Title: One Minute
Author: Evidence
Rating: PG
Author's Notes: It is a very short piece. Just something that was spinning around in my mind that I had to put on computer screen (can't say paper anymore).
The group was seated at the large conference table. Jack had taken his place at the front of the table when he saw Samantha take a seat in perfect view of the one seating at the head. Martin had hurried to fill the seat adjacent to Samantha. Vivian beat him to it and winked at Jack. He was glad to have such a good friend in Vivian. Martin begrudging took a position on the other side of the table next to Danny who laughed when he sat down. Martin missed the joke.
"Okay, everyone," Jack began, looking directly at Sam and Sam only. "Good news for once. A girl that went missing a hour ago has been found." He watched Sam's eyes light up and a small grin form at her mouth. He loved that mouth.
Sam looked directly into his dark eyes. She knew he was talking just to her. It had been like that ever since they meet. They connected on a higher plane than she thought any two people could ever connect. It was much more than physical attraction although he was quite wonderful to look at, it was spiritual. She had thought no one would ever truly know her but he did. He read her mind with his intense stare. He knew her completely. Instead of frightening her with the concept of being fully known by someone, it comforted her.
"The police would like us to just investigate to make sure no one took her- she insists she ran away on her own." Jack continued.
"What's her name?" Martin asked.
"She is quite upset right now so I need a calming presence to talk to her. Sam, would you be willing?" Jack already knew the answer but he wanted, he needed, to hear her voice.
"I would be glad to talk to her. What's her name?" She smiled brightly, the smile she saved for him.
"I just asked that!" Martin looked to Danny for help but Danny loved watching the romantic ping pong game in front of him. In Jack and Sam's minds there were only to people in the room- each other.
Vivian smiled at Danny. They both found it quite fun that Martin was upset. Light dawning on marble head. He was beginning to realize that there was something "different" about Jack and Sam's friendship.
"Her name is Samantha. Samantha Olsen. A lovely name for a lovely girl."
"Oh, with that name I better talk to her. She's probably a spit fire."
"Aren't you all?" Turning back to the rest of the team in front of him he gave out the rest of the orders. "Danny and Martin talk to the parents and see if anyone would have reason to kidnap their daughter. Viv, interview the man who found her. Maybe he took her and then decided to bring her back. Sam, I'll tag along with you if you don't mind." He couldn't help but let himself smile.
"Well, you are the boss, I guess I have no choice." There was laughter in her voice.
The team departed and headed for their destinations. Jack asked Sam to wait for him as he went to his office. In one minute his whole life would change. Jack picked up his phone and dialed the number Vivian had left on his desk.
"Um, yes, my name is Jack Malone would you schedule a meeting with Mr. Holstein for me? Yes. Tell him I'm ready to sign the divorce papers. Yes, he can call me. Thank you." He placed the phone back in its cradle and looked at a picture of his daughters. "Forgive me," he said to himself.
"Are you ready?" Sam said with a smile as he met her outside of the office.
"Yes, I finally am."
Fini