"I thought you left."
He slips deeper into the covers, onto his side as he pulls me close against him.
"Nope, I'm with you forever," he answers, closing his eyes as I feel his breathing deepen against me. I lean my head into his chest, closing my eyes as I fall back asleep.
******
I feel Jack's hands on my shoulder and his lips on my neck. "Hmm?" I moan, squinting my eyes in the morning light.
"I'm going to drop Morgan off at school."
"I'll do it," I offer with a yawn.
"Go back to sleep. I'll meet you at the office." I feel his lips on my cheek, as he slips out of bed and I roll back over, falling asleep once again.
The phone jars me awake and I reach out to answer my cell phone. I lift it from the table and turn it on to hear the phone still ringing. I glance down, realizing it's not my phone that someone is calling. Jack must have left his phone here.
"Hello?" I mumble, too tired to be professional and answer the 'correct' way.
"Is Jack there, Samantha?" I hear a woman's voice and recognize it as Maria's.
"No, he left already," I answer with a yawn. "You want me to tell him to call you?"
"Would you?"
"Of course," I answer with a soft smile.
I sit up in bed and glance at the clock, realizing I should probably be up already anyhow. I head into the bathroom for a quick shower before getting dressed. I make my way into the kitchen, grabbing some breakfast as I eye Eva, who's sitting at the table eating cereal.
"I don't buy it," she eyes me skeptically.
"What?"
"You and Jack. You two are involved," she states soundly.
"No," I shake my head, trying to surpress a grin.
"Then why did you leave Jack in your bedroom when Martin stopped by? It isn't like Martin and Jack haven't been over together before?" Her eyes raise in intrigue.
"We weren't doing anything out of the ordinary," I shrug. "We were just sleeping in bed together."
"Ha!" she laughs. "I knew it!"
"Sleeping, Eva."
"Sure," she shakes her head. "I don't buy it."
"You don't have to. It's the truth," I answer, as I stand up and head into the bathroom to brush my teeth and clip my hair up before heading into the office.
I make my way up the elevator and down the hallway. I glance into Jack's office, and he looks up from his paperwork to greet me.
"Hey, Sam."
"You forgot this," I hand him his phone.
"Oh, thanks," he smiles up at me. "Anything else?"
"Maria called this morning. She said to call her back."
"All right."
"Thanks for taking care of Morgan this morning."
"No problem," he smiles. "I dropped her off a little early and saw the girls on their way into school."
"How are they doing?"
"Upset I'm not around, but it's nothing new to them," he says, expelling a soft breath.
"We have a new case?" I question with wide eyes.
"Yes, but Van Doren wants to speak with you in her office."
"Do you know what it's about?"
Jack shakes his head 'no', as I slip out of his office and head down to Van Doren's.
"Agent Spade," she waves me to come inside. "Take a seat," she tells me soundly, and I do as I'm told. "I'm curious about yesterday's situation. I've read the police report and I suppose I want to know some of the details that have been omitted."
"Omitted?" I repeat, shaking my head.
"To begin with, you took off the wire you were assigned to wear."
I nod my head briefly. "Yes. I felt my cover would have likely been blown if I left it on any longer. Our suspect believed I was there for sexual relations and I was concerned if he so much as brushed up against me, he would have felt the device."
"So you chose to leave it in the bathroom instead?"
"It was the only place I could take it off, without his knowledge of it."
"Now I'm confused as to what happened after that. How'd you manage to tour his house?"
"He believed I was interested in bondage so he allowed me to tie him to the bed posts and blindfold him. I told him I was going to get something from the fridge and I scouted out his place. Sometime in there, he managed to work the binds free, and he came up behind me with a knife when I was in the guest bedroom."
"Which is when you shot him?"
"I told him I was with the FBI and to drop his weapon. After he refused, he slashed at me with the knife, causing me to discharge my gun. The first bullet grazed his wrist and the second went into his chest," I tell her.
"So you didn't actually find Kent Collins?" She eyes me intently.
"No," I shake my head, "his body was in the basement hidden between floorboards. When the NYPD and FBI came in, that's when his body was recovered."
