THE PENTAGON

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A few days had gone by and as promised, Webb called Sam and advised her that they would meet Thursday morning.  Thursday arrived, and Sam had a million things running through her head.  Carefully she picked out her clothes.  She wanted to look professional; however, she mostly wore jeans so it was slim pickings.  She finally settled on a Neiman Marcus suit.  It was a wool jacket that was fitted in black with pink accents and a black wool crepe skirt with a ruffled hem.  The jacket was v-necked and didn't require a blouse underneath.  She selected a pair of black Monolo Blahnik pumps.  When she was dressed and ready she took a look in the mirror, you clean up pretty well. She thought, note to self, thank Ashlyn for making me buy this get up.  Sam left her apartment and drove to the Pentagon.  Webb was waiting for her at the predetermined area.  He had that same serious look on his face that he did the first time they met. 

"Webb." Sam said.

"Danaher," Webb replied.

"I appreciate you setting this up." Sam said. Does he even think about that night?

"A deal's a deal." Webb replied. I wonder what she's been doing since that night?

"So, who will be escorting me on the tour?" Sam asked. He's going to pass me off to some flunky.

"I will." Webb said. Bet she thought I was going to pass her off to someone.

"That's very nice of you." Sam smiled. Do I thank him for the picture?

"Well, it's the least I could do. You did kill a story." Webb stated. Is she going to thank me for the picture?

"Thank you." Sam said walking though the door he was holding open.

"For what?" Webb asked.

"Arranging this; holding the door." Sam said and added quickly, "the picture."

"You're welcome." Webb said with little emotion.

Webb watched Sam walk to the reception desk, his eyes wandered casually down her body. Damn! He thought and shook any other thoughts from his head.  He noticed several men looking at Sam and his thought; she's as good as she looks, boys.

They waited while Sam was given a pass and then continued on their way.  Webb introduced Sam to several people and stood to the side as she went into reporter mode.  He was actually impressed at the questions she was asking.  They weren't what he had expected at all.

Sam spent the better part of the morning with various people.  When the time came for her to meet with Colon Powell, Webb had done one better; sitting in the conference room was not only Secretary Powell, but also Condeliza Rice and Tom Ridge.  Sam held her composure as she sat down, what she really wanted to do was jump up and down like a kid at an amusement park.  After an hour with this trio, Sam thanked them for their time and she and Webb left. 

"Webb, thanks." Sam said.  "I guess we're even."

"No problem, Danaher." Webb said.

They walked to the elevator and waited.  Sam could see Webb looking at her, but that's only because she was looking at him.  Once inside the elevator, Sam stood a few steps away from Webb.  As they moved to the next floor, a group of people joined them, forcing Sam to move closer.  By the time the doors closed, Sam was standing perpendicular to Webb, with his arm brushing up against her. Never one to let an opportunity pass by, Sam nonchalantly moved her hand behind him and pinched his bottom.  She then leaned in, blew in his ear and whispered, "Webb, I'm not wearing any socks."

By the expression on his face, Sam could tell that Webb was a bit confused but he also looked as if he was about to snap.  Sam thought about doing something else, but she knew it would not be fair, so she just whispered, "You know what I mean by socks, don't you?"

Webb looked at her out of the corner of his eye; a small smile crept across his lips and disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.  Sam smiled inwardly; he knew exactly what she meant and he remembered that night.  Together they left the Pentagon and walked away from each other as they went to their cars.

"Webb," Sam called out and drove over to him.

"What now, Danaher?"  Webb asked. "You said we were even."

"Are you going to follow me or am I going to follow you?" Sam asked with a glint in her eye.

Webb didn't respond, he got into his car and followed Sam out of the lot.  Ten minutes later they were pulling into the lot of the Four Points, Sheraton. 

This time Sam checked them in; they went to the room and wasted no time.  They went at it with as much energy as they had the first night. 

"Is this normal for you?" Webb asked.

