Jack and Sara : A New Beginning (Read 9,318 times)

[fluffysmom]

Glad Jack was able to talk to Jennifer about his concerns. Loved Sara with Rossetti.

[gapeach]

Here is hoping that Sara makes it home safe and sound and they can figure this out sooner rather than later. I really enjoyed Jack and Jennifer's conversation... it sounds like they have both matured.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 134



Abby left to meet friends and JJ was down for the night. Jennifer and Jack sat in the living room, her on the sofa, legs curled up underneath her and Jack in his arm chair. The only lights came from the Christmas tree and fireplace, holiday music played softly in the background. " The children seemed pleased with all their gifts." Jack said as he sipped his wine. " Yes they were thrilled, I am sorry you couldn't enjoy the day fully Jack, I know you have a lot on your mind." Jack smirked, " It was a lovely day, I only wish the rest of the family could have been her as well." Jennifer knew he meant Sara and Robert, " I am sure they wished they could have been here. Are you going to see your mother for Christmas? " Jack nodded, " Yes..she and Adrienne will be arriving on Christmas eve. Vern has the flu and Justin is in the middle of some case so they will not be attending." Jennifer smiled, " Still it will be nice for you to have them all here." Jack smiled as he swirled his wine around in his glass, watching it in the fire light. "Yes..Sara makes sure we see them every few months at least. I guess with no other family of her own now, other than Dean, she enjoys having family in our lives. She has really embraced them and they her." Jennifer sighed softly. She wished she had been able to be the one to pull his family so close together for him. " That must make you very happy." Jack looked up from his wine glass, " Yes..I am finally comfortable around them and you know, better then anyone, what they all mean to me. Things with Kayla are even getting..less uncomfortable." She could see in his face though that something was troubling him. " Then what's bothering you Jack? I know it's more then Robert." Jack stared at her for a moment, she was still beautiful, he thought. In this light she looked like his intern. Was he feeling this way because of what had happened between Sara and Ben? Jack shook that thought away. " You know me well..I would rather not talk about it though, new subject? " Jennifer did not wish to push him, while in the past she would badger him until he would break, she could not do that now. It would only drive them apart and things were very good between them now. " Okay..what kind of lead do you think Sara has?" Jack perked up, " Not sure, but she sounded excited about it. Steve is coming over this evening to discuss it." Jennifer sipped her wine, " Maybe there will be something I can help with? " Jack raised an eyebrow, " Bored are we?" Jennifer smirked, " No..but I do miss investigating. " Jack nodded, " Yes it does get into your blood doesn't it? Well..let's see if we can't give you an assignment then, Miss Horton."



Sara was pleased to see the antique store still open when she got back into Manhattan. All three items were still there and she purchased them. They would be delivered later that evening. She was pleased with her meeting today and Rossetti might have been more help then they all had anticipated. She already had a plan of action and was deciding whether or not to call Ben now or wait a while. As she exited the cab, she looked in both directions but saw nothing suspicious. She stopped at Sanchez's man that was sitting outside the apartment building. " So far it's been quiet, no signs of any surveillance. " Sara smiled and thanked the young man. They still had the advantage she thought to herself, but for how long? They needed to get moving on the new lead ASAP. Sara pressed the button for the elevator and told the doorman to buzz her when her packages arrived. Sara stepped into the elevator and blew out a long breath..the clock was ticking now.





The men had circled the perimeter of Ben's property and spent the day putting up a barbed wire fence. Ben and Robbie started on the right side and Dean and Hank the left. They were working their way to meeting in the middle. When the snow began to fall heavier and they had to give up for the day. " Not much left," Hank said, " Half day's work..maybe less if we get started early." The men climbed on their horses and headed back to the barn, " You okay?" Robbie asked Ben, who was breathing a bit heavy. "I'm fine, the work is good for me, a couple more days like this and I will be 100% again." Robbie huffed and that made Ben frown, " Stop mothering me kid. Race you back? " Dean cleared his throat, " I want in on that.." Robbie looked from Ben to Dean, while he could ride he was not nearly as good as they were but he wasn't going to back down. " Let's do it.." he said as he kicked his horse and took off. Hank laughed, " Smart kid you got there Benjamin." Ben laughed and looked at Dean, " I think that's a big enough head start don't you? " Dean smiled, " Absolutely.." he said as they both took off after Robbie. Hank hung back, shaking his head and with a smile on his face, he nudged his horse and slowly followed after them.



Jack heard Max padding down the hallway then his nails on the tile as he made his way through the dining room."Someone is here," he said as Sara walked into the room. Max ran to her and she pet him, raising her eyes to take in the scene she had walked in on. Her eyes made Jack realize what it might have looked like. He stood and walked over to her as she stood straight and smiled at him. That some how bothered him. Why wasn't she jealous? Was it because she didn't care anymore? " Hey.." she said as she kissed him hello. Then she took off her coat, " Hello Jennifer..where are the kids?" she asked Jack with a small smile. He told her and she nodded, " Well can you pour me a glass of wine while I get changed and washed up? I need to get that prison smell off of me." Jack watched her walk down the hallway, then poured her a glass of wine. " Jennifer will you excuse me for a moment?" he said as he walked out of the room, Max following behind. " Sure.." she said even though there was no one in the room. He stopped by his son's room, seeing her in there. Sara was picking up his teddy bear and putting back in bed with him. She kissed JJ on the head and covered him back up. Sara stopped short for a moment, when she turned and saw Jack there with a small smile on his face. She walked past him and into their bedroom, stripping off her clothes she emptied her pockets onto her dresser and threw them into the hamper. As she stepped into the bathroom, Jack stood in the center of the room, hands folded in front of his chest. With the water running, she asked if the kids liked their presents. " They were very pleased, Jack is looking forward to going ice skating tomorrow." he told her. Sara came out wiping her face with a towel she then threw into the hamper. "Oh good..I was thinking we would go about 10, then we can have hot chocolate and hot dogs." She said as she pulled out a pair of leggings and long sweater to wear. Jack frowned as he watched her dressed, " I was expecting some sort of comment.. a snide remark...a sarcastic quip." Sara pulled the sweater over her head, and stared at him unblinking, " Were you? I think we both know I am in no position to do any of those things at this time." Sara put her flats on and went to the dresser. She picked up her train ticket and knelt down on the floor sliding her memory box out. She opened the top and frowned as she ran her fingers across the top shelf of cubbies. She looked up at Jack, " Did you go through my things?" Jack swallowed, " I banged my foot on it last night, then I.." Sara sighed, " Oh that's what must have jostled everything around..I am sorry, I'll make sure I slide it under the bed completely from now on. " Jack swallowed again, should he tell her he went through the box? She placed the ticket into an open cubby and replaced the box under the bed. " I am starving, let's go inside and I'll tell you what happened today." Jack blew out a breath and took it at as sign not to mention it to his wife.



Robbie made it back to the barn and looked around. He smiled, no one was there. He dismounted his house and walked him into the barn. Dean and Ben were sitting on stools, their horses already in their stalls. " How the hell?..I never even saw you guys pass me.." Ben laughed, " Yeah we went a different way..what happened to your face? " Robbie touched his fingers to his cheek, " Oh..I hit a low branch." Dean nodded, " Yeah..you have to be more careful..you can take an eye out like that." Hank came into the barn, " You boys coming in..Miranda is here..we've been waiting on you..she brought over a birthday dinner for you." Dean and Ben exchanged glances and Hank chuckled, " I know a few shortcuts too you know.."



