Author's Note: Talk about a scene I didn't see coming. This one was not even on my radar, not even remotely. For context without spoiling too much, this scene is meant to be Sam's wake-up call and resolve her role in investigating Shiloh (though it doesn't seem like she's responding that way at first). The next chapter will clear that up as well as feature the requested Jason/Jake only scene.
Jason opened the door and let Sam inside the house.
"How'd it go?" Sam asked.
"We need to talk," Jason said, indicating for Sam to follow him into the study.
"I don't have a lot of time," Sam said, "I'm supposed to meet Kristina at Dawn of Day for a class."
"That's part of what we need to talk about," Jason said, "I know you want to help Kristina, but it's affecting Danny on top of everything else he's been struggling with."
"What happened?" Sam asked, following Jason into the study. Jason shut the door.
"Danny made it very clear he has no interest in doing anything with me" Jason said, "He took it out on Jake, forcing him to choose between hanging out with him or me. Then he ran off to hang out with Cameron and Trina. Cameron got into to it with Danny over his treatment of Jake and somehow ended up getting Danny to come here. Danny ignored Jake at the campfire before he, Jake, and the twins ended up in a fight and throwing punches at each other."
"Who started the fight?" Sam asked.
"The boys aren't telling who started it," Jason said, "It's better this morning, but only because Cameron snuck all the boys out of bed to broker a truce. The boys don't know Kellie and I know they snuck out of their rooms."
"This sounds like more of Danny having a problem with you," Sam said.
"Except for the conversation I had with Danny while he was in time out," Jason said, "Aside from not wanting to get close to Jake or I because he's afraid of losing us again, Danny doesn't feel like he has any sort of stable family life."
"He said that?" Sam asked.
"Yeah," Jason said, "Jamie and Jared also asked me about having the foundation investigate Shiloh so you wouldn't have to. So Danny said something to them."
"I can't abandon Kristina, especially if this Shiloh is that sleazy," Sam said, "It's not like Kellie's turned up anything in her investigation on Shiloh."
"Actually, Kellie's investigation turned up possible fraud at the foundation," Jason said, "Included several sizable checks to Dawn of Day, the PCPD and several forensic accounts are looking into it.
"But Dawn of Day is definitely outside of the foundation's wheelhouse," Sam said.
"There's interstate wire transfers so the FBI is getting involved," Jason said.
"But there's no proof yet of actual fraud yet," Sam asked.
"Not yet," Jason said, "The forensic accountants had to put together what they could for the PCPD quickly when Kellie and I were brought in for questioning about the murder of one of the foundation employees. The employee also received payments from the foundation and admitted to Curtis and Mac he'd lied to get Kellie fired right before he was killed."
"And Shiloh could still con his way out of facing charges," Sam said, "He could say he thought the checks were a donation and he had no way of knowing the payments were authorized."
"Let the FBI sort it out," Jason said, "The executive director and his sister who works for Sec Nav were also getting checks."
"Sec Nav?" Sam replied, "Why does that sound familiar?"
"They have a connection to NCIS who was investigating Garrett," Jason said, "Someone from Sec Nav also told NCIS not to investigate Shiloh and Garrett's ties to each other."
"If it's this sister, what are the odds she'd turn on Shiloh or Garrett if they're involved in whole scheme," Sam asked.
"It's anyone's guess at the point," Jason said.
"I feel like I'd still keep doing what I'm doing with Kristina," Sam said, "Who knows maybe I'll run across something the cops can use."
"And what about Danny?" Jason said, "You were his main constant through most of his life and he doesn't even feel like he has that."
"This is just temporary," Sam said, "I'll make sure to talk to Danny about why I'm gone so much right now."
"Sam, he needs stability," Jason said, "How often does he get dropped off at the Quartermaines."
"He doesn't want to come here," Sam said, "So where else would he go?"
"Maybe we should ask Danny where he wants to stay," Jason said, "Especially if this does take awhile."
"Are you talking about going after custody of Danny?" Sam asked, "Because that's not going to happen."
"Sam, what I'm suggesting is giving Danny a choice about where he wants to spend his time, here or the Quartermaines," Jason said, "Unless you want to back off Shiloh. It might him feel like he has choice about something."
