TITLE : Mummy Dearest
AUTHOR : Karen Gomes (pyrie@hotmail.com)
CATEGORY : SBR
RATING : R
SPOILERS : Probably
DISCLAIMER : All of the known characters/premises/plots belong to their respective owners. So there.
SUMMARY : A series of bizarre murders lead the VCTF team to Brooklyn, and a strange encounter brings Sam and Bailey closer than ever.
NOTES : I know, I know, I babble too much. Shmeh!
Cheers!
Gomes.
---------------- Mummy Dearest, part 6. ----------------
Comfort Inn, Brooklyn
Sam and Bailey arrived at the Comfort Inn an hour later. They had opted to stop off at a small Bistro along the way, giving in to their growing hunger. "Thanks Bail, that was great!" Sam said as they stepped into the lobby, and headed for the elevator.
"As long as you enjoyed the meal." Bailey smiled.
"Ah, Mister Malone?" The owner jogged up to them. "Sorry to disturb you sir, but we just got word of a cancellation, thus freeing up a room for you. And it appears that luck is also on your side sir, it's right across from the two adjoining rooms, so you won't be separated." The owner looked pleased with himself.
Bailey shrugged and looked at Sam.
"We're fine." She answered for him. "Thank you." They continued towards the elevator. Sam laughed. "I swear, I never eat that much!"
"Are you sure, Sam?" Bailey asked, seriously.
"What are you implying, Malone? That I pig out on a regular basis?" Sam feigned hurt.
Bailey shook his head and smiled. "No, I mean, about the room." He paused. "Are you sure? I'll be right across . . . "
"Really Bailey, I'm fine with it. We're both night owls, so if I have any leads or ideas, I can ask you straight away, instead of trudging to Timbuktu and back. So it actually all worked out for the best." Sam said, optimistically.
"Okay, you're the boss." Bailey exhaled as they stepped off the elevator and headed towards their room. Sam opened the door with the key.
"Surprise!" A voice rang out from inside.
"Coop?" Sam said, shocked.
"Coop." Bailey stated, with disgust.
Coop embraced Sam, his hands falling to her rear. "Hey, I missed you." He said, breathlessly. He looked up at Bailey. "Hey Malone."
Bailey looked at him with a tight smile. ". . . about that room." He muttered to himself, and turned to go locate the owner of the Inn. "I'll be back." He threw over his shoulder and walked briskly towards the elevator. "Shit." He spat out, as the doors closed.
Sam watched Bailey leave and turned to look at Coop. She wasn't sure of her feelings of his presence. It didn't make her heart flutter like when Bailey was around, but it was still nice to be loved and appreciated.
Bailey descended to the lobby and cut in line at the reception desk. "I'll take the room." He told the receptionist. The receptionist looked at him blankly.
"Give the room that was just cancelled to Mr. Malone." The manager came up behind her. She nodded and handed him the key.
Bailey smiled. "Thank you." He took the key and walked towards the elevator. At least I can be miserable alone. . .
Back in the room, Sam was standing awkwardly near the door. "So, what are you doing here?" She asked.
Coop shrugged. "I was just in the neighborhood?" He smiled as Sam raised her eyebrow. "Nah, I called up George to find out where you guys were staying."
"So you came all the way to Brooklyn, just to say 'hi'?" Sam asked, incredulously.
Coop advanced towards Sam. "Well, I never did get that lunch you promised." He started kissing her. "How about dinner?"
Sam closed her eyes as his hand descended to her breast. Oh Bailey . . . Her mind substituted Coop's hand for the man she adored. "I've already eaten."
"How about desert, then?" Coop said mischievously. He pushed her gently on the bed and crawled over her.
"Coop . . . the door's open." Sam tried to stall him. Truth be told, she was no longer sure of her feelings towards him. After spending so much time alone with Bailey, she started fancying the idea of being with him even more. Her body began to ache for physical contact, her ears longed to be caressed by his voice, her eyes pleaded to view his handsome face. She shook her head for she knew it would never happen. I'm probably just a friend in his eyes. She told herself. But it still isn't fair to drag Coop into this.
