The next part of my story is finally posted, so here is the next part of Jackie's - Flatkatsi
Supporting Rumors - Part 23
Sam
slept heavily – but at least she had slept. She woke after several
hours
and
a quick shower helped chase away the lethargy that enveloped her
mind, but
not
her heart. She dressed hurriedly before placing a call to the
hospital,
knowing
that they would have called if there was any change - but she had to
double
check anyway. By the time she'd ascertained everything was alright,
as
much
as it could be that was, General Hammond had made an appearance Sam
was
impatient
to get back to the hospital but she felt she had to offer the
General
a
little bit of hospitality and she rummaged around to find something
for
breakfast.
Coffee and toast was about the best she could muster at the moment and they ate quickly and quietly.
The General's mood seemed as somber as her own, though he certainly looked as though he'd benefited from a decent sleep as well.
Sam cleared the table rapidly, literally throwing everything in the dishwasher in her impatience. She made a fast sweep of the bedroom, and began throwing the clothes she'd discarded last night into the laundry hamper. Something fell on the floor and rolled under the bed as she grabbed her jacket. Cursing softly, she dropped to her belly and scooped her arm into the narrow space. She realized what the object was the instant her hand closed over it.
She took a steadying breath and rolled over to her back with the small wooden toy in her hand, holding it up and studying it. The painful ache she'd had constantly since she'd heard the news of Jack being shot seemed to intensify ... what the hell had he been going when he fell? She frowned, trying to remember how she'd got the yoyo back ... she remembered flinging it at Jack before leaving ... vague memories of it being given to her by someone flashed through her tired brain, but for some reason, try as she might, she couldn't make them any clearer.
The ringing of the phone brought her out of her thoughts. She rolled to her feet and snatched it up.
"Mrs O'Neill?"
"Yes?" Her heart beat painfully for a heart stopping moment.
"I'm John Rigby from the Washington Herald. I was wondering if you could ..."
"I'm sorry. I don't have time for this right now." Relief that it wasn't the hospital calling flooded through her.
"We heard there's been an incident at the hospital. Is it true there's been another attempt on your husband's life?"
"No – look I'm sorry. Any news will be released by my husband's office."
"Just a few minutes of your time ..."
"I'm sorry." Sam put the phone down, but didn't get as far as the bedroom door when it rang again.
She listened for a second, before once again refusing to make a statement. Two more similar phone calls in quick succession had her gritting her teeth in frustration.
She grabbed up her purse, determined to leave before being delayed further, when the phone rang again.
She snatched it up, slightly angry they wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Speak to my husband's office ..."
"Colonel Carter," the voice drawled - it wasn't a question.
Sam froze for a moment. "Who is this?"
"I'm hurt you've forgotten me so soon. But please don't say my name, this line may not be private, shall we say?"
Light dawned on Sam.
"How's Jack?"
"Things aren't too good at the moment." Sam spoke carefully. She told him what little she knew, leaving out the details of Jack's fall.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Look, things are okay at my end for now and if need be I will make contact with Hammond. But I'm calling with some news regarding the shooting. I've got a lead on the shooter."
Sam waited. "And?" she prompted when the silence lengthened.
"And I'll call you when I know more."
"Was ... were they after Jack specifically?"
"I said I'll call when I know more."
"May ..."
"Ah, ah!" chastised Maybourne quickly, cutting over what was no doubt going to be his name.
Sam bit down and sighed heavily. "Look ..."
"Do you realize how much ... ah, never mind. I'll tell you this much. Homeland Security are pretty sure it wasn't a personal attack and I'm inclined to agree with them. Give Jack my best."
The line went dead and it was a couple of seconds before Sam slowly replaced the receiver. She clutched the yoyo tighter and grabbed her purse again, calling to the General to say she was ready.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
TBC
