See Disclaimer and rating info in part one.
At hearing his name Jack's face turned beat red and it looked as if he was going to explode. "You mean to tell me that that self centered asshole shot at Carter because I may have pissed him off?"
"You didn't just piss him off Jack, you made him foolish in front of a lot of people when you proved him wrong about the Aschen. He was sure that if he got the alliance with them his bid for presidency would be a shoe in. You also made him look stupid to his constituents because, and no offense, he was shown up by a solider who obviously has no regard for authority."
"So let me get this straight, he's mad because he can't control me?" Now Jack was confused. He knew Kinsey was arrogant but this took the cake
"No, I am saying that it makes him look bad that every attempt he has made to either prove you wrong or shut down the SGC has ended up with him looking like the ass."
"Ok never mind. Why will it be hard for me to get at him?"
"Well according to reports he destroyed the link between the incident and himself just a few hours ago."
"Right the shooter. So I highly doubt he pulled the trigger himself."
"Doesn't matter there is no evidence here to link him to the shooter and or the guy who killed him. Believe me Jack I looked."
"Why Carter? Why not me?"
"Come on Jack I know you can be clueless sometimes but it has to be obvious even to you." He said with a smirk
"Well enlighten me."
"Kinsey couldn't go after you one because the president likes you too much and if the president were to get involvement then everything could easily be traced back to Kinsey. Not to say the president doesn't like Major Carter, it's just Kinsey would just out like a sore thumb. Second, well let's just say he knows you are fond of the Major."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Jack if I can read your mission reports, especially the one concerning a certain Tok'ra machine, then so can he." Jack was speechless. Not because he have anything to say but more because he was chastising himself for being so careless. Harry was right, Kinsey had the clearance to read those reports and he should have known that this is something only Kinsey would sink to.
"So what, he just hopes that I will know it was him and not do anything? He can't that be stupid."
"No. More than likely he is playing on that you since you care so much about your 2IC you'll leave him alone because it's obvious he get to those you care about. Today's incident proves that. Do you really think that if he didn't want to make a statement he would have Major Carter shot in front of a hundred people? It's not about political power Jack, it's simply about revenge."
"If she dies, I'll show him about revenge" with that said Jack began to walk back to his car. He was silently hoping Maybourne would follow because as much as he hated his help he would need it. His silent prayer was answered because as he climbed into the driver's seat, Maybourne had opened the passenger side door and had begun to climb in.
After buckling his belt and starting the car Jack turned to Maybourne, "Where do we start because it's obvious that you know more than you are letting on."
"Your right I do. Kinsey may have killed the shooter but he wasn't the only thing that links him to the incident." Maybourne smirked again and now Jack was sure he hated that smirk more than anything in the world. As if sensing what Jack's next question would be he simply stated, "He had to pay someone to keep their mouth shut." Jack knew exactly what he meant. Kinsey hadn't killed the shooter himself but he hired someone he could trust, someone he knew who would keep their mouth shut for the right amount of money. "All we have to do is find him."
(0)
It had been 3 hours since Sam had come out of surgery and Daniel was convinced she looked worse now than she did before. "Janet, why does she look worse?"
"Daniel as I said before the next 24 hours are critical. She is going to look worse before she can get better." Janet said as she approached her friend's bed.
"No something is wrong she looks paler." Janet was about to answer when Teal'c interrupted
"Daniel Jackson is correct. Major Carter does seem to have to become paler since she was brought out of surgery."
Attempting to quell their uneasiness Janet went over and checked Sam's vitals. Just as she was about to tell them they were right the heart monitor shrieked. "She's going into v-vib" Janet said as she ran to the wall and pressed the medical emergency button on the wall. Before Daniel or Teal'c could say or do anything about five nurses came running into the room and surrounded Sam following orders that Janet barked out as she began CPR. "Charge the paddles 100, prep 10mg of epi" She looked up from Sam to see the shocked look on Daniel's face. "and get them out of here." Just then a nurse came over and escorted the two men out the infirmary, neither protested.
Standing in the hallway for what seemed like an eternity a nurse emerged form the double doors. "Sirs, Doctor Fraiser wanted me to tell you that we are prepping Major Carter for surgery."
"What, Why?" asked Daniel
"The reason the Major crashed was because of internal bleeding or a possible blood clot we need to take her into surgery in order to determine and repair the damage. Doctor Fraiser wanted to make sure you were told." The nurse replied and then turned around and made her way back into the infirmary.
"Should we not inform O'Neill of this turn of events?"
"Let's wait until Janet gets out of surgery." The Jaffa merely nodded.
(0)
"Ok Harry we have been driving for an hour now where are we going?" Jack asked he was beginning to get frustrated.
