Chapter Seven

9:00pm

Tyler woke up on the sofa, feeling tired but not hung-over. Jack was sitting in the leather chair, sipping his scotch.

"How did you sleep?" Tyler asked, sitting up.

"I didn't," Jack replied softly.

Tyler waited for a moment and then took control.

"Come on," Tyler said, standing.

"What?"

"You're going to bed."

Jack stood and walked to his bedroom. He got into bed and then looked at Tyler, who handed him the phone.

"Call Maria. Tell her you're okay. Talk to your kids," Tyler ordered, sitting in the chair in the corner of the room.

Jack dialed and leaned back against the pillows.

"Hello?"

"Hi, it's Jack."

"How are you? I was scared to call after Viv told me what had happened."

"I'm a little banged up, a little lost, but I'm going to be okay."

"I'm glad to hear that, Jack. I really am."

"Are the girls around?"

"Sure, just hang on."

"Dad? Daddy?" two young voices asked.

"Hi, Hanna. Hi, Kate."

"Hi, Dad. You missed your call on Friday."

"Yeah, I'm sorry, Hanna. I couldn't get to a phone."

"Daddy, I got a B on a story I wrote."

"Wow, a B. That's excellent, Kate."

"I scored two goals in soccer today," Hanna added.

"Terrific honey, I'm sorry I wasn't there."

"When are you coming out to visit?"

"I have to check on my schedule, Hanna. Can you put your Mom back on?"

"Night Dad."

"Night Daddy."

"Night, I love you."

"Ditto!" they chimed.

"Hi, Jack."

"Hi, can you email me weekends that would be good for you and the girls so I can plan a visit?"

"Sure, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine; just very, very, tired."

"Well, I'll let you go and get some sleep. Take care."

"Thanks, bye."

"Bye."

Jack hung up the phone, sighed and started to fall asleep. Tyler turned off the bedside light and then went to clean up the living room and kitchen before going to bed himself.

Tuesday 1pm


Jack rolled onto his left shoulder and woke up immediately. Panting against the pain, he looked at the clock, realizing he had slept almost sixteen hours. He used the toilet and then walked out into the living room. It was neat and orderly, as was the kitchen. There was a note from Tyler leaning up against the microwave.

I'm in meetings in the morning. Taking the 2:00pm train.

Call me on my cell.

PS: You have no scotch left!

Tyler

Jack smiled and walked back into the bedroom. Setting the alarm for four-thirty, he fell into a heavy sleep.

4:30pm

Jack woke up to screaming rock music from his clock radio. He hit the snooze bar just to get silence and then turned the alarm off before getting up and walking into the bathroom. He carefully removed the splints from his fingers before gingerly stripping off his clothes. He groaned in pleasure as the hot water hit his sore chest, loosening the tight muscles. As they relaxed, the pain seemed to slip away from his entire body, except for his shoulder, which he tried to keep out of the spray. Touching to his cheek, he realized he needed a shave, which he did quickly. His fingers were stiff but serviceable. Turning off the water, Jack dried off and pulled on a clean pair of shorts, chinos, and a t-shirt. He tried not to put his arm back in the sling, but after five minutes, his shoulder throbbed. Padding into the kitchen, he put two bottles of Sauvignon Blanc in the fridge as he heard the key in the lock.

Anne walked in and stopped for a moment, looking at him; wet hair spiked up and a sparkle in his eyes.

"Hi," she said, setting the groceries as well as her bag on the counter.

"Hi," he replied, putting his hand on her waist, looking at her skirt and attractive blouse.

He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. She melted, as she generally did when he touched her. Slipping her right hand to the back of his neck, she pulled him closer as she kissed him, finding his tongue. Jack started to hum. Anne stopped and pulled away from him.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, kissing is painless but touching my shoulder is painful."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart."

He lifted her chin and guided his mouth to hers.

"You're forgiven," he said before kissing her.

It was nice just to be alone with each other. As their passion increased, so did their intimate touching and the pain until Jack pulled back, panting slightly. Anne opened the grocery bag and pulled out a bottle of scotch and set it on the counter. She took a glass from the cabinet, filled it with scotch, water, and an ice cube and handed it to Jack.

