A/N: hello all next part to the saga, It's long and unbetaed so please bear with me. It's in Jack's POV I hope you enjoy and for those that don't know what Low Jack is its a system in cars that can tell the police where your car is if it is ever stolen. You'll understand once you finish reading. So enough ramblings and on with fic.
Rumors of My Death
pt 37
I look up to the sky and smile as I tuck the piece of paper I've read for the fifth time this morning into my jacket pocket.
Life was good and it was only going to get better.
We were heading to the base Teal'c was driving I was sitting next to him with Daniel and Archie in the back seat.
I started to hum and looked at the side mirror when I caught Daniel shaking his head.
I adjusted my sunglasses turned around and asked Daniel, "What."
"Jack you're being obvious."
I looked surprised and decided to bait him I was in that good of a mood. "Obvious about what Danny boy, I don't know what you mean?"
He rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean."
"Nope don't know what you mean."
"Do to."
"Do not."
"Do to, trust me you're smiling way to much and its not you. It's like your walking around with a huge sign over your head."
"Shut up Daniel. I'm just…."
"I know just what you are Jack but if you're going to go talk to General Hammond and not have him guess things have changed between you and Sam I suggest you wipe that smirk off your face."
I turned to Archie "I don't have a smirk on my face do I Archie? Daniel's pulling my leg isn't he?"
Archie looked at me and shook his head "Son you look like the cat that ate the canary and if what Daniel is saying is true there is no way your going to fool your boss. Oh and we will be having words about this change of situation. I like Miss Samantha she's a fine gal and I want you to do right with her or you'll be answering to me."
Daniel chuckled, "you tell him Archie make sure that Jack does the right thing and marry her."
Archie pointed a finger at Daniel, "That goes for you too Jackson, don't think I don't know what's been happening with you and Miss Janet. You will do right with her also and with my adopted niece Cassie. Tread lightly young fellow or you will answer to me and remember I do have a shot gun."
Daniel look flustered and it was my turn to laugh
"Archie its Ex Boss and I can't help it I'm just happy. Waking up with the woman I've loved for so long in my arms has that type on effect. And yes I will be doing right by Carter if she'll have me. Hey T, am I really that obvious?"
"Indeed, and I am in agreement with ArchieDunnley. There will be much to answer for if both you and DanielJackson do not show the respect that is due to ColonelCarter and DoctorFraiser. I consider them both kin and as kin I can demand retribution if they are shamed or taken advantage of. I will follow through if I see either of them harmed by your actions."
"Don't worry T, there is no way I am going back to the way things were. I've found my happiness and I will not give it up."
I touched the note in my pocket again.
Sam's note for me, the one she gave me before she left. The same note that has plastered this silly grin on my face every time I think about it or touch it.
Daniel clears his throat, "Me too Teal'c, I've been given a second chance with Janet and I won't blow it. I've already confessed how I feel the rest is easy."
Archie nodded, "I'm happy for both of you. You both deserve happiness and I can tell them gals are happy with you two knuckleheads. Jackck o knucklehead.you.have finally find the women to complete ourselves." your General Hammond will know things have changed you can't hide it. You're lucky you left that letter on his desk."
I sighed, but I really didn't care. I was happy and nothing would threaten my and Sam's happiness.
I try not to smile again but I can't help it. My life was changed last night.
My life of loneliness is gone the void finally filled.
The emptiness has been replaced by the woman that I've secretly loved for these last eight years. Well seven to be exact I was fighting myself that first year, thinking I was a fool to imagine she would ever think of me as being anything but her CO.
But things changed over the years.
We changed.
We had been through so much. But, our bond has been a constant in each of our lives. It has been tested and it has been stretched but we always find ourselves gravitating back to one another.
I'd hurt her with some of my actions as she had hurt me with some of hers. But when the dust was settled it was always us. We had been through hell these last few months. The gap grew and I thought I had lost her for good. But things changed these last two weeks with Janet's return and now Pete's death.
I didn't know how to react when I heard the news of his death; I had wanted to be the one to find him and to teach him a lesson. The lesson being that no one laid a hand on Carter or any of my family. He was owed a beating and I had been denied that.
The anger I felt when I saw her face and Doc's. The rage I felt when he had escaped was still there below the surface of my emotions. But when I heard he was dead I felt sorry for him. He had it all only to have it slip though his fingers.
