Third Time's A Charm (Read 7,125 times)

[blueyed358]

chapters 66-68



Jack sat on the edge of the bed, he could not recall the last time he felt this good. He won ! he won both bets. Now he would collect. The side bet with Sara was an evening of what ever the other had wanted, non negotiable. Jack waited for Sara to make her entrance into the room wearing the black and purple corset and panties he had picked out. The door opened and she stood in the doorway hand on the doorjamb. " I feel ridiculous. " He noted she completed the picture by wearing high heels. " You look...incredible. " Sara snickered, " It's uncomfortable ...but a bet is a bet. " She walked slowly towards him and he stood up. She unbuttoned his shirt and removed it the same with his pants. Her hands roamed lightly over his entire body. Sara covered him with feather light kisses , Jack stood with his eyes closed , his breathing becoming shallow, he felt her body rubbing against his. He lowered his head and opened his eyes , The only thought in his mind was of her..having her. Jack ran his hands over the satin outfit she wore , he paused before unlacing her to let his eyes roam all over her. He removed her panties only, lifting her up , her legs around his waist. Jack turned to his left and with the swipe or his hand threw everything off his desk and rested Sara on top of it. He would have her here. With every moment his desire grew , the need grew. It had not been that long but it felt like it had , he loved the way she felt , smelled , all of it , all of her. That' s what he wanted ..all of her. The mix of satin and skin drove him wild , " Sara.." A small smile played on Sara's lips, " Jack..make love to me, " She threw her head back and he began kissing and biting her neck and then with a gasp from both he was in her. They moved slowly at first then with increasing want. It was more than the physical they wanted , they wanted for those brief few moments to own each other.



Jack and Sara were wrapped around one another in bed , Sara sat up and Jack removed her corset. " Rested yet ? " Jack smiled slowly, " What did you have in mind ? " Sara leaned down to the floor on the side of the bed and held up a bottle of chocolate syrup, " You said you wanted dessert. "




Bo paced the kitchen , he was mad they all knew it, " I can't believe you two , you broke into his HOUSE. " Jennifer tried to calm him down, " Yea Bo they shouldn't have done that but look what they found out. Can't you just say it was an anonymous tip or something ? "
Bo stopped pacing and looked at Jennifer , " If Ben finds out that I knew.. " " He won't..he won't " Jack jumped. Bo looked at Sara , " You need to watch yourself , I agree with Jack , he might be focused on you . Ok..let me think about this for a bit . I will call you tomorrow and let you know what I am going to do. You two..stay away from Alamain's . " Sara walked Bo to the door and Jack turned to Jennifer , " Ahh..that went well." Jennifer shook her head " He was really mad Jack. " They talked about Bo for a few more minutes and Jen asked if Jack could give her a lift home. She told him she needed to go to the Horton cabin to pick up some documents that she had left there. Jack offered to drive her there and she excepted happily. Jack told Sara that he was going to bring Jennifer home , but she needed to make a stop first and he would be back later. Sara was not happy but she did need to get some work done. " Don't look at me like that , " he said sadly, " Do you wish to come along? " Sara's eyes opened wide , " Hell no ! I don't want you to go either. " Jack swept her into his arms and kissed her. " You will be working so you will hardly miss me. " Sara frowned , " Wanna bet ? "






The car ride was pleasant and they kept up a casual conversation. " You think that those pictures mean more than just surveillance ? You think he has fixated on Sara ? " Jack watched the road and sighed " I do..I am worried , I am even considering speaking to Agent Todd about it. " Jennifer stared at him , " Wow you really are worried. " It was early afternoon and the sky had turned dark and they heard the rumblings of thunder, they both looked at each other. They knew that up there flash floods happened all the time and the rain could last for hours. The reached the cabin with only moments to spare. Just as the were getting out of the car the sky opened up and it began to pour.




With the thunderstorm in full swing Jack made a fire and they sat on the floor eating canned soup and drinking wine. All along the tables and mantels were family photos of all the Hortons / Bradys. Then he reached their family photos Their wedding photos , photos of the children, an older photo of the four of them. Then he saw a very old photo of just the two of them. He got up and walked over to it, " I don't remember this" He said with wonder in his voice. " Oh that was when we came back from the cruise. Vern took it. " It was a candid photo of them in Jack's office , staring into each others eyes. " I like this one..you look like a little girl. " Jack said with his eyes sparkling. " What about you Jack ? You look great , young and handsome. I have some photo albums want to look at those? "
Jack pulled his eyes from the photo to look at Jennifer, she may not be young anymore but she was still just as beautiful. " Yea , sure. " They drank more wine and looked at more pictures and Jack study their life together as it flashed before him in a series of photographs.




The rain was relentless and the thunder and lightning cut the power to the cabin. The firelight was all they had but for a few candles. " I cant get any reception on this damn phone. " Jennifer smiled to herself , " I am sorry Jack I hope Sara won't be to mad. " Jack swallowed hard , he knew she would be beyond mad , " Oh not to worry , she won't be ."




They found a battery operated radio and heard that the rain was to last through the night.
" Looks like we will be stuck here, " Jennifer said. She got up and went to the kitchen. Jack managed to find a spot where he got two bars. " Sara ?...Hello ? ...Listen we are stuck up here..I don't think I will be getting...Don't say that..No !..Look we can talk about this tom....hello ?...hello Sara ? " The line was dead. Jack knew this would not be good. Jennifer came back and the two sat again in front of the fire. They talked in hushed tones and just looked at each other. Jack was a bit too tipsy, he thought he needed to be on guard. Her eyes , her face she looked so beautiful. " I guess we should turn in for the night." He said.


Jack was setting up the sofa to go to bed , Jennifer was turning down the covers, " Jack what are you doing ?" Jack stopped and , looked up at her " I am setting my bed for the night. " Jennifer smirked , " Don't be silly Jack, come over here and sleep on the bed with me. "





" What ? " Jack asked , as if he had heard her wrong. " It's ridiculous for you to sleep on the sofa , we have been married twice and have two children I an sure we can share a bed for the night. " Jack stood frozen in place , staring at her , poured the remaining wine into his glass and drank it in one swallow. Jennifer watched him with a hidden smile. She knew she was making him uncomfortable, but she couldn't help but tease him a bit more. "Unless of course there is a problem. Jack? Is there a problem? " He could only shake his head. He moved to the bed and laid down on his back not wanting to get too close to her. She waited a bit and then rolled on her side facing him, " Isn't this better than the sofa ? "
Jack sighed loudly. Jennifer just laid there staring at him, then she started to talk about the last time they were there. "I had better throw another log on the fire, " he said . As he tried to get up she pulled him down " The fire is just fine Jack , " Now he was on his side and they were facing each other. This is a mistake Jack thought, how could he lay there looking into those eyes , no he had to get up before the alcohol made him forget. The storm raged outside and one was now raging inside Jack. He knew he loved Sara , always had, but Jennifer..she had been his heart and soul . For years Jack never imagined he could love anyone again or that anyone could ever love him, but now he was in love with two incredible women and they both loved HIM ! Jack knew one thing for sure he could not be unfaithful. " I better go back to the couch. " As he got up Jennifer pulled him back down and Jack fell onto the floor on the side of the bed. Jennifer pulled herself to the edge of the bed and their faces were inches apart. " This is familiar , isn't Jack? It's just like that night in the cabin on the cruise , we were sitting almost exactly like this. That night I told you everything in my heart, but tonight I don't need to do I ? You know..you know I love you and I want to be with you. " Jack looked down then up into her eyes and the alcohol did the talking, " Yes , I know. But Jennifer you don't understand , laying here with you ...it's like giving a drug addict a bottle of vicodin and telling him you 'll be back eventually. YOU are MY drug and right now I am desperately trying to keep from opening the bottle." Jennifer still had hold of his hand , " Why Jack ? Why can't you open the bottle? It's what we both want." Jack shook his head slowly, " I can't . I am in a relationship with Sara now, I cannot be unfaithful to her , it isn't fair to her OR you. I know you may not believe me but I love her and I love you . I have loved you practically from the moment I laid eyes on you and I will love you until I draw my last breath , but I don't know if I have another chance in me. I don't know where Sara and I are going, but I know for sure I am not ready for this , ready for us. Jennifer inched closer to him, " It's ok Jack , all those times I gave up, I didn't want to fight for us , you did. You fought for both of us and I want you to know here and now , I am going to fight for both of us. I will be waiting for you when you are ready for this...for us. Because you see Jack , I know that we are meant to be . I was born Jennifer Horton ...but I was born to be Jennifer Deveraux , I was born for you Jack and you for me . No more other men , no more blaming you for everything, just me waiting for you. " Jack blew out a breath and as if his hand had a mind of it's own it came up and rubbed the side of her face. He was breathing heavy " Jennifer" and then she kissed him and he kissed her back.