"Thanks," he said gratefully.

"Thank Tyler for telling me that you were out of scotch!"

"Damn, I forgot to call him,"

"Well then, go ahead."

Jack picked up the phone and dialed.

"Simpson."

"Hey, sorry I didn't call. I just got up."

"Splendid. Call me tomorrow."

"Blonde?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Bye."

"Bye."

She kissed Jack on his cheek as she walked by with her overnight bag. Returning to the kitchen, she emptied the bag of groceries and stood looking at the items.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" Jack asked, holding his half empty glass in his right hand.

"Sure."

Jack pulled the bottle out and carefully held the bottle in his left hand as he opened it with his right, thankful again that most South African wines do not have corks. He took out a wine glass and filled it half way before plunking in an ice cube. Turning to hand her the glass, he looked at the food on the counter.

"Thanks for inviting me to dinner. I really didn't feel like actually cooking," Anne said, sipping her wine.

"No problem. I'm more interested in being with you than eating, anyway."

Anne shifted her gaze to him, seeing his smirk.

"It's nice to be appreciated, but I do have to eat something. Lunch was a Snicker's bar and I don't care what the ads say, it didn't fill me up!"

"I'll tell you what, I'll make dinner, okay? Sit down, drink your wine and put your feet up. If there's something I can't do, I'll call you."

Anne looked at the food and then back at him before picking up her wine glass and walking into the living room. He turned to the different items on the counter and paused before figuring out the meal; Caesar salad with chicken strips. Taking two bowls out, he divided the salad between the two and then added the pre-cooked chicken strips from the container. He took out a bottle of dressing, shaking it hard, before realizing he couldn't open it. Quickly, he set the table and then brought out the bowls and the bottle of dressing. He refilled his scotch and then walked out to the living room.

Anne was asleep on the sofa, her half-filled wine glass firmly held in her hands. Jack walked up to her quietly and removed her wine glass. He kissed her gently before waking her up.

"Anne? Time for dinner."

Anne opened her eyes and smiled.

"I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry for having to wake you," Jack said, refilling her wine glass.

They both sat down to their dinner with sighs born of fatigue. She opened the bottle of salad dressing and handed it to him before adding it to her own salad. They ate quickly and Anne excused herself. Jack did the dishes, his brain on cruise control. When he finished, he walked back to the bedroom to look for her. Walking into the bedroom, he saw her asleep on his bed. He paused before going up to her to kiss her. Jack went back into the living room, his brain too active to sleep, and sat down.

Wednesday 1:00am

Anne woke up disoriented. She knew she was at Jack's apartment, but she didn't understand why she was alone. Getting out of bed, she padded to the living room and found him standing at the window.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Sweetheart, you need to come to bed," she said.

Jack turned to her, the circles under his eyes more pronounced. He touched her cheek and held it lightly as he kissed her. She answered softly and then became more aggressive, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. Her right hand anchored his waist while her left hand held his neck and therefore his mouth to hers. He pulled back, pausing for a moment, his breathing fast, his eyes dark. Carefully, he pulled his arm out of the sling and let it hang at his side.

"This may not work, but I'd like to try. I want to feel you against me."

Anne slid her right hand around his waist, feeling his hand snake up her shirt to her breast as their mouths finally did connect. They stood kissing and touching until the next step was obvious. Anne took his right hand and led him back to the bedroom. With infinite gentleness, she helped him take off his polo shirt. He dropped his chinos in place and then stood, looking at her. She started to unbutton her blouse.

"No, wait, uhm let me do that."