"I see," she nods, scribbling down some notes. "Hopefully, we'll have things cleared up in no time. Her eyes meet mine as I see a look of compassion and something else--concern? "Samantha, I don't know what exactly happened when you both were in his house, alone. I can only hope that you didn't do anything against better judgment to obtain information." She lets out a breath and shuts the file in front of her. "I know Agent Malone wanted you to see the in-house therapist. Obviously I'm unaware of how that was going. However, after Lisa's own issues lately, it's highly unlikely she'll be back with us. I would like you to continue seeing someone, especially given the recent set of circumstances."
"I'm seeing someone outside of the Bureau," I tell her firmly.
"I hope you will continue doing that," she eyes me. "There is one other thing that has been brought to my attention, and that is the recent problems between you and Agent Fitzgerald. I realize you all have been working together closely, and I would hate to see you get transferred because of a few differences that haven't been worked out. Every day we put our lives on the line for one another. If I feel your work is in question even the slightest, I'll have you transferred out of here in a split second. There have been a number of other agents from various field offices who are interested in working the Missing Persons Unit. I hope I won't have to bring them up here because of a few differences of opinion." Her eyes bore into mine as I nod my head and step out of her office.
I make my way towards Jack and see him talking with Danny and Vivian. I let out an annoyed breath, trying not to let Van Doren hamper my spirits, but it's not much use. Jack insists I tell Martin about us, but what happens then? What if Martin doesn't accept it and makes working with him difficult? Then am I to blame for the behavior? Van Doren apparently believes so.
"Samantha?" I hear Jack's voice and glance into his eyes.
"Huh?"
"Go take a seat in my office. I'll be with you in a minute."
"I'm all right," I tell him. His eyes tell me he means business and I let out a soft breath, find my way inside and take a seat.
Jack makes his way inside, shutting the door behind him. He takes a seat on the edge of his desk, his legs brushing mine. "Sam, what's going on?"
"Van Doren," I pause for a moment. "If things aren't good between Martin and myself, I'll be transferred out."
His eyes widen as he shifts on the desk, taking in the news. "Well, then I guess you two have to make sure things are good."
"You don't get it," I groan. "As soon as I tell him about us," I whisper before my voice resumes its normal tone, "he's going to make things awkward. I'll lose my job!"
"You can't lead him on, Samantha."
"You've got to help me out."
"I can't," he sighs, placing his hands in his lap. "You've got two other options, though." My eyes plead with him to help me. "You can tell Martin you're not interested and don't mention that you're seeing someone else."
"Or?"
"Tell him the truth because he deserves to know and take the chance that you'll be transferred. Maybe you can request a transfer within the New York Field Office, at least then--" his voice trails off.
"We won't get in trouble?" I question. "I like what I do, Jack. I never felt that at the NYPD."
"Maybe you'll find something else you like here too." I shake my head is dismay. "Either way, you have to tell Martin something tonight."
"I know," I let out a breath, "I just wish he wasn't so emotionally invested."
"Why? So you wouldn't feel so bad?" Jack's eyes meet mine. "It's the price of an adult relationship," he teases with a smile. "Don't sweat it; he's a big boy," Jack reminds me. "Besides," he rests a hand on my shoulder, "you knew this day would come eventually."
"I know," I let out a soft breath, "I guess I was just hoping I could postpone it," I laugh softly. "What's the new case?"
"There isn't one. Not yet anyways. Everyone's filling out paperwork and reports. I think you owe me one also."
"Yeah," I nod, "I'll get right on it." I stand up and head for the door.
"Sam." I glance back, my hand on the doorknob.
"Yeah?"
"I love you," he tells me.
My eyes are wide and I feel taken aback by his honesty, especially at work. I can't hide the smile on my lips, as I leave his office and head for my desk.
"Isn't it amazing how you walk into his office sulking and come out with a huge smile," Danny chimes, quiet enough for me to hear. My gaze turns to his, with my jaw wide. "Don't be so shocked; it's fairly obvious."
"How long have you known?"
"It's more like how would we not know, Samantha?" Vivian chimes, coming over towards my desk.
I lean my head back against the chair I'm sitting on.
"Don't look so surprised. We knew as far back as two years ago. We just can't keep quiet any longer," Danny tells me, sitting on the edge of my desk.
"So, you told Van Doren?"
