Rating: PG-13
Author's Notes: Thank you to Sweatergirl for the betaing this story and of course Maple Street- who doesn't want to live there?
The cane clattered on the linoleum. Nearly out of breath Sam reached Vivian's office. "Viv…" she began.
"Did you find anything in the photos?"
"No…"
"Damn, I was hoping I missed something."
"Viv…"
Vivian, finally taking her eyes off a blinking computer screen, looked at her fellow FBI agent. "What's the matter?"
"I just received a phone call from Jack, he's in trouble."
"Jack called you?"
"Yes, the static cut us off but he mentioned blood…"
"Samantha," Vivian sighed deeply wondering how to phrase her wording. "You need to forget about him for now and concentrate on your health; you still have a ways to go."
Sam put her hand to her now aching forehead. Vivian wasn't listening to her. She had to make her understand. "Look Jack is in trouble. Not trouble with me or his wife, mortal danger. He needs our help."
"Okay, let's assume for a minute Jack is in a dangerous situation; why would he call you and not 911?"
"I don't know but he did call me and Viv," her voice shook, "we have to go to him now before it's too late."
"Whoa, you're not going anywhere. Tell you what, I'll call our fellow agents located in the area of Yellowstone and have them investigate on the side for us. Okay?"
Sam nodded although every fiber of her being said "no.'
"Why don't you go home now and get some rest. I'll call you if any information arrives."
Sam could see that under the gentleness of the line, Vivian was ordering her to go home. "Please call me."
There was nothing good on television. She didn't feel like eating. Even her precious music collection did nothing to cheer her up or to get her mind off Jack. She went to bed and stared at the ceiling until her ringing phone persuaded her to move from her spot.
"Hello." She wished that it were Jack.
"Sam, it's Vivian." Her voice was very stressed.
"Did you find out anything?"
"Yes, Jack did place a 911 phone call."
Sam's heart was beating as if it would come out of her chest.
Vivian paused before continuing. "The 911 operator only could make out part of the conversation due to the static. He told her: "Jack Malone…two suspicious men…they're at…please help us." Specialists are working on the tape now."
The information surreally seeped into Samantha's brain. "Anything else?"
"No, he then called you."
She waited until Vivian had hung up before she cried.
No sleep came to her and by morning she knew what she had to do- get to Yellowstone and find Jack.
To be continued…