As Sara ate she told Jack and Jennifer what had happened with Rossetti. " Has it occurred to you he might be giving you a false lead? " Jack said to his wife as he sat leaning forward elbows on his knees. Jack added , " Misdirection to throw you off his men." Sara swallowed her wine, " Sure I thought of that. I don't believe that he is, he has a lot of respect for Ben, still after all this time. He actually liked him and I believe him when he said he doesn't want to see Ben hurt." Jennifer frowned, " He liked the man who arrested him? " Sara pushed her plate forward, " Ben worked the case but he was not lead. He was in charge of Rossetti's security to and from court and he checked out all his visitors." Jack swallowed, " Which is how the two of you met..right?" Sara nodded, "Yes..I was covering the trial, I printed a few things that not many people knew and that put me on the FBI's radar." After about half an hour Steve showed up and Sara retold her story for him. All four stared at the photo on the coffee table. " You have no clue which one of these guys he was eyeing ? " Sara sighed, "No..there are what ten agents in this picture including Olsen. We ID them and then run backgrounds on them all and see what pops. " Jennifer looked at Sara, " We can each do two or three..it will go faster." Sara looked at her then to Jack, " It would but..do we really want to get Jennifer further involved?" Jennifer frowned, " Jennifer wants to do this." Sara laughed, "Sorry..Jack? " Jack nodded, " I think it will safe enough. You do understand Jennifer that we need deep backgrounds." Steve laughed, " Yeah colonoscopy deep." Jennifer smiled, "I can handle it.." Steve got up, " Okay..I'll get to putting names to these faces first thing in the am. You want the names as I get them or all in one shot? " Sara handed Steve the photo, " Let's have them as you go, this way we can get started quickly." Steve nodded, " Okay shortstuff, I sure hope this works out." The doorman buzzed and Sara jumped up, " Yes?" Ralph spoke into the intercom, " Mrs Deveraux..your delivery is here and your son's girlfriend is here to see you too." Sara smiled, "Great..Ralph can you bring those packages up and let Katie in please." Ralph pressed the button again, " Sure thing Mrs Deveraux. Sara saw Jack's raised eyebrow expression, " On second thought Ralph..bring them to my old apartment on eight." Sara smiled and took her keys, " Be right back." Jack frowned and Jennifer started to laugh, " She thinks she's so smart." Jack said, " She forgot I have the key for that place too."

[fluffysmom]

I'm glad that Jack and Sara are getting along. I hope they make up and forgive each other soon. I hope they can narrow down which man they need to be searching for.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 135


After several days or waiting they broke into Ben's apartment. " He's gone..my bet is he's been gone at least a week. Probably took off right after he got here...DAMN IT ! " The voice on the other end of the phone asked about "the kid". The man standing in Ben's living room looked around, hand on his hip. " I guarantee he took him with him, my bet is that photographer is with them too, haven't seen him either since they came back here. It's going to be hard to track them..Todd knows how to cover his tracks." The voice sighed loudly, " See if you can't pick up his scent. and if that doesn't work..we still have an ace in the hole. Step up the surveillance..we can't afford to lose her." The man smirked, " Oh don't worry..we won't. If we have to we will grab Sara Jamison. "



Christmas had come and gone. Sara had presented Jack with an antique typewriter that he kept on his desk at his office. She had purchased several other items at the antique store, one for Dean and one for Ben. Those gifts sat wrapped in Robert's apartment. Sara and Katie had worked on a gift for Robbie together but again..that would have to wait. The tension between Jack and Sara was still palpable but was getting better. Tonight was to be a dual anniversary and birthday dinner. They were married one year ago..and what it year it had been. The wedding had been on the 8th, Sara's birthday the 10th and they decided to go out on the 9th for both. " Jennifer asked if we had anymore names yet to run." Jack said as he adjusted his tie. Sara was brushing her hair, "Steve has three more for us. There aren't many left...if these don't work out.." Jack frowned, " I know..I have a feeling we will get a hit soon." They exchanged glances and Sara gave him a sad smile. " Here's hoping.." Jack watched her as she slid into her shoes, she was so beautiful, he thought. " So..feel any older? " Sara frowned, " Not really..but.. I believe I will need my eyes checked VERY soon. The words are starting to get blurry and my arms are no longer long enough." Jack laughed, " Yes..same here and my arms are longer than yours. Almost ready? " Sara nodded, he had arranged for a wonderful evening for them..unbeknownst to her. They left the bedroom and Sara stopped in the hallway and looked at her husband, she sniffed the air. " I smell... lasagna! " Jack smiled and raised his eyebrow. He leaned down and kissed her on the nose, " Stop sniffing or you will ruin everything." They entered the dinning room to find a a waiter there. " Deveraux..party of two." Jack said. Sara looked up at him, "Thank you..this is just where I was hoping to go." Jack knew how exhausted Sara was..both physically and emotionally. She had been running the background checks while still working on a story for the paper. Her story would run in tomorrow's addition and she would have a few days to focus on the backgrounds only..at least until another story came up. If she didn't maintain a normalcy at work those watching might get suspicious. The waiter seated them and poured them champagne. He then brought out a tray and placed it on the table. Sara sighed, " Little hot dogs.." she said softly. " Boar's Head.. I spared no expense." Sara laughed, " You sure we can afford it? " Jack shrugged, " It's only money." Sara stopped chewing, then swallowed. She leaned forward and put her hand to Jack's forehead, " No..no fever. Just checking.." she said. Jack made a face at her, " Very funny.." Dinner was brought out and Sara kept glancing at Jack. " What is it? " he asked. " What are we going do..about ...oh I don't know...EVERYTHING? " Jack sipped his champagne, " I am tired..I am tired of thinking about Agent Todd...Jennifer..all of it. Let's just have this..tonight..nothing or nobody else but us. Can you do that? " Sara dabbed at her mouth with her napkin, " I'm sorry..I forgot what we were talking about." Jack smiled and winked at her, " I like the way you think Mrs. Deveraux." and they tapped their glasses together. They had dessert in the living room and after it was served, Jack paid the waiter and chef, who left them alone. Jack got up and poured them each another cup of coffee while Sara went to the stereo. Jack smiled when he heard the song she chose. " At Last" filled up the room, which was lit by the fire and candles placed all around the room. " Our song.." Jack whispered as he extended his hand to her. Sara slid her hand into his and squeezed it softly. " Nice to know you remembered." He pulled her close and they danced. " Can you believe it has been a year already" Sara whispered into his ear. Jack took a deep breath and left it out slowly. " It has been quite an...eventful year." Sara nodded softly and he pulled her closer. " If this first year is any indication of what is to come..well let's just say we will never get bored." he whispered to her. " Would you change that..if you could I mean? Do you want the conventional life ? " Sara turned her head slightly to see his face. " Jack smiled slowly, he had tried the conventional life. It was not for him, try as he might he could not conform to that kind of lifestyle...not even for Jennifer. " I never have been and I never will be a conventional man. So to answer your question.. not on your life." As he said those words he dipped Sara and held her there. " Me either.." she said, her eyes sparkling in the candle light. Jack leaned down and kissed her and he held that kiss until he stood her up. Sara looked into his eyes, hands on his shoulders and then pulled him back to her lips. Jack moaned softly. Sara pulled back and placed her hand on his cheek...he swallowed hard...his heart racing. All thoughts removed from his head..except one. Sara whispered the very thought that was playing over and over in his own mind now..." Make love to me.." Jack sighed, " Great minds really do think alike."



Robbie laid in bed staring at the wrist watch Ben gave him for Christmas. " I know this watch...this is your watch, you use to wear it all the time when I was a kid." he had said to Ben with a smile. " That's right..it was my father's watch..I want you to have it." Robbie rubbed his fingers over the face of the watch. He had never known his grandfather or had anything that was passed down from generation to generation..nothing with a history. He had remembered staring at the large face while Ben worked on the car and looking at it brought back so many memories. He had given Ben a Saint Michael medal on a gold chain." He's the patron saint of law enforcement. He will protect you." Dean had laughed at that saying, " And boy could you use it." He was now happy that he brought his gift for him with them, he knew they would not be back for the holiday. Dean had gotten them each a pair of heavy work boots and they bought him a cowboy hat and new gloves. It had been a really nice day..they had even cut down their own tree. It would have been perfect if only his mother and Katie had been there too. He thought about Angela and how much fun she would have had seeing Dean fall face down into the snow as he tried to drag the tree behind him. He knew this was no vacation they were on, but he couldn't help himself. He really liked it here and it had been helping Dean too. He was acting more like his old self. Being out there reminded him of the times Ben and he and Dean had went camping. Robbie glanced down at his watch again..9:30..Katie will be going by to drop off the gifts for his mother, he wished he could see her face. He stretched and took a deep breath. He could smell the bacon and coffee..Ben was up..and that made him smile. He looked at his watch again..this was not just his watch. This was his grandfather's watch and that thought filled him with pride and gave him a sense of family he never even knew he had not had or missed. " Rise and shine .." Ben said as he banged on Robbie's door. " Yeah..yeah..I'm awake!" he shouted back. Then he sat up and stretched his back out again, smiling as he heard Ben banging on Dean's door, " Let's go sleeping beauty.." Robbie pulled on a pair of socks and sweat pants and headed for the kitchen. Ben was in the hallway on his way back to the kitchen, " What are you grinning about?" he asked as he walked by. Robbie followed behind him, " Oh..nothing."





