfortable , " Ahh no , thank you . I am going to pick up pizza when I am done here. " Jennifer was a bit disappointed , " oh ok, you must be excited baby. " she added to JJ. " Yea I am Sara and Angela got me Star Wars sheets and stuff, it's really cool and you know what the best part is ? Dean and Sara are going to come and live with us too. I'm going to go to my room and get my clothes ready, can we hurry Daddy cause I am hungry."
Jennifer stood mouth open " You are moving in with her ? " Jack shrugged " Dean is also moving in , as will Angela when she is here. It's a big house with a finished basement. " Jennifer turned her back to him. She went from hopeful to discouraged in moments. Jack
felt as though he had to defend himself " It's the best way for me to keep an eye on everyone and keep all of you safe. " Jennifer was angry " Sara is more than capable of taking care of herself. " Jack didn't care for that remark " Just as you have been able to take care of yourself ? I don't believe that I need to justify what happens between Sara and myself to you.... I am sorry , that was unnecessary. I just want those I care about safe." Jennifer gave him a small smile " I know . Just don't be so worried about everyone else that you neglect your own safety, ok Jack ? " Jack returned her smile " Agreed. "



Lawrence sat in his living room talking to Bentley. " The Bradys will recover then? " The lawyer nodded " Superficial wounds at best. " Lawrence paced the room. " My wife is in hiding , I haven't been able to even see her. I hear she is on the verge of a breakdown. Then there is Deveraux. I had a bit of an altercation with him and that photographer friend of his Mr Michaels . " Bentley asked Lawrence what his plan was. " I think I will just slow play things for a little while. See if we can't get them to drop their defenses a bit. Then I will hit them all at once. They will all pay , but since my bride is already teetering on the edge , I will have to start with her. "




Everyone sat around the table after finishing dinner. They were all exhausted form working all day , only JJ had energy still. " Can I go play in my room for a while. " Jack nodded , "Sure little man , but I want you washed up and ready for bed in an hour ok? " The little boy agreed and went running from the room . Moments later JJ called out " Daddy there is a delivery man outside. Jack went into the living room to open the door . He was handed
a large fruit basket. The note said , " Enjoy your new home. ...sincerely Lawrence. " Jack marched into the kitchen and through out the basket. " That son of a ... " biting off his words. " Take it easy Jack , he is just trying to get to you. " Jack had a different idea " He wants me to know that he knows were we are and can get to us. " The sound of the doorbell rang. Jack stormed into the other room and marched over the door. " If he sent something else he would go over to his house and ram it down his throat. He threw the door open and was surprised at the person before him . JJ was at the top of the steps , "Grandma!! " he came running into his arms . Hello my little angel , " then looking at Jack she said " Hello son ," and pulled him into a tight hug, " I have missed you, " Jack hugged her back and said " Hello Jo "









"Oh son it's so good to see you, and how is my grand baby? " JJ smiled at his grandmother, " I'm fine but grandma I am not a baby anymore. " Jo squeezed him and kissed him, ' Well of course you're not. " Jack moved aside so Jo could come into the house. " This is a lovely house " she said. She stopped in front of Sara, " This is Sara Jamison and Dean and Angela Michaels , this is my mother Jo. " Everyone exchanged greetings and Sara and Angela brought out cookies and coffee. " Easy on the cookies little man. " Jack told his son , who excused himself to his room. " So how did you all meet. " Sara laughed and said " Well that's an interesting story, you see one night I was..." Jack jumped in " Whoa , remember that's my mother you are speaking to. " Sara told the story and tried to keep Jack's embarrassment to a minimum. " Naked ? " was all Jo could say. Jack blushed , " Not on purpose I assure you. " Dean and Angela left to go grocery shopping and Sara excused herself to do some work , wanting to give Jack sometime with his mother. " Will you stay for dinner Jo? " Sara asked. "Oh no thank you I have to get home and unpack, and Vern will be wanting dinner . " When Sara had gone Jo looked at her son , a small smile on her face.
" Your friends are very nice Jack. " Jack agreed " I think so as well. " Jo sat staring at him,
"What? " Jo shook her head " You all are going to be living here? " Jack nodded , " That is the plan , yes. I am sure Steve told you that Sara and I are involved . " Jo just spoke her mind , " He did , yes. She is a very nice woman but Jack you belong with Jennifer. How are you going to get her back if you are living here with Sara? " Jack blew out a breath , " I am not trying to get Jennifer back. " Jo frowned " Don't be silly , I know you are still hurting about the divorce , Steve and I really tore into your sister about that too I might add , but when that starts to go away you will want your wife back. " Jack got up and paced the room rubbing the back of his neck " Jo , she ended our marriage not me , she started sleeping with another man three months after they met , you know how many times she has moved on, now it's my turn. " Jo was shocked , " No , she wouldn't do that , You must be mistaken son. " Jack sat next to his mother again , " Afraid not , look I know I have done alot of things that hurt her in the past but, she has hurt me too. another man always comes between us, how many times do I have to fight and win her over. I just can't do it anymore . Sara and I have a history , she has no desire to change me , even though I have always drove her crazy she lets me be myself . There is something else I need to tell you. "
Jack told Jo all about how he left her for her own good and never knew she was pregnant. He told his mother about the grandchild she would never know and he showed her his picture. Her eyes welled up with tears , " Oh Jack, he was so handsome , just like his father. I am so sorry. " Jack looked into her eyes, " It was another case of me doing what I thought was best for a woman I loved and getting it way wrong." " Jack if you didn't do that Harper would have ruined her life , I am sure of it. Besides you never would have met Jennifer. " Jack gave a small laugh "That's what Sara said. " Jo was a bit surprised " She did?" " Yea , she did. " Jo thought for a moment , " If you are involved with Sara on the rebound then everyone is going to be hurt and you have all had enough pain in your lives already. " Jack covered her hand with his own " That's not with this is , Jo how many times have I lost Jennifer , have I ever turned to another woman ? " Jo shook her head " No you haven't. ' Jack continued " Sara makes me happy and for once in my life I am not going to run from it , I am going to enjoy it. Can you understand that? " Jo squeezed his hand , " Yes I can, you know all I want is for you to be happy son , that's all I have ever wanted for you. " Jack looked into her eyes, he wanted to tell her he loved her but the words still so hard to say, so he said the next best thing. He said the words she knew would mean that he loved her , " I know Mama , I know. " Her eyes filled with tears and she hugged him.




After Jo had left Jack went to Jennifer's house to get the rest of his things. " There are a few more boxes in the attic " she told him. Jack went to the attic and started gathering the boxes. Jennifer came up with some coffee . " Oh , thanks. By the way Jo is back in town and said to say hello. " Jennifer smiled , she always loved Jo , " I will have to stop by to see her and Vern , JJ must have been thrilled. " Jack said that he was and moved the boxes over to the door. " I will bring these downstairs and come back up for the last of them. " Jennifer said " Let me get the door for you." She pulled on the door but it was stuck. " Oh my goodness. " Jack put down the boxes , " Here , let me. " But it was no use the door was stuck. " Perfect , just perfect. " Jack said , which made Jennifer chuckle . " Oh this is funny to you? " Jennifer cleared her throat " No , but every time I hear the word perfect I think of that night at the Spectator office when the lights went out and.. " Jack cut her off trying to hide his smile , " Yes I am familiar with the story. " Jack put his foot on the wall and grabbed the doorknob and pulled, but the door wouldn't move. Jack took at his cell phone but he had no service. " Jack come sit down and finish your coffee , I am sure we can think of something " she said , happy to have the time alone with him. Jack plopped on the floor across from her " Fine , start thinking." As Jennifer sat down she knocked over a box and a white book fell out , " Look Jack it's our wedding album. " Jack frowned , " Which one? "
Jennifer was smiling , " Our first one. You looked so handsome. We were so young. " Jack smirked , " Some of us more than others " he said. Jennifer laughed , " It was crazy , but a great day. " Jack looked down at the photo of Jennifer. She had been young , and so very beautiful. Before he could help it the words came tumbling out , "One of the best days of my life. " In that moment Jennifer knew she could not push him. She had to lead him back to their life not shove him into it. He had to learn to trust her and her love for him again.
" Mine too Jack . " Jack wanted to know if things had been quiet , she told him nothing out of the ordinary has happened. " Well he has been rather quiet , it is making me a bit nervous. " Jennifer agreed , " I know what you mean , I have been thinking the same thing. What do you think he is up to? " The crease in between Jack's eyes appeared, " I have no clue , but I intend to find out. " Jennifer worried when Jack spoke like that , " Jack don't do anything crazy. " " I am not going to ..." Jack was looking past her now seeing a window.
" Wait a minute, there is a small window over there. I could get my phone out there I might get a signal. " Jennifer looked behind her, " That window is too high Jack . " Jack squinted at her , " Are you saying that i can't get up there. " Jennifer realized her mistake, " Of course not Jack , but maybe since I am smaller , I could get up there easier. " Jack shook his head
" or you could get seriously hurt, no I will do it. " Jack climbed up to the window and moved his phone around a bit , " There I got it. " He got Sara , who said she would be right there. Jennifer was a bit sorry that their time was coming to an end so soon. " Well , I have to admit it was nice spending some time together without fighting " she said. " Come on Jack , it wasn't so bad was it. " Jack gave her a smile, " Not so bad . "



