Chapter 7:

Sue was still fast asleep when Jack woke up two hours later. He moved carefully, as to not wake her, before covering her with the blanket, and going into the kitchen to brew some coffee. Though his sleep wasn't very long, nor deep, Jack felt more rested that he had in days. At least he knew where she was. She was at least admitting that something had happened, and he respected her space until she was ready to talk. Why couldn't he understand or act on his feelings towards this woman? He thought to himself. The moment something happened to her, his heart would stop. It wasn't a normal reaction from just a colleague and friend. Jack didn't know what to think anymore.

Before he even had a chance to clear his thoughts, he heard a noise coming from the living room. Hurrying to make sure Sue was alright, he walked in to see her tossing and turning on the couch, crying and whimpering in her sleep. He carefully went over to her side, and gently tried to wake her. Her eyes fluttered open and she quickly sat up, taking in her surroundings and processing the rampant thoughts that ran free in her mind. She knew she would have to give some explanation, especially with the look of concern in his eyes.

"Bad dream," was all she said, until she realized something. "We're you here all night?" Jack nodded. "If I don't hurry, I'm going to be late for work. I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to stay here all night."

"Sue." She turned to look at him. "I know that whatever happened has been very hard on you, and I know that when you're ready you'll talk about it." Sue nodded, trying to hold back the tears. "I don't know if it's a good idea for you to go to work today, or for the next few days. And I don't think you should be here alone."

"I want to come in to work today." She answered, her stubborn eyes holding his.

"Are you sure?" She nodded.

"I need to get my mind off this, and work is a good distraction. I don't expect to be running around like normal, but I'm sure I can help on whatever case we have." Jack looked at her skeptically.

"You stay in the bullpen. You take it easy, and you go home if you don't feel well or can't handle it. Bobby is the primary on the case, so if you need me, I'm available." He didn't want to pressure her, but he was dying to figure out what had happened to change her so much.

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"SUE?" Tara shrieked. Sue couldn't help but give a small smile, though Jack noticed it never reached her eyes, but still, he could tell she was touched as the woman ran over to hug her. Bobby walked over too and gave Jack a look, as if to ask if she had talked about what was wrong yet. Jack shook his head.

"Are you okay sheila?" Bobby asked, pulling her into a hug. She didn't answer, only evaded the question.

"It's good to see you too." She walked over to her desk, as Bobby walked over to Jack. Her back turned to them, they started talking, watching for when she turned around.

"What's really going on?" Bobby asked, frowning. Jack sighed,

"I don't know. She wanted to come into work…"

"Are you sure that's a good idea mate? We're working a murder case and…" He stopped as he saw Sue turn around. Knowing that she wouldn't appreciate them talking about her behind her back, he quickly recovered. "…and the forensic evidence was a no go, we think the guy must have shaved. No hair, no blood, no DNA." She came over to join in.

"So what's happening?" Bobby looked at Jack questionably, wondering if to go on. Jack gave him a small defeated nod, so he explained.

"There was a family murdered." Sue's eyes widened a bit, but Bobby just figured it was from learning of such a horrific crime. He continued, "It seems they went after the wife first who tried to protect the kids. Dad came in, was killed as well before…" Jack shook his head to stop him. They both looked at Sue, who was looking off in the distance, her face pale.

"I knew she shouldn't have come in today." Jack whispered to Bobby. He touched her arm to get her attention. She looked at him. "Sue, maybe you should just stay at home." She shook her head quickly. Suddenly, her knees buckled and eyes closed for a second. Jack grabbed onto her before she collapsed to the ground. Bobby rushed to help as they brought her to her chair and sat her down.

Her eyes still closed, she could feel Jack's hand grab hers, and Bobby's strong fingers grasping her shoulder.

"Dizzy," she explained quietly, as she tried taking deep breaths to stop the world from spinning.

"You should take her home." Bobby said. Dimitrius walked in, confused to see Sue sitting at her desk, crowded by a very worried looking Jack and Bobby. Tara was on the phone making quick phone calls, still glancing at Sue. From what he could hear, it sounded like she was talking to a doctor. Myles wasn't present from what he could see.

"What is she doing here?" He asked, as he hurried over to see her colorless face, her hands gripping the chair as if she would disappear into the darkness if she let go. Tara hurried over,

"I talked to a doctor friend of mine. I have an appointment for Sue in 20 minutes. I can take her." She looked at Jack, wondering if he would rather take her, but he nodded in agreement. He knelt in front of her, as her eyes finally opened.

"Sue," he started, "Tara's going to take you to the doctor's. We'll find out what's wrong okay?"

"I'm fine. I want to help with the case." She looked at Jack. Bobby touched her arm and she turned to look at him.

"You can't help if you're sick yourself. See what the doctor says, take a few days rest and then you can help when you actually can. You're no good to us falling apart." She nodded. Tara moved over to her one side, helping her stand. Still shaky on her feet, Bobby held onto her on the other side.

"I'll come by later okay?" Jack said, wishing that he could just hug her and take away everything that was wrong. She nodded as they headed out the door. He went back to his desk and cradled his head in his hands.

"Jack?" D said, coming over to his friend's desk. "Now that she's gone, tell me exactly what's going on."