TITLE: Shark – "Fleeting Glances"
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: From the deep sadness of loss, a strong bond can sometimes be formed. A/U
PAIRING: Jessica Devlin & OFC; Sebastian Stark & OFC
RATING: MA for Mature readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story is simply entertainment for those of us who like to dabble in subtext. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of 20th Century Fox Television and creator Ian Biederman. This tale does feature realistic consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, you have taken a wrong turn at the last intersection and need to back the bus up drongo!
A/N: Much gratitude to Wendy Woo proof reader extraordinaire. Be kind, read & review.
Chapter 10
Knocking on Captain Wilson's door at 0957 hours the next morning, Sam patiently waited for a reply.
"Enter," directed John from the other side.
Sam opened the door and was surprised to see Chief Walker standing to the left side of the Captain's desk. "Good morning sirs."
"Morning Sergeant," replied John with his command face on.
"It's good to see you again Sergeant Lake," added Chief Walker.
Captain Wilson got to his feet and explained, "Sergeant, as you are aware, you sat for your Lieutenant's exam over twelve months ago."
"Yes sir."
"Well, I'm happy to advise you a position and promotion has become available with Central Traffic Division."
Walker continued, "The job is yours if you want it Sergeant Lake."
Sam looked at them both, "Thank you, but I don't think I'm ready to be tied to a desk just yet."
"You won't be," answered Walker. "You will be responsible for assisting the Captain when required, but your primary assignment will be out on patrol, doing what you do best."
Wilson dropped out of professional mode, "Sam, it's only a four month secondment. After that, you will return here and I want you to take on the task of training and mentoring the rookies."
Sam was flabbergasted with the offer, "When am I expected to commence duty?"
"You report to Captain Braxton March 31st. With all the time you have spent on official matters during your vacation, you have an extra week off."
Sam started to protest, but was stopped by Walker, "Sam, don't argue. You deserve the break." He passed over a polished wooden box before continuing, "Congratulations Lieutenant Lake, your promotion is effective immediately."
Taking the offered container, Sam opened it to reveal six sets of silver bars and a new Lieutenant's shield. "Thank you Chief Walker."
"Well done Sam," gushed John proudly. "Now get out of here and go enjoy the rest of your leave."
"Yes sir." Sam turned and exited the office. Going to the car park, she pulled out her cell to call Jessica just as the phone sounded with her girlfriend's ringtone.
"Hello Jess."
"Hi honey, I'm really sorry, but I have to cancel lunch."
Sam detected the panic in the DA's voice, "What's going on sweetheart?"
"I don't have a lot of time to explain, but FBI Agents are here in my office."
"The FBI, what's going on?"
"Just listen please baby."
"Okay, you have my full attention."
"A bomb in a cardboard box with a handwritten death threat inside was delivered to my office this morning via courier."
Sam's heart began to race, "Good god Jess, are you okay?"
"At this stage I'm all right, but I'm being taken into protective custody with the US Marshalls."
With concern, Sam whispered, "No Jess."
"Yes Sam and I won't be able to communicate with you until this is all over."
"Okay I understand. Please be safe sweetheart and know I love you."
"I love you too. Oh, Sebastian was also named in the threat and will be with me. He wants to know if you can look after Julie until this all blows over. The FBI has eliminated her as a possible target and he can't contact her mother."
"Tell him I will and not to worry."
"Thank you darling. You will have to go pick her up from school and she will be under guard until you arrive."
"No problem, I'm on the way. Keep that beautiful head of yours down."
"I will and please keep safe."
"Bye Jess."
Sam closed her cell and steadied her trembling hands. She called Ron without delay and asked if it was okay to ride Greg's motorbike over now and stay a few days. She went on and told him about the situation with Julie and Ron was more than happy to oblige in getting the teenager out of harm's way.
Driving straight home, Sam collected her off duty Glock; assorted police issued equipment, two helmets, her leather jacket, extra cash, toiletries and bike saddle bags.
Her next stop was Greg's, where she secured her truck in the garage then readied his Harley for the journey.
-o-
A justifiably frightened Julie Stark ran to Sam when she entered the room the two FBI Agents had commandeered to hold the teenager safely.
Sam went to pull out her badge and credentials and stated, "Agents, I'm Lieutenant Sam Lake."
The older Agent lowered his gun and inspected the police identification, "We've been expecting you."
"How you doing Kiddo?" enquired Sam as she hugged the weeping girl.