"We're almost there Jack, try to relax" as soon as he said he regretted it. Harry Maybourne may be a man who could kill in cold blood but he understood how much Jack O'Neill cared for Samantha Carter even if he hadn't admitted to himself yet. "Turn left here and park."
Pulling into the apartment complexes parking lot Jack parked the car turned the engine off and watched as Maybourne got out. "Why are we here?" Maybourne didn't answer he simply started up the steps towards one of the apartments. Jack followed him and managed to catch up to him as he was opening a door. "I'll say again, why are we here?"
"Do you remember when we hacked Kinsey's files the first time and found information showing that he was involved with the N.I.D.?" he asked as he walked to the only piece of furniture in the apartment and sat down in front of a computer.
"Yeah so? You said that it wouldn't matter if I used that against him."
"I know." Maybourne gave Jack a look and he understood exactly what he meant. Just because Jack couldn't use it against Kinsey to get him to leave him alone, he could however use to figure out who he might have paid to shoot Sam.
Sam, when her name popped into his head he couldn't help but wonder if she was alright. He was sure if something happened that Daniel would call him. He'd be damned if he was going to lose her now and not before he told her-- his thoughts were interrupted by Maybourne.
"I may have found something."
"What did you find?" he asked leaning over Maybourne's shoulder to get a better look at the screen.
"In all his dealings with the N.I.D., whether it was paying for favors, or getting updates on projects one name is always mentioned. Ryan Bragg."
The name didn't ring any bells for Jack. "Well who is he?"
"As far I can tell he was and possibly still is Kinsey's contact within the N.I.D. He's a retired Air Force Colonel who lives here in Colorado. That's probably how he kept tabs on you and the SGC. Don't ask me how cause I don't know. I can tell you he was black ops and he was the only person Kinsey would ever meet personally with for information when he was in Colorado."
"So it's possible that Kinsey would trust with something like this." Supplied never taking his eyes off the screen. "See if you can find his record maybe get a picture so we know what he looks like." Maybourne was already ahead of him and suddenly a picture of the man popped up on the screen. He was white, mid forties with dark hair and brown eyes and he lived no too far from the park where Sam had been shot.
"How did the police know that the guy they found was the shooter?" asked Maybourne as he studied the picture.
"Hammond told me that someone saw the guy running from one of the buildings with what could have been a bag big enough to hold a rifle. Why?"
"The reason I brought it up was because Bragg was sharp shooter for black ops and why hire two people when you can hire one for the job simply and kill some innocent guy and frame him?"
"That doesn't explain why a witness saw a man fitting the dead guy's description run from the scene. Also if Bragg was our shooter than I doubt he would have shot her where he did, no if he shot her he would have made sure she died instantly." As soon the words left his mouth Jack had a flash of Sam lying on the ground in a pool of her own blood struggling to stay conscious.
"Maybe but remember all Kinsey wants is revenge. He may not want Major Carter dead." Jack looked at Maybourne. "Like I said before he wants you to know that he can get to those you care about if he simply killed Carter then what is stopping you from going to Hammond or the President with the information you have on him?"
"Maybe because Daniel and Teal'c are still unharmed? We are a team of four you know" it was obvious to Maybourne that Jack was pulling at straws and wasn't ready to admit that if it was the archaeologist or Jaffa who had been shot he would be acting differently.
This wasn't the time or the place to get into this conversation but if Jack was to understand why Carter was the target then he needed to understand that with Carter's death he would have nothing to lose by going to Hammond or the President because the one he would want to protect the most would already be gone. He was going to say something but the look on Jack's face said 'drop it.' So he did for now at least.
"Either way we are sure that Bragg had to be involved. Whether he pulled the trigger himself or he killed the guy who did, we need to find him if we are going to get to Kinsey." He said turning his back to screen.
(0)
Daniel was getting impatient he needed to know how Sam was doing and he wanted to know what Jack was up to. He had tried to call Jack, unbeknownst to Teal'c, when Sam was wheeled back into surgery but all he got was his voicemail and this type of information is best not left on a voicemail. Teal'c had excused himself about 15 minutes ago to kel'noreem because he hadn't done so all day and Daniel assured him that if there was nay news he would send for him. So now he was sitting in a very uncomfortable plastic chair awaiting news on his friend and awaiting news from his friend. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn't hear the approaching footsteps.
"Still no word from Jack huh?"
Daniel looked up to see George Hammond staring down at him. "Uh no sir. Sam was taken back into surgery about an hour ago and I tried to reach Jack but all I got was his voicemail." At this point Hammond had taken a seat beside him.
"I'm sure Doctor Fraiser is doing everything she can for Major Carter and I am also sure that Jack is going to find those responsible, even if officially I have no idea what he's doing" the general finished with a smirk. "By the way where is Teal'c?"
