Jack and Sara : A New Beginning (Read 9,320 times)

[gapeach]

Wonderful chapter!!

[fluffysmom]

Love the action and excitement. I hope they get some info from the one who lived.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 128



The ambulance drove away through the rising flood waters, the lone surviving gunman inside, fighting for life. The police drove Ben, Robbie and Steve back to the penthouse. It took over an hour to go forty blocks. The last few blocks the police car could go no further and they had to walk the rest of the way. They had to battle fierce winds and walk through cold water that was rising quickly. The police had given them flashlights to guide them as the power was out through much of the city. When they finally made it they stopped in the lobby to catch their breath. The doorman told them that the generator was running but would not last much longer. Robbie knew that in his weakened state Ben could not climb the stairs to the penthouse. They decided to chance it and take the elevator. Just as they reached the front door the power went out. Sara and Katie were there waiting and they were ordered to go and change. They sat at the table and ate by candle light as they filled them in on what was going on outside. Then they told them what happened before they made their way there. " What were you thinking? " Sara asked Ben, who rolled his eyes. " I wanted to flush them out, I didn't expect these two to come out in this storm." Sara shook her head and Jack stood hands on his hips, " It's a damn good thing they did." Steve cleared his throat, " Well.. first we have to hope that guy lives and we can get some information from him. Then we need to figure out what are next move is going to be." Robbie went to find his cell phone to try and call the hospital, " As soon as we get our phone service back, we call Sanchez and his boys and get the protection back and we find someplace safe to.." Ben stood up and put his paper plate in the trash, " No..no protection..I know what I have to do. I can't stay here, if I do someone else could get caught in the crossfire. I have decided to leave New York."



" Okay, where are we going and when do we leave? " Steve asked. Ben shook his head, " You aren't going..I need you to run the investigation, I need someone on the inside of the Bureau and you are the only one I can trust. " Jack stood and walked over to him, "You know he is going to want to go with you, what do you intend to do about that...sneak off without a word to him? " Ben lowered his head, " That thought had crossed my mind. " Sara and Jack exchanged glances, they both knew what had to happen. Sara placed her hand on Ben's arm, " You can't do that Ben, it would devastate him and then he would come after you, " she said as she studied his face, "but you already know that..don't you?" Ben nodded slightly,"Yes.." Jack stared at Ben, then looked at his brother, " I don't know if you have considered this or not but..with you gone that would paint a giant target on his back..wouldn't it?" Steve looked at Jack, " It could, everyone at the Bureau knows what Robert means to you and they saw first hand what you mean to him, they could come after him to get to you." Jack turned back to Ben, " I can't believe I am saying this but..I believe he would be safer with you." Sara squeezed Ben's arm,"I agree..you would never let anything happen to him.. not to mention you need someone with you..to help keep YOU from taking stupid chances." Ben sighed, " I know..That's why I had already decided to take him with me..I just wanted to talk to you..both of you.. about it first. But there is something else to consider too. If they know how much Robert means to me..then they know..about Sara too. I want Sanchez's men to shadow you. " Sara opened her mouth and Ben held up a hand, " We can't try and stay one step ahead of them and figure out who is behind this, all while worrying about YOU." Jack looked at Sara, " He's right..they could come after you if he takes off and they can't find him." Sara nodded, " Alright..if it will help." Ben gave a sad smile, "It will..can you go get the kid..I want to layout my plan to everyone." When she left the room Ben turned to Jack, " It's all set up already, they have been tailing her for a few days now, asking was a necessary formality." Jack smiled, " You are lucky she hadn't spotted them before you told her. "



" Relax Kid....you are coming with me." Ben said as Robert jumped out of his seat. " Oh...all right then." Then he turned to see Katie staring at him. Ben laid at his plan and what they would need to have before they can leave. " We need at least 5 burn phones, I want to be able to get in touch with any of you if I need to and vice versa, but the contact has to be kept to a minimum...and money..we need plenty of that too. Robbie..you will have to go to the bank and take that out, your name is on my account so that won't be a problem. You can meet with Sanchez and pay him for his services and that way if anyone is following you..that's what they will think the money is for." Katie spoke up, " I can get the phones..no one will be watching me." Robbie smiled and then looked at Ben, who nodded, "That would be great Katie..thanks.I would like to be on the move by weeks end." Jack was pacing, " How are you planning on getting out ? " Ben blew out a breath, " Still working on that one." Jack stopped pacing and smiled, " I believe I have the solution..I know how to get you out of New York."



Dean got back and after he caught his breath from climbing the stairs to get to the penthouse, he changed his clothes and showed them his photos. " Oh my god..I can't believe this is New York." Sara said hand over her mouth. Dean told them that the outer boroughs were far worse. " A buddy of mine sent me a few pictures from Brooklyn. I couldn't believe it. They said that Seaside Heights in New Jersey was destroyed." After a while they told Dean what had happened and what their plans are. " What about me? I want to go with you. We have been hunting together I am good shot..you know that Ben. " Ben shook his head, " Forget it..I am only taking him to keep my eye on him. No, you stay here and help Steve and Sara and Jack with the investigation." Dean knew now was not the time to argue so he let it go...for now.



Robbie found Katie in the kitchen giving Max a cookie. " Hey..you okay? " he asked softly. She nodded, " I am going to miss you." Robbie felt guilty. Since meeting him, her life has been filled with shootings and nightmares, death and near death. Was he selfish to want to keep her? " Katie, I don't know how long we will be gone. I don't expect you ..to wait around for me. Besides..I have brought nothing but trouble to you..you deserve better." Katie studied his face, " Are you breaking up with me? " Robbie looked down at the floor, " I want you to have a happy...safe...life. I just want the best for you." Katie smiled and stepped close to him, " The best? Well I already have the best..and I have no intention on letting him go...unless he doesn't want me." Robbie took her in his arms, " He does...want you, always." She cupped his cheek with her hand, " I love you Robbie." The words made him sigh, " I love you too." He leaned down and touched her lips, softly at first then with conviction.



Jack disconnected from his call, all the plans for Ben and his son's departure were made. With any luck Sunday they would be on there way to parts..hopefully unknown. Then the clock would begin ticking and they would need to find who was behind all this..and find out fast..





" I would take you with me too if I could." Ben said softly as he stared into his glass. " Promise me .." she began but was cut off. " I will protect him Sara..with my life." Sara shook her head, " I know that..but promise me you will take care of yourself too. You are still..not completely healed..I want you both back safe and unharmed." Ben smiled, " I promise. I need you to promise ME that you will be careful..always be alert. " Sara promised, this was no time for her pride, she couldn't have them being distracted by worrying about her, that could cost them their lives.

[fluffysmom]

Great chapter. I hope Robbie and Ben can get out of the city safely. I don't know that any of them will be safe until the man is caught.

[gapeach]

Can't wait to see what Jack's plan is to get Ben & Robby out of New York,

[blueyed358]

Chapter 129



It took longer then a week to put the plan into action. Half the city was still without power. Sara, Jack and Dean were busy covering the aftermath of "Sandy". Sara was hoping to get up to meet with Rossetti by the end of the week without telling Ben. She knew that if Jack had been upset by the idea, then Ben would be ballistic. Ben, Steve and Robbie were trying to gather a list of suspects when Steve got a call from the boss, Olson had been seen in Baltimore. "Great...just great." Robbie said as he paced. " Maybe not...it will give us a place to start looking..I mean what's in Baltimore?" Steve said looking at Ben, " Baltimore is awfully close to DC." Ben added.



When the others arrived they were told of the most recent developments. While Sara had a great dislike for Agent Olson she was sorry for the position he was now in, being framed and hunted, she thought. After they got Ben and Robbie out of New York they will have to fast track the investigation. " Katie picked up the phones today," Ben said as he handed Sara, Steve, Jack and Dean their phones. " Remember as little contact as possible. We will call when we get where we are going, then only emergencies and information..got it? Jack are we ready with the travel plans? " Jack took the phone, " Yes..and I have some disguises for the two of you as well." Ben cringed and Sara tried to hid a giggle. " Oh man, I hate disguises." Jack smirked, " I rather enjoy them myself..regardless they are necessary."



The night was dragging by so Robbie suggest playing poker but Jack was not happy, " I don't like card games" he said with a frown. " I think we have Monopoly" Robbie offered. Both Dean and Sara began shaking their heads, " No way," Sara said,staring at Jack. Ben made a face, " I'll pass, I'm not the board game type. Jack smiled, " Why not..afraid of losing?" Sara and Dean sighed. Ben laughed, " To you? " Jack raised an eyebrow, " The gauntlet has been thrown...I should warn you however, I am very good at this game." Dean leaned over to Sara, " Maybe we should take Ben's gun away now...before it's too late."



Twenty minutes later and Ben was purchasing Boardwalk. Jack frowned , " I already own Park Place..." Ben smirked, " Yeah..I know." Sara sighed and leaned over to Dean, " And so it begins..." Both Dean and Sara shot Robbie a look, he shrugged his shoulders and mouthed "sorry."