Sara was there in less then ten minutes , " I guess having a guard sitting outside in his car isn't very helpful. You might want to speak with Shane and make alternate arrangements. "
Jack agreed with her. After loading the boxes he went to talk to the agent. " So I hear you and Dean are moving in with Jack. I hope you remember that our son is living there as well and you and Jack use some discretion. " Sara was very annoyed by today's events and she couldn't keep the sarcasm out , " Oh so you are saying no walking around naked and no sex on the kitchen table , got it. " Jennifer was shocked at first then realized that Sara was just being facetious . " Very funny. " she said. " You need not worry . I hope you enjoyed your afternoon " Sara threw in. Jennifer came back , " If you think being stuck in an attic is enjoyable. " Ok Sara thought to herself, here we go. " No but I am sure you did , being stuck with Jack. " Then looking around she saw the wedding album laying open. " Took him on a little trip down memory lane ?" Jennifer smirked , " Jealous? " Now Sara smiled , " No , we have a past too. I just prefer to live in the here and now. " Jennifer snapped back " You have to know that Jack still loves me. " Sara answered calmly and honestly , " I do, but the real question is , is he still IN love with you? "





Sara was in her bedroom putting her things away when she heard a light knock on the door , " come in, " Angela came in with a cup of coffee for Sara , " I thought you could use this. " Sara sighed , " Thanks , are you keeping an eye on the sauce?" Angela nodded , " Yes
I am , so want to tell me why you are hiding in your room. " Sara sipped her coffee , "Mmm
just right, what are you talking about ? I am not hiding , I am merely settling in. With everything else going on I didn't have a chance to set my room up yet. I think I would like to move the desk over by the window , can you give me a hand ? " Angel knew her best friend and while Sara was honest sometimes brutally so , she would brush things off and make herself busy when she didn't want to think or talk about something. " Wow , rearranging furniture , you are upset. " Sara rolled her eyes , " Don't be ridiculous , you are always reading more into things then there is. " " Oookay , so the whole thing with Jennifer has nothing to do with this and it's my imagination that Jack keeps looking up here waiting for you to show your face. Or that he asked me three times in an hour if I've talked to you. " Sara made a face at her , " You know Jack , he is paranoid, he always thinks something is wrong. " The two women moved the desk under the window. " That's much better. " Sara said. " Sara , you know I couldn't love you anymore if we had been blood related right ? " Sara thought she smelled a lecture coming on, " Yes I know , but..."
Angela studied her for a moment , " But you are lying to me and yourself by not admitting you got jealous today. " Sara frowned at those words , " I don't get jealous. " Angela laughed out loud , " Sure you don't , everyone gets jealous once in a while. It's ok you know , to be jealous of her. I would , you would have to be blind not to be . I am going downstairs , are you coming ? " " Yea in a minute, " Sara told her. After Angela left Sara sat on her bed , " I am not a jealous person " she said out loud to herself. But she wasn't blind either.





Jack and JJ were sitting at the table playing checkers . Jack watched Sara closely she had been quiet since they got back from Jennifer's. They would need to talk , but that could wait till later. Abby was coming by to pick up JJ and both were going to have dinner and spend the night with Jo and Vern. " Hey little man are you packed for tonight? " Jack asked his son. " No not yet. " Jack told him to go do that as his sister would be by shortly. JJ looked at his father and giggled. " What's so funny ? " Jack asked him. " You're just mad because I beat you. " JJ answered . " What are you saying ? You think I am a sore loser?
JJ smiled and ran to the kitchen door. Before exiting he looked at his father and said one word "Yes. " Jack stood opened mouth, " Am not! " he shouted to the swinging door. " Are too. " Sara said under her breath. Finally , he thought , she spoke. "Well if I was a sore loser than you were jealous. " There he said it , he would joke about it now but later they would need to talk seriously




" Grandma Jo will be happy to see you Mom. " Abby said as they drove to Jack's. Jennifer suggested to Abby she drive them there so she could stop in and say hello to Jo and Vern. "I wanted to stop by and see them anyway so this works out well." What she didn't tell her daughter was that she wanted to strike again while the iron was hot , so to speak. She had broken through another layer of Jack's wall today , spending time alone with him had been a good thing. She had also seen a crack in Sara's facade , she wanted to keep the momentum flowing in her direction. Not to mention she wanted to see first hand the living arrangements. " Yes this really did work out well. " she said with a smile.


The four adults sat in the living room. " You have never seen me jealous Jack , because I don't get jealous. It's a waste of energy. " Jack had to think about that , had he ever seen Sara jealous? " I am sure I have , if not in the past then most definitely today. " Dean interjected " Sure you have, don't you remember. " Angela looked at her husband in horror, " Don't do it , " she whispered to him. The door bell rang and Jack went to answer it, ''Hello sweetheart , " as Abby kissed him on the cheek. " Oh hello Jennifer , what are you doing here? " Jennifer smiled at him " Hi Jack , I am going to drive the kids to your Mom's so I can visit with her and Vern for a bit. " JJ came downstairs " Hi Abby , Hi Mom. Want to come and see my Star Wars room? " Dean walked over to them and said hello , then he said to Jack softly , " I am sure they will really 'cheer' when they see it. " The two men exchanged glances and then as if a light went off in his head Jack whirled around to face Sara , pointing his finger at her he said , " The cheerleader incident! " Sara looked at Dean through narrowed eyes , " I have no idea what you are talking about Jack , I better go check on dinner. " Jack ran after her " Oh ho no you don't . " Come on , let me show you my room. " JJ lead them to the door at the top of the stairs. He showed them with pride all around his room. " It 's really wonderful , baby. " Jenifer told him. " Yea JJ it's awesome. " Abby added. " Do you want to see the rest of the rooms too ? " JJ said to his mother as he saw her looking around. " Yes I would love to. " He opened the door next to his and before he could even say it , Jennifer could smell Jack's cologne in the room. " This is Daddy's room. " Then he showed them the bathroom and then at the opposite end of the hall was another room. " What room is that baby? " Jennifer asked. " Oh that's Sara's room. " JJ said he opened the door and Jennifer saw that it was filled with Sara's personal items . Jennifer was relieved , for many reasons, to see that Sara had not intended to share a room with Jack.


Jack kissed his son and daughter goodbye and went back to his conversation." Yes the cheerleader , what was her name? It was something cutesy..." Dean nodded " Yea like Bambi or.. " Jack jumped in " Candy . " Jennifer , Abby and JJ stood in the doorway watching. Sara rolled her eyes and blurted out " Cherry " as soon as that word left her she clasped her hand over her mouth . " Ah ha! " Jack shouted. " Oh shut up ," She shouted back. Jennifer could hear them laughing as she left. That didn't work out the way she had planned. Jo would be on her side , knowing her , she would do what ever she could to help Jack and Jennifer get back together.



"It's so good to see you Jo. " Jennifer said to her former mother in law. They sat at Jo's kitchen table while Vern and Abby played with JJ in the backyard. " It's good to see you too. Jennifer , I spoke with jack earlier, he's still so hurt. I don't understand. How could you have lost faith in him like that. Why didn't you wait and speak to him? " Jennifer tried to explain her side to Jo. To her credit Jo tried to sound sympathetic but Jennifer could see the disappointment in her eyes. " But another man so soon ? I think it just pushed him too far. You know that I have always supported you, but please try and understand. Everyone thought the worst of him and they all turned against him. I have to support Jack in whatever it is he wants to do. You know I will always believe that you and my son belong together. I just hope that you will be able to come together again somewhere down the road , that this isn't beyond repair. " Jennifer left Jo's feeling like she lost the ground she had gained today. She should not have come , she should have left things as they were. Jennifer knew though she had to have taken the chance. Now she will begin again tomorrow.


Jack and Sara sat on the couch watching CNN. " Will you stay in my room with me tonight since Jack will be sleeping at my mothers ? " Sara said quietly , " I guess." Jack didn't want her to be upset but there was nothing he could do about it. " It was an accident you know . Getting locked in the attic was an accident. " Sara nodded. " Talk to me Sara. " She sighed loudly, " I thought we might have a bit more time together before she started the move to get you back. " Jack turned and looked at her. " Is there something I don't know? When did I go back to Jennifer? " Sara turned to him now " You know what I mean . " Jack thought about what he was going to say , " Sara do you think I am involved with you as ploy to get Jennifer to come to me or as some sort of rebound ? Because neither is true. I don't do rebound relationships , I never have before and I am not doing that now. I like who I am with you , I want to pursue this , for me , for us. Jennifer and I have a history , yes and we have a connection that I don't think can ever really be broken, but still I want you , I want to be with you not Jennifer. " Sara looked into his eyes and was satisfied with what she saw there. He leaned down and kissed her , " Are we ok ? " Sara smiled sweetly , " Yea we are ok. "



The next morning Jennifer was going to pick up the kids. As she drove through the intersection she didn't see the car speeding towards her. The agent in the car behind her did though . He rammed Jennifer's car in the back and shoved her car out of the way, the car hitting the agent instead. Jennifer heard the crunch of the metal of the cars behind her as her car slammed into a light pole. She felt dizzy and felt herself slipping into unconsciousness.





Jennifer's car was hit from behind by the agent , propelling her forward away from the car headed right for her. she lost control and veered up on the curb hitting a light post exploding the air bag. She felt dizzy and lost consciousness. Smoke coming from the front of her car.