"Oh he needed to meditate so I told to go and I would send for him as soon as I heard anything."
They had been sitting in silence for about a half hour when Janet finally emerged. She looked tired and she was. Sam's second surgery was grueling. She wasn't sure where Sam was bleeding from and for most of the time spent in surgery was looking for the damaged area. She was glad however that it wasn't as serious as she had first thought but Sam was no closer to waking up now than she was before the surgery. She walked over to Daniel and the General and as she was about to speak Teal'c rounded the corner and headed towards them.
"Is there news on Major Carter?" asked Teal'c
"Yes there is. We managed to find the blood clot and remove it. Her vitals have stabilized but not by much, she is still in the coma. However this does brighten things up a bit, if Sam could make it a second surgery, even with a little improvement, then it's possible she could make a full recovery."
"Good work Doctor. Keep me informed of any changes and try and get some rest" he started to walk away but turned, "I have contacted the Tok'ra, Jacob should be here with his daughter but he is on a mission and can't be contacted, I just thought you should know."
"Thank you sir" after her reply he continued back to his office. "You can go and sit with her again if you want" Teal'c nodded and went in first. "Still no word from the Colonel?"
"No I tried to get him when you took Sam back into surgery but no luck" replied Daniel as they made their way to Sam's bedside.
"You can talk her they say that people in coma's will hear the people around them. If you need me I will be in my quarters trying to get some sleep." Daniel simply nodded and Janet exited the infirmary.
"Hey Sam, it's me Daniel. I'm right here and so is Teal'c. You gotta get better Sam we need you."
"Daniel Jackson is correct Major Carter. It will not be the same on SG-1 without you." Daniel smiled at Teal'c's attempt at comfort.
"Jack where are you?" Daniel thought to himself as he watched Sam's chest rise and fall.
(0)
After finding as much as they could about Bragg they discovered he actually had two addresses, one, an apartment a few blocks from the scene, and second one, a cabin in the mountains. Deciding that it would be pointless to search the apartment because more than likely Bragg would be somewhere less out in the open if Kinsey were to contact him. Pulling up the dirt road that led to the cabin Jack still couldn't help but wonder if he should call to see how Sam was doing but the last thing he needed was the 20 questions Daniel was probably going to ask him in doing so.
"Stop here we can go on foot the rest of the way."
"I know how to sneak up on people Harry." He replied parking the truck in the woods. They got out of the car and hiked up a small ridge that overlooked the cabin. Taking in the surroundings Jack made a plan of action and soon realized that if this guy was a good as those files had said they were going to need help. "We're gonna need with this." Maybourne simply nodded in agreement. "I'm gonna call Daniel and Teal'c tell them to bring some zats, we need this guy alive." He said taking his cell phone out of his pocket
"Do you really think that he will tell us anything?"
Dialing his phone he replied, "I'll make him talk or Teal'c will." The phone rang and rang and he was getting impatient, "come on space monkey pick up the phone." As if sensing Jack's impatience Daniel picked up the phone. Ignoring the questions that he Daniel was going to ask he simply told him to write down the directions he was giving him, get Teal'c and some zats and get up to his location as soon as possible. Hanging up phone part of Jack wished he asked Daniel how Sam was and the other part of him decided that if he wanted to get Bragg he would need a clear head and hearing any bad news keep that from happening.
(0)
Daniel had been dozing off in his chair next to Sam's bed when he felt his leg vibrate. Slightly startled he fumbled with his pants pocket to get the phone he looked at the number and pressed ok, "Jack where are you?" Listening intently to what Jack was saying he kept glancing at Sam hoping that she would know he was on the phone with Jack and wake up. It was a stupid thought, he knew that, but he was hoping anyway. After he hung up the he informed Teal'c of the situation and told him to go get the zats while he informed the General.
"Good luck son. Let me know as soon as you find out anything?"
"Thank you General. If there is any change in Sam's condition while we're gone-"
"I will be sure to call you."
"Thanks again General." Daniel replied as he left to get Teal'c. They arrived at Jack's location a little less than hour later.
(0)
The four men made their way to the cabin. It was decided that Daniel and Teal'c would take the back and Jack and Maybourne would go through the front. Armed with zats they struck quickly and zatted anything that moved. When it was over retired Air Force Colonel Ryan Bragg didn't know what hit him, which was evident by the fact that he lying in a heap on the floor.
"Well now what to do we do with him?" asked Daniel
"Teal'c tie him up, we'll wait till he wakes up and then question him." Replied Jack looking at Bragg's unconscious body with pure disgust.
"What if he doesn't answer your questions Jack?" asked Daniel afraid of the answer might be.