Slowly, he walked to her, keeping his eyes locked on hers, and then unbuttoned her blouse. Next he felt for the clasp on her skirt, feeling it pass his legs on its journey to the floor. Anne undid her bra and let it, too, fall to the floor as she walked into his embrace. They kissed, standing chest to chest. She pulled his right hand and led him to her core. Touching her abdomen, he slid his hand beneath the band of her underwear and stroked softly. She was wet and ready. He took a breath and then ever so slowly, inserted a finger into her. They both hesitated; she because of the feeling and he because it was one of his broken fingers. He continued to touch her as he felt her body react. Suddenly, her right hand came between them and explored under the waistband of his shorts, gently touching him. This touching party lasted for almost five minutes until she pulled away. Quickly she took off her underwear and lay back on the bed, her hair spread out on the pillow as if it was in water. Jack pulled off his shorts, his erection very ready. He knelt between her legs, smelling her, taking in the musk of the two of them. Leaning over, he kissed her hungrily as she reached for him. He sucked in his breath, trying to keep control. Sitting back up, he slipped his finger into her again, bringing her to readiness.

"Please, Jack, now."

As he put his weight on his right forearm, she guided him into her. When he made initial contact, he opened his eyes and looked at her as he inched forward. Her face was glowing in ecstasy. Starting a slow rhythm, he kept looking at her. He wanted her to come first, and really held on until he felt her.

"I'm coming, Anne."

It was monumental, a great release, and she actually came again. He semi-collapsed onto her, gaining control. When he could, he rolled onto his back, still breathing hard. Anne kissed him, carefully rubbing his stomach. He kissed her, a slow, loving kiss that lasted for a while. Then he was aware of her hand on his hip, and then on his thigh.

"Just relax."

"Uhm, I don't think I can do that," he chuckled softly.

"Right, don't relax, just let me drive."

Anne lay to his right, kissing and caressing him until his erection returned. She straddled his hips, feeling him against her back. Leaning over, she pulled her hair back and kissed him. He grasped her breasts softly and kissed them, feeling the nipples harden under his touch. She listened to his breathing, watching his face and then slowly impaled herself on him. He lifted his right hand to her, finding her button with his thumb. Her moaning increased, his tempo increased and they came together.

6:30am

Jack woke up with Anne lying half across his waist. He ran his hand through her curly hair, smelling her. He could feel himself getting aroused as she started to awaken, squirming slightly on top of him.

"Mmmm."

"Morning," he rumbled.

"Oh yeah, and a good morning it is," she said, crawling up to kiss him passionately.

"What's your schedule?" he asked, in between kisses.

"I need to be at the office at nine."

"Ah, I need to be at the office at 7:45."

"Set a record," she instructed.

7:52am

Jack walked into Glenn Bradley's office and stood in front of his secretary.

"Ah, Agent Malone. I love a man who arrives on time," the secretary said.

"Uhm, actually, I'm wondering if I can reschedule until this afternoon."

"Oh, let me see. Yes, he has a six o'clock cancellation. Would that work for you?"

"Yes, that would be great, thanks."

"Bye."

"Bye."

Jack went down to his floor, fixed a cup of coffee and went to his office.

8:00am

The phone rang.

"Malone."

"What you cancelled?"

"Glenn? No I rescheduled for six o'clock."

"Why?"

Jack thought for a moment before replying.

"Because I know that I'll be upset after our session and I wouldn't be able to work."

"I'll accept that answer for now. Just take it easy."

"Thanks, Glenn."

"You're welcome, Jack."

"Bye."

"Bye."

Jack hung up the phone and sipped his coffee before turning on his computer to catch up on his emails.

8:30am

Viv walked in, passing Jack's office, straight to the bullpen. As was her custom, she walked into the kitchenette and made herself a cup of coffee. She headed for his door and tapped her wedding band on it. He raised his head to find the source of the noise and smiled, motioning her to enter.

"Are you back?" she asked, setting her mug on his desk.

Jack looked at her, perplexed.

"'Cause if you are, I'm opening the blinds. If you're going to hide, I'll keep them shut."

"No, I'm trying to get back to my routine. Please, open away," he replied with a smirk.

Viv opened the blinds and then sat down opposite him. She studied his face, noticing the fading bruises and the way he favored his left shoulder.

"To bring you up to speed, Covall is at Riker's awaiting trial on murder, kidnapping of a Federal agent, and attempted murder of said agent," Viv paused, watching him as he looked at his swollen fingers.

