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.'
*******
I glance towards Jack. "What the hell does that mean?" I eye him confused. He pulls out his cell phone, calling for a CSI team to secure the scene and take a sample of the blood.
"Hell if I know," Jack answers. "Do you have anything valuable that someone might have been looking for?"
"Not really. Besides, Eva's gone!" I eye Jack seriously. "She didn't just run off; someone took her."
"I know," he nods his head, running his hand through his hair. He takes out his cell phone and calls Vivian. I collapse onto the couch, not wanting to think of my home as a crime scene. The police make their way through, asking questions and jotting down notes. They don't have much of anything to go on. I feel Jack's hand on my thigh.
"Samantha?" I hear Kellar's voice and turn around to see him coming inside. Jack's hand stays firmly planted on my leg. "I heard your address from one of the other guys. Are you okay?"
"It's Eva."
"Who?" He looks confused, obviously out of the loop for too long.
"Eva," I whisper. "She was staying with me temporarily. Someone came in and took her."
"Why would anyone do that?"
"I don't know." I glance towards Jack. "Can you make sure her uncle is still in prison?"
"What's his name?" Kellar eyes me.
"Jim Hunter."
"I'll look into it for you," he tells me, eyeing Jack's hand on my thigh before leaving my apartment. I lean into Jack's body, feeling his arms embrace me. I don't care who knows about us because right now, I feel so alone without Eva. I need Jack's support and his love.
"It's okay." Jack runs his hand through my hair, trying to soothe me as I feel my tears ready to fall.
"No, it's not." My voice cracks and I take in a breath, trying to control my emotions. "We have to go in to work." I stand up, tugging for him to follow. "We have to do everything we can to find her."
"We will. Vivian and Danny are working on her new job. Kellar's looking into her uncle. What do you suggest we do?" he eyes me intently.
"Jack," I plead with him. "I can't sit around waiting--" I feel his gaze interrupting me. "For all we know, this person was after me!"
Jack nods. "That's possible, but you two look nothing alike," he points out. "Besides, the message that was left tells me she's probably still alive."
"What makes you so certain?" I eye him sadly.
"She'd have already been dead and probably left here for show."
I feel my eyes tearing up and I let out a breath, as my hand moves over my mouth to quiet my sobs. My head encompasses Jack's chest, letting the tears flow freely down my face and onto his shirt.
"We'll find her," he reassures me, although his promise means nothing to my ears because it's one that might not be fulfilled. Jack's phone vibrates against his coat and he digs into his pocket to answer it. "Malone."
I chew nervously on my bottom lip, hoping for something that will tell me she's all right.
"Yeah," he blows out an annoyed breath. "I'm on a case right now; it's not a good time." I untangle myself from his frame, standing up and heading into the kitchen for something to drink. A few minutes later, I feel Jack's arms come up behind me, as I down the cold liquid.
"I have to go," he whispers into my ear. I spin around, slamming the glass against the table, my eyes meeting his. "I promise I'll look into Eva's whereabouts."
"Where are you going?" My eyes beg for him to stay.
"I have to pick up the girls."
I nod my head, slipping from his hold and collapsing onto the sofa. "You need to stay here and wait for a ransom call," he eyes me seriously.
"What if it's not about the money?" I point out.
He nods his head. "It's being looked into. You need to rest here and wait, though."
I nod my head, pulling out my gun from its holster and fingering the metal. "Are you going to be okay?" he asks. I let out a soft laugh.
"Go get the girls," I answer.
"Sam." His eyes meet mine and I let out a sigh.
"I'll manage. Call me later though?"
"Of course. I'll need to check into a hotel tonight. I hope you'll come by."
I nod my head with a sad smile on my lips, watching as he shuts the door behind him.
I know Martin's probably in the seminar still, so I can't call him. I grab my phone, deciding to send him a text message. Eva's gone, I type, waiting for a response.
A few minutes later, Martin returns my call. "What happened, Samantha?"
"She was taken," I tell him, letting out a shaky breath. "She called me at the office; she was in trouble. When we got here, it was too late. There was blood on the mirror and--" my voice trembles and I grow silent to keep from crying.
"Where are you now?"
"I'm at home."