"Then he will have to be persuaded to Daniel Jackson" replied Teal'c as he picked Bragg up and placed him in a chair.
"Thank you Teal'c. Happy now Daniel" replied Jack in a tone that said to Daniel 'go ahead and challenge but you are going to change my' So Daniel simply nodded. "Good."
Several minutes passed in silence until Teal'c noticed that Bragg had begun to stir. "O'Neill he appears to be waking."
Jack walked over to Bragg and kicked his foot "Wake up jerk. I have some questions for you."
Bragg moaned and began to remember what happened. Kinsey warned him not to be so careless after killed the guy and left his body for the police to find but as he opened his eyes and looked at Maybourne he realized he hadn't been careless, Kinsey had.
"We know who hired you we only need proof." Started Maybourne "So why don't make this easy on your self and tell us what we want to know." Bragg merely stared straight ahead and remained silent
"Hey do you want to take the fall for that bearucratic ass or you gonna help us?" asked Jack who was now at Bragg's eye level. When he remained silent Jack got mad. "Look the woman you shot is fighting for her life and that guy you killed was innocent now unless you start answering our questions I am gonna let big friend over here persuade you. It's your choice."
Taking one look at Teal'c and seeing the look of anger on his face Bragg sighed and decided it would be in his best interest to at least give them something so they would lay off. "Kinsey contacted said he was sending me something and that if I decided to take the job he would pay me a great deal of money."
"Not good enough" was all Jack simply stated "Do you know what happens when a person receives a second shot from one of these?" Jack asked holding up his zat. Bragg simply stared at him. "Of course you know what happens after all you are N.I.D."
Seeing where he was going with this Maybourne jumped in "How do think the president would feel knowing you murdered one person and attempted to kill another all while on government payroll? I don't think he would be too happy now do you? We know that Kinsey has hired you in past and we know you have personally now tell us what you did with information he sent you and we will let you live."
Realizing that he was beaten and that he didn't want to take the fall for that idiot Kinsey he decided to give them what they wanted. "I'll tell you what you want to know only if none of this gets back to me."
"Done." Replied Jack "Now where's the file?"
"Top drawer of the desk in the study. The key is taped to bottom of the chair."
"Daniel. Get the file." Daniel began to walk towards the study when Bragg turned his head towards him
"In there as well are taped conversations between myself and Kinsey. You may want those as well." Bragg added with a smile. It was then that Jack realized that Bragg had this all planned he knew they would find him and would let him go if they could get Kinsey.
Daniel paused and looked at Jack for permission. "Bring the tapes too" he said to Daniel and then turned his attention back to Bragg, "If we like what we see and hear then you get to live but if we don't well you know what happens then."
Daniel re entered the room with a large envelope and a plastic bag full of tapes and handed them over to Jack. "They were right where he said they would be" added Daniel as he went and stood by Teal'c.
Jack opened the envelope and began to read what was in the folder. When he was finished he handed the folder to Maybourne and opened the bag of tapes. Each one was labeled with a date and time. "Got a radio?"
"Over by the window" replied Bragg
Jack walked over to the stereo and placed the tape that was dated three days before the shooting in the tape deck and pressed play.
"I need you to do something for me." It was Kinsey
"What do you want this time?"
"Inside that folder there is a name and a picture of an Air Force Major that I want taken care of. Don't kill her just wound her. Frame some for the job if you have to I don't care just make sure that O'Neill is there when it happens and that it is in a public palce."
"O'Neill. What is it with you and him? He kill you dog or something?"
"He made me look foolish and no one does that. Look you do this and you can name your price."
"Wow. Pretty woman are you sure you want to shoot her and not kidnap and have a little fun first?"
"No just shoot her. And make sure it's I don't want this coming back to me."
"Whatever. Why not just shoot O'Neill?"
"Because I want him to hurt and I want him to see that I can destroy the one thing that means more to him than his own life."
"Fine. It will cost you $300,000"
"Done. Memorize that information and then destroy it. Like I said I don't any physical evidence that links this to me."
Jack hit the stop button and looked at Bragg. He was smirking. "Alright let's go." He said as he took the tape from the player and bagged it.
"What about him?" asked Maybourne.
"Leave him. He thinks he is so smart he will figure out how to get out of those ropes" Jack replied casting Bragg one final glance before leaving the room with Daniel and Maybourne in tow.
Teal'c remained behind and leaned in towards Bragg "Where I come from a traitor and a killer of the innocent would not be allowed to live. Consider yourself grateful that we are not on my planet" with that said Teal'c turned and the left the room. Bragg let out a deep breathe he didn't realize he had been holding. He wasn't afraid of O'Neill or Maybourne and especially not the geek but the Jaffa made him nervous and he was glad he simply threatened him and then left.