Sara was livid as she paced the kitchen. " Calm down Sara , you can't do anything until he can call back and this storm passes. " Angela tried to calm her friend down. " I can't do this..everything is great as long as we are together. The minute he is off with her I worry and the minute I am with Ben he worries. But I would never spend the night with Ben ..platonic or otherwise. They just won't give up, and they never will ..will they? She will always be there , and I suppose Ben will too. " Angela could see the tears Sara fought to hold back, "What about Ben? Do you really want him to give up? What are you going to
do? " Sara flopped into a chair. " I don't know. I feel like I don't know anything right now."



Jack was back on the couch , watching the fire . He thought about how he got angry with Sara for Ben kissing her and he had just kissed Jennifer. He hadn't stopped her and he had kissed her back. What was he going to do ? He thought of Sara and how upset she must be and he felt a bit guilty. Try and sleep he thought , the sooner he slept the sooner he could get back and face the music...again. Jennifer she was there in his mind too . The words she spoke , touched him. She was trying to change, but had he changed himself ? He had , but not so much as to know Jennifer still moved him in every way. Jack felt as though his heart was split into two. He thought about the amazing night he had just spent with Sara , and his eyes got heavy. He started to drift off , when he heard her voice , " Goodnight Jack. " Jack felt a small smile creep across his lips ," Goodnight Miss Horton. "






Jack had dropped Jennifer off at the Kiriakis mansion, both still feeling emotionally spent , had barely spoken in the car. It wasn't an awkward silence but an easy comfortable one. It was dinner time by the time Jack pulled into the driveway, he had made several attempts to call Sara but she had refused to answer her cell. He had gotten worried but when he called Angela he had been told that she was there in the house . Jack took a deep breath before exiting the car , this was not going to be good he knew , but would it be serious or nasty like the night of the auction. Oh well, he thought, better go in and get to it. The sooner it started the sooner they could move past it.



Sara was on her laptop when she saw the headlights in the driveway. She looked to Angela,
" I am going upstairs , I don't think I want to see him. " She gathered her things and went upstairs with Angela calling to her , " Sara..don't.." But it was too late , she had raced up the stairs and Angela heard her door slam shut.




Jack entered the house slowly, as if waiting to duck a flying object. But only Angela sat in the living room reading a book. He could hear the video game noise coming from the basement and that was all , no other sounds. Jack just looked at Angela as she looked up from her book. " Where is she ? " Angela removed her glasses and said " In her room..I wouldn't bother she doesn't want to see you right now. " Jack flopped into the arm chair,
" How mad is she ? Is it " fear for bodily injury" mad or just yelling mad ? " Angela studied him for a moment , she felt sorry for Jack..and for Sara...and Ben and even if she let herself admit to it a bit sorry for Jennifer as well. " She isn't either, she's upset and...well Jack I don't know what else she is. Sara's in shut down mode , she is quiet , doesn't even want to talk about it. She is hurting, I think she is finally thinking about more than just the here and now , something that is very hard for her to do. " Jack nodded and headed for the stairs, " Don't push her too hard Jack " Angela voiced. He nodded again and moved for the steps.



Jack wasn't sure what to expect when he knocked on Sara's door. No answer...he knocked again....no answer. " Sara ? Sara come on open the door. " Not a sound except the pounding of keys from her laptop. " We have to talk about this , I am sorry. I had no idea there was going to be a storm last night. Will you at least talk to me about this ? " No response again . He banged on the door again, " Ok..fine.. don't talk , don't come out. You do have to come out sooner or later. " then he went downstairs.


The three ate dinner in relative silence , Jack would keep looking at the empty seat where Sara should be sitting. At first he was sad but he slowly started to get a bit angry. He threw his fork down, " This is ridiculous ! She is acting like a petulant child. What happened to the yelling and nasty digs ? What is she going to do starve herself ? " Dean laughed at Jack, " Yea right , Angie brought her dinner half an hour ago. " Angela's mouth dropped open , " Dean ! " then looking at Jack " What ? She texted me before asking me to bring her something. " Jack shook his head " Unbelievable .." Angela rolled her eyes at him. " What is that look for ? " Dean knew that is wife was going to say something she might regret. " Let it go Jack. " he whispered. " No , " Jack said to him, " No obviously your wife has something on her mind, so let's have it . What is it you want to say ? " I think you have a lot of nerve to be sitting there all ticked off. " Jack shot her a look , " Oh really ? You don't think I have a right to be annoyed with her for the way she is behaving? " Angela shot back,
" Is she behaving like a child ? Yes! But she is hurt..I wonder how you would be handling it if she had spent the night with Ben ? " Jack's heart just about stopped at the thought of it.
" But nothing happened," he said quietly. Angela shot back again , " I am just saying , you may very well be innocent of any wrong doing , but Sara had to spend the night wondering where you were and what was going on. "



He thought about the things Angela had said , but he could not even explain what happened. He had to find a way to get her to talk to him. Jack got an idea. He went upstairs
and knocked on the door, again she would not answer him. " I am going to bed. If you change your mind and you want to talk feel free to come in. Well...goodnight Sara...I love you. " Now he would just wait..hopefully not that long.


Sara waited half an hour before opening the door slowly and closing it behind her. She moved quietly into the bathroom . She checked the hallway before leaving and heading back to her room , happy to make it there unseen. she was in her bed clothes, tank top and panties as she snuck back into her room like she had broke curfew. She closed the door behind her softly. When she turned around Jack was there sitting on her bed and she gasped. " Hi , " was the only word he could manage to get out. His throat closed and his chest hurt at the sight of her. Angela had been right, Sara was not angry she was hurting. Her eyes were red and swollen and she had that small catch to her breathing that comes from crying. Still she said nothing to him , she turned away from him facing the door. Sara had always been a strong person and she hated that she was being , in her mind , weak by allowing this situation to get to her the way it had. It was in fact the reality intruding on their time together that was causing her to react like this. She thought they would have more time than this. While she had never stopped loving Jack , she had found a life without him. A life that brought her great joy. She had even found a man that had rivaled Jack for the amount of love she felt . She had never told Ben just how much he had meant. Then her world spun out of control with the death of her son...his son. She always knew she had been able to move on because she had held a piece of Jack with her always. When his name showed up in her email box every feeling for him had risen again to the surface, the idea of seeing him again was all she could think about. Now she had him again and was going to lose him..again. She was not ready..she wanted more time...she wanted more of him. " You've been crying. Sara please .. You must know that I never intended for this to happen. I swear to you nothing happened , I slept on the couch and Jennifer slept in the bed. I had no cell service and the storm was impossible to drive in , I had no choice but to stay and wait it out. " Her head tilted downward and when she finally spoke her voice was just a whisper. " I can't talk to you now , please just go . " She had not wanted him to see her like this. " Won't even look at me ? Sara.. " He placed is hands on her shoulders. She pulled away and walked to the other side of the room. " Just go away Jack, please , I am sure if you are lonely Jennifer will be more than happy to keep you company."
Jack rubbed the back of his neck , " Let's not go there again shall we, I want us to talk about this , not get nasty. " The tears would not be held back again. " I am not ready..I am not ready to let go yet..I don't want it to end yet.. " His long legs closed the gap between them in two strides , wrapping his arms around her from behind and holding her close.
" What are you talking about ? Is that what you are thinking , that I want to end it ? " Sara
took a ragged deep breath , " When you didn't come back , I thought maybe you wouldn't be coming back at all..like the last time, you called but then I never saw you again. I know you love her.. " Jack turned her around to face him. " Yes I love her and I know you love him still as well..are you leaving me for him? " Sara shook her head , " Well I am not leaving you for her. I am so sorry that my actions hurt you like this. " She looked down ,
" We never should have said it..I knew it even as the words came out. We never should have said I love you to each other. I told you..." He kissed her with everything in him. " I am not now nor will I ever be sorry that I said it. Come on let's lay down , we can talk about it in the morning. " He led her to the bed and they lay there Sara draped over him , his arms wrapped around her tightly . Each laying there loving each other and still loving someone else but both wanting to be there and nowhere else.

[jaysdelina]

Is it kinda crazy that with this set of chapters I feel sorry for BOTH women?lol.This was so emotional and I loved how you had Jack torn about his own feelings while the women were certain of theirs.And I love seeing Sara admit that the first time he left her had affected her so deeply that she associated it with this time as well and that's where her fear was.VERY well done!

[fluffysmom]

Great chapters. I feel bad for all of them. It is so confusing for them and really exciting to read. Thanks!