Coop slipped his hand under Sam's shirt. "Come on, Sam."
Sam gently pushed Coop off of her. "Sorry." She whispered. "I'm just a little tired." She said, suddenly feeling drained. "I think I'm going to hit the hay early tonight."
"Sam, have I done anything to upset you?" Coop asked, concerned.
Sam shook her head and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I get cranky when I'm tired." She lied.
Coop nodded. "If it's okay with you, I'm going to head to the pub downstairs."
"Okay." Sam replied and closed her eyes. She heard Coop leave and she got up to change into her pajamas. Just as she was closing the door, she spotted Bailey. She held the door open for him. "You don't have to change rooms." Sam tried to reason with Bailey.
Bailey laughed bitterly. "It'd be too weird, Sam." He said, throwing all of his clothes into his overnight bag. He disappeared into the bathroom and reappeared with his electrical shaver. "Anyway, I'm right across from you." He said, opening the door to his room. "Besides, John and Nathan are right beside, and you have Coop. . . " He couldn't finish his sentence.
But I want you. Sam screamed internally.
Bailey paused. "Why *is* Coop here?"
Sam shrugged. "I don't know, he didn't tell me." She looked at Bailey, hoping to find a little hint of jealousy. "Why, you don't mind, do you?"
"Yes, of course I mind." Bailey replied quickly. He frowned and stepped into his room, Sam close behind.
"Why?" Sam pressed.
Bailey dropped his bag on the ground and turned towards her. He opened his mouth but stopped himself. "Because. . ." He sighed audibly. "Because he's not part of the team." He threw his hands up in the air. "Because I don't want him to interfere with the case."
Sam dropped her head to her chest. "Oh." She was disappointed. What did you expect, Waters? For him to pick you up in his strong arms, throw you on the bed and make wild animal sex to you? She chided herself sarcastically.
Bailey walked past her, and turned towards her once outside his room. "Hey, I'm heading down to the bar, you want to come with?" He held out his hand - an impulse that surprised even himself.
Sam looked at his inviting hand and she felt her hand slip into his, almost drawn by an imaginary force. He started to gently pull her towards the elevator. "Actually," she spoke up, "I'm going to go to bed early." However, she kept her hand in his.
"Oh." Bailey said, dejectedly and loosened his hold on her slender hand.
"Goodnight." She gave his hand a squeeze. She gazed into his eyes, turned and stepped into her room.
Bailey just watched her go. " 'night." He said to the closed door. He stood there, staring at it momentarily and continued to his destination. Bailey stepped out of the Inn and into the pub next door. The bar was small and technically wasn't considered part of the Inn, but all Bailey wanted was to drown himself in the warm sensation of alcohol. Bailey took a seat at the bar and took a look around.
"What?" The bartender asked.
"Jamieson's on the rocks." Bailey answered, anxiously awaiting the familiar taste to coat his throat and calm his nerves. The bartender placed the glass on a napkin in front of Bailey, who nodded his thanks. He took a long sip, letting the liquid glide down.
"Hey!" Coop sat beside Bailey. "How's it going, Malone?"
"Coop." Bailey said, coldly and looked away. He noted that Coop must have already familiarized himself with the alcohol. Low tolerance. . . Bailey mused, a sardonic look on his face.
"Why you always so hostile towards me, man?" Coop asked, amidst slurs and bad structured sentences.
"I'm not." Came a curt response.
"It's cos I'm banging Sam, isn't it?" Coop spat in Bailey's face.
Bailey's eyes grew wide with anger. "Watch your mouth!" He warned.
"I see the way you look at her." Coop laughed. "You're pissed because I got what's in her pants!"
Bailey lunged towards Coop, picked him up by his shirt lapels and shoved him against the wall. People began to watch the scene that these two men were concocting. "You shut the hell up, you hear?!" Bailey barked at him.
Coop laughed in his drunken state; inhibitions lost and conscience but a faint memory. "Come on Malone, admit it! You want a piece of her, don't you? You've wanted to bang her since she joined your stupid force."
Bailey growled and shoved Coop against the wall. "You're threading on thin ice . . ."