"Do the others know?"
"Yes." I nod with a tired sigh. "They're all looking into it, but we don't have any leads."
"Shhh," I can hear his soft voice trying to calm me. "You've got the best team in New York City on it, Samantha. They'll find her."
"I'm just worried it's too late."
"Van Doren's making her way down the hall. I'll see what I can do." He hangs up the phone and I curl onto the sofa, closing my eyes and trying to rest my racing heart.
The phone jars me awake and I stare at it. I let out a shaky breath, "Hello?"
A digitized voice greets me on the other end, "Time's running out." The phone immediately disconnects, and I let out a sigh.
I dial Danny to tell him about the call. "Hello?"
"Danny, its Samantha."
"How are you holding up?"
"I'm not," I answer, "I just got a phone call."
"Ransom?"
"No, they said 'time is running out.' They wouldn't give me any other information or even let me speak to Eva."
"Hmmm," I can imagine his mind reeling. "Did you recognize the caller?"
"It was digitized."
"Have you heard from Kellar yet?"
"No."
"I'll give him a call," Danny tells me. "Maybe we can find ourselves a suspect." I hang up the phone and wait to find out from Danny that Jim Hunter is still in police custody. An hour and a half later, Jack rings me and I let out a sigh, hearing his voice again.
"How are you doing, Sam?"
"I'll be all right. Is everything okay with the girls?"
"Yeah, the babysitter got sick. Kate has a doctor's appointment and Maria couldn't pick them up. I'm checking into a hotel and then taking them out to dinner. Why don't you come with us?"
"I can't eat," I answer with a sigh.
"Sam, you've got to."
"I can't." I shake my head with tears. "Eva's in trouble."
"I know, I heard from Danny about the phone call. I don't want you there alone."
"I'll be fine. I have my gun," I remind him.
"For me, Samantha, please?"
"Yeah," I answer with a resigned sigh. "Where do you want to meet?"
"I'll pick you up," he offers. "Be ready to go when I get there."
"Thanks," I whisper as I hang up the phone and shut my eyes.
I don't know how long I've been asleep, but my cell phone jars me awake. "Hello?"
"We're outside," I hear Jack's voice and smile sadly.
"I'll be down in a minute." I hang up the phone and pull on my jacket. I slip my gun into its holster and make my way out the front door to see Jack's car outside. I head for the front, seeing the girls both sitting in the back seat.
"Any new calls?" he asks, as I step into the car and buckle myself in.
"None," I answer with a sigh, closing my eyes momentarily. The car pulls out into traffic and I feel two sets of eyes on me.
"Hannah and Kate, remember when I was telling you about Samantha?"
I glance back to see both of their faces. "Hey," I smile, trying to ease their mind as well as my own. The last thing I need is to have Jack's kids giving me a hard time.
Hannah turns her head out the window and crosses her arms. I can't see Kate's expression but I can pretty much guess it's the same. I eye Jack and let out a soft breath. "Any suspects?"
Jack shakes his head and moves his hand over mine. "We'll find her."
"Find who?" Kate interjects.
"Kate, how was school today?" Jack glances back towards her, changing the subject.
"Boring," she shrugs, eyeing Hannah.
"Don't copy me!" Hannah pouts, and I glance back, curious as to her behavior.
"Hannah, I already know how your day went. Your mother told me." His eyes glare back at her. I can only imagine what she did to piss Jack off. "When we get inside, you'll do your homework--no television," he reminds her.
"But dad--" she pleads with him.
"Hannah," his voice rises and she sulks lower, if at all possible, as her eyes grow narrow with anger.
"Daddy," Kate chimes in, her voice slightly afraid of Jack's anger.
"Yes?"
"Are we spending the night with you?"
"For tonight," he answers soundly. "I'll take you girls into school tomorrow."
"Is Samantha spending the night too?" Kate questions intently.
"Yes," he answers with a nod.
"In your bed?" she questions, slightly startled and upset by this revelation.
"I can go back to my place," I whisper towards him.
His eyes glance my way and then in the rearview mirror towards Kate.
"I don't want anything to happen to you," he answers me, not taking 'no' for an answer. I nod my head and let out a soft breath, hoping things won't turn any more awkward than they already are.