" Good morning Katie..please.. come in." Jack said with a big smile. Jack walked past and pet Max on the head. " good morning Mr Deveraux..good morning to you too Max. I hope you don't mind me stopping by so early but I promised Robbie I would. " Jack smiled, " Not at all..have you had breakfast yet ? I am making Sara her favorite..waffles and bacon." Katie followed him into the kitchen, " Oh that's sounds yummy..thank you." Jack poured her a cup of coffee and went back to turn the bacon. " How was your anniversary?" Katie asked as she sipped her coffee. " It was...wonderfully... unconventional." he responded with a raised eyebrow. Katie tilted her head and squinted her eyes. She did not ask what that meant.She chuckled to herself thinking, if there was ever a word to describe the Deveraux family..that was it. Sara came into the kitchen..smiling. Her hair was wet and she was wearing a royal blue long sweater, black leggings and black leather knee high flat boots. " Good morning..hello Katie..how was Rome?" Katie had spent the holiday in Rome with her mother. " It was lovely..but I missed New York. " They talked for a bit and Sara gave her a pair of earrings she had bought her for Christmas. " Thank you so much Mrs. Deveraux." Sara smiled, " Please Katie call me Sara." They talked for a while and Katie held up a bag, " I have presents for you." Sara looked surprised, " Oh Katie..that was so sweet but you didn't have to do that." Katie smiled, " Well I promised Robbie I would..they are from him and Ben and Dean." Sara sighed, " Oh..how sweet. But how did you get them? " Katie told her that the men gave them to her in case they were not back in time. Katie held up a disc, " But first I have to play this for you." Jack brought in the laptop and Katie put in the disk. Robbie's face came on screen, making Sara recall the videos she would play over and over he had sent her when he had shipped out. " Hello Mom, I am sorry I can't be there in person and I guessed we might not be able to talk to you so, I just wanted you to see me and I wanted to say I love you and Happy Birthday. " Ben and Dean came up behind him and the three men sang happy birthday to her. Sara laughed and then Dean said, " Happy Birthday Sara..eat a big piece of cake for me." Ben laughed, " Happy Birthday Ace.." Ben touched his index and middle fingers to his heart and then to his lips making Sara smile. It was a gesture he would do when there were a lot of people around and he wanted to say he loved her. Then Robbie blew her a kiss, " Have a great day Mom..see you soon." and the video was over. " One of them has a very nice baritone singing voice " Jack said with a surprised look on his face. Sara pressed her lips together then glanced up at Jack. " Yeah..that was Ben." Jack sighed, " Of course it was.." Sara smirked, " Yeah..but you're a much better dancer than he is." Jack raised his eyebrows, " Really? " Sara nodded, " Absolutely..a waaaay better dancer." Jack smiled, " And you love to dance." Again Sara nodded, " I do love dancing..especially with you." Jack leaned down and kissed her. The photo on the coffee table caught Katie's eye. She turned it around and was staring at it intently. " I know this guy.." she said pointing to a face. Sara and Jack both turned toward her, " I'm sorry what did you say Katie? " Katie looked up at them then back to the photo, " This man..I have seen him before." Jack and Sara looked at each then Jack asked, " Which one? " Katie turned the photo around, " This one..he was at the hospital after Ben was shot." Sara's eyes grew wide, " Are you sure? " Katie nodded, "I'm positive..I remember because there were so many people there and he walked straight through the crowd right up to Robbie. He said ' your Ben's kid' . It stuck with me because of the way he said it. It wasn't a question..you know like..'you must be Ben's kid' it was more of a statement..you know..like in a matter of fact way. I thought it was odd especially when Robbie said he had never met him before." Sara sat forward, " Do you remember his name? " Katie frowned, " It's on the tip of my tongue..I remember it was..there was something about his name..." Jack and Sara exchanged glances, "Take your time Katie.." he said in an encouraging tone.



" So what kind of dreams? " Dean asked with a mouth full of bacon. " About the night I was shot..I keep hearing the guy's voice..I am so close to seeing his face." Robbie swallowed a sip of coffee, " Don't rush it..it will come to you when you least expect..you'll see." Ben nodded, " Yeah I know..I am sure they know we are missing by now, they search is on..I called Sanchez..he will make sure that the security on your mother is on high alert." After breakfast they took the horses out for a ride and checked the perimeter. When they got back Dean and Ben brought the horses back into the barn and Ben told Robbie, " Cut some wood up..it's going to be real cold tonight and we are running low. You think you can handle that kid? " He nodded, " No problem" he said. Robbie started chopping, confident he could do it having watched Ben and Dean split the wood. " Whoa.. this is harder than it looked" He turned, hearing a sound behind him and he frowned at the sight. Ben and Dean were leaning on the fence laughing at him. " Give me that ax kid..we need this finished before sunset." Robbie shook his head, " No..I started it..I will finish it." Ben pulled the ax from his hand, " Fine..but let me show you what you are doing wrong. " Ben raised the ax over his head and when the ax split the wood..the crack echoed through the air..like the muffled crack of the gun shots echoing through the garage and he froze.Robbie and Dean watched him cautiously, " What's wrong?.." Robbie started to approach him, " Hang on..leave him alone a minute." He could see it all clear as day..the sound triggering something in his mind...The clicking sound of the shooter's heels as he approached him. The ceiling lights in the garage..then the shooter leaning over him, his face..coming into view. Ben blinked, " Oh man..I know who shot me..it was.."





" Whitehouse ! That's it..Agent Whitehouse..I remember because I thought it was ironic since he worked at the Washington office." Sara leaped up and hugged Katie. " You just may have given us the key " then to Jack "call Steve." Jack already had the phone in his ear, " I am already on it."



" Well it appears Ben's memory came back..it was him..it was Whitehouse who shot him." Sara stood up.." Where do we go from here? " Jack frowned Steve wants us to sit tight..he will call us back with our next move." Max began growling and he ran to the door. Jack opened the door and swallowed hard. Max was barking and jumping around, Jack grabbed his collar, " Can I help you?" The man smiled, " Yes Mr. Deveraux ..I am Agent Whitehouse" he said flashing his credentials, " I need to speak with your wife."

[fluffysmom]

It's all coming together and now Agent Whitehouse is at their door. Scary. I can hardly wait to read more.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 136




Sara and Katie jumped up when they heard the man at the door announce his name. Sara held her finger to her lips, " Go into the kitchen and stay there" she whispered to Katie. "But.." Katie uttered and Sara shook her head, " Now.." Katie nodded and turned towards the kitchen. Sara spotted the photo on the table and tapped her on the shoulder, " Wait..take this with you." Katie took the picture and rushed into the kitchen. Sara sat back down on the sofa and picked up her laptop. She took a deep breath and started to tap away at the keys. She could hear the conversation at the door continue..



" May I ask why you wish to speak to my wife? "

" I need to speak to her regarding Agent Todd."

" I see..has something happened to him?"

" No..At least I hope not...May I come in? "

" Yes..of course..Please come in. Max..will you stop that," Jack said as Max continued to bark.

" He is a very protective dog..a very large dog too."

" Yes, that he is...and very intelligent as well. "



Jack swallowed hard and lead Agent Whitehouse into the living room, hoping his wife and Katie had overheard the exchange. Sara and he exchanged glances, then she looked at their visitor. Jack looked around the room for Katie and then to Sara again. He knew then, she had sent her into the other room "smart" he thought to himself. " Sweatheart..this is Agent Whitehouse..he would like to speak to you about Ben." Sara closed her laptop and stood up. " Why? What's happened?" Agent Whitehouse's eyes scanned the room and landed on Sara, " That's what I am hoping you'll tell me."



Katie peeked out the kitchen door and then ducked into the pantry. She took out her burner phone and called Robbie. "Robert..he's here.." she whispered, "...in your mother's living room...he's asking her questions about Ben." Robert's voice came back through the ear piece. " Where are you calling from?" he asked in a worried voice. " I'm in the pantry..your mother made me hide in the kitchen." Robbie told her he would call Steve and get him over there as soon as possible. "Okay..is there something I can do?" she asked.