Just then, John and Nathan stepped in and immediately spotted Bailey holding Coop. "Hey!" John ran up to Bailey and tried to pull him off. "Nathan, give me a hand, will you?!" He yelled, struggling with the older man. The two of them finally managed to pull Bailey away from Coop, and held him back.
Coop straightened his clothes. "I know what you want, Malone, but it's my name she'll be screaming tonight."
Bailey lunged forth, but Nathan and John held him back. "You son of a bitch!"
Seeing the madness in Bailey's eyes forced Coop to take a step back. Pressing his lips together he swung at Bailey's face with his fist.
Bailey felt the hand come in contact with his jaw and his head snapped to the side. "Go home, Coop. We'll call you if there are any bomb threats." Bailey said calmly, and wrestled out of Nathan's and John's grasp. He turned his back and went to sit at the bar.
"Hey!" John let go of Bailey and pushed Coop into the wall. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Coop just laughed. "He deserved it."
Nathan shook his head. "Get him out of here, before Bailey kills him."
John pushed Coop towards the exit. "We'll have to ice you down, fella." John said, trying to keep his emotions in check : a threat to Bailey was a threat to the whole team. But he was Sam's boyfriend and John didn't know the whole story; the guy deserved another chance. He guided him towards Sam's room and knocked. Coop was staggering around, spouting off nonsensical gibberish.
Sam sat up and turned on the light. She blinked the sleep out of her eyes and walked to the door. "John?" She looked at Coop and then looked back at John.
"He drank a little too much. Let's get him into the tub." John turned on the shower while Sam too off Coop's shirt.
She looked at his body and found herself comparing it to Bailey's; he was nothing compared to Bailey. She pushed his head under the ice cold water and held it there, despite Coop's protests. "Just stay still." Her eyes fell on his hand, swollen and red. "What happened?"
"He got into a little fight, nothing big." John shrugged. "I don't know what happened." He lied. John didn't want to divulge any information, especially regarding Bailey. He figured it would be best if Bailey himself dealt with the subject.
Sam took a towel and dried off Coop's head and neck and then helped John drag him towards the beds. Half way there, John stopped. "Hey, I have an idea. Bring him to my room." The two agents dragged Coop's limp body to John and Nathan's room. They plopped him on the bed. "There, we'll just switch rooms, and this way, I don't have to share a bed with Nathan!" John was pleased.
"And I thought you two made a cute couple." Sam joked. She looked down at Coop and her smile faded. "Who did he punch? Is the person okay?"
John nodded. "I'm sure he's fine." He began to pick up his things and transport them into the other room, as Sam brought her and Coop's affairs into their new room.
"I should tell Bailey that we've changed rooms." Sam proceeded to go out the door.
"Uh, Bailey's down at the pub." John said. "I'm going back, so I'll let him know." He tossed her his door key, and took hers. "Goodnight."
"See ya." She said, and glanced back at Coop. "Yup, definitely passed out." She sat on the bed and just stared at him, wondering what to do next.
***
Comfort Inn, Brooklyn
Night had already fallen, and the early hours of the morn soon approached. Sam tossed and turned, realizing that sleep was futile. She glanced over, noting that Coop was still sound asleep. . . . or passed out. She chuckled. She got up and opened the door, glancing at Bailey's door. A faint light could be seen from the crack under it, and she wasn't surprised that her boss would still be up. Closing her door behind her, she padded to his door and gently turned the handle. She paused, happy to find it unlocked. Popping her head inside, she observed that the lamp on the bedside table was still on, but Bailey seemed to be in a deep sleep. He was lying on his side, facing away from her. A few case files were strewn on the bed and floor. You're such a work-aholic, Malone. She smiled. Closing the door behind her, she stopped in her tracks. What are you doing, Waters? Breaking and entering? Spying? This is bordering obsession. Her conscience taunted her. She blocked out the voice and gazed at Bailey's strong body. He was clad in a white sleeveless under shirt and striped boxers. Her eyes traveled up his large feet, muscular calves, strong thighs, firm buttocks. Her hand ached to squeeze them, to run her fingers up and down his legs. She began to give in to her urges and traced a line from his ankle to about mid-calf with her finger. Bailey gave no response. She placed her hand on his shoulder and rolled him over on his back. Sam stumbled back, eyes wide with terror. Her throat was dry and she tried to scream but her voice seemed to have vanished. "Bailey, Bailey! Bailey, don't die . . ." She pressed her hand to his chest, but the blood kept flowing out. Cut marks graced his shoulders, and a long line of blood remained crusted from one side of his neck to the other. "No, Jack! Not him!" She cried out. His eyes were open and seemed to look back at her with defeat. She turned to pick up the phone when a hand grabbed her by her hair and forced her back, while another hand clamped over her mouth.