Two hours later and Steve was snoring on the sofa, Dean had quit and retired to the arm chair with a smirk as he watched the others. Sara was yawning at the table and Katie sat with her head on Robbie's shoulder. She was fascinated by the determination that these two grown men showed at trying to best one another. " Cash me in too.."Sara said with a yawn, "I can't see straight. You know..we should all get some sleep..tomorrow is going to be a long day." Jack looked at Ben , " You are right of course..as soon as Ben sells me Boardwalk.." Ben laughed, " I'd rather cut off my arm." Jack frowned, " Very well..." Dean got up to go to the bar and whispered in Sara's ear, " Should I wrestle the gun away from him now? " She looked up at him, " Yeah..and give it to me..I might want to use it myself.



Three hours into the game and Jack had bankrupted both Robbie and Katie. " I will give you one thousand dollars for Boardwalk, then you can buy more hotels for your other properties..hell I will even throw in Reading Railroad." Ben rolled his eyes, " No..stop asking me..I am tired and cranky and I am seriously beginning to consider shooting you." Jack eyes grew wide. Steve mumbled from the sofa, " Just wound him, then maybe we can all go to sleep, besides, killing my baby brother will put a real damper on our friendship." Jack swung around and stared at his brother, " Well thank you for your concern. " Steve smirked and opened his eye, " Don't mention it." Dean sat in the arm chair eyes closed, " Oh please Jack..it's not like it's the first time someone playing this game with you has plotted your demise." Jack raised an eyebrow, "What? " Sara chuckled, " I still think the ' Murder On The Orient Express' scenario would have worked." Katie asked what that was and Robbie explained that it was an Agatha Christie novel. "Basically,someone is murdered on the train and there are a lot of suspects and all the clues point to different people . Hercule Poirot figures out that they all stabbed the victim and there is no way to determine who actually struck the fatal blow..so they all got away with it." Jack glared at Sara, " Angela no doubt..she was always a Christie fan." Sara smirked," Actually..that was my idea, she just wanted to strangle you."



Three hours and forty five minutes, Sara had gone to bed, Dean had joined Steve in snoring and Katie and Robbie were asleep on the floor with Max next to the fireplace. Ben began yawning. "Okay..let's count out and see who won..I'm exhausted." Jack smirked, " Not until you sell me Boardwalk. " Ben squinted, " I am not selling you Boardwalk..start counting Jack." Ben started counting and Jack hid a yawn. " Two thousand..and I am sure I would still have more than you." Ben and Jack stared at each other. "Are going to count out or not?" Ben said holding his money. " Not.." Jack said with a smirk. Ben nodded, " Okay...have it your way.." Ben walked over and picked up a candle from the coffee table. He lifted up the "Boardwalk" card and showed to Jack, then he set it on fire. Jack jumped up mouth open, " What the hell are you doing? " Ben dropped the flaming card into a glass of soda. " Don't worry...I'll file an insurance claim in the morning." Robbie sat up and squinted, " I smell smoke.."



After everyone went to bed, Robbie and Katie cleaned up the mess. " You can take my brother's room, Ben is in mine." he whispered, not wanting to wake his sleeping Uncles. " Aren't you coming with me? " she asked seductively. Robbie chuckled. " A very tempting offer.." he said softly. She leaned up and pulled him into a long, inviting kiss. When they separated she took his hand and began leading him inside. " You're serious.." Katie smiled sweetly, " Come along..you need your rest." Robbie stopped short and tugged her hand, " I can't...not here." Katie giggled, " Why not? Everyone is sleeping..you can slip out and sleep in another room later." Robbie's eyes grew wide, " My mother is two doors away..let me reiterate that...my MOTHER. " Katie shrugged, " So..she would never know.." Robbie frowned, " I would know.." Katie asked him "Didn't you ever sneek a girl into his room when you were younger." He looked surprised, " NO !..Well not in my room at mother's apartment anyway." Katie looked confused, " Well where then? " Robbie chuckled, " My room in Ben's apartment."



Sara awoke in the early morning while the others slept. She drifted through the house silently and stopped at her son as he slept curled up on the arm chair. Dean must have went off to his room and Robbie took the chair. She smiled to herself that he was not in the room with Katie. How typical of his personality that was. She leaned down and brushed his hair from his forehead softly. As she started to walk away Robbie reached out and caught her hand. " I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean to wake you." she whispered. Robbie tugged on her hand and she sat on the coffee table opposite him, " What are you thinking? " he whispered. "That you look like a little boy when you are sleeping. " she said with a squeeze of his hand. " Mom...don't worry, you'll see me again... I promise." They looked at each other, knowing what the other was thinking. When Robbie shipped out those were his last words to her before boarding the plane. Robbie smirked, " Sorry" Sara stared at her red painted toes for a moment. " I am going to miss you so much, I'm just scared of losing you again." He tugged on her hand again making her look up at him, "Come on..I am going to have a human assault weapon watching me 24/7..what could be safer? " Sara chuckled, " True.. You are going to have to be the level headed voice of reason..you do know that ? " Robert sat up and pulled her into an embrace, "When am not ? " Sara choked back a sob, " Please stay safe..I love you with all my heart Robbie." He kissed the top of her head, " I love you too Mom..I love you too."

As Sara headed back to bed she passed Jack's den. She could hear movement so she cracked the door open and saw Ben. He was shirtless with sweat pants on and bare feet that walked the floor. She watched him in silence, unnoticed. Her heart stopped as she could make out the many scars that criss crossed his smooth broad chest and back in the dim light of the desk lamp. He stopped for a moment and she smiled at the familiar movement he made, hand on his chin he cracked his neck first to the right then to the left. Then he saw her. "Hey Ace..What are you doing up? " Sara came into the room, "Worrying...the same as you." She sat on sofa and pulled her legs up. Ben sat on the other end and tossed the blanket over her. "Thanks" she mumbled. " I have been wondering if I am making the right move bringing Robert with me. It might be best if I go alone...it might be less of a chance for collateral damage." Sara sighed and shook her head. " No..we have been through this already. He is safer with you and you need adult supervision." Ben raised his eyebrows, " Is that right? I don't know about that..but it will make me more cautious.. if that's what you're getting at." She nodded, " It is." He looked down, " Just so you know..If I think things are getting too hairy..I am going to take off on my own. I made him swear he will not come after me and that he would return home immediately." Sara opened her mouth and he cover her lips with his finger, " It's the only way." Ben dragged his finger slowly across her face and moved the hair from her eyes, " Things have been different between us since that little train ride, haven't they ? " She nodded, " Yes.." He went on, " We are closer...or is that my wishful thinking ? " Sara sighed, " Now is not the time for this discussion. " She looked up and their eyes met for a long moment, which Sara broke first. " You need to get your rest, bacon and eggs for breakfast? " Somehow he felt like he had just had a small victory of sorts. " Sounds great." Sara sat a moment longer, stalling he thought, " Say...who won the game." She asked desperate for neutral conversation. Ben smiled, " I'm not sure..I however have an arson claim." Sara looked confused so Ben explained. " No..you did not do that ." He told that he in fact had. Sara covered her mouth to stifle her laugh, " Oh poor Jackie...I wish I could have seen his face though.." Then her face went sad, " Angie would have loved that." Ben nodded slowly, " Most definitely. I miss her...a lot." Sara took his hand, " I know..I feel ...lonely without her. Sometimes I forget..you know? I have this issues I need to talk to her about, things I can only tell her and then I realize she isn't there. No late night talks over coffee and cookies." Ben placed his hand over their hands and rubbed it with his thumb, " What issues Sara? " She shook her head and pulled her hand free, " I can't.. dawn will be here soon, you need to get some sleep." She stood up and went to the door. "Sara? " he said as her hand touched the door handle, stopping her. She turned and looked at him, " There won't be time alone tomorrow, can we just say goodbye now? " She gave a slight nod and he walked over to her taking her into his arms and wrapping them around her tightly. He could feel the dampness of her tears on his chest as he rubbed the back of her head. She pulled back, head down. He took her chin with his hand and raised her face. Then he held her face in his hands, " Don't worry Baby..everything will be alright." She tried to smile and nodded slightly, " I know..just come back home" she said in a voice just above a whisper. Something overtook Ben, he knew..they both knew, they may never see one another again. He pulled her close and kissed her, long and soft then filled with love and passion and to her surprise ..she kissed him back. When he finally released her, she turned and walked out of the door. Halfway down the hall she stopped and pressed her back to the wall, covering her lips with her fingers.



She slipped back into their bedroom and climbed gingerly back into bed. Jack put his arm around her waist. " You said your goodbyes then?" Sara sighed, " Yes" Jack moved closer, " Are you alright?" Another long sigh escaped her, " No" He tightened his grip, " This will be over soon Sara and then everything will be back to normal. " Sara turned and looked into those blue eyes, " Will it? Will things ever be normal again Jack? I am afraid..I have this pain in the pit of my stomach..something bad is going to happen. I can not lose another person I love..I just can't" Now Jack was worried, Sara was never afraid or showed fear. He would not take her gut feelings lightly. He knew how good her instincts were. " Then we will need to work quickly and get to the bottom of this before they can make another move." Jack rubbed the dent on her chin. " I love you Jackie" she said. " I love you , Sara"



And she did love him, she knew that without question and she would never be unfaithful to him.She lay there staring at the ceiling while jack slept. Why then were these nagging feelings for Ben surfacing. Was jack right? Was it possible to love two people at the same time, but on different levels? She wanted to blame it on Angela's death and Ben's shooting but she knew better. Ben was right...it started on that damn train. She would push it to the side, as she had been doing, push it aside and focus on the task at hand. Get rid of this most recent threat, and maybe Jack will be right. Maybe everything will go back to normal..or so she hoped.