"I'm okay, but I'm really worried about dad and Jess."
"I am too honey." Sam handed Julie a helmet, "All right, let's go. We have a long ride ahead of us. Thank you gentlemen, I'll take it from here."
"Yes ma'am," they chorused in unison.
Julie looked at the head covering and queried, "Ride?"
Taking her young charge by the hand, Sam led her out of the room and into the hall, "I'm taking you interstate."
"But I'll need to go home and pack."
"No honey, we can't go there in case someone is watching the house." She took off her jacket and handed it to Julie, "Put that on until we can buy you a proper sized one and some clothes for the trip."
"Okay and since when did you get promoted?"
"About an hour ago, now let's move out.
-o-
Twenty minutes later, Sam rode into a vacant parking bay outside a motorbike dealership and turned off the engine.
Julie slid off the back of seat and Sam followed. The pair took off their helmets simultaneously and entered the store.
It took a quarter of an hour for Julie to be decked out in bike pants and jacket while Sam selected a suitable pair of sunglasses for her.
The couple rode along Interstate 15 in heavy traffic for six hours before reaching Las Vegas where they refuelled then pulled into the driveway of the Mirage Hotel and Casino.
Julie eased her tired legs off the bike, took off her head protection and swore, "Holy shit Sam, I didn't think we were ever going to get here."
"Language young lady," remonstrated Sam sternly as she unhooked the bike key from the ring then handed it to the Valet.
He handed her a stub with a smile, "Enjoy your stay ladies."
"Thank you," replied Sam, handing the young man a ten dollar tip. Unhitching the saddle bags, she added with a grin, "Be gentle with her."
"Yes ma'am."
Once Sam checked in at Reception, she led Julie up to their suite on the seventh floor. "You hungry Kiddo?" she asked while placing the bags over the back of a lounge chair.
"Famished, I haven't eaten since breakfast."
Picking up the room service menu from the counter, Sam tossed it to her young companion, "Select what you want and I'll order it for seven thirty. That will give us an hour to go buy you some toiletries and decent underwear. We'll purchase new clothes when we get to Denver."
Julie looked up from the booklet, "Can I ask you something?"
"You sure can Julie."
"Are we going to the Whatmore's home?"
"We certainly are. I had planned on riding Greg's bike over next month, but plans changed."
"They sure did. I hope dad and Jess are okay."
"They will be Kiddo."
Satisfied with the verbal reassurance, Julie finally let out the breath she was holding, "All right, I'll settle for a well done steak and salad thank you very much."
"That sounds good, I'll have the same." Sam grabbed the room phone and placed the order.
-o-
Sam stepped out of the bathroom wearing snug fitting black cotton boxers and a navy blue Dodgers tee shirt.
Julie leered at her and smiled.
"What are you so happy about?"
"You, and Jess was right, you do have an amazing body."
Sam laughed at the comment then threw a nearby cushion at her.
There was a knock on the door and Sam quickly pulled the gun from the saddle bags then tucked it behind the waistband of her boxers and under her shirt.
Motioning for Julie to go into the bathroom, Sam approached the door. She looked through the peephole before receiving the tray of food and after handing over a tip, closed the door.
"You can come out now Julie," she declared while setting the tray down on the table. "The coast is clear."
"My hero," taunted Julie with a feigned swoon as she sat down.
Halfway through the meal, Julie enquired, "How long do you think it will be before dad and Jess are safe?"
"No idea. Unless the FBI comes up with a lead, it could take days or maybe even weeks."
"Damn, so I may miss a bit of school?"
"You could, but you'll catch up. Besides, we'll only be gone for a couple of days. We can fly back on the weekend unless the perp is captured beforehand."
"Where do your parents live Sam?"
"They don't."
"Ahh sorry, I didn't realise."
"It's okay Kiddo, I don't advertise it."
The inquiries kept coming, "You are pretty serious about Jess, aren't you?"
"I certainly am, but taking it slow."
"But you love her right?"
Sam chuckled at the question, "Yes I do, very much so."
In response, Julie grinned, "Good and I know she loves you because I overheard dad talking to her on the phone the other night. Dad thinks you are a stable and settling influence on Jess and I have to agree."
"Well I'm glad I have the Stark family seal of approval."
Julie giggled then announced, "Dad is dating a police officer."
"Yes and I know Susan."
"He really likes her and says he enjoys her company."
"I'm happy for him."