Sam sat up briskly in her bed, placing her hand over her mouth to muffle her cry. She froze, the essence of the dream still with her and then she began to shake. The realism of her nightmare still haunted her, and she longed to see Bailey. She looked at the clock, not caring whether it was two in the morning. She got out of bed and almost ran to his room. She turned the handle, but found it to be locked. She knocked on the door. No answer. "Bailey?" She asked softly, while still knocking. There was still no answer. "Bailey!" She began to raise her voice. Finally the door opened a crack.
"Sam?" Bailey asked worried, and ushered her in. "What's wrong?"
Sam looked around the room; it was meticulous. No case files - everything seemed to be in order. She looked at Bailey, searching his face, neck and chest. Her eyes fell to his lip where she observed a small cut. She looked at him questionningly.
Bailey shrugged. "Just a little misunderstanding."
"Did Coop do this to you?" She asked through clenched teeth. She traced her fingers over his lower lip.
Bailey exhaled roughly. "It's fine, Sam. Don't worry about it . . . it was probably my fault."
"Are you okay?" She asked, searching his neck, looking for any signs that would prove her nightmare wrong.
Bailey grabbed hold of her and looked into her eyes. "I should ask you that." He guided her to the queen sized bed that lay in the middle of the room. "What happened, Sam? Talk to me, please." He asked again.
She looked down at the floor. "I had this horrid dream, Bail. I can't shake this terrifying feeling." She finally averted her attention to him. "I lost you . . . he took you away from me as he did Tom." She began to tremble.
Bailey pulled her into his embrace and held her tight. He had never seen her so frightened save when Tom was killed. But he knew issues concerning Jack shouldn't be taken lightly. He passed a hand through her hair, finally resting it at the nape of her neck. He gingerly kissed her forehead and rested his chin against her head. They stayed like that, neither of them daring to speak. Sam just wanted to remain in his security for the rest of time, and Bailey wanted nothing more than to keep her there. When he felt her breathing return to a normal rate, he gently pushed her back and searched her eyes. "Are you okay?"
Sam nodded, looking at him with unshed tears in her eyes. "It must sound silly, huh?" She laughed at herself, pitifully. She blinked and a tear managed to escape.
Bailey wiped away the tear with his thumb, and his hand gently cupped her face. "I'll always be here for you, Sam."
"I don't want to leave, Bailey." Sam said, in a childlike voice. She looked at him pleadingly.
Bailey knew he couldn't refuse Sam. He would descend to hell and back if she asked him to. "You can sleep on the bed, and I'll sleep on the floor." He took a pillow from the bed and reached to pick up the blanket.
"No, please hold me." Sam almost begged him.
Bailey bit his lower lip and got into bed. He cuddled up to Sam, protecting her with one arm wrapped around her body. He pressed his chest into her back and buried his face into the richness of her golden hair. He pulled her closer to him, wanting nothing more to save her from the engulfing darkness.
Sam closed her eyes, giving herself to the tranquility that seemed to surround her whenever she found herself in his presence. Thoughts flooded her mind, as to why Jack killed Bailey in her dream and not Coop. Her eyes flew open: could Jack see the love she held for Bailey? Was her dream a warning? Bailey always told her to trust her intuition, to never ignore those gut feelings that she often got. She leaned back into his strength, and slowly drifted off, caressed by the warmth of his body.
Bailey lay awake, unable to sleep. There would be other chances for him to sleep, but right now Sam needed his protection - and he would never let her down. To that, he swore to protect her for all of time.