[blueyed358]

chapters 69-70rs






Before he even opened his eyes Jack could feel Sara still laying in his arms the sun hadn't come up yet and he decided to try and go back to sleep. He felt her take a shuttering breath. It was his actions that had broken her down last night. For the first time they both saw that decisions would have to be made for their future. Did they have one ? He knew he loved her but he could not leave Salem. He had his children to consider. Abigail was a young adult with a life of her own but Jack was just a little boy who was , in fact very attached to his father. He could not leave him again , he had promised. He must stay here,
with his family. How much of that choice was about Jennifer too he wondered. Perhaps Sara could stay here. She could still get assignments to go on, only when she came home it would be to Salem. Would she even consider it ? They would need to discuss it , but not today. No.. today he will do everything he could to make her feel better. He pulled her closer to him and Sara sighed in her sleep and Jack drifted off to sleep again.





When Sara woke Jack was getting back into bed bringing with him two mugs of coffee. "Thanks..I need this. " But before she could take a sip , her cell rang. " Who would be calling this early ? " Jack asked . " Hello.. " Her voice was thick with sleep and raw from the emotion of the prior night. Jack could hear him clearly, it was Ben. " Mmm the sexy morning voice. Hey Ace , sorry to wake you up. " Sara frowned at the phone , I wasn't sleeping. " Ben smiled , " I wanted to tell you I am heading back..as is Alamain. " Sara took a sip of coffee , " Anything you can share with me? " Ben shook his head , " I just did. I could share some other things but you keep telling me no. " Jack imagined the stupid grin Ben had on his face while saying that. Sara gave Jack a quick glance , " Oh you are hilarious..seriously , did he meet with Hamed? " Ben sat back in his seat and closed his eyes. " Benjamin , I am not going to keep talking just because you aren't answering me, I will just hang up. " Jack furrowed his brow and stared at her, she in turn rolled her eyes.
Ben let a smile spread across his face. He loved the sound of her voice when she first got up, how warm and soft she felt. Then the smile disappeared as he wondered if Jack was there with her. " You can meet me later and I will tell you what I can. Say about two o'clock , my hotel room? " Jack had a sarcastic smirk on his face and just shook his head,
not wanting to say anything that might bring up the recent evening with Jennifer. Sara saw it and was going to be spiteful but thought better of it. " No , how about at the coffee shop instead? " Ben frowned , " Sure..see you then. " When they disconnected , Sara looked at him and asked sarcastically , " Happy ? " Jack did not answer , he only kissed her. Sara looked down into her mug. " You know Jack , I guess we will have to start thinging about what we are going to do when this whole Alamain thing is over. Where will that leave us ? Together or back to our old lives ? " Jack stood looking into her eyes, getting lost , " i don't know. I am going to shower , come with me ? " she gave him a weak smile , " Give me a minute I want to finish my coffee , I will be there in a few. " Jack nodded. Jack did not want to talk about just yet , she will let it go ...for now. But she knew in her heart their time was limited. Not because of Jennifer or even Ben, but because right now they were on the same path and soon enough their lives will veer away from one another. She of course knew Ben had been right . She could never live in Salem, she loved her life in New York . She doubted that Jack would wish to leave Salem, but she thought that talk will have to wait for another day. She would enter the shower with him and she knew they would make love again , she will not waste any opportunity to be with him in everyway possible.
Sara sighed , swallowed the rest of her coffee and got out of bed, to be with him once more.



Sara had much work to catch up on and got to it right after breakfast. Both she and Jack felt a bit better after their shower and he was whisltling as he went to answer the door. It was a delivery man with a large bouquet of flowers. Jack brought them to her with a frown on his face. Sara herself , assumed that Ben had taken up sending her flowers again. She read the card with Jack reading over her shoulder. Both frowned, Jack ripped the card from her hand to read it over. The flowers were from Lawrence asking Sara to have dinner with him. " You of course will be declining his offer ? " The journalist in Sara wanted to go , but the woman in her felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. " I will be declining. " Jack made her promise not to leave the house until he got back as he had to meet his mother. Jack pulled out of the driveway and drove not towards his mother's but towards town.




Jack took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Ben answered the door and was mildly surprised to see Jack standing there , looking very serious. "We need to talk ," he said as he walked past Ben into the room. " Come on in Jack. Look if this is going to be another stay away from Sara talk , you can just .. " Ben was cut off by Jack's next words. " I think Lawrence is fixating on Sara. " Ben froze for a moment , " Tell me.." Jack took a deep breath , " First we need to keep this between us..Sara would.." Ben nodded , " Yea I know she would flip out. Just tell me ." Jack told Ben about the stash of photos he found of Sara, he told him about the flowers and dinner invitation too. " You broke into his house? You...you and Sara I am guessing..are the annonomus tipster about the shipment tomorrow night. " Jack stood stone faced , " So arrest me..The only thing I am concerned about right now is Sara. Lawrence is unstable , he was obsessed with Carly , now with her gone what if he is looking at Sara as a replacement ? " Ben looked worried and that made Jack very worried. " Look keep her close and I will have someone shadow her. Let Dean know he can pick up the slack when you aren't there , keep in touch and let me know if any thing else happens. " Jack started for the door , Ben stepped forward , " You are going to hurt her , maybe not today or tomorrow but it's coming and I will be there . " Jack shook his head , " You would like that wouldn't you ? You really have a major hero complex , Just do your job and put Alamain in jail , and keep your hands and LIPS off of Sara. "








Sara got to Salem place and found a table , waiting for Ben. " Hello Sara. " The voice behind her belonged to Lawrence Alamain. Sara turned and gave him back a plastic smile , " Hello Mr Alamain , how are you ? " Lawrence returned the smile , " Well I am fine, all the better for running into you. Did you receive my flowers? " He made Sara's skin crawl , " Yes I did thank you . " Lawrence tilted his head , " And the dinner invitation ? Please call me lawrence. " Sara tried to think of a way to answer him, " Well it would help me to answer if I knew why you extended the invitation. " Lawrence took a deep breath , " Why does any man ask a woman to dinner ? It's because I find you intreguing , and dare I say quite attractive. " well that was a quick grieving period she thought to herself , " While I am flattered by your interest I am presently involved with Jack and I think it would be in bad form to except a dinner invitation from another man. " Lawrence stood looking at her ,
" I don't give up that easily Sara , We will speak again , in the mean time I hope you will reconsider my offer. "


" And what offer would that be Mr Alamain ? " Ben had arrived and caught the end of the conversation. " Ahh Agent Todd , I was just trying to persuade Sara to have dinner with me.
We can continue this at another time I am afraid I am late for an appointment . " Lawrence walked away and Ben came up behind him , " Mr Alamain, one moment, " Lawrence turned and faced him, " May I ask why the sudden interest in Miss Jamison, you see, she is a friend of mine and quite frankliy I don't like you. I don't want you anywhere need her. " Lawrence and Ben stared down one another , " Somehow I believe you have no say in what Sara does or does not do , and if you must know , I find her to be a very interesting , charming and attractive woman. She reminds me a bit of my beloved late wife. Now if you will excuse me. " and with that he walked away.



Ben told Sara about the trip and what went on. He told her about the raid planned for the weapons delivery that night based on an anonymous tip. But that was not what he wanted to talk about. Jack had been right to be concerned. " Sara I want you to stay away from him. Let me rephrase that , I don't think it is a good idea for you to be around him. He said you remind him of Carly...not good. " Sara looked down into her mug, " Yea I agree with that assessment. The man is a few cards shy of a full deck. " Ben wanted to drive home how serious he thought this was , " No joking Sara, Please promise me. " Sara looked up at him,
" Wow please? You are serious, I got it stay away from the nut case. " He was satisfied..for now. " So ..what's wrong? You seem off somehow. " Those words made her smile inside a bit. How well he knew her that he could tell something was on her mind. Of course she could not talk to him about Jack. " No..I am good. Listen Ben just...you know...be careful tonight . " Ben squinted and eyed her closely..yea something was wrong but he would not push it, " Don't you worry about me Ace ..I plan to harass you for years to come. "



