"Sam…Sam? Open up."
Samantha squinted her eyes painfully as the pounding continued. With a deep groan, she toppled out of bed and to her feet. Grabbing a bathrobe, she wrapped herself into the cushy material as she padded to the door. Looking out of the peephole, she spied her visitor, the sight producing another deep groan.
"What can I do for you Jack?" she sighed heavily, opening the door.
"…Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asked after a brief silence.
Samantha seriously pondered the question. "Do I have a choice?"
"Do you want to keep your job?" he shot back.
Samantha rolled her eyes, not realizing that Jack was more than serious. She led him to the living room, gesturing towards the couch. She watched as he slowly surveyed the room, knowing that his mind was filling with all the times he had spent there.
Jack cleared his throat. "Viv told me she had to send you home today," he said gravely.
Samantha ran her fingers through her hair. Was that just this morning? She felt like she had slept for days. "Umm, yeah. She did."
"Care to tell me why?"
Her mind blanked over the reason. The two stared at each other as the silence grew. "Can I get you anything to drink?" she asked dully.
Jack folded his arms, leaning forward. "Let me see if I can help you out with that. Viv said that you were acting…suspiciously. Almost as if you might be under the influence."
Samantha's eyes widened in what she hoped mirrored shock. "I…I, that's crazy. Under the influence of what?" she snapped.
Jack again treated her with his trademark stare. Starting to fidget, Samantha broke the silence. "Jack…you know me…this is ridiculous. Why would Viv say something like that? I have just been very tired and unfocused and I apologize for that. I'll get it together."
Jack switched tactics. "Who is Neo Harris?"
Samantha blinked at the abrupt change in topic. "I have no idea," she flat out lied.
"Samantha," Jack sighed. "You've been acting off for the last couple of months and…I know I'm not the best person qualified to offer this, but I'm here to talk if you need to."
Samantha stiffened. "Now you want to be there for me Jack?" she asked softly.
"Yes…if you need me…" he answered.
Samantha rose and went to the door. "You're right, you aren't the best person qualified to offer that," she said firmly. " I'm fine. I sincerely apologize for my erratic behavior and it won't happen again. I will straighten things out with Viv in the morning."
Jack got up to approach the door then, abruptly turned around. Samantha found herself uncomfortably face to face with her ex-lover.
"Is it…are you having your…your urges again?" he asked softly.
Samantha could feel the heat rising to her face. "Jack…get out," she whispered harshly. Nodding slightly, he turned and walked out, Samantha slamming the door shakily after him.
XXXX
Martin was busy researching financial records for their latest MP, a priest at St. Urban's Cathedral who disappeared after a traffic accident. He sighed as he went through the rather boring details. Apparently a priest's life can be pretty dull, at least money-wise, he thought wearily.
Suddenly feeling that prickling sensation that he was being watched, Martin's head snapped up and he whirled around in his chair. Sure enough, Danny was openly staring at him, an unreadable look on his face.
Martin furrowed his brow. "What's up brother, need help with something?"
"No," Danny said, shortly. Martin shrugged and started to turn back towards his work when he noticed Danny made no move to return to his. Sighing, he squared back around and folded his arms. "Something you want to talk about? I'm all ears."
Martin could see Danny's jaw clench as he anxiously tapped a pen against the desk. "Why did you break up with Sam?" he asked finally.
Martin rolled his eyes. It was enough that he knew his friend was sleeping with her, but now he wanted to discuss it? "Look Danny," Martin said, trying to tamp down on his annoyance. "I understand if you and Sam are…together, but I gotta tell ya, I have no desire to bask in it with you."
Danny hopped out of his chair and came over to Martin's desk. Perching on the corner, Danny looked squarely at Martin. "I need to know," he began quietly, "why you broke up with Sam."
What a perfect form of revenge, Martin thought bitterly as he opened his mouth to reveal the scenario. Just then he noticed the look of anger and desperation in Danny's eyes, and something stopped him from divulging. Let Samantha be the one to tell him, he thought. It was only right.
"We just weren't a good fit," Martin said finally. "That's all Danny."
"You're lying. Why are you protecting her?" he said angrily, jabbing Martin in the chest. "You don't even like her."
Martin paused. He hadn't realized his manner towards Samantha had suggested such a strong feeling. He instantly felt guilty over his behavior. "Danny whatever problems you are having with Sam, you really need to discuss them with her," he said kindly.
Danny wanted to argue but bit back his retort. Pushing himself off of Martin's desk he said, "Good looking out." Martin watched as he stalked from the office.
XXX