At hearing his name Jack's face turned beat red and it looked as if he was going to explode. "You mean to tell me that that self centered asshole shot at Carter because I may have pissed him off?"
"You didn't just piss him off Jack, you made him foolish in front of a lot of people when you proved him wrong about the Aschen. He was sure that if he got the alliance with them his bid for presidency would be a shoe in. You also made him look stupid to his constituents because, and no offense, he was shown up by a solider who obviously has no regard for authority."
"So let me get this straight, he's mad because he can't control me?" Now Jack was confused. He knew Kinsey was arrogant but this took the cake
"No, I am saying that it makes him look bad that every attempt he has made to either prove you wrong or shut down the SGC has ended up with him looking like the ass."
"Ok never mind. Why will it be hard for me to get at him?"
"Well according to reports he destroyed the link between the incident and himself just a few hours ago."
"Right the shooter. So I highly doubt he pulled the trigger himself."
"Doesn't matter there is no evidence here to link him to the shooter and or the guy who killed him. Believe me Jack I looked."
"Why Carter? Why not me?"
"Come on Jack I know you can be clueless sometimes but it has to be obvious even to you." He said with a smirk
"Well enlighten me."
"Kinsey couldn't go after you one because the president likes you too much and if the president were to get involvement then everything could easily be traced back to Kinsey. Not to say the president doesn't like Major Carter, it's just Kinsey would just out like a sore thumb. Second, well let's just say he knows you are fond of the Major."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Jack if I can read your mission reports, especially the one concerning a certain Tok'ra machine, then so can he." Jack was speechless. Not because he have anything to say but more because he was chastising himself for being so careless. Harry was right, Kinsey had the clearance to read those reports and he should have known that this is something only Kinsey would sink to.
"So what, he just hopes that I will know it was him and not do anything? He can't that be stupid."
"No. More than likely he is playing on that you since you care so much about your 2IC you'll leave him alone because it's obvious he get to those you care about. Today's incident proves that. Do you really think that if he didn't want to make a statement he would have Major Carter shot in front of a hundred people? It's not about political power Jack, it's simply about revenge."
"If she dies, I'll show him about revenge" with that said Jack began to walk back to his car. He was silently hoping Maybourne would follow because as much as he hated his help he would need it. His silent prayer was answered because as he climbed into the driver's seat, Maybourne had opened the passenger side door and had begun to climb in.
After buckling his belt and starting the car Jack turned to Maybourne, "Where do we start because it's obvious that you know more than you are letting on."
"Your right I do. Kinsey may have killed the shooter but he wasn't the only thing that links him to the incident." Maybourne smirked again and now Jack was sure he hated that smirk more than anything in the world. As if sensing what Jack's next question would be he simply stated, "He had to pay someone to keep their mouth shut." Jack knew exactly what he meant. Kinsey hadn't killed the shooter himself but he hired someone he could trust, someone he knew who would keep their mouth shut for the right amount of money. "All we have to do is find him."
(0)
It had been 3 hours since Sam had come out of surgery and Daniel was convinced she looked worse now than she did before. "Janet, why does she look worse?"
"Daniel as I said before the next 24 hours are critical. She is going to look worse before she can get better." Janet said as she approached her friend's bed.
"No something is wrong she looks paler." Janet was about to answer when Teal'c interrupted
"Daniel Jackson is correct. Major Carter does seem to have to become paler since she was brought out of surgery."
Attempting to quell their uneasiness Janet went over and checked Sam's vitals. Just as she was about to tell them they were right the heart monitor shrieked. "She's going into v-vib" Janet said as she ran to the wall and pressed the medical emergency button on the wall. Before Daniel or Teal'c could say or do anything about five nurses came running into the room and surrounded Sam following orders that Janet barked out as she began CPR. "Charge the paddles 100, prep 10mg of epi" She looked up from Sam to see the shocked look on Daniel's face. "and get them out of here." Just then a nurse came over and escorted the two men out the infirmary, neither protested.
Standing in the hallway for what seemed like an eternity a nurse emerged form the double doors. "Sirs, Doctor Fraiser wanted me to tell you that we are prepping Major Carter for surgery."
"What, Why?" asked Daniel
"The reason the Major crashed was because of internal bleeding or a possible blood clot we need to take her into surgery in order to determine and repair the damage. Doctor Fraiser wanted to make sure you were told." The nurse replied and then turned around and made her way back into the infirmary.
"Should we not inform O'Neill of this turn of events?"
"Let's wait until Janet gets out of surgery." The Jaffa merely nodded.
(0)
"Ok Harry we have been driving for an hour now where are we going?" Jack asked he was beginning to get frustrated.