Jack was there waiting for her when she returned from lunch. Sara walked in and flopped
onto the couch. Jack came over to her from the computer and flopped down next to her. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, " I missed you , " he said softly. " You had promised not to leave until I returned , I was a bit worried. " Sara sighed deeply, " I needed to get going, I had to meet Ben. " She relayed the information she had received from him . He looked down at her , " What are you not telling me Sara? " She paused a moment, " No...no lips were kissed during the length of this conversation. " Jack's body relaxed a bit
" Excellent. " Sara looked up at him , " I ran into Lawrence. " His body tensed again as she told him of their conversation. " Ben is a bit ..uncomfortable with his ...interest in me."
Jack thought of his conversation with Ben. He had not told Sara that Jack had approached him regarding this situation. " Well it appears that Agent Todd and I have finally found something to agree on. You must be careful, please Sara..I have a bad feeling about this..I would like it if you kept Dean or myself close by for a while, Hmm? Will you do that for me? " Sara nodded. " Tell me what's bothering you? " Sara squeezed her eyes closed, " I have a bad feeling too," Jack kissed the top of her head , " About? " Sara didn't want to talk about it. Was the bad feeling about her and Jack , Lawrence or was it about the raid Ben was going on tonight? " Not sure , " she told him honestly. " Can we just lay here together for awhile. " Jack sat into the corner and laid his long legs up on the couch and Sara snuggled in next to him. " Sure we can do that. "




Ben and Bo and a dozen or so FBI agents and police officers watched as the men unloaded crates from the container onto a waiting ship. Ben gave the word and they rushed the men.
It happened in a flash , " Don't move ! FBI! " Everything went wrong after that. One of the men fired on the officers and all hell broke loose. The red blazes coming out of the gun barrels lit up the darkeness of the dock. It was an all out firefight. bullets wizzed past Ben.
Bo jumped on Ben and threw him out of the way of the crossfire. The held positions behind some crates. " Call for backup , " Bo shouted. The gunfire sounded like thunder piercing the night and in the distance the whine of sirens could be heard. It had seemed to go on for hours but it was only minutes. When the sounds stopped the air was filled with the smoke from the guns and the smell of sulfer. One of the agents walked up to the crate that Bo and Ben had been behind, " Oh no..Officers down!....officers down ! Get the paramedics over here ..we have officers down !

[jaysdelina]

Great chapters!I can't wait to read what you have next

[fluffysmom]

Great chapters. Hopefully Bo and Ben survived the gunfire. I can't wait to see what Lawrence does next. I love all of the action scenes...in and out of the bedroom.

[blueyed358]

chapters 71-72

Jack and Sara were laying on the couch in each others arms when Jack's cell phone rang. He looked at the screen. " Who is it ? " Sara asked. Jack closed his eyes and ran his fingers up and down her arm, " Jennifer. " Sara took the phone and opened it, handing it to him, " It could be important. " Jack nodded , " Hello" Jack sat straight up and Sara could hear Jennifer's frantic tone. " All right calm down..We will meet you there..Jennifer ..don't worry I'm sure he will be fine. " Now Sara was sitting upright , " What is it? What's happened? " He looked into her eyes , " Bo and Ben have been shot. The raid turned into a gunfight. Jennifer is on her way to the hospital. I told her we would meet her there." Sara's heart dropped, she had know something was going to happen. She felt a bit guilty as it was she and Jack who had given them the tip. They got up and headed out quickly.



When Sara and Jack arrived at the hospital. Jennifer ran straight into Jack's arms , " Oh Jack.." Jack turned and looked at Sara who was looking at Jennifer. " It's ok..everything is going to be alright. " Sara cleared her throat , " Jennifer , have you heard anything about Ben ? What do you know about what happened? " Jennifer pulled back from Jack and looked up at him for a moment. She told them she didn't know much other than the raid turned into a shootout ending with Bo and Ben getting shot. Hope came around the corner with Maggie and went right to Jennifer hugging her , " Thanks for coming Jen. Well Bo is ok..he got shot in the shoulder. " Sara moved forward , " And Agent Todd? " Hope turned and looked at Sara. She told her that Ben had been shot in the leg and had lost a lot of blood. He had gone into surgery to have the bullet removed but he was going to be fine.. Sara blew out a breath, " I am glad Bo is ok. " Jack told Sara he would call Dean to let him know , he had went down to the dock to get photos of the scene. Hope and Jen moved away to talk and Maggie came forward and asked Sara if she would like to join her for a cup of coffee. Sara was a bit curious , " Sure why not. "





Lawrence was pacing , having heard about the shootout on the docks. " How did they even know about the shipment ? That is what I want to know. " Bentley asked Lawrence. "Obviously we have underestimated the intelligence of Agent Todd, but that will not happen again. Well I believe I will need to conclude my business here in Salem sooner than I thought. Tell the pilot to be at the ready. I will want to be leaving within the week , make arrangements for my arrival and tell them to prepare an extra room. I will have a companion traveling and staying with me indefinitely. " The lawyer looked confused, " A companion ? Who might that be? " Lawrence turned and glanced back at the lawyer, then turned away from him again. " I will bringing Sara Jamison with me. I know we can be very happy together...don't you agree? "




Sara and Maggie sat in the lounge sipping their coffee. Sara eyed the older woman over the rim of her cup. " Sara I wanted to apologize to you for the ..well the way I tricked you the night of the auction...You see I just wanted.." Sara cut her off. " To help your niece. Please this isn't necessary. I completely understand , I am a stranger and Jennifer is family."
Maggie thought about her next words carefully. " Sara , what do you know..really know about Jack and Jennifer and how they came together? I mean I know you and Jack knew each other in college.. but how about if I tell you a story and then maybe you will begin to understand why they are the way they are."



" So how mad was Sara about us spending the night together Jack ? " Jack looked around and took Jennifer by the arm , " I would not say that we spent the night together as much as that we got stuck together. " Jennifer smirked , " Sure Jack" He went on to say that she was not really mad more hurt. Jennifer had to admit she felt a bit sorry for putting Sara through that, she knew how she would have felt had it been the other way around. " We have a great many things to work out . "Jack said. Jennifer nodded , " I am sorry she was hurt , but I will never be sorry for being there with you and for the time we got to spend together. " Jennifer said. Jack sighed and gave her a small smile, " Let's go talk to Hope. " He said leading her by the arm towards her cousin.




Maggie began by telling Sara how Jennifer came to work at the Spectator. " Jennifer was still in college when she interned at the paper. Jack took her under his wing and taught her everything. It took Jennifer all of about 2 mins to fall in love with Jack and maybe five minutes to know she wanted to marry him. At the time Jack was very unpopular here, nobody liked or trusted him, except Jennifer. She saw what nobody else did , she saw past the manipulative , cold hearted person everyone else saw. She could see that he was hurt and lonely. It was as if she alone could see inside his heart, inside his soul. For Jennifer she had already known that Jack was the man she would love all of her life. Jack of course pushed her away constantly, but Jennifer didn't give up. She broke down all his walls and all the defenses he put up to protect himself from being hurt again. After many break ups and reunions they were finally married and divorced and married again. Well my point is that there is more between them then marriages and children. They have this...this bond, and I don't think that it can ever be broken even if they wanted it to be. No matter what happens there will always be at the very least a part of them that will always belong to the other. A piece of themselves that no one else will ever be able to touch.. "





Sara walked down the hall , Maggie's words playing in her mind. She had made herself believe that Jennifer had become part of Jack's life because she was out if his life. Now she wondered if he had met Jennifer while still with her, would he still have fallen for Jennifer?
If they had this "bond" would it have happened anyway , was Jack truly meant to be with Jennifer and not her? " These were things she needed to consider now because she could feel the end of this Alamain threat coming close , what then ? "




Sara opened the door to Ben's room slowly. She stood over him and tears stung her eyes. She did love Ben and they had something together too. It would never be what she had or felt for Jack but was it fair to judge every other man or relationship on that. No two relationships were the same. She had turned her back on countless other men throughout her life , secretly waiting for someone who would never come. When she found herself finally happy with Ben and he asked her to marry him, that little voice inside the back of her head started to think about Jack once more and what would she do if he came to her and she was married. Then Robert was gone , and with him the final piece of evidence that she did have a brief life with Jack. She knew Jack loved her had always loved her but this time around she had him by default. Sara admitted what she had already known, what Dean and Angela and even Ben had all tried to tell her at one point or another.
If Jennifer had not been so hasty in divorcing Jack she never would be in his bed or in his life the way she was right now. She was brought out of her thoughts at the sound of moans. Sara looked down on him, she was relieved he was alright, she could not stand another major loss in her life. The sorrow of Ben being hurt and they way she had kept him at arms distance all these years and the reality of her relationship with Jack played across her face. Ben looked up at her and could see sadness in those large blue eyes glistening with tears. " Don't worry Ace I am fine," but he could see it was more than that, "everything is going to be alright. You will see it will all work out . " Sara gave him a slightly sad smile , " Yea...I know. "








Sara knew that she and Jack must talk, but tonight she wanted to shut out everything else. Dean and Angela went out for dinner, she would be leaving tomorrow for Iraq and then they were going to spend some time with Ben. Sara sent Jack to pick up dinner she had ordered from the local Chinese take out place and a bottle of wine. She lit candles and put on some music. Then she went to get changed. She chose a black silk tank dress, knee length with high heels that wrapped around her ankles. She applied a small amount of make-up and some perfume. She kept her hair down , knowing that was how Jack had always preferred it. She went down to the living room , having set up in there for dinner , shut the remaining lights and waited for him to come home.