[fluffysmom]

I love seeing Sara's conflict. She's so scared that Robbie and Ben could be killed. I really liked Robbie being respectful to his mom and sleeping in the living room chair.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 130



Sara was up early. She started the coffee and began frying bacon. The kitchen door opened and Ben came in yawning, wearing a tee shirt and sweats. "Coffee is ready" Sara said over her shoulder. "Thank god.." he said as he poured a mug. "Sara..before everyone gets up..well..when this is over, we need to have that discussion you didn't want to have last night." He watched Sara put a plate of toast on the table and she gave a small nod, "Okay." He took her hand, " Don't look so sad" She took a deep breath and squeezed his hand then turned back to the stove. " Want some help? " he asked.



When Robbie came into the kitchen he found Ben brewing coffee and filling a carafe and Sara turning bacon. It reminded him of Sunday mornings when he was a kid. "Feels like Sunday.." he muttered making Sara and Ben smile. "Coffee?..." he asked holding out a mug. Ben chuckled, " You sound like your mother." Sara snorted, "This coming from the man who was thanking God for coffee a few minutes ago." Robbie watched them closely, something was odd but familiar all at the same time. Dean came in stretching, " Mmmm bacon" he said taking a piece from the plate. All three laughed at him and Sara slapped his hand when he went for a second slice. "That's enough..wait for everyone else." He held out a mug to Robbie, who rolled his eyes but poured him his coffee anyway. Jack walked in with Max on his heels. His hair was wet and he wore jeans and a blue pull over sweater. "Good morning everyone." he said as he glided over to Sara and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her cheek. " Coffee?" Sara smiled, "Yes..on the table." Jack poured a cup and sat down at the table. " I am taking egg orders.." Ben said spatula in hand. Sara protested and Robbie added, " He makes better eggs then you do Mom...nobody does bacon like you though." Dean agreed. Sara looked at Jack, " Is there something wrong with my eggs? " Jack sipped his coffee, " Well seeing as how I am the only one who has never had agent Todd's eggs and you are my wife I can not answer that question truthfully." Then as he brought his cup back to his lips, " however I would take the fifth either way. " As they all sat eating breakfast, Ben asked Jack if everything was ready, " Yes..I will be leaving at Twelve..You, Robbie and Dean should head out at least an hour before me. Steve will be tailing you. " Jack went over the plan again and his instructions. Ben was frowning, " Something wrong? Have I overlooked something? " Ben shook his head, "No..that's why I haven't said anything. I think you have a good solid plan..I just hate wearing get ups. " Jack smirked, " With lord knows how many people out there tailing you..it's a necessary precaution." Robbie agreed and reluctantly so did Ben. Jack looked down at his plate, " These eggs are very good." After breakfast they went over their bags and made sure they had the money and the phones. " We will get the rest of our gear at my place." Ben said as his cell phone rang. All eyes were on Ben as he smirked and then waived his hand dismissively as he answered the call. " Well..if it isn't the little woman... I'm fine cupcake...no, I am not lying...yes..today.. ...yes we have plenty of cash....that too...No, I decided to bring the kid with me....No, they agreed with me...I will get that stuff at my place before we leave....Absolutely not...Billie..Billie..it will better if it is just the two of us but I do appreciate the offer....Yes, I'll call if we need help..I will be keeping in contact with them, when we can....That's sweet cupcake but don't worry, we'll be fine...well..we can talk about that when this over .. I will...you too." Ben closed his phone and turned around to find Sara and Robbie looking at him. " That was Billie..she wanted to come with us." he said to Robbie, then he glanced at Sara, " She will probably call you guys for updates."



Robbie stopped in the hallway and put his suitcase down, and pulled Katie close to him. " I will call whenever I can. Try not to worry..I will be back, unharmed..I promise." Katie looked up into his blue eyes and smiled, " I am not worried, you and Ben will take care of yourselves and each other." He kissed her passionately, " You are really amazing you know that? I love you Katie." Katie sighed, " I have to be..my boyfriend is exceptional, I love you too."



Max growled and ran to the door, " The guards have arrived, you two ready? " Jack asked. Robbie walked over and held his mother close, whispering into her ear, " Please..please..be careful Mom. Don't take any chances and never go anywhere without the guards okay?" Sara nodded, " I will...Please come home, take care of yourself..and him." He kissed the top of her head then her cheek. " I love you Mom." She pulled him back into her hold, " I love you honey, so much." Jack came back into the room, "One is waiting outside the door the other two out front." Robbie waked over and stuck out his hand, " take care of my mother and Katie" he said as Jack took his hand. "I will.. not to worry, " Jack said as he pulled him close into an embrace, " You take care of yourself..please." Robbie returned the hug, " I will Dad..take care, I will see you soon. " He started to walk away and then stopped and turned back to Jack, " Please tell Jack and Abby I'm sorry I couldn't say goodbye...and tell them that I love them." Jack frowned, " I will." Ben shook Dean's hand and hugged him, "Keep your eyes opened my friend." Dean patted Ben on the back, " Yeah..you too." Ben walked over to Sara , " This is it Ace..I'll see ya around. " Ben put his arms around Sara's waist and hugged her, " No unnecessary risks Ace, promise me..I want you safe" he whispered. Jack could see the pained look on Ben's face but could not see his wife's face. " I promise...you take care of him Ben. Be careful...please be careful." He kissed her forehead, " He will come back, no matter what happens, he will be back. I love you Sara..always remember that. " He pulled back and started to walk away when she hooked his hand, " No more flesh wounds Benjamin...I mean it." He smiled and winked at her, " Count on it Ace. " Ben approached Jack and shook his hand, " You take care of her Jack..and if you have the time..watch your own back..and Steve's. " Jack smirked, " I will do that..you take care of Robert for us. " Ben turned to Robbie, " Okay Kid..let's rock and roll."



The two men watching Ben's place noticed a panel truck for a construction company drive into the parking garage. " This is it..I bet they are here to do work on Todd's place. He will probably be arriving soon too. " They other man huffed, " Good..man I have got to pee." The driver's cell rang. " Okay..thanks.. well I called it...he's on his way." The passenger asked if he was alone. "No..he's got his kid and that photographer with him. They have luggage too..looks like they will be staying here now."



They left and headed to Ben's. " Okay..we got a tail." Steve told them over the hand held radio. " Good" Ben said to Robbie, " Let the games begin.." Robbie chuckled. They got to the apartment and Steve parked a block back. He got out and walked to the corner, keeping eyes on the two sedans on the block. He reported to Sanchez that one car drove away, covering the back of the building. Sanchez already had a pair of men back there, and they picked them up. " It's like a damn convention around here" Steve said into the radio. Ben chuckled at that. They spent the next hour gathering gear. Shotguns, ammo, hand guns, night vision goggles and scopes all packed in cases. "Let's not forget these" Robbie said handing Ben the bullet proof vests. " Most definitely" he said placing them in the final case. The cases were brought down into the garage by an undercover guard. Then they were placed in a Fedex truck and driven away. The construction crew arrived and began work on Ben's apartment, with them was a case. in it were coveralls and baseball caps, along with wigs and fake beard and mustache. " I want the goatee, I have been thinking about growing one..this way I can see what it looks like, here you can have this. " Robbie said as he went through the case. " Look's like a Magnum PI mustache" Ben said as he held it up with his thumb and index finger. Robbie looked up at him, " Who's that? " Ben frowned, " Tom Selleck..never mind."



Sara paced from right to left and Jack paced left to right. Max sat on the floor and his head went from side to side watching. " You really think this will work..I am getting those butterflies in my stomach again" Sara said. Jack sighed, " It will work..Ben thinks they can get at least a two day start on them, so we better start getting our story straight." Sara frowned, " What story? We can honestly say we have no idea where they are." Jack stopped and looked at her, " Neither one told you where they were headed..really?" Sara stopped too and looked at Jack, " No..." Katie came out of the kitchen with coffee for all of them, " I don't think Robbie knows yet either or at least that's what he said." Max sat up and ran to the door. " Phase two.." Jack went to the door, " Right on time." he said as he stepped aside. " Thank you again for doing this." Jennifer walked in and took off her coat, " Don't be silly Jack, I am happy to help in anyway I can. " Sara took her coat, " Well let's sit down and have some coffee, we have about a half an hour before you have to leave."



Dean left them , and walked down the street. They had switched to ear pieces fearing the radios might get picked up. Steve told him he was clear as he went down the subway. He took the train one stop and came up and got into a car. Sitting in the driver's seat was Jack's secretary Barbara. " Thanks for helping me out Barb." She smiled at him, " This isn't going to get me into trouble with Jack is it? "





Robbie and Ben went downstairs and loaded tools into the construction van. They drove out of the parking garage and headed for the tunnel. Steve waited a few minutes then took off behind them, " You guys are clear.." Robbie smiled, " Excellent..we'll see you soon, let us know if anything changes." Ben ripped off the mustache, " So far so good.."