She slammed on the brakes narrowly avoiding the three car collision in front of her. She had just run out to pick up a few things. She took out her cell phone dialed 911 and reported the accident. Jumping out of her car she checked on the driver of the car that was broadsided , he was passed out but breathing. seeing movement out of the corner of her eye she saw the driver responsible for the accident exit his car and start to run down the street. Without even thinking Sara ran after him. he stopped suddenly turning around he brought his hand up , before she could react he punched her on the side of her face.Sara fell to the pavement , banging her head . The guy took off before she could even sit up.
Sara rubbed her jaw and got up. Running over to the car that hit the pole. " Oh no, Jennifer." Jennifer came to , seeing Sara in window. " Open the door ! " Sara shouted at her. Jennifer tried the door handle , " It's stuck , so is my seat-belt " Sara ran around to the passenger door and climbed in. " Damn it , it's stuck, " Sara said. Jennifer looked at her , " I just told you that. " Sara ran to her car and took a Swiss army knife from her bag. Climbing back in she opened the knife and began sawing through the belt. " You keep a knife in your car? " "In my bag , it belonged to my son. " Jennifer felt a twinge of sympathy. Sara had cut the belt and asked Jennifer, " Are you hurt can you move? " As Jennifer was taking inventory the front of her car caught on fire. " Just perfect, " Sara said. " Well let's get a move on shall we? " Jennifer was trying to pull her self out as Sara was trying to pull on her too. " hang on, twist your back towards me and I will pull you out. " Jennifer did that and Sara hooked her arms under Jennifer's shoulders and tugged. Little by little she was coming free " I guess I should lay off the sweets. " Jennifer said. " Well I didn't want to say that but.. " Sara got her free and both women climbed from the car. " You ok ? " Sara asked again. " Yes I am fine..but what happened to your face ? Where you driving the car that caused this? " Sara looked confused then felt the blood running down her head and lip. "What ? Oh no , I was behind him. Jennifer sit right here, I want to go check on who I am guessing is your ISA agent. Don't move from this spot , do you understand me ? You could have internal injuries. I will be right back. " Jennifer sat still , she could hear the sirens getting closer. She watched Sara as she tended to the agents head wound , ignoring her own. Jennifer was just about to get up when she had a searing pain shoot through her shoulder. That pain brought her a moment of clarity. Why did she move when Sara was only trying to help her and told her not to ? It was because she always had to do the opposite of what she was told , ever since she was a kid. How many times had she done the opposite of what Jack had told her to do and ended getting herself into more trouble. Why did she continue to get involved with other men when the only man she had ever really wanted all her life was Jack? It was fear. A fear that she had gotten from childhood , a fear of abandonment. if Jack had left her alone too long she immediately had assumed he abandoned her and she needed to fill that void. She needed to be loved . But he had loved her , always , no matter what. The weight of all those other men had finally snapped him. She knew had the situation been reversed , she could never handle him being with other women. But now he was and there she was helping not only her but the agent as well. Jennifer would have to fight those fears and her overtly defiant nature. She would get him back or be alone.



Jack was rushing through the doors of the emergency room , having gotten the call from Bo. He found Jennifer in an exam room. " Thank god you're alright. What the hell happened? " Then seeing the cuts and scrapes on her face he ran his fingers over her face.
" Are you ok? " Jennifer smiled " Yes Jack I am fine. Just some cuts and my chest and shoulder hurt and are bruised from the seat-belt. They aren't keeping me overnight. " Jack's face showed his relief , he put his arms around her , " I am so glad your ok. " Jennifer breathed in his cologne and the feel of his arms around her for a moment only, Jack pulled back . " I will take you home when your ready. Shane is getting another detail over to your house , I will wait with you until that's all set up. " Jennifer nodded , " Thank you Jack. How is Sara doing ? " Jack looked confused, " She is fine , why do you ask ? " Jennifer realized that he didn't know , " Jack , Sara is the one who pulled me out of the car. She had some injuries too but I am not sure how she got them. " Jack was silent, " Bo neglected to give me that information. I will be back , don't go anywhere. " He raced out the door. " Don't worry Jack , I will be waiting right here. " she whispered.



Jack heard Sara's voice before he saw her. She was standing with Bo , giving her statement.
" Sara, " Jack said . He let out a gasp when he saw her face. " What the hell happened to you? " Her forehead had a large cut on it, her cheek and Jaw were purple and her lower lip was swollen. " Your friend tried to chase down the guy that rammed the agents car . " Bo told him. " You did what? " Sara recounted the story to Jack. " Are you out of your mind? He could have pulled a gun or knife and killed you. " Sara made a face at him, " Well obviously I didn't think of that. " Bo told them that the car had been stolen. " Are you saying this was some guy out on a joy ride ? " Bo nodded "Looks like it , we will be dusting the car for prints , see if we can't get a hit. " Sara spoke up now, "I don't think this was any joy ride and you aren't going to find any prints. " Bo turned and looked down on her , " How can you be so sure ? " Sara smirked , " The guy was wearing leather gloves, I saw them clearly as it crashed into my face. " Jack flinched at those words. Bo told her that he would contact her if he had any information. Jack took her hand and kissed it then lead her over to the bench of chairs. " You take too many chances. Thank you for what you did today for Jennifer. " Sara gave him a small smile , " It's no big deal. " Jack shook his head ,
" Yes it was , " Placing his hand under her chin , he turned her face to him. He gently kissed her face then her lips, i will take you home then I will take Jennifer home. I have to wait till her new security arrives, Is that alright or would you like to come with me? " She had already called Dean , knowing Jack would need to take care of Jennifer. " No , Dean is on his way, I figured you would need to see to Jennifer. you go , I can take care of myself. "
Those words meant as comfort stung him. " I know you can , but I would like you to let me take care of you . "


After Sara had left , Jack took Jennifer home. He searched the house thoroughly and Bo had sent a patrol car to sit outside until the ISA showed up. " Would you like something to eat?" Jack asked after she spoke with Abby .She and JJ were going to spend another night at Jo's. " No I am not hungry. " Jack looked around the room, " Let's play rummy. " Jennifer laughed , " Jack you hate rummy. " Jack raised his eyebrow , " But you love it. " They played several games with Jennifer winning most of them. " This is why I hate rummy " he said. She chuckled at him, " You just hate losing. " The bell rang and Jack answered the door. Shane came in with two agents. " How are you Jennifer? "they talked for a moment and Shane told them that he was keeping one agent inside the house at night and one outside. They were all introduced to each other and Shane left having a call to make. Jennifer said she was tired and was ready for bed. Jack told her he would call her in the morning to check on her. " You're leaving? " Jack sighed , " Yes , why?" Jennifer wasn't sure she should say it but did anyway. " I assumed you would stay here tonight , I just feel safer when you are with me. " Jack looked pained, " Jennifer , I can't stay, you will be fine . You have plenty of security. You go up to bed and I will check the house again and lock up myself before I go. " Jennifer sniffed , " Ok Jack. Thank you for staying with me tonight. " He couldn't help himself she looked like a sad child , he reached forward and kissed her on the head, "Sleep well. " Jack locked up and headed home , but he had to pick something up first.




Sara sat on the porch swing in front of the house. Angela sat next to her and Dean on the top step. " Are you sure you are ok? " Angela asked. " Yes." Sara took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, " Do you think he will even come home tonight? " Dean and Angela exchanged glances. " I am sure he just wants to make sure she is settled. " Dean told her.
Sara looked out past her friend, " The last time, it never seemed over. I guess because we never spoke about it or ended it, there was no closure.. I always hoped he would walk in the door again someday. Maybe that's why this time is so important. I know in my heart he will probably go back to her, but at least this time there will be closure to it. Maybe that will help me ." Angela's heart broke for her. " Why wait , let's just go back to New York now. End it now. " Sara shook her head and wiped her tears " No, no I can't . I love him. I have always loved him, I can't walk away when I still have the opportunity to be with him. I have to see it out , I have to take the chance. It's worth everything to me , he's worth everything to me. If he doesn't come home tonight , I will know he already made his choice. " A pair of headlights came down the street and turned into the driveway. Sara's heart felt like it would pound out of her chest. He came back. He came home to her. Jack got out of the car with a grocery bag in his hand. "Why aren't you inside laying down ? " He could see the remnants of tears glistening on her long lashes. "You have been crying. Sara what's wrong?" Sara smiled " Nothing . " Jack looked to Dean then to Angela , whose eyes urged him to drop it. Looking at Sara and her poor bruised face, he knew he made the right choice, to come home to her. " I brought you a surprise. " Jack opened the bag and took out a package of cocktail franks. " I am going to make you pigs in a blanket. " Those were the sweetest words she had heard in along time. Sara smiled brightly , she hadn't lost him, not yet. " I love pigs in a blanket. " she said softly. " I know, I realized I do too. " Jack whispered.

[jaysdelina]

I love that Jenn's getting exactly what I feel she deserves,but at the same time,I kinda feel bad for her in these chapters,lol.Kudos to you for that.I also love that Jack's instinct to protect the woman he loves is still there,but it's not divided between both the woman of his past and the woman of his present.Very nicely done

[fluffysmom]

Great chapters. It was nice that Sara saved Jennifer. I like Jack having women fighting over him for a change.

[MrsM]

Great chapter!

[gapeach]

Awesome chapter. Can't wait to read more.

