Disclaimer: I don't own Profiler.  I'm in no way connected to the show.

Author's Note:  Not too much to say.  I hope you like it.

Will You Take Care of Me?

I feel an ache in my heart, one I haven't felt since before I last saw her.  I feel the love I have for her surfacing.  I want to take her into my arms and hold her forever.  Don't let this happen again, John.  It's just another dream.  I open up to her, and then I wake up remembering she's dead.  That's how it always happens.

            "Surprise?"  The words escape her beautiful lips.

            I can't help but look at her.  Her shinning blonde hair is cut at shoulder-length.  Her blue eyes stare at me, almost looking fearful yet happy.              She wears a blue, skinny strapped tank top and a darker colored, medium-length jean skirt.  Her skin was covered with a beautiful tan.  She looked stunning.

            I don't know why, but I mumble, "Am I dreaming?"  I already know the answer; yes.  That doesn't matter, though.  I still can't help to wish that I wasn't.

            "No, John.  It's me.  I am alive."

            "How?" I whisper.

            "It's a long story."

            "I have time."

            I still don't believe it.  She was dead.  How could she come back to life?  The phone rings.  Funny, I don't remember hanging it up.  I push the speakerphone button.

            "Grant."

            "Dad?  Why did you hang up?"

            Sam stares at me with question in her eyes.  I can tell she's wondering when I became a 'dad'.

            "Sorry, Chloe.  I accidentally dropped it." I say.  With the mention of her Chloe's name, Sam turns her attention to the phone. 

            "Okay, just making sure.  Don't forget to come home soon."

            "I won't, don't worry."

            "Kay, bye.  Love you."

            "Love you too.  Bye."

            "Looks like I made the right choice to pick you to take care of Chloe."  Sam walks over to one of the chairs in front of my desk.  Slowly she sits down.  She grips the strap of the purse in her lap like her life is depending on it.

            Bailey walks into my room with his head in a file.  Correction; Sam's old room.  Her old room containing her old desk, her old chairs, her old couch, her old file cabinets, and pretty much all her other old things.

            "John, about this file…Oh, I didn't know you were busy.  I'll go now."  Bailey turned around and walked out the door.

            'No, Bailey, wait," is what I want to yell.  Instead I stay silent.

            Sam gazes at her purse.  She looks up suddenly, "John I…"

            "I have to go," I interrupt her.  I stand up and walk past her to the door.  When I reach the door I feel her grab my arm.  I turn around slowly to face her.  Tears form in my eyes, but I don't let her see them.

            "John," she says, while not being afraid to show tears.  "Please, talk to me."

            I look at her hand resting on my arm.  I fight the urge to take her into my arms; embrace her, tell her I forgive her for everything, kiss her, but most of all tell her I love her.

            "Please, John, talk to me."

            "It's too soon.  I can't right now.  Give me some time.  I won't tell Chloe or Angel yet.  I'll let you do that."  With that I walk away.  I know if I looked back I would see Sam standing in the doorway with the tears in her eyes.  How much I want to turn around, but if I do, I don't think I would be able to turn back.

~*~*~*~

            "What's wrong dad?"

            "Nothing."

            "Yeah, see that's where there is a problem.  You keep saying that, but yet I don't believe it.  You can tell me.  Remember, that's how we're not like most other families, excluding the obvious.  We've always been able to talk to each other.  What happened?  Why won't you talk to me?"

            I look at Chloe with tears in my eyes.  How many times have I cried because of Sam?  Chloe leans into me.  I put my arms around her, and she puts her arms around my waist.  She buries the side of her face into my chest.  I think she got the hint that I didn't want to talk about it because she doesn't say anymore.

            "Looks like a perfect picture." I hear from behind me.

            "Angel!" Chloe exclaims.

            "Hey there.  How have you been?"

            Chloe hugs Angel briefly.  "I've missed you."

            "I missed you too, Chlo.  How have you been, John?"

            "Okay.  How was New York?"

            "It was wonderful, but I would have rather been with you two.  Congratulations on getting Jack."

            "Thanks.  How about we go home?"

            "Fine with me.  I'm tired from the flight.  Let's go."

~*~*~*~

            "This is probably going to sound weird, but you don't know how much I've missed this place."

            I smile and say, "We've grown quite attached to it too."

            "Wow, it's been so long.  Where should I set my stuff?  All I need is a blanket and a pillow so I can sleep on the couch."

            "No, you'll be sleeping in my room."

            "John, you don't have to."

            "I'll be okay.  Now go.  No arguments."

            "Kay, goodnight," Angel says while giving me a small kiss on the cheek.

~*~*~*~

            I close my eyes and I see her face.  I see her eyes.  I see the different expressions in them.  I try to get her image out of my head, but being in her room does not help.

            "Daddy, can you tell me what's wrong now?" Chloe asks as she comes in the room.  I look at her.  She looks tired.

            I smile at her.  "Come here," I say patting the bed.  God, she looks like her mother.  She comes and lies next to me.  "You'll soon find out what's troubling me.  I can't tell you right now, though.  I'm confused and I'm trying to figure some things out.  I hope you understand."

            "Of course," she sleepily says.  "Good night.  I love you, daddy."

            Her back faces me.  My arm rests around her.  I'm lucky to have her.  I couldn't love her more if she was my real child.  She feels like she is mine, though.  I consider Chloe as my reel child.  Thoughts of Sam and Chloe float through my mind as I drift off to sleep.

A/N: Next up – We find out what happened to Sam.  Chloe and Angel find out Sam is still alive.