Sanchez's man guarding Sara told Jack there was a car down the block watching the apartment , as he opened the door for Jack and Jennifer. "Thanks" Jack said as they climbed into the limo and headed out of the city. " Who's the blonde ? " one man asked. " Deveraux's ex-wife, they are business partners on a local paper in their home town." The man reported to someone on the radio and he was told to follow them. One of the men on Ben's place would take over for him. The passenger got out and went into the pizza place across the street and sat at the window..watching as the other man followed Jack and Jennifer. " I can't believe this Jack..so he has no idea who is behind this? " Jack told her they didn't but once Ben and Robert were out of the city they could investigate with more dedication. "We will probably still have people watching us but..they will be busy looking for them." She asked how he was handling all this. " I want my son safe and he wants Ben safe. So like it or not we are all involved." Jennifer stared at him, " And Sara ? " Jack frowned, " Sara had not yet gotten over the train incident then was hit with Ben's shooting and Angela's death. She is trying to be strong, I only hope nothing more happens. I am not sure if she can take it."



Steve met them under an over pass in Brooklyn. He switched vehicles with them , giving them an airport van. Inside Robbie changed into a uniform and Ben asked where his was, " No costume change for you..this is for you." Ben looked at the large trunk used to store food that was brought onto an airplane. " Oh hell.." Robert laughed, " Relax..it won't be for long, once on board you can get out in the cargo hold and then when they taxi you can go into the cabin" Steve explained. Robbie asked about their gear, " Already there and on the plane." Ben smirked " Excellent..and the other passenger? " Steve handed them a cup of coffee each, " Already on the way.. you two better get going, I will be behind..watching. Benjamin," he said shaking Ben's hand, " Take care of yourself and my nephew. Don't worry man, we'll get to the bottom of this..count on it." Ben smiled " yeah..just watch yourself, I like having a partner again." Steve laughed, " The feeling is mutual." then to Robbie, " Stay safe Robert" he said as he hugged him. " You too Uncle Steve..watch out for my parents."





Robert drove the van into JFK. He had the fake papers and was allowed into the hangar where the private jet was waiting. Jack and Jennifer arrived, and they exited the limo. "Everything is in place then? " he asked. " Yes Jack for the hundredth time..I arranged for the plane to take off under an assumed name to wherever they want to go from Salem." Jack stopped at the steps of the plane, " Thank you again for this Jennifer." She smiled at him, " Please let me know if there is anything else I can do." She said as she took the fake folder from Jack's hand. Jack leaned down and kissed her cheek, " I will..safe trip."



While Jack and Jennifer talked near the steps to the plane, Robbie came into the hangar wheeling in the dining cart. The man that had been tailing Jack watched from behind a fence with binoculars. He reported all he saw into a headset. "Big crate for a small plane" he commented. "Deveraux always has food and drinks brought on board for the Ex and crew and whoever else is on. So far it all sounds like business as usual. Wait until the plane taxis and then come on in. "





Jennifer was on board and Robbie went to the rear of the plane. He pulled down a cargo ramp and began wheeling the cart into the plane. At the top of a the ramp a man wearing the same uniform as Robbie took the end of the cart, " Here..let me help you with that." he said. Robbie kept his head down, " It's okay..I got it..thanks anyway" The man walked around Robbie and closed the hatch. Robbie pretended to secure the cart as the man approached him.





Jack watched the plane until it took off, on the way home he picked up a Christmas tree and phoned his brother. " Well I dropped Jennifer off at the airport and I thought I would surprise Sara with a tree trimming tonight. If you and Kayla aren't busy maybe you would like to come by." Steve knew Jack was being cautious, " Yeah , sure that would be great, say about seven? Are the kids going to be there or did they go back with Jennifer ? " Jack smirked," No kids this trip, all business."



The top of the case opened and Ben stood up, " What the hell took you so long..I was beginning to think you forgot about me. " Ben looked at Robbie who nudged his head forward, urging Ben to turn around. Ben turned his head and saw him, " Hello.." he said. " Damn it Dean what the hell are you doing here? "



Jack and Sara were fixing the tree up and Sara had some snacks baking in the oven. " You are very quiet...I am sure everything is fine. Jennifer will call when they land." Sara nodded, " I am sure everything went off perfectly, you planned it all down to the last detail. Jack..I need to tell you something...something that happened last night when I said goodbye to Ben." Jack sighed, " Is this the confession that he kissed you ? Because honestly Sara, I would be more surprised to find out that he didn't. " Jack's cell phone rang, " It's Barbara " he announced. " Barbara...Yes?...WHAT ! ...He did , did he?....No..no..I am not angry with you...Yes I know exactly where he went ...not to worry, thanks for the call. " Sara asked what that was all about. " You are not going to like this."





Jennifer watched as Ben paced, " You are going back to New York as soon as we land in Salem you sneaky...." Dean laughed, " Ahh ahh..I prefer resourceful and the hell I am." Robbie asked how Dean managed to get on board on his own. " I have learned a few things over the years. How do you think I got out of Bosnia? " Ben flopped into a seat. " Look..like it or not I am here and I am going to stay with you two, I have to help you. " Dean said adamantly. " They killed my wife..and if they get you..she would have died in vain and I will not let that happen." Ben blew out a breath, " Good thing I brought extra money."





" I guess I can understand why he did it." Sara said. Jack nodded as he removed some glass ornaments from a box. " Yes..I do as well." Sara sat down, " Jack...about what i mentioned before.." Jack frowned, " I don't need to hear how he tried to kiss you..it's okay. I know..." Sara blurted out.." I kissed him back this time." Jack froze a moment, " I see...what kind of a kiss? " Sara looked down at her hands, " A ...a Jennifer kiss." Sara heard a loud pop. Jack had squeezed the glass ornament in his hand shattering it. " Oh..Jack..you're bleeding..let me see." Jack pulled his hand from her, " I can tend to it myself." Sara followed him into the bathroom. " It's your left hand, you are not going to be able to use a tweezer to pull the glass out ...please let me help." Jack took a deep breath and held out his hand, yelping when she poured peroxide on it. " I know you are angry with me.." Jack flinched, " I am beyond angry , that's why we will not speak of this now, I may end up saying things I don't really mean...it will have to wait until our guests leave." Sara pulled a piece of glass from his hand, " But Jack.." Jack squeezed his eyes closed, " LATER Sara. "





Jennifer had gotten lunch served for them and as they ate she asked Ben how he was feeling. She made small talk with him and told him she would like to help in anyway she could. " Thank you, you've done enough really, but I will keep that in mind." Jennifer smiled sweetly, " Good..perhaps when this is over you will grant me an interview..for the Spectator. We can do it over dinner." Ben stared at her for a moment, " Sure..why not." Jennifer got up to get them more coffee and Robbie shook his head. " What?" Ben asked. " You aren't going to do it right? She wants to scoop Mom. " Robbie pointed out. Ben nodded, " And I like annoying your father, sounds like a win win to me." Dean turned to Ben, " Hey..where are we going anyway ? " Ben put his head back and closed his eyes. " Big Timber..that's the name of the town" Robbie looked at him as he sat there. Ben looked sad he thought, " And where exactly is that? " Ben took a deep breath, " Montana. "

[gapeach]

So glad that Dean is with Ben & Robbie. Dean was right... he needs to be involved with this!

[fluffysmom]

I like Dean joining them. Using Jennifer to help was an unexpected twist.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 131...sorry it took so long..I had a rough few weeks..



Jack and Sara unwrapped the ornaments in silence, the only sounds coming from the soft Christmas music playing. She gulped down her wine as she watched him, scowl on his face and his left hand bandaged. Sara opened her mouth slightly and without looking up he said, "I told you..not now." Max got up and ran to the door, " They're here" Sara said softly. "Obviously" was all he said. Sara put a fake smile on her face as she opened the door, " Hey shortstuff.." Steve said as he leaned over kissing his sister in-law on the cheek. Kayla kissed Sara on the cheek and studied her face, whispering, " Is everything all right? " Sara smiled and nodded.



" What happened to you Jackson? " Steve asked his brother when Jack handed him a drink. " I broke an ornament..no big deal. " Sara glanced at Kayla, " I think there might still be slivers of glass in it." Jack took a deep breath, " I said it's fine,Sara." Kayla walked over to him, " Let me take a look at it Jack" she said holding her hand out to him. Jack pulled his hand back quickly, " No..no...really it's fine." When he turned away Steve and Kayla exchanged glances. Each knew that he did not want the physical contact with Kayla. While she was unsure how she felt about it she knew they needed to keep moving forward. She took a deep breath and chose her words carefully, going with a bit of humor to lessen the tension. "Oh give me your hand you big baby." Jack's eyes grew wide when she grabbed his hand. Sara could see how uncomfortable both were but a small smile crept across her and Steve's faces at Kayla's efforts, which did not go unnoticed by Jack. He swallowed hard and followed her lead, " I am not a baby, I am merely sensitive to pain." Kayla told him he did have more glass in his hand and Sara brought her a pair of tweezers. "OUCH!" Jack yelped. " I haven't done anything yet , Jack." Kayla said shaking her head. " I know...I was just practicing."