AUTHOR : Karen Gomes (pyrie@hotmail.com)
CATEGORY : SBR
RATING : R
SPOILERS : Probably
DISCLAIMER : All of the known characters/premises/plots belong to their respective owners. So there.
SUMMARY : A series of bizarre murders lead the VCTF team to Brooklyn, and a strange encounter brings Sam and Bailey closer than ever.
NOTES : I know, I know, I babble too much. Shmeh!
Cheers!
Gomes.
---------------- Mummy Dearest, part 6. ----------------
Comfort Inn, Brooklyn
Sam and Bailey arrived at the Comfort Inn an hour later. They had opted to stop off at a small Bistro along the way, giving in to their growing hunger. "Thanks Bail, that was great!" Sam said as they stepped into the lobby, and headed for the elevator.
"As long as you enjoyed the meal." Bailey smiled.
"Ah, Mister Malone?" The owner jogged up to them. "Sorry to disturb you sir, but we just got word of a cancellation, thus freeing up a room for you. And it appears that luck is also on your side sir, it's right across from the two adjoining rooms, so you won't be separated." The owner looked pleased with himself.
Bailey shrugged and looked at Sam.
"We're fine." She answered for him. "Thank you." They continued towards the elevator. Sam laughed. "I swear, I never eat that much!"
"Are you sure, Sam?" Bailey asked, seriously.
"What are you implying, Malone? That I pig out on a regular basis?" Sam feigned hurt.
Bailey shook his head and smiled. "No, I mean, about the room." He paused. "Are you sure? I'll be right across . . . "
"Really Bailey, I'm fine with it. We're both night owls, so if I have any leads or ideas, I can ask you straight away, instead of trudging to Timbuktu and back. So it actually all worked out for the best." Sam said, optimistically.
"Okay, you're the boss." Bailey exhaled as they stepped off the elevator and headed towards their room. Sam opened the door with the key.
"Surprise!" A voice rang out from inside.
"Coop?" Sam said, shocked.
"Coop." Bailey stated, with disgust.
Coop embraced Sam, his hands falling to her rear. "Hey, I missed you." He said, breathlessly. He looked up at Bailey. "Hey Malone."
Bailey looked at him with a tight smile. ". . . about that room." He muttered to himself, and turned to go locate the owner of the Inn. "I'll be back." He threw over his shoulder and walked briskly towards the elevator. "Shit." He spat out, as the doors closed.
Sam watched Bailey leave and turned to look at Coop. She wasn't sure of her feelings of his presence. It didn't make her heart flutter like when Bailey was around, but it was still nice to be loved and appreciated.
Bailey descended to the lobby and cut in line at the reception desk. "I'll take the room." He told the receptionist. The receptionist looked at him blankly.
"Give the room that was just cancelled to Mr. Malone." The manager came up behind her. She nodded and handed him the key.
Bailey smiled. "Thank you." He took the key and walked towards the elevator. At least I can be miserable alone. . .
Back in the room, Sam was standing awkwardly near the door. "So, what are you doing here?" She asked.
Coop shrugged. "I was just in the neighborhood?" He smiled as Sam raised her eyebrow. "Nah, I called up George to find out where you guys were staying."
"So you came all the way to Brooklyn, just to say 'hi'?" Sam asked, incredulously.
Coop advanced towards Sam. "Well, I never did get that lunch you promised." He started kissing her. "How about dinner?"
Sam closed her eyes as his hand descended to her breast. Oh Bailey . . . Her mind substituted Coop's hand for the man she adored. "I've already eaten."
"How about desert, then?" Coop said mischievously. He pushed her gently on the bed and crawled over her.
"Coop . . . the door's open." Sam tried to stall him. Truth be told, she was no longer sure of her feelings towards him. After spending so much time alone with Bailey, she started fancying the idea of being with him even more. Her body began to ache for physical contact, her ears longed to be caressed by his voice, her eyes pleaded to view his handsome face. She shook her head for she knew it would never happen. I'm probably just a friend in his eyes. She told herself. But it still isn't fair to drag Coop into this.
Coop slipped his hand under Sam's shirt. "Come on, Sam."