"You said Cameron brokered a truce," Sam said, "And it seems to be working. Who's to say that the problem's solved."
"Danny's behavior hasn't been improving," Jason said, "Even if he doesn't take out his feelings on the other kids, who knows what he'll come up with next if we don't try something else. His problem is with us and the lack of support he feels like he has from both of us. Do you have another idea?"
"Leave things as they are and see if Cameron's truce worked," Sam said as Olivia opened the door to the study.
"You might want to keep your voice down," Olivia said, "Because I can hear you both out there. Thank god the boys are still in the backyard."
"That's the last thing I wanted," Jason said, "Would you mind making sure the boys stay occupied in the backyard until Sam and I are finished?"
"We're finished," Sam said, "I'm late to meet Kristina."
"Cancel. I'm sure Kristina will understand that Danny needs his mom," Olivia said.
"It's not that simple, Olivia," Sam said.
"It is that simple," Olivia said, keeping her voice low, "You're choosing between your son and your sister. I don't know what mess you think your sister has gotten herself into that she needs saving. But Kristina is a grown up. You need to let her take care of her own mess and focus on Danny. As it is Danny and Scout see a lot more of the Quartermaines than they do you. While we adore those kids, that's no substitute for a mom."
"Olivia, that's enough," Jason said.
"I know, I stuck my nose where it really doesn't belong," Olivia said, "But somebody had to say it. I'll go check on the boys. Where's Kellie?"
"Upstairs," Jason said, "She slept in this morning."
Olivia exited quietly, shutting the door.
"That was harsh," Sam said
"Olivia isn't one to hold back her opinions," Jason said.
"It's none of her business," Sam said, "I've told you and Drew this thing with Kristina and Shiloh is only temporary."
"And it's gone on longer than anyone expected," Jason said, "And impacted Danny and Scout more than we would have thought."
"Well if the police and FBI can prove Shiloh was in on the fraud," Sam said, "This is all over then and things they go back to the way they were."
"Sam, I'm not asking your permission to ask Danny what he wants to do about his living situation," Jason said, "If he wants to stay at the Quartermaines then I"ll let it go provided he behaves. But if he can't, then I think we should discuss his living arrangements further and having him spend more time here."
"So then he gets to live life under an army of guards," Sam said, "And be more likely to get hurt if someone goes after you or Kellie. Drew and I wanted out of Sonny's business so the kids would be safer. I think having him stay with you could defeat the purpose of that."
"Sam, you know I'd everything possible to keep Danny safe," Jason said, "How many times has Danny snuck out, putting himself in danger. We can't ignore the fact that Danny's emotional well being has be considered too."
"This conversation is over," Sam said, "I'm getting Danny and leaving."
Sam left the room without giving Jason a chance to respond.
She marched to the backyard not even realizing she'd passed Kellie in the kitchen. Jason had followed Sam as far as the Kitchen. Sam opened the backdoor and yelled for Danny.
"So guess you'll be dropping me off at Grandma Monica's," Danny said to Sam, his attitude picking back up.
"I'm meeting Kristina," Sam said, "So yeah."
"Whatever," Danny said.
"Not whatever," Sam said, "I won't tolerate…"
"I'll go get my stuff," Danny said, brushing past her, "I'll see you in the car."
"Sam, " Kellie started to say, trying to ease the tension in the room.
"I can't right now," Sam said, "I'll wait for Danny out front."
Sam left Jason and Kellie and let herself out the front. While waiting for Danny, Sam saw she had missed messages from Kristina and Shiloh, asking her if she want to attend a later session with Shiloh or schedule something a private session with Shiloh.
Sam lightly banged her head against the wooden beam pole in frustration, trying to figure out what to do. Danny slammed the door open and shut, running out to the car, ignoring Sam. Sam watched as Danny got in the back seat before texting Kristina, "Kristina, something's come up. I won't be making it today."
Sam made her way to the car and got in the driver's seat.
"You know what," Sam said, "It's been awhile since you and I have spent any time together just the two of us. What do you say we go see a movie and….
"I have homework to do," Danny said.
"Are you sure?" Sam asked.
"Yes, now can we just go," Danny said.
"Okay," Sam said.