They spent the next hour eating, drinking and decorating the six foot Christmas tree. " This really is a beautiful tree Jack" Sara said as she admired their work. Still he would not look at her, " Thank you" he said curtly. Sara stared at him a moment, then went to the kitchen, " Who wants coffee and dessert?" Kayla followed her, " Let me help you.." Sara leaned on the counter and blew out a breath. She turned on the coffee pot and took the cake boxes to the table. Kayla placed her hand over Sara's, " Okay..what's going on Sara? "





" Will you PLEASE sit down and get some rest? " Robbie said as he rubbed his forehead. Jennifer watched them over the top of her book. " I can't...Look at him sleeping like a baby." Ben said as he glanced and Dean who was snoring softly. "You should try it. " Robbie said. Ben frowned and began pacing again. Jennifer saw the worry on Robbie's face as his eyes followed Ben. He sighed loudly, " Well..I would like to take a little nap but I can't with you wearing a hole in the floor. I am sure Jennifer is getting dizzy watching you too." Ben stopped and looked at Robbie. then at Jennifer. She looked at Robbie then at Ben and shrugged slightly. Ben flopped into a seat, "Fine... want to take a nap..we'll all take a nap. You know who naps? Old people and babies...that's who naps. " Robbie grinned and sat back closing his eyes. After ten minutes of silence he opened his eyes and glanced at Ben, who was fast asleep. He smiled and got up, placing a blanket over Ben. "Nicely done." Jennifer said softly. Robbie offered her a bottle of water and sat down next to her, drinking from his own water bottle. " Thanks.. He has to rest..he isn't fully recovered yet, though he would never admit it. " Jennifer gave him a sad smile, " He means a great deal to you.." Robbie looked at him, " When he came into our lives..everything changed. He spent time with me..just the two of us..and we went fishing and camping. We worked on restoring a car that he later gave me when I got my license, he even taught me how to ride a horse. All the kids assumed he was my Dad and I let them." Jennifer was staring into space, thinking. She felt sorrow for him that he had not had his father growing up. She thought about her own son and wondered how hard would it have been for him to grow up without Jack. She remembered how she had felt after her mother had gotten sick and she lost her..and then how she was sent away. " I can understand that. Ben is an impressive man... it must have been difficult for you at times growing up without a father." Robbie turned and looked at her. " Mom and Uncle Dean were great but Ben he showed me what it was like to have a real father. All that came flooding back to me when I saw him fighting for his life. " Jennifer nodded, wondering where that left Jack.



Kayla sat quietly as Sara told her story. When she was done, Kayla covered Sara's folded hands with her's. "What are you going to do? " Sara shrugged, " Argue I guess, hopefully he will calm down first. But here's the thing how do you explain something to someone...that you can't understand yourself?" Kayla shook her head slightly, " I don't know..but I think you need to ask yourself...are you still in love with Ben? " Sara sighed, " I still love him, but I love Jack more than anything and I would never leave him. " Sara tried to explain to Kayla what happened between them on the train. " You have been through one traumatic event after another. the two of you could have been killed, and then he was shot, then Angela's death. You haven't had time to heal. Give yourself a break, you might be feeling things that are solely based on what happened, you might still be living in those moments. You have to let go of them. Do you understand what I mean ? " Sara smiled, " Yeah..basically I need to deal with what happened and as Angie would have said.. get a grip and move on." Kayla chuckled, " Exactly. Sara....why did you tell Jack ? I mean..if you aren't thinking about leaving him...why tell him about it? " Sara shrugged, " It felt like more of a betrayal not to tell him."



Jack's cell phone rang, "Hello...that's great...yes thank you again Jennifer. Of course..we are still going to have an early Christmas with the children,,,,yes..okay see you then." Steve stood hands on his hips, " Well? They land in Salem all right?" Jack nodded, Yes everything went off perfectly. Jennifer waited around to see the plane take off as well." Steve smirked, " Good, we have two maybe three days before they realize that they are gone. I got a lead on Olson, I am going to follow up on it tomorrow. " Jack frowned, " The Baltimore angle? " Steve nodded, " Yeah..I am going into the office tomorrow and snoop around see if I get find a starting point, then I am catching a train to DC." Jack exhaled, " I'll go with you. Before you say no..we both know you can use the help." Steve eyed his brother closely, " You're right I can, but I would think you'd want to stick close to Sara." Jack frowned, " She has the guards and you said we had at least two days,." Steve smirked, " Uh huh..okay Jackson...what gives? You two have been very frosty to one another tonight, you had a fight or something? " Jack poured himself a scotch, " Or something.." Jack told his brother what he had learned and when he was done he looked up from his glass to Steve, who blew out a long breath. " Well, now I can see why you are in full Happy Jack mode. What was her explanation? " Jack told him he was too upset to listen to her. " You have to hear her out, sometimes things happen you don't intend on. You should know that and if I know you, and I think I do, you are already thinking your marriage is over." The crease appeared between Jack's eyes, " I can't compete with him." Steve sighed, " This ain't a competition Jack, she picked you, over and over again. That woman loves you." Jack sighed, " What if she changed her mind? I can't lose her..not again...but at the same time I am angry. " Steve put his hand on Jack's shoulder, "You have a right to be, but she told you about it..that has to mean something. " Jack nodded, " True..but what does it mean? " Steve smirked, " Well you ain't gonna know unless you ask her."







The plane landed at Mission Field Airport in Livingston. Sanchez had made arrangements to have a rented car waiting for them. Ben had told him about the first leg of their trip, he needed help and he was the only outsider he could trust right now. They drove thirty two miles and Robbie and Dean exchanged glances as each looked to Ben who drove silently through the winding roads with a ghost of a smile on his face. He was remembering his youth, something he never allowed himself to do. It was a a nice life, he had never even considered leaving here until his father died. Then he could never seem to go back. Robbie broke the silence, " So what's the name of this town again? " Ben took a deep breath, " Big Timber...but we won't be staying in town. " Robbie asked where they would be staying. " At my house..the house I grew up in. It's in the woods, secluded.. it's perfect. " He turned his head to see Robbie smiling at him, " What? " Robbie shrugged, " I am looking forward to being there." Ben smiled and shook his head turning back to the road. " Uncle Dean..I always assumed you were a native New Yorker too, where did you grow up? " Dean smirked, " Colorado..I did a lot of the same things Ben did growing up. You know camping, fishing and hunting. Oh and riding..I always loved riding. Did you have your own horse Ben? " Ben smiled, " Yeah.. Coco..he was Palomino, damn good horse. My father had an Arabian. I swear that horse thought he was a dog. He use to try and follow us into the house.



Jack stood with his back to her, " Why..just tell me why." Sara sighed, " I don't know..it just happened. We talked for a few minutes and I was walking away and ..and he said he wanted to say goodbye to me then..." Jack smirked, " Of course...with nobody around." Sara nodded, remembering those were Ben's words. " Anyway..he hugged me and my eyes welled up and when we separated he leaned down and kissed me. " Jack frowned, " And you kissed him back, I know..but WHY Sara?" She looked down then back into his eyes, " Because I might not ever see him again..because he wanted to die with me on that train rather then save himself...because I realized that I do love him..just like you love Jennifer. From the second I laid eyes on you again, I told myself I didn't love Ben that I never really did. I only knew that I wanted you. But the truth is I do love him..I did love him and we had a good life together and it was wrong of me to minimize that . You faced all these emotions with Jennifer..I never did, I shoved it aside and being with Ben on that train, seeing him in that hospital bed, made me realize that. " Jack clenched his jaw, " Okay..so what now? " Sara stood, " That's up to you, I love you Jack and I want to be with you. I am not going anywhere..unless you want me too. " Jack nodded, " Well right now, I want to go to bed." Jack walked past her and went to the bedroom. Sara blew out a breath and followed. Jack was in the bathroom as Sara went about closing the lights and locking up. He was folding his clothes and putting them on the chair when she came in. She went into the bathroom and came out a short time later in her night clothes. She was starting to turn down her side of the bed when Jack asked, " What are you doing? " Sara looked around, then at Jack, " Ahh.. getting into bed? " Jack sat up, " Ahh..no I don't think so. You can sleep inside tonight. " Sara's jaw dropped, " Excuse me? " Jack tilted his head, " You heard me..I want you to sleep in another room. " Sara put her hands on her hips, " You can't be serious." Jack smirked, " Want to bet ? I can think of numerous occasions when we argued and you threw me out of the bedroom..now it's my turn." Sara gave him a sarcastic smile, " Fine." She took her pillow and a blanket and left the room with a slam of the door. Jack smirked as he laid back down and put his hands behind his head. " Fine.." he thought, " A taste of you own medicine will be good for you." Sara laid on the sofa and lit the fireplace and turned the Christmas tree back on. She curled up and allowed herself a small smile, he would stay mad at her a few more days and then he would begin to thaw. They had weathered the storm, of that she was sure. It felt good to get all that off her chest and now they could move on.