[blueyed358]

" It's ok , Hank , he's a friend. " The agent stood aside and let Daniel into the house. He grabbed Jennifer into an embrace. " Are you ok ? I was in surgery when they brought you in."Jennifer pulled back out of the hug , " Yes I am fine but as you can see Jack and Shane wanted more security. Jack is bringing the kids here in a little while. " There he was again , Jack, he will never be out of her life Daniel thought. " I see , I am surprised he didn't stay with you. Although I am sure his girlfriend wouldn't have liked that very much. " Jennifer had been surprised herself that Jack had left her. In the past , he never would have left but things were different now , she thought. " He made sure the house was secure but he had to see about Sara also, she was hurt too. " Jennifer gave Daniel the story of how Sara had helped her and the injured agent and getting punched for her efforts. Daniel was shocked,
" Wow , did they find the guy who did it?" Jennifer told him of Bo's suspicions ' There is no way to prove anything right now. " Daniel nodded. This could be an opportunity for him to show Jennifer she needs him. " Maybe I should stay here with you , make sure you are safe. " No that would not be a good idea. The last time she had a male friend move in with her it had hurt Jack. She had to prove to Jack that he was the only man she needed and wanted. That she would not turn to another man because he rejected her, she would do as he had done so many times before. " No , thank you Daniel it's not necessary . " Daniel pressed on , " Jen he isn't going to come running back to you this time. I am here and I love you. " Jennifer knew she had to make him understand , she felt guilty but she knew that she could not be with Daniel. " We can't be together Daniel. With everything going on with Lawrence I can't even think about my love life. Besides Carly loves you and she needs you and I love Jack , that will never change, I know that now. I am sorry for hurting you. " Daniel had been told by several people before that Jack and Jennifer can never stay away from one another. They were like magnets always pulled together with nothing getting between them for long. Daniel needed a plan. He would not give up so easy. " Ok , if that's what you want , for now. You will come back to me Jen , I know it. Jack wants Sara Jamison now and when you realize that he isn't coming back, I will be there waiting. " Daniel came forward and kissed her on the forehead and walked out the door.





Sara's fingers flew across the keyboard as she laid in bed. Jack opened one eye , " What the hell? It's so early. ' Sara didn't move her eyes from the laptop, " Yea , I know but I had the article laid out in my head and had to get it down, you know what I mean. " He did know, he rolled on his side and propped himself up on one elbow, watching her with a smile. He ran his finger lightly over the purple bruise on her face. At least her lip was not swollen anymore. " I am almost done , you going to pick up Jack today? " Jack barely heard her, she made him feel things he never believed anyone but Jennifer ever would. Sometimes when he looked at her all he wanted to do was hold her and never let go. She made him feel so good , good about himself too. " What ? Oh yes I am going to bring him over to Jennifer's and let him stay with her for a while. " Sara finished her article, it started with the Alamain interview and ended with the car accident. She swiveled the laptop so Jack could read it,
"Well Mr Editor , any suggestions? " She really was one of the best writers he had ever encountered , " From an editor's point of view , I wouldn't change a word. " Sara beamed.
"But from the personal view , I think you are going to really tick Mr Alamain off , which makes me nervous as your..well your.. " Sara tried to fill in the blanks for him , " boy toy , eye candy , lover?" Jack gave her a lopsided grin, " How about good old fashioned boyfriend? Hmm? " Sara sighed , " Ok, if you want to be boring about it. " Jack took the laptop and placed it on the floor , " There is nothing boring about this , or you I might add. But if you come closer I wouldn't mind being your boy toy right now. " Sara put her finger on her chin as if thinking over the offer , " I accept your offer...gladly. " She slid down , turned on her side and came to him , rolling on top of him . " I always did love playing with my toys. " Jack laughed as he pulled her down onto him.





She was laying on the couch, her body unable to move. " You drugged me , why ? Why are you doing this to me? " He didn't answer, he just stood over her waiting. Her eyes got heavy and she slipped into unconsciousness. When he was sure that she was out he took the throw pillow from behind her and placed it over her face. He pushed down lightly at first , then with more pressure as his anger swelled. After a few minutes he removed the pillow , she was dead, he felt nothing, not sorrow nor relief, nothing at all. He put the pillow back in it's place and slipped out the back door , as unnoticed as when he arrived. So it was done , he thought as he walked to his car , Carly Manning was dead.





Jack had dropped JJ off earlier but after a brief talk was gone again . She sighed at that but still she enjoyed the time spent with her son. The phone rang and Jennifer answered happily , " Hello? " It was Bo . He was upset , Jennifer could hear it in his voice. " What is it? What's happened? " Bo told her that the private security Carly had insisted on found her dead on her couch. "They think she overdosed , we wont know until the autopsy. Jen I am sorry. " The tears spilled over and Jennifer was sobbing. They had not been close in quite sometime , mostly because of Daniel. Still she was a childhood friend and it broke Jennifer's heart. She needed to see Jack to have him hold her and tell her everything will be alright. She gathered her little boy up and was going to Jack's. " Are you ok Mom? " Jennifer nodded , " I'm just sad baby , one of Mommy's friends died. " JJ hugged her , " I'm sorry your sad. " New tears came to her eyes , " Thank you so much baby. "



Jack and Sara were moving around the kitchen , giggling when Dean came upstairs ,
" Knock it off you two. " he grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down at the table. " Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. " Jack said as he joined him at the table. " Yea well Angie and I had a fight last night , I am surprised you guys didn't hear it. " Sara and Jack wore matching smiles , " Yes , well were otherwise engaged. " Dean looked from one to the other, " You two make me sick. " Both chuckled then cleared their throat. Angela came in , " Good morning Sara , Jackie. " The both answered in unison . Angela asked Jack to pass her the sugar , which was in front of Dean, " But it ....Oww! " Sara kicked him under the table. " He asked Dean for the sugar and passed it to Angela. "So what's on the agenda today? " Jack asked. Angela said she was open if he needed her to keep an eye on JJ later, "Tell my wife she should have travel plans. " Sara turned to Angela, " You should have travel plans. " Angela sighed "Tell my husband that I do not have to take the assignment , I can give it to Perrelli , as a senior producer it is my prerogative. " Sara repeated her words verbatim. " Tell my wife she is being ridiculous. She has never handed off an assignment before , no reason to start now. " Sara looked at at Angela , " You are being ridiculous , you never did it before why start now. " Angela looked at Sara and shrugged, Sara looked at Dean and shrugged. Jack nudged Sara and they went to the counter. " Do they get deaf when they are mad at each other? " Sara shrugged , " They wont acknowledge the others words unless someone repeats them. " Jack looked back to the table , then back to Sara , " A bit childish wouldn't you say? " Sara looked Jack in the eyes " Ya think? " Jack looked around , despite the feuding Michaels he felt great this morning. He took Sara's hand and kissed it , " I have to go get Jack , walk me to the door? " Sara smiled .


The stood outside the door , arms around each other kissing , " Thank you for this morning...and last night, " he whispered. Sara kissed him again " Oh trust me , it was my pleasure. " Jennifer was approaching the house, the agent driving. This was not what she needed to witness , not now. Her eyes tearing up. Sara and Jack saw the car and turned to watch it pull up. JJ got out " Hi Daddy , Hi Sara. " Jack was surprised to see him , " Hey little man I was just coming to get you. " He could see Jennifer's face stained with tears and eyes swollen. " Jennifer what wrong? Did something happen with Abigail ?" His heart pounding with fear. " No , Abby's fine. It's Carly , Oh Jack , Carly is dead. " The tears coming again she collapsed into his arms. He would not pull from her , she needed him he knew.
He wrapped his arms around her " Oh god , Jennifer I am so sorry." Sara took JJ by the hand, " Hey Jack , I have some cookies out on the table for you , let's go get them ok? "




Jack lead Jennifer to the couch , Sara bringing her a cup of coffee. " Thank you," Jennifer managed to say. " Dean is setting Jack up with a video game. " Jack squeezed her hand,
" Thanks, " Then to Jennifer " Ok , tell me what you know. " Before she could , the bell rang. Sara answered it to find Bo and Shane . Dean and Angela had joined everyone in the living room. They discussed the circumstances surrounding Carly's death. " I don't know , " Jennifer said , " Why would Lawrence kill Carly first ? " Shane answered her question , " He had the opportunity. Carly refused the ISA protection and went with a private security company. Maybe he bought someone off. " Sara thought about that for a moment. " No I agree with Jennifer. " All eyes on her now. " She was his endgame. Going by everything we know about him , he would want her to witness the death's of the people she cared for first. You know make her suffer.While he has grudges here it kind of loses something with her dead as she was the catalyst. " Bo and Shane looked at each other " Well it's something to think about. We will know more after the autopsy. " After they left Jack was pacing. Angela stated that he was making her dizzy. " Leave him alone, " Sara said , " He's working something out. " Jennifer looked at Sara. She did know Jack well , she thought. " Everyone is going to have to be even more vigilant. Well, I think maybe you should stay here with us Jennifer, " The eyes of everyone in the room practically popped out. The mouths of both Jennifer and Sara opened , but Dean saved them. " Sure get Brady in here too. This way he could get everyone all in one shot." Jack looked at him then at the faces of Sara and Jennifer. He realized at once what a mistake he had made. " Ahh, yes , yes you are right. Better to be spread out a bit, if we are all in one place it's an easier target.. Jennifer you can't stay at your house though. " Jennifer knew he was right , " I know , I will do whatever you think is best. " Sara looked at Angela and they rolled their eyes , Dean caught it and gave them a stern look. " Well that's a switch, " Jack said under his breath , " I have an idea. Plus I want the children out of Salem. " Jennifer sniffed , " If you think that's best , but where do you plan on sending them ? " Jack smirked , "Let me make a few calls , go home and pack I will be by in about an hour to pick you up . " Jennifer looked exhausted , he hated to see her like that . After she left Jack turned to Sara . She looked at him with a frown. " I know , I am sorry , I was just thinking out loud. " She was annoyed , but not angry , he could tell. " You weren't thinking, " she sighed loudly , " Just forget it , I know you were just concerned about Jennifer. " Jack took her by the shoulders , " I was concerned about everyone. " She nodded , " Ok what can I do to help? " Jack wondered how she was able to push aside her jealousy and just accept that this was who he was and what he had to do. " You are an amazing woman Sara Jamison. " She rolled her eyes at him , " Yea sure. " Jack held her tightly , " I just have to make a few calls, after I am done I will need to speak to Jack and explain things. "