" No..just stay where you are. Ben is calling Steve now. Is Jack there? " Robert asked, catching Katie off guard. " Jack? " surprised at the way he referred to his father. " Uh..yes..he is in there with them." Robert sighed, " Okay..that's good. What about Whitehouse..did he come alone?" Katie told him he had. "He is probably there just fishing for information. " Robert told her. Robert followed Ben with his eyes as he paced. "Steve..thank god..you have to get over to the penthouse ..Whitehouse is there...yes...call me as soon as you know anything." Katie could hear Ben talking on the phone in the background. " She took a deep breath, " He sounds worried..Robbie you don't think he is going to do anything to your Mother and Father do you?"



" I don't understand..what can I do? " Sara asked, heart racing.Jack pointed to the sofa and Agent Whitehouse sat down. " I need to know where Ben is and I think you can tell me." Sara furrowed her brow, " I have no idea..I haven't spoken to him since..." Sara paused..like she was trying to recall the date. "Since..a few days after the hurricane." Whitehouse smirked, " Look..I just came from his place. It was ransacked so whoever it is that is after him, they know now that he is gone. Your son is still on leave and I know,we both know..he is with Ben. Surely your son must have told you where they were going." Sara shook her head, " He never said anything to me. Come to think of it.. I haven't heard from either." Whitehouse squinted and clenched his jaw, " You expect me to believe that your son took off without telling you where he was going? What about his girlfriend? Maybe he gave her an idea.." Jack jumped in, " She has been in Europe for several weeks..besides if he felt as if he had a reason not to tell us..he certainly would not involve her. " Sara agreed, "Yes..I mean they haven't been dating THAT long." Whitehouse shrugged, " Okay what about Todd..if he didn't say anything directly to you... maybe you have an idea where he might go to feel safe? You do know him well after all, where do you think he'd go?" he said with a small smirk. Sara squinted back at him, " Tell me something Agent..Whitehouse was it? Why are you looking for him? "



" Steve was already on his way there..he should be knocking on the door any second" Ben called over to Robert. " I heard him.." Katie said before Robert could repeat the words. " I know..I have you on speaker. Just sit tight Red, everything will alright." he whispered to her. " I know this is serious but..will you think I am crazy if I said hiding in the pantry is a bit..exciting? " He chuckled, " No I wouldn't" Ben muttered something and she asked what he said. " I said he has a clone of his mother on his hands." Katie smirked, " Thanks..I'll take that as a compliment..He's here !..Steve is here!"



Jack opened the door and blew out a slow breath. Steve placed his finger over his lips, " Hey Jackson! I was in the neighborhood and I was hoping to get a cup of coffee and maybe some breakfast from you..hey pooch! " Jack nodded and stepped aside, " Well good morning, we always have coffee on around.. though I'm not sure about breakfast leftovers." Steve stopped short when he entered the living room. " Oh..sorry, didn't know you had company." Whitehouse stood up and stuck out his hand, " Agent Johnson, What a coincidence, I was going to come and see you next." Steve shook his hand, " Really..and you are?" Whitehouse frowned, "I am the agent that was put in charge of protecting your partner, Whithouse..out of the Washington office. May I ask what you're doing here?" Steve smirked and leaned over and kissed Sara on the cheek, " Hey shortstuff..can I trouble you for a cup of coffee? " then back to Whitehouse, " Jack here is my brother..as if you didn't already know that." Jack looked from his brother to the unwanted guest and back again, it was like watching a tennis match he thought. " Let me get you that coffee, would you care for one as well Agent Whitehouse." Without taking his eyes from Steve he replied, " No thanks..I'm good. You're right..I do know that you and Mr. Deveraux are brothers. Let's cut to the chase shall we? Todd is gone..and Robert is with him. If I don't find him..they will. I'm sure you don't want to see them hurt, so you gonna help me out or what?" Steve put his hands on his hips, " I have no idea where he is..If you know anything about him then you would know..he would never tell anyone what he was up to." Jack and Whitehouse exchanged glances, " My brother is right. If Agent Todd felt he needed to do this..he would not give out information that would put anyone in danger." Whithouse looked down, " Yeah..that's what I thought too..but I had to ask." Then he turned to Sara, " If you do hear from him..or your son, " he said handing her his business card, "Please tell them to get in contact with me, I can keep them safe. Thank you for your time." Jack showed him out and Steve and Sara exchanged glances. Jack came back into the room and sighed, " Well..that was a bit of a nail biter. Do you think he believed us? " Sara's eyes opened wide, " Oh..Katie is in the kitchen.." Katie came in, " Not anymore.." Steve looked back at Jack, " Yeah..I think he does believe us..and that could be a big problem. " he said as he turned and looked at Sara.



" Okay..Now you tell me how YOU figured out it was him. From the beginning.." Ben's voice bellowed out over the speaker phone. Sara could hear the tension in his voice. Sara started pacing with Jack,Steve and Katie watching her as they sat around the phone, which was on the kitchen table. " Well it all started after I came back from seeing Rossetti.." Ben, leaned forward, eyes wide, " You did WHAT? " Sara frowned at the phone, " I went to see Rossetti..he sends his regards by the way.." Everyone cringed as Ben shouted an obscenity into the phone, then taking a deep breath, " Tell me ..please..that you had no idea about this Jack." Jack cringed then raised an eyebrow and leaned over the phone, " Actually..I made the arrangements." More obscenities.." Why the hell did you do that?" Jack cleared his throat, " Tell ME something..have YOU ever been able to stop her from doing something she had her mind set on?" Ben sat back in his chair and his head draped backwards. " I will take your silence to mean my point has been made." Steve smirked, " Okay..are we going to argue about this or do you want hear the rest of it? " Ben pinched the bridge of his nose, " FINE! Keep talking." Sara told him all that happened and how he had pointed out the picture and that they began a search of everyone in it." It was Katie who recognized him..and then he showed up." Steve looked at the phone, " Now what? I can try and keep an eye on him..tough though." Robbie sat forward, " Do the best you can..what do you think he will do next..that is if he believes you don't know where we are?" Steve looked around then back to phone, "Hard to say.." Ben sighed, " No it's not. He will see if he can pick up our trail. If he doesn't..." Sara looked at Jack, " He will come for me..won't he?" Ben rubbed his forehead, " Yeah Ace..I think he'll try." Sara nodded and Jack cleared his throat, " Well in the mean time I think we look into him..there has to be a trail of bread crumbs that leads to whoever is in charge." Dean spoke for the first time, " It's as good a place to start as any." Robbie agreed, " Yeah.. we had better not stay on the line anymore..keeps us updated." Jack nodded, " Yes of course." Katie leaned forward, " Please stay safe..all of you." Ben picked up the phone and removed it from speaker, "Sara..take me off speaker.." Sara cringed now as she looked at Jack who shrugged. She picked up the phone with one hand and placed her other on her hip, " You're off.." Jack watched her face as it turned from mad " Yeah..I know Ben..I was careful.." then as it softened..almost sad, " I'm sorry..I know..I know he does..I know you all do..I just wanted to help. Yes I promise..be careful..all of you..okay.." Sara stuck the phone out to Steve, " He wants to speak to you.." Then to Jack and Katie, " Nothing like a good chewing out before lunch." Steve stood up and took the phone, " Yeah? .." Steve looked at Sara and chuckled, " Easier said then done partner..but I will do my best. I'll call you when I get something..be careful Benjamin..okay..bye." Jack did not need to ask his brother what was said. He knew Ben had pleaded with Steve to watch over Sara..and he was thankful for it. " Something has not made sense to me from the beginning of all this..why would they try to kill him..if his investigation was just beginning? " Jack said to Steve. Katie looked at Jack then to Steve, " I was kind of wondering that myself." Steve adjusted his eye patch, " Yeah well..he has been working this case a bit longer then he originally let on." Sara frowned, " How much longer? " Steve cleared his throat, " About a year..he's already arrested three agents." Sara's jaw dropped, " What?..He never even mentioned this once to me." Jack and Steve turned and stared at her, " Gee Sara..I wonder why that is?" Jack asked his wife. "Oh yeah..that's right..she's a reporter! " Steve said as he hit his brother in the shoulder. Sara frowned, " Let's just figure out our next move."



