A/N: I was going to write a case-file, but am rubbish at them, so here is a purely J/S offering, with some other characters thrown in for fun! Set during Season 4 which although I haven't seen yet, have read enough about at the fabulous YTDAW to get the general drift. J/S seems to be sorely lacking, so this is how I'd like things to go.

Disclaimer: Usual disclaimers apply, not my characters, etc, etc, etc...

Big thanks as always to Diane, Mariel & Justine for their invaluable help and encouragement.

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Decision Time

by makemyday

Samantha Spade stretched her arms above her head and let out a weary yawn. The past couple of days had been slow, so the team had been going over cold cases and filing reports -work that none of them particularly enjoyed. Perhaps Jack would let them finish early, Samantha mused, as she glanced over to his office. She eased herself up from her desk and strolled over to the coffee machine, knowing that Jack would probably welcome a caffeine fix as much as she did. As she waited for the machine to churn out what it dubiously called coffee, she was interrupted by Elena, who had a knowing smirk plastered on her face.

"Hey Sam," she whispered furtively. "Have you seen who's in Jack's office again?"

Sam looked at Elena and then apprehensively turned her gaze towards Jack's office, almost afraid of what she might see. Of course she'd seen Jack and that 'Anne' woman together a few times, but they'd recently worked on the case of her missing husband, who'd subsequently died, and Jack had been friends with both of them.

"I don't know what you're implying Elena, but they're old friends, and I'm sure that Jack is just giving her some moral support over Max's death. It's probably best not to start unfounded rumours," she replied, wincing at how prim she sounded.

"Oh come on Sam! He's definitely got a new woman in his life, and one who likes to buy him ties by the look of it. You've worked with him for a long time. Has he ever worn anything but black ties? Now twice in one week he's wearing stripes one day, and a hideous patterned one the next. Bet she buys him boxers and socks as well; she looks the type."

Sam was saved from having to answer by Vivian calling them both over to the meeting table, where Danny and Martin were already seated.

"Okay guys. I've just spoken to Jack, and he's told me that you're all free to go home. Just give him anything that needs signing off before you go. Have a great weekend."

"Will do Viv," replied Danny. "Doing anything special?"

"Reggie's away at camp, so Marcus and I are going to a hotel for a romantic weekend," said Viv with a glowing smile. "It's our anniversary."

Samantha listened to this exchange with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She'd watched as the huge bouquet and bottle of champagne had arrived earlier. Viv was so lucky, she thought. She had it all: a handsome, romantic husband who adored her, and a perfect child. Why had her own life been such a fuck-up? She had once been married, but it had been a disaster from start to finish. She had dated lots of men since, but had always chosen men that were easy on the eye, but lightweight. The one, big love of her life had been married, and therefore unobtainable. She looked wistfully at Jack's office. In the past, a free weekend would often find them secretly making plans to be together. But that had all stopped, when overcome with guilt, Jack had gone back to his family.

Her daydream was interrupted by Martin perching himself on the edge of her desk.

"Danny and I are going to the game tomorrow; do you want to come?"

She shook her head ruefully. "No, count me out. I've got loads of things I need to do. It's been ages since we had a free weekend, and I intend to make the most of it."

"Maybe another time, eh?" he replied, giving her shoulder a quick squeeze.

"Maybe," she answered, with a small shrug and a faint smile. Things were beginning to feel less awkward between them, and for that she was glad. She hadn't been fair to Martin, and they both knew it. They were finally starting to get their friendship back on an even keel, and it felt good. Snapping herself out of her melancholy mood, she began to hum cheerfully as she cleared her desk. On impulse, she picked up the phone and dialled a once familiar number.

Jack looked out of his office to see that most of his team had gone, apart from one. Pushing himself up from his chair, he walked slowly over to Samantha's desk.

"What are you still doing here? It's not often that we get to leave early. Get yourself out and make the most of it."

Sam looked up at Jack, who was smiling warmly at her, and felt a sharp stab of longing course through her body. Damn, why can't I feel like this about any other man, she thought to herself.

Returning his smile, she replied.

"I'll be going soon, don't worry. How about you? Are you seeing the girls this weekend?"

Jack's face clouded momentarily, but he quickly regained his composure.

"No. It's not my turn. But I'll get them for a week at Easter, so I'm looking forward to that."

"I'm glad it's all working out for you Jack, I really am. You seem much happier lately, and I'm pleased for you."

Sam was pleased that he seemed more relaxed, although she wasn't sure she could put it all down to his amicable access arrangements with Maria. Another thought popped unwillingly into her mind, one that she tried to push aside. Elena was probably right. She too had thought that Jack and Anne were seeing each other, and not just purely on a friendship basis. Her eyes darkened at the thought, and her smile faltered slightly.

