Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with "Without a Trace". No infringement intended.
A/N: This is my first attempt at any fan fic, so please review. All opinions welcome. Cheers. C.O. ;)
Chapter One
Wednesday 26th January. 8.45am.
37 hours missing
"So, what do we know?"
Jack Malone turned questioningly to Danny Taylor as the two men strode into the foyer of the downtown offices of Redding, Phillips and Hurst. Jack took a moment to take in the plush, marble covered, surroundings that welcomed the wealthy employees and clients to the prestigious Manhattan law firm that made its name, and its money, dealing with criminals of only the highest integrity.
On noticing his bosses' demeanor, Danny offered a smile that was somewhere between a smirk and an expression of condolence. There was no question that Jack would carry out his duties with anything less that consummate professionalism, but when you'd spent the last months locked in a bitter divorce and custody dispute with your attorney ex-wife, even an FBI agent was allowed to hate a bunch of rich lawyers he had yet to meet.
"Well", Danny replied. "We'll know more when we meet up with Sam, but here are the basics."
He looked up from his notes, ensuring he had Jack's attention before continuing.
"Forty year old, white male, Adam Walker, Junior Partner. According to the security guard, he thinks Mr Walker left the offices Monday evening around a quarter to seven, but apparently he never made it home. His wife…." Danny looked back down at his pad, "….. Laura, apparently called the locals when he wasn't home by ten that evening and she couldn't get him on his cell. Seeing as there was no evidence of foul play, and he's old enough and big enough to take care of himself, we're just getting the call now."
Jack was about to intercede when his train of thought was interrupted by the blonde female agent sweeping toward them. Danny broke out into a grin as he noticed the layers of outer clothing and the grim expression on her face.
"Well, good morning, Miss Spade. And how are we on this beautiful morning?"
Samantha Spade refused to dignify the greeting with words and decided to merely scowl her discomfort at her co-worker before getting on with business.
"Adam Walker, Junior Partner. Joined the firm a little over ten years ago. No-one I've spoken to seems to know a great deal about him personally, except that he's married and has a young son. From the pictures in his office, I'd say the kid's about eight or nine. Other than that, nothing. It seems the crime here is strictly white collar, businesses screwing… other businesses, and no-one could think of anything or anyone unusual. Kind of makes me grateful for our line of work."
With that comment she raised her eyebrows and tilted her head toward Jack.
"Hey," she said softly. "You still with us?"
Jack looked flustered for a minute before looking up and meeting her eyes. She smiled. Conscious of the exchange between the two, Danny nodded his head toward security station next to the revolving doors.
"I'm going to go have another chat the guard, see if I can't jog his memory a little more. Or at least find out if there's any gossip we should be hearing. I'll see if we can pull the security footage from Monday night." He eyed the hand carved stone pillars that stood intermittently throughout the lobby. "Not that anyone could really steal this stuff, but I figure a place like this must have a fairly pricy system in place."
Jack nodded. "Great. And check see if they have any exterior cameras on the premises. Although, I'd bet that the good people at Redding, Phillips and Hurst would rather not know what their clients get up to once they're out in the real world."
Danny stifled a grin. "Will do, boss," as he disappeared around the corner.
Once their colleague was out of sight, Sam turned back to Jack. A mildly uncomfortable pause hung in the air-conditioned space between them.
Jack let out a brief sigh. "Well, I suppose we should get up there and start talking to some people in suits."
Sam was hesitant. She opened her mouth to say something, seemed to think better of it, but when Jack still didn't move toward the elevator, opted to go with her first instinct. "Jack…" He turned to look at her. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Caught a little off guard by her question, Jack's mind scanned through several possible answers.
Sure, I love being in a room full of lawyers, I mean, we know how well that worked out last time. Yeah, I'm fine, and I really feel good about myself talking, about this, to the woman who I can tell feels guilt, however unjust, for the fact that my marriage broke up. The same woman who I pretty much deserted the first time she actually might have needed something from me, to go back and play happy families. And now, when I've given her no real reason over the past year, to show genuine concern over my well-being, here she is, still trying to be my friend.
"Jack?"
Realising that he'd been silent for longer than was socially acceptable, he fumbled for a placating lie. Then appreciating that this was neither what she would accept, nor believe, he searched for the reply he somehow felt she still deserved – the most honest one. His response came out softer and a little more stilted than he intended, and Sam had to strain to hear him. "I'm not really sure yet."
If Samantha was surprised by his candidness, she hid it well. Lifting her head slightly, to again meet his eyes, she offered a supportive smile that Jack could not help but get caught up in. Stepping in front to lead the way, she lightly brushed his upper arm with her hand. Jack felt himself inadvertently relax at the gesture as his left hand automatically reached for the small of her back as he guided her past him. Together they exited the lobby, walking a little closer than was strictly necessary.
TBC