Jack came into the house announcing, " Dinner has arrived, " looking around at the romantic setting Sara had created his heart started to beat fast, " Sara?" She came out of the kitchen carrying two glasses. " Hi." she said. His eyebrow raised and a slow smile formed on his lips. " You look...great. " Sara returned the smile , " Thanks , I hope you don't mind eating in here. " Jack just shook his head. All he could see was the way the silk clinged her curves and the smell of her perfume. Suddenly Jack was not so hungry but he was going to let Sara take the lead tonight, something that always excited him. Sara started to fix the plates but stopped , she had a better idea. She stood up and took Jack's hand and moved them from sitting on the floor to the couch. She sat Jack down and picked up a container of food. She climbed into his lap , facing him. She picked up some of the Lo Mein and started to feed him. Jack slid his hands up her legs and rested them on her hips. He took the food and started to feed her . He watched her as she tilted her head back and opened her mouth to take in the noodles. He ran his fingers down her throat. Sara decided they could eat later. The feel of his hands roaming her body pushed all other thoughts out of her head. He was all she wanted . She pulled his shirt up over his head and her hands glided over his chest. Sara began kissing his neck , then his face and then his mouth, " I want you Jack , I want you to make love to me. " Jack smiled into Sara's neck , " What a coincidence..That's exactly what want as well ." Sara stood up and slid the thin straps of her dress off her shoulders and the silky garment slid to the floor. Jack stood and removed his pants and lifted Sara up . Her arms around his neck , he laid her down on the couch . He removed her panties and and stretched out over her. Wrapping his arms around her he kissed her hard and passionately. " Sara , " he whispered breathlessly and then he made her is own.




It was mid afternoon when Jack left to meet his mother for lunch. Angela had an eight o'clock flight and the foursome was going to have dinner together before she left. They were in the living room when the bell rang. Sara answered to find Lawrence there with two large men. " Good afternoon Sara , may I come in? " he asked as he walked into the house. Dean stood up " What the hell are you doing here ? " Lawrence looked at Dean and the turned around to face Sara . " I know I am a bit earlier for our dinner engagement but ....well you see I couldn't wait. " Sara stood with her mouth open , " We don't have a dinner engagement. I am afraid I must ask you to leave..Jack will be home any minute. " The smile melted off Lawrences face. " What a pity you wont be here to greet him . " Lawrence grabbed Sara by the arm , she pulled her arm free and slapped him. " Don't you EVER touch me again. Now get the hell out of here." Dean pushed Sara behind him and Angela put her arm around her. " You heard her get the hell out." Lawrence turned away from Dean and the large man to the left of him hit Dean in the head with the butt of a gun. Angela dropped to her knees to her husband's side. " I had hoped you would not make this difficult Sara , you WILL come with me right now or my friends will hurt your friends...both of them. Sara looked down at them then back to Alamain. She nodded weakly. " No Sara , don't " Angela shouted . Lawrence titled his head towards them and his men grabbed Angela and Dean and bound them covering their mouths with duct tape. " Come along now Sara. " He placed his hand on her back and she pulled away. " Behave yourself. " He extended his hand toward the door and with a backwards glance to her friends Sara was gone.





Jack had phoned his mother telling her he would be late having forgotten his wallet. He had turned the car around and as he turned down his block the limo cruised by him. He entered the house calling out to Sara . " Sara , I forgot my wallet . Why don't you come with..." He froze as he entered the living room . Angela and Dean tied together , blood running down the side of Dean's head. "What the hell?." he started to rip the tape off " Are you two alright? Oh god..where is she ?..Where is Sara?"


Sara sat in the corner of the limo, her mind racing. she had quietly tried to open the door but they were of course locked. How was she going to get herself out of this? If he thinks she is going to be compliant he was sadly mistaken.



Jack was frantic , he dialed the number he knew he had to call. " Ben..he has her..Lawrence has Sara."

[fluffysmom]

I can't wait to see how Sara gets away from Lawrence. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[jaysdelina]

Oh boy this isn't good.....Jack's gonna go postal trying to get to her.I LOVE all the action,and yes,I even loved Maggie explaining Jack and Jenn's connection to Sara.Very nicely done.I can't wait to read more

[MrsM]

Wow. This is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blueyed358]

chapters 73-74






Jack paced waiting for Ben and Bo to arrive. " I don't understand any of this " Angela stated,
" Why Sara? " Jack stopped and faced her , " She reminds him of Carly I think. Dr Manning could be quite.."spirited" . Carly and Sara both have stood up to him , declined his affections . That and factor in the similar hair color was enough for his warped mind to become fixated on her. " Jack explained , the frantic tone of his voice seeping into every word. " Yea , I agree with you Jack" Bo said as he and Ben came through the door. Ben had a slight limp nothing too bad. " You ok Dean ? " Ben said looking at his friend. " Yea , I didn't even see it coming. " Dean explained. " Well..where do we start looking. I say let's go over there and ..." Jack cut Dean off " She will not be there , of that I am certain." Jack looked at Ben , his face displayed every emotion Jack himself was going through, " What are you thinking Ben? " He looked up into Jack's face , " I am worried. We don't know how far off the deep end he has gone and taking into consideration Sara and the way she responds to being bullied..He has the potential to really hurt her. We need to find them..and find them fast. " Hope and Jennifer walked into the living room.." This may help," Hope said , " These were delivered by messenger to our house and Jen's. There is one there for you too Jack sent to Jen's." Jennifer walked over to Jack and placed her hand on his arm , " Are you ok? " He looked at her blankly , " No ..no I am not . That maniac has her." Jennifer nodded , she knew full well what is was to be held by Lawrence. For the first time though she could see what Jack must have been going through when he could not get her out of the situation she had gotten herself into. Bo read the the notes they were an invitation to dinner at a restaurant outside of town. " Wasn't this place abandoned? " Bo asked his wife. " Yes..but it has been recently renovated. I guess we know by who now. " Ben's cell rang, " It's Donovan, Hello...I don't really give a dam about that right now..Sara is missing and Alamain is stepping up over here , you need to get down here. Yea ok . " Ben told Shane about the recent developments. Ben informed them that Hamed had gotten away from them but a search was underway. " Well let's go over to his house anyway , " Ben said " You never know what we can find out. Then we need to figure out what we are going to do about those invitations. " Jennifer will not be going that's for sure. " Jack stated. " Jack..I want to go.." Jack turned to her, " It's not enough that he has Sara , you want to serve yourself up as well? "


Jack and Dean, Ben and Bo headed over to Almain's house. Jack was alone in his thoughts,
thinking of Sara and what was happening to her, he had not even had time to tell her that The Times had called offering him a position as editor , her editor in fact as Brian had put in his retirement papers. So many decisions to be made. What about Jennifer? Then of course there were the children. No..all he could think of now was of her and finding her. Then he thought again of Jennifer , she would be stubborn he knew. She would insist on attending this bizarre dinner invitation, curiosity winning out over common sense he thought. They pulled up to the former Deveraux mansion. Ben turned around to face Dean and Jack, " Here we go. "




Sara paced the spacious room that she was locked into. She had already tried the door and now she went to the windows. Even though she knew she was on the top floor of this building she was willing to risk it. She pulled back the curtains and found bars on the window. Placing her hands on them and puling she mumbled , " Son of a ....." How was she going to handle this she wondered. Of course he was out of his mind but should she appease him ? Should she make him believe that she would behave herself? The door unlocked and Lawrence walked in with a maid carrying a red shimmering gown and matching shoes. The maid hung it up on the back of the bathroom door and walked out. " I brought you something to wear for this evening . I also took the liberty of buying you some clothes and toiletries . We can always do some shopping later on. We will be dining early I am afraid as I have a very important meeting to attend." Lawrence crossed the room and began to rub Sara's cheek , " Yes you will look quite lovely in that gown. " In that split second the decision of how she would handle this had been made. She slapped his hand away from her face , " I told you don't ever touch me again ! You know for a second there I actually considered playing nice. I however am not some twenty something scared naive young girl. She tried to play that game with you didn't she? We both know how that worked out don't we? " Lawrence had a sick grin on his face , " I would never presume to confuse you with Jennifer Horton. You will be ready in an hour Sara. " As he walked to the door Sara said , " Don't hold your breath. "