"No." They both exchange glances. "We didn't say anything," Vivian states. "Maybe Martin knew?"
"I haven't told him yet. At least not about anything recent." I bite down on my lower lip. "You guys have to help me out. Jack wants me to tell Martin tonight and if we can't get along at the office, I'll be transferred out of here."
"Maybe you could hook Martin up with another date?" Danny muses. "Get his mind on someone else?"
"Know anyone?" My eyes widen with intrigue as I eye Danny and Vivian.
"Sorry," Viv shakes her head. "I've got to get back on this report." She heads off towards her desk.
"Don't worry, you're not getting transferred," Danny tells me, as he makes his way to his desk.
I let out a soft sigh as I type up my report, then head into Jack's office to drop it off.
"Done already?" he eyes me.
I nod my head with a soft breath. "Yeah."
Jack eyes his watch. "It's almost lunch time. Why don't you meet Martin and talk things through. See if you both can work together." He eyes me intently. "Let me know how things go."
"What about you?" I question.
"I'll grab lunch with Vivian and Danny," he answers, glancing down at the file and then back up at me. "Good luck," he smiles up at me.
"Thanks, I'm going to need it." I step out of his office and make my way down the hall. I enter the elevator, hitting the button for the third floor and head out towards the main conference room. I wait outside for a few minutes, watching as everyone starts heading out for lunch. I peek my head inside as the room clears, but I don't see Martin leaving.
Martin's sitting in a chair with a binder open, scribbling something down. I come up from behind and place my hand gently on his shoulder. "Hey," I smile towards him and his head jerks back from surprise.
"Samantha," his eyes are wide. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to take you to lunch," I smile, as he stands up, shuffling the papers into the binder and we head out to his car.
"I was surprised to see you," he says as he slides his key into the door and unlocks it. I take a seat in the passenger side, glancing towards him.
"We need to talk," I tell him bluntly.
"Is this about what I said? I truly am sorry."
"No," I laugh softly. "It's forgotten--well mostly," I tell him. He heads towards a small diner and I feel my stomach knot.
"Then what is it, Samantha?"
"I'll tell you later," I answer with a tight-lipped smile, not wanting to spoil the mood right now. I know he likely won't freak out in public. I'm not so certain about in the car when we're alone.
"Any new cases?" Martin eyes me.
"We just finished one up last night. Nothing new this morning though."
"That's good," he muses.
"I suppose it is," I let out a sigh. "I pretty much spent the morning with Van Doren and then writing my report."
"How'd last night go?" he eyes me curiously.
"Oh yeah, Morgan, my half-sister. She ran into some trouble at a party, so I picked her up and had her stay the night."
"Was she okay?"
"A little shaken up, but she'll manage."
We head inside the restaurant and take a seat across from each other in a booth. We both place our orders and I glance down at my hands, getting the strength to break the news to him.
"Martin," I let out a breath, "I don't know how to tell you this."
"Whatever it is," he pauses, resting his hands over mine, "you can tell me."
"I'm--" my voice is cut off when Kellar slides over to sit beside me. He swings his arm around me.
"Is this the guy you're dating?" Kellar glances at Martin in amusement. Martin's eyes meet mine, curious if we're a couple, and my voice fails me. "Come on, Samantha. I've never known you to be shy for words." I swat my hand at his arm, shutting him up. "Ouch!"
"You're just mad because I turned you down for a date."
"Wouldn't you be?" Kellar glances towards Martin. "She did one hell of a job yesterday on the investigation."
"So I've heard," Martin muses, eyeing me and then Kellar.
Kellar has his arm around the headrest on the bench, claiming me as his girl, even if I'm not. "We should get drinks sometime, the three of us? You wouldn't mind, Martin, would you?" Kellar's eyes meet Martin's.
"I don't think that's such a wise decision," I interrupt. "As flattered as I am, I'll have to say 'no'."
"For old time's sake?" Kellar glances deep into my eyes with a smile.
"No," I shake my head with a laugh. "It isn't going to happen."
"Just one night?"
"You couldn't even last that long," I retort with a grin.
"Low blow," he mocks being offended as the waitress brings our food. "I'll let you two lovebirds get back to your lunch. Call me, Samantha." He blows me a kiss goodbye as I roll my eyes and shake my head.