We make our way into the hotel and head for the elevator.
"You already have the key?" I question.
"Yeah," he nods. "I checked in with the girls earlier. They dropped all their stuff off and I had to take Kate to the doctor. That's why I took so long."
I nod my head, and we step out onto the floor and follow Jack down the hall. He unlocks the door, showing the girls into the room and then I follow behind. He booked a suite, giving the girls a pullout sofa to sleep on. I notice the double glass doors, with a curtain draped from the inside, giving Jack and me privacy.
"You know, Jack, I didn't bring anything to wear to work."
"You're not going in tomorrow."
"What?"
"You're under stress as it is. Besides, there are enough agents to look into Eva's disappearance."
"What if they call my apartment again?" I chew nervously on my lower lip.
"Don't worry. I've already thought that through. Your cell phone will pick up the call. You have that with you, right?" I nod my head and he smiles softly towards me, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Relax, Sam."
"Yeah, right," I nod, trying to calm my racing nerves.
"Shhh," I feel his breath on my neck, but I can't bring myself to embrace him.
"Daddy, can I watch TV in your room?" Kate questions with pleading eyes.
"Sure," he nods, heading back to open the doors for her to go in.
"Why don't you keep her company," Jack says in a soft voice. "I need to talk with Hannah."
"All right." I head towards the bedroom, seeing Kate watching cartoons and lying on the bed. "Mind if I sit down?"
Kate shrugs, not really caring much either way. I take a seat beside her, letting out a soft breath.
"Are you missing?"
"Excuse me?" I try not to laugh at the absurdity of her question.
"My daddy finds missing people," she tells me, rolling onto her stomach to watch television.
"I know; I work with your dad," I tell her.
"If I go missing, will he find me?" I don't have time to formulate a response because Jack makes his way into the bedroom.
"Hey, you two," he greets us, giving Kate a kiss on the head before she slides towards the center of the bed for Jack to sit with us.
"I'm hungry," she groans, rolling around to face her dad.
"You want room service?" he smiles, causing her to smile even brighter.
"Really?" Her eyes are wide with enthusiasm.
"Yes," he nods, grabbing a menu and then calling down for dinner.
"Jack, your bill is going to be--"
"Astronomical?" he answers. "I know. Van Doren doesn't care. She agreed that I should get you out of your place, so she thinks the cost is for two rooms, not one. I think as long as we keep dinner under a hundred, we'll be alright."
"You'll have to turn in your expense account, and she's going to know--" He eyes me to hush. I let out a soft breath and lie against the pillows.
"Do you have any homework to finish?" he eyes Kate intently.
"I finished it already."
"Good," he nods. Half an hour later, room service is at the door. Jack unlocks it, allowing them to come inside and we start eating.
Once we're finished, we set up the sleep sofa and the girls slide into bed. Jack tucks them in while I head into the bedroom and sit on the bed with the phone in my hands. I hear his footsteps and the door between the rooms softly shut.
"What's on your mind?" he glances towards me.
"What do you think?" I whisper, dropping my head into my hands.
Jack moves towards the bed, resting his hands on my shoulders as he looms above me. "It'll be okay," he tells me, sliding his thumb under my chin for me to look at him. I lean into his body instead, seeking the comfort I need.
His hands softly run against my back. "I love you so much," he whispers down to me.
"I love you too," I answer, holding him close against me. He breaks free from my grip and slips out of his shoes. He pulls off his shirt and grabs a pair of sweats from his bag. "I didn't bring anything to wear to bed," I muse.
"Then sleep naked," he teases, digging through his bag and then tossing me a shirt to wear.
"Thanks," I smile, slipping out of my clothes and pulling it on over my head.
I slide beneath the covers, and leave the sheets pulled back for Jack to join me. He slides inside, and I cuddle against his body.
"I don't think I'm going to be able to fall asleep," I whisper.
"You want to talk?" he offers, skimming his hands along my back. I lean closer to feel his skin against mine, as he plants a warm kiss on my lips. My mouth opens, allowing him to probe further as I lie against the mattress and feel his body warm me up.
