"Yes."

There was an infinite pause. She could hear the beating of her own heart and she realised she was scared of the man who's grip on her shoulders was once again painfully tight.

Then he released her and slumped back onto the sofa, as if her word had commanded all the strength in his body to flee. He gazed somewhere in the middle distance, breathing in short, controlled bursts. "How much...?" he managed, his voice cracked.

"How much?" she repeated stupidly, not understanding what he was asking.

"Did you kiss him? Have sex with him?" he clarified and she felt her cheeks flush a dull, embarrassed red.

"Yes."

"You kissed him?"

"Yes."

"You... you slept with him?" The words tore themselves from his throat.

"Yes."

His shoulders slumped although his face remained calm. "When?" he asked.

She hung her head, more ashamed then she had ever been in her entire life. "The day you sold your house."

He nodded, his face still blank. She found the silence unbearable, accusing.

"Pete... I... I'm really sorry."

He nodded again, and cracked. Tears forced themselves from his eyes and he buried his face in his hands, sobs wracking his body. She moved to hug him, to offer some shred of comfort.

"Don't you dare comfort me!" he shrieked, leaping up suddenly and pushing her away. "Don't you dare!"

She stumbled and fell over from the force of his shove, friction burning the hand she threw out to break her fall on the carpet. He advanced, standing over her and her pity turned to terror.

"You... evil..." Words failed her husband, his face dark with rage. She stood quickly, wondering if he were about to attack her.

He wasn't. Sensing how threatening his actions were he retreated to the sofa, replacing his head in his hands.

"Pete...?"

"Just go."

"I-"

"Please! Just GO!"

She nodded, her own tears starting to fall, but for who or what reason she was crying she had no idea. She slipped out of the front door, started her car and drove into the night.

Cassie was awoken by her mobile 'phone ringing at two o'clock in the morning. Panicking slightly she threw off her bedclothes and grabbed for the 'phone.

"Hello?"

Carter winced at the sound of the worried teenager's voice. "It's me."

"Sam? Is Jack okay?"

Cursing herself again Carter replied quickly. "Yes. He's fine... I'm really sorry to wake you Cassie I just don't know where else to go... Can you open the door for me? I don't have a key and I didn't want to freak you out by knocking at this hour."

"Sure.." Cassie replied, utterly confused. "What's going on?" she asked the 'phone as she padded barefoot down the stairs.

Carter's car was parked on the drive, her silhouette on the porch. Cassie opened the door carefully, only removing the chain when she was sure it was Carter, and Carter alone at that.

"Sam?" she asked, ending the 'phone call as the older woman crossed the doorstep.

The door shut. "Cassie, I am so sorry about Pete questioning you."

Cassie blinked. "Oh! Oh yeah, sorry, I'd forgotten about that! I didn't get you into trouble did I?" she added, worriedly.

"No... How could you...?" Carter asked, confused now.

Cassie winced. "I.. Uh, I kind of heard the answer-phone message you left Jack. And... at the wedding..."

"Oh."

"Is that why you're here? To apologise?" Cassie asked after a moments awkward silence in which Carter stared at her shoes.

"No. Uh. Pete knows about... about me and Jack."

"And you need somewhere to stay?" Cassie asked, shrewd even in her sleepiness.

Carter nodded. "I didn't want to turn up at the SGC like this... not at this time in the morning."

Cassie found she was smiling. She hugged Carter impulsively. "I'm glad you've told Pete."

Carter found tears were spilling from her overloaded eyes. "Me too."

"Where do you want to sleep?" the teenager asked when they broke away at last.

"The couch is fine," Carter replied, smiling waterily.

"You could always sleep in Jack's bed. It could probably do with airing...?"

She was tempted, but in the end shook her head firmly. "It wouldn't be right. The couch is fine," she repeated.

Cassie nodded. "Okay. Let me get you some pillows and blankets," she replied, stifling a yawn.