Jack had made the call and secured Jennifer a place to stay and be protected. Then he made the call to secure his children. " Steve , it's Jack...I need your help. " Jack explained as best he could to JJ that Uncle Steve was coming to take him and Abigail to his house for a while. JJ wasn't happy but when is father told him he was counting on him to take care of Abby , he perked up. " Is this like a secret mission or something ? " Jack picked his son up and hugged him , " Or something. I will miss you terribly. " JJ knew that his father would never send him away unless it was important , he thought it had something to do with the man in that picture. He just didn't think he should mention it. " I know Daddy , I will miss you too. " Jack sent JJ up to do some packing and Angela went to "oversee" his work. Jack kissed Sara goodbye , " I will be back shortly. "





Jack arrived at Jennifer's and rushed through the door. " Ok so here is the plan. I have spoken to Abigail and after some resistance you has agreed, Steve is coming here and taking the children back to his house. At this point in time he is the only one I trust with their safety. If it were up to me you would be going as well , but I am aware that would be pushing it. " She said nothing and only nodded. " You will be staying with Maggie at the Kiriakis Mansion. While Victor has soften with age , he is still formidable and has plenty of his own security, plus he agreed to allow Shanes men there as well. " Jennifer beemed at him , " You take such good care of us Jack , I meant what I said , I am going to prove to you that I can change too. I know you and are are meant to be and I am going to help you see I am right. " Without warning she reached up and kissed him , her hand around the back of his neck pulling him in. How familiar it was to feel her lips , smell her perfume. No he couldn't do this , he wouldn't do this. Pulling back softly , he looked into her eyes, " You have to stop this Jennifer. You mustn't do this every time we are together. This is not what I want , please ,please don't do this again. We have enough on plates right now. I just want to keep you safe. " Jennifer looked him back in the eye , "Alright Jack, but you can't run from me , from us forever. I will do whatever is necessary to end this situation with Lawrence but after that... I am never going to turn to another man again. I realized it all comes back to my childhood , my fear of being abandoned. You are the man I want Jack Deveraux , there is nobody else for me. Now I will just go get my things and we can be on our way. " Jack stood frozen for a moment. She sounded like the Jennifer of so long ago he thought. He blew out a long breath , he didn't need this now. He would make sure she was safe but he was with Sara now , that's where his heart was.


Sara called to Dean , " Get your camera , we have someplace to go. " Dean came back with his equipment . As they got into the car he asked , " Where are we going. " Sara pulled away and said "To see Alamain. "







Jack was stuck in rush hour traffic on the ride home from the Kiriakis mansion. He thought about the women in his life and how in many ways they were so similar. Both were strong willed , caring , generous and even though Jennifer was not acting herself lately , they both were independent and stubborn. Jack wondered if those were the things that he had seen in the young Jennifer that had attracted him to her. All that in common and still so different. Where Jennifer was naive and trusting , Sara was street smart and always held a degree of skepticism. Jennifer would always follow her heart and be impulsive and Sara
usually thought things out and had a plan. In Jack's mind the biggest difference was in matters of the heart . Jennifer had always demanded that Jack express himself , admit to his feelings , she would tease him when he couldn't say those three little words when they were together. But Jack would know that she needed to hear them. She needed the verbal reassurances. Sara on the other hand had never asked for those words. When he had tried to say them to her, to give her what he thought all women wanted, she would put a finger to his lips and tell him it wasn't necessary. She would say that she knew how he felt and he knew how she felt. After he had walked away, he would think about that and he always regretted never voicing his feelings to her.



Jack pulled into the driveway and entered the house. "Where is everybody? " He called out.
He went to the kitchen and found Angela and JJ having cookies and milk. " Hi Daddy." the little boy said with cookie crumbs on his face. " Hey Jackie. " Angela said. " Where's Frick and Frack ? " JJ made a face " Who is that? " Angela chuckled , " He means Sara and Dean, I don't know , I saw Dean leave with his camera. " Jack frowned " Sara isn't answering her phone. " JJ was looking at his father , he wanted to say something but was unsure if he should. " What is it little man ? Do you know where they went? " JJ frowned , he knew he wasn't suppose to listen to the adult conversations. " Well...I wasn't listening on purpose, I was sitting in here when she was on the phone. I justed kinda heard her. " Jack smiled at his son and put his mind at ease. " It's ok Jack , tell me what you heard. " JJ looked down then asked for more cookies , " Two more only. " his father told him. " She said she was going to talk to some man. " Jack's heart skipped a beat , " What man? Did she say a name?"
JJ nodded, " She did but I don't remember. " Jack told his son to concentrate. he was beyond curious now and had to know where she and Dean had gone. JJ made a face of deep concentration that made Jack and Angela smile. " Oh I remember now it was Alan somebody. " Jack looked and Angela " Alan ? Does that sound familiar to you? " Angela shook her head , " No I can't think of anyone. " Jack turned back to his son she didn't say a last name?" " Yes , it was a state name ." Jack looked at his , the crease between his eyes forming , " A state name? You mean like Denver? " Yea but it was ....Maine. That's it. His name was Alan Maine. " Jack's heart sank to his feet. " Alan Maine ? You mean Alamain?"
JJ thought about it , " Maybe , but I'm kinda sure it was Alan. " Jack stood up and turned to Angela , she just told him " Just go , I will stay here with Jack. " He jumped into the car and headed over to his old home. " What the hell is she thinking? "





Sara had been to the house to see Lawrence and after some flirting and conning she found out that he was at police headquarters. " Getting the notification I guess. " Sara told Dean in the car. " You do know that Jack is going to throw a fit when he finds out. " Dean pointed out. " He is a reporter , he will understand. " Sara said , trying to convince herself. " Oh yea, sure he will. " Dean snapped out. They saw the press camped outside the building when they arrived. " I have an idea." Sara found Alamain's car and they waiting near it for him to come out. " You sure you want to do this? " Dean asked . " Of course I am. " she answered.






Jack finally got the information he needed from the butler and he was off again, on his way to police headquarters. She better be alright , was all Jack could think , because he was going to kill her. Why did she insist on antagonizing him? He knew being tenacious was a must for their trade but sometimes she took it too far . They will be having a long conversation tonight.






Lawrence was visibly shaken as he left police headquarters. His security pushed passed the press and headed to the car. Sara approached him and Dean stood back snapping photos. "Hello Mr Alamain. May a have moment of your time? " Lawrence was upset and was in no mood for games. " I have nothing to say to the press. " Sara followed him closely , You have no comment on the death of your wife? Care to speculate on the circumstances of her death? " He just kept walking , not acknowledging her questions so Sara went for broke.
" Did the police call you in because they suspect you of killing your wife ? Did you kill your wife Mr Alamain ? " He stopped in his tracks and whirled around . " I would never hurt Katarina , I loved her. " he said through a clenched jaw. Then seeing the tape recorded in her hand , he grabbed her wrist and took the recorder away and threw it on the floor and stepped on it , smashing it. " What's wrong Mr. Alamain , the truth hurt? " Lawrence became enraged, grabbing Sara by the shoulders he shook her violently , " The truth is that I loved her , I wanted her to come back to me. " Dean ran over and was punched in the stomach and held from behind by the two security guards. " Let her go Alamain. " Sara would not be intimidated, " Even after she cheated on you and had his child ? Even after she tried to kill you? " Lawrence held her tighter , " Shut up! " he shouted. All heads turned at the sound of the screeching tires . Jack jumped out the car and rushed at Lawrence , he grapped his lapels , " Take your hands off of her!" Sara fell backwards but held herself up. " Really Jack you must learn to control your women better , " he whispered. He pulled himself free from Jack. " Listen to me carefully Lawrence , If you hurt her , or ANYONE in my family again , I will make you pay , do you understand me? " Lawrence brushed at his jacket , "Please Jasper with both know how empty those threats are , " then to Sara , " We will talk again , Sara , I promise you that . "



