Sam fought to keep any reaction off her face as she shook her head, "I'm sorry. There's no one here by that name. I'm Sam Carter and this is my house."

The man nodded, "Yes, yes I know that. But isn't there also a vehicle at this address registered for a Jack O'Neill?"

Sam narrowed her eyes. Jack had assumed it wouldn't be easy to have his big truck in DC so when he left he had arranged for his truck to stay in Colorado so he and Teal'c could share when either one was in town. As Teal'c's only Earth address was the base they had transferred the paperwork to reflect Sam's address for the sake of registration and insurance.

The man shook his head and sighed, "I'm sorry. That must have come out as really creepy. I'm sorry I promise I'm not a stalker. My name is Howard Kelley and I just really would like to be able to find Jack and talk to him."

Sam tilted her head "Jack O'Neill isn't exactly a unique name. What makes you so sure you've got the right one?"

Howard straightened and for the first time appeared confident in his words, "I'm fairly certain. I've been looking for him for a long time."

Sam took a deep breath and thought carefully. "Well, I wasn't lying when I said he doesn't live here. He was transferred to a different base almost a year ago. He keeps his truck here for friends to use. I'm sorry but that's about it. I haven't seen or spoken to him since he left."

Howard blinked, "Different base?"

Sam nodded, "Yes, Air Force. You've been searching for so long and knew where his truck is but didn't know that?"

He shook his head, "I knew he was enlisted years ago but I thought he was discharged. Plus there were discrepancies with his birthday so I was never even sure if that was right..." Howard paused and shook his head sadly, "Had I known that was the track to follow it probably would have been easier. I've been going off of property taxes and a giant game of elimination."

"Why have you been working so hard to for him?" Sam prodded.

"It's complicated." A distant look came across Howard's face, "He once really helped me out and I never got to say thank you. I've also found something which may mean a lot to him...well, it's more than that, but like I said it's complicated. Point is, it's important that I find him. Do you have any idea what base he went to?"

Sam froze, recalling a wisp of a memory, a small part of a story she never thought she'd hear...

"What did you say your name was?" She asked suddenly, not acknowledging his previous question.

"Howard. Howard Kelley."

Sam fought to keep the smile off her face. "I'm sorry Howard, I really am. I just happened to work with him, I wish I could tell you where he is. Do you have a card or something? If I find out something I can call you."

The strange man smiled broadly and awkwardly fished out a business card.

Sam smiled kindly, glancing at the card, eyebrows arching as she read it, "You work for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services?"

Howard's smiled faltered, "Yes but I promise my search for Jack is purely personal, he's not in trouble or anything."

Sam smiled gently, "No, I wouldn't imagine he is. I just meant...well it must be difficult work."

Howard nodded solemnly, "It is. But worthwhile."

Sam nodded gently. "I'm sure. Thank you. I will let you know if I find anything."

Realizing his dismissal Howard nodded, "Thank you very much Ms. Carter. You have no idea how much I appreciate this." With that he stepped away.

Sam watched him get into the nondescript sedan at the end of the driveway and disappear through the intersection before she picked up her phone and pushed the speed dial.