"You let him talk to you like that?" Martin glances up at me from his lunch.
"He's just kidding around," I shrug. "He doesn't mean anything by it."
"Did you tell him we were--"
"No," I shake my head. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about," I say as I let out a soft breath. His eyes watch mine. "I know how you feel about me, and I can't let this drag on between us."
"Samantha." I eye him to hush.
"You're a great friend and a wonderful agent to work with, Martin, but it would never work between us."
"You're right, because you wouldn't let it. I have to get out of here." He stands up, taking his coat and tossing money on the table to pay for his meal as he heads out.
I let out a sigh. Maybe I should have waited to tell him until we got back. At least then I wouldn't need a ride. I finish eating, pay the remainder of the bill and head out for a cab, since it's too cold to walk outside.
I make my way inside the building and to my desk. I sit down, letting out an aggravated sigh, as I hear heels clinking against the floor. "Samantha." I feel Vivian's presence behind me.
I spin around in my chair to meet her gaze. "Got an empty box?" I question.
"What for?"
"I'm pretty sure I won't be here on Monday."
Vivian leans up against the desk. "He didn't take it well?" she winces.
"That's an understatement," I point out. "He left me at the diner."
"You're joking?"
"I kid you not." I let out a breath, trying to calm myself down.
"Van Doren's just making threats. She's not going to get rid of you. You're a valuable asset to us."
"She doesn't seem to think so," I breathe. "Maybe I'd be better off telling her now that she's going to need to transfer me, so I'll still be in the New York office." My mind races with the possibilities. Vivian must sense this.
"Calm down," she nods her head. "You're not going anywhere." She walks off, heading towards Jack's office. She's going to tell him; I could have done that!
I turn towards the computer, checking any recent e-mail for anything that needs my immediate attention.
"Sam." I feel Jack's warm hand on my shoulder as I glance back to catch his gaze. "Can I see you in my office?"
"Um, yeah." I stand up, feeling his hand on my lower back as he follows me inside, shutting the door behind him. I take a seat, eyeing him intently.
"Things didn't go well with Martin?"
"I told him the truth," I pause, "that I couldn't be with him."
"Did you tell him about us?"
"I don't remember," I whisper. "I don't think so. He stormed off before I could, even if I wanted to."
"Sam," he lets out a breath, his eyes watching mine. "We probably shouldn't even be having this conversation here." His voice is low, keeping anyone from overhearing, even with the door shut.
"It doesn't matter. I'll be transferred, probably to some town in the middle of nowhere." Jack shakes his head 'no', his lips in a wry smile. "What?"
"Do you trust me?" he eyes me seriously.
"Implicitly."
"Then go back to work," he tells me, moving behind his desk to sit down.
"Okay," I whisper, standing up and heading back towards my desk. I hear my phone ringing, surprised it's not my cell phone, and I lean across the desk. "Spade," I answer.
"Samantha." I hear tears in her voice, as I glance down at the caller ID display panel, noticing she's at home.
"Eva, what's wrong?"
"HELP!" she cries out, as the phone line goes dead. I jump up, briskly entering Jack's office.
"Eva's in trouble. I have to go."
"Sam, what happened?" Jack stands up as I exit his office, grabbing my coat and slipping it on.
"I don't know. The line went down. There was a loud crash and she was crying and screaming for help." He pulls out his keys.
"Danny, Vivian finish up what you're doing. We'll be back shortly." He takes my elbow, escorting me down to his car. I take a seat in the passenger side, letting him drive because I'm physically shaking. Jack rests his hand on my leg to keep me from bouncing all over the place. "Samantha, I'm sure she's fine," he tells me soundly.
"I hope so," I whisper, chewing nervously on my lower lip as we pull in front of my apartment complex. We make our way up the stairs and I notice the front door ajar. "Eva?" I call out, glancing around at the mess, my gun drawn. Everything's been scattered and torn apart. I keep my gun in front of me, ready to aim at the sight of an intruder.
I make my way, room to room, finding clothes and books scattered around but no sign of Eva. I flip the light on in the bathroom, checking the one final place as I come face-to-face with the mirror. In dried blood that dripped down the glass are the words 'tick tock.'