"Mmm," I whisper, my eyes slipping closed as I feel Jack shift and turn off the light. "Maybe I wanted it on," I tease, pressing another kiss to his lips.
"It's late," he answers, brushing his fingers lower down my back.
"It's always late," I muse.
"Sam?" His voice holds concern as he glances into my eyes.
"I'm just worried about her."
"I know," he nods, holding me snuggly. "I am too."
"I don't have any idea who would have taken her." I shake my head, feeling my emotions overcome me once again. "Can we talk about something else?"
"Of course. What do you want to talk about?" he asks.
I try and think of something that would be less upsetting, but find myself curious about Hannah's earlier behavior. "Why was Hannah in trouble?" I whisper.
"She talked back to one of her teachers today. We think it's because she has a boyfriend who's 13."
"How old is Hannah?" I question.
"She'll be ten in a little over a month," he answers.
"And you're okay with her having an older boyfriend?" I question.
"Absolutely not!" he shakes his head. "I've been against it from the start. Maria figures it's nonsense and they're just holding hands and playing games together. I think there's more to it."
"How long has this been going on?"
"Since she found out about us," he answers.
"Not long then," I muse.
"He's trouble," Jack shakes his head. "I've tried everything to keep them apart but--"
"It's no use?" I eye him.
"What does a thirteen-year-old boy want with my daughter?" Jack eyes me intently. "Whatever it is, it can't be good," he points out. "Hormones start kicking in, and it's no longer innocent."
"Maybe she's just looking for someone that will be around."
"You think I won't?" his voice rises a notch. I move my finger over his lips to hush him.
I whisper in a soft, reassuring voice, "I think she's scared you'll leave her," I remind him.
"That sounds like your fears, especially after your father," he points out.
I shrug. "I could be wrong, but obviously she's acting out."
"I know," he nods. "Maria told me to fix it. Why can't it ever be that simple?"
I laugh softly. "Nothing in life is." I close my eyes, moving my hand along Jack's chest to feel connected to him. "Thanks for letting me spend the night," I whisper.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," he answers, pressing a kiss to my lips, as I feel his fingers stroking my sides. His movements gradually decline as he falls asleep.
*******
I glance towards Jack. "What the hell does that mean?" I eye him confused. He pulls out his cell phone, calling for a CSI team to secure the scene and take a sample of the blood.
"Hell if I know," Jack answers. "Do you have anything valuable that someone might have been looking for?"
"Not really. Besides, Eva's gone!" I eye Jack seriously. "She didn't just run off; someone took her."
"I know," he nods his head, running his hand through his hair. He takes out his cell phone and calls Vivian. I collapse onto the couch, not wanting to think of my home as a crime scene. The police make their way through, asking questions and jotting down notes. They don't have much of anything to go on. I feel Jack's hand on my thigh.
"Samantha?" I hear Kellar's voice and turn around to see him coming inside. Jack's hand stays firmly planted on my leg. "I heard your address from one of the other guys. Are you okay?"
"It's Eva."
"Who?" He looks confused, obviously out of the loop for too long.
"Eva," I whisper. "She was staying with me temporarily. Someone came in and took her."
"Why would anyone do that?"
"I don't know." I glance towards Jack. "Can you make sure her uncle is still in prison?"
"What's his name?" Kellar eyes me.
"Jim Hunter."
"I'll look into it for you," he tells me, eyeing Jack's hand on my thigh before leaving my apartment. I lean into Jack's body, feeling his arms embrace me. I don't care who knows about us because right now, I feel so alone without Eva. I need Jack's support and his love.
"It's okay." Jack runs his hand through my hair, trying to soothe me as I feel my tears ready to fall.
"No, it's not." My voice cracks and I take in a breath, trying to control my emotions. "We have to go in to work." I stand up, tugging for him to follow. "We have to do everything we can to find her."
"We will. Vivian and Danny are working on her new job. Kellar's looking into her uncle. What do you suggest we do?" he eyes me intently.
"Jack," I plead with him. "I can't sit around waiting--" I feel his gaze interrupting me. "For all we know, this person was after me!"
Jack nods. "That's possible, but you two look nothing alike," he points out. "Besides, the message that was left tells me she's probably still alive."
"What makes you so certain?" I eye him sadly.
