Ack! I forgot the disclaimer! Here it is: They are not mine, I get no profit. Good enough. Thanks so much for the reviews! I really hope you all enjoy the next chapter. Let me know what you think!
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Sam was picking at the food on her tray when Jack strode into the infirmary. Since Sam was going to be there for a while, they were preparing to move her to a private room.
Sam looked up as Jack peeked around the curtain circling her bed. She smiled briefly and then returned her gaze to the food in front of her.
Jack raised an eyebrow. Then it hit him. They had been here. He slowly came around the bed and sat down in the chair next to her.
Sam was trying to take slow controlled breaths, her eyes closed. Jack suspected to keep the tears away. He touched her hand and she pulled away; putting her hand up against her face, covering her eyes.
"Sam"
She shook her head.
"They've been here already, haven't they?" Jack asked, quietly.
Sam brought her hand down over her mouth and looked at Jack. Her eyes brimmed with tears; waiting to fall.
"They showed you that folder because you asked for it."
Sam nodded.
Jack sighed. He stood and leaned over Sam, bringing her head against his shoulder. Jack supported the back of her head with his hand; gently stroking her hair.
"Colonel Carter." The nurse pulled the curtain back. "Oh." She said as soon as she saw Sam wasn't alone. This time Sam didn't let go of Jack. She buried her face in his neck, hot tears rolling down her face.
Jack turned to the nurse. "Is it time for the move?" Jack asked calmly.
The nurse nodded.
"Could you give the Colonel a few minutes? I'll come get you when she's ready."
The nurse nodded. "Yes sir." She turned and left, pulling the curtains closed behind her.
Sam was trying to calm herself down. Jack sat on the bed next to her and continued to hold her.
She slowly began to pull away. Jack sat up and Sam looked up at him with watery blue eyes. The neck of Jack's t-shirt was wet.
"I'm sorry." Sam said when she saw his shirt.
"Hey, s'okay. Cassie already baptized me earlier." He said smiling.
Sam cracked a small smile. Jack grabbed a wash cloth off Sam's tray and wet it with her water. He gently washed Sam's face with the cool water. When he'd finished, he put the cloth back on the tray.
"C'mon Colonel, let's get you to your room."
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Jack watched as the nurses hovered around Sam's bed, making sure everything was hooked up. When they were satisfied, they asked Sam if there was anything she needed and she said no. They left, closing the door behind them.
"Cassie says hi." Jack said, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Sam smiled. "Tell her hi back."
Jack nodded. "She's worried about you."
"I figured as much. I think it makes it worse when she can't come see me. Her imagination shows her the worst." Sam said.
"Just being at the base is hard for her." Jack said. "She hasn't been here since the funeral."
Sam nodded. "I know."
Jack sighed. "I think I'm going to check on her before I turn in for the night."
Sam nodded.
"Besides, you need to get some rest." Jack said, poking Sam in the shoulder.
"Yes sir."
"I'll be back in the morning."
"Okay. Thank you sir."
"For what?"
"For being here with me."
"Always."
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"O'Neill."
"Jack, its Daniel."
"Hey Danny, what's up?"
"They are releasing Sam this weekend."
"Ah"
"Yeah, you wanted me to call."
"Thanks Daniel, I should be able to head back for a couple of days."
"All right. See you soon Jack."
Jack put down his phone and looked at the files on his desk. He pulled out the one marked 'abduction'.
The four men that were taken into custody at Carter's house had been interrogated again when the CIA got a hold of them. They provided a few more details about their operation. Apparently they had divulged where they were planning to take Sam and Cassie after they captured them. They had been casing Carter's house for several weeks. They waited until Cassie's car was at Sam's to make their move. But they didn't expect Jack to be there.
Jack closed his eyes. The day played over in his mind; breaking glass, bullets, Sam bleeding.
"General O'Neill."
Jack opened his eyes and looked to his doorway. His secretary stood with a pile of files in her arms.
"I'm sorry sir, but I wanted to give these to you before I left for the day." She said, stepping towards his desk.
He nodded. "I may be gone for a few days; I still have to talk to the president." Jack said as she put the files on his desk. "You think you can hold down the fort here while I'm gone?"
She smiled. "I am sure we will manage."
He smiled. "Call me if something comes up."
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