Almost as if he could read her mind, Jack touched her arm lightly. "Thanks Sam, that means a lot to me." He paused, unable to look away and break the tension hanging in the air between them. The shrill ring of his cellphone snapped him back to reality.

"I'd better get this," he said, looking at the display.

"Sure," replied Sam with a quick wave of her hand. "Have a good weekend."

"You too," responded Jack, looking almost regretful for a moment.

He answered the call, and started the walk back to his office.

She watched his retreating back for a moment then rose from her chair and headed towards the restroom.

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Jack stood restlessly in the reception area of the FBI offices. Why were women never on time, he thought, crossing his arms impatiently. Mind you, he could never say that about Sam. She was never late when they were seeing each other, which was one of the many things he had loved about her. Pleasant memories flitted through his mind, and he could feel himself smiling.

"Jack. Good to see you, sir."

In front of him, with an arm out-stretched stood Eric Keller. Irritated that he had had his daydream interrupted, Jack forced what he hoped was an amenable smile onto his face.

"Eric," he replied, extending his arm to shake Kellers' hand. "Long time no see. What brings you here?"

Not that he was really interested. He'd always found Keller to be a jerk, but their paths occasionally crossed, and he had proved to be a useful contact in the PD. Whose contact and why, he chose not to dwell on.

"I'm meeting... oh there she is now."

Keller was looking over Jack's shoulder towards the opening elevator. Jack followed Eric's gaze, and to his surprise, saw Sam breezing over towards them.

"Hey Sam, you look great," beamed Keller, placing a kiss on her cheek.

She did indeed look great, thought Jack, looking her over. She had discarded her work jacket, revealing her form- fitting trousers, and a tight t-shirt, which was slightly cropped showing a glimpse of taut stomach. Her hair which had been in a neat ponytail earlier, was flowing around her shoulders. He felt a distinct pang of jealousy as Sam gave Keller a brief hug. She then turned her attention to Jack. .

"Going somewhere good?" he enquired.

"We're um, just going for a quick drink," she replied, not enjoying the scrutiny that Jack was putting her under.

"Hopefully more than a quick drink," laughed Eric, putting his arm possessively around Sam's shoulder.

Jack was pleased to see her tense up and move out of his embrace.

"Let's just see how it goes," said Sam tersely.

Jack did not miss the look of annoyance that passed across her face. Eric, however, was completely oblivious. Poor bastard, thought Jack. A pissed off Sam Spade was a sight to see.

"Well, have a great evening you two. See you bright and early Monday, Sam," grinned Jack.

Sam glared at him, then turned to Keller and took his hand. Suddenly seeing Anne striding towards Jack, she couldn't resist a bitter response.

"It looks as though your date has arrived, Jack. You two have a great evening as well."

Jack stood open mouthed in shock as Sam and Eric walked towards the door. How did Sam know about him and Anne? He thought they'd been discreet. Even though he was now divorced, he still felt slightly uncomfortable dating Anne. He was fully aware that people might find it strange that they'd hooked up so soon after her husband's death, and this un-nerved him. He felt the soft pressure of a hand on his arm.

"Jack, sorry I'm so late. I got caught up in a last minute problem."

When he didn't respond, Anne followed his stare, and was just in time to see Sam vanish through the door.

"Jack, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost," she said jokingly.

Suddenly snapping out of his trance, Jack turned to look at Anne.

"Sorry Anne. I was just thinking about where to take you tonight," he lied, quickly pulling himself back to where he should be. "You look nice," he offered, taking in her appearance.

She did look 'nice' thought Jack, trying not to compare her with Samantha. She was wearing a smart, but conservative business suit in navy blue, a white blouse complete with a floaty scarf, and sensible, low heeled court shoes.

"Why thank you Jack, you don't look too bad yourself," replied Anne reaching over to adjust his tie back into a formal position.

Jack frowned in annoyance. He liked to loosen his tie and undo his top shirt button at the end of a working day, as it made him feel more relaxed. Added to that, Jack wasn't too keen on this tie. He liked them black and simple, but it seemed that Anne had a bit of a tie fetish. And it wasn't only ties. She also bought him garish socks and novelty boxers, which he loathed. Feeling a little ungracious, he sighed. At least it was only small things, and anyway, no-one else was going to see his underwear.

"Shall we go then?" he said, eager to get away from work before anyone else spotted them and put two and two together.

"Sure, lead the way," replied Anne, cheerfully linking her arm through his, as they walked through the door into the warm, spring sunshine.

tbc...