A/N: Well, here we go. Definately the last chapter. Again, thanks to all that have stuck with the story so far. I honestly didn't think it would be this long, but I've had a great time writing it. A word to all those who need an extra nudge to write and post for the first time, give it a go (just make sure it's J/S, that's all...), you won't regret it, or the addictiveness. And to those out there with unfinished stories -please, we've suffered enough! Post!... A huge southern hemisphere thanks as alway to Mariel, my wonderful beta, an excellent writer,and friend... Thanks to Inken for her encouragement and support... And last, but not least, to my husband, Peter, who may actually read this one day, all my love.
Enough! On with the show...
Xx—
4.17 a.m.
After carefully extricating himself from Samantha's arms, Jack quietly got up, showered, shaved and found his last clean shirt and boxers in his suitcase. He decided on jeans and repacked. He was sitting in the room's chair putting on his shoes when Samantha roused herself.
"Hey," he said gently, when she focussed on him in the dim room. Dishevelled and without make-up, she looked beautiful to him.
He wanted to remember this.
He wanted to remember everything.
"Time to go?" she asked, stifling a small yawn.
Nodding, he got up and sat beside her on the bed. "I must be on my way," he said, smiling, if somewhat sadly. He reached out a hand to brush some stray hair away from her face.
Taking his hand, she kissed his palm before holding it against her cheek. "Give me two minutes to throw some clothes on."
Jack watched as she kicked the sheet off and hauled herself out of the bed. "I'll make sure we get some breakfast at the airport."
Picking up her clothes in front of the mirror, she smiled tiredly at him. "As long as there's coffee involved, anything will do."
Xx--
Early Sunday morning at LaGuardia and the airport was quiet in its own way. Bleary eyed people wandered around, wondering why they were up at that crazy hour. The backlog from the previous night had obviously been dealt with, and looking at the departure board, Jack noted with satisfaction that the 6 a.m. was actually going to leave on time.
He'd be home in the morning just as he'd told his girls, and he hoped they'd thought to pass the message to Maria. He planned on spending the day with his daughters, maybe take them out. And the idea of a long hot bath sounded pretty good. He'd make sure to fit one at some point. He needed one after the weekend's activities.
And avoid Maria where possible. If possible. Just for today.
But he knew that was just wishful thinking.
Glancing at Samantha and thinking of the last few days, he put his suitcase on the conveyor. He and Maria were going to talk. He realized he wasn't dreading it as much as he might have once, now things were clear in his mind.
He smiled at Samantha, glad for these last moments together, as she stood beside him at the check-in counter. They were holding hands, albeit discreetly, in public. It had never happened in New York before, only when they'd been out of town together on a few occasions during their affair. Deciding to leave her car at the hotel, they'd caught a taxi to the airport. Samantha had grabbed Jack's hand in hers as they'd got in, and hadn't let it go since. He liked it. He pulled her closer and squeezed her hand tighter.
Samantha looked back at him, smiling. "It's been an interesting trip, hasn't it?"
"Interesting is one word, yes... I can't see Vivian calling me in to help again any time soon. I've caused enough havoc as it is."
"You and me both," she pointed out. The complicated team dynamics were going to shift yet again. "At least we found Steve Emerson."
"For what it's worth," he said as his boarding pass was issued. His suitcase had been checked and he was ready to go.
Jack looked at his watch. Samantha noticed, cheerfully, that his wedding ring was still absent. "I've got about an hour to kill. Let's go see about some coffee and something to eat."
Finding a café, they sat huddled together in a small booth, not saying much, but making the most of each other's company.
As lovers do.
Xx--
As last times went, Samantha was fairly happy.
She was going to miss him badly, but she was resigned to that fate. Considering she had decided that Jack wasn't going to mess up her life again, he'd managed to do just that. But she felt good. Things had been resolved. Not quite what she wanted, but it felt better than when he had left before.
Now she just had to decide how to move forward.
And how to get it right this time.
