Thanks to everyone hanging in there with me on this little "saga". Reviews make me break out in a huge grin :) I need to warn you there is a bit of raunchy language in this chapter...be aware!

As you left last, Jack was trying to drink Samantha off his mind...

Chapter 5 – Time Is Slipping Away

It was 3 am on Thursday morning as Samantha tossed and turned restlessly, trying desperately to sleep. She couldn't shake the haunting images of Jack's face as the elevator doors slid shut and as he turned from the ATM. A whole day had gone by and the only lead they had seemed to freeze at the bus station. But he had been there. The cabbie confirmed that fact. So what happened? Where did he go? What did he do?

Thinking of possibilities from a man trying to disappear, Samantha brainstormed. He could have easily paid someone else to purchase a ticket for him, so no one inside would recognize him. She could get a list of departure destinations and get his picture out to the drivers on those routes. The employees at the station weren't Magna Cum Laudes. Perhaps someone was there earlier and sold him a ticket, but no one bothered to tell them of a shift change. She decided she would go back in the morning and ask more questions. Someone had to see him. Like the girl with the magenta hair said, he stuck out in that crowd. She chided herself saying, " Think, Samantha! Think!"

In a few hours, she was back at the bus terminal showing Jack's picture around. She hoped to get more angles to work on before reporting to Danny and Vivian. But again, no one remembered anyone that even faintly resembled the man in the photo. Frustrated and ready to bang her fist against the wall, she shoved her way outside and again almost tripped over the same homeless guy from the day before. Mumbling her apologies, she headed for the car when she stopped in her tracks. That guy is here all the time….right in the front door! Spinning quickly, she flashed her badge and said, "Have you seen this guy around here?" The old man looked at the picture for some time, then slowly looked back at Samantha and said, "You know, I live right here. This doorstep is my home unless the cops hassle me to move every now and then. I remember everyone who comes to my house. Yeah, I remember him. In a real hurry he was."

Samantha's heart started beating quicker and she tried to control her voice when she asked, "Did you see where he went?" The old man smiled and said, "He was a sneaky one. Jumped out of one cab. Waited for it to leave, then jumped into another. Hee-hee-hee. Would've given anyone the slip with that move. Well, not me 'cause I see everything that goes on at my house." Her hands were trembling now and she could no longer control her voice when she asked, "Did you hear where he was going?" "Sure," he said. "I might be old, but my hearing is just fine. He wanted to go to rent a car." Samantha was sure her ears would explode from the pounding of her heart. Almost losing her senses completely and hugging the man, she quickly fished out a pile of bills from her pocket, pressed them to his hands, and said, "Thank you. You have no idea how much you just helped me",and ran to the car.

As she sped to her apartment, it all made perfect sense, but she kicked herself for not doing the first thing that Jack had taught her. Work from the inside out. Once you find out who the person is, odds are you can find out where they are. Who knew Jack better than her? And yet she forgot a key piece of his personality makeup. Jack was used to being in control, and even though he was trying to stay under the radar screen, public transportation wouldn't let him be in control. But, a rental car gave him freedom and total control of when and where he moved. Jack might be wounded, but he was still making sharp decisions. Of course, that realization made her lip tremble. He was going to great lengths to keep from seeing her again. She stuggled to keep her emotions in check and said to herself, "Yeah well, Jack, you can run but you can't hide….not from me. I need you in my life and I won't stop till I find you."

She called the office and breathlessly filled Vivian in on her lead and told her she was heading to her apartment for an overnight bag. Once she found the rental company, she didn't want to waste time coming back to the city. Vivian said she would start running all rental companies in the vicinity of the bus station and get back to her. As soon as Danny got in, they would head out and help canvass the agencies. It was only 7:30 when she got back to her apartment and quickly packed her bag for several days. Turning to head out the door, she suddenly stopped and realized Jack didn't want to see her again much less talk to her. When she found him, how was she going to get his attention and make him listen? Smiling shrewdly to herself she went back into her bedroom and fished something out of her underwear drawer and stuffed it into her travel bag. "If you've got it…flaunt it, Samantha Spade," she said out loud and hurried for the car.

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Jack slowly opened his bloodshot eyes and tried to focus on his surroundings. Things seemed vaguely familiar but he couldn't place where he was. It was very quiet save for the extreme pounding in his head. He tried to swallow, but his mouth tasted like dirty gym socks. Rubbing his face and hair, the stubble on his chin and cheeks was getting heavy. Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit him and he dashed to a door that seemed like it was a bathroom. Losing the meager contents of his stomach and the booze from last night, he washed his face and looked at the complete stranger staring back at him.

Slowly his mind flashed pieces of memory. Her razor sharp words, taxi rides, rental car, diners, mountains, this cabin; Jack had finally hit the end of his rope and ran. After convincing himself he could safely leave the bathroom, he moved around the little cabin and found a coffeemaker in the kitchen. He made a pot and wandered out to the front porch. Slumping into a chair he surveyed his surroundings and sipped the hot liquid. Despite feeling like microwaved dog shit, he enjoyed the crisp cool breeze blowing softly through the trees and thought the area was pleasing. He looked down and realized his clothes were rumbled and a bit gamey. Checking his watch, he let his foggy mind process the information and realized it was Thursday morning and he was still in his clothes from Tuesday night.

He said to himself, "Well you've hit rock bottom, Malone. Time to work on getting back up." So he went inside and took a long, hot shower and brushed his teeth violently, then dressed in faded jeans, hiking boots and a worn shirt. He unpacked his bags and carried his shaving kit into the bathroom. But after holding the razor and staring at his dark and quickly thickening beard for quite some time, he decided to let that be the first thing he changed and tossed the razor.

Now that his stomach had settled from tossing his cookies earlier, he decided to try some food. After doing a quick inventory in the cabin, he headed back into Lindseyton for some breakfast, groceries and supplies. Even though he felt he had done a good job in covering his tracks, he didn't want to be seen by too many people in town. He was surprised at the introspective of his behavior—somewhere between lost and fugitive. He decided Lillie's was the best bet for breakfast, so he headed there first, parking a few blocks away and off the main drag. Walking down the street, he passed a small retail shop and spied baseball caps in the window. Running his fingers through his hair, he stepped in and picked out a black one that had a fish embroidered on it while actually chuckling at his choice of color. He thought to himself that this would be his new "black suit". He quickly paid the clerk, rolled the brim in his hands, tugged the cap on his head and continued down the street to Lillie's.

When he walked in the diner, Lillie smiled quickly and said, "Good morning, John. Did Bob get you settled in?" Jack removed his cap and said, " Yes. Thanks for the recommendation." Settling ina booth at the back with a clear view of the front door, Jack sat quietly waiting for his order. He finished his breakfast, drawing a comment from Lillie that he seemed to have found his appetite again and that was a good start. Her simple words and observation struck a cord and he swallowed hard, trying to keep the instant lump in his throat from growing. Looking down he mumbled, " Yes, I guess so," and left a generous amount on the table as he moved to leave.

Lillie's next words stopped him cold as she said, " Don't worry, John. Whatever your secret is, it is safe with me. I won't tell anyone you are here." He turned slowly and met her eyes, seeing nothing but compassion and honesty. Again, the depth of sadness in his eyes touched her heart and she couldn't resist softly touching his arm and telling him, " Everything happens for a reason. If you are meant to be found, they will find you. If not, I can always use a dependable busboy around here," and with that she was happy to see his slight but genuine smile.

TBC