[fluffysmom]

I hope Jack and Sara work things out soon.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 132


The SUV pulled up to the front of a large log cabin. The lights inside were soft and welcoming. As they exited the vehicle Robbie took a deep breath. The cold Montana air smelled fresh and was laced with pine trees and burning wood. Robbie , Ben and Dean all stood outside and stretched their backs out, " Wow..this place is beautiful.." Dean said softly, as the snow fell silently on them. " Where did you find this place? " Robert asked. " I grew up here.." Ben said as he cautiously climbed the steps. The front door opened slowly and Robbie placed his hand over his gun. " It's okay Kid.. their friends of mine." A tall slender woman with silver gray hair and a wrinkled face, in her mid sixties, stepped outside, " Oh my ! Benjamin..oh.." she said sobbing as she approached Ben with arms open wide. " Hello Miranda..." She wrapped her arms around him and held him close for a long moment. " I can't believe it's really you, " then as she pulled back, she placed her hands on his shoulders, " Let me look at you...You are even more handsome than I knew you would be. " Ben smiled at the older woman, " Well you have always been biased." Then he let out a small sigh as he looked over her shoulder. There just outside the door stood an older man, mid to late sixties, 6 ft tall muscular but a bit heavy. His face was worn and leathery but his eyes sparkled with kindness. "Well ..you actually showed up this time." Ben stepped forward hand extended, " Hello Hank.." The man looked at Ben's hand with a frown and then pushed it away, " Hell with that, come here boy and give me hug." Robbie smiled and then turned his head, feeling the eyes of the woman on him. She had a loving look on her face as she smiled back at him. "Benny this is him isn't it? This is your boy..it has to be..look at how handsome he is." Ben pulled back from his hug and he and the man looked at each other with a smirk. " Well..actually Miranda, this is..." Robbie stepped forward with his hand extended, " Yes..I'm Robert." Miranda shook his hand then hugged him, " I'm Miranda and that's my husband, Hank. " Robert came up to Hank and stuck his hand and the older man shook it tightly. " He is a fine looking young man, Benjamin. Does he take after you much? " Hank asked with a toothy grin. Ben opened his mouth but Robert answered first, "Only where it counts, sir" Hank laughed and looked over at Dean, " You must be Benjamin's friend Dean." He shook Dean's hand and invited them all inside.



Jack paced his bedroom. How long is long enough to stay mad at her, he wondered. He was angry and hurt, but if he were to be honest with himself, he understood all she had told him. He had been at that place too..many times, with Jennifer. He did still love Jennifer but, like Sara had proclaimed earlier, he loved Sara more and wanted to be with her. He sighed heavily, standing in the center of his bedroom looking at the closed door between them. He shook his head, no..he must stand his ground, as she would have. He was no longer that scared, insecure man he had once become. He was strong and confidant now. He turned and began pacing again when he stubbed his pinkie toe. "Son of a.." he said grabbing his foot. He pulled up the bed covers to see what he banged into. He froze for a moment staring at it. It was the box..Sara's memory box. He glanced up at the door then back to the box. He sat on the floor and pulled the box out from under the bed. The box was smooth and cold as his long,slender fingers ran across the top and sides of it. He pushed the buttons that released the latches with a soft clack. Jack took a deep breath and blew it out slowly as he lifted the lid that would be a window into his wife's inner heart.



Robert looked around but his eyes always went back to Ben. He watched him as he walked around the huge living room with a sad smile. Ben let out a long breath as he circled the room, stopping at the fireplace, he looked up at the photos on the mantel. Robbie and Dean came alongside of him. They all stood looking at the young Ben with his father at various stages of his life. Dean and Robert glanced at each other and stepped away, giving Ben a moment alone with his memories. "This place is amazing." Robert said to Hank. " Your grandfather built it himself." Ben turned around and looked at Hank, " Excuse me? " Hank chuckled, " Okay so your old man may have helped him some." The house was a two story log cabin. There was a "great" room on the main floor, where they all stood, with a large stone fireplace and big comfy sofas and overstuffed chairs. There was a large staircase in the center of the room leading up to a landing that circled and overlooked the entire living room and branched off into three separate hallways, all leading to a total of four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The other side of the staircase was a large eat in kitchen, with french doors leading to a deck that was perched high up over looking the valley below. To the left of the kitchen was a small hallway that lead to a den with a pool table. Beyond that was a bathroom and mudroom. A side door led to a two car garage. Dean shook his head, " If I knew you could do stuff like this..I would have had you build ME a house." Ben laughed, " Well..truth is my Dad and Hank here along with some of their buddies did most of the work. I was young when they started, but by the time it was done I was about thirteen and had gotten pretty good. I made that fireplace and did most of the work on the staircase and kitchen cabinets." Miranda came into the room with a tray of sandwiches and a pot of coffee. " And don't forget these tables, Benji made them all himself." Dean and Robert chuckled, " Benji..that's cute " Dean said biting into a sandwich. "Repeat that to anyone ..and I will hurt you..both of you." he said with a glance to Robert. As the three men ate, Miranda told Dean and Robert how Hank and Ben's father James, had served in the military together and became lifelong friends. Hank had moved them from Texas to Montana to work with James. He opened up a hunting lodge and when that did well he opened a second one, having Hank run that one. Hank was best man at James' wedding and he named Ben after him. She laughed as she looked at Robert's confused expression. " Benjamin...that's our last name." she said. She told them how she had kept the house up for them, hoping they would come there eventually. " I was hoping to meet your mother too, your father has told us all about the both of you, maybe next time." Ben cleared his throat, " Sara and I aren't together anymore. She's married to someone else now. In fact..it's.." Again Robert cut him off, " Her editor..they knew each other in college. I assume you know then what happened to me. My disappearance was very difficult for her." Dean watched Robert, then looked at Ben and the frown on his face. Miranda looked at Ben sadly, " I could understand how something like that could drive two people apart." Ben stared at Robert, who nodded. " Yes..it did." Hank cleared his throat, " I can imagine how proud he was when you joined up. But then I can tell, he's always proud of you. " Robert smiled and looked at Ben who rolled his eyes, " Please..I can see his head beginning to swell." Dean laughed, " Yeah and it's big enough already. We had a hell of a time getting him out of the car." When Miranda got up to clear the dishes, Hank took them out to the barn. " Got a surprise for you Kiddo.." When they got into the barn Ben's breath caught at the sight of the horses in the stalls. " Damn Hank..this one looks just like Coco." Hank laughed, " He should..it's his grandson, that one there is a grandson of Shalimar's, that one in the far stall is her granddaughter. " then turning to Robert and Dean, " That's his Dad's horse" Ben caressed the horses on their noses. " What are their names ? " Hank pointed them out, " Dusty, Ruby and Shadow. Dusty here..he's a real spitfire..but a damn fine horse. Shadow is fast and Ruby is strong and quite a jumper. Do you still ride ? " Ben put his head to Dusty's, " Not as much as I'd like." Hank looked at Dean and Robbie, " What about you two city boys? " Dean walked over to Ruby and stroked her nose, " Whose a city boy? I hail from Colorado, I ride whenever I can..not much though." Robbie stroked Shadow, " I guess that leaves you and me, Dad taught me to ride when I was young but I haven't done it in a good many years." Ben's head turned sharply at Robert's use of the word "Dad". "Well you boys best get to practicing..cars ain't no good up here, I expect that's why you picked it. You gonna tell me now what the hell is going on? I know you said you got trouble, now tell me what kind." Ben sighed, " The worst kind.."



Jack smiled as he picked up the items in the box. Each little cubby was dated and had initials marking them. A button from Robert's Marine uniform was the first thing he picked up. There was his boutineer from their wedding, the shell casing from when the General shot him and his hospital id bracelet. The plane tickets from their honeymoon and an article from an Italian paper about the capture of the cat burglar. There were things from everyone that was important, Dean,Angela,Robbie,Abby and Katie were all there, even Steve and Kayla. Jack stopped at a pebble with the initials "JJ" . Then he remembered, she had spent the day alone with Jack Jr. They had went to the park and then baked cookies all afternoon. She had said it was a day like she and Robert had spent. He found a matchbook from the dinner she loved, the "BT" on it making him frown. His heart broke at the "AM" he found next, a small button from the dress they chose to bury her friend in. A small paper cup from Ben's hospital room was there as well. Then he found a crumpled piece of metal, " The train," he whispered. But then his smile returned. She had saved a piece of his cast and he had to think for a moment but then he knew what the small corner of washcloth was from. Jack sighed, why did she need these things he wondered. He had never been able to get any sort of real answer from here. Dean had once alluded to the idea that Sara feared loosing her memory and never being able to relive these times and that's why she chose to save something tangible. Jack shrugged, and as he was looking through some other sections he found a set of Rosary beads in a small satin bag. No date only initials that Jack believed to be her mother's on one side and Robert's on the other. Jack frowned, he had forgotten that Sara has faced a great amount of loss and pain..as he had. He removed the top shelf and looked through the next one. Many of the spaces had Ben's initials on them. He brushed past them, annoyed that he did not know their meaning or story. Towards the end of the shelf Jack's name started. He stopped at the button she removed from his shirt the first night they made love in Salem and he smiled. His eyes moved to the cubby next to it...and there it was. It was a flat gold heart surrounded by diamonds. Jack removed it and turned it over. "My heart, My love, are forever yours, always Ben" was engraved on the back. The charm was old..well worn but not shabby. Jack knew he must have given it to her many years ago. This was were she left him behind. He imagined her holding tightly in her hand and pressing her lips to it. She put it in that box along with the piece of her heart that belonged to Ben, closing herself off to all the emotions that she felt for him. Her way of dealing or rather not dealing with it. While Jack would sometimes wallow in his pain, not letting it go, Sara did this. He finally realized that this was how she dealt with things. She found something held it in her hand and put it and her emotions into that item and placed it in that box..to be revisited at another time and place. Jack closed the box and climbed into bed. As different as they were, he and Sara were also very much alike. His wife could be just as complex as he was. For some reason that thought made him smile as he drifted off to sleep.



