Oracle's Six, Sam Helps Spike & Trust Wordy

Outside Dupont's Apartment

A man clad in all black with what resembled, to most anyone happening to see him, a guitar case slung over his shoulder walked up to a large nondescript black van. It was dark and not a soul was around. That due to the fact it was the wee hours of the morning, 0217 to be exact. Oracle opened the side door, slipped in and closed the door.

General Braddock unslung his rifle case from his shoulder and sat in the only unoccupied chair of four chairs inside the van. He was weary and it showed in his face. But he would not allow fatigue to interfere with what had to be done. His icy steel blue eyes softened slightly as he look upon three men he had known for decades.

First he looked to retired Major Anthony Cardillo, code name Shade. He had known Shade since they went through Special Ops training together nearly forty years ago. The man was a master of stealth. He was on the rather short side, only five six and he was still fit. No retirement pudge had dared claim him.

He knew he could rely on Shade with no questions asked just as he would do if the situation was reversed. There was a deep bond that only develops when you put your life in the hands of another for years. It was unbreakable.

Next he looked to Chief Warrant Officer Theo Brock, code name Hound. Lastly to retired Master Corporal Royce Duffy, code named Shakespeare. Both looked at him with a hard glint similar to his own.

He knew the men felt a deep sense of guilt for not recognizing that Samuel was being abused for months while under their care. He had never blamed them but they had never forgiven themselves. Perhaps this would allow them to finally put that burden down because the fault lied with him alone. He had chosen Sergeant Dupont to care for his son.

The General started "Hound, Shade, Shakespeare we will only use code names from here on out. As you know this is an unauthorized op. No one but my most trusted security man knows I have left London. Not even my wife knows. If at all possible I want this to stay on the legal side. But I must tell you I will not hesitate to circumvent the law if Dupont goes after Phoenix."

The General stopped, letting that sink in for them and thinking the code name they had given Samuel was so appropriate. Samuel had endured so much. Most men he knew would have been burned and dead by the fires of hell Samuel had gone through. But his son somehow managed to rise from the ashes every time just like a Phoenix.

Braddock continued "I will not allow that bastard to harm Phoenix again. If you are not okay with that, walk away now, no hard feelings if you do."

Hound smiled and handed him a steaming cup of coffee "I'm staying. Strong and black, just the way you like it. You made good time Oracle. Didn't expect you for another hour."

He then sat back as an old image of a terrified little boy cowering in the corner of a burnt out building came to mind. If he could he would have snapped Dupont's neck back then. It would have only taken sixty-six pounds of pressure, easily done.

But he had been restrained, it took three MPs to hold him back when they found Dupont and arrested him. If only he had found him all alone. If only. Then they would not be here now and the man he greatly admired for his sense of morality among other things would not have to consider crossing the line.

The General returned a small smile as he accepted the coffee and took a sip. "Magic Mike is a great pilot."

Then Braddock looked to Shade. Shade stared at him with a look that communicated 'why even bother to ask, you know my answer'. He read the look understanding the meaning, grinned and nodded before his gaze landed on Shakespeare.

Shakespeare was a little unnerved by the comment. But he owed Sam. He had failed that little boy terribly. He had tried to make amends by being vigilant in his new life as a teacher at a prestigious boarding school. Over the years he had recognized the signs and saved nearly a dozen boys from abusive environments.

But nothing he did ever completely removed the guilt he felt for failing little Sam. He hoped it would end on the legal side but he would go the distance if necessary. He took a deep breathe "I'm in."

That settled Shade held up a small plastic bag with the remnants of a DVD "Destroyed as requested. But I have to tell you getting into SRU and finding this unseen was quite difficult. The officers that work there are no slackers. Almost got caught twice." He grinned "Once by the beautiful dispatcher. Not much gets passed that one. Gorgeous long dark hair and brown eyes, if only I were a much, much younger man."

The General grinned at his old friend, took another sip of coffee then asked "Where are we at? What have you found out about the twins?"

Dropping the bag into his pack Shade reported "As you suspected. It appears the twins swapped lives so to speak several years after Gerard's BCD. He'd never have gotten a job in security with it. His brother Gaston was just planning on starting culinary school when they swapped names."

"Have to say, that was a shock finding out he had a twin. What did you find out about the brother? Does he have the same violent behavior?" Braddock asked.