" What the hell is wrong with you ? " Jack yelled at Sara , " And you, " speaking to Dean,
" How could you let her do this? " Dean stepped back , " Hold Jack, I didn't LET her do anything. this is our job , remember investigative reporter? " Jack was very upset , " This is no longer a story this is personal. " Then turning back to Sara , " You deliberately antagonized him didn't you? " Sara looked down , " Alright maybe I did , but that's what I do, I shake things up. " Dean turned to Sara and smiled, " I got some great shots of him breaking the recorder and grabbing you. " Sara smiled back " You did ? Excellent nothing like a little art to go with the article. " Jack looked at them in horror, " You two are crazy, I will not have you putting yourself in danger like this. If I have to I will call your editor and.." Sara's eyes grew wild , " you will WHAT?? " Jack turned to Dean and handed him his keys , would you mind taking my car Sara and I need to talk." Dean took the keys and put his hand on Jack's shoulder , " Don't worry Jackie , I'll come by and visit you in the hospital. "


" I am am so angry at you Jack I..I..I can't even think straight. " Sara was pacing. " Ok , I didn't mean that , I just said the first thing that popped into my mind. Sara , you have to know you are putting yourself in harms way. The thought of something happening to you makes me crazy. I am separately trying to keep everyone safe. I can't protect you if you go off and do things like this." Sara stopped pacing and stood facing him. " I can take care of myself Jack. I have been doing it for a long time. I may count on Dean and Angela for alot but I know that I am on my own and I only rely on myself. " Jack saw the fire flashing in her eyes but her words broke his heart. " But I am here now , I am here for you. " Sara turned away from him, the words tumbling out , unable to be contained, " And for how much longer will that be Jack ? It's just a matter of time before you go back to her , everyone has said it. You know it , I know it , hell Jennifer knows it . " He stood staring at her , unable to speak at first. " Sara I have told you before I..." Sara put up her hands to silence him , " Yes I know you want to be with me....now. Jack I am just saying this because we have been honest with each other up to this point , I just needed to say what we both know is the eventual outcome. I need you to understand why I can only rely on myself. " Those words stung , " Oh so your a fortune teller now , you can see into the future ? " Sara just laughed , a frustrated laugh , and shook her head. " I don't think this is funny , you are basically saying I am just passing time with you until I am ready to go back to Jennifer. That is what you are saying isn't it? " Sara sighed , " No , that's not what I meant. I am saying that I just can't allow myself to get use to you being there when neither of us know when that will change. Please...don't misunderstand me , I am not trying to get you to make a commitment or anything like that , I just have to protect myself , because no one else will , I don't want it to sound like I feel sorry for myself or anything like that and I'm not upset by it , it's just the way it is. " He took her by the shoulders , " With each day that we are together , I want more. Sara , I .." Sara put her fingers to his mouth , " Don't Jack, it isn't necessary , You don't have to. " He still had his hands on her shoulders, he bent himself at the knees to come closer to eye level with her, " Why ? Why don't you want me to say it ? Yes, those words still are and always have been hard for me to say , but even back then you would never say them or allow me to say them to you. Why is that ? " Those huge blue eyes welled up with tears, " Because you can't take them back, once they are said you can't take them back. There's no 'off the record' , there is no retractions, it's done and when it's over , those words will remain. If they aren't said you don't have to relive every moment of hearing them or saying them. " Jack looked at her and wondered if in all the years they were apart, if she had ever allowed a man to tell her he loved her or that she loved him . In as much as he understood what she was saying and had felt the same way many times in his life, he knew what it was to say those words and the way it felt to hear them back. As painful as it could be it was worth ever bit of the heartache that might come after. " Oh Sara. " She wiped the tears from her face and gave him a small smile , " Let's just go back to the house . " She handed him her car keys and turned away from him and started to walk back to the car. " Jack swallowed hard , his breath shallow , " I love you, " he shouted out to her, " I don't need a retraction , I need to say it out loud . I need for you to hear it and know that I mean it. " His words froze her in her tracks , why was he doing this? Did her words push him to say it , that had not been her intention. She hung her head and started to sob. He could see her shoulders shake and he knew that she was crying . His long legs took him to her in two strides. He walked around to face her. He took her into his arms. " Why did you say that ? I wasn't trying to .. " Jack spoke over her , " You didn't , shhhh , you didn't push me into saying anything. Sara I love you , I am sorry if hearing that scares you, it scares me too , but it's the truth. " He cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes , " I love you. " It was a struggle for her to even breath but as she looked back into his eyes , she felt her fear subside long enough to say in a voice hoarse with emotion , " It does scare me , but I love you too. " He leaned down and touched his lips to hers , they hugged for a long moment. " Let's get out of here. " He took her by the hand and they walked to the car together.






With Jennifer having had Abby bring JJ over for the night , she wanted to spend some extra time with him with Steve coming tomorrow night , the foursome decided to watch a movie. After thirty minutes of arguments over what movie to watch , each giving their choices , they settled on the classic "Jaws" . Sara and Jack went into the kitchen to make popcorn , they laughed as they heard Angela still berating her husband , " Seriously , 'Star
Wars' again? " With the bag in the microwave , Jack grabbed Sara and pulled her to him, he began kissing her and then he whispered into her ear, " I say we skip the movie and go straight to bed. All those in favor ? " Sara pulled back " Jaws is one of my favorites. Besides we have some unfinished business. " He trailed light kisses up her neck to her ear , " My thoughts exactly. " Sara chuckled, " You might not feel that way when you hear what I have
to say . "


" I am really surprised that Jack got home in one piece. " Angela smirked , " You and me both . " Dean glanced at the kitchen door. " After what he did and said , I am sure groveling was involved. " Angela sighed , " He was scared , you can't blame him . I was scared too. "
Dean gave her a questioning look. " I just have a bad feeling about all this. I have to leave for London in a few days and I don't want to have to worry about you. " Dean smiled at his wife , " I promise to be careful , I love you babe. We good? " Angela smacked him in the arm, " Yea , we're good. I love you too shutterbug. "



" What do we need to talk about ? " Jack asked with a smile , trying not to look nervous.
" We need to have some ground rules Jack. " Jack tilted his head and raised his eyebrow,
"Ground rules ? " Sara looked back at him with the same head tilt and raised eyebrow,
" Yes , ground rules. There is no more chasing me down , flying off the handle or threatening to call my editor. And there absolutely is no more trying to boss me around.
I'm serious Jack , I would never interfere with you doing your job and I expect the same consideration. " Jack knew he would have to handle things in a different way then what he had been doing. " All right , IF you agree to tell me where you are going , " Sara opened her mouth, " when it involves seeing Lawrence. That point is non negotiable. I will not come bursting in but If I don't hear from you in a reasonable amount of time , I will come looking for you. " Sara thought about his offer , she hated to admit it but it wasn't totally unacceptable. After all hadn't she just jumped out of the man's bathroom window days before ? She should try to be a bit considerate of his fears , they weren't really unfounded after all . " Only when or if I intend on seeing Alamain ? " Jack stood stone face , his lips in a tight line , " Yes. " Sara sighed as if annoyed even though she wasn't really , " All right I accept your conditions. " Now Jack smiled brightly , " Let's kiss on it. " He grabbed her and lifted her off the ground and kissed her happily .



With the movie over and the popcorn gone Dean and Angela said goodnight. Jack and Sara sat on the couch Sara's legs over Jack's legs his arm around her shoulder . " So , your place or mine tonight ? " Sara lifted her head and twisted it to look at him , " Who said you are getting lucky tonight ? You take me to a movie and by me some cheap popcorn , no dancing or anything and you expect to get lucky ? " Jack smiled broadly , and put Sara's feet down on the couch , " The lady wants a dance, " he got up and turned on a CD " and so she shall have it. " He extended his hand out to her , she placed her hand in his and chuckled , ' Oh boy , big spender. " Jack pulled on her hand and took her into his arms , "You deserve only the best . " Sara looked into his eyes , " and I am thankful to have it."
He leaned down and kissed her . They danced and kissed and Jack whispered , " How do my chances look now? " Sara stood on her tippy toes and whispered back , " Better and better, " her breath tickling him giving him chills , " Do you want me Jack ? " His heart racing , his breathing becoming labored , " Yes , yes I want you. " Sara smiled to herself ,
" Well then , there is just one more thing you need to do. " she said in a voice as low and soft as a purr, " Just tell me what it is you want. " Jack could barely get the words out. 'Catch me " she said as she pulled away and ran up the steps. Jack laughed , " My legs are longer. " He shouted taking the stairs two at a time . She reached her door and he was there. " Gotcha , " He picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. Sara was laughing loudly , " Jack that's cheating put me down!" he carried her down the hall , " To the victor ..." he said as he carried her into his room kicking the door closed with his foot.





Jack and Sara were up late last night but neither complained both sleeping a little later than usual , " The kids will be here for dinner also , I will be picking my brother up at four. Jo and Adrienne will probably be her around six. " Sara asked if Justin was coming as well. "No . I don't think he wants to face both me and Steve at the same time. " Sara smiled , " I am really looking forward to this evening . " Jack watched her as she dressed , " We haven't had a Johnson family dinner in a very long time. " She watched him and could see he was deep in the memories that those words had brought. " Jack go take your shower. "
He shook off those long ago visions , " Oh , yes be out in a few minutes. " he kissed her and disappeared into the bathroom. Sara left the house quickly, not wanting to get the third degree. She just wanted to check something out then she would run her errands for the dinner tonight.



Jack thought it odd that Sara had took off without a goodbye. " Where are you? " he asked having called her cell. " Checking up on me ? " Jack responded quickly , " Just making sure you don't break the agreement. " Sara smiled , " I have a few errands to run for the dinner tonight. " Jack sighed , " Oh , yes of course . I would have come along if you had waited. "
After they disconnected Jack realized he time to what he had being contemplating for a few days. Grabbing his car keys he raced out the door. " I'll tell her about it when I get back. " He thought to himself.