"We're almost there Jack, try to relax" as soon as he said he regretted it. Harry Maybourne may be a man who could kill in cold blood but he understood how much Jack O'Neill cared for Samantha Carter even if he hadn't admitted to himself yet. "Turn left here and park."
Pulling into the apartment complexes parking lot Jack parked the car turned the engine off and watched as Maybourne got out. "Why are we here?" Maybourne didn't answer he simply started up the steps towards one of the apartments. Jack followed him and managed to catch up to him as he was opening a door. "I'll say again, why are we here?"
"Do you remember when we hacked Kinsey's files the first time and found information showing that he was involved with the N.I.D.?" he asked as he walked to the only piece of furniture in the apartment and sat down in front of a computer.
"Yeah so? You said that it wouldn't matter if I used that against him."
"I know." Maybourne gave Jack a look and he understood exactly what he meant. Just because Jack couldn't use it against Kinsey to get him to leave him alone, he could however use to figure out who he might have paid to shoot Sam.
Sam, when her name popped into his head he couldn't help but wonder if she was alright. He was sure if something happened that Daniel would call him. He'd be damned if he was going to lose her now and not before he told her-- his thoughts were interrupted by Maybourne.
"I may have found something."
"What did you find?" he asked leaning over Maybourne's shoulder to get a better look at the screen.
"In all his dealings with the N.I.D., whether it was paying for favors, or getting updates on projects one name is always mentioned. Ryan Bragg."
The name didn't ring any bells for Jack. "Well who is he?"
"As far I can tell he was and possibly still is Kinsey's contact within the N.I.D. He's a retired Air Force Colonel who lives here in Colorado. That's probably how he kept tabs on you and the SGC. Don't ask me how cause I don't know. I can tell you he was black ops and he was the only person Kinsey would ever meet personally with for information when he was in Colorado."
"So it's possible that Kinsey would trust with something like this." Supplied never taking his eyes off the screen. "See if you can find his record maybe get a picture so we know what he looks like." Maybourne was already ahead of him and suddenly a picture of the man popped up on the screen. He was white, mid forties with dark hair and brown eyes and he lived no too far from the park where Sam had been shot.
"How did the police know that the guy they found was the shooter?" asked Maybourne as he studied the picture.
"Hammond told me that someone saw the guy running from one of the buildings with what could have been a bag big enough to hold a rifle. Why?"
"The reason I brought it up was because Bragg was sharp shooter for black ops and why hire two people when you can hire one for the job simply and kill some innocent guy and frame him?"
"That doesn't explain why a witness saw a man fitting the dead guy's description run from the scene. Also if Bragg was our shooter than I doubt he would have shot her where he did, no if he shot her he would have made sure she died instantly." As soon the words left his mouth Jack had a flash of Sam lying on the ground in a pool of her own blood struggling to stay conscious.
"Maybe but remember all Kinsey wants is revenge. He may not want Major Carter dead." Jack looked at Maybourne. "Like I said before he wants you to know that he can get to those you care about if he simply killed Carter then what is stopping you from going to Hammond or the President with the information you have on him?"
"Maybe because Daniel and Teal'c are still unharmed? We are a team of four you know" it was obvious to Maybourne that Jack was pulling at straws and wasn't ready to admit that if it was the archaeologist or Jaffa who had been shot he would be acting differently.
This wasn't the time or the place to get into this conversation but if Jack was to understand why Carter was the target then he needed to understand that with Carter's death he would have nothing to lose by going to Hammond or the President because the one he would want to protect the most would already be gone. He was going to say something but the look on Jack's face said 'drop it.' So he did for now at least.
"Either way we are sure that Bragg had to be involved. Whether he pulled the trigger himself or he killed the guy who did, we need to find him if we are going to get to Kinsey." He said turning his back to screen.
(0)
Daniel was getting impatient he needed to know how Sam was doing and he wanted to know what Jack was up to. He had tried to call Jack, unbeknownst to Teal'c, when Sam was wheeled back into surgery but all he got was his voicemail and this type of information is best not left on a voicemail. Teal'c had excused himself about 15 minutes ago to kel'noreem because he hadn't done so all day and Daniel assured him that if there was nay news he would send for him. So now he was sitting in a very uncomfortable plastic chair awaiting news on his friend and awaiting news from his friend. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn't hear the approaching footsteps.
"Still no word from Jack huh?"
Daniel looked up to see George Hammond staring down at him. "Uh no sir. Sam was taken back into surgery about an hour ago and I tried to reach Jack but all I got was his voicemail." At this point Hammond had taken a seat beside him.
"I'm sure Doctor Fraiser is doing everything she can for Major Carter and I am also sure that Jack is going to find those responsible, even if officially I have no idea what he's doing" the general finished with a smirk. "By the way where is Teal'c?"