Dean handed Ben a beer, " You're worried about her.." He turned his head and excepted the beer. " I always am.." Dean looked at Ben, " What do we do now?" Ben closed his eyes as he drew back on the beer bottle. " Get ready for them."



Whitehouse paced his hotel room as he reported to his boss. "I am positive they are telling the truth. Yeah I have a few other ideas first. I will call you if they work out." then he hung up the phone. Turning to the two other men in the room, "Okay..let's go over the events from the last time we had eyes on Todd." After the events were gone over one of the men said, " That's it..that's all we got." Whitehouse stopped pacing, " Hang on a minute..Deveraux put his ex on a plane right? What if they got on that plane without us noticing? " The third man stood up, " You want us to go and "question" the ex-wife? " Whitehouse shook his head, " No..if Sara doesn't know where he is, he sure as hell wasn't going to tell Jennifer Horton where he was going..no..find out what happened to that plane when she got off of it..that's the key...yeah..that's it..find that plane and we find Todd."

[gapeach]

Great chapter. Sure do hope they figure this out before too much longer!!

[fluffysmom]

Great chapter Blueyed. The tension keeps building. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 137


" All right... I guess that just leaves Miss Jamison.. what are you working on? " Jack asked as he sat at the head of the conference table. It was 8:30 am and their morning staff meeting was coming to an end. All eyes had been fixed on Jack, looking every bit the part of editor in chief, in total command of the room and his employees. He sat, sleeves rolled up, pencil in hand, tapping on the legal pad in front of him. Barbara poured him another cup of coffee and when he raised it to his lips everyone turned to look at Sara. She of course, and as he knew, was not working on anything really other than the background and financial records of Agent Whitehouse. She had a "fluff" piece planned, just to keep anyone who might be watching thinking she was going about her business as usual. " I am trying to get an interview with Mayor Bloomberg, I want to talk about this ban on large drinks." Sara looked around the table and saw the blank looks on everyone's faces. " Am I the only one here who thinks it's none of his or the government's business what size drinks we choose? If we allow this then.. Where does it stop? I get the whole ..trying to help thing..but then they should just use ads or go about some sort of campaign..you know..like the "Just say no" one that Mrs Reagan did. To make this a law and stop stores and restaurants from selling them is..." Jack raised his hand to quiet her, " Yes..well we can all see how passionate you are about this issue. " Sara tossed her pen onto to the table and sat back in her seat, folding her arms in front of her. Jack smirked, " I believe that's all for now..ladies and gentleman..we've got stories to write and news to report.." With those words, always signaling the end of the staff meeting, everyone got up and filed out of the room. Barbara approached Sara, " Umm..Sara? I was just wondering..have you heard from Dean? Is he on an assignment? I haven't seen him since I dropped him off that morning..he didn't get fired or anything did he? " Sara smiled, " No..he is on an assignment..he's fine, thanks for asking." Barbara smiled back, gathered her papers and left Jack and Sara alone. Jack sat his hip on the table and brushed the hair off Sara'a shoulder. " I think Barbara has a bit of a crush on Mr Michaels." Sara frowned, " Ya think? " Then looking up to Jack, " Have you gotten anything new? " Jack shook his head, " No..we have found the money but, no one or no way to tie it to anything illegal." Sara blew out a breath, " I have a bad feeling..this is all going to come to head very soon." Jack swallowed hard and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her, " I know..I do as well. All we can do is keep trying" he whispered with a kiss on the top of her head. Sara pulled back and kissed him, " I know..I just feel so helpless. Well I better get over to city hall..try and talk to the Mayor." Jack followed her out and she went to the elevator and Jack back to his office. Just as he sat behind his desk Barbara buzzed him. " Yes? " he asked. " Miss Horton is on the phone for you" she buzzed back. Jack's phone buzzed and he answered it," Good morning Miss Horton. What can I do for you? " The tone of her voice made Jack lean forward, " Jack..I think Ben and Robbie may have a problem."



Ben paced the living room, " I don't see why you have to go into town. Hank said he could pick up everything we need." Robbie frowned, " I want to see the town. Hank and I have our story. I am just another guest at the lodge and I wanted to see the town..see.. just enough truth in it. Don't you trust me not to screw up?" Ben stopped and stared at Robbie for a moment, " Of course I trust you..I just don't like you being out of sight..we need to stick together." Robbie smirked, " Relax Pop..I won't be gone long." Robbie zipped his coat and headed for the door. Hank put his hand on Ben's shoulder, "An hour..tops. I will be watching him." Ben managed a small smile, " I know..thanks Hank." Dean watched Ben pace for the next ten minutes. " Okay..let's do something. Want to play cards? " Ben shook his head. " Let's take the horses out..check the perimeter..I got this nagging feeling in my gut." Dean nodded, " Okay..although that feeling in your gut could be dinner last night. The kid may be a good shot but he is one lousy cook." Ben and Dean rode silently for a while checking their bobbed wire as the went along. Dean challenged Ben to a race and within moments the two men where weaving their way through the trees and snow. Dean went to the left and Ben to the right around a large oak. They were neck and neck until Ben turned his head to look at Dean..." Look out!" Dean shouted but he was too late. Ben hit a low lying branch and was knocked off his horse. Dean stopped his horse, " You okay?" Ben stood up and took the reins of his horse, " Yeah fine..damn we we close." Dean laughed, " Yeah too bad for you..see back at the barn..LOSER!"





Jack was pacing his office while on the phone with Steve, "Jennifer's friend at the airport called her last night and told her someone was asking about the plane and where it went after it left Salem. Luckily she did not make the arrangements for the second flight. He told her what he told the man on the phone and now we all know where the plane went after Salem. Now what? Are you going to Montana too?" Steve paused a moment, " I doubt it..Benjamin will want me sticking close to..anyway.. I gotta call him and let him know..it will be his call." Jack frowned, " It's okay..you can say it..he will want you to stick close to Sara..right? If it matters..I would prefer you be here as well." Steve smirked, " I kinda figured you would..let me call him, then I'll talk with Sanchez..tell him to put his boys on red alert." Jack hung up with him and sat on the edge of his desk. Once again their gut feelings were right. He tried telling himself that they had a lead on Ben so they wouldn't need to come after her, but he knew in his heart they would. Then he thought about his son. He knew that he would do anything to protect Ben, especially after Jennifer had told him how Robert had acted on the plane. Since Ben had been shot he had felt that Robert was pulling back from him but had not mentioned it to Sara. He had hoped after Ben had gotten better things would go back to the way they had been. Jack sighed, knowing now..that was not going to happen. He shook those thoughts from his mind, he had to get downtown for a meeting. He now had to decide whether to tell Sara the latest news over the phone or in person.



Hank and Robbie walked around town for a bit and Robbie listened to the town history eagerly as he snapped photos. "Mom and Katie..that's my girlfriend..they would love this place." They went into the hardware store and as Hank gathered what they needed Robbie stopped at a wall filled with photos. Hank walked over and smiled, " This is the wall of heroes. Local men and woman who served. That's me over there..and right there is Ben's father. " Robbie stared at the photo, the face that looked back was young, but it had a quiet strength about it. He could see Ben in it as well. This should have been his grandfather, he thought. "There's your old man's Marine portrait." Robbie smiled at the sight of a young Ben. The longer he looked at it, the heavier his heart got. There was a sadness in Ben's eyes. "That was a tough time for him..his Dad had just died. Look who is next to him." Hank said as he stared at his own face. " Miranda put it up there when Ben sent it to us. He was real proud you had chosen the Marines." He had a warmth run through him as he looked at his photo next to that of Ben's and his father's. "Three generations of heroes.." Hank said softly. " Your grandfather would have been so proud." Robbie blinked back tears, why he did not know. " Do you think he would have liked me?" Hank put his arm around Robbie, " Liked you? Hell no..he would have loved you." The ride back to the house was filled with stories about Ben and his childhood. Robbie laughed as Hank told him how Ben had been stubborn and independent since the day he was born. He felt sad that Ben had never returned home and a bit surprised to find out he had never even phoned Hank and Miranda, he had only sent them letters. " First time we heard his voice since he left for boot camp was when he called before you all arrived." Robbie listened intently,wanting to learn all he could. He was apart of this place now..and after this was all over, he would bring Katie up there. He would tell her all about his father and grandfather and how much he was like them both. Robbie turned his head and watched as the snow covered trees went by and he sighed softly.