Jack used his credit card to get into Carly's house, " Hehehe it still works. Just a quick look around. " Jack started opening drawers when he heard something in the kitchen , whoever was in there was coming into the living room. He hid behind the door and when they entered the room he peeked around the door. " Jennifer!! What the hell are you doing here and where are the ISA agents ? " Jennifer jumped , " Jack! " she said smacking him in the arm " you scared me. I snuck out . What are you doing here ? " Jack looked at her with his mouth open , " How did you get out and how did you get here ? " Jennifer smiled at him ,
" I took a cab , and I am not telling you how I got out. I thought I would look around for some clues. " Jack shook his head at her , " Yea me too. But I am taking you back right
now. " Jennifer stepped back , " I'm not done yet so you will just have to help me first or you can leave if you like. " Jack thought about , " Well since we are here already. Let's get started. " The kitchen is clear if you want to start upstairs I will take down here. " She said to him. Neither saw the figure watching them from the stairs having made it down the stairs silently. " Fine , I will check upstairs" Jack turned to head for the stairs and jumped at the site of someone stand on the steps, " Don't bother , it's clear. " Sara said to him with a smirk. " I thought you were running errands for tonight? " Jack asked. " You didn't tell me breaking and entering was on YOUR agenda for today. " Jack opened his mouth , " I was going to tell you all about it when I got home. " Jennifer watched them going back and forth , she could see how close they had become and she realized they had become a couple , a real couple. " I think we should all just go. " Jack said . " No . we just have this room left , there are three of us , it will go quick. " Jennifer agreed with Sara . Jack sighed
" Well I seem to be out numbered. " They started searching each taking a section when they heard a car roll up. " This place is like Grand Central Station. " Sara said as she walked over to the window. She peered through the blinds , turning to Jack and Jennifer , " Jigs up fellas it's the cops. Brady is coming up the walk. If I get arrested again my editor will kill me. " Jack stared at her and cocked an eyebrow " Arrested?" " Long story. "she said.The three looked at each other and Jack said , " Everybody in the closet. " The three squeezed into the closet. " Why do we always end up hiding in a closet Jack ? " Jennifer asked . " Shhhh he 's coming in. " Sara sighed " I could have been done already, He better not stay long I have alot of cooking to do. " Jack chuckled softly. After about ten minutes Jack said , " I have an idea , " He pushed Sara to the back of the closet and told her , " You stay hidden and Jennifer and I will let him find us. Perhaps he will leave with us. " Sara nodded "Ok I will go through this room and meet you back at the house. " He covered her up and Jennifer looked confused for a moment then nodded. "Ready? " he said to Jennifer. " Yes. " Jack kicked the closet door. A moment later the door flew open and Bo was before them , gun drawn. " Damn it , what the hell are two doing here. Get outta there , I could have shot you. " Jennifer talked first , " Well we just thought that ..umm Jack ? " Jack cleared his throat " Yes well as you know I am looking to purchase a home and .. " Bo rolled his eyes, " Very funny Jack , you guys are snooping around in here, let's go out and don't get any ideas about driving away and coming back , I may just follow you. " After they had gone Sara moved out of the closet and checked the window. She started looking through the room and found nothing that looked important. She stopped and looked at the couch where Carly had died. Sara dropped to knees and crawled around the floor. There under the couch she saw something. Taking a tissue from her pocket she picked up the item and put it into her pocket. She did a quick sweep of the kitchen and slipped out the back window just like when she came in.



Jennifer was watching Jack pace as she sipped her coffee , " Jack you are making me dizzy, will you please sit down and drink your coffee." Jack just kept pacing , " She should be back by now. What if she got caught or someone else came in. I am going back there. " She could see how worried he was about her and she tried to calm him. " It hasn't been that long. Give her a little bit more time. " At those words the front door slammed closed and moments later Sara came through into the kitchen. Jack hugged her " What took you so long ? " Jennifer felt uncomfortable. " What ? You found something ? " Jennifer said seeing the look on Sara's face. " I am fairly certain that Carly Manning was murdered, " then to Jennifer , " I am sorry. " Jack sat down and looked at Sara , " What did you find? " She removed the item from her pocket and opened the tissue to expose the blue item. " It's a syringe cap. " Jennifer said. " She could have been shooting drugs. . " Jack said. " No Jennifer answered, " I know she had been taking pills , I don't think she would do that. "
Sara spoke up , " I agree with Jennifer , I think someone drugged her. Maybe even poisoned her. I will get this over to Brady in the morning. " Jack told Sara , " I am going to get Jennifer back to Kiriakis's and then I will be back to help you before I head to the airport. " Sara smiled " Ok that would great. " Jennifer stood and stopped at the kitchen door, " Thanks for your help today Sara. " " Don't worry Jennifer we will get to the bottom of this " Sara told her. She nodded and left the room. Jack turned to Sara and kissed her, "Have I mentioned today that I love you ? " Sara raised her eyes to the ceiling as if in thought, " I believe you might have murmured something like that this morning. " He kissed her again and left the room. Sara had a sick feeling about this discovery , she didn't think it would lead to Alamain. She sighed loudly and started to get dinner ready for the Johnson's.




Jack and Jennifer were driving back to the Kirakis mansion when Jack noticed how quiet Jennifer had been. " Jennifer are you all right ? Look I know how much Carly meant to you, I promise you whoever is responsible for her death will pay. As for the children , I am going to miss them as well and I wont let them stay more than two weeks ok ? " Jennifer nodded unable to speak, emotion clogging her voice. " Talk to me. " She gave a small smile at those words , she loved when he would say that. " It's everything going on all at once I guess. " Should she tell him she heard him tell Sara he loved her ? She had no right to feel the way she did . Had she not just weeks before declared her undying love to Daniel ? The only man she will ever have undying love for was sitting beside her . She knew he loved her still but had Sara been right ? Was it that Jack was not IN love with her anymore , had she finally lost him. This time it was mostly of her own making and she was never going to stop trying to prove herself to him. " You and Sara have become very close. " Jack took a deep breath and exhaled loudly , " Jennifer , Please don't do this now. " But Jennifer was going to say what was in her heart. " You think you are in love with her don't you? " But she didn't wait for an answer her eyes looking out the window as she spoke. " I know you believe that. I have been there , where you are now. So angry and hurt that you let yourself
believe that you can move on and walk away from the one person who makes you truly feel alive. Now I have seen it from the other side. The side you have found yourself on so many times in the past and I want you to know that I am going to be here , when you come to your moment . I will be waiting like you always were for me. " Jack pulled the car into the driveway and sat eyes forward. " Jennifer , I am not angry anymore , as for hurt I don't know if I will ever get over that. I told you before , I love you and I always will. But you don't understand , Sara and I have a history. Yes, you and Frankie had a history as well but it wasn't a physical relationship , not until this last time anyway. I was in love with her all those years ago, and as you well know, those feelings are very hard for me to get over.You are wrong however, I do know what it is like to transfer your feelings from one person to the other. I did that as well. I had all those feeling left for Sara and I made myself believe that I loved Kayla the same way. That's why I couldn't let go of her, it would be like giving Sara up all over again. But when I met you it was different . I didn't transfer any left over feelings to you. It was new and all consuming. So you see I do know the difference. " Jennifer turned her head to him and he to her, " Look me in the eye and tell me you love her," Jack swallowed hard, " I am sorry Jennifer, yes I love her. " She turned her head back around, " I will send the children out. " As she walked from the car wiping her tears she knew to push him to hard would only make him hold to Sara tighter. No he needed to learn this lesson as she had however late it might have come. She thought to herself , "You'll see Jack Deveraux , you'll see I am right and when you do, I will be waiting for you just like I said I would. "



Jack and the kids arrived home and he began helping by cleaning up downstairs , while Abby agreed to help Angela keep an eye on dinner while Sara got changed. Dean of course volunteered to keep JJ occupied by playing video games with him. Jack went upstairs to change his clothes. When he was done he knocked on Sara's door and entered. He flopped down on the bed on his back. He rolled on his side to see her. She was throwing clothes all around , " This stinks I can't find anything to wear. " he looked her up and down , she was wearing only her underwear. " I like what you have on now. " She froze and stared at him , " That's not funny. This is a code red here Deveraux. " he told her not to wear dress clothes " Just be casual. " Then she stared at him a moment , " I think that is the most you have spoken since you got back. Want to tell me what is bothering you?" Jack blew out a large breath " I guess I am a little nervous having my family together. Jo and Adrienne will probably cry when the four of us are in the same room. " Sara chuckled , " I see , I will keep the kleenex handy. But there is more and by that I mean more than just the kids leaving for a bit. " Jack watched her as she talked and changed from one outfit to the next. Just being around her both soothed him and made him nervous. " Jack ? " He blinked , " Hmm? " Sara repeated herself , " Something happened with Jennifer didn't it ? It's ok , you don't have to tell me. " So he did , not word for word but that it was another emotional tug of war. Sara choked back her own fears and jealousy, " I am sorry. " He didn't hear her words he just stared at her. She had chose to wear a pair of jeans and a pair of strappy heels. Her top was royal blue , sleeveless with a vee neck, not too much cleavage. " You look great. However my vote still goes for the lavender matching set you wore prior to putting on actual clothing." She walked over to him and laid herself on top of him. " What if they hate me?
I mean.. " He began to kiss her , effectively silencing her. " They will love you. " Kissing him back , " Hmm, How can you be so sure? " Jack smiled , rolling over until he was on top of her, " Easy , because I do. "