Sam gently pushed Coop off of her. "Sorry." She whispered. "I'm just a little tired." She said, suddenly feeling drained. "I think I'm going to hit the hay early tonight."
"Sam, have I done anything to upset you?" Coop asked, concerned.
Sam shook her head and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I get cranky when I'm tired." She lied.
Coop nodded. "If it's okay with you, I'm going to head to the pub downstairs."
"Okay." Sam replied and closed her eyes. She heard Coop leave and she got up to change into her pajamas. Just as she was closing the door, she spotted Bailey. She held the door open for him. "You don't have to change rooms." Sam tried to reason with Bailey.
Bailey laughed bitterly. "It'd be too weird, Sam." He said, throwing all of his clothes into his overnight bag. He disappeared into the bathroom and reappeared with his electrical shaver. "Anyway, I'm right across from you." He said, opening the door to his room. "Besides, John and Nathan are right beside, and you have Coop. . . " He couldn't finish his sentence.
But I want you. Sam screamed internally.
Bailey paused. "Why *is* Coop here?"
Sam shrugged. "I don't know, he didn't tell me." She looked at Bailey, hoping to find a little hint of jealousy. "Why, you don't mind, do you?"
"Yes, of course I mind." Bailey replied quickly. He frowned and stepped into his room, Sam close behind.
"Why?" Sam pressed.
Bailey dropped his bag on the ground and turned towards her. He opened his mouth but stopped himself. "Because. . ." He sighed audibly. "Because he's not part of the team." He threw his hands up in the air. "Because I don't want him to interfere with the case."
Sam dropped her head to her chest. "Oh." She was disappointed. What did you expect, Waters? For him to pick you up in his strong arms, throw you on the bed and make wild animal sex to you? She chided herself sarcastically.
Bailey walked past her, and turned towards her once outside his room. "Hey, I'm heading down to the bar, you want to come with?" He held out his hand - an impulse that surprised even himself.
Sam looked at his inviting hand and she felt her hand slip into his, almost drawn by an imaginary force. He started to gently pull her towards the elevator. "Actually," she spoke up, "I'm going to go to bed early." However, she kept her hand in his.
"Oh." Bailey said, dejectedly and loosened his hold on her slender hand.
"Goodnight." She gave his hand a squeeze. She gazed into his eyes, turned and stepped into her room.
Bailey just watched her go. " 'night." He said to the closed door. He stood there, staring at it momentarily and continued to his destination. Bailey stepped out of the Inn and into the pub next door. The bar was small and technically wasn't considered part of the Inn, but all Bailey wanted was to drown himself in the warm sensation of alcohol. Bailey took a seat at the bar and took a look around.
"What?" The bartender asked.
"Jamieson's on the rocks." Bailey answered, anxiously awaiting the familiar taste to coat his throat and calm his nerves. The bartender placed the glass on a napkin in front of Bailey, who nodded his thanks. He took a long sip, letting the liquid glide down.
"Hey!" Coop sat beside Bailey. "How's it going, Malone?"
"Coop." Bailey said, coldly and looked away. He noted that Coop must have already familiarized himself with the alcohol. Low tolerance. . . Bailey mused, a sardonic look on his face.
"Why you always so hostile towards me, man?" Coop asked, amidst slurs and bad structured sentences.
"I'm not." Came a curt response.
"It's cos I'm banging Sam, isn't it?" Coop spat in Bailey's face.
Bailey's eyes grew wide with anger. "Watch your mouth!" He warned.
"I see the way you look at her." Coop laughed. "You're pissed because I got what's in her pants!"
Bailey lunged towards Coop, picked him up by his shirt lapels and shoved him against the wall. People began to watch the scene that these two men were concocting. "You shut the hell up, you hear?!" Bailey barked at him.
Coop laughed in his drunken state; inhibitions lost and conscience but a faint memory. "Come on Malone, admit it! You want a piece of her, don't you? You've wanted to bang her since she joined your stupid force."
Bailey growled and shoved Coop against the wall. "You're threading on thin ice . . ."
