Chp. 9

As Stetler was slinking away, Jack leaned against the wall and sighed heavily, closing his eyes. His actions earlier that morning, coupled with what he'd just done to Stetler, probably wouldn't endear him to Alexx or Sam. But it wasn't like he could blame them. He hoped that they both knew he would do whatever it took to keep them safe.

"Jack?"

Jack opened his eyes and saw his father standing in front of him. "Yeah, dad?"

"Alexx asked me to assign you to her protection detail until this is over." Horatio said.

Jack's chin dropped a few inches and his mind screeched to a halt. This was not the reaction he'd expected. "Uh," Jack said, finally finding his voice. "Sure, but what about IAB?"

"Let me worry about IAB. As of right now, you, Ken, and Miguel have been assigned to Alexx and Sam's protection detail."

Jack thought about it for a minute, then shrugged. "Alright." Horatio nodded, and left his son with his thoughts. Jack stayed where he was for a few minutes, collecting himself, before going to Alexx and Sam. "Apparently, I've been reassigned until further notice, thanks to you, Doc." He said.

She looked at him. "Are you ok with that?"

Jack nodded. "Suit's me just fine."

Sam chose to join the conversation. "Are you gonna stay with us, Jack?"

Jack looked at him and nodded. "Yeah, Sam, I'm going to stay with you."

Sam smiled. "Good, I'm glad."

000

Thirty minutes later, Alexx, Jack and Sam arrived at a Wal-mart not far from Alexx's house. Jack watched Alexx work, amazed at how quickly and accurately she guessed Sam's sizes. Must be a woman thing, he thought.

"Something on your mind, Jack?" she asked when she caught him watching them.

"No, uh." He faltered at being caught. "Just admiring your womanly wiles, Doc."

Before Alexx could respond, Sam jumped in. "Are you guys talking about sex?"

Jack's eyes bugged, but Alexx knelt in front of Sam. "Hey, how about we go get you some toys? How does that sound?" She asked, smiling.

Sam looked surprised at this. "I get toys? Does that mean I'm a good boy?" Sam asked, tears in his eyes.

Alexx felt her breath catch in her throat. She took a moment regain her composure and, when she trusted herself to speak again, she said. "Sam, you are a very good boy. Don't ever forget that, baby." Alexx finished, hugging him.

As she stood up, Alexx looked at Jack. He had a far away look in his eyes, like he was remembering something from long ago. And the rage she'd seen at the hospital was back. But, just as quickly, his mask came back and she couldn't tell what he was thinking. The little group went to the toy section, and Sam quickly picked out a couple of trucks and a police car. "Is that all you want?" Alexx asked. She could tell he had something on his mind, but didn't want to say it. Without being asked, Jack moved to the opposite end of the aisle. Alexx knelt down next Sam and looked him. "What else do you want baby?"

Sam looked away. Alexx waited. Finally, Sam said, "You and Jack won't laugh at me?"

Alexx shook her head. "No, baby, we won't."

"Ok, can I get a teddy bear?"

Alexx smiled. "Of course."

000

"Nice bear, Sam." Jack said. "Know what you're going to name him?"

Sam grinned and shook his head. Alexx could tell Sam respected Jack. "Hey, doc, I'm low on ammo. Call me when you're done." Jack said, and walking to the sporting goods department without another word. Alexx knew Jack didn't need ammo so much as he wanted to give Sam his dignity. Alexx, having been a mother, knew that older children could be self-conscious about wearing diapers. Sam must have noticed the gears turning in Alexx's head because he said, "It's ok, Alexx. At least you don't at like it's my fault."

Alexx looked at Sam. "It's just something you have to do, sweetie. It doesn't bother me." Alexx said with a smile. She grabbed what she needed and was leaving when Sam pointed and asked, "Can we get those?" Sam asked, pointing to some pacifiers and baby bottles. Alexx knew that Sam was obviously regressing to a time when he felt safe. But then, she steered the cart to the checkout line, she wondered if Sam had ever truly felt safe. After she paid for their items and left the store, she wasn't surprised to find Jack already waiting for her. But she was surprised to find Ken and Mike there. "You a mind reader now, Jack?" Alexx asked, as she unloaded the groceries.

"Maybe." He said, giving her rye grin.

"Kenny, Mike." Alexx said, nodded to the two men.

"Doc." Kenny said.

"Alexx," Mike said, and waited for her and Sam to get in the car. "So, how do you want to play this?"

"Just follow us. Stay close." The other two nodded, got in Ken's Camaro and followed Jack out of the parking lot.

"So, where to now, doc?" Jack asked.

"1145 Magnola Street."

"Nice digs." Jack said.

"Are we going to your house, Alexx?" Sam asked.

She turned in her seat and looked at him. "Yeah, we're going to my house. Would you like that?"

Sam grinned. "Yeah."

Jack alternated between watching the road in front of him and behind. He noticed a black ford Crown Victoria following a little too closely. Keeping his head on a swivel, Jack pulled a radio off his belt and pressed the talk button. "Ken,"

"Yeah, Jack?"

"Government car, black ford. See it?"

A moment passed before Jack heard Ken's response. "Yeah, what'd you wanna do?"

Jack noticed that Alexx and Sam were listening to his conversation now, but he ignored them. "Boxcar, next right." Jack said.

"Roger."

"Jack, what's…" Alexx started, but he cut her off.

"Sam, buddy, climb up front and sit in Alexx's lap, ok?" Sam, with Alexx's help did as instructed.

"Jack, what…" Alexx started again, but he stopped her.

"I'll explain later. When I tell you, get down and stay down until I tell you otherwise." Jack said, and he glanced at them. Both looked terrified. Jack grinned, but the smile never reached his eyes, which were hard. "Trust me."

A second later, Jack made a sharp right turn and the government sedan followed, Ken's Camaro behind it. Just as quickly, Jack turned left again, blocking the alley. Before Alexx could say a word, Jack was out of the car, his .45 drawn. "Out of the car, hands up!" Jack shouted. Alexx got down, but notice Ken and Mike covering the back of the car. A gunshot made her duck and then she heard Jack yelling.

"Out of the car or the next one goes into someone not something!"

Three men got out of the car. Mike and Kenny walked forward, covering them. "I.d." Jack said, not shouting, but his tone left no room for argument.

The man who'd been in the front passenger seat stepped forward. "My name is Miguel Ruiz. I am head of Clavo Cruz's diplomatic protect detail, which is provided to him by the embassy. You have someone that belongs to him."

Jack scowled is disgust. "Sam's a human being, a child. Not a piece of property. If your boss wants him, tell him he can go through me." Jack said, turning and walking away.

Then he stopped. "On second thought, give your boss another message."

Ruiz looked up. "And that is?"

In response, Jack raised his .45 and shot all three men in the legs. Then he turned, walked back to his car and drove away.