Sara got out of the cab and made her way up the street. She was approaching the doors to the Times building when she heard someone calling her name. She turned and there was Agent Whitehouse. " Do you have a moment? " he asked as he rushed to catch up to her. Sara looked to her left and her "shadows" were easing their way closer. She breathed a sigh of relief, "thank you Ben" she said to herself as she turned towards him. " Agent Whitehouse.." He looked at the two men who had come up next to them. " I see you have some new friends.." he said with a tilt of his head. "My husband's idea.." she said with an eye roll. Jack exited the building and pulled out his cell. He was just going to punch in Sara's number when he caught sight of them. He swallowed hard but then was relieved to see Sanchez's men there as well. He walked quickly to reach them. " I was just going to call you" he said as he leaned down and kissed his wife. " I was hoping to meet for lunch. Agent Whitehouse..is something wrong? Do you have any news for us?" Jack put his arm around Sara as he spoke. Whitehouse shook his head, " No..I was hoping you had some for me. The bodyguards are new...your wife tells me it was your idea." Jack squinted," Well it had occurred to me.. if you thought Sara knew where Ben was, whoever was after him might think the same thing. " Whitehouse smirked, "That's very true..it could put you in danger. " Jack was trying to control himself. He was angry..about a lot of things and this was just the icing on the cake. He listened as the man asked again if they had heard from any of the others. " No we have not. I believe we had told you we would call you if we had." Jack said, his voice dripping with contempt. Sara squeezed his arm but he ignored it. " Yes I know you did but I was in the neighborhood.." Sara cleared her throat, " So you haven't heard anything either then? " He looked down at her, "No nothing yet" Sara's phone rang and she looked from Whitehouse to Jack, " I'm sorry..I must take this, it's the Mayor's office.."then back to Whitehouse, " I am trying to get an interview with him." When she stepped away Whitehouse looked at Jack,"I had hoped Agent Jamison would have contacted you by now." Jack frowned, " I assure you he has not. Have you nothing at all then?" Whitehouse frowned, " We have an angle we are working..I am sorry I can't discuss it at this point in time. If anything comes of it..you and your wife will be the first to know."



"It would have been close if I hadn't hit that branch" Ben said as he dropped the saddle and picked up the brush. Dean was already brushing his horse, " Yeah..yeah..excuses excuses." He stopped brushing and stared at Ben as he began brushing his horse. " I..I owe you an apology Ben." he said softly. Ben chuckled, " For cheating? Don't sweat it..I would have done the same thing." Dean shook his head softly, " No..not that. For the way I treated you after you and Sara.." Ben frowned and waved his hand. " Don't be ridiculous. You were a good friend then and you are good friend now." Dean sighed, " No I wasn't..not really. Angie..she stuck by you..and Sara. But I never got it..I could never understand why you didn't move on." Dean patted the horse on the back and came out of the stall. " I looked at you and would think how stupid you were. You had a job that you loved, a great apartment and enough money to keep you very comfortable. Not to mention the fact that woman practically throw their underwear at you." Ben laughed, " Not literally.." Dean added. " It would make me crazy to watch you pine away for her..that's why I stepped back from you, I was mad. Now I am in the same position. How do you do it? How do you keep going? " Ben sat down on a stool and looked down at the brush in his hands. " First of all you are not in the same position. Angie did not leave you by choice. Your wife was taken from you...she died and that is something you have to come to terms with. One day you will..you'll see. " Dean watched as Ben lit up a cigarette. " Robbie catches you with that and there will be hell to pay." Ben blew out a stream of smoke, " That's why he isn't going to find out..right?" Dean nodded, " Not from me..for now." Ben smirked at that. " I am never going to see her again..how do I come to terms with that?" Ben blew out another stream of smoke. " I only know that you have to find a way to keep going. You have to find a life that you can live without her..I don't know how..I only know you need to do it. You can't close yourself off..or drink it away, that I know from experience. Just go about living..you'll find your way in time." Dean nodded softly, " I'm trying..some days are better then others. What about you? Do you think you will move on completely..maybe with Billie?" Ben stubbed out his cigarette and put the remains in a coffee can buried under some hay. "No..I care about her..but I don't love her. I have been completely honest with her. She knows what's in my heart and when what I can give her isn't enough she will move on.. and that's okay with me. Sara..she owns my heart, I knew from the first time I saw her..she was the only woman I would ever love. Hell I never wanted to or expected to fall in love with anyone...but there she was" he looked up at Dean, " It still hurts when I see them together..I guess it always will." Dean needed to lighten the mood..for both of them. "But on the other hand..Billie is smoking hot.." Ben smiled, " Oh yeah..that she is.."





Sara sat head resting in her hands. " Montana? I had considered that but I knew how hurt it made him to even talk about it. What are we going to do now..what's our next move?" Jack sighed, " I don't know sweetheart.. Steve said he would meet us here after he talked to Ben." Sara sat up and nodded. Jack sat down on the arm of the sofa. " Sara what do you think he will do ? Do you think he will run again? " Sara got up and walked over to the fireplace and stared at the dancing light of the fire. " Hard to say..he may because he has Robbie and Dean with him..to protect them. But if I had to put money on it? I would say..he is going to find a way to ditch them and confront Whitehouse..alone." Sara rubbed her forehead and turned to look at Jack. He too was staring at the fire. "He called him Agent Jamison..Whitehouse did..he called Robbie Agent Jamison." Sara walked over to him and kissed his cheek. "You think that means something?" Jack turned and looked at her. " Yes..but I don't know what ..not yet."



Ben sat cleaning the guns and Dean was looking out the window, " They're back." Ben didn't look up, " Good ." Robbie and Hank came through the door carrying a few bags each, " Couple more in the car..one of you boys go on out and get them will ya? " Hank said as he set the bags onto the kitchen table. Robbie put his on the counter and both men looked at Ben when the heard the sound of the gun being loaded. " What's up?" Robbie asked. " They found out about the plane..they will be coming to Montana ..I give us a day or two...tops. " Dean came in and put the bags down on the counter also. Robbie looked at Ben for a moment..waiting.."Okay..so where are we going from here? Should I start packing up the gear? What's the plan? " Ben checked his weapon and put it back into his holster. " The plan?..here's the plan kid..Hank you go back home and DO NOT come back here. Robbie I want you to take Dean to the train..then I want both of you to get on it and get the hell out here. I can go it alone from here." Robbie and Dean laughed at him. " Sorry Ben..but as plans go..that one sucks" Dean said. Robbie stepped forward and looked down on the seated Ben. "Forget it..you better start coming up with an alternative because there is no way in HELL we are doing that." Ben stood up and he was nose to nose with Robbie. He didn't want to do it this way..but Robbie's safety was all that mattered now. Ben grabbed Robbie by the shirt and pushed back up against the wall. " You will do exactly what I tell you to do..you understand me?" Robbie swallowed hard, " You going hit me? Go ahead..hit me. I am NOT leaving you alone..that is unacceptable to me. Okay..we get Uncle Dean out of here..but if you are determined to face these people here and now..then I will be right next to you." Dean stepped forward, "Me too, so we better come up with a different plan." Ben shoved Robbie and then took a step back. " Don't be stupid Kid. Think about Katie..your mother..your father.." Robbie grabbed Ben by the shirt now and pulled him close to him. " I am thinking about my father..and he is not going to face this alone...period." Hank cleared his throat, " Boy..you are still as stubborn as mule. Now there are four of us here..we got military experience..let's put our heads together and come up with something we can all live with." Robbie released Ben and each took a step back. Ben raised his hands, " Okay...let's see what we can come up with, but other than planning.. you are not involved in this at all Hank..I mean it." Robbie put his hand on Hank's shoulder, " He's right..for Miranda's sake." Dean pulled four beers out and sat down at the table, " Okay Marines..let's start planning."

[fluffysmom]

Great chapter. It looks like things are coming to a head very soon. I really hope everyone will get through this alive.

[gapeach]

Jack is not going to like the fact that Robbie is referring to Ben as his dad. Oh well, can't wait to see what happens next!!!