" Mr Alamain is not here. " The butler told them. " Well where is he? It's imperative that the FBI speaks to him..NOW " Ben said. Jack pushed past the butler , " We are wasting time , " He raced into the den then the living room. The butler told them that Mr Alamain said to allow them to search the house if they so wished. Then he asked who Agent Todd was. "I am . " Ben said with a question on his face. " This is for you. " He handed Ben an invitation just like the others had received. " This is turning into quite an event, well you heard him boys ..split up, let's tear this place apart. " Ben had to believe they would find her , Hang on Baby..I am going to find you. "




Lawrence came back in exactly one hour. Sara of course was not dressed and sat on the edge of the bed. " You disappoint me Sara . Now get up and get ready for dinner. " Sara stood and crossed her arms in front of her , " If you think that I am going to play dress up for you, ..you are sadly mistaken " Lawrence's face went still , his eyes cold and lifeless. " I think you WILL do as you are told. " Sara laughed at him, " I never have and I am certainly not going to start for you. You really do have more than just one screw loose don't you. "
Lawrence moved quickly slapping her across the face and then he was on top of Sara on the bed , his hand around her throat. Speaking through a clenched jaw, he said" You will do this..you will change or I will change you myself ! " Then loosening his grip his voice a bit softer, " I am doing this all for you..to keep you safe . All will be explained at dinner. Now please , get changed. I will be back in ten minutes. " He pulled himself up and adjusted his jacket and tie and left the room. Sara sat up and rubbing her throat gasped for air. She wiped the blood from her lip. She knew she had no choice but to change, she wasn't about to let him see her naked that was for damn sure.




Having found nothing at the house they headed back over to Jack's. Ben sat stone faced in the passenger seat, and Jack was in full blown panic mode. " What the hell are we going to do ? I say we go over to that lawyer's office and get him to tell us what we want to know." Dean looked at Bo and Ben , " I agree with Jack, let's go..the longer we wait..." And Jack finished his sentence for him " the worse it is for Sara. I won't let him hurt her the way he did Jennifer. I am telling you both right now, if he lays one hand on her I will kill him. " Bo looked at Jack in the mirror, " Take it easy Jack..we are going to find her. " Then looking to Ben , " Looks like we are going to a dinner party huh? " Ben turned to Bo " Looks like it. "
Jack snapped " Are you two out of your minds ? We need to be ripping this town apart not attending some set up . " Ben spun around and faced Jack , " You don't think we know that Jack ? We have no choice but to follow this through. We just have to have a plan..work through all the scenarios. " Then in a low voice that cracked with emotion , " I am scared to death at what he might to do her. I promise you he will pay for this..I will make sure of it. "




Sara sat opposite of Lawrence and listened to him explain how his business associate Hamed , was getting worried about Sara . They had found out she was looking into him and had killed the private investigator she hired to do some leg work. Sara's eyes glistened with tears at the memory of Peter Morello..she had used him many times before and he was a tough old guy.. former NYPD. She was now responsible for his death. " I told him I would handle you ..So I shall. We will have a wonderful life my love. " He placed his hand over hers , " You give me sensations I have not felt in a very long time. " Sara pulled her hand back , " The only sensations I get from you are that of my skin crawling. " Lawrence began eating, " That will change in time, of that I have no doubt . Eat your dinner before it gets cold. " Sara looked at the seafood feast in front of her. She pushed the plate away and said, " I detest seafood. " Lawrence grinned at her " Well then something else perhaps. You need to eat we have travel plans this evening. "





They all arrived together..safety in numbers they thought. Ben and Bo and Hope , Jack and Jennifer all entered the dining room and looked around. Jack was hyper. He was sick with worry over Sara and now he had to take care of Jennifer besides. He walked over to Ben and spoke low , " How long are we going to play this game. Let's just grab him and make him tell us where Sara is. " Ben too was jumpy , wanting to get to her. " Jack I feel the same way ..but one wrong move and it could get her killed. I know this is hard for you..believe me , it is for me too..just let Bo and Hope and I handle this, it's what we do. I love her too , I am not going to let him get away with her . "



Lawrence had Sara in the limo , " Now you just wait here my love , I wont be too long. Try not to miss me , " kissing her on the head. Sara pulled away " Don't worry..I wont. " he exited the car and went into the building through the back. Sara could not see outside and had no idea what was going on. She pulled on every handle , pushed every button she could find, nothing opened. She began to bang on the windows , shouting for someone to hear her...unfortunately it was the limo driver. The center window came down and the driver had a gun, " Shut your mouth or I will come back there and shut it for you. " The window slid back up , " Well that was a very cliche remark. " Sara said to nobody. She needed to think..she had to get away from him.




Lawrence made his entrance , " Good evening all , I am so please you could make it here. Please have a drink. " Waiters came around with glasses for everyone. Ben leaned into Bo and Hope. " A little over kill on the waiters , don't you think. " Hope looked around. " Eight waiters for five guests , I'd say. " Ben walked over to Jack, " Keep Jennifer close ,I think things are going to get ugly fast. " Jack nodded and whispered into Jennifer's ear. " And now a toast. To the end of a vendetta ," He raised his glass but they all just looked at him. Ben watched as the waiters began to take positions around the room, effectively surrounding them. Jack stepped forward , unable to wait.. " I don't care about any of this..I want to know where Sara is ..now ! " Lawrence gave him a catlike grin , " Now Jack there is no need to worry about Sara , she is just fine , I am going to do everything in my power to see to her happiness. We are to be married you know. " Ben made a move towards him and the waiters came forward guns drawn.." Over my dead body." Jack said " Exactly, let's just get to the point here shall we? Bo..you started all the problems in my life by butting into that argument with Katerina. I lost her because of it and then she slept with you , wanted to marry you. I tried to get even with you for that only to have Steve Johnson get in the way. " Jack moved towards him but was pushed back by one of the waiters, " Please Jack , I do not wish to be interrupted. As I was saying I am sorry you brought your lovely wife here , she had nothing to do with our business I can only assume that you and Agent Todd thought an extra gun would be needed, speaking of which.." Lawrence's men came forward and relieved them of their weapons. The five exchanged glances Jennifer grabbing onto Jack's arm. " Now then where was I, oh yes, the lovely naive Jennifer. You ruined me with that trial. It was your own stupid actions that brought you to me, did you really think you could put one over on me. You were a stupid child . Then there is you Jasper. You and Donavan getting those men to give evidence against me. All for the love of a woman who replaces you every chance she gets. I was going to kill you but then I realized that she would not really suffer that much. So I decided to kill her, then you would suffer too probably the rest of your life. Then you surprised me Jack. You went and found another woman , I never would have expected that. But then if you hadn't I never would have met Sara and for that I am grateful. Agent Todd I am sorry to have to include you in all this , but you see I saw the way you looked at her, that day in Salem Place, I knew you would never leave us in peace. ' While Lawrence was speaking metal shudders were being locked over all the windows and doors.


Sara searched the limo for something , anything that might be used as a weapon , she looked through the bar and there it was...a corkscrew. " This should do nicely ," she whispered, slipping it into her bra. She knew Jack must be crazy with worry and she was sure Ben was as well. She knew they were looking for her, she would just have to do what she could to stall or if possible get away on her own.





" What the hell is going on Alamain ? " Bo asked . " Well Bo I am afraid you are all going to die here tonight in a horrible fire. " Jennifer wrapped her arms around Jack , " Oh Jack ! What are we going to do? " He held her tightly , " It will be alright , we are going to get out of this. " Jack looked at Ben and Bo . Ben turned to Lawrence " You murder us and what ride off into the sunset with the girl ? That will never happen. Sara will never just go along with you." Lawrence looked at him , " She will come around , I can be very persuasive , isn't that so , Jen? Well I am sorry but I must be going now , Sara is waiting . " Then looking at Jack with that sick little smile on his face , " I told you Jasper I never lose. "



Lawrence watched as his men set fire to the building locking the others inside . The men rushed the door as smoke began to fill the room. " Wet the napkins with water and wrap them around your mouths!" Ben yelled. The fire spread quickly, the men tried in vain to break through the windows. The smoke and heat taking their toll on all of them " Bo ! look out " Hope yelled as a piece of the ceiling fell. " Jennifer come here! " Jack yelled . She ran to him and he wrapped his arms around her covering her head, trying to shield her. " I love you Jack ! I have always loved you..only you.I never really wanted anyone but you. From the first time we met I had known something was different about you. I knew that you would be everything to me. Thank you for loving me the way you did. " He kissed her head , " Jennifer , I want you to know, you saved me..from a lonely loveless life. Without you I never would have known how to give my love to my mother and Steve and Adrienne. You gave me the greatest joys of my life..our children. You gave me everything. I have always loved you, you know that . " Bo and Hope stood huddled in a corner Jack and Jennifer in another and Ben , he moved around the room trying to find a way to get out.