" What do you need me to do? I'm still a damn good shot..you need me to walk the perimeter with my rifle?" Hank said, hands on his hips. Ben shook his head, " No..I am sorry I had to involve you this much. Just..please tell Miranda not to tell anyone I'm here..if there is even anyone here who would remember me." Hank smiled, " There are still some people around from the old days, actually more than you'd think, but I will talk to Miranda. You'd best avoid going into town though." Dean walked over to them, " No worries..if we need anything Robbie or I will go into town and get it." Hank turned back to Ben, " You sure about this Kiddo..I mean sounds like you was hurt bad..you up for this?" Ben put his hand on Hank's shoulder, "I am fine Hank really besides, that's what they are here for." They headed back up to the house but Ben hung back. He leaned on the wooden fence used to enclose the horses when they were let out of the barn. He pulled his coat collar up and took a deep breath, it had stopped snowing and he gazed up at the stars. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the smoke from his breath before he even spoke. " You don't have to pretend, it's okay you know. I am fairly certain they know I am not your biological father." Robbie came alongside him and leaned on the fence as well. " You told them that? " Ben looked at him and he shook his head softly. "No..but I would think they figured it out." Robbie looked up at the sky. The stars seemed so much brighter here, he thought. " I can understand why they called Montana "Big sky country", it's beautiful here. Ben..I am not pretending, you are my father. You always have been and you always will be. When I came home, I was desperate for a normal life. I jumped into the life my mother had made, I wanted to belong again. But I was wrong..when I thought you had been killed I realized how much I needed you in my life. So don't say that I am pretending to be your son because I don't need to, I am your son. Now let's go inside Pop..I am freezing." Ben nodded, " Okay Kid, don't worry I got us all some down jackets..you mother would kill me if you got a cold." Robbie laughed, " Hey..I heard Hank calling you Kiddo..is that why you always called me Kid? " Ben nodded, "Yeah I guess. It's what my Dad always called me." Robbie smirked, " Cool..it's like a family tradition. Race you to the door? " Ben nodded and took off with Robbie right on his heels.

[fluffysmom]

I am so glad they made it to Montana safely. I really like learning more about Ben's background. I wonder how Robert and Ben's relationship will affect Jack.

[blueyed358]

chapter 133


Jack opened the door and Steve was leaning on the door jam. " Good Morning Steve, I thought we were meeting this afternoon at the train station? " Steve frowned and walked past Jack into the apartment. " The road trip is cancelled. I have good news and bad news, where's Sara? " Jack told him they were having breakfast and they headed for the kitchen. Sara greeted him and poured him a coffee. " Okay..what's happened?" Jack asked. " First the good news..Benjamin called, they are safe and sound and at their final destination. " Sara exhaled, " Thank god." Steve sipped his coffee, then turned back to Jack, " Bad news...Olsen is dead." Both Jack and Sara's eyes opened wide. " What?...When did this happen?" Sara asked. " About 5:30 this morning." Jack rubbed the back of his neck, " That means it will be only another day at the most until they know they are gone." Steve nodded, " And when that happens.." Sara looked up at Jack, " All eyes will be on me...right?" Jack stared at his wife and Steve nodded. " Afraid so shortstuff. Benjamin wants us all on high alert." Sara stood and put her dish in the sink, " I guess I better get up to Sing Sing today then." Steve smirked, " Kinda figured you'd say that. I brought you a few pictures I was able to find of Olsen for Rossetti to look at." Jack kept his eyes on his coffee mug, " Is it really a good idea now, they may be watching her already." Steve shook his head, " Sanchez's men say she's still clear, it's now or never. " Jack nodded slowly and looked up at Sara, " I guess it better be now.."





" There is nothing in his apartment..we found a key to what appears to be a storage unit. I have a couple of guys looking into that now," the agent at Olsen's apartment told his boss. "I want more then a couple of guys on this..find that unit!" The agent sighed, " What about Todd, am I coming in to take him out tonight?" The boss thought about it for a minute, "No..let's wait a day at least. This may just pull him out of that apartment, it might even get him into the bureau offices. " The agent frowned, " You think you could get your hands on him if that happens." The boss smiled, " Absolutely."





" Okay..I have a stop to make then I will be taking the 10:00 train." Sara told Jack as she was picked up her coat. Jack took it from her hands and held it open for her. " Today was to be our Christmas with Abigail and Jack Jr." Sara pulled her hair out of the back of her coat and turned to face Jack. " Yes..I know...but Jennifer will be here. You can have a lovely family day." Jack frowned, " What does that mean? You are my family.." Sara held up her hand, " That's not what I meant Jackie. The two of you should spend this day with your children together..that's all I meant. Oh..please make sure I will be able to take Jack ice skating tomorrow..I promised Robert I would take him since he isn't here." Jack nodded, "Yes I will, I am sure it will not be a problem. So will you be coming back tonight? " Sara nodded, " Yes..I think that will be best." Jack frowned and handed Sara her bag, " You have the photos? " She said she had and stopped at the door turning to give him a sad smile. She had noticed that he had thawed a bit but the tension was still there. " Okay..see you later?" Jack sighed as she turned back to the door. "Sara.." She turned back and he pulled her into a hug, then kissed her softly, "Be careful." When she was gone, Jack flopped into his arm chair and Max put his head on Jack's lap. He leaned back and closed his eyes trying to collect himself. Jennifer and the kids would be there in a few hours and he had to try and relax. He didn't want them to see his concern or tension.





Sara sat on the train, after she had picked up something she thought would make Rossetti happy. The train jerked forward and started on it's way. A pain in the pit of her stomach began to spread. She swallowed hard. Maybe a train ride alone was not the best idea..she should have drove, she thought. She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly, " Don't be stupid Sara..it's just a train, there's no maniac on board trying to kill you." Her eyes popped open. She remembered what today was..he might get angry if she called..should she risk it?





Ben was sitting at the kitchen table as Dean served him and Robbie breakfast. " Coffee is really good, Bacon and sunny side up eggs, corn beef hash, all my favorites..so why are you doing the cooking this morning? " Robbie laughed, " Yeah I didn't think you cooked. You always came over to our house when.." Robbie looked down at his plate, then at Ben. " When Angie was away? I can cook..it was just more convenient to eat at your house. Look you guys..you don't have to be afraid to mention her..it's okay." Ben smiled at him, " Okay...so? Why are you cooking? " Dean sat down and picked up his fork, "Oh I think you know why.." Ben's cell phone rang and the three men looked at each other. " More good news? " Dean asked, referring to the earlier news of Olsen's death. Robbie watched Ben as he removed his phone from his pocket. " Is it Steve?" Ben opened the phone, " What's wrong?..Are you alright?" Robbie and Dean looked at each, they both knew who it was. "I'm fine..nothing's happening here" she said. Ben frowned, "What's that noise..where are you?" he asked, his voice thick with concern. " Out..I'm running some errands" Ben closed his eyes tight, " Alone?" Sara smiled, " Just me and my two shadows" Ben blew out a breath. "I am sorry I worried you. I know we aren't suppose to call unless it's an emergency or information but.. I just wanted to say..Happy Birthday Ben." Ben smirked, " Thanks for remembering Ace."