"Oh he needed to meditate so I told to go and I would send for him as soon as I heard anything."
They had been sitting in silence for about a half hour when Janet finally emerged. She looked tired and she was. Sam's second surgery was grueling. She wasn't sure where Sam was bleeding from and for most of the time spent in surgery was looking for the damaged area. She was glad however that it wasn't as serious as she had first thought but Sam was no closer to waking up now than she was before the surgery. She walked over to Daniel and the General and as she was about to speak Teal'c rounded the corner and headed towards them.
"Is there news on Major Carter?" asked Teal'c
"Yes there is. We managed to find the blood clot and remove it. Her vitals have stabilized but not by much, she is still in the coma. However this does brighten things up a bit, if Sam could make it a second surgery, even with a little improvement, then it's possible she could make a full recovery."
"Good work Doctor. Keep me informed of any changes and try and get some rest" he started to walk away but turned, "I have contacted the Tok'ra, Jacob should be here with his daughter but he is on a mission and can't be contacted, I just thought you should know."
"Thank you sir" after her reply he continued back to his office. "You can go and sit with her again if you want" Teal'c nodded and went in first. "Still no word from the Colonel?"
"No I tried to get him when you took Sam back into surgery but no luck" replied Daniel as they made their way to Sam's bedside.
"You can talk her they say that people in coma's will hear the people around them. If you need me I will be in my quarters trying to get some sleep." Daniel simply nodded and Janet exited the infirmary.
"Hey Sam, it's me Daniel. I'm right here and so is Teal'c. You gotta get better Sam we need you."
"Daniel Jackson is correct Major Carter. It will not be the same on SG-1 without you." Daniel smiled at Teal'c's attempt at comfort.
"Jack where are you?" Daniel thought to himself as he watched Sam's chest rise and fall.
(0)
After finding as much as they could about Bragg they discovered he actually had two addresses, one, an apartment a few blocks from the scene, and second one, a cabin in the mountains. Deciding that it would be pointless to search the apartment because more than likely Bragg would be somewhere less out in the open if Kinsey were to contact him. Pulling up the dirt road that led to the cabin Jack still couldn't help but wonder if he should call to see how Sam was doing but the last thing he needed was the 20 questions Daniel was probably going to ask him in doing so.
"Stop here we can go on foot the rest of the way."
"I know how to sneak up on people Harry." He replied parking the truck in the woods. They got out of the car and hiked up a small ridge that overlooked the cabin. Taking in the surroundings Jack made a plan of action and soon realized that if this guy was a good as those files had said they were going to need help. "We're gonna need with this." Maybourne simply nodded in agreement. "I'm gonna call Daniel and Teal'c tell them to bring some zats, we need this guy alive." He said taking his cell phone out of his pocket
"Do you really think that he will tell us anything?"
Dialing his phone he replied, "I'll make him talk or Teal'c will." The phone rang and rang and he was getting impatient, "come on space monkey pick up the phone." As if sensing Jack's impatience Daniel picked up the phone. Ignoring the questions that he Daniel was going to ask he simply told him to write down the directions he was giving him, get Teal'c and some zats and get up to his location as soon as possible. Hanging up phone part of Jack wished he asked Daniel how Sam was and the other part of him decided that if he wanted to get Bragg he would need a clear head and hearing any bad news keep that from happening.
(0)
Daniel had been dozing off in his chair next to Sam's bed when he felt his leg vibrate. Slightly startled he fumbled with his pants pocket to get the phone he looked at the number and pressed ok, "Jack where are you?" Listening intently to what Jack was saying he kept glancing at Sam hoping that she would know he was on the phone with Jack and wake up. It was a stupid thought, he knew that, but he was hoping anyway. After he hung up the he informed Teal'c of the situation and told him to go get the zats while he informed the General.
"Good luck son. Let me know as soon as you find out anything?"
"Thank you General. If there is any change in Sam's condition while we're gone-"
"I will be sure to call you."
"Thanks again General." Daniel replied as he left to get Teal'c. They arrived at Jack's location a little less than hour later.
(0)
The four men made their way to the cabin. It was decided that Daniel and Teal'c would take the back and Jack and Maybourne would go through the front. Armed with zats they struck quickly and zatted anything that moved. When it was over retired Air Force Colonel Ryan Bragg didn't know what hit him, which was evident by the fact that he lying in a heap on the floor.
"Well now what to do we do with him?" asked Daniel
"Teal'c tie him up, we'll wait till he wakes up and then question him." Replied Jack looking at Bragg's unconscious body with pure disgust.
"What if he doesn't answer your questions Jack?" asked Daniel afraid of the answer might be.