He slips deeper into the covers, onto his side as he pulls me close against him.
"Nope, I'm with you forever," he answers, closing his eyes as I feel his breathing deepen against me. I lean my head into his chest, closing my eyes as I fall back asleep.
******
I feel Jack's hands on my shoulder and his lips on my neck. "Hmm?" I moan, squinting my eyes in the morning light.
"I'm going to drop Morgan off at school."
"I'll do it," I offer with a yawn.
"Go back to sleep. I'll meet you at the office." I feel his lips on my cheek, as he slips out of bed and I roll back over, falling asleep once again.
The phone jars me awake and I reach out to answer my cell phone. I lift it from the table and turn it on to hear the phone still ringing. I glance down, realizing it's not my phone that someone is calling. Jack must have left his phone here.
"Hello?" I mumble, too tired to be professional and answer the 'correct' way.
"Is Jack there, Samantha?" I hear a woman's voice and recognize it as Maria's.
"No, he left already," I answer with a yawn. "You want me to tell him to call you?"
"Would you?"
"Of course," I answer with a soft smile.
I sit up in bed and glance at the clock, realizing I should probably be up already anyhow. I head into the bathroom for a quick shower before getting dressed. I make my way into the kitchen, grabbing some breakfast as I eye Eva, who's sitting at the table eating cereal.
"I don't buy it," she eyes me skeptically.
"What?"
"You and Jack. You two are involved," she states soundly.
"No," I shake my head, trying to surpress a grin.
"Then why did you leave Jack in your bedroom when Martin stopped by? It isn't like Martin and Jack haven't been over together before?" Her eyes raise in intrigue.
"We weren't doing anything out of the ordinary," I shrug. "We were just sleeping in bed together."
"Ha!" she laughs. "I knew it!"
"Sleeping, Eva."
"Sure," she shakes her head. "I don't buy it."
"You don't have to. It's the truth," I answer, as I stand up and head into the bathroom to brush my teeth and clip my hair up before heading into the office.
I make my way up the elevator and down the hallway. I glance into Jack's office, and he looks up from his paperwork to greet me.
"Hey, Sam."
"You forgot this," I hand him his phone.
"Oh, thanks," he smiles up at me. "Anything else?"
"Maria called this morning. She said to call her back."
"All right."
"Thanks for taking care of Morgan this morning."
"No problem," he smiles. "I dropped her off a little early and saw the girls on their way into school."
"How are they doing?"
"Upset I'm not around, but it's nothing new to them," he says, expelling a soft breath.
"We have a new case?" I question with wide eyes.
"Yes, but Van Doren wants to speak with you in her office."
"Do you know what it's about?"
Jack shakes his head 'no', as I slip out of his office and head down to Van Doren's.
"Agent Spade," she waves me to come inside. "Take a seat," she tells me soundly, and I do as I'm told. "I'm curious about yesterday's situation. I've read the police report and I suppose I want to know some of the details that have been omitted."
"Omitted?" I repeat, shaking my head.
"To begin with, you took off the wire you were assigned to wear."
I nod my head briefly. "Yes. I felt my cover would have likely been blown if I left it on any longer. Our suspect believed I was there for sexual relations and I was concerned if he so much as brushed up against me, he would have felt the device."
"So you chose to leave it in the bathroom instead?"
"It was the only place I could take it off, without his knowledge of it."
"Now I'm confused as to what happened after that. How'd you manage to tour his house?"
"He believed I was interested in bondage so he allowed me to tie him to the bed posts and blindfold him. I told him I was going to get something from the fridge and I scouted out his place. Sometime in there, he managed to work the binds free, and he came up behind me with a knife when I was in the guest bedroom."
"Which is when you shot him?"
"I told him I was with the FBI and to drop his weapon. After he refused, he slashed at me with the knife, causing me to discharge my gun. The first bullet grazed his wrist and the second went into his chest," I tell her.
"So you didn't actually find Kent Collins?" She eyes me intently.
"No," I shake my head, "his body was in the basement hidden between floorboards. When the NYPD and FBI came in, that's when his body was recovered."