Carter had agreed to marry him and all he did was made her life a living hell making her think that she was lucky to have him in her life.
The man didn't know a good thing if it slapped him in the face.
I had come close to hurting him in the interrogation room but stopped knowing Carter would never forgive me for hurting him.
Pete didn't know how close he had come to being seriously hurt that day. I would have been taking my frustration of eight years and my dislike of the man for taking away the only thing I ever wanted.
I close my eyes.
How close had I come to losing the only thing that truly mattered in my life?
If doc hadn't come back, if we hadn't seen Pete's true colors, if Carter had gone through with the wedding I wouldn't be here now driving back to the base to confirm my retirement to General Hammond. He had left a message saying he would hold the paperwork until I talked to him and asked that I come in person to do this. They guys were coming for morale support. We had two weeks and I would be spending them with my family and my girl.
I look out the car window smiling not caring if anyone catches me. I've finally gotten life right and I was going to let everyone know that Jack O'Neill had finally found peace.
The note in my pocket was my proof that yesterday wasn't a dream. That she really did love me and wants me by her side. I'd memorized what she wrote.
Jack,
I'll be waiting for you on your precious dock with a bottle of your favorite beer so that we can sit, talk and fish. It will seem like a lifetime till I see you again but I have the memories of last night to keep me smiling and counting the hours until I will be back in your arms again.
You've made me the happiest woman alive and I will make you just as happy I promise.
I love you silly. Never forget that.
Always
Sam
Always, that was the last thing I said to her before our last kiss and I waved goodbye as my truck pulled away this morning.
I had to remember to engrave that in the engagement ring.
I open my eyes and look around to the guys. They are all lost in there own thoughts.
The agenda for the day was to go back to the SGC, tie up some loose ends then we'd head back to my house, sleep and head out bright and early in the morning to the cabin and Sam.
Well Cassie and Doc would be there too but Sam would be waiting for me.
She would finally get to see my sanctuary from the pressures of war and life.
I was a little disappointed that I would not be there to see her reaction when she got to see the cabin and also my pond. But, I knew she needed this time with Doc and Cassie. They had been through hell and this was a step forward towards healing. She promised to have Cassie photograph her reactions but said she would give me a live performance once I got there and said she would sleep in my bed and count the minutes till I got there.
Damn, there I go smiling again.
The woman had that effect on me. I couldn't help myself and I really didn't want to stop. I was a fool in love and I really didn't care who knew. She had me wrapped around her pinky.
After what happen yesterday after everything had been sorted out and we had finally confessed what we had been running from we finally shared a kiss. No viruses, no alternate reality, no time loops or hallucinations it was a kiss and it was better then I ever imagined. We stood up on the roof and talked, cried and held each other.
She told me that Pete had been a mistake. A costly one to her and everyone around us, I told her it was not her fault that she was not to blame for the maniac snapping. She confessed that she was afraid she would never find happiness and now that nothing stood in our way we could finally be together and that happy endings do occur.
I pulled her too me and held her. Promised her that I would never hurt her or let anyone or thing ever harm her. She was the piece that had been missing in my life and now that I had her my life was complete.
We kissed again and again and I remembered thinking that my new favorite thing was kissing Sam and second was holding her.
We were up on the roof for a while when Cassie yelled for us to come down that it was getting late and they were leaving bright and early in the morning.
We both groaned, not wanting to leave our time together but we knew we had to go. I stood up and extended my hand and she grasped it and whispered thanks. I held her and told her I loved her. She smiled while a tear escaped down her bruised cheek. I cupped her face and tensed. She knew exactly what I was thinking and reassured me that it looked worse then it felt.
"I should have been there to protect you Sam. I wish I had been there to stop him, to bust his face, to…"
"Don't feel guilty about this Jack, its over. He's gone and he can never hurt us again. I should have done more to protect myself. It won't happen again. Come on our family is waiting for us and tomorrow is a new day."
We made it down the ladder and kissed one more time before going indoors.
Janet and Daniel were sharing a chair oblivious to everyone. Cassie was showing Archie Pictures of us from past parties and events with the help of Teal'c.
I pulled Sam by the hand to the couch and pulled her onto my lap. She gasped and blushed.
She looked at me then to Cassie, T and Archie.
Cassie rolled her eyes, "do I have to say get a room also I said that to mom and she didn't answer too busy showing Daniel things I'm even embarrassed to say."
"Hey young lady I can hear you and you're exaggeration, all we are doing is talking aren't we sweetie."