"She'd have already been dead and probably left here for show."
I feel my eyes tearing up and I let out a breath, as my hand moves over my mouth to quiet my sobs. My head encompasses Jack's chest, letting the tears flow freely down my face and onto his shirt.
"We'll find her," he reassures me, although his promise means nothing to my ears because it's one that might not be fulfilled. Jack's phone vibrates against his coat and he digs into his pocket to answer it. "Malone."
I chew nervously on my bottom lip, hoping for something that will tell me she's all right.
"Yeah," he blows out an annoyed breath. "I'm on a case right now; it's not a good time." I untangle myself from his frame, standing up and heading into the kitchen for something to drink. A few minutes later, I feel Jack's arms come up behind me, as I down the cold liquid.
"I have to go," he whispers into my ear. I spin around, slamming the glass against the table, my eyes meeting his. "I promise I'll look into Eva's whereabouts."
"Where are you going?" My eyes beg for him to stay.
"I have to pick up the girls."
I nod my head, slipping from his hold and collapsing onto the sofa. "You need to stay here and wait for a ransom call," he eyes me seriously.
"What if it's not about the money?" I point out.
He nods his head. "It's being looked into. You need to rest here and wait, though."
I nod my head, pulling out my gun from its holster and fingering the metal. "Are you going to be okay?" he asks. I let out a soft laugh.
"Go get the girls," I answer.
"Sam." His eyes meet mine and I let out a sigh.
"I'll manage. Call me later though?"
"Of course. I'll need to check into a hotel tonight. I hope you'll come by."
I nod my head with a sad smile on my lips, watching as he shuts the door behind him.
I know Martin's probably in the seminar still, so I can't call him. I grab my phone, deciding to send him a text message. Eva's gone, I type, waiting for a response.
A few minutes later, Martin returns my call. "What happened, Samantha?"
"She was taken," I tell him, letting out a shaky breath. "She called me at the office; she was in trouble. When we got here, it was too late. There was blood on the mirror and--" my voice trembles and I grow silent to keep from crying.
"Where are you now?"
"I'm at home."
"Do the others know?"
"Yes." I nod with a tired sigh. "They're all looking into it, but we don't have any leads."
"Shhh," I can hear his soft voice trying to calm me. "You've got the best team in New York City on it, Samantha. They'll find her."
"I'm just worried it's too late."
"Van Doren's making her way down the hall. I'll see what I can do." He hangs up the phone and I curl onto the sofa, closing my eyes and trying to rest my racing heart.
The phone jars me awake and I stare at it. I let out a shaky breath, "Hello?"
A digitized voice greets me on the other end, "Time's running out." The phone immediately disconnects, and I let out a sigh.
I dial Danny to tell him about the call. "Hello?"
"Danny, its Samantha."
"How are you holding up?"
"I'm not," I answer, "I just got a phone call."
"Ransom?"
"No, they said 'time is running out.' They wouldn't give me any other information or even let me speak to Eva."
"Hmmm," I can imagine his mind reeling. "Did you recognize the caller?"
"It was digitized."
"Have you heard from Kellar yet?"
"No."
"I'll give him a call," Danny tells me. "Maybe we can find ourselves a suspect." I hang up the phone and wait to find out from Danny that Jim Hunter is still in police custody. An hour and a half later, Jack rings me and I let out a sigh, hearing his voice again.
"How are you doing, Sam?"
"I'll be all right. Is everything okay with the girls?"
"Yeah, the babysitter got sick. Kate has a doctor's appointment and Maria couldn't pick them up. I'm checking into a hotel and then taking them out to dinner. Why don't you come with us?"
"I can't eat," I answer with a sigh.
"Sam, you've got to."
"I can't." I shake my head with tears. "Eva's in trouble."
"I know, I heard from Danny about the phone call. I don't want you there alone."
"I'll be fine. I have my gun," I remind him.
"For me, Samantha, please?"
"Yeah," I answer with a resigned sigh. "Where do you want to meet?"
"I'll pick you up," he offers. "Be ready to go when I get there."
"Thanks," I whisper as I hang up the phone and shut my eyes.
I don't know how long I've been asleep, but my cell phone jars me awake. "Hello?"