Shaking his head Shakespeare replied "Quite the contrary. Upstanding guy. Volunteers his skills at soup kitchens. Well-liked by everyone we contacted. Has one dismissed assault charge. Seems about ten years ago he came to the rescue of a woman about to be attacked. The man attacking her filed assault charges against him because he knocked the man out cold. The judge took one look at it and threw it out. It's like they are the exact opposites of each other except they look identical."

Oracle was taken back "Twins I knew, but Identical? That complicates things. I would not want to take out the wrong man. Are there any distinguishing differences? We have to be sure it is Gerard."

Shakespeare answered "Yes they have different hair styles. Other than that, no one would ever be able to tell them apart. Gerard still wears a military cut. Gaston has shoulder length hair."

Hound shook his head "There's one other way. When Gerard joined Phoenix and I for a few workouts I noticed that Gerard has a tattoo on his left bicep. It's a knife with the words 'Power equals Respect'. Back then I thought the knife was nice work but the words were so wrong."

"Sounds like he was an ass on a power trip" Shade stated.

General Braddock agreed but moved the discussion forward. "Phoenix is currently in no condition to defend himself if Dupont comes at him like I suspect he will. From what I've been told Phoenix cannot even walk without assistance right now. So what's the status? Has Dupont made any moves?"

Shade grimaced "Hound and Shakespeare followed him while I reconed his place today. I planted a few cameras and listening devices in his apartment. He has gotten close but we have no clue if he has any intentions of harm."

The General shook his head and stated firmly "Oh there is intention. He blamed Phoenix for the BCD. After it was over, on the courthouse steps he came up beside me and said 'that brat will pay one day for what's he's done'. If it hadn't been for my brothers holding me back Dupont would have been dead on those steps that day."

He took another sip of the necessary caffeine "We flew back to the desert base that evening. Phoenix was safe from him there. Over the next few years when no action took place the memory receded. That is until I got a call from Parker. Don't think Dupont would have ever actively sought him out. But given an opportunity like this one, where Phoenix is incapacitated. I wouldn't put it past Dupont to harm him."

Hound listened and then reported "We tailed him and watched as they sat outside Phoenix's location."

"They?" Braddock asked.

Shakespeare supplied "Yeah both of them. Seems Gaston is here. Background check shows he is between jobs. Also you should know we were not the first ones to contact his previous employer. The man said he got a call from someone from the SRU."

The General grinned. That was so like Samuel's team. They were trying to help. "So they were staking out her home. How long? Are they still there?" He didn't think so otherwise his men would not be in the van. At least one of them would have been at Jules home watching.

Hound continued "They were there from early morning and stayed until just before dinner. At one point they split up. I stayed with Gerard who stayed at the home. He reconned close to the home. I believe he located Phoenix who is currently in the first floor bedroom. He made no attempt to enter so I hung back and did not engage."

Shakespeare added "I tailed Gaston to a market. He was tailing the woman. He interrupted what appeared to be an attempted attack on her by another man in the parking lot. Got a picture of the man. Had Shade run it through facial recognition but got nothing. But something about the man set me off. When I followed Gaston back to her home the other man was still in the market parking lot."

Hound took up the report "When they returned they stayed until near dinner time. When they left we saw the other man hiding in some bushes. I stayed back as Shakespeare followed the twins back here. Shortly after they left I followed the other man two blocks to where he got into a car and left. Didn't have a car to follow so I lost him. Shakespeare is right. Something's not right about that man."

Shade added "Once they returned Gaston made dinner. They didn't speak much during dinner. However we learned Gerard had planned to return after dark. But he drank two bottles of wine then started in on Bourbon and passed out on the couch around 2200. His brother went to bed around 2300. It's been quiet since then."

Shakespeare looked at the General really not wanting to voice the next bit of information knowing the harm it might do but decided it had to be shared. "I found out some disturbing information as I dug into Gerard's past."

The General looked at Shakespeare "What?" he said flatly.

He nervously cracked his knuckles as he reported "Seems there is a trail of unsolved crimes against children that follows the dates and times in the cities that Gerard lived. Most involve sexual assault. Evidence is spotty at best. They never had enough to id a suspect. The boys involved never saw the face of their attacker. The boys were either too frightened or embarrassed to say anything or said they had been beaten but then didn't remember anything else. A few of them had toxicology reports indicating the boys had Rohypnol in their system. Many of the boys that eventually spoke about it indicated it occurred while they were in the hospital."