"Yeah that's all talking that's what we are doing. We've had a lot to catch up on."
"Well all I know is that both of you better be in bed early, we have a long drive and I for one can't wait to get to Jack's cabin to finally fish!"
I smiled as did Sam.
"So Uncle Jack, are you going to lend us you're truck? Remember mom still doesn't have a car and Sam's is being repaired."
I lost my smile.
"My truck, why my truck, why not Daniel's bucket of bolts or rent one. I got it how about Archie's truck I'm sure it's in excellent condition."
Janet came over to were we where sitting.
"She's right we don't have any way up there and well you're truck is the obvious selection. You do trust Sam with your truck don't you Jack?"
Oh she was using Sam as leverage and damn I was cornered.
"You do trust me don't you sir?"
Sir, were did that come from? "Cut it with the sir Sam its Jack or have you forgotten? I can take you outside to remind you if you want."
She blushed and turned away.
"TMI Uncle Jack," Cassie groaned.
"Yeah Jack TMI so you still haven't answered. Are you going to lend Sam your truck?"
"Why don't we all just go together? It will be easier and…'
"No! Please Uncle Jack I want to spend time alone with mom and Sam, it will do us good not that I don't love all the men in my life but I was looking forward to those two days of girl bonding."
"Yeah Uncle Jack, lend us your gas guzzler oh and don't forget to hand over the gas card. I'm still broke remember," Janet smirked.
"Why don't you ask your boyfriend for some cash, I've been supporting you for two weeks it's time he finally stepped up."
Daniel pulled out his wallet and handed it over to Janet, "here sweetie, take what you want. I want you to be happy if you need more just ask."
I rolled my eyes as Janet blew Daniel a kiss and he caught it in mid air.
"So Jack, are you going to let me drive your truck to your cabin?"
Sam looked at me and waited for my answer. I looked over to Doc and Cassie. They did need time to bond. This would be a good start.
I pulled out my keys from my pocket and handed them over to Sam.
"Go easy on her lead foot she's a delicate piece of machinery and I'm the only one that's driven her."
Cassie whooped as did Janet. Sam cupped my face and kissed me.
"I'll take it easy with her I promise, she'll be in one piece and Jack, thanks for trusting me with your baby."
I pulled her into my arms, 'you're the only baby I have now."
She giggled and I groaned wanting to go back outside to share more quality time with her.
Archie coughed and asked if we could move that to another part of the house since we were sitting on his bed.
I looked at my watch and sighed. It was getting late and with all the excitement I'd lost track of time.
"Okay everyone you heard the old timer its time for bed. Archie you can have my bed if you want I don't mind really."
"Nope can't do that, I get up too many times at night and besides Teal'c said he was going to show me the greatest movie that ever was."
"The Wizard of Oz?"
Teal'c raised the box set he had in his hands.
"No, Star Wars O'Neill."
I groaned.
"Teal'c says it comes in 3 parts and then 3 more so I'm intrigued. I haven't seen a movie picture in some time don't get out much and spend most of my time reading."
"Okay, Cassie, Doc and Sam can share a room, Daniel you have the spare down in the basement Teal'c you got your room and I guess I'll take my room."
I got up and hugged Sam.
She whispered, "Don't get too comfy I'm coming to you."
She pecked me on the cheek and left. I was speechless.
Cassie was debating whether to stay up with Archie and Teal'c I told them good night I poked my head into the kitchen Doc and Daniel where in there smooching.
I cleared my throat and Doc murmured to go away. I did and headed to my room.
I was nervous. This was going way to fast. I went into the bathroom to change and get ready for bed. I came out went slipped between the sheets and waited.
I closed my eyes the toll of the last couple of days had finally caught up to me and I drift off to sleep.
I felt the bed dip and opened my eyes.
"I'm sorry to have woken you I uh could go if you're tired."
She was there next to me and I pulled up the covers and she slipped in.
She started to nuzzle my neck. I was unsure of what we were doing or if she thought this through. She had just been through a trauma that would be with her for the rest of her life and now she was in my arms doing evil things to my neck and chest. Was she just using me to forget? Would she regret her decision in the morning?
I grabbed her wandering hand, "Sam, stop I mean don't stop I mean..."
She stopped.
"Jack, did you change your mind, have you had too much time to think. Do you still want me in your life?"
She looked about ready to cry. I was an idiot.
