This story takes place immediately after "Otis, CA." Reviews are greatly appreciated.

Chapter 1

Samantha walked away from the prison feeling troubled. Since the capture of Donald Lucas, there hadn't been anymore classic 'Jack' murders with the exception of the Otis affair which Lucas had contrived through a computer. Initially she had been relieved by the capture of Lucas, but now nagging doubts and questions started to arise in her mind. The issue of Lucas calling her Sam rather than Samantha was a big sticking point, it really felt odd. And if Sam was entirely honest with herself, the baby kidnapping wasn't Jack at all, it was ridiculously out of character.

While they had found a computer in Donald's place, somehow it didn't seem within keeping of the many computers she had envisioned Jack would have. Lucas was highly intelligent, but somehow he seemed lacking to Samantha. When she mentioned her concerns to Bailey, he quickly reminded her how ordinary most serial killers appeared and that Sam was imagining things. She tried once to discuss her doubts with Angel, but her roommate seemed almost accusatory as if Sam wanted Jack to still be out there. Sam didn't want Jack to still be out there, not really, exactly. Late at night, secretly, she reflected with dissatisfaction on Lucas. Jack had always seemed to be so intelligent and intense, Samantha had built up an idea of him in her head and Lucas didn't fit.

There were lots of things about Lucas that didn't seem to fit. There were only a few roses found at his place and they had the thorns cut off. During the search of Donald's home, they found canned beans and metamucil, but not a single cheeto. Jack's packages had often contained a few cheetos and many times forensics found a trace amount of the orange residue on his roses that was invisible to the naked eye. She found it strange that Lucas hadn't asked for a cigarette or been seen smoking since his arrest. When Jack had kidnapped her from the photo lab, she could smell a faint lingering odor of tobacco and during an interrogation Sharon Lesher had boasted Jack demanded the best of everything and that even his tobacco was custom blended.

There were too many incongruities, something was wrong. Samantha had imagined Jack as being energetic, masterful, and witty. Lucas was none of those things, rather he was meek and lethargic. We're missing something, she thought. Just what was missing, Sam wasn't certain. But after this many years of playing the game, she was positive the game wasn't entirely over. No, there was definitely a missing piece and she would figure it out, Samantha decided.

When she arrived back at the VCTF, Sam went to Bailey's office. "Bailey, do you have a moment?"

"Of course Sam, come in," Bailey said with a smile. "I was just working on a report for Paul Sterling about the Donald Lucas disciple killings. He thinks he can add those charges to the indictment."

"Bail," Sam began as she sat down. "I think something's missing from the Lucas case. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but it isn't like Jack not to have some sort of twist. I feel like the game isn't over."

"I'd say the murders in Otis were a twist, wouldn't you? And Lucas took a lot of pleasure in telling you about your father."

"For the last seven years, I've played Jack's games. There's still a piece missing."

"Sam, Lucas has put you through hell and I know you're anxious about the trial. But you have to start letting go and get on with your life."

Looking at Bailey, Sam knew she was getting nowhere. As much as she respected her mentor, he could be very stubborn at times. Bailey meant well and had her best interests at heart; however she had to follow her instincts. Sam knew she could never move on with her life until the game was truly over. And unless she played, the game would never end. After a moment of reflection, a plan came to Samantha.

"You're probably right Bailey," she told him finally. "I think I've just been working too hard for too long."

"Why don't you take a few days off?" he suggested.

"I don't know," Sam feigned reluctance.

"It would be good for you Sam and for the first time in ages you won't have to take any agents with you. You have a lot of vacation time built up, why not use it?"

"All right," she agreed. "Do you think you could manage without me until the week before the trial? If I do this, I'd like to do it right and really get away from it all."

"Sam that's six weeks-" Bailey trailed off. It wouldn't be easy to manage that long, but God knew Sam deserved it. "Of course. Do you have anywhere in mind?"

"I have some ideas," Sam replied noncommittally as she walked out of his office.