" Daddy!" JJ shouted as he ran into the penthouse. " Hey little man.." Jack picked up his small son and held him close. Jennifer stood back as her children hugged and kissed their father. " Hello Jennifer..come inside, please." JJ ran into the back " Robbie!..Robbie I'm here.." Jennifer's mouth dropped open, " Oh Jack..I forgot to tell him.." Jack gave her a sad smile, " It's alright..perhaps it's best that we are both here to tell him. " Abby took her and her mother's coats, " Where's Sara? " Jack glanced at Jennifer then at Abby with a smile, " Doing an interview for a story she is working on." Abby asked if they heard from Robbie, " Yes Agent Todd called your Uncle Steve this morning..everything is fine." JJ came running back inside they watched him open the kitchen door and peek inside. " Daddy..where's Robbie and Sara? " Jennifer looked up at Jack. " Well Sara had to work today but she is going to take you ice skating tomorrow..won't that be nice? " JJ smiled, "You mean she's coming with Robbie and me?..He already promised to take me skating by the giant Christmas tree." Jack sat in his arm chair, " Come here little man, " JJ walked over and began petting Max. " Robbie isn't going to be able to take you. He had to go away..for work for a while." JJ frowned, "He didn't even say goodbye to me. When is he coming home?" Jack sighed softly, " I'm not sure..it might be a little while." JJ began to breath hard and his little face scrunched up. His eyes welled up with tears, " Is he lost again? Did the bad man take him away?" Jennifer placed her hand over her mouth. Jack picked JJ up onto his lap as the boy rubbed his eyes. " No..no it's nothing like that. That bad man is never going to come near Robert again, you don't have to worry about that. Remember I told you that Agent Todd.." he glanced up at Jennifer then back to his son, " he arrested him and put him in jail. He had to go away for his work.He couldn't say goodbye because he had to leave quickly." JJ sniffed, " Is Ben with him? " Jack nodded, " Yes." JJ wiped his nose with the back of his hand, " Good.." Jack tilted his head and the crease between his eyes appeared, " Why do you say that?" JJ looked at his father with a puzzled look. " Because Ben will take care of him and he won't be alone. " Jack gave him a small smile. " He's scary and any bad men will run away when they see him." Jennifer chuckled, " JJ are you afraid of Ben?" JJ frowned, " No..well ..I was but I'm not anymore. One time when Robbie and me went to the park we saw him. I was staring at him and he asked me why. " Jennifer looked at Jack, then back to JJ, " What did you say sweetie?" JJ shrugged, " I told him he was scary. Robbie laughed and said only bad people have to be scared of Ben." Jack pushed the hair from JJ's eyes, " What did Ben say?" JJ smiled, " He said that Robbie loves me and that makes me important to him too. " Jennifer watched Jack closely. Something was wrong she could tell, she would ask him later when the kids were busy with their presents. Jack's cell rang..the other cell.Jack put JJ down and stood up. He walked a few feet away and pulled the phone out of his pocket quickly, " Hello?" Jack smiled, " Yes he is..of course," JJ someone is on the phone for you, " JJ got up and took the phone from his father, " Hello?" The boy's face light up like the Christmas tree. " Robbie!..yes Daddy told me.. it's okay now cause you called me..Okay I will tell Sara to take pictures of us for you...I miss you do you miss me?....I love you too..Hurry home..okay I will..Bye." JJ gave the phone back to Jack, " He said he had to go but he said to say Merry Christmas to everyone for him." Jack frowned then he felt her looking at him. He turned to see Jennifer watching him. " I was hoping to speak to him..we aren't suppose to call except for emergencies. I guess he felt badly about leaving without saying goodbye to Jack." Jennifer gave him a sad smile, " It was very sweet of him to take the chance and call JJ." Jack looked at his phone and then put it back into his pocket. "It was..he loves him and Abigail very much." That reminded Jack about his daughter, " Oh honey, I'm sure he wishes he could have spoken to you too..he just couldn't stay on the phone long." Abby swallowed the bite of cookie she had in her mouth. " That's okay Daddy. He called me from Katie's the other day before he left."





" She called to wish you Happy Birthday..didn't she?" Robbie asked Ben. "Yes..it was a sweet gesture but she shouldn't have taken the chance." Robbie zipped up his down jacket, " Yeah..but you're still glad she did." Ben smiled, " I am..now let's get out there and take those horses for a test ride shall we? We need to get a look at the property and perimeters so we can find out where our vulnerabilities are."





Sara walked down the long corridor with the warden. " Honestly Mrs Deveraux, I am a bit surprised he agreed to this interview. I do not know what you are expecting to get from him. Rossetti does not give up anything. That's why nobody has ever tried to off him, they know he is one tough son of a bitch..pardon my language." Sara laughed, " I grew up in Brooklyn and have lived in New York all my life Warden Jansen, believe me I have heard worse. I am not expecting anything..it's more like hoping. I did an interview with him when he was convicted, I guess he remembers me." Warden Jansen opened a door and let Sara in. " Is there anything else?" Sara turned and looked at the warden, " Actually yes..do you have a microwave I can use?"





Jennifer laughed as she watched Jack and Abigail fight over who was going to hand out the presents. " I don't care who does it..I just want to open them." JJ said with a pout. "JJ why don't you give Max his present? " The little boy ran to the bag they brought and pulled out a big rawhide bone. " Hey Max..Merry Christmas." Abby won and began handing JJ his presents, " Oh boy!..Wait .. Are you sure Santa won't get mad that I am opening presents early? " Jack laughed, " Yes I spoke to him directly and he said that it's okay to open the presents from Sara and I, Robbie and Uncle Dean only." He grinned widely, " Well as long as Santa said it was okay." Jack got up and headed to the kitchen, " How about some sandwiches ? " Jennifer stood up too, " let me help you." This was her chance to talk with him and find out what was bothering him.





Rossetti was brought into the room and was seated across from Sara, his hands still cuffed. " Miss Jamison, what a pleasure to see you again." Sara took a deep breath. Rossetti was an imposing figure. He was gray but well muscled, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. He had a large scar on his neck that Sara had learned he got in a knife fight in his youth. "Thank you..I thought we could have lunch while we talked." Sara took two containers out of a bag along with plastic spoons and a loaf of italian bread. Rossetti smiled as he opened up his container, " Minestrone..from Vittorio"s? " Sara nodded as she opened up hers, " But of course.." Rossetti took a a spoonful and brought it up to his lips, " You remembered..I'm touched." Sara removed a Coke bottle and two cups, " Cherry soda? " she asked with a raised eyebrow. She poured him a cup and when he brought it to his lips his eyes closed tightly..red wine. " Perfect..now what brings you out here for lunch?" Sara told him what had happened to Ben and what they believed was going on. " I'm sorry to hear that. I liked him. He was the only one who treated me with respect, ya know? It was always 'Mr Rossetti' not like the others. So he's okay then? " Sara sipped her wine and ripped off some bread and handed it to him. " For now..I need your help to keep him that way." Rossetti chewed on his bread, " I always had a feeling about you two. I seen the way he use to look at you when you'd come by for the interview...the way you looked at him when he wasn't looking. What do you want from me?" Sara told him she wanted him to look at pictures. Rossetti shook his head, " Sorry Cookie..I don't snitch..not even for Vittorio's Minestrone." Sara smiled, " What if you just tell me if you don't recognize him..that's not snitching." Rossetti chuckled, " Cleaver girl..okay let's see the pictures." Sara laid out several shots of Olsen. There were a number of other Agents in them as well. " This one..have you ever seen him before. " Rossetti looked at his face, " Nope..who is he?" Sara frowned, " A patsy..." She watched Rossetti's eyes as they scanned the pictures. There was a moment where he froze over a face, though Sara was not sure which one. " Is there someone there you do recognize? You don't have to tell me from where." Rossetti smirked as he ate the last of his soup. " This photo is very interesting." he said as he slid the paper to her. " Thanks for the lunch Cookie, send Agent Todd my best." When Sara got outside she called Steve and asked him to meet her at the penthouse later that night.





Jack made sandwiches and Jennifer put a pot of coffee on. " Do you want to talk about it Jack? " jack smirked, she knew him well he thought. " I don't think so." Jennifer stopped and put her hand on her hip. " Wow..I'm impressed, you didn't even deny that something is bothering you." Jack put a sandwich on a plate and handed it to her, " Why bother, you would only badger me about it anyway." Jennifer chuckled, " That's true..but the old Jack would have made jokes and insisted that I was imagining things. " Jack began making another sandwich, " I am not that man anymore Jennifer." Jennifer poured them coffee. " So talk to me Jack..what's wrong? Does it have anything to do with Robbie?" Jack was not about to tell his ex wife about the fight he had with his wife. " Things have been ..chilly between us since Ben was shot." Jennifer sipped her coffee, " I am sure he has been very worried about him Jack. He has been through a lot in the last few months. Once this is all over I am sure everything will go back to normal." Jack nodded, " I hope so..it's just.." Jennifer placed her hand on his, " It's just what?" Jack shook his head,"I don't know..it's a feeling a have. I was so happy that things had moved so quickly for us. He was so excepting of me and of Sara and I. Now..he seems to be backing away from me. " Jennifer felt bad for him, " I know how you must feel, I felt the same way when JJ use to talk about Sara all the time. I know you would like Ben to be around less, as I am sure Sara would like me to be. But the truth is Jack, this is our lives now and we all need to just do the best we can. If he is pulling away from you, you find a way to connect with him again. " Jack nodded, " What if he doesn't want to?" She smiled sadly, " He will..but you may have to except that it might be different. This whole thing has made him see his relationship with Ben in a different way. Just be there for him Jack." Jack's cell rang, " Excuse me..it's Sara. Hello?" he tried to sound fine. " What's wrong? " she asked. Jack laughed, " Nothing now..are you alright?" Sara smirked, " Yes..I am on my way back." Jack sighed, " Good..how did it go? Did he recognize Olsen?" Sara stared at the photo, " No..but he may have given us a new lead. Steve is going to meet us at the penthouse tonight, I'll tell you all about it then.I will be home in a few hours. I love you." Jack smiled, " I love you too..see you soon, be careful." Jack closed his phone and lifted his cup. " Did she find out anything? " Jennifer asked. " She thinks so...hopefully this will be over sooner than later."