I gathered her into my arms, "I haven't changed my mind you're the only one I want in my life its just with everything I don't want you to do this because you think I want you wait that didn't sound right. What I meant is. I can wait Sam. I've waited all this time and just to be able to hold you that's enough, for now."
She pulled away and straddled me. She cupped my face and said, "I told you he was a mistake and I can honestly say I never stop loving you. I just wanted to show you how much you mean to me. I take this next step seriously. Please Jack let me show you how much you mean to me. Let me show you what I've wanted to do to you since I seen your abs so long ago."
Her hand trailed down to my stomach. She started to kiss me and I was lost. The darn woman seduced me and all I could do now was grin at the memories of our first time and wondered if I would every tire of her doing those things to me over and over and over again.
"Nope," I whispered.
"O'Neill did you speak?"
I smiled, "just to my self sorry Teal'c kind of spaced out there for a second."
"You are so hooked," Daniel chuckled.
"Oh look who's talking Cassie said her mom must have forgotten the room assignments since she knows for a fact she didn't sleep in there room last night."
Daniel blushed, "I had a fever last night she was keeping me company."
Archie snorted, "The flu come on Jackson you could come up with a better excuse and I don't want to see any of that hanky panky up at the cabin unless you come with rings and dates. I don't want to bring my shotgun but if I have to…"
"Ah Teal'c make sure we stop at the mall on the way to the cabin."
I chuckled.
"It's okay Archie we will be on our best behavior you have my word."
We got to the base and made it through the check points and headed to General Hammond's office.
I was getting fidgety and tried not to smile. I put on my poker face as we stepped into the conference room.
The General was speaking to Dixon.
I swallowed hard and tried not to think of Sam which is a losing battle now that I know where that mole is. Eight years of wondering and to finally know the truth.
I leaned against the table and waited. Teal'c sat, Daniel went to see if there was any coffee left and offered Archie some.
Hammond looked up after Dave informed him we were there. He stood up and wasn't looking too happy. I wondered if the Air Force was going to deny my request.
General Hammond came up to me shook his head and murmured, "I guess I better start that paperwork effective yesterday."
Dixon coughed to cover up his laughter I could hear Daniel chuckling behind me.
"Sir I…"
"Don't worry Jack; it's long overdue I'm just happy for you both. But I do have one favor to ask of you."
"Sir, just ask."
'I want to be there when you tell Jacob you're dating his daughter. That will be a conversation I don't want to miss. I can send him a message today if you want?"
I pulled my collar and wondered if the air had been turned off in the room.
"Ah to be perfectly honest with you sir I'd really like Carter to be here for that so I can hide behind her."
He let out a laugh and patted me in the back.
"So that's it George? No last Hail Mary attempt to try and pull me back into this place?"
"Not in a military capacity Jack. The President was not too happy about letting you go. He likes you, and would be a fool to just let you go. He was one of your champions when the rest wanted to force you to stay on. They wouldn't bend the rules and they didn't want to let you retire. So he has a proposal for you that would make everyone very happy. But you don't have to worry about it till you get back. Trust me you'll want to take the job it's perfect for you."
I smiled but really wanted to shout out yes. I was going to stay on and still somehow have Sam. I thanked the General for all his help and for covering for me all this time.
'Go have fun, with our family. I'll try and get away for a couple of days leave Dixon here in charge."
"That would be great."
Daniel came closer and said he needed to get some things from his lab, Teal'c went to get pack.
The phone in the General's office rang and he excused himself.
Dave patted me on the back, "it's about time you settled down, and you're one lucky guy."
"I know it Dave, its been… Hell I don't even have words to express what I'm feeling but I do know one thing I don't want to ever stop feeling like this and I think with Sam I'll never have to."
"Yeah remember that till the first rug rat comes and the second, third…."
I chuckled and thanked him for his help at my house and for everything else. I asked what had been happening at the base.
He shrugged, "pretty quiet with the crash on the road a lot of the personnel had to stay the night the police nor the fire department were letting anyone up or down the mountain. Which to me was a blessing, the kids have the flu and the misses was none to happy. But at least I got good nights sleep going to need it when I get home to take over. Oh and we might have an AWOL airman. But I think he couldn't get up the mountain."
"AWOL really who?"