They were sitting in the departure area. Samantha had flashed her badge at security to gain access, wanting to spend as long as she could with Jack. She'd never abused her badge so much in her entire career; she wasn't planning on making it a hobby.
Jack saw her smiling to herself. He had his arm around her shoulders. "What?"
She snuggled further into him. "I don't know… How many more last times can we possibly ever have?"
"How many more would you like?" His voice was soft, his eyes gentle.
She was thoughtful a moment. "I'd say as many as I can get. As long as it's with you."
The boarding call came. Jack half sighed, half groaned. "It's time." He stood reluctantly and she followed suit. Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her and under her jacket; she did likewise to him.
"Sam…" he breathed into her hair. "I miss you already."
He'd forgotten what a powerful drug for him she was, and he knew he was going to have to go through the withdrawal symptoms.
Just as he knew she would.
"Aren't I supposed to say something like that?"
"Go on then," he said, tenderly kissing her temple.
Muffled against his shirt, she was at a loss. "I don't know. I feel like I'm Bogart and you're Bergman. I'm left here watching you fly off."
Jack laughed lightly. "Bogart never looked as good as you do in a trench coat."
They were then silent, enjoying their last moments of contact.
The boarding call intruded again.
"I really have to go…" he said, and then kissed her in the most loving, caring way Samantha had ever experienced.
She didn't want it to end, but had to pull away, before she completely melted. "You really should."
He smiled that small, lopsided smile of his. "See you sometime?"
"Some day, I suppose."
He gave her one last squeeze in his arms, and turned to go. He was four steps away, before he stopped.
Nothing ventured...
Returning to her, he took both her hands in his, and concentrated on them.
"Come to Chicago," he said, before flicking his hazel eyes up to meet hers.
"Now?"
"Sometime. Soon… I'll sub you a ticket." Then, remembering that Samantha Spade was an independent woman, "Or we can go halves."
"I'll see. Some day."
"Soon."
"Definitely soon."
He smiled a rare wide grin. "Okay."
"Okay."
Another lingering kiss…
And he was gone.
Xx—
Samantha stayed and watched the plane taxi away, feeling like some tragic heroine. She didn't know if he could see her, but it didn't matter. The days ahead looked a little gloomier and oddly hollow with him gone; maybe they had been that way the last five months. She watched the plane fly off for as long as she could, and then left.
She still had a few hours in the hotel room before checking out. There was a Jack-scented pillow to nuzzle against and a decent sized bath that cried out for bubbles.
A good way to begin a Sunday -all things considered.
Xx—
Jack sat up, punched the pillow into shape, and then tried to settle back onto the sofa. He pulled the blanket more tightly around him, cursing the sudden coldness that had greeted him when he had returned to Chicago.
One source was the weather; the other, Maria.
The sofa was more comfy than it looked, but Jack was restless.
The hallway light came on and Robertson padded into the living room, ignoring the fact that his guest may be asleep. "I'm going to make a snack, you want anything?"
Surprised and amused, Jack stared at the older man. "Jesus Al, your wife made the biggest dinner I've ever encountered and you're still hungry?"
Robertson thumped his portly stomach. "Gotta keep my figure somehow… How's the sofa? Sorry we're converting the kids' room into an office, but Jen needed the space now they've finally left."
"It's fine, thanks Al. I appreciate it; I'll start looking for a place tomorrow."
Robertson waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, don't sweat it. You only flew back this morning. Stay the week. Start looking next weekend; take your girls along with you."
Jack considered this. "Sounds like a plan. Sorry about imposing myself."
"Hey, glad to help… But the next time you fly off to New York, none of that 'Robertson can cover for me' bullshit, okay? I had Gianelli riding my ass all Friday."
"I'll cry into my pillow for you."
Robertson laughed, pointing a finger at Jack. "You owe me big time, buddy… And you'll be fine. I believe you're not the first man to be in this situation… See you in the morning," and he shuffled out, leaving Jack to himself.
Jack rolled as best he could onto his side, away from the hall light.