[blueyed358]

Chapter 138

" They're on the way" Steve said into the phone. "Say the word and I'm right behind them." Ben blew out a large breath, "No..I need you there. Steve they can't get to her. If they do.." Steve spun around on his heel. He wanted to head to Montana. "I know..they get her..they get you." Ben swallowed hard, " Nothing is more important to me than keeping her safe. I do try not to say these kinds of things to you, I know the position it puts you in..being Jack's brother." Steve stood hand on hip, " Yeah Jack's brother and your partner. How' s that saying go..the heart wants what the heart wants..been there. I told you before..I don't want to get in the middle but I don't want to see my brother hurt. Now..you got a plan yet?" After Ben hung up with Steve he told Robbie and Dean. Robbie stared at him and knew what he was thinking. " You want to call Mom?" Ben looked down at the floor and nodded.



"Mom? " the voice on the other end of the phone said. " Hello honey..are you all right? " Sara asked. " Yeah..but I am worried about him. He's going to pull something, I am sure of it. He's going to find a way to go off alone." Sara knew her son was right and she also knew that neither Ben or Robbie could ever live with themselves if anything happened to the other. " What does Uncle Dean think?" Robbie sighed, " He agrees with me. He doesn't want us to let Ben out of our sight so one of us is always hovering over him. This better end soon or he is going to shoot us." Sara smiled, " Sleep with one eye open. I...I am not going to ask you to come home, I know you wouldn't...so my advice to you is to stick to him like glue, both of you. I want all of you back." Robbie asked if she was being careful and she told him she was. Robbie watched as Ben entered the room and held his hand out for the phone. " Okay..Ben wants to speak with you.." Sara took a deep breath, " Did you want to speak with your father? " Robbie swallowed hard, " No...there isn't time...I love you Mom...here's Ben." Jack was watching Sara and she shot him a small smile. " Hey Ace...We really shouldn't stay on the phone much longer but..." he said as he glanced back at Robbie. Ben walked away and went into the kitchen. " Ben?..You still there?" she asked when he stopped talking. " Yeah..yeah I'm here. I just...needed to hear your voice again." Sara shut her eyes tightly, " What are you planning to do? " She knew he would protect Robbie and Dean at all costs and he knew she would never willingly betray his confidence. " The less you know the better Ace. Don't worry..I"ll keep them safe." Max stood up and ran to the door, " Steve must be here." Jack said as he got up and went to the door. " I know you will but...who's going to keep you safe? " Ben smirked, " You worried about me Ace?" he said jokingly. Sara shook her head, " Don't be an idiot..you know I am. Ben..please...don't do anything stupid. Keep them with you." Ben looked down at his boots, " I will do what I think is best." Sara sighed, " Yeah..but what you think is best for them..may not be the best option." Ben closed his eyes, seeing her face, " It's the only option. This is MY mess and I need to clean it up...alone. Hey..I plan on walking away from this...but if I don't..you know..it's always been you..and it always will be..only you." Sara took a deep breath and Jack and Steve came into the room. " Now..let me talk to Jack." Sara looked up at Jack who mouthed "what?" "Okay..you better come back or I am going to be really pissed off at you." Ben chuckled, " Well we can't have that." Sara handed Jack the phone, " He wants to talk to you." Jack took the phone, "Hello?" Jack listened intently, " Yes..I understand...Yes...he's here now.." Jack raised an eyebrow, " that goes without saying..just worry about yourself and those with you." Jack closed the phone, " I was hoping to speak with Robert." he said as he stared at the closed phone. Sara covered his hand with hers, " I am sure he was disappointed as well." Jack pursed his lips and nodded then looked up at Steve, "Anything new?"



" Steve said Whitehouse and at least three others boarded a plane to Montana about an hour ago." Ben said as he handed Robbie back his phone. " Okay so what are you thinking..another day or two? " Dean asked. Ben nodded,"Yeah..Hank has a few fellow Vets in town that will discreetly give him a heads up when they come sniffing around. I know this cabin isn't listed in my file..it's technically part of the Lodge holdings. That may give us a bit more time." Robbie stood next to Dean, "But they know about the Lodge, they will probably search the surrounding area." Ben agreed. "Do you think we need to worry about Hank and Miranda?" Robbie asked. Ben shook his head, "No..they aren't really tied to me, on paper anyway." Dean blew out a slow breath, " Well that's a good thing, let's get the gear ready." Ben nodded, " I'll go out and check the horses and check on the extra ammo and weapons." Robbie and Dean exchanged glances, making Ben sigh, " Dean can come with me. Feel better now? "



"He already knew...he was saying goodbye." Sara said quietly. " Yeah..I called him from the airport." Steve said to her, matching her tone. Jack watched his wife as she slowly sat down. " Is there no one we can call or send to help them?" Jack asked. Steve shook his head, " No way of knowing where the eyes and ears are. This way..they don't know that we know they are coming."



Jack walked Steve to the door, " Jackson..Ben thinks.." Jack sighed heavily, " I know what he thinks...we spoke earlier remember. Tomorrow is Saturday so there is no need for her to leave the penthouse. You spoke with Sanchez?" Steve nodded, " Yes..he knows what could be coming." Jack nodded slowly, " How long...how long do you think we have? " Steve tilted his head to the side, " Hard to say.. few days is my guess." Jack looked back towards the living room then leaned into Steve, " What kind of chances do you give them..realistically I mean for Robert getting out of this ?" Steve gave Jack a small crooked smile, "I think his chances are good. Benjamin will do whatever it takes to protect him...but I think you already know that. Get some sleep Jackson, it's going to be a rough few days." Jack closed the door behind him and locked it. He rested his head on the door and took a slow deep breath. His mind racing. Ben and Dean were in danger too but he could only think of Sara and his son. Why did Robbie not ask to speak to him? He knew something was going on, he could feel it. He just wanted him home and like it or not the safety of his son was in Ben's hands now and there was nothing he could do about it but to trust him. Jack knew that he had to focus on what he could do and that was protect Sara. With a slow exhale and he stood up straight and tall..determined to do just that. Sara was curled up on the sofa petting Max, looking at the fireplace. Jack walked over to the bar and selected a bottle. He poured them both a glass of wine and he crossed the room slowly, handing her the glass, she looked up and smiled sweetly. Stepping over the dog he sat next her and she shifted her position, curling up against him as his arm encircled her pulling her close. Jack rested his head on top of hers and they just sat there, content just being together and lost in their own thoughts. After a few minutes of silence, she looked up at him. When he looked back at her Jack felt like his heart was in a vice grip. The light from the fire danced in her eyes. His pulse quickened and he took her glass and put them both down. Jack pulled her close and kissed her slowly at first then it deepened. Sara wrapped her hand around his neck and closed her hand around his hair. Jack pulled her close and twisted around until he was on top of her. They removed each other's clothes slowly and without a spoken word between them they made love.



Dean watched as Ben covered the last of the ammo with hay and took out a cigarette. " I kind of figured that's what you were really coming out here for." Ben blew out a stream of smoke. " He's not here..so let's talk." Dean glanced back to the house. " Okay..I know you and I know what you are thinking. I want to be with you when this goes down..I need to be, you know that." Ben frowned, " Yeah..I can understand that." Dean inched closer to him, " So...how do we get Robbie out of here?" Ben watched the smoke rise from the tip of his cigarette, then he he brought it to his lips and took a long drag on it. " I have it all worked out but...I would feel much better if you were with him." Dean shook his head, " I have to see this through to it's end..I have to see the man who killed her." Ben exhaled again, " We don't know that he will be here..the man that took Angie I mean" another drag of the cigarette, " and what if he is...what then? " Dean shrugged, " I don't know..I guess I am hoping for some sort of closure." Ben stubbed out his cigarette. He knew the toll killing someone could take on a person and he did not want that for his friend. But he also thought that it was hypocritical of him to make him leave. If someone had hurt or killed Sara..there was nothing or no one on this earth that could stop him from finding them and making them pay." Well ?" Dean asked. Ben nodded, "Okay, I won't leave you out." Dean's posture relaxed, "Thanks..Robbie is going to be pissed." Ben smiled sadly, " Let's just hope we'll still be around for him to be pissed at."