Lawrence stood outside watching , his eyes glowing from the light of the fire , with a smile on his face. " And that is the end of that. " Sara could make out the light outside the car, but she was unaware of what it was. Lawrence got into the car as he heard the first sirens approaching. " Let's go ," He told his men. When he opened the door Sara saw the flames, " What the hell is that ? Lawrence what did you do? " Lawrence settled into his seat turning to look at the orange glow in the window. " I just settled some old business."



Ben could hear banging , then he saw the shudders moving, " Hey , come over here! " he called over to the others. They pushed as someone outside pulled. Another piece of the ceiling came down " Hurry !" yelled Hope , " Push , everyone push ! " she called out. The heat and smoke and flames taking over the room. Finally the shudder was freed and Dean and Shane were standing there to pull them out.



" What do you mean you settled some old business ? Tell me ! Tell me what you did? " Sara pleaded with him. Something inside her knew already but she need to hear it. " You don't need to worry my love , it's all over. Jack and Agent Todd will never bother us , at least he died with his beloved Jennifer. "





Jack got Jennifer to the paramedics , " Wait Jack where are you going ? " Jack looked at her , the crease between his eyes deep , " I am going after him , after Sara. " Ben grabbed Shane , " I need a couple of pieces and a car , NOW ! Get some cars over to the airport , he has to be heading there. Check every hangar and all the private planes. " Shane handed him his guns , " Take this road out over the bridge , the airport is about 45 minutes away , good luck. " Just as Ben was getting into the car the passenger door opened and Jack got in. " What the hell are you waiting for ? Let's go ! "


" There up ahead , those lights. " Jack pointed to car coming up in front of them. It was the first car they had even seen on that road. Ben had been driving 90 all the way. They approached the vehicle , " That's it ! " Jack yelled , " It's his limo. " They had just got on the bridge and Ben gunned the engine catching up to the limo and ramming it and slamming it into the guardrail, effectively pinning it. Ben handed Jack a gun , " Here you may need this . " Jack looked at the gun in his hand and nodded , " Come on , let's get her back . "

[fluffysmom]

Wow. Great chapter. Poor Sara being trapped with that psycho. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

[jaysdelina]

Love Jack and Jenn's confessions to eachother,and I absolutely LOVE Jack being the hero

[MrsM]

Can't wait for the showdown!!

[blueyed358]

chapters 75-76



Ben and Jack jumped from the car. Ben shouting " Driver let me see your hands ! Jack go to the back door. " Jack pulled on the handle , " It's locked , Sara ! Sara answer me. " Sara looked at Lawrence his mind was racing, " Jack! " Then he was on her covering her mouth, " Shut up! I have to think " Jack was pounding on the door , screaming her name. Agent Todd was approaching the car from behind. " I need to take out Agent Todd, " He said,
" Jack would never stand up against me without backup." Ben was now coming around to the front of the car , his gun on the driver, " let me see your hands now or I will shoot! " The driver raised his hands , he had no weapon. Ben approached the car , Lawrence told his driver exactly what he wanted him to do. The driver got out of the car and when Ben went to cuff him he swung around on him, a struggle began and as Jack looked up to see it, the back door swung open knocking Jack to the ground as his gun fell from his hand and slid off the bridge. Lawrence had his arm around Sara's neck and was practically dragging her across the pavement, " Jack , go after them. " Ben yelled . Jack jumped up and ran toward them.




The driver was getting the better of Ben. He grabbed Ben by the hair slamming his head into the pavement several times. Ben pushed his gun under the car and used both hands to choke the man, bringing his knee up into the man's groin. Ben scrambled to get on top of the man who was larger than he was. Getting on top of him he used a choke hold that rendered the man unconscious. He cuffed him and ran after Lawrence. Turning his head while running he saw the two coming up on him fast. Lawrence did the only thing he could think of , he lifted Sara up over the guardrail and held her leaning her back as though he meant to drop her. " No ! " Jack screamed. Ben approached gun drawn , " Pull her back in Lawrence , Agent Todd will shoot you , you know that . " Jack tried to reason. Lawrence's eyes were wild , He would not lose to Jack Deveraux again he thought. " Back off Agent Todd , I don't wish to harm her , but I will if I must. ' Then without turning his face from the two men he spoke to Sara , " I am so sorry my love , it seems they will not let us alone. " Sara wrapped her leg around a skinny bar just below her. " Kill him Ben , take the shot , end it now!" Jack looked from Sara to Ben. He could see Ben was swaying , his head bleeding ,and he guessed his vision was blurred. He knew he could not take the kill shot , he looked at Jack, " No .." Jack spoke softly , " No..don't do it. " Ben rubbed his leg and nodded at Jack, who knew he was going to shoot Lawrence in the leg. Jack tried to inch his way closer to them , " That's far enough Jack, Agent Todd seems to have a head wound , he is not going to take the chance is he? " Sara's heart was racing , Why didn't she ever learn to swim she thought.



Ben's arm swayed , " Please , please don't take her away. " he mumbled to himself . The gun going off as he started to pass out. The shot missed Lawrence but Sara reached into her shirt and stabbed him in the side with the corkscrew, he yelled in pain and released Sara sending her backward off the bridge screaming. " SARA!!" Jack yelled as he covered the distance in two long strides. He looked over the edge to find Sara dangling from her leg over the water 10 stories up. " Jack ! Help me ! " Jack called back to her " Hang on I'm coming. " Before he could swing his leg over the rail, he heard a sick scream and turned in time to see Lawrence leap on top of him. The two rolled around punching and kicking. " I am going to kill you Deveraux..I HATE YOU!!! " Lawrence had Jack pinned down , he could still hear Sara's screams for help. Lawrence raised his arm , he had the corkscrew in it. Jack knew he was going to stab him with it , he struggled to get control. He heard Ben call his name, turning his head he saw Ben sliding the gun toward him. It was in reach but to get it he had to release a hold on Lawrence , in effect allowing him the opportunity to stab him. Jack had only seconds , he had to go for the gun...



He stretched his arm out as Lawrence raised his arm with the corkscrew " Time to die Jasper!" he growled. Jack stretched for the gun " Ahhh!! " Just as Lawrence was on the down swing Jack grabbed the gun bringing it up to Lawrence's side and pulling the trigger. Lawrence froze and fell on top of Jack , who taking a breath pushed him off and ran to the edge of the bridge. Just as he reached the edge , he heard him again running toward him, arm raised , face twisted in anger and pain. Without hesitation Jack pulled the trigger two more times sending Lawrence backward , hitting the rail , the force hurdling his body over into the river below.



Jack pushed his fear of heights down and scrambled onto the small ledge , " Jack ! , " Jack took hold of Sara's leg and extending his hand down told her " I have you , reach your hand up to me . " Sara bent herself at the waist and grabbed Jack's hand and he pulled her up to the ledge. Then he helped her over the rail, following her. Both collapsed onto the ground holding each other, " I seem to recall you were afraid of heights .." she said breathless and hoarse from screaming , " True...I seem to recall you can't swim. " He said gasping for air, " Also true . Hey Jack.." Jack , head back on the rail , " Yea ?" Sara smiled ,
" Your my hero. " Jack chuckled and turned to kiss her stopping at the sight of her. Her lip was swollen and she had bruises in the shape of his hand on her neck. " Oh god..what did he do to you? Did he...did he.." She of course knew what he was trying to say, " NO, Jack no he didn't hurt me like that. " Jack rubbed his fingers over the bruises then her lip, speaking softly he asked, " You wouldn't lie to me , would you ? " Sara touched his face , "Have I ever ? " Jack shook his head , " No. " He kissed her softly , but Sara pulled him in hard and passionately. " I love you Sara , " She pulled back slightly " I love you Jack. " Jack pulled back.." We need to go check on Ben. "



As Ben was loaded into the ambulance he took Sara's hand , " You sure you're ok Ace ? " Sara nodded, squeezing his hand , " I'm fine. " Then turning to Jack he extended his other hand , " Nice work Jack, Thanks." Taking Ben's hand he shook it, " Thanks ." The ambulance pulled away and Jack and Sara stood on the bridge holding on to one another.