He thought about the fun morning in the park he'd had with Hanna and Kate, and how it had all fallen flat when they'd returned home in the mid-afternoon with Maria waiting for him. He thought about how the reasonable discussion --at least he'd naively hoped it would be reasonable-- with Maria had escalated into a fight. He'd nearly lost it when she'd slapped him across the cheek. Thankfully the girls hadn't seen that happen, but it had been the last straw. Jack had coldly turned around, and picked up his still-unpacked suitcase. Then he'd gone upstairs to calmly pack another suitcase with clean clothes, while Maria had sat fuming downstairs. He couldn't quite admit to feeling a new sense of marital freedom just yet, but he felt an inkling of what might be. When he had finished, he'd gone to find the girls. This was going to be the hardest part.
Telling them that he was 'going away' had been terrible; he never thought he'd have to do it again. He could feel Maria watching him, like a snake. She'd been in a venomous mood the minute he'd walked in the front door that morning. He hadn't known what had set her off this time. She never needed a reason. At least the girls had been happy to see him at breakfast and he'd concentrated his attention on them, before escaping to the park.
Leaving them with her in that vile mood had not been exactly what he'd wanted, either.
He shifted again on the sofa, not wanting to think about it any more.
It had been an exhausting few days and, as sleep finally claimed him, he thought about Samantha, wondering how she was.
Xx—
Monday morning in the bullpen and there were no missing persons to deal with, which was always a good way to begin the week. To make up for the time worked over the weekend, Vivian was going to let the team go after a bit of file tidying.
About 9.30 Samantha overheard Martin taking a phone call. The conversation had started off icily, then it thawed somewhat. She couldn't exactly say it was male bonding at its finest, but Jack had kept his promise. Afterwards, Martin shot her a look that probably would have best translated as 'I know you made him do that.'
Which was fine with her.
Having also overheard it, Danny just smiled, and shook his head as he continued reading a file.
Samantha figured she owed him dinner, at the very least.
Shortly afterwards she received an email from Jack: Re: Martin. Apology as promised.
Around five minutes later, she received another email: Moved out last night.
He certainly hadn't wasted any time.
She sent back a single worded reply: Okay.
Knowing it had been difficult; she hoped he was feeling he'd done the right thing.
Xx--
Jack pushed himself away from the desk, looking away from the anti-trust legislation he had to read. It was as dry and uninteresting as the paper it was printed upon. God, he hated this. This wasn't him. Chicago wasn't him. He glanced over at Robertson, head down pen in hand; this was his field and area of expertise, he enjoyed it, and he had no real ambition. But Jack hated the time he had to spend stuck behind a desk, especially this one.
His eyes rested upon the group photo. He'd moved it from the drawer onto the side of his cubicle; there was no reason to hide it from himself now. Sighing, he thought about the roller coaster ride that had been his trip to New York, two weeks before. He'd only heard from Samantha once since then –the single worded email that didn't really say anything. He wanted to call her and talk about anything and everything. She could read aloud from the phonebook to him; he wouldn't care. Just to hear the sound of her voice.
He didn't know what to do.
It was a very strange state for him to be in.
He picked up the photo of himself and the girls. Things were better. Maria had calmed down, and his visits were more cordial. It was going to work out. They still had to figure out a proper schedule, and the girls needed adjusting, again, to their father not being at home. It had been a good suggestion by Robertson to involve them in the apartment-hunting, and Jack had been lucky to find something fairly fast that the three of them all liked. The fun of decorating the girls' new room gave them all something to focus on, even though the shades of pink Hanna and Kate had chosen were naturally a bit bright for his taste. He was looking forward to having them over soon.
He caught Robertson's eye. "Lunch?"
Robertson nodded. "Give me five to finish this."
Jack nodded back. Returning his gaze to the thick file, he pretended to read some more.
Xx—
Samantha finally managed to pin Danny down to take him out.
She smiled at him as he returned to the table with drinks. They were in a Latin-style bar that Danny knew.
"A mojito for the lady, as requested."