[blueyed358]

part 2

Whitehouse sat back in his seat, eyes closed. His three traveling companions around him. Two leaned over the seat in front of him and the third sat next to him. The three men talked in hush voices as Whitehouse listened..



" You sure it was Johnson you saw?"

" Give me a break will ya? The guy has an eye patch...he isn't that hard to spot."

" So he knows we're coming...He'll be ready for us"

"My bet is he was in the wind before our plane took off"

"That's wishful thinking"



"You afraid of Todd? " Whitehouse asked without opening his eyes. After a minute without a reply he said, " You should be, he is one of the most deadliest men I have ever met.No he won't be running..he'll be waiting." The three men looked at each other and one said under his breath, "And one of the luckiest.." Whitehouse opened his eyes and the man looked at him and the others, " Well..he is. How many times has been shot anyway? It's like the guy has an angel on his shoulder or something." One of the men standing up turned to Whitehouse, " So what's the plan here? By the time we find his hiding spot he will be set up waiting and we will be the ones waking into an ambush." Whitehouse smiled as he turned and looked out the window. "We don't need to find him, I already know where he is. I had someone there right after I found out about the plane. I've had eyes on him the past few days. Doesn't matter anyway..we aren't going to have to get into a shootout with him. By the time it's over, Todd will be walking out with us of his own free will..to his death..no fuss..no muss" and with that he sat back and closed his eyes again. The man sitting next to him laughed, " That easy huh?" Again Whithouse smiled, " Yes..when we meet..I will be holding all the cards." One of the men standing asked,"His kid?" Whitehouse sighed, " No..better. The woman he loves. We will have her in hand and Todd will do what he has to do to secure her release."





The two men sitting in the car outside Jack and Sara's didn't even see it coming. Before they realized it, they were tased and then stuck with a needle full of some sort of sedative. The two attackers drove the car around the corner and parked it in an alleyway. They through Sanchez's men into the trunk and took their radios. They walked up to the building casually, radios in hand. Telling the guards on duty, that they were there to relieve them. The guards were suspicious at first but then they were told they had served with Ben and wanted to help and Sanchez had given them this job. Whitehouse's men followed them outside, knowing they were going to call Sanchez to verify their stories, they took them at gunpoint back to their car, also hidden in the alley and did the same to them as with the other surveillance team. The two men then went back into the building and buzzed the penthouse. Jack and Sara had been asleep on the sofa and they both jumped up. Jack wrapped a blanket around himself and went the call box. " Yes?" "Mr. Deveraux..This is Callaway, I'm afraid we've had an incident down here. Plans have changed and Sanchez wants us on the inside." Jack and Sara exchanged glances, "What kind of incident?" The voice came back, "Sir..do we really want to discuss this over the intercom?" Jack blew out a breath and looked at Sara, who nodded at him. "Very well" he said pressing the buzzer. Sara was up putting her clothes on and Jack began doing the same. "Well..that was a nice break from reality" she said softly. Jack finished buttoning his shirt and pulled her close to him, " No Sara..that is reality too..our reality." Sara smiled and kissed him. She was zipping up her boots when Max began to growl. " They're here.." Jack let the two men into the penthouse. " Now..what happened down there? " One man started telling them that the surveillance car had been hit. Jack had to hold Max by the collar, he was barking and jumping at the men. " I hate dogs..and as you can see they hate right back." Jack looked down at Max, " Sorry..come along, outside on the terrace for you." As Jack let Max out on to the terrace and closed the door something occurred to him, " What made you look in the trunk?" Sara looked at Jack and the two men looked at each other. Each pulled their weapons, one pointing at Sara the other at Jack. "Relax..this will all be over soon." Sara stared at Jack then turned to the man in front of her, " You mean Ben will be dead soon..you really have no idea who you are dealing with." The man laughed, " I think we do..that's why we are here...you're our leverage." Jack moved and the man pointing his weapon at him pulled the hammer back. " I only wished to go to my wife." Jack said hands up. "You stay right where you are..you even flinch and I will shoot you where you stand. You understand me." Jack swallowed, "Yes..you were perfectly clear." Max was barking and banging against the door. "Shut that mutt up." Jack raised his hand up and Max sat down. "He's no mutt."





Ben took his real cell phone out and started for the door, "Where you going?" Robbie asked. " Just on the porch..I need some privacy..if you don't mind." After he closed the door Robbie looked at Dean and he shrugged, "Maybe he wants to call Billie." Robbie nodded, "Yeah..probably." Ben called Steve first, " I need a phone number.." Robbie kept peeking out the window, "He's up to something..I can feel it. He's been so quiet, haven't you noticed?" Dean bit into a sandwich, " Cut him some slack Robbie, he has a lot on his mind." Robbie came away from the window, " I know..he's real worried about Mom..isn't he?" Dean put down the sandwich and stared at it, "We all are."



" Thanks Steve..and listen..not a word to Jack or Sara about this okay?" Steve frowned, " Not a word. I sure hope you know what you're doing." Ben smirked," Me too, take care of yourself." Steve rubbed his forehead, " Yeah..you too. I hate breaking in new partners." Ben hung up and glanced back at the window, Robbie was not there and he dialed quickly. "Yeah.." the voice said into the phone. Ben took a deep breath, the sound of that voice filling him with anger that he swallowed back down. "Hello Rick..I hear you're looking for me." Whitehouse smiled, " Perfect timing as usual Ben, I am in baggage claim right now." Ben clenched his jaw, " That is perfect..I'd say you're about two hours out. You know where I am..I'll be waiting." Whitehouse tapped his guy on the shoulder, pointing to one of the bags, " Don't you mean WE will be waiting?" Ben chuckled, "Like I would let you get anywhere near the kid, I thought you knew me Rick?" Whitehouse smirked,"I do know you Ben..I look forward to meeting Mr Michaels..I want to give him my condolances." Ben's eyes grew wiid, " I am sure he'll be thrilled to meet you too..see you then." Whitehouse put his phone back in his pocket after listening to the voicemail that had come in during their flight. He knew now that they had secured Sara and he sighed, it was all going to fall into place. "It's just going to be Todd and that photographer." he said as they headed for the doors. "What about the kid..I hear he's good." Whitehouse nodded, " He is..but Todd isn't going to take any chances, he's going to neutralize him himself. Let's get going, we have a long ride."





Ben,Dean and Robbie stood outside of Hank and Miranda's house. " I don't get it you said they wouldn't come after them." Ben glanced at Dean, " I know..I just don't want to take any chances..we've only got about two hours here kid." Hank opened the door and Ben began talking quickly. " Wait a second..you still got that sniper rifle of yours?" Hank said that he had and Ben told Robbie to go down into the cellar and get it. After Robbie went down the stairs Hank said, " What are you up to Benny, you know I don't keep that down there..never did, it's over the mantel same as always. Ben stepped closer to Hank, " You owe my father a debt..and I am here to collect it." Hank closed his eyes tight, " Oh geez Ben..don't ask me to do this." Ben put his hand on Hank's shoulder, " You can't say no..I know it and so do you. He saved your life, now you are going to save MY son's life." Ben turned and shut the door to the cellar, sliding the bolt shut and then he and Dean slid a desk in front of the door. Miranda covered her mouth and looked up at her husband, who was looking down at the floor. "This will all be over in about three or four hours..he does not leave here Hank..you understand me..he does not leave here!" Hank nodded slowly."Hey!..I don't see anything down here!" Ben swallowed and began to breath heavy as heard Robbie coming up the steps. As soon as he saw the closed door he knew. Robbie raced up the steps and shoved at the door. He began banging on the door. " No! No! Don't do this..Let me out! Ben! Please..Hank!..Uncle Dean! Don't let him do this! Open the damn door Ben!" Dean turned and headed for the door and glanced back at Ben who had placed his hand on the cellar door. " I'm doing what I have to do to keep you alive..someday you'll understand" then he whispered, " and forgive me." Ben turned and started for the door, Robbie banging and pulling on the door feverishly. "No please, you need me...DAD!..DAD PLEASE DON"T LEAVE ME HERE! " Ben felt his legs buckle and he grabbed the back of a chair. Dean put his hand on Ben's shoulder and Ben nodded. He stood tall and they walked out the door. Before he closed it he turned and looked at Hank, " Four hours Hank..four hours."

[gapeach]

Man of man!!! This is getting good!!!