"I see," she nods, scribbling down some notes. "Hopefully, we'll have things cleared up in no time. Her eyes meet mine as I see a look of compassion and something else--concern? "Samantha, I don't know what exactly happened when you both were in his house, alone. I can only hope that you didn't do anything against better judgment to obtain information." She lets out a breath and shuts the file in front of her. "I know Agent Malone wanted you to see the in-house therapist. Obviously I'm unaware of how that was going. However, after Lisa's own issues lately, it's highly unlikely she'll be back with us. I would like you to continue seeing someone, especially given the recent set of circumstances."
"I'm seeing someone outside of the Bureau," I tell her firmly.
"I hope you will continue doing that," she eyes me. "There is one other thing that has been brought to my attention, and that is the recent problems between you and Agent Fitzgerald. I realize you all have been working together closely, and I would hate to see you get transferred because of a few differences that haven't been worked out. Every day we put our lives on the line for one another. If I feel your work is in question even the slightest, I'll have you transferred out of here in a split second. There have been a number of other agents from various field offices who are interested in working the Missing Persons Unit. I hope I won't have to bring them up here because of a few differences of opinion." Her eyes bore into mine as I nod my head and step out of her office.
I make my way towards Jack and see him talking with Danny and Vivian. I let out an annoyed breath, trying not to let Van Doren hamper my spirits, but it's not much use. Jack insists I tell Martin about us, but what happens then? What if Martin doesn't accept it and makes working with him difficult? Then am I to blame for the behavior? Van Doren apparently believes so.
"Samantha?" I hear Jack's voice and glance into his eyes.
"Huh?"
"Go take a seat in my office. I'll be with you in a minute."
"I'm all right," I tell him. His eyes tell me he means business and I let out a soft breath, find my way inside and take a seat.
Jack makes his way inside, shutting the door behind him. He takes a seat on the edge of his desk, his legs brushing mine. "Sam, what's going on?"
"Van Doren," I pause for a moment. "If things aren't good between Martin and myself, I'll be transferred out."
His eyes widen as he shifts on the desk, taking in the news. "Well, then I guess you two have to make sure things are good."
"You don't get it," I groan. "As soon as I tell him about us," I whisper before my voice resumes its normal tone, "he's going to make things awkward. I'll lose my job!"
"You can't lead him on, Samantha."
"You've got to help me out."
"I can't," he sighs, placing his hands in his lap. "You've got two other options, though." My eyes plead with him to help me. "You can tell Martin you're not interested and don't mention that you're seeing someone else."
"Or?"
"Tell him the truth because he deserves to know and take the chance that you'll be transferred. Maybe you can request a transfer within the New York Field Office, at least then--" his voice trails off.
"We won't get in trouble?" I question. "I like what I do, Jack. I never felt that at the NYPD."
"Maybe you'll find something else you like here too." I shake my head is dismay. "Either way, you have to tell Martin something tonight."
"I know," I let out a breath, "I just wish he wasn't so emotionally invested."
"Why? So you wouldn't feel so bad?" Jack's eyes meet mine. "It's the price of an adult relationship," he teases with a smile. "Don't sweat it; he's a big boy," Jack reminds me. "Besides," he rests a hand on my shoulder, "you knew this day would come eventually."
"I know," I let out a soft breath, "I guess I was just hoping I could postpone it," I laugh softly. "What's the new case?"
"There isn't one. Not yet anyways. Everyone's filling out paperwork and reports. I think you owe me one also."
"Yeah," I nod, "I'll get right on it." I stand up and head for the door.
"Sam." I glance back, my hand on the doorknob.
"Yeah?"
"I love you," he tells me.
My eyes are wide and I feel taken aback by his honesty, especially at work. I can't hide the smile on my lips, as I leave his office and head for my desk.
"Isn't it amazing how you walk into his office sulking and come out with a huge smile," Danny chimes, quiet enough for me to hear. My gaze turns to his, with my jaw wide. "Don't be so shocked; it's fairly obvious."
"How long have you known?"
"It's more like how would we not know, Samantha?" Vivian chimes, coming over towards my desk.
I lean my head back against the chair I'm sitting on.
"Don't look so surprised. We knew as far back as two years ago. We just can't keep quiet any longer," Danny tells me, sitting on the edge of my desk.
"So, you told Van Doren?"