Just then, John and Nathan stepped in and immediately spotted Bailey holding Coop. "Hey!" John ran up to Bailey and tried to pull him off. "Nathan, give me a hand, will you?!" He yelled, struggling with the older man. The two of them finally managed to pull Bailey away from Coop, and held him back.
Coop straightened his clothes. "I know what you want, Malone, but it's my name she'll be screaming tonight."
Bailey lunged forth, but Nathan and John held him back. "You son of a bitch!"
Seeing the madness in Bailey's eyes forced Coop to take a step back. Pressing his lips together he swung at Bailey's face with his fist.
Bailey felt the hand come in contact with his jaw and his head snapped to the side. "Go home, Coop. We'll call you if there are any bomb threats." Bailey said calmly, and wrestled out of Nathan's and John's grasp. He turned his back and went to sit at the bar.
"Hey!" John let go of Bailey and pushed Coop into the wall. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Coop just laughed. "He deserved it."
Nathan shook his head. "Get him out of here, before Bailey kills him."
John pushed Coop towards the exit. "We'll have to ice you down, fella." John said, trying to keep his emotions in check : a threat to Bailey was a threat to the whole team. But he was Sam's boyfriend and John didn't know the whole story; the guy deserved another chance. He guided him towards Sam's room and knocked. Coop was staggering around, spouting off nonsensical gibberish.
Sam sat up and turned on the light. She blinked the sleep out of her eyes and walked to the door. "John?" She looked at Coop and then looked back at John.
"He drank a little too much. Let's get him into the tub." John turned on the shower while Sam too off Coop's shirt.
She looked at his body and found herself comparing it to Bailey's; he was nothing compared to Bailey. She pushed his head under the ice cold water and held it there, despite Coop's protests. "Just stay still." Her eyes fell on his hand, swollen and red. "What happened?"
"He got into a little fight, nothing big." John shrugged. "I don't know what happened." He lied. John didn't want to divulge any information, especially regarding Bailey. He figured it would be best if Bailey himself dealt with the subject.
Sam took a towel and dried off Coop's head and neck and then helped John drag him towards the beds. Half way there, John stopped. "Hey, I have an idea. Bring him to my room." The two agents dragged Coop's limp body to John and Nathan's room. They plopped him on the bed. "There, we'll just switch rooms, and this way, I don't have to share a bed with Nathan!" John was pleased.
"And I thought you two made a cute couple." Sam joked. She looked down at Coop and her smile faded. "Who did he punch? Is the person okay?"
John nodded. "I'm sure he's fine." He began to pick up his things and transport them into the other room, as Sam brought her and Coop's affairs into their new room.
"I should tell Bailey that we've changed rooms." Sam proceeded to go out the door.
"Uh, Bailey's down at the pub." John said. "I'm going back, so I'll let him know." He tossed her his door key, and took hers. "Goodnight."
"See ya." She said, and glanced back at Coop. "Yup, definitely passed out." She sat on the bed and just stared at him, wondering what to do next.
***
Comfort Inn, Brooklyn
Night had already fallen, and the early hours of the morn soon approached. Sam tossed and turned, realizing that sleep was futile. She glanced over, noting that Coop was still sound asleep. . . . or passed out. She chuckled. She got up and opened the door, glancing at Bailey's door. A faint light could be seen from the crack under it, and she wasn't surprised that her boss would still be up. Closing her door behind her, she padded to his door and gently turned the handle. She paused, happy to find it unlocked. Popping her head inside, she observed that the lamp on the bedside table was still on, but Bailey seemed to be in a deep sleep. He was lying on his side, facing away from her. A few case files were strewn on the bed and floor. You're such a work-aholic, Malone. She smiled. Closing the door behind her, she stopped in her tracks. What are you doing, Waters? Breaking and entering? Spying? This is bordering obsession. Her conscience taunted her. She blocked out the voice and gazed at Bailey's strong body. He was clad in a white sleeveless under shirt and striped boxers. Her eyes traveled up his large feet, muscular calves, strong thighs, firm buttocks. Her hand ached to squeeze them, to run her fingers up and down his legs. She began to give in to her urges and traced a line from his ankle to about mid-calf with her finger. Bailey gave no response. She placed her hand on his shoulder and rolled him over on his back. Sam stumbled back, eyes wide with terror. Her throat was dry and she tried to scream but her voice seemed to have vanished. "Bailey, Bailey! Bailey, don't die . . ." She pressed her hand to his chest, but the blood kept flowing out. Cut marks graced his shoulders, and a long line of blood remained crusted from one side of his neck to the other. "No, Jack! Not him!" She cried out. His eyes were open and seemed to look back at her with defeat. She turned to pick up the phone when a hand grabbed her by her hair and forced her back, while another hand clamped over her mouth.