Two days had pasted and the reports finally stopped calling and standing around outside the house. " Reporters are such vultures. " Jack said mockingly. Sara laughed. " I know..parasites. " They both had been avoiding the talk they knew was coming . Sara had told Jack that tonight they needed to talk , he agreed but the lump in his throat had remained all day. The only think that was easing it was knowing his children will be arriving any moment. " You must be so excited . " Sara remarked Jack smiled , " Yes , I have missed them very much. "


Dean and Angela waited to leave , wanting to see JJ before they left. Jack told them that he wished they could stay. " I have to get back to the city , besides with Angie's assignment put off a few days we could settle back in before she leaves again. " The door bell rang and Jack looked at Sara with a big smile. " They are here ! " Jack ran to the door.



Steve leaned down to JJ and whispered in his ear , " Now you remember what I told you to say right? " The little boy nodded , " You sure it will make Daddy laugh? " Steve gave him a big grin, " Of course it will little dude, I know my brother. " Steve stood to his full height and Abby leaned into him, " You are terrible Uncle Steve ! " Steve gave her a " What me ? " look and rang the bell. Jack opened the door and his smile died on his face, his mouth dropped open and his eyes opened wide as he looked at his son. Little JJ was wearing a black leather jacket and an eye patch. He ran to his father " Daddy ! Oh wait I mean , Big Dude ! " Steve had taken a picture with his phone , " Kayla was dying to see the look on your face. " he said laughing. Jack pulled the eye patch off his son, hugging him tightly,
" I have missed you and your sister sooo much ! As for you , " he said looking at Steve, " I think a restraining order might be needed. " Steve wiped a tear from his eye , he was laughing so hard. Jack put JJ down and Abby came into his arms , " Daddy I am so glad you are alright. I missed you so much. " Jack hugged her squeezing his eyes closed , " I missed you so much as well. " The children came into the house and Steve stepped inside and closed the door. When he turned around Jack was standing there , " Steve , I can never thank you and Kayla enough for taking care of the kids like you did." Steve looked at his younger brother with a gleam in his eye. " You just did, I sent that picture to Kayla she couldn't stop laughing. I sure am glad things ended the way they did. I would have been really ticked off If I had to hunt him down for hurting my baby brother. " He grabbed Jack's face between his thumb and fingers and squeezed Jack's face , a move Jack had by now become accustomed to, " I am real glad you're ok Billy Jack. I am proud of you. " He dropped his hand and pulled Jack into a hug. Jack said nothing , but the smile on his face spoke volumes.




JJ ran into the room wrapping his arms around Dean's and Angela's legs then ran to Sara and hugged her too. " I missed you all very much. " Sara's eyes welled with tears , " We missed you too Jack. " Abby approached Sara , " I'm glad you are ok . " Sara gave her smile and placed her hand hand on Abby's arm , " Thank you Abigail , that means alot . "

They ate pizza and listened to Steve and the kids tell them about everything they did with the Johnson's. After dinner Abby was on her cell and Steve was listening intently and nodding his head as Jack relayed the events of that night. JJ was just about to go play video games with Dean when Sara stopped him, " Jack come here a minute , I have something for you. "JJ walked over to her with his head tilted to the side , just like his father does she thought. " For me? " he asked. " Yes for you. " Sara took his hand and led him to the front door. She handed him a large box. " Open it. " she told him . Jack watched them as he spoke to his brother. His heart feeling very heavy for her. JJ opened the box and inside was a metal box like the one Sara had her memories in. JJ looked up to her as she spoke to him. " This is your very own memory box. I already showed you how I label things but you can come up with your own way. " JJ gave her a big smile , " Wow..thank you . Let's go outside a get a rock. " He placed the box on the floor and took her by the hand and pulled her outside. Sara thought her heart would burst , he was so much like Robert was at that age. He scoured the ground trying to find just the right one, and then he saw it. The small stone was white with brown veins running through it and it was completely smooth. " This one , I want this one. " Sara smiled sadly , " Then that one it is." She turned to go back to the door and he took her hand , stopping her. Tugging on her hand he pulled her down and wrapped his arms around her. " Thank you so much Sara. " Then he took her hand again and pulled her back inside. Jack watch her as her eyes followed JJ as he left the room. Sara swallowed hard and wiped her cheeks and taking a deep breath walked back into the living room with a smile on her face.


Dean and JJ were playing video games when JJ told Dean that tomorrow night he would show him the new game Uncle Steve bought for him. Dean looked at his wife who gave him a sad smile. " Listen little buddy , Angie and I are leaving tomorrow. " JJ didn't even stop playing , " Oh..when are you coming back home " Both Dean and Angela felt a piece of their hearts break off. " Well that's the thing Jack, we are going back to New York , to our house. " Now JJ stopped playing , " What do you mean? You two and Sara live here with Daddy and me now. " Dean took a deep breath , " Well we were staying here with you , but we live in New York. That's where we work and live. " JJ looked up into Dean's eyes and they had tears in them , " But I don't want you to go. I thought we were all going to be a big family." Dean got tears in his eyes and rubbed the boy's head. He looked to his wife to help him as he was unable to speak. Angela sat on the other side of JJ. " We are a family Jack and we always will be , but sometimes families live far away from each other you know like Uncle Steve and Aunt Kayla do. " JJ wiped his eyes and put his head down , " I understand . But ..I am going to miss you very much. Will you call me on the phone? " Dean had wipe his own eyes , " You bet and we can still play games together online. Let's set up an account for you right now and I will show you how to use it. We can call and make plans to meet and play together ok ? " JJ looked at both of them " Promise ? " They both answered him together , " Promise . "



Steve had left for Jo's and Jack was getting ready to bring the kids to Jennifer's. Jack and Sara stood staring at one another. " I will be back right back .' Sara nodded , " Sure , I will be here when you get back. " JJ came to her his eyes red and watery , " Who will I eat waffles with , " he whispered. Sara sighed loudly , " Your Daddy will have them for me with you , I promise. " she kissed his cheek and then the top of his head. Then JJ ran out to the car. Jack knew she would be returning to New York tomorrow as the paper had summoned her back. But what had yet to be discussed in Jack's mind was when she would be coming back or what they were going to do next. He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her so walked over to her and swept her into his arms , kissing her soundly. " I love you , I will be back soon . " After the door closed behind him , she whispered " I love you too. "




Jennifer hugged her children close to her. " I have missed you two . I have been so lonely without you. " The four of them sat in the Horton living room as the children replayed their story to their mother. Jack listened to it again with a small smile on his face, but his eyes were troubled, Jennifer thought. When the kids went upstairs to settle in she sat next him on the couch. " What is it Jack , What's wrong ? " Jack sighed loudly. " I need to get back , Sara and I need to discuss alot of things. I got offered a job. " He blurted out. " The Times called me and asked if I would be interested in being an editor. " Jennifer felt her heart fall to her feet , but still she had to acknowledge the magnitude of the offer. " Wow..Jack. You must be thrilled by the offer. Are you considering it ? " Jack got up and paced the room. " I don't know. I mean it is a HUGE honor to be offered this prime position but...how can I consider it ? " Jennifer knew he was torn , not only between taking a job he would have done anything for , a job that validated his skills as both reporter and editor , but torn between Jennifer and the kids and Sara. " Only you can answer that question Jack." He nodded , " I need to speak to Sara , I will call you tomorrow ok? " Jennifer gave him a sad smile , " Sure Jack , what ever you want. "




Jack pulled up to the house , he wanted to go in to be with her again , hold her but he did not want this talk. He wanted to just continue on like it had been. He knew of course that was not possible. He entered the house and they were all sitting in the living room. " Hey"
he said . The foursome sat and talked for a long time. Dean and Angela excused themselves for the night leaving Jack and Sara alone.


Jack held her to him , " Wainsworth called me , It seems your editor is retiring and he offered me the position. " Sara lifted her head and looked at him , " He knows talent when he sees it , I mean it Jack . If he called you himself, that's high praise. " Jack leaned back . "Don't I know it. " Sara put her head back on his chest. " But you aren't going to take it are you? " Jack closed his eyes and swallowed , " I haven't decided yet. " Now Sara closed her eyes , " No you aren't going to take it. We both know that. " Jack kissed her head , " What are we going to do ? Why don't you stay here..in Salem ? " Of course he knew how ridiculous those words were as soon as they left his lips. She was a Pulitzer winner and working at a small local paper was professional suicide. " And do what exactly Jack? Work for the Spectator and cover housing problems and flower shows. You know I could never do that. " Jack's mind was racing. " The Times could give you assignments and you could leave from here to do them. " Sara shook her head , " I am a staff reporter Jack , if I was freelance maybe but not all my articles take me out of country . I do investigative reporting on city and state issues too . " Jack squeezed his eyes closed, the crease between his eyes deep, waiting for the words he knew were to come next.