"No." They both exchange glances. "We didn't say anything," Vivian states. "Maybe Martin knew?"
"I haven't told him yet. At least not about anything recent." I bite down on my lower lip. "You guys have to help me out. Jack wants me to tell Martin tonight and if we can't get along at the office, I'll be transferred out of here."
"Maybe you could hook Martin up with another date?" Danny muses. "Get his mind on someone else?"
"Know anyone?" My eyes widen with intrigue as I eye Danny and Vivian.
"Sorry," Viv shakes her head. "I've got to get back on this report." She heads off towards her desk.
"Don't worry, you're not getting transferred," Danny tells me, as he makes his way to his desk.
I let out a soft sigh as I type up my report, then head into Jack's office to drop it off.
"Done already?" he eyes me.
I nod my head with a soft breath. "Yeah."
Jack eyes his watch. "It's almost lunch time. Why don't you meet Martin and talk things through. See if you both can work together." He eyes me intently. "Let me know how things go."
"What about you?" I question.
"I'll grab lunch with Vivian and Danny," he answers, glancing down at the file and then back up at me. "Good luck," he smiles up at me.
"Thanks, I'm going to need it." I step out of his office and make my way down the hall. I enter the elevator, hitting the button for the third floor and head out towards the main conference room. I wait outside for a few minutes, watching as everyone starts heading out for lunch. I peek my head inside as the room clears, but I don't see Martin leaving.
Martin's sitting in a chair with a binder open, scribbling something down. I come up from behind and place my hand gently on his shoulder. "Hey," I smile towards him and his head jerks back from surprise.
"Samantha," his eyes are wide. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to take you to lunch," I smile, as he stands up, shuffling the papers into the binder and we head out to his car.
"I was surprised to see you," he says as he slides his key into the door and unlocks it. I take a seat in the passenger side, glancing towards him.
"We need to talk," I tell him bluntly.
"Is this about what I said? I truly am sorry."
"No," I laugh softly. "It's forgotten--well mostly," I tell him. He heads towards a small diner and I feel my stomach knot.
"Then what is it, Samantha?"
"I'll tell you later," I answer with a tight-lipped smile, not wanting to spoil the mood right now. I know he likely won't freak out in public. I'm not so certain about in the car when we're alone.
"Any new cases?" Martin eyes me.
"We just finished one up last night. Nothing new this morning though."
"That's good," he muses.
"I suppose it is," I let out a sigh. "I pretty much spent the morning with Van Doren and then writing my report."
"How'd last night go?" he eyes me curiously.
"Oh yeah, Morgan, my half-sister. She ran into some trouble at a party, so I picked her up and had her stay the night."
"Was she okay?"
"A little shaken up, but she'll manage."
We head inside the restaurant and take a seat across from each other in a booth. We both place our orders and I glance down at my hands, getting the strength to break the news to him.
"Martin," I let out a breath, "I don't know how to tell you this."
"Whatever it is," he pauses, resting his hands over mine, "you can tell me."
"I'm--" my voice is cut off when Kellar slides over to sit beside me. He swings his arm around me.
"Is this the guy you're dating?" Kellar glances at Martin in amusement. Martin's eyes meet mine, curious if we're a couple, and my voice fails me. "Come on, Samantha. I've never known you to be shy for words." I swat my hand at his arm, shutting him up. "Ouch!"
"You're just mad because I turned you down for a date."
"Wouldn't you be?" Kellar glances towards Martin. "She did one hell of a job yesterday on the investigation."
"So I've heard," Martin muses, eyeing me and then Kellar.
Kellar has his arm around the headrest on the bench, claiming me as his girl, even if I'm not. "We should get drinks sometime, the three of us? You wouldn't mind, Martin, would you?" Kellar's eyes meet Martin's.
"I don't think that's such a wise decision," I interrupt. "As flattered as I am, I'll have to say 'no'."
"For old time's sake?" Kellar glances deep into my eyes with a smile.
"No," I shake my head with a laugh. "It isn't going to happen."
"Just one night?"
"You couldn't even last that long," I retort with a grin.
"Low blow," he mocks being offended as the waitress brings our food. "I'll let you two lovebirds get back to your lunch. Call me, Samantha." He blows me a kiss goodbye as I roll my eyes and shake my head.