Aghast Braddock said "The hospital?"

Swallowing hard to keep the bile down Shakespeare said "Yes. Turns out to be the same hospital Gerard was working at each and every time. We all know he is capable even though it was only suspected and never proven. I think the unknown perpetrator might just be Gerard."

William Braddock deflated in his chair. More boys harmed at the hand of this monster. If only he could have proven what he believed happened to Samuel all those years ago. He might have been able to prevent harm to all these other boys.

Little had the power to rattle the General after all his years dealing with the evils of the world. But abusing children did. Pedophiles deserved slow painful deaths. He was quite capable of making that happen. He made a silent vow that the bastard would never hurt another child.

Seeing how this bit of research had affected his old friend but unsure exactly why Shade said "We rented a motel room. It's quiet now, Gerard is too hammered to do anything for at least a few more hours. How about you grab a few hours shut eye. I'll contact when they wake up. We all need a clear head for dealing with this now."

The General wanted to resist but he knew Shade was right. He needed to keep a clear head and being sleep deprived would not bode well for good decision making. His tired mind had already gone down several paths for just how to kill the bastard slowly. So he said "Okay."

Hound saw the same devastation and dangerous spark of hatred in the General as he had felt when he found out. The General should not be alone right now. It would be too easy to give into the temptation to simply off the man now. He knew the General had the skills to do it and not get caught too.

So he said "I'll go with you." Glancing at the others he said "They've had their beauty sleep already tonight." Trying to lighten the mood a little he added "Too bad it didn't do their looks any good." Shakespeare and Shade laughed lightly understanding what Hound was doing and agreed.

After the two exited the van and left Shakespeare turned to Shade "Should I have kept that from him?"

Shade sat quietly a while before answering. Although he refused to ask questions he knew about Sam being hit by Dupont because of the court martial and BCD. He closed his eyes and sank back into his chair as he realized why a cold murderous glint entered William's eyes. Jesus Christ, not Sam.

He straightened up in the chair and opened his eyes watching the monitor. He would have William's six; they were more than just friends, they were brothers in arms. He would not let William do something stupid that would destroy himself. They would get this guy lawfully. There was no statute of limitations on child abuse. Pedophiles didn't do well in prison once their crimes were known. This sick bastard would be sent to prison.

Turning to Shakespeare he answered "Maybe but if he found out you did not tell him he would have been more hurt. We just have to have Oracle's six on this. Understand?" Duffy nodded.

Jules's Home – Sam's Room

Sam woke slowly feeling a sense of calm and comfort he had not felt since the whole ordeal had begun. Part of that could be that he was curled on his side with his arm over Jules. He could hear her regular breathing. Sam glanced at the clock and noted it was nine thirty three.

He closed his eyes and let his mind wander. He knew he had work to do with Dr. Tansy. But because of Jules he knew he could wait for Dawn to heal before he broached the subject with her. Just knowing why he reacted to the scent gave him back the control he needed. And as bad as the memory was, it was just that, a memory of something that happened in his past.

Although as he thought about it, it was probably one reason he had raged so much when the redheaded bitch had assaulted him. He had some history to draw from on how to deal with this one. He smiled when he thought Jules walls would be safe from holes caused by his fists because of his long ago talk with Shel.

Then he ruminated more on betrayal. These memories helped him get his head straight on that account too. Based on all his prior work with Dawn he knew he had a tendency to blame himself. It was something he had to work hard to overcome. He was getting better but in intense situations where others were in jeopardy he still did it. But at least he recognized when he did it now.

His thoughts turned to Spike. He recalled Wordy saying he had a rough night. It could not have been easy for Spike to watch him get beaten. He knew from experience it was tough to be on that side of the fence and no be able to do anything to help a buddy.

Sam knew his friend well. Spike was probably blaming himself for not being able to help. Sam did let out a little chuckle as he thought that the ability to blame oneself must be a prerequisite to being in SRU, at least Team One. They were all so damned good at that.

Jules stirred and turned to look at him. He loved the sleepy muss of her hair and languid look in her eyes. Sam reached up slowly and threaded his fingers through her hair "Morning Beautiful."

She smiled at seeing his eyes free of fear "Morning Handsome." She lifted her head and gave him a soft kiss.

Sam's stomach rumbled loudly. Jules pulled back from the kiss and asked "Hungry?"