Sam sat up briskly in her bed, placing her hand over her mouth to muffle her cry. She froze, the essence of the dream still with her and then she began to shake. The realism of her nightmare still haunted her, and she longed to see Bailey. She looked at the clock, not caring whether it was two in the morning. She got out of bed and almost ran to his room. She turned the handle, but found it to be locked. She knocked on the door. No answer. "Bailey?" She asked softly, while still knocking. There was still no answer. "Bailey!" She began to raise her voice. Finally the door opened a crack.
"Sam?" Bailey asked worried, and ushered her in. "What's wrong?"
Sam looked around the room; it was meticulous. No case files - everything seemed to be in order. She looked at Bailey, searching his face, neck and chest. Her eyes fell to his lip where she observed a small cut. She looked at him questionningly.
Bailey shrugged. "Just a little misunderstanding."
"Did Coop do this to you?" She asked through clenched teeth. She traced her fingers over his lower lip.
Bailey exhaled roughly. "It's fine, Sam. Don't worry about it . . . it was probably my fault."
"Are you okay?" She asked, searching his neck, looking for any signs that would prove her nightmare wrong.
Bailey grabbed hold of her and looked into her eyes. "I should ask you that." He guided her to the queen sized bed that lay in the middle of the room. "What happened, Sam? Talk to me, please." He asked again.
She looked down at the floor. "I had this horrid dream, Bail. I can't shake this terrifying feeling." She finally averted her attention to him. "I lost you . . . he took you away from me as he did Tom." She began to tremble.
Bailey pulled her into his embrace and held her tight. He had never seen her so frightened save when Tom was killed. But he knew issues concerning Jack shouldn't be taken lightly. He passed a hand through her hair, finally resting it at the nape of her neck. He gingerly kissed her forehead and rested his chin against her head. They stayed like that, neither of them daring to speak. Sam just wanted to remain in his security for the rest of time, and Bailey wanted nothing more than to keep her there. When he felt her breathing return to a normal rate, he gently pushed her back and searched her eyes. "Are you okay?"
Sam nodded, looking at him with unshed tears in her eyes. "It must sound silly, huh?" She laughed at herself, pitifully. She blinked and a tear managed to escape.
Bailey wiped away the tear with his thumb, and his hand gently cupped her face. "I'll always be here for you, Sam."
"I don't want to leave, Bailey." Sam said, in a childlike voice. She looked at him pleadingly.
Bailey knew he couldn't refuse Sam. He would descend to hell and back if she asked him to. "You can sleep on the bed, and I'll sleep on the floor." He took a pillow from the bed and reached to pick up the blanket.
"No, please hold me." Sam almost begged him.
Bailey bit his lower lip and got into bed. He cuddled up to Sam, protecting her with one arm wrapped around her body. He pressed his chest into her back and buried his face into the richness of her golden hair. He pulled her closer to him, wanting nothing more to save her from the engulfing darkness.
Sam closed her eyes, giving herself to the tranquility that seemed to surround her whenever she found herself in his presence. Thoughts flooded her mind, as to why Jack killed Bailey in her dream and not Coop. Her eyes flew open: could Jack see the love she held for Bailey? Was her dream a warning? Bailey always told her to trust her intuition, to never ignore those gut feelings that she often got. She leaned back into his strength, and slowly drifted off, caressed by the warmth of his body.
Bailey lay awake, unable to sleep. There would be other chances for him to sleep, but right now Sam needed his protection - and he would never let her down. To that, he swore to protect her for all of time.