"The new guy Tucker you know the young kid with the red hair he's at the second checkpoint. He was suppose to report at 16:00 hrs yesterday but didn't show. Tried calling him at home and the cell but no luck, not married but has a girl in town. That might be the police the general is talking to. The girlfriend called when he didn't call her when he got to the base or when he didn't show up at her house last night after his shift. It was her birthday and he promised to be there with a surprise."
"Yeah I know the guy he's a good airman, I don't see him straying away did you guys check the hospitals other family members?"
"Well it's under military jurisdiction since he failed to show up for work, the MP's are working on it but the police are being pushed by the girlfriend seems her dad is on the force."
I nodded and looked through the glass at General Hammond he motioned us to come into his office. He hung up.
"The police are here they have questions about Airman Tucker's disappearance."
"Disappearance, When did this turn into a missing person's report? What do they know sir?"
"Well, the girlfriend's father confirmed that Airman Tucker was going to ask for his daughter's hand last night. Seems Tucker asked his permission first before he asked the girlfriend and got his blessing. What they know is that Airman Tucker did not show for work yesterday, they went to is home and spoke to his girlfriend she said he left early and that he was on his way to the mountain. She contacted her father when he didn't return. She's worried sick saying he would not do something like this he would have called or told her he would not be coming home. We were going to treat it as an AWOL but decided against it. The police are here to get established a timeline and find any clues as to where he might be."
I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise. My stomach was starting to have that funny feeling and I tried to block out my fears.
"Ah sir what time did the girlfriend say Airman Tucker left?"
"That's what I'm going to go find out, your friend Andy is here as is the girls father a detective Potter. You're more then welcomed to come along if you have the time."
I looked at Archie.
"Go get Daniel and Teal'c and tell them to go to…"
I looked to the General who called Walter to escort him.
"Sir, where will we be?"
"Level 4 in the conference room."
He nodded.
I was about to walk out when Archie grabbed my arm.
"What's going on Jack, why is this important to you?"
I wanted to be wrong but my gut instinct is tell me something's not right and it's never failed me before.
"Just call it an old man's fear Archie, I have this feeling."
He let go.
"I'll go get them we'll be right there."
I caught up to the General and Dixon.
"Jack, what's going on? Do you know something?"
I shrugged my shoulders and put my hands in my pockets.
"I don't know sir it's just…"
I looked at Dixon he closed his eyes.
"Dave?"
"I have the same feeling Jack, lets just hope where wrong. It's too coincidental it's." He dragged his hand through his hair.
The elevator doors open and I rushed out. I had to talk to Andy and find out what he knew.
I opened the door to hear Andy arguing on the phone.
"What do you mean it's not him? How did he…No, are you sure?"
He looked up when he heard the door open.
Just the look he gave me was enough.
Dave gripped my arm.
"Let him get off the phone, don't jump to conclusions. Don't…."
I pulled away.
Andy hung up the phone and turned away from me and spoke to the other Detective.
Just his expression and the loss of color from his face confirmed my gut instinct.
"He's not dead is he Andy?" Andy turned around and was speechless.
"The body in the truck it's not Shanahan's is it? It's Airman Tucker's," the last was said in a whisper.
"Jack we'll find him it's only a matter of time, hey you guys are all here safe. So…"
I nodded my head no as Dixon cursed and Hammond told them that the girls had gone ahead of us to my cabin. He then asked how he had escaped.
The maniac was still on the loose. I had failed Doc, Cassie and Sam again.
Daniel, Teal'c and Archie rushed in.
I was hunched over the table trying to get my bearings. Dave was yelling as was General Hammond demanding to know when the identity of the body was made.
Daniel, Archie and Teal'c were in the dark. Yelling at me to get answers as to what was going on. The noise was deafening till I had enough.
"Stop! Everyone shut up!"
The room fell silent.
I turned to Archie Teal'c and Daniel.
I blurted out, "Shanahan's not dead. The body in the truck wasn't his. It was an Airman named Tucker he was reported AWOL last night."
'No," Daniel whispered.
Archie muttered and sat down.
Teal'c came to my side and asked.
"Are we certain of these facts O'Neill?"
I pointed to Andy who reconfirmed what I had just said. He went into more detail but I wasn't listening anymore.
I grabbed Daniel's arm.
"Call Janet right now Daniel, call her and tell her to get the hell back here. No wait ask her where they are and we can direct them to the nearest police station. Do it Daniel! Do it now!"
I was shaking his arm as I yelled at him. He pulled his phone out and called.
I let go and pulled out mine and called Sam.