"You let him talk to you like that?" Martin glances up at me from his lunch.
"He's just kidding around," I shrug. "He doesn't mean anything by it."
"Did you tell him we were--"
"No," I shake my head. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about," I say as I let out a soft breath. His eyes watch mine. "I know how you feel about me, and I can't let this drag on between us."
"Samantha." I eye him to hush.
"You're a great friend and a wonderful agent to work with, Martin, but it would never work between us."
"You're right, because you wouldn't let it. I have to get out of here." He stands up, taking his coat and tossing money on the table to pay for his meal as he heads out.
I let out a sigh. Maybe I should have waited to tell him until we got back. At least then I wouldn't need a ride. I finish eating, pay the remainder of the bill and head out for a cab, since it's too cold to walk outside.
I make my way inside the building and to my desk. I sit down, letting out an aggravated sigh, as I hear heels clinking against the floor. "Samantha." I feel Vivian's presence behind me.
I spin around in my chair to meet her gaze. "Got an empty box?" I question.
"What for?"
"I'm pretty sure I won't be here on Monday."
Vivian leans up against the desk. "He didn't take it well?" she winces.
"That's an understatement," I point out. "He left me at the diner."
"You're joking?"
"I kid you not." I let out a breath, trying to calm myself down.
"Van Doren's just making threats. She's not going to get rid of you. You're a valuable asset to us."
"She doesn't seem to think so," I breathe. "Maybe I'd be better off telling her now that she's going to need to transfer me, so I'll still be in the New York office." My mind races with the possibilities. Vivian must sense this.
"Calm down," she nods her head. "You're not going anywhere." She walks off, heading towards Jack's office. She's going to tell him; I could have done that!
I turn towards the computer, checking any recent e-mail for anything that needs my immediate attention.
"Sam." I feel Jack's warm hand on my shoulder as I glance back to catch his gaze. "Can I see you in my office?"
"Um, yeah." I stand up, feeling his hand on my lower back as he follows me inside, shutting the door behind him. I take a seat, eyeing him intently.
"Things didn't go well with Martin?"
"I told him the truth," I pause, "that I couldn't be with him."
"Did you tell him about us?"
"I don't remember," I whisper. "I don't think so. He stormed off before I could, even if I wanted to."
"Sam," he lets out a breath, his eyes watching mine. "We probably shouldn't even be having this conversation here." His voice is low, keeping anyone from overhearing, even with the door shut.
"It doesn't matter. I'll be transferred, probably to some town in the middle of nowhere." Jack shakes his head 'no', his lips in a wry smile. "What?"
"Do you trust me?" he eyes me seriously.
"Implicitly."
"Then go back to work," he tells me, moving behind his desk to sit down.
"Okay," I whisper, standing up and heading back towards my desk. I hear my phone ringing, surprised it's not my cell phone, and I lean across the desk. "Spade," I answer.
"Samantha." I hear tears in her voice, as I glance down at the caller ID display panel, noticing she's at home.
"Eva, what's wrong?"
"HELP!" she cries out, as the phone line goes dead. I jump up, briskly entering Jack's office.
"Eva's in trouble. I have to go."
"Sam, what happened?" Jack stands up as I exit his office, grabbing my coat and slipping it on.
"I don't know. The line went down. There was a loud crash and she was crying and screaming for help." He pulls out his keys.
"Danny, Vivian finish up what you're doing. We'll be back shortly." He takes my elbow, escorting me down to his car. I take a seat in the passenger side, letting him drive because I'm physically shaking. Jack rests his hand on my leg to keep me from bouncing all over the place. "Samantha, I'm sure she's fine," he tells me soundly.
"I hope so," I whisper, chewing nervously on my lower lip as we pull in front of my apartment complex. We make our way up the stairs and I notice the front door ajar. "Eva?" I call out, glancing around at the mess, my gun drawn. Everything's been scattered and torn apart. I keep my gun in front of me, ready to aim at the sight of an intruder.
I make my way, room to room, finding clothes and books scattered around but no sign of Eva. I flip the light on in the bathroom, checking the one final place as I come face-to-face with the mirror. In dried blood that dripped down the glass are the words 'tick tock.'