"Is what normal?" Sam replied.

"This." Webb said, "Indiscriminate sex."

"Indiscriminate?" Sam said. "You make it sound like we are strangers."

"In some ways we are." Webb replied.

"In other ways we aren't." Sam laughed. "Is there a problem?"

"I didn't say that." Webb stated.

"So, is this normal for you?" Sam asked.

"Not at all," Webb replied. "I just think…"

"Webb, must you always think?" Sam said. "How often do you get some with out strings attached?"

"Excuse me?" Webb asked, shocked at her statement.

"Are you having a good time?" Sam asked.

"Yes," Webb said.

"Any regrets?" Sam questioned.

"Not yet," Webb repeated.

"Then shut up and just go with it. It's not like we have to see each other after this." Sam said and attacked him.

"That's what we said last time." Webb mumbled but decided to take her advice and go with it.

Two hours later, they left the hotel.  Sam went her way and Webb went his, when or if they would see each other again remained a mystery.

TWO WEEKS LATER

"Danaher," Sam said picking up her phone.

"Sam, it's Charles." Her editor said.

"Yo Chuck, what's up?" Sam asked.

"Must you call me Chuck?" Charles said.

"Yes, I must." Sam replied. "Why are you calling? You have my next four columns."

"I wanted to tell you the Pentagon piece was fantastic; as was the Powell, Rice and Ridge pieces. How did you get them?" Charles asked.

"Now Chucky, do you think I am going to reveal my sources?" Sam laughed.

"I'm your editor; if you can't trust me who can you trust?" Charles asked.

"Why are you calling? You never call to tell me my work is good." Sam asked. "You only call when it sucks."

"Nice language, young lady. I have a story for you, if you're interested." Charles said.

"Something with meat, I hope." Sam replied.

"You tell me, a piece on the CIA, I want you to do it." Charles said.

"Are you kidding me?" Sam asked jumping up.

"It's all yours, if you want it kid." Charles said.

"Do I want it?" Sam yelled. "You better believe I want it. Who's the contact?"

"An agent named Richard McCartney; he's a Deputy Director of Operations." Charles replied.

"Sounds good, when is this happening?" Sam asked.

"Tomorrow 10 am at Langley." Charles said. "Do a good job."

"I always do." Sam laughed and hung up.

CIA HEADQUARTERS – the next morning

Sam pulled into the CIA headquarters and was told where to wait.  She had worn the outfit she purchased in London, for tea.  She added a jacket to make it look a bit more professional.  I really need to get work clothes.

She was looking at the Wall of Stars when she heard a familiar voice.

"What are you doing here, Danaher?" Webb asked.

"I have a meeting with Richard McCartney." Sam replied. "What are you doing here?"

Before Webb could answer, Richard McCartney walked over.

"Ms. Danaher?" McCartney asked.

"Yes, please call me Samantha." Sam said. Samantha? Where did that come from?

"It's a pleasure to meet you." McCartney said. "Webb, what are you doing here? I thought you didn't want to be bothered with reporters."

"I didn't," Webb replied. "I don't." Richard needs to put his eyes back in his head.

"You work here?" Sam asked. He's CIA? This is better than I imagined.

"Yes, I do." Webb said flatly. So much for keeping my job a secret, I hope she doesn't say anything. 

Sam sensed the worry in Webb and didn't let on that they knew each other.

"It's nice to see you again. Mr…" Sam said.

"Webb." Webb replied. "And you are Samantha?"

"Yes." Sam replied.

"Do you know each other?" McCartney asked.

"Yes," Webb said and the same time Sam said, "No."

"Actually, I believe we were at the Prince Sultan Airbase at the same time."  Sam said. "I guess we should be off. It was nice running into you again, Mr. Webb."

"Same here," Webb replied and watched them walk away.