"We're outside," I hear Jack's voice and smile sadly.
"I'll be down in a minute." I hang up the phone and pull on my jacket. I slip my gun into its holster and make my way out the front door to see Jack's car outside. I head for the front, seeing the girls both sitting in the back seat.
"Any new calls?" he asks, as I step into the car and buckle myself in.
"None," I answer with a sigh, closing my eyes momentarily. The car pulls out into traffic and I feel two sets of eyes on me.
"Hannah and Kate, remember when I was telling you about Samantha?"
I glance back to see both of their faces. "Hey," I smile, trying to ease their mind as well as my own. The last thing I need is to have Jack's kids giving me a hard time.
Hannah turns her head out the window and crosses her arms. I can't see Kate's expression but I can pretty much guess it's the same. I eye Jack and let out a soft breath. "Any suspects?"
Jack shakes his head and moves his hand over mine. "We'll find her."
"Find who?" Kate interjects.
"Kate, how was school today?" Jack glances back towards her, changing the subject.
"Boring," she shrugs, eyeing Hannah.
"Don't copy me!" Hannah pouts, and I glance back, curious as to her behavior.
"Hannah, I already know how your day went. Your mother told me." His eyes glare back at her. I can only imagine what she did to piss Jack off. "When we get inside, you'll do your homework--no television," he reminds her.
"But dad--" she pleads with him.
"Hannah," his voice rises and she sulks lower, if at all possible, as her eyes grow narrow with anger.
"Daddy," Kate chimes in, her voice slightly afraid of Jack's anger.
"Yes?"
"Are we spending the night with you?"
"For tonight," he answers soundly. "I'll take you girls into school tomorrow."
"Is Samantha spending the night too?" Kate questions intently.
"Yes," he answers with a nod.
"In your bed?" she questions, slightly startled and upset by this revelation.
"I can go back to my place," I whisper towards him.
His eyes glance my way and then in the rearview mirror towards Kate.
"I don't want anything to happen to you," he answers me, not taking 'no' for an answer. I nod my head and let out a soft breath, hoping things won't turn any more awkward than they already are.
We make our way into the hotel and head for the elevator.
"You already have the key?" I question.
"Yeah," he nods. "I checked in with the girls earlier. They dropped all their stuff off and I had to take Kate to the doctor. That's why I took so long."
I nod my head, and we step out onto the floor and follow Jack down the hall. He unlocks the door, showing the girls into the room and then I follow behind. He booked a suite, giving the girls a pullout sofa to sleep on. I notice the double glass doors, with a curtain draped from the inside, giving Jack and me privacy.
"You know, Jack, I didn't bring anything to wear to work."
"You're not going in tomorrow."
"What?"
"You're under stress as it is. Besides, there are enough agents to look into Eva's disappearance."
"What if they call my apartment again?" I chew nervously on my lower lip.
"Don't worry. I've already thought that through. Your cell phone will pick up the call. You have that with you, right?" I nod my head and he smiles softly towards me, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Relax, Sam."
"Yeah, right," I nod, trying to calm my racing nerves.
"Shhh," I feel his breath on my neck, but I can't bring myself to embrace him.
"Daddy, can I watch TV in your room?" Kate questions with pleading eyes.
"Sure," he nods, heading back to open the doors for her to go in.
"Why don't you keep her company," Jack says in a soft voice. "I need to talk with Hannah."
"All right." I head towards the bedroom, seeing Kate watching cartoons and lying on the bed. "Mind if I sit down?"
Kate shrugs, not really caring much either way. I take a seat beside her, letting out a soft breath.
"Are you missing?"
"Excuse me?" I try not to laugh at the absurdity of her question.
"My daddy finds missing people," she tells me, rolling onto her stomach to watch television.
"I know; I work with your dad," I tell her.
"If I go missing, will he find me?" I don't have time to formulate a response because Jack makes his way into the bedroom.
"Hey, you two," he greets us, giving Kate a kiss on the head before she slides towards the center of the bed for Jack to sit with us.
"I'm hungry," she groans, rolling around to face her dad.
"You want room service?" he smiles, causing her to smile even brighter.