Jack was waiting outside the car for Steve. He had to admit he was happy to have another day or so to spend with his brother. Steve came through the doors and spotted his younger brother leaning on the car. His heart warmed at the sight of him. " Jackson! " He said with his typical grin. Jack held out his hand and Steve pulled him into a hug instead. " Hey , Steve. " Jack filled him in on all that has gone on since he left. " You made the right call all around Jackson , with the kids and Jennifer. Victor will keep her safe. " It always gave Jack a boost to get his brothers approval. " Steve , are you sure Kayla is Ok with this? " Jack asked , with concern in his voice. " Yea she's thrilled to spend some time with the kids. She wanted to come with me but she couldn't get the time off from the hospital. " Jack was slightly relieved , while things were much better between them it was still a bit strained as he was sure it always would be . " I can't begin to thank you for this Steve. " Steve shook his head, " He what are big brothers for man. I don't want you to worry about a thing. I wont let anything happen to them. " Jack glanced at his brother then back to the road, " Iknow that , if I have to send them away , you are the only other person other than myself I would entrust them too. " Steve gave a quick smile , " Thanks that means a lot to me bro. "
Jack drove threw the streets of his community as Steve asked about who would be there tonight. Jack gave him the guest list and Steve said , " No Jennifer huh? " Jack looked at him like he had two heads , " No , I think Sara would have a stroke, she is already a nervous wreck." Steve thought that was funny, " So ahh, how's that going ? " Jack smiled and gave another quick glance in Steve's direction. " It's going great actually. " Steve decided not to grill him, guessing his mother and sister would probably do enough of that. " So , wanna place a wager on how quick the sobfest will start ? " Jack turned into the driveway and shut the car off, " I told Sara when the four of us are in the same room. " Steve moved his head from side to side , " One or both? " The brothers looked at each other and said in unison , " Both. "




Abby and Angela watched as Sara ran around the kitchen. Stopping to take a swig of wine." Sara , don't be nervous . " Abby said. As much as she wanted her parents reunited it was hard not to like Sara. " I'm not nervous....why am I acting nervous ? " she asked of the two.Angela rolled her eyes , " Like you have been mainlining espresso. " The door slammed closed and it was announced that jack Deveraux had entered the building. The ladies left the kitchen and came in to greet Steve and Jack. "Somethin' smells good. " Sara smiled " Hello Steve it so nice to see you again. " After a few minutes the bell rang. Steve looked at Jack and said " Let the sobfest begin. " Jo and Vern arrived first. " Hello ," was all jack managed to get out before Jo hugged him , " Hello son , How are you doing? " Jack gave her a hug back, " Oh fine , fine. Hello Vern , nice to see you. " Vern walked in and shook Jack's hand , " Jack glad to see you in one piece. " Jack raised an eyebrow to him. " Why Vern I didn't know you cared. " Vern knew how to play this game , they have done it for many years now. " I don't , but you mother doesn't like when you go missing and end up in coma. Is Jenny girl here? " Jack only shook his head. " I'm sorry Jack. " They walked into the living room and Vern froze in his tracks at the sight of Sara. " Jack is that the woman you are seeing? " Jack nodded waiting for what he knew would come next. " Your mother said her name was Sara but she never said it was Sara Jamison. Jack she is a Pulitzer winner. "Jack took Vern by the elbow , " Come on over here , " They walked over to where Sara was talking to Jo, "I brought over one of my casseroles too I will just go put it in the oven. " Jack rolled his eyes and Sara elbowed him. " Ow ! Vern Scofield may I introduce you to Sara Jamison. Sara this is Vern. " Vern was thrilled , " Miss Jamison it is a pleasure to meet you, I have been a fan of yours practically since you started. " Sara shook his hand " Oh please Vern call me Sara. That's so kind of you to say. Come over here I will introduce you to Dean." Vern stopped in his tracks " Dean Michaels? " Sara turned back to Vern " One and the same. " Adrienne had come in and hugged both her brothers. She was told Jo was in the kitchen and she could see Vern in deep conversation with Sara. " Well it seems Vern is taken with Sara. " Jack turned quickly to Adrienne " Well you might like her yourself if you give a chance. " Adrienne gave a smile, she knew she was still walking a fine line with Jack and she wanted those fences mended. " Of course I will Jack. I will just go say hello to everyone . " Steve shook his head , " Things still frosty between you and Adrienne? " Jack shrugged , " Yea I guess so. " Steve looked around the room , " Speaking of frosty , where is dimples ? " That made jack snicker , " I don't think he wanted to face us. " Steve grinned " What you saying he didn't want to be around the Brothers Johnson? "


Everyone sat down to dinner , Sara had made Veal franchese , rice and string beans and salad. Jo had placed a noodle casserole on the table. JJ leaned over to his father " Do I have to eat that too? " Jack thought how very much like himself his son was , that same thought running through his own mind. " No , we don't " JJ sighed in relief " Good. " Vern continued to grill Sara and Dean about their previous adventures until Jo said , " Vern , that is enough. No more business talk this is a family dinner. Both my boys together , and Adrienne , I am so happy right now. " Adrienne looked to her mother , " I know Mama , me too. " The tears started to flow from both woman . Steve and Jack put their heads together, "I guess we called it. " Steve said . Jack whispered back, " Took longer than I had anticipated. " Sara reached under her seat and pulled out a box of kleenex , looking at Jack and Steve she said , " Always be prepared. " The conversation took many turns but then Steve said " Hey Jackson , you didn't get any of Mama's casserole. " JJ got nervous , thinking he was next, " May I be excused Daddy? " His father nodded and JJ was gone. " I am really quite full , thanks. " Steve gave him a cocky grin , " Oh come on there is always room for this stuff. " Jo tried to help Jack out , " Steve you leave him alone he doesn't have to have any of it. Does anyone want something from the kitchen while I am up? " Nobody did and Jo stepped out of the room. Steve peeled a noodle off the spoon , " Come on Billy Jack have a little piece. " Adrienne made the mistake of chiming in, " Yea , Jack have a piece. " Both Steve and Jack turned and glared at her , then turning to each other smiled , " You first, " Jack said. She knew her mistake instantly. Both Steve and Jack hurled a noodle at her hitting her squarely in the face. " Hey , that's not fair! " Not to be outdone Adrienne picked up some of her own and threw it back. Sara , Dean and Angela dove under the table, Dean saying , " Every man for himself. " Abby and Vern sat laughing at the three siblings hurling food at one another , all three laughing. Jack wondered if this is what it would have been like if they had grown up together. Steve picking on him and both picking on Adrienne. Jo walked back in to see food flying across the table. " What is going on here! You three stop that this instant, Who started this? " Both Adrienne and Jack pointed at Steve
"Hey wait a minute!" he yelled . Jack whispered , " You are the oldest. " Jo turned to her oldest , " Steven Earl what is wrong with you , I tell you what you three are cleaning up this mess. " Sara , Dean and Angela picked themselves up from the floor, Sara said , " I agree with Jo. ". Jack just glared at Sara.


After the siblings cleaned up they all went into the backyard , for the dessert . Angela put on the Radio and " Dancing in the Moonlight" began to play. She grabbed her husband and they started to dance.Sara looked to Jack and he shook his head so Sara asked Vern to dance and he was doing ok. Steve leaned into Jack " You should dance with your lady. " He got up and took Adrienne by the hand. Jack got up and took Sara from Vern who took Abby's hand . Jo watched with tears glistening in her eyes as her family danced and laughed. Now Steve danced with Sara , Jack with Adrienne and Vern with his wife. They all had a wonderful evening , no one thinking of the reason they were here together only enjoying being together , tonight was for fun .




After everyone left and JJ was in bed, Abby went with Steve to Jo and Vern's, Jack kicked off his shoes and flopped down on the sofa. Sara started to walk past him towards the kitchen, " Where are you going ? " Sara glanced back over her shoulder , " To clean up the rest of the dishes. " He grabbed her hand and pulled her down to his lap. " They don't need you right now as much as I do. " Sara studied his face , his head was back and his eyes were closed , she knew that this day had been an emotional roller coaster for him. She moved onto the couch and pulled him by his shoulders, laying his head in her lap, his long legs hanging over the the arm of the sofa. She ran her fingers through his hair slowly.
" We can take a few minutes to relax. " she told him. "Mmmm that feels great. " He said to her. And it did.




Across town there was a smell of gas in a small modest home. The occupant not quite sure what was going on. He was on the floor dizzy from the blow to his head , a small amount of blood trickling from it. He crawled to the door , lifting himself up he staggered to the lawn outside. In a matter of moments the corner or his home that had held his kitchen exploded and burst into flame. The shaky man took out his cell and dialed 911. " I need the fire department , there has been an explosion at my home, yes ,yes. My name is Jonas , Dr Daniel Jonas.

[fluffysmom]

This was a great chapter. I wonder if Daniel will make it out alive.

[jaysdelina]

My hope is NOT^^ lol.Great chapters!I ALMOST feel sorry for Jennifer,and that's not easy to do,lol.Congrats on writing such a riveting story!

[MrsM]

Uh oh. Looks like the good doctor is in trouble...