"Jessica's sister came up from Philadelphia and identified the body. William Farrell's mother is on her way in from Seattle."

"So life goes on," Jack commented absently.

"Yeah, of course."

She knew he wanted to say more but it appeared he was struggling to find either the words or the energy.

"I'm going to check on my computer and see if we have a new case yet. I did call about your gun and NYPD assured me that they should be able to get it back to you by next week. Van Doren says she can push your qualifier back until your hand is stronger."

"Thanks," he said quietly.

"Jack?"

He looked up at her, his eyes red-rimmed, his face dry.

"Nice to have you back."

Jack cleared his throat before answering.

"Thanks, Viv."

She picked up her coffee and headed to the bullpen, hearing him shift in his chair behind her.

The next hour, Jack sat at his desk, going through various papers that had accumulated in his in-box, as the team walked in for work. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Danny stuck his head in.

"Jack, we need you. We have a new case."

He stood, picking up his empty coffee cup and legal pad, before heading to the kitchenette to make a fresh cup. Walking to the bullpen, he was surprised to see Van Doren standing with his team.

"Had to see the miracle man for myself," she said, squeezing his right shoulder.

Jack looked at the floor, but not before Viv saw the look on his face.

"Well, Agent Johnson, I'll let you get to it."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Van Doren left the bullpen and Jack sat down, still not looking at anyone.

"Okay, people. New case; Leslie J. Strauss, thirty-two. Gone missing on Monday. Last seen leaving the Grove Street PATH station in Jersey City."

"What does she do?" Jack asked, trying to get focused.

"She works as an analyst at Goldman Sachs in the Jersey City office."

He wrote notes on his pad, looking up at the photo of the brunette on the whiteboard.

"Jack, I'd like you to dig into her phone records. Samantha, you and Danny check out her apartment in Brooklyn. Martin, you and I are going to her office."

Jack nodded and took his pad and coffee to his office to start his profile on the missing woman.

"Well?" Sam asked, looking at his back.

"One day at a time, Samantha. You all know how this works," she reminded.

The team slowly started to return their focus to the task at hand rather than their team leader.

12:30pm

Jack wiped his face before standing and heading to the men's room. He ran the water until cold was somewhat accurate. Pooling the water in his cupped hands, he immersed his face in it several times. The door opened and Martin walked in, stopping immediately when he saw Jack, and then trying to cover by walking to the far urinal. Jack wiped his face with paper towels and walked up to Martin as he was about to unzip, invading his space.

"Don't even pretend to think you have a clue, rookie! What, are you checking up on me? Leave me alone, junior," Jack said in a low voice that scared Martin.

Jack glared at him for an extra moment, and then left the room. He sat at his desk, frustrated at his behavior, and then started to direct his energy back to Leslie Strauss. Fifteen minutes later, he collected his data and headed out to the bullpen.

"Viv? I have some information on Ms. Strauss," he said, sitting at the conference table.

"Okay," she answered as she walked over to sit with him.

"Turns out she's an avid sailor. She was heading to Liberty Landing Marina the day she went missing. She was also frugal, choosing to walk to the marina, rather than taking a taxi."

"You got this from her phone records?"

"Some of it," he said, smiling.

"Okay, what else?"

"Boyfriend, uhm Jacob Stern. They met at Temple."

Viv looked at him in wonder.

"Okay, Jack. Where is she?"

"I don't know for sure, but it's a desolate area; the walk to the marina. I just don't know if she's a fighter or not."

"Keep digging, I'll send Martin to the marina."

He nodded and went back to his office.

4:00pm

"Viv, I just got a hit on her cell phone." Jack said, walking up to her.

"Who did she call?"

"Her mother; for five minutes. It pinged off a tower in Westchester."

"So she's still here. Good job, Jack. Let me call the troops and get Samantha to check with the mother."

Jack smiled, his adrenaline racing. He put his file down on the conference table and then walked out onto the balcony. Taking a deep breath, he looked out onto the city, ignoring the light rain, before he backed up to the building wall and crouched.