He winked and said "Yeah but it can wait. Your lips are all I need right now. They taste better than anything I could eat."

Jules obliged and returned to kissing him but keeping it light knowing he was definitely not up for more than that right now. She stopped after a bit when his stomach became more and more insistent.

Sitting up crossed leg on the bed Jules asked "What do you feel up to eating?"

Sam considered then suggested "Omelet?"

Jules got off the bed and headed for the door "You got it. Back in a bit."

Before she made it out the door Sam said "Jules, can you see if Wordy is up? I need a bit of help."

She knew exactly what he meant and said "I'll send him right in."

Twenty minutes later Sam was sitting on the edge of the bed with a folding table in front of him with a half-eaten omelet. He was taking a sip of coffee when Spike entered his room.

"Samtastic!" Spike said in a thrilled voice very happy to see Sam up and eating.

Sam smiled at Spike. Jules and Wordy left the room both knowing that Sam and Spike would need to talk and giving them the privacy to do so. Jules said "Just holler if either of you need anything." Then she closed the door.

Spike pulled the chair around so he would be facing Sam then sat down. Sam toyed with the omelet unable to eat more even though it was good. The silence was a bit awkward. Neither knew how to start.

Sam put the fork down and finally looked directly at Spike "Thank you for all you did. I probably wouldn't have made it without you."

Spike looked at him dumbfounded "You have no reason to thank me."

"Why not?" Sam asked.

"Because you don't" Spike answered.

"Why not?"

"Because you don't."

"Why not?"

"Because you don't."

"Why not?"

Spike rolled his eyes "You're sounding like a broken record."

Sam grinned "Why not?"

They both burst out laughing both recalling in the same instant a long ago conversation that was similar that ended up with them going out for drinks with Ed at the Goose and started them down the path to their deep friendship and brotherhood.

Sam put his arm around his chest as his ribs hurt from the laughter. Spike asked "Do you need your meds?"

"Not just yet. Wanted to talk with you first. You know they knock me out" Sam replied. Looking Spike over carefully Sam asked "How are you really doing?"

"I could ask you the same question" Spike said in form of an answer.

Sam nodded and said "Yeah you could but I asked first. Spill it." Watching the resistance on Spike's face Sam said grudgingly "You first, then we talk about me. Okay?"

Spike nodded "Been better. That was some nasty head games Vlad played with us. Did Connor share with you the history of the guy?"

Sam answered "Briefly but I was a little distracted."

That was an understatement if Spike ever heard one but he didn't call Sam out on it. "Seems the guy was nutso. Interviews with the guy that beat the crap out of you, his name is Zhang said Vlad had fixated on police partners and played some form of that damned betrayal game. He had no idea why the guy focused on police partners. Guess his reason went with him to his grave. We would have been his sixteenth pair."

Sam shifted a bit trying to make his leg more comfortable. "Any clue how he picked us?"

Nodding Spike answered "Yeah, remember about five months ago. You and me did that public relations gig together at the mall." Sam nodded remembering how much fun they had joking around that day. "Well apparently we caught the eye of Zhang who was here looking for Vlad's next victims."

Sam stared at him "Seriously?"

"Yeah" Spike answered.

"Hell, I'm gonna refuse to do public relation gigs from now on. I attract too damn many psychos bent on killing me at those things" Sam stated.

"Can't argue with you there buddy" Spike responded.

They were both quiet again for a bit then Sam asked "So nightmares?"

"Some" Spike answered.

"Bad?" Sam asked.

Spike nodded but did not elaborate. Sam just waited quietly maintaining eye contact. Sam finally broke the silence and said quietly "I'm still here. Thanks to you I'm alive."

Tears started to fall from Spike's eyes. Choked up he said "It was close. Too damned close. You have no idea how hard it was to watch what they did to you. Knowing I could do nothing. I sat there doing nothing."

"I know. I know" Sam said quietly.

Spike looked at him with anger "What do you know?"

Sam looked at him and ignored the anger. He knew Spike was hurting and it was displaced. He answered "I know what you are feeling. I've been there. The feeling of being helpless and do nothing to help."

Spike listened and racked his brain for any call they had been on where they had been helpless to do anything. He couldn't recall any. They always had something that they could do. It didn't always turn out the way they wanted but they always had something to do not just sit and watch. Spike asked "How, when?"

