She stared at him, speechless. Perhaps it was time to turn around and run for the hotel. Sleep, she reasoned, she needed sleep. Taking a closer look at him as he approached, she knew it was really him, not a figment of her imagination. He stopped several feet away from her and she took one hesitant step towards him. '

"I thought you were dead," she gasped at him.

"Now, Carter, why would you think that?"

"A letter I sent to you was returned."

"When?"

"Over a year ago."

"Ah."

Sam had been hoping for an explanation. Now she thought she had it. He had returned the letter, and the stamp with the slash through it had been someone in a hurry at the post office. He didn't want anything to do with her, he had made himself quite clear. She nodded at him and turned to continue on her way.

"Carter, I moved."

"Moved?" Sam turned back to face him.

"Yeah, didn't need the house anymore, so I sold it."

"When."

"Couple of years ago."

"Why?"

"Took a different job. Moved from Colorado Springs."

"Oh."

"What made you think I was dead?"

"The letter, when it was delivered back to me, had a stamp on it. Couldn't quite tell where the check mark was supposed to be but it was closer to the deceased option than any other."

"Me, nah, can't kill me off apparently."

"What about the others?"

"Carter, you know I can't really discuss that with you."

"I just want to know, are they ok?"

"They're all fine."

"I haven't heard from anyone in so long that I thought you were all gone."

"Nope, still alive an kickin. So what about you?"

"Me?"

"Yeah, I've gotta admit I was kinda surprised when you answered to Carter."

"Well, it was my name for how many years?" She practically spat the words out.

"Ok, ok. Just saying..."

"Sir, don't worry about it. What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for my ride." He checked his watch and looked around for the car.

"Official business?"

"Yes. You?"

"Had some meetings to attend. Going back home tomorrow after the last one."

"Ah. Well, I won't keep you."

"Sir?"

"Carter?"

"Never mind."

"Ok, see ya around."

Sam watched as he checked his watch and sauntered away into the mob of tourists surrounding them. She stayed where she was for several minutes, watching his retreating form wander towards the road. She started to feel cooler from staying in one place, and began to run again, her mind no longer filled with work.