"Thanks, it's been awhile since I had one of these." Looking around, her fingers tapping the table to the music beat, she nodded her approval. "Nice place."
Danny grinned. "I haven't been here for awhile myself, but tonight I thought, why not?" Then he looked at her, suddenly serious.
Here it comes… It had taken awhile to be alone with him. Martin always seemed to be near by, or Rosa, who appeared frustrated that no one was telling her what had really been going on.
"Have you spoken to him?"
"Not since he left."
"And that was three weeks ago. You sorted yourselves out, I take it. I didn't really see either of you after… I dropped by the hotel," he said diplomatically. He'd certainly been filled in about the scene he'd avoided at the office –Vivian and Martin had each had their own version to tell.
"Well, you had your missing person; we had ours." She took a sip of her drink. "We worked it out between us," she said, somewhat enigmatically, not just referring to the case.
"I don't understand, I always thought you and Martin were good together."
She frowned as she mashed the mint leaves in her drink with the straw. "It just wasn't going that way. Martin was a mistake."
He looked at her over his club soda, unconvinced. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," Samantha emphasized, and then she sighed. "Hindsight is a wonderful thing."
"Vivian figured when he got back that he'd leave Maria."
"He did. The same day."
Impressed, he leaned back in his chair, eying her. "So… what are you going to do?"
She looked at him earnestly. "Get up each morning, go to work, do my job, make a difference."
"Sounds like a quiet life for Samantha Spade."
"It'll do," she said, gazing into her drink, her fingers absently playing with her pearl pendant.
"You miss him," he stated.
She looked at him again, sadly this time.
"Yes… Yes, I do."
Xx--
Late Wednesday afternoon.
Jack and Robertson rolled out of the meeting, heads buzzing with facts and figures about a new investigation. They'd been meeting with agents from the Financial Institution Fraud division for the last 4 hours, and had felt lucky to escape alive.
Jack rubbed his eyes, leaning against the side of the elevator. "Christ, I thought my brain was going to explode. No wonder Gianelli made us go."
"I don't really want to fill him in," Robertson said, looking sideways at Jack.
Jack matched the look with his own. "I'll flip you for it."
"It's a deal." Robertson hit the elevator button for their floor. "So, any luck with the transfer? You're acting a bit restless."
"Since when?'
"Since you came back... what, about a month ago? Since New York –marital problems aside."
"You know I hate Fraud, I've been restless since I got here."
"You need to get out in the field more."
"Not much of a chance of that in this department, is there?"
Robertson reluctantly nodded. "Never needed to draw a gun, I can tell you that." The doors opened and they slowly walked out. "You should go and talk to them again at the MP unit."
Jack shoved his hands in his pockets, feeling defeated. "I think they're getting pretty tired of me."
"Still, it's worth a try…" Robertson stopped as he looked ahead. "Oh crap, Gianelli's by our desks. I'm going…" he thought rapidly, "…to grab a coffee." He looked at Jack's bemused expression. "What? Standard FBI avoidance procedure…" he said, lumbering hurriedly away.
Not happy at the territory invasion, Jack went towards to his desk, wondering what Gianelli was up to.
Gianelli looked over at Jack and smiled, beckoning to him. "Jack, you're back!"
Nearly recoiling at the rictus that was a grin on Gianelli's face, Jack briefly considered following Robertson. Or maybe shooting Gianelli. He couldn't decide which would be easier.
But all that went out the window when he arrived at his desk.
There was Samantha, sitting in his chair, an unfathomable look on her face.
He all but collapsed on the floor in surprise.
He looked at her.
She looked at him.
He was looking smart, back in his black suit and tie combo.
She looked drop dead stunning in a jacket and short skirt.
"Agent Malone," she said. "Good to see you again."
"Agent Spade," he replied, joining her in the game. "Long time no see."
"Seems Agent Spade has come to visit us, check out the department," Gianelli threw in.
"Really…" Jack wondered how long she'd been suffering his supervisor's company.