"Then he will have to be persuaded to Daniel Jackson" replied Teal'c as he picked Bragg up and placed him in a chair.
"Thank you Teal'c. Happy now Daniel" replied Jack in a tone that said to Daniel 'go ahead and challenge but you are going to change my' So Daniel simply nodded. "Good."
Several minutes passed in silence until Teal'c noticed that Bragg had begun to stir. "O'Neill he appears to be waking."
Jack walked over to Bragg and kicked his foot "Wake up jerk. I have some questions for you."
Bragg moaned and began to remember what happened. Kinsey warned him not to be so careless after killed the guy and left his body for the police to find but as he opened his eyes and looked at Maybourne he realized he hadn't been careless, Kinsey had.
"We know who hired you we only need proof." Started Maybourne "So why don't make this easy on your self and tell us what we want to know." Bragg merely stared straight ahead and remained silent
"Hey do you want to take the fall for that bearucratic ass or you gonna help us?" asked Jack who was now at Bragg's eye level. When he remained silent Jack got mad. "Look the woman you shot is fighting for her life and that guy you killed was innocent now unless you start answering our questions I am gonna let big friend over here persuade you. It's your choice."
Taking one look at Teal'c and seeing the look of anger on his face Bragg sighed and decided it would be in his best interest to at least give them something so they would lay off. "Kinsey contacted said he was sending me something and that if I decided to take the job he would pay me a great deal of money."
"Not good enough" was all Jack simply stated "Do you know what happens when a person receives a second shot from one of these?" Jack asked holding up his zat. Bragg simply stared at him. "Of course you know what happens after all you are N.I.D."
Seeing where he was going with this Maybourne jumped in "How do think the president would feel knowing you murdered one person and attempted to kill another all while on government payroll? I don't think he would be too happy now do you? We know that Kinsey has hired you in past and we know you have personally now tell us what you did with information he sent you and we will let you live."
Realizing that he was beaten and that he didn't want to take the fall for that idiot Kinsey he decided to give them what they wanted. "I'll tell you what you want to know only if none of this gets back to me."
"Done." Replied Jack "Now where's the file?"
"Top drawer of the desk in the study. The key is taped to bottom of the chair."
"Daniel. Get the file." Daniel began to walk towards the study when Bragg turned his head towards him
"In there as well are taped conversations between myself and Kinsey. You may want those as well." Bragg added with a smile. It was then that Jack realized that Bragg had this all planned he knew they would find him and would let him go if they could get Kinsey.
Daniel paused and looked at Jack for permission. "Bring the tapes too" he said to Daniel and then turned his attention back to Bragg, "If we like what we see and hear then you get to live but if we don't well you know what happens then."
Daniel re entered the room with a large envelope and a plastic bag full of tapes and handed them over to Jack. "They were right where he said they would be" added Daniel as he went and stood by Teal'c.
Jack opened the envelope and began to read what was in the folder. When he was finished he handed the folder to Maybourne and opened the bag of tapes. Each one was labeled with a date and time. "Got a radio?"
"Over by the window" replied Bragg
Jack walked over to the stereo and placed the tape that was dated three days before the shooting in the tape deck and pressed play.
"I need you to do something for me." It was Kinsey
"What do you want this time?"
"Inside that folder there is a name and a picture of an Air Force Major that I want taken care of. Don't kill her just wound her. Frame some for the job if you have to I don't care just make sure that O'Neill is there when it happens and that it is in a public palce."
"O'Neill. What is it with you and him? He kill you dog or something?"
"He made me look foolish and no one does that. Look you do this and you can name your price."
"Wow. Pretty woman are you sure you want to shoot her and not kidnap and have a little fun first?"
"No just shoot her. And make sure it's I don't want this coming back to me."
"Whatever. Why not just shoot O'Neill?"
"Because I want him to hurt and I want him to see that I can destroy the one thing that means more to him than his own life."
"Fine. It will cost you $300,000"
"Done. Memorize that information and then destroy it. Like I said I don't any physical evidence that links this to me."
Jack hit the stop button and looked at Bragg. He was smirking. "Alright let's go." He said as he took the tape from the player and bagged it.
"What about him?" asked Maybourne.
"Leave him. He thinks he is so smart he will figure out how to get out of those ropes" Jack replied casting Bragg one final glance before leaving the room with Daniel and Maybourne in tow.
Teal'c remained behind and leaned in towards Bragg "Where I come from a traitor and a killer of the innocent would not be allowed to live. Consider yourself grateful that we are not on my planet" with that said Teal'c turned and the left the room. Bragg let out a deep breathe he didn't realize he had been holding. He wasn't afraid of O'Neill or Maybourne and especially not the geek but the Jaffa made him nervous and he was glad he simply threatened him and then left.
