She approached the detective, speaking her name. Detective Carter turned around and looked suspiciously at Sam as she walked up to her.

"I couldn't place you before, but I've had some time to think about it," Carter said in that commanding tone she had. "You're Samantha Tudin, right? Your parents were killed last year?"

"Yes. You were very kind to me, Detective, thank you."

"How is John?" Carter asked.

"He's much better. He's the one who sent me to meet you, actually."

"Sent you? He's not recruiting is he? I swear, that man, I will – "

"I volunteered," Sam said quickly, interrupting Carter's potential rant.

"Miss Tudin – "

"Sam."

"Sam," Carter's expression softened. "I can't let you help them. You're a civilian with a registered weapon – "

"I haven't felt like a civilian since I watched my brother get shot, Detective," Sam said flatly. "It's my choice. John is my friend, and I choose to help him when he needs me whether he or anyone else likes it or not."

Carter stared Sam down even though they were about the same height, probably even about the same age. Sam knew the detective didn't have a leg to stand on. There was no way she could stop her… at the moment. She decided to change the subject.

"The reason I'm here is because Mr. Finch has found some useful information that he thought you'd be interested in." Sam pulled an envelope out of her purse and handed it to Carter.

"You know Agent Mark Snow?"

"Unfortunately," Carter muttered.

"Make that Ex Agent Mark Snow," Sam said with a smile. "He's not under orders to hunt John or anyone else. He and his little group were terminated over six months ago. His resources are limited now, which is why he went to Elias to look for John."

Stunned, Carter opened the envelope and began reading the report. Sam waited patiently for a moment, turning her head towards the trees.

"That son of a bitch," Carter said under her breath. "Thank you, this is will be very useful."

"You're welcome," Sam turned to leave but Carter grabbed her by the arm.

"Sam, I saw what you did the other day to get to him," Carter's eyes were warm, understanding, but very serious. "What John does and who he is isn't for everyone. You know that, right?"

Sam looked into her eyes. "I know. But as long as you trust him, what John does is right. He's a good man."

"I've tried to deny it," Carter said, hinting a smile.

"Don't worry about me, Detective."

"When it comes to John, I always worry," Carter said quietly.

They parted and Sam walked over the stones in the square. She past the benches, and stepped onto the sidewalk that wound through the rest of the park. John eased his way over and smoothly moved into step with her.

"I've decided something," Sam said.

"What?"

"I've decided that every once in a while I'll tell you a small fact about myself, and you can do the same. Since you told me a few already by accident, it's my turn. You said you were in band – don't look at me like that – I was a choir nerd. We won a regional competition my junior year. One of my favorite songs we sang was an arrangement of Neil Diamon's 'America'."

John smiled as they reached a street corner and waited for the light to change. Sam stood next to him silently as the light changed and she went to take a step forward, but John held her back. A passel of people moved around them to get onto the street.

"My real name is John," he said. "Just so you know. And…" he appeared to consider his words for a moment. "I have a slight aversion to clowns."

Sam snorted. "Who doesn't?"

"Mine is very specific, concerning an experience when I was seven."

Sam burst out laughing. "So if I came at you dressed as a clown, you would…?"

"I would kill you without a second thought."

"Good to know."


Harold Finch made his way up the stairs into HQ, and slowed his pace when he saw John's back. He was leaning against the wall, looking out the window as though lying in wait.

"Morning, Finch," he said, turning to greet him.

"Getting a little eager, aren't we Mr. Reese?" Finch said as he took of his coat and sat down.

"I wanted your opinion on something."

Finch raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Really? That's… strange."

"So is this," Reese stepped over to the desk and dropped a folded piece of paper on it. He moved back to the window.

Finch unfolded the sheet of paper and read aloud: "'Samantha, I hope this finds you well. I would like to meet with you…" His voice faded as he read the rest of the note and saw the signature, Carl Elias.

"Where did you find this?"

"Sam's apartment," John said, still staring out the window.

"Did you ask her about it?"

"No. That's what I wanted your opinion on." John finally turned to him and Finch could sense that he was close to the edge. He was angry, much more than Finch believed was warranted.

Finch thought quickly, reading the note over again. "'Please do not misinterpret this as a request.'" He read aloud. "It sounds like Elias has something on her."

"Or, she's been working with him this whole time," John said dangerously.

"This is the same man responsible for the deaths of her family, Mr. Reese. I don't believe she would join his ranks," Finch said logically, trying to keep the calm.

"That's what that meeting was. She walked into that strip club, walked out, and Snow came right after. We already know that Elias told him to follow her and they'd find me. How would he know that?"

"John," Finch said seriously. "Before you go around accusing people, let's get some evidence first. I doubt that Miss Tudin is involved with Elias. And if she is, it is not by her choice."

"I hope you're right, Finch," John said skeptically.

"You should realize by now that I usually am, Mr. Reese."


You all are awesome for taking time to read and post reviews! I sooo appreciate it. :)

For anyone who may be curious, I have an idea for one more big adventure for Sam with John and Finch. I'm not sure when I'll start posting it, because I still don't have it all straight in my head yet. lol

But it'll be soon, so hang around! Thanks again for reading!