"She says she worked with you in New York."
"Yes," was all Jack could manage to say.
Samantha smiled winningly, and Jack knew the world was a better place. "I thought you might like to show me around the Chicago office…"
Jack nodded. "It would be my pleasure." He looked pointedly at his supervisor. "I've got it."
"Sure, take your time," Gianelli said magnanimously, obviously a victim of Samantha's charm. He smiled goofily and left.
Jack turned and sat on the edge of his desk. He needed the support.
"To say I'm stunned would be an understatement," he said quietly, eyes darting momentarily around the office.
"Actually, I'm here to check out the pizzas. I've heard they're pretty good."
"Bring a shovel?"
"It's in my handbag."
They stared at each other.
"I would have met you at the airport."
"Nothing like catching you off guard."
"You did a good job. I can't believe you're here."
"I had some time up my sleeve, and decided to use it." She looked around the office. "Not quite the bullpen."
"No, unfortunately it's not… Where are you staying?" he asked casually.
She raised an eyebrow. "I only flew in about an hour ago. I haven't had time to find anywhere."
"Really…" Jack pretended to look thoughtful. "I think I can help you out there…"
They gazed at each other, smiling conspiratorially.
Robertson returned carrying two cups. "Thought I'd get you one as well, Jack…" He stopped when he saw Jack's company. "Sorry, I didn't realise-"
"Samantha Spade, New York Missing Persons, meet Al Robertson, Chicago Governmental Fraud," Jack said, standing upright. "Al keeps me fairly sane and his wife keeps me fed with food parcels."
"Someone's got to do it. Nice to meet you, Agent Spade," Robertson said, putting down a cup to shake her hand. "You staying long?"
"A few days at least."
"Business or pleasure?"
She glanced at Jack, who was tactfully looking at his shoes, as well as scratching his ear. "A bit of both, I'd say."
Robertson was fairly sure it was more the latter than the former. Correctly figuring out that Samantha was the source of Jack's restlessness, he tore his attention away from her.
"Look, Jack, it's nearly four thirty. I'll handle the Prince of Darkness on the FIF meeting if you want to get away. I won't rat on you."
Jack decided to adopt Robertson as a favorite uncle, there and then. "I owe you again, don't I?"
"Promise you'll bring Samantha over to dinner -when you both come up for air… See you soon," he said, smiling at Samantha as he left for Gianelli's office.
Jack looked down at Samantha, eyebrows raised. "He's pretty sharp, but I thought we were always a bit more discreet."
Swivelling in his chair, Samantha shrugged. "Do we have to be?"
"I don't know -should we be?"
"Forget the office tour, let's go out… and discuss it."
It may have been the way Samantha said the last three words, or the minute way her facial expression changed, but it gave Jack cause for concern.
Oh shit…
Xx—
After asking the guard at reception to look after Samantha's suitcase, they set out from the Federal building.
"It's a bit early, but you want to have a drink?" Jack asked, wondering what to do, how to act.
"No. Not just yet." She was checking out the downtown Chicago buildings. "You said you take a walk at lunch, where do you go?"
"Mostly over to Grant Park. You want to go there?"
"Sounds good. I've been sitting in airports and planes for the last few hours. You can show me around."
"A walk it is, then."
They set off into the late, warm day, Jack pointing out various landmarks as they went, keeping the conversation neutral and his hands to himself.
Until he could discover what was going on.
Xx—
"And this," Jack said, gesturing out at the Chicago Harbor, "is Lake Michigan."
Samantha stared out at the boats and the expanse beyond. "Definitely great. Definitely a lake."
They were leaning on the railing, a light breeze caressing their faces. Jack had taken off his tie and jacket in the warmth of the late sun. They were quiet a few moments, contemplating the view.
"I'm glad you're here, Sam," Jack said, hesitantly, glancing at her.
Samantha pushed some hair away from her eyes. "It's nice to be here with you."
"You look great, by the way." He'd have to be blind not to notice, and the way the light was highlighting her hair… He realized she was speaking.
