Chapter 17:

"The aunt didn't tell us much more than what we already knew. Her brother and his family were driving home one evening, 13 years ago, when a drunk driver hit their van in a very rural area. The entire family was killed because it took awhile for anyone to find them. She has no idea how Jaden's fingerprints ended up at the crime scene." Bobby announced, sitting back at his desk, slamming the file down. "We're getting no where."

"I called some other offices…" The team all turned to see Jack walk into the bullpen.

"Jack! What are you doing here?" Tara asked, surprised.

"Sue's sleeping again – the doctor gave her another sedative, she'll be out for another couple of hours, so I figured I would take the chance to come in. I called some of the other offices. There have been strings of murders the last 5 years of families – from as far as California, Arizona and Texas, to the more recent ones in Minnesota, Colorado and more recently one 3 weeks ago in Ohio, and one last week in West Virginia." Jack explained, sitting at his desk.

"Same MO?" Jack nodded, continuing.

"They will be sending over the reports as soon as possible. The Ohio and West Virginia offices plan on each sending an agent here to brief us. Texas found a print, matching to Jaden Colson as well. The one found at the West Virginia murder was smudged too much to get an ID, but I'm guessing it's the same one. Each one had a note."

"This may be the lead we were looking for. Good work Jack." Dimitrius said, slapping his friend on the back, as he smiled.

"Maybe you should go home and get some rest, you look tired too, although much more chipper than you have in days. When is she going to be released?" Myles asked. Jack answered,

"If all goes well, tomorrow."

"But she shouldn't be alone…" Bobby started to protest. Jack interrupted.

"She won't be. I'm moving into her apartment until Lucy gets back." Everyone stared at him in shock, as he could feel his cheeks redden. "I should also tell you all that once things get back to normal, I'm requesting a transfer." No one said anything, and Jack started to wonder if maybe he had chosen the wrong time to make his little announcement, until Bobby strode over to him, and slapped him on the shoulder, saying very loudly,

"It's about time…"

"Actually," Dimitrius added in, "that won't be necessary Jack. Unless it's for a reason, other than the one we all apparently think and hope it is. In case you forgot, you happen to have good connections with a supervisor, who just so happens to be able to set the motions to change policy. I always thought that rule was a little stupid, although, if there are problems caused at the workplace, I will have to bring it to your attention."

"Before we get that far," Myles said, moving towards Jack. "I want to hear what Sue said when you told her you wanted to move in with her and when you finally admitted you liked her." Jack felt like a junior higher again, his cheeks blushing with embarrassment.

"Sue understands that she can't be alone, and I didn't really say much other than that. She's recovering, she doesn't need me dumping more on her right now." Myles was about to make a retort, when Howie walked into the bullpen.

"Howie? What are you doing here?" Tara asked.

"Actually, I came to see Sue. She wasn't answering her phone and I needed to talk to her." Jack looked at him curiously, wondering why he wasn't his usual over-bubbly self.

"I can give Sue your message – she's in the hospital." Jack suggested, watching Howie's face pale even more.

"Why? What happened?"

"She's hypoglycemic. It just means she needs to make sure she eats enough." Tara explained, knowing that hypoglycemia was probably not in Howie's vocabulary. "What is it that you wanted to tell her?"

"I'm sorry guys but I can't tell you. She made me promise." Jack turned to Bobby, frowning, as he advanced on the man.

"Howie – this is serious. We need to know what she told you, so we can help her." Bobby demanded.

"I can't do that. I promised Sue, and she trusts me." Jack knew how loyal Howie was to her, and that he was firm about keeping her secret, but it dawned upon him,

"Howie – did you meet Sue in a park a few nights ago, across town in the evening?"

"How did you know that?" Howie blurted out before slapping his hand over his mouth. "I can't say anything more. Can I go see Sue before I spill anything else? Sue happens to trust me." He repeated, obviously trying to make a point, though feeling intimidated from the glares.

"Sue should be home in the next few days. We'll call you as soon as she's well enough, alright?" Howie agreed, before saying his goodbyes and solemnly heading out the door.

"I swear I think that's the first time Howie has actually been subdued. Something must really be wrong."

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Sue sat and watched the sun setting in the distant horizon. She had always loved to feel it's warmth on her face, but this winter sun was cold and harsh. Sue knew she had to tell Jack what was going on. She wasn't getting anywhere holding it in, she just didn't know how. Her thoughts were interrupted as she felt someone sit next to her on the bed. Not to her surprise, it was Jack.

"You look a lot better." He said, quietly. She looked down at her hands.

"Thanks." He reached for her hand and squeezed it, speaking and signing to her, once she finally looked up again.

"Doctor says you can go home tomorrow." She gave him a small smile, knowing he was just trying to make her feel better. She nodded,

"You know Jack, you don't have to stay with me, I can take care…" he interrupted her.

"Well, it's nice to see your stubborn streak again, shows you're getting back to normal, but I'm more than happy to take care of you while you're recovering. You shouldn't be alone." A few minutes of silence passed, as Jack watched her intently. She spoke up again,

"I really should call my parents." Jack nodded,

"Why don't you call them tomorrow once we get back to your place." She agreed, and leaned over to see a bag and a large blanket beside her bed. She frowned at him.

"Figured you could use a roomie again tonight."

"Jack…you need to sleep...you don't need to stay here…" He raised his hand to stop her.

"I've happened to have gotten used to sleeping in hospital chairs; they've become quite comfortable. Anyways, you're stuck with me for the next two weeks; what's one more night?"