Chapter 23
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After dinner the team made their way out of the restaurant and began walking back to the hotel. They all kept pace with Martin, pretending not to notice that he was moving slowly. It was a lovely night in Georgetown. The humidity was actually bearable which made for a pleasant walk along the bustling city streets.
Sