Author's note: this is a rathershort chapter, so I apologise. It's kind of an interlude, but I felt it was an important one.

Hours later Jack still sat in the waiting room, oblivious to anything else but the fact that Sam was still in surgery. Martin had joined him earlier in the evening, but they hadn't broken the frosty silence.

"Mr. Malone?" a man in a white coat came upto him, Jack turned his tired head.

"Yeah, that's me." Jack stood up, and straightened his ruined clothing.

"I'm Doctor Falzone, You are Miss Spade's boss? At the… FBI?"

"That's correct. Is she okay?"

"There was some bleeding in the brain and she has several broken bones, including her left wrist. There is a slight possibility she may never regain full use of that hand, but she should make a full recovery. There will be scarring both physically… and emotionally."

"She was r…" He couldn't bring himself to say the word, not in connection with Sam anyway. The doctor nodded his head sadly. Jack had to take a deep breath; otherwise he was going to shoot something. The doctor wondered whether there was more to their relationship than him just being her boss. Knowing how improper it would be to ask, Dr. Falzone pushed it to the back of his mind.

"Does Miss Spade have any family, next of kin?" The doctor asked

"Not that we know of." Martin, who had stood silently a little ways behind Jack stepped forward.

"Can we see her?" the doctor shook his head.

"She's still sleeping and will be for a couple of hours. I'd suggest going home and coming back tomorrow."

"We'll be quiet," Jack replied,

"Please?" added Martin. The doctor looked at them and sighed.

"Five minutes." Both felt similar feelings of triumph as he led them to her room.

"One at a time," Dr. Falzone said. Both stepped forward and looked at each other. Martin gestured toward the door and stepped back.

He went into the room, being as quiet as humanly possible. She looked peaceful, her blonde hair falling around her head like a halo.

"Hey Sam," he whispered, his voice cracked slightly, "God I'm so sorry." Her face was covered in bruises. A silent tear fell down his face, and he wiped it away before leaving the room with a whispered

"I'll be back,"

Jack nodded and thanked the doctor. He stood there for a few minutes waiting for Martin before turning and walking to his car.

"Jack!" called Martin. Jack turned back,

"What do you want Martin?" Martin struggled with the right words.

"Look, I'm sorry I hit you. I didn't mean what I said." Jack looked at him for a few seconds before replying.

"No, you meant every word you said. I did too. Just remember I had no control over the situation, I thought he was in prison. Its fine, but do that again and watch out." Jack continued on his way out of the hospital. He reached his car and got in. he rubbed his face tiredly. He'd go home, get changed and head back to the office.

The drive home took less time than the drive to the hospital. He opened the door to his apartment and went in. closing it behind him, he saw a person standing in his living room. Without thinking he drew his gun.

"Relax Jack, it's me." Gibbs stepped further into the light.

"Your door was open, I assumed you were home."

"What's up?" Jack asked

"He got away. Plane left the airport before we could do anything. He left us nothing to go on. Forensics scoured every inch of Samantha's apartment. We questioned Jerry Lindall, they were all hired muscle. He told them nothing of what he was going to do."

"Are you sure?" Gibbs gave Jack the look.

"Trust me."

Jack swore creatively.

"He also left you a note." Gibbs pointed to the bench-top. Jack went over and picked it up.

Hi Jack,

Thank you for your lending me of Samantha, she was pleasurable company. Agent Gibbs I know you're there too. Thank you for Anthony. Although unexpected, I also enjoyed his company.

You two are probably searching all over for me at the moment. I do hope you find me since I would be rather disappointed if you didn't. The FBI is likely to be pretty pissed at me. That's okay, where I'm going, they can't do anything anyway. Give you team my regards, and I shall more than likely see you soon.

James.

"Officially, there's nothing more we can do. He's in Mexico and out of our jurisdiction."

"Unofficially?" Jack asked

"There's an alternative. You might not like it. I have some friends in Mexico. I'll see what we can do." Gibbs knew Jack was much like him in some ways. The bastard had also harmed DiNozzo, so regardless of what Jack said, he would do it his way.