He was a little on edge since the final attack had occurred. This time right under their noses with and armed guard right outside his door and Carter sitting beside him. Okay she had been asleep but it was her boyfriend, scratch that, the man she was going to marry that tried to kill him and almost succeeded. Was that why he wanted to off him or was there something more sinister going on? Physically he was fine, all he want to do was get out of here. But here he lay in the infirmary bed. The nurse had given him a CD player with a stack of discs to keep him busy. He found the Three Tenors and was deep into Placido Domingo's heart rendering rendition of Puccini's 'E lucevan le stelle'

'And the stars were shining…
The earth smelt sweet…
The garden gate creaked…
and a footstep brushed the sand.
She entered, fragrant,
and fell into my arms.
O soft kisses, tender caresses…'

Oh fuck, that wasn't going to happen.

'Vanished forever is my dream of love.
That time has fled and I die in despair.'

"Shit" he muttered as swallowing hard, he tore the ear phones off and glancing up he saw her in the door way. A smile flickered on his lips.

As she stood there she realized he hadn't been aware of her presence. He had earphones on, with the volume high and was rapt in the music spilling out of them. She didn't know what she had expected but this wasn't it. He was listening to opera and looked sad. For once his feelings not masked. When he noticed her and he paused the music.

"Hey Carter you here to spring me. You may need to be armed. I don't get any respect."

"Oh I'm sure you do sir. I…"

And before Sam could get a sentence out in walked Kerry Johnson with a bright smile on her lips. She greeted Sam and kissed Jack on the forehead. He looked embarrassed. Carter excused herself and left. Kerry smiled knowingly.
"Jack, I think we need to talk."

SJSJSJSJSJSJ

After Kerry left his room Jack placed the earphones back on to block out all thought racing around in his head and heard Pavrotti singing.

'No man will sleep…
You, princess,…
Watch the stars
Trembling with love and hope!
But my secret lies hidden within me…'

Secrets, no, he wasn't too sure about that anymore.

'And my kiss shall break The silence that makes you mine!
Depart, oh night! Set, you stars!
Set you stars! At dawn I shall win!
I shall win! I shall win!'

He wanted to believe but felt only despair.