Wishing he had taken at least half his pain meds now Sam shifted again on the bed and stifled a hiss turning it into a cough so as to not worry Spike. With sadness he looked at Spike knowing that if Spike was thinking clearly he would remember. But Spike was still very much lost dealing with the after effects of their abduction.

He gently reminded Spike "Remember why I didn't want to go with you to the corn maze?"

Spike nodded. Sam continued "Not exactly the same but there was nothing I could do to help my unit. By the fifth day all I could do was stay hidden and stay alive. That was my first experience with not being able to help. Some years later I stood by unable to save three of the best men I've ever known."

"It happened so fast there was nothing I could do for Ripsaw, Buzz and Dutch as they were blown up and beheaded. Those guys had helped me when I needed it the most. Yet I could do nothing for them. I stood and watched them die. There were several other times but I won't share them. Suffice to say I know how you feel. How it feel to be powerless to do anything to change the course of events."

Spike closed his eyes. God he had forgotten about the damned corn maze. And now Sam shared another horrible time from his past and they were not the only ones either. How the hell did he do it? How did he live with the feelings?

He opened his eyes and looked to Sam "How? How do you …"

Sam knew what he was asking "How do you live with it?"

Spike nodded looking lost, confused and hurt.

Thinking a moment for what to say to help Spike, Sam ended up saying "You find a way; one that works for you. For me, I live and try to find the beauty in life because that is what they fought for. It honors them and their sacrifice if I live in the light rather than allow the dark to overtake me. I'm not saying it's easy. It's hard sometimes. Hell, sometimes it is damned near impossible. But I've found friends and family help a lot."

Sam toyed with the coffee cup as he decided whether to bring up one of the lowest points of his life. He inhaled slowly and released it then said "Remember after the Langley Towers call and you all helped me when I was too tired and could not find the beauty anymore." He waited to get acknowledgement that Spike remembered, not that he ever expected them to forget.

Spike was surprised Sam was bringing up his suicide attempt. That night had been awful. He was just staring at Sam until he realized Sam was waiting for him to indicate he remembered. Spike nodded slightly.

Sam gave him a sad smile "I still remember it like it happened yesterday. I remember what you all said to me. I remember what you told me. You said 'You don't have to fight alone. We are here for you'. Well buddy the same goes for you. You do not need to fight this alone. We are here for you. Whatever you need, for however long you need, we are here for you."

Motioning for Spike to sit next to him Sam waited until Spike sat on the bed. He reached up and put his uninjured arm around his shoulder. "And I am here for you because in that basement …"

Sam's voice hitched and he started again "… in that basement you did what was necessary for both of us to survive. I know it was hard to just watch. Been on both sides of it, I know. It's always harder to watch. Physical pain fades a lot faster than emotional pain."

Sam took a steadying breath. Yeah he knew that all too well. Emotional pain was a bitch to deal with and took much longer to heal. He grinned at Spike "I meant it when I said thank you for all you did."

Spike saw the sincerity in his brother's eyes and heard it in his words. Sam did not blame him in the least and felt he had been the one to suffer more. Softly Spike said "Thanks. Right back at ya. I might ask you for Dr. Tansy's number."

Sam nodded "She good. When she's feeling better maybe we meet with her together."

"Sounds like a plan" Spike said then he hugged Sam careful not to hurt his ribs or shoulder. When he released him, Spike stood and asked "Need help into bed?"

Sam shook his head "Nah, would prefer to get a change of location for a bit. If we can talk Jules into letting me sit on the couch we could watch a movie. Your choice."

Jules's Home – Family Room

Ten minutes later Sam was ensconced on the couch with his injured leg supported on couch leaving room for only one other. Jules had insisted he take his pain pills after hearing him cuss up a storm when he bumped his thigh on a table as Wordy helped him to the couch. Spike put in one of the movies he had left over at Jules from their last movie night.

Jules made them all popcorn and Wordy brought out sodas. The four of them were seated with Spike and Sam on the couch and Jules and Wordy in the chairs. Spike looked at Jules and said innocently "Jules will you switch with me. That chair is more comfortable." She looked at him oddly and he just gave her an innocent smile. She switched with him secretly happy to be closer to Sam.

As the movie played Sam made a comment about it being lame. Wordy looked at him and said "Would you prefer to read? I saw a copy of Hunt for Red October in Jules book case." Sam and Jules looked at each other reiterating 'he knows' in their looks. Then they looked at Wordy. He just smiled and winked then shrugged his shoulders at them.

Spike became aware of the tension between the three. He looked between Sam and Jules on the couch and Wordy. Crap did he just do something to give it away to Wordy. Crap. Wait, Hunt for Red October? Book? No he didn't do anything wrong. Wordy was just …. Just what? He thought as he saw Sam's gaze not move from Wordy. Something was definitely up. He waited.

Sam thought Christ their secret relationship was becoming the worst kept secret of Team One. He decided to trust Wordy now since they would all know once they watched the tapes anyhow. Sam had no clue they had already watched them or that the audio had been deleted. He maintained eye contact with Wordy as he asked "How do you feel about it?"

Jules inhaled sharply at Sam's question. Crap in all they had dealt with there hadn't been time to tell Sam what Connor did to the tape. She waited to hear Wordy's response.

Wordy realized that Sam would not ask him that question unless Spike was already aware. Briefly he wondered how Spike knew. But then he thought Spike was best friends with both Sam and Jules. It would have been hard for them to conceal it from Spike. But he decided to be deliberately obtuse to see how they would react. He said "You can read if you want. No need to watch the movie."

Jules threw a pillow at Wordy hitting him square in the face. Laughing Wordy said "Geez Jules, any harder and you would have broken my nose." Looking between the two he relented and said "I think it's great. You two are perfect together. Shel thinks so too. We can keep a secret."

Wordy knew all about keeping secrets. He had one of his own. His was not happy like theirs but both secrets put them at risk of losing their spots on Team One. So he would keep quiet on their secret. He looked at Jules "Out of curiosity how long have you two been back together?"

Sam answered "Since Toth."

Wordy said "You two are damned good at concealing it. I would never have guessed."

Spike said "No way! That's like four months. No way that long."

Jules and Sam just smiled and Jules said "Yeah that long." Spike was flabbergasted but then he started in on all the ways he should have known they were a couple. Sam listened as Spike became animated ignoring the movie completely.

However, in very short order the pain meds kicked in and Sam found himself unable to keep his eyes open. He felt more relaxed after talking with Spike and finding out Wordy accepted their relationship and would keep it secret. His eyes became heavier each time he blinked them open until he finally nodded off to sleep.

Wordy was the first to notice Sam nodded off and said "Shhh Spike, Sam's sleeping."

They quieted down and watched the movie. A short time later Wordy reached over and tapped Jules shoulder and pointed to Spike. Spike had joined Sam in slumber-land. Jules smiled and laid her head on the arm of the couch and was asleep in minutes too.

Wordy kicked back and watched the movie. Spike sure had weird tastes in movies but it was a nice break from all the girly movies he watched at home. When the movie ended Wordy rose and turned off the TV. He surveyed the three sleeping figures. It was the first time he felt that things would be alright. His family was healing.

He was glad to see Jules resting too. She had not been following doctor's orders. She needed to rest more. But trying to tell her that while Sam was distressed had been like talking to a wall. She could be so stubborn sometimes.

It had been so good to see Sam being more like himself without that fear. He had overheard a bit of what Sam told Spike in the bedroom. Of them all, only Sam had first-hand experience in how to recover from an ordeal like they experienced. He was very glad Sam was helping Spike deal with it.

He was also pleased and honored that Sam and Jules trusted him enough to come clean with him. The shocked look on Spike's face was priceless when Sam said they had been a couple since Toth. But it was nothing compared to the look when Jules told him of their previous time.

Wordy headed for the back porch to call Shel. At the back door he stopped. He could have sworn he saw a movement out back. He waited several minutes scanning the yard. He decided to stay inside. He headed for the family room and gently woke Jules.

She rubbed her eyes as Wordy said "Sorry to wake you Jules but I think the prowler was back again. I'm going to call Greg and Ed. Where do you keep your off-duty weapon?"

The last statement woke her completely "Why do you ask that?"

Wordy answered "Coming around in the cover of night is one thing. Coming back, especially during daylight when the house is clearly occupied is another. I would rather be prepared. Might be a good time to think about having Spike install a security system like he did years ago for Ed and me."

Jules nodded "I'll go get my gun. Have Sarge arrange for a sketch artist to come over. Sam said he got a good look at him last night."

Wordy sat down to make the calls as Jules headed to her room to get her off-duty weapon. As she headed upstairs she thought, can't Team One just get one little break?