"You are a good bike rider Sam."
"Thank you, so is Jess."
"Yeah, she's ridden dad's hog a few times. Do you own a bike?"
"Yes, I have a Harley V-Rod."
"Cool, you'll have to take me for a ride on it one day."
"I can do that."
The pair finished eating and Julie put the tray outside the door.
After preparing for bed, Julie slipped into the single bed while Sam climbed into the queen and made a quick call to Jake to cancel Friday night's dinner.
"Goodnight Julie."
"Night Sam."
Moments later, Julie asked, "Hey Sam, are you still awake?"
"Yes I am."
"Do you have a lot of money?"
"I guess I do, why?"
"We are staying at the Mirage, makes it kind of obvious."
Sam tittered at the teenager's logic, "True, but I doubt I am as well off as your father."
"Probably not, he's loaded."
Five minutes of silence followed as the two travelling companions went to sleep.
-o-
The following day Sam pulled into a gas station in Grand Junction to refuel and eat some lunch.
Afterwards, the pair headed off for the final four hour leg of their journey.
Turning into the drive of a brown stone house in Clarkson Street, Sam parked behind a white Lexus sedan. Ron, Janet, Ashley and Ross immediately exited the house and greeted the duo before going inside.
Sam quickly discussed the full reason behind the visit once they reached the comfort of the living room.
"So you don't think you were followed?" enquired Ron.
"I don't believe so," answered Sam. "Jess and I aren't out to the public as a couple, so whoever sent the threat and explosive device probably has no idea of my existence. The FBI is certain Julie is not a target either."
A furrowed brow Janet asked, "How long are you planning on staying?"
"If the Feds don't locate the perp before Friday, I was planning on flying home Saturday and have Julie stay with me. I don't want her missing too much school."
"All right then," said Janet. "Julie, you can stay in the guest room and Sam, you get the studio apartment above the garage."
"Thanks Janet, I really appreciate it. Julie and I need to go clothes shopping, we travelled rather light."
"We can go now," suggested Ashley. "I'll drive."
"I'll call the station and have a Deputy maintain a regular drive by of the house just in case," offered Ron.
"Thanks and when are you due back to work Ron?" asked Sam.
"Friday morning."
-o-
By Friday night Sam had not heard from Jessica or Sebastian and both she and Julie were beginning to worry.
Ron walked into the kitchen via the back door wearing his County Sherriff's uniform and kissed his wife. Ashley, Ross and Julie were out picking up dinner and Sam was standing next to Janet at the kitchen counter.
"Hey Sam, I spoke to an old buddy of mine at the FBI and he told me there have been no leads on the case."
"Great," replied Sam downheartedly.
Ron placed a hand on her left shoulder, "They'll find them. Apparently the Agent with Sebastian and Jessica is sorting through old cases. The theory is the perp is a disgruntled ex-client of Sebastian's in a case prosecuted by Jessica."
"Shoot, that's fifteen years' worth of cases."
"Yep, but the good news is they are safe."
"For now, you and I both know the longer they are in hiding, the greater the risk of detection is."
"They'll come up with a lead soon Sam," advised Janet with a hug.
After dinner the group were all seated in the living room watching the news when everyone stopped talking and looked at the screen in disbelief.
The ticker tape was rolling by as the anchor announced, "News just in confirms LA District Attorney Jessica Devlin, thirty nine and her Deputy District Attorney Sebastian Stark, fifty five have been under protective custody with the US Marshalls since Monday morning. Sources verify a small explosive device and death threats against the two Attorneys were delivered to the District Attorney's Office. The FBI has no clues at this stage, more after this break."
Julie looked to Sam in horror, "Hell no!"
Sam hastily got up off the floor and comforted Julie, "It will be okay. The FBI will relocate them and step up security."
The pair's attention was drawn back to the television as the presenter continued, "More on the disappearance of DA Jessica Devlin and Deputy DA Sebastian Stark. An associate of the couple state it has long been rumoured that the two Attorneys have been involved in a romantic relationship for some time and are making the most of their clandestine sabbatical."
"You have got to be kidding me!" exclaimed Ashley furiously. "Damn irresponsible reporters."
Sam straightened up, "Excuse me everyone." She exited the house and withdrew her phone.
Ten minutes passed before she returned to the living room, "Julie, go pack honey, we have a flight back home at ten."
Julie jumped up and ran to the guest room without question as the others got to their feet and surrounded Sam.
-o-