"Really?" Her eyes are wide with enthusiasm.
"Yes," he nods, grabbing a menu and then calling down for dinner.
"Jack, your bill is going to be--"
"Astronomical?" he answers. "I know. Van Doren doesn't care. She agreed that I should get you out of your place, so she thinks the cost is for two rooms, not one. I think as long as we keep dinner under a hundred, we'll be alright."
"You'll have to turn in your expense account, and she's going to know--" He eyes me to hush. I let out a soft breath and lie against the pillows.
"Do you have any homework to finish?" he eyes Kate intently.
"I finished it already."
"Good," he nods. Half an hour later, room service is at the door. Jack unlocks it, allowing them to come inside and we start eating.
Once we're finished, we set up the sleep sofa and the girls slide into bed. Jack tucks them in while I head into the bedroom and sit on the bed with the phone in my hands. I hear his footsteps and the door between the rooms softly shut.
"What's on your mind?" he glances towards me.
"What do you think?" I whisper, dropping my head into my hands.
Jack moves towards the bed, resting his hands on my shoulders as he looms above me. "It'll be okay," he tells me, sliding his thumb under my chin for me to look at him. I lean into his body instead, seeking the comfort I need.
His hands softly run against my back. "I love you so much," he whispers down to me.
"I love you too," I answer, holding him close against me. He breaks free from my grip and slips out of his shoes. He pulls off his shirt and grabs a pair of sweats from his bag. "I didn't bring anything to wear to bed," I muse.
"Then sleep naked," he teases, digging through his bag and then tossing me a shirt to wear.
"Thanks," I smile, slipping out of my clothes and pulling it on over my head.
I slide beneath the covers, and leave the sheets pulled back for Jack to join me. He slides inside, and I cuddle against his body.
"I don't think I'm going to be able to fall asleep," I whisper.
"You want to talk?" he offers, skimming his hands along my back. I lean closer to feel his skin against mine, as he plants a warm kiss on my lips. My mouth opens, allowing him to probe further as I lie against the mattress and feel his body warm me up.
"Mmm," I whisper, my eyes slipping closed as I feel Jack shift and turn off the light. "Maybe I wanted it on," I tease, pressing another kiss to his lips.
"It's late," he answers, brushing his fingers lower down my back.
"It's always late," I muse.
"Sam?" His voice holds concern as he glances into my eyes.
"I'm just worried about her."
"I know," he nods, holding me snuggly. "I am too."
"I don't have any idea who would have taken her." I shake my head, feeling my emotions overcome me once again. "Can we talk about something else?"
"Of course. What do you want to talk about?" he asks.
I try and think of something that would be less upsetting, but find myself curious about Hannah's earlier behavior. "Why was Hannah in trouble?" I whisper.
"She talked back to one of her teachers today. We think it's because she has a boyfriend who's 13."
"How old is Hannah?" I question.
"She'll be ten in a little over a month," he answers.
"And you're okay with her having an older boyfriend?" I question.
"Absolutely not!" he shakes his head. "I've been against it from the start. Maria figures it's nonsense and they're just holding hands and playing games together. I think there's more to it."
"How long has this been going on?"
"Since she found out about us," he answers.
"Not long then," I muse.
"He's trouble," Jack shakes his head. "I've tried everything to keep them apart but--"
"It's no use?" I eye him.
"What does a thirteen-year-old boy want with my daughter?" Jack eyes me intently. "Whatever it is, it can't be good," he points out. "Hormones start kicking in, and it's no longer innocent."
"Maybe she's just looking for someone that will be around."
"You think I won't?" his voice rises a notch. I move my finger over his lips to hush him.
I whisper in a soft, reassuring voice, "I think she's scared you'll leave her," I remind him.
"That sounds like your fears, especially after your father," he points out.
I shrug. "I could be wrong, but obviously she's acting out."
"I know," he nods. "Maria told me to fix it. Why can't it ever be that simple?"
I laugh softly. "Nothing in life is." I close my eyes, moving my hand along Jack's chest to feel connected to him. "Thanks for letting me spend the night," I whisper.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," he answers, pressing a kiss to my lips, as I feel his fingers stroking my sides. His movements gradually decline as he falls asleep.