McCartney and Sam sat and talked for a few hours.  The agreement of the article was that no names could be used, but otherwise she was free to write anything they discussed.  When it was time to leave, Sam thanked McCartney for his time and went to her car.

WEBB'S OFFICE

"Webb, what do you know about that reporter?" McCartney asked.

"Not much, why?" Webb asked. "I ran into her at a store once, she must have forgotten."

"I was thinking of giving her a call." McCartney said. "I'm glad you declined to handle the interview. She's an interesting one."

"Why waste your time?" Webb asked.

"Did you get a look at her?" McCartney laughed.

"I didn't notice." Webb said, a bit uncomfortable.

"You must be blind." McCartney said. "Nice face and great body. I bet she's a real fireball out of that suit."

"Couldn't tell you," Webb replied. You're never going to find out, Richard.

"I think you're working too much." McCartney said.

"Richard, I believe she's dating that marine I saw her with." Webb said.

"Too bad, the marines are always the first to storm the beaches." McCartney said.

"What?" Webb asked.

"I meant it would have been nice to land on the beaches of Samantha." McCartney joked.

"Richard you're obnoxious." Webb said shaking his head. 

"You really need to get out more." McCartney laughed walking away.

Webb sat for a minute and then after making a quick inquiry left his office.

SAM'S APARTMENT

Sam got home and immediately changed into casual clothes; she was in the process of rewriting her notes when there was a knock at the door.

"Coming," Sam said getting up and opening the door. "Webb, what are you doing here?"

"McCartney wanted to ask you out; I told him you were dating Galindez." Webb stated.

"Now why did you do that?" Sam snapped. "Richard's not a bad looking guy. Maybe I would have liked to have dinner with him."

"I don't think so." Webb said.

"Excuse me? Are you arranging my social life?" Sam demanded.

"I just know he's not the one for you." Webb said.

"I think that's my decision to make." Sam said. "What's with you?"

"I'm being a friend here; I know he's a jerk." Webb said.

"Hello kettle this is pot." Sam smirked. "We aren't exclusive."

"Never said we were and once I leave, we never have to see each other again." Webb snapped.

"Where have I heard that before?" Sam asked.

"No wonder, you're single." Webb said. "You can't handle someone being nice."

"Who's being nice?" Sam asked. "You're being a jackass."

"Look, he's a creep." Webb said.  "I just know he's not the guy for you."

"Then who is the guy for me?" Sam asked.

"Damned if I know." Webb said. "Someone who's a glutton for punishment."

"You're such an ass." Sam snapped.

"Yes I know; a pompous ass." Webb said sarcastically. "Or is it jackass?"

"Webb," Sam said.

"What is it now Danaher?" Webb replied.

"Do you plan on kissing me or are you just going to stand there?" Sam smiled innocently.

"What do you think?" Webb grabbed Sam and kissed her.

"Why didn't you tell me you were CIA?" Sam asked between kisses.

"It's classified. Webb stated removing her clothes. "Would it have made a difference?"

"We'll never know now." Sam said unzipping his pants.

They didn't waste time going to the bedroom. They again dispensed with the foreplay and got right down to business, in the living room.

"This was the last time." Webb said when they were done.

"Fine with me," Sam said.

"I mean it." Webb said getting his clothes on.

"So, do I," Sam replied.

"This has to end." Webb said.

"Today's as good a day as any." Sam said throwing on her sweats.

"As long as we're in agreement," Webb said.

"Don't worry.  We're on the same page." Sam responded.

"Take care," Webb said as Sam walked him to the door.

"It's been real," Sam said, "Hey, Webb."

"What now, Danaher?" Webb asked.

"Coming back tonight?" Sam smiled.

"Around six, I'll bring dinner." Webb said and left.

Sam laughed as she shut the door.  She went back to work and got her notes organized.  By the time Webb came back, she had cleaned her apartment and showered.  Webb brought dinner; they ate and headed right to the bedroom.  Around 3am Sam woke Webb and made him leave.