As I counted the rings I asked Andy to issue an APB on my truck.
"Andy can you help with that? State Patrol, other counties, cities the more people that know the description on my truck the faster will get them back."
Andy nodded.
I got her voice mail I asked her to please call me as soon as she got this message that it was important.
Daniel closed his eyes,
"I got her voice mail Jack. They're in trouble aren't they? We've got to do something. We've got to find them. God Jack I can't lose her again."
Daniel sat on a chair and stared at his phone.
Archie came behind Daniel, "They're probably in a no service area Jackson. You can't think that they are in trouble. Once you do get in touch with them you've got to be calm they've been through enough already."
"Yeah you're right. I'll call again right now."
Daniel still had hope. But I knew. This bastard had plenty of time to either get far far away or come after them like he promised.
"There's still no answer Jack. What do we do?"
I had to think of something.
"Daniel Cassie has that email feature on her phone why don't you try that."
"Yeah I'll go to my lab this phone doesn't have the capability I can email her from my computer. Jack you'll tell me if you hear anything okay?"
"Come DanielJackson I will accompany you."
I was relieved I needed to voice my gut feelings to the General and Andy and I couldn't do it with Daniel present he was on the edge and if anything happened to Cassie or Doc he would be lost.
They left and I closed the door.
"Sir may I suggest we send someone to my house and see if they find anything out of the ordinary. He might have shown up last night."
"Jack you don't think he…"
"I have no ideal but we have to start somewhere. He wants Carter, he threaten her and Doc saying that they would pay. He's shown that he is capable of killing."
Saying that word made my heart drop.
I gripped the table and took a deep breath.
"Andy we need to get to Carter's house. That's were they where headed. He might be there as we speak. Sir, permission…"
Andy's partner shook his head.
"No Mr. O'Neill, you've got to stay here. You're a target too. All of you are he's threaten all of you on that tape and I'm putting you all in protective custody. We'll find them and bring them back let us do our job."
Archie snorted, "Like you've done so far? You can't keep me here I need to be out there looking for them he's a dangerous man that has nothing to lose. Can't you see that? He's lost touch with reality and the more time we stand here dicking around the closer he gets to finding them. He's not a stupid man he's out smarted all of you but that's not saying much now is it?"
He was face to face with the Detective as I stepped in.
"He's right we can't sit around here and do nothing. I wont. So if you'll excuse me."
Andy grabbed my arm.
"General Hammond I'm asking for some cooperation here. Please we don't want anymore people in danger. Jack let me do my job. He'll be found trust me."
"I'm no longer with the military; he can't order me to stay."
"Then I'll arrest you. Obstruction of an investigation. Don't push me Jack you know I will."
The General stepped in.
"That wont be necessary Detective they will be held here. Just find them and bring them back."
"Colonel Dixon please escort them and find Dr. Jackson and Murray."
They were going to prevent me from helping my family. I had to do something. I caught Dave's attention and he nodded.
I was about to leave when Daniel stepped back into the room.
"No luck on the text." He looked at us all staring at him and asked what was going on.
Teal'c did the same.
"You are being held here till Detective Shanahan is apprehended and your friend will be brought here once they are found."
Daniel looked at me and then back to the Detective.
"What? Who the hell are you? We need to find them. That's my future wife and step daughter you're talking about and I'll be damn if I'm going to sit around and do nothing, Jack say something tell this moron we are going to help find them."
Dave came up to Daniel and took his lap top away. "Come on Dr. Jackson lets get you settled into one of the VIP rooms."
Daniel looked bewildered, "No! Colonel Dixon you don't mean that. You know how screwed up Shanahan is you can't go along with him. God think of Cassie, doesn't she mean anything to you? That maniac's loose and they want to keep us safe?"
I caught Teal'c attention and motioned to Dave he wanted us to leave the room but Daniel was beyond understanding the subtle hints. We were wasting time.
"Daniel let's go they wont let us out of the mountain. Let's just wait and continue to call maybe will get through. We just have to be patient like the good detective said. Let them do their job and we'll do ours… by staying here."
Daniel finally caught on. His eyes widen and nodded.
The Detectives cell rang as we were being escorted out.
"Five minutes and we are out of here Dave. How long do you think the General will give us once we leave?"
"I don't know I'll meet you guys topside once you guys go up the ladder of the emergency exit. We'll take my SUV."
Andy followed.