"Thanks. I see you're back in your favorite uniform."
"I realized I actually missed it, after I came back." He paused, watching a gull swoop past. "You'll be staying the weekend?" he then asked, hopeful, despite his current reservations that she would be.
"We'll see…" The Sphinx was more forthcoming than she was. "As long as I won't get in the way"
"No, luckily Maria's got the girls this week. I have them next week. We're trying it out."
"Is it working?"
"Surprisingly, yes -so far. But the costs of after-school care and baby sitters are a bit daunting. Furnishing the apartment was scary enough." He was still wondering why the girls had insisted on bunk beds –and why he'd given in to their demands.
"It's okay, you don't have to help pay for my ticket."
He blinked. "That wasn't my point. Freedom has its price, and if your soon-to-be ex-wife is a lawyer…"
"Ouch."
"Big time." He looked over at her. "So, you badly wanted to see Chicago?" he fished, wanting to find out what was going on.
Looking down at her hands, she said simply, "I missed you."
"A phone call's cheaper, and less of an ambush."
A sly smile appeared on her lips. "But not as much fun."
"No, I'll give you that. I might be able to get over to New York in a few months." It was the best he could probably manage, current situation and time considered.
"That's not good enough," Samantha said quietly.
"Sorry?" He turned towards her.
"It won't do, Jack." She was still examining her hands, not looking at him.
"I don't quite get your meaning." That's it. Looks like this really will be our last time…
"I didn't come here just to spend time with you."
"Oh?" was all he could come out with, confused.
Finally turning to him, she looked him full in the face, her eyes stern with what she was going to say.
He mentally braced himself.
This is it. She came all this way to dump me.
"I want to move here. I want to be with you."
Jesus Christ…
Jack was beginning to doubt he could handle all the surprises Samantha was throwing at him like live grenades. He shook his head vigorously. "No Sam, I can't ask you to do that-"
"You're not. I'm doing this for me."
"Look, you love your job, you have a future there."
It was her turn to shake her head. "What better reason is there to be with you? What sort of future is it, anyway, hoping I'll see you once every few months, if we're lucky?" She leant against the railing, her back to the harbor. "I'd rather be with you, than have my job without you."
"We could still make it work, one way or another…" He wasn't sure how, exactly, but there had to be better options than this.
"We decided we couldn't, remember? Maybe this is our second chance, the other life we couldn't have together in New York."
He was trying hard not to be swayed by her words. Desperately wanting to be with her, he ached for her. Lonely nights were filled with thoughts of her. And now she was willing to give it all up for him. He couldn't let her do it. Yet, as much as he wanted to stop her, every fiber of his being cried out a resounding yes. Before giving any response, he hooked his jacket over his shoulder and taking her hand, he started to walk, leading her away from the water towards the road.
They stopped and waited briefly at the pedestrian crossing. Jack was silent until they got to the other side and closer to the fountain.
He unclasped her hand, and found himself concentrating, not on her face, but on her pearl pendant. He had been trying to think of some way to stop her madness. Putting himself down was a good place to start. "Face it Sam -a divorced father of two with alimony looming isn't the greatest catch. You could do better."
She rolled her eyes at that. As if I didn't try…
"If it isn't you, Jack, then it's no-one. I've told you that already. What part of this don't you understand?" she said, exasperatedly. Damn it, I thought he'd be pleased…
"It's too much… Seriously, I'm not worth it." He looked away, this time focussing on the Buckingham Fountain. There were people milling about, enjoying the water play and the early evening light. He'd brought his daughters here not too long ago. He wondered how they'd get on with Samantha if she were to stay and be in his life... their life.
Samantha folded her arms, defiantly. "I am doing this of my own free will," she spelt out. "You gave up New York, and you love it more than I do."
He shook his head. "This is crazy, Sam. I don't want you to do this." I want you with me so badly…
She was silent. After a few moments, Jack risked a look at her face. The look of determination was blatantly obvious.