"Jack?" Viv asked, walking up to him minutes later.

"I screwed up!"

"What do you mean?" she asked, crouching next to him.

"I let my guard down at the gallery."

Viv smiled briefly but remained silent, watching him. He closed his eyes and rocked his head back against the slick wall, feeling the rain on his face.

"Jack, can we go inside, please?"

"No, no…not yet. I need to…I just need to think some more."

He reached up and unbuttoned his top button of his shirt, loosening his tie and pulling out his necklace.

"Is that the St. Jude Chet Collins gave you?"

"Yeah."

"The cross is new. It's pretty."

"It was my mother's."

Viv reached out to Jack's arm.

"Come on."

"Viv, you don't know what he did to me; to her," Jack said, his voice low and soft.

"I do, Jack. I was in Tyler's interview. I know what he did, I was in that apartment. Please, come inside with me."

Slowly Viv and Jack got to their feet and walked back into the empty bullpen. She slid her arm around his back as they walked to his office. Jack sat heavily on the sofa, again leaning his head back, shutting his eyes. Viv picked up the receiver and called upstairs.

"Dr. Bradley's office."

"Hi, this is Agent Johnson. Jack Malone is ready to see Dr. Bradley. Can he come to his office on twelve?"

"Of course. He'll be there as soon as he can."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. Bye."

"Bye."

5:30pm

Sam, Martin and Danny walked onto the floor, passing Jack's office, noting the blinds drawn and the lights out.

"Lucky break with the phone call," Martin remarked.

"Yeah, but you have to be pretty self-centered to go on a road trip alone for two days without letting anyone know," Danny commented.

"I don't know. I've thought about it," Sam murmured.

"Jack go home after breaking the case?" Danny asked Viv as he sat at his desk.

"Ah, no."

Danny raised his eyebrows, but was then distracted by a noise from Jack's office.

"Guys, let him be. He has to work through this," she directed firmly.

Glenn watched Jack in the almost-darkness of the office. He knew he felt guilty about Jessica Lambert's death because he couldn't stop it. But there was a deeper guilt of his complacency at the gallery.

The books which had been on the middle shelf, were now strewn all over the floor, and Jack was pacing with anger and frustration.

"Feel better?"

"No damn it!" he shouted.

"You screwed up. Did you cause that girl to die? No. Covall said he had planned on killing her from the start. Perhaps you caused your own injuries because you let your guard down; I'll give you that."

Jack sat on the sofa, his jacket long since thrown on the floor with his tie. His shirt was untucked, cuffs unbuttoned; he lowered his head into his hands, feeling hurt and exhausted.

"Can you live with that?"

Jack didn't reply.

"Jack?"

"I guess I'll have to," he whispered.

Glenn stood and turned the desk lamp to its next brighter setting.

"Go home, Jack. Go to sleep. We'll pick this up tomorrow, same time."

Jack nodded silently as Glenn left him alone.

Anne walked off the elevator to see Glenn leaving Jack's office.

"Is Jack in?"

"Uhm, yes. You're Anne Cassidy, aren't you? I'm Glenn Bradley, department psychiatrist."

"Oh, hello. How's Jack?"

"He's ready for you to take him home, if you can."

"Sure, I mean, I was planning on it."

"Night."

"Night."

Anne paused before she walked into Jack's office without knocking. She was surprised to see the books on the floor, but more surprised at how ragged Jack looked.

"Hi."

Jack remained silent, but slowly moved his right hand from his face and lay it palm up on the sofa next to him. She sat down, gently grasping his hand.

"Can we…can we just sit here for a couple of minutes, before we go home?"

"Sure," she said, reaching her left arm across his back. "Whatever you need."

They sat together for several minutes before he turned to look at her.

"I'm sorry,"

"Okay…"

"I screwed up at the site. I was lazy."

"Don't do it again, "Anne said, softly. "I couldn't bear to lose another good man."

"No, I promise."

"Then, let's go home," she said pulling him closer into a tight hug.

"Thanks for being here, again."