"Jack where are you going first and don't give me that bullshit story that you're going to cooperate. Look I'm sorry I wasn't much help in there, he's a senior officer and not such a bad guy he's the girlfriends father. He loved Tucker like a son. His daughter's going to be devastated. We'll talk with Hammond for a bit and I'll try and contact you with any info I get. Find him Jack do what you have to do and I'll get word to you once we get the women into protective custody or if you get to them first call please."
As we got to the door to lead us up topside I shook Andy's hand.
"I know you understand why we're doing this, if anything happens to them…"
"I know Jack; I would be doing the same thing. Just call me if you find the bastard he's done enough damage."
"I'll keep you posted Andy and thanks."
We made it without being detected. Poor Archie was tired and I tried to help but he waved me off.
"I'll be damn if I'm going to let some steps get the best of me. Come on we have to find the girls and get them to safety. I have a feeling…"
I closed my eyes.
"Archie, don't say that please. If he has them…"
"We'll find them don't worry son, we're the good guys remember?"
I nodded and got into Dixon's SUV. Balinsky was with him and I shook his hand and thanked him for coming.
Looking over to Daniel he was still dialing Doc's phone, I picked mines up and dialed Sam again remembering what Archie said.
Yeah they were the good guys but that other saying kept haunting me.
The good died young and Cassie, Doc and Sam were good.
The only goodness left in my life. If they died I had nothing to live for.
"Step on it Dave we need to get to Carter's fast."
"Will be there in 15 minutes I promise; Balinsky sent the MP's to your house to see if there are any clues. I still can't believe this bastard got away. He's to damn smart but we'll find them."
I willed the car to go faster. I needed to see if they had been there and if indeed they had left. He might have missed them. He might be following them now as we make it to Sam's.
I don't even wait for Dixon to stop. I jump out and head for the door. It's locked and I about to knock it in when Daniel produces his key.
I look around and hope that everything is in place.
"Janet! Cassie are you here?"
Daniel's plea is not answered. It was a dumb thing to do but I couldn't chastise him he wanted to find them and get them to safety as much as I did. I went to Sam's room and stopped. My sweatshirt was on the bed and I felt my knees go weak. I reached for it and notice a rag fall to the floor. I picked it up and smelt it.
I let out a cry as Daniel came into the room to ask what I had found.
"Chloroform, the rag has chloroform on it. He's got them."
"No! No, Jack he doesn't have them. Please Jack don't tell me that. Oh God Janet no he's going to hurt her. Cassie and Sam too! Jack what do we do. Where the hell did he take them?"
I looked to the door Archie and Teal'c were there. I didn't have any answers for him or them. I sat on the bed and held the sweatshirt.
Archie came over to me, "Get up, we have to find them there is no time to wallow in our guilt and go over how we failed them. We have to find this son of a bitch and get them back."
He was right, I took a deep breath and pulled out my phone and whispered to Archie, "take care of Daniel I need to talk to Andy."
He nodded and Teal'c followed me down the hall. Dixon and Balinsky had come in from outside.
"Jack you better come with us."
My heart stopped.
Oh god they found them. Andy answered the phone and I was snapped back to reality.
"Andy were at Sam's, he was here, and we found evidence that he took them. You have to put an APB on him he's kidnapped them."
I followed Dixon out back to Sam's garage; did he kill them and leave them there?
"Dixon found something I'm going to see what it is hold on a second."
He turned on the light and showed me a truck.
"Andy, what type of vehicle did Tucker have?"
I closed my eyes, "it's here. He left it here and has my truck. They've been gone for over 6 hours map out where he could have gone and get back to me. Andy can you relay what I just told you to General Hammond."
I hung up the phone and looked inside.
"Jack I don't think you should touch anything, let the police do there job and it might be booby trapped. He's capable of doing that."
I nodded. I want to scream and ask god where had he taken them but I had to keep my emotions in check.
There would be time for finger pointing later.
We walked out of the garage and Dixon asked, "What now Jack, where do we go from here?"
I didn't know I was about to answer him when Daniel came running out.
"Are they in there, He killed them didn't he? There bodies are in there and he's gotten away! Jack please tell me this is all a bad dream. I can't…"
I couldn't deal with Daniel in this state, he was expressing everything I wanted to but couldn't. I had to keep it together I had to have my head straight If I fell apart then they were as good as dead.
Archie grabbed Daniel and held him. He finally broke down. Teal'c asked what had we found.