That stubborn Sam Spade face; he knew it like the back of his own hand.
Here it comes… He knew he didn't have a chance combating whatever she'd say next.
"Deal with it, I'm coming anyway," she said forcefully, effectively closing the subject.
He was still astonished. He hadn't been expecting this whole scenario, and he was dismayed. "You're sure of this," he stated slowly, still not believing she'd do this, either for him or herself, no matter how much he wanted it.
"I've given this a lot of thought over the last month."
She's been doing virtually nothing but thinking.
Since Jack had left, Samantha had spent a lot of her free time sitting at home, trying not to be melancholic and gloomy. Well, so much for resigning herself to her fate and being happy; so much for moving forward. She was young, single. And there she'd been, sitting at home, not wanting to go out, not wanting to meet anyone. It had involved trying to distract herself with TV and DVDs, reading books, housework and even the occasional jog. But her thoughts had always come back to Jack, and what she could do about their situation.
She had to face the facts and admit it to herself; she was miserable.
Something needed to be done.
It had been after her evening out with Danny that she realized what she should do. She'd talked to Vivian, and made discreet inquiries at the Chicago FBI as well as the police department. Not much had come from either, but then she'd decided to be more proactive, mainly with Jack.
Drastic measures needed to be taken.
"Quite a lot of thought, obviously…" said Jack, digesting what she was saying. "I'm still waiting for a place in the Missing Persons unit. You've asked for a transfer?"
"Nothing much so far. But I'm prepared to wait for anything. Or just move here." Anything to be with you.
"It would be best to wait."
"Yes, but unlike you, I'm not a supervisory agent. You were able to land on your feet easily in Domestic Security, then Fraud. Who knows how long it would be? And Jack…" she put her hand on his arm to emphasise her point. "I'm so tired of waiting…"
Oh God, you have no idea, Sam…
Yet again, dealing with Samantha, Jack knew he had to relent; he wanted to. If this was the price she was willing to pay for him, then so be it. He couldn't have loved her more, there and then, standing in the soft light, the warm breeze carrying the fountain spray around them.
"You're sure of this…" he said, reaching out and pulling her closer to him.
"Positive."
"I'll agree to this only if you get a transfer first. That's my deal breaker." He wrapped his arms around her, feeling her against him. It felt so right, so perfect.
"Done." Samantha snuck a hand around his waist, sliding it a little into his back pocket.
"Despite what you say, we can wait. There must be training courses or something we can arrange to be on together."
"Governmental Fraud and Missing Persons together? Yeah, right…" She squeezed the hand in his pocket.
He looked at her admonishingly, for what she said and what she was doing, but his voice was gentle. "You're going to be stubborn about this and not change your mind, aren't you?"
As if he wanted her to.
Not a chance in hell.
He put a finger under her chin and tilted her face up to meet his, marvelling at all aspects of her.
Samantha gazed at him, lovingly, lost in his rugged handsomeness. She could never get enough. "No negotiations."
"You drive a hard bargain," Jack murmured against her lips.
"Mm-hm," was all she managed, as they sealed the deal, in the park downtown, near the fountain.
Finally, together in their new world.
Jack decided Chicago wasn't such a bad place after all.
Their kiss was slow, passionate, consuming.
More than a bit light-headed, Jack pulled away a little. "I wanted to do that the minute I saw you back in the office."
Breathless, and glad for the fine spray cooling her, Samantha could only smile. "Me too…"
Samantha had never been so clear-headed about what she was doing, and the way her life was going to change. No doubts. No pretences.
They hadn't even said they loved each other; they didn't have to.
But…
There was one more thing.
Searching his face, still needing affirmation in the back of her mind, she felt she had to ask, again –for the first time in years:
"What are we doing, Jack?"
His eyes met hers and held.
Jack knew what he had to say this time.
The reply he should have said that had been burning in his mind ever since.
He smiled his lop-sided smile, now confident of where they were going, together.
He'd say it right this time.
Xx--
The End
Another Life
By jjbird
Xx--