Chapter 14

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Sam sat at her desk drinking her second cup of coffee this morning. She inhaled the French Roast aroma in the hopes that it would help speed up the caffeine high and make her more alert. She needed all the help she could get because she was exhausted. After Katherine called her with the news about Martin, she spent the rest of the day doing her best to keep busy. She finished reviewing her notes per Jack's instructions, caught up on all her paperwork, email and correspondence. She even managed to reorganize her desk and color code her paperclips and highlighters. At home she attacked her apartment with the same frenetic energy: she cleaned it from top to bottom, including the refrigerator; rearranged her living room – twice; did her laundry; paid her bills; and organized her closet according to color, style and function. Yup, she kept busy so she wouldn't keep thinking about Martin every minute. Instead it was only every other minute.

She drank the last of her coffee, putting the cup down and leaned back in her chair. She was in the middle of a yawn and stretch when she spotted Danny strolling into the office.

"You're late." She smiled over at him.

"Yes, I am." He smirked.

"Based on that smile on your face, I'm guessing Emma is the reason." She smirked back.

Danny just shrugged his shoulders and gave her a mischievous smile. Sam knew that he and Emma must be pretty serious because she had never seen Danny so happy or relaxed. She was surprised to hear that he was dating someone so suddenly after the shooting but when she met Emma she knew why Danny couldn't help but fall for her. She was so genuine that Sam liked her instantly.

"So, since you seem to have a lot to say on how I look this morning can I say something about how you look?" Danny asked as he came over and sat on the end of her desk.

"No." She responded curtly.

"Too bad, cuz you look like hell."

"Thanks a lot." Sam responded. "I know I do, I didn't get much sleep last night."

"Martin?"

"Who else? I just wish I could talk to him. Just to know he's okay."

"You know, Emma agreed with his parents about giving Martin some time but I say screw it. Call him. Maybe he needs a little confrontation." Danny urged.

"I want to, I do. But if he says he needs some time…" Sam trailed off.

"Look, I say call him. You don't have to pressure him into a lengthy discussion, just call and say hello. You know him well enough to tell if he doesn't want to talk and take it from there." Danny paused before adding with a smile, "And if he sounds cool, transfer the call to me."

He gave her a little tap on the shoulder before heading to his desk.

Sam sat back in her chair considering Danny's advice. She really did want to talk to him, if only to hear his voice. She thought back to what Martin had told her about calling her mother and that all it took to make the call was a little courage.

Smiling, she picked up the phone and dialed Georgetown University Hospital.

The operator picked up on the first ring. "G.U.H. switchboard, where may I direct your call?"

"Martin Fitzgerald, room 1013."

"Please hold while I connect you."

And then with her stomach in knots, Sam waited as the phone was directed to...a busy signal.

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1-646-555-2

Click.

1-646-555-24

Click.

Damn. This was A LOT harder than Martin thought. He had been trying to call Sam for the last few minutes. He'd start pressing the numbers but then get so nervous that he would hang up before he finished dialing. He hadn't experienced this much anxiety calling a girl since he was in high school looking for a date to a dance.

1-646-555-2438

There. He did it. He waited with baited breath as the phone rang……and went straight to voicemail.

"You've reached Special Agent Samantha Spade…."

Click.

He put the phone back on its cradle and released the breath he didn't know he'd been holding.

Oh, well, at least he can tell Dr. Salinger he tried.