A/N: A huge "WOW and THANKS" to everyone for the awesome comments for Chapter 9. Of course, the pressure is really on me now not to blow this chapter. I truly hope you aren't disappointed. Please continue...

Chapter 10 – The Power To Soothe

Samantha took a deep breath and straightened her back as she looked into Danny's soulful eyes. Nodding her head yes, she stole a quick look at Vivian and Martin. They were nodding their encouragement as she turned to the doctor and said, "Take me to him" and followed him into the trauma room.

Whatever she thought she had prepared herself for vanished instantly. Lying on the table was the body the doctor told her was Jack. Nurses were trying to put in IV's and clean the wounds. She stood in horror at the sight.

His arms and legs were tied to the table as he strained against them. Bright crimson blood covered much of the formerly white linens and the floor around the table. His face was so swollen that you could not discern any facial features. His lips were split and his face looked like raw meat. Cuts and welts covered his body. His hair was matted with sweat and blood. Two small dark lines were the only indications where his beautiful brown eyes were supposed to be. He emitted the most horrible sound...like a wounded animal.

A wave of nausea hit her as she gulped for air and turned looking for a place to vomit. The doctor tried to soothe her saying, "It's okay. Try to relax. We can fix him. He will heal. Try and talk to him." She shook her head violently saying, "That's not him. That can't be him."

Then her eyes fell to a tub that held a black suit, blood covered white shirt and black tie. She saw his wallet and reached in to pick up his gold shield. Clutching it to her breast, she started to sob. The doctor shook his head dejectedly and walked away.

A nurse came up to her and put a hand on her shoulder as she spoke, "It will be okay. I know it looks bad now, but what you are seeing is mostly superficial and will heal. We really need to find out about what we can't see."

Pausing she continued, "If you are here, you are important to him. I'm Julie. What's your name?" she asked as she slowly guided Samantha back towards Jack.

Moving stiffly, Samantha allowed the nurse to ease her back to the table. She was thankful for the comforting hand on her shoulder. Swallowing hard and trying to look at Jack as he flailed against the bindings, she said, "I'm Samantha. He calls me Sam."

As soon as she said her name, Jack stilled his fight. Taken by the sudden quiet, the doctor and nurses looked at each other, then to their patient, then to Samantha.

Jack appeared to be straining to listen as he struggled to call out, "Aaam?" then grimaced in pain from the effort of moving his jaw.

Samantha fought valiantly to still her trembling lip as she cautiously moved closer to his side and reached out to touch him. Her hand drew back to avoid touching his bleeding face and chest. Frustrated by not being able to touch him without hurting him, she turned to Julie with pleading eyes.

The nurse smiled and said, "Touch the top of his head."

Samantha turned back to him, leaned down closer and said softly, "I'm right here Jack. I'm right here" as she gently stroked the top of his head.

The doctor and nurses watched in awe at the instant transformation of their patient from an extremely agitated and scared man to a calm and docile one - all from the voice and touch of this woman.

Jack almost whimpered when he realized Samantha was at his side. He tried to touch her, but hit the restraints. He tried to say her name, but a tremendous pain seared through his head every time he tried to speak. He was confused and hurt, but he knew one thing was certain, she was there now and everything would be okay. He focused on her familiar voice and the feel of her fingers stroking his hair.

He wanted to tell her he loved her. He wanted to make her happy. He wanted to make up for all the pain he had caused her. He wondered if she knew the amount of power she held over him. He wanted her to know that his world revolved around her. Soon, he thought. Soon I will quit being a coward and tell her how I feel. He made a silent vow to himself. God willing that I make it through this, I will do right by Samantha.

Samantha's heart shattered as her powerful man lay before her, fragile and broken. A cacophony of emotions flooded her mind as she felt him relax under her touch. She wondered if he knew what power he held over her. She had tried to commit to a relationship with Martin, but knew she hadn't tried hard enough. Hell, if she were honest with herself she would admit she had put more effort into finding a parking space than what she had given to Martin.

Even when Jack had told her it was over, she had never turned him out of her heart. What was it about him that made her so steadfast in her devotion to him? Was it her wanting what she couldn't have? Was she afraid to admit to herself she was in love? Was it as simple as that….she truly loved him?

If he pulled through this, what would he want? This might be a life-changing event for him that would send him down a new road. Would she follow him? The thought of him leaving scared her and seemed to be the impetus to bring her to resolve.

She took a cleansing breath and vowed to herself, when he is better, I will finally wash my heart and soul clean with him. If he wants me, I will be his once and for all.

The doctor's voice snapped her to the present as he said, "Tell Mr. Malone that we need to examine him and prep him for a CAT scan and MRI. We need to hurry."

Samantha nodded and caressed Jack's head saying, "Jack. Can you hear me?" He nodded his response as she continued in a soothing tone, "Good. Good. Listen Jack, Wilkinson and his thugs beat you up pretty bad. You are in the hospital emergency room. The doctor and nurses need to get your wounds cleaned up and run some tests. Okay?"

Again Jack nodded his understanding. She continued, "I'm going to untie your arms and legs, but listen to me Jack, you can't fight okay? I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to be right here with you, but you can't fight, Jack. Do you promise?"

Jack listened to every word obediently. He felt himself getting weaker and slipping away, so he tried to nod his head and grunted a reply.

As he felt strange hands working on him, he concentrated on the sound of her voice near his head and the feel of her hands in his hair. He heard many voices barking out stats and readings as new pain seared through his body caused by sutures and cleansers. He felt an extremely hot sensation in his shoulder and heard someone say, "We got the slug" before he passed out.

Samantha started to panic when she felt his body go limp and warning buzzers on machines started blaring, but the medical staff didn't seem to be alarmed. Julie smiled confidently saying, "It's okay Samantha. He just passed out. His vitals are still looking good. Why don't you take a break and go update your friends. I will come get you if he comes to, or we are ready to move him."

She placed a kiss on her fingers and pressed them to his forehead saying, "You're doing good Jack. I'll be right back."

tbc