"It's Tucker's truck he left it and took mine. The police are have the APB on my truck let's hope we get lucky. I'm running out of options. Let's go back into the house he might have left a clue as to where he took them."
Archie had taken Daniel to the living room and he apologized for losing it. I squeezed his shoulder and said it was okay I understood.
"What now Jack?"
"We have to figure out somewhere he could have taken them, he might be traveling still but there is the chance he's holed up somewhere with them. There has to be a clue something we over looked something he said…"
Daniel jumped up from the couch, "The present, the wedding present he was going to give Sam."
I looked at Daniel, "what are you talking about Daniel what present Sam didn't tell me he had given her anything."
"No Jack he bought her a house and was going to surprise her with it. Janet told me last night. That's where he has them."
I couldn't believe our luck, "Daniel did Janet say where he bought the house close by anything?"
"No Jack he told her he bought her a house for them to start there lives but never told her were."
"O'Neill we just need to locate the location of the domicile. We should contact GeneralHammond or your ally with the police department they have means of acquiring this information."
I nodded and pulled out my phone to called General Hammond.
I told him what Daniel had told me and said he would work on getting me the address.
"Holy Crap! Low Jack, I have LowJack in the truck it can give us the location of the truck if he isn't at the house. Sir you need to get contact them and have them turn it on. It will give us the location of the truck and if Shanahan went to his house I bet that's were he has them."
I could hear him relaying the information to Walter.
"I have to make some calls Jack. Hold on should I tell your friend Andy about these new developments?"
"No sir I don't think that's a good ideal if we do they have to tip off the local authorities. And he might be monitoring the chatter around his area. He's not a stupid man and so far has covered all his bases. Please sir don't get them involved yet." My phone beeped I had another call coming in. "Sir I have another call, hold on please."
"Jack its Andy I spoke to Joe Pete's partner I asked him if he knew where he might have gone and he said that he was going to buy Sam a house for their wedding and he was looking at remote locations in Cripple Creek."
I motioned everyone out the door, I covered the phone so Andy wouldn't hear me, "Dave Cripple Creek we need to get there."
He nodded.
I asked Balinsky if they had a GPS with them. He pulled it out of Dave's glove compartment and waited for the coordinates. Andy said if he had any more information he would call me back. I hung up that call and went back to speak to General Hammond.
"Jack we got them to turn of the Low Jack and they found your truck. Here are the coordinates."
I yelled them out to Balinsky and he punched them into the GPS.
I held my breath hoping they would match up.
"Bingo! The coordinates are for the outskirts of Cripple Creek."
I relayed the message to the General but asked him for military back up not the local authorities.
"If he knows were on to him he might bolt."
"Consider it done, I'll tell Andy that this has been taken over by the military so that he will not get into any trouble. I just have to relay to the DOD what has transpire and the risk Shanahan is if we let him fall into the custody of local authorities."
I told him I'd keep in touch. As soon as I was off the phone Daniel asked what I had found out. I relay to him and everyone else what I knew.
"Jack how long will it take us to get there?"
I looked to Dave, "Don't worry Jackson, I'll get us there as fast as possible. What I wouldn't give for a helicopter right now."
"Dave tell me you brought weapon's with you."
Balinsky spoke up, "I got everything we need sir its all in the back, I grabbed as much as I could and what would fill in the duffle bag. I didn't have much notice but I think I grabbed enough."
The drive was made in silence. I covered my face with my hands, and willed Sam to hold on that we were on our way.
The drive seemed endless but we finally made it.
"We're close sir it should be 5 miles down this dirt road."
I told Dave to pull over to the side that we would be walking in the rest of the way. He might have detectors to alert him about visitors.
I wanted Daniel to stay behind but he refused saying he needed to save Janet and Cassie.
We made our way up the road. It was in the middle of nowhere I could hear the river so it was close I spotted my truck to the side of the house I pointed it out to the guys and I signaled for them to stop.
"Okay let's split up, Dave you and Balinsky go to the right , Archie you and Daniel to the left, Teal'c you circle around to the back and I'll take the front. Everyone has a radio so as soon a I get a visual we go in."
They took off and I made my way up to the house. I was about to take radio Teal'c when my heart stopped.
I heard screams followed by two gunshots.
I started to run, I heard Daniel on the radio, I didn't stop I needed to get to the house. I needed to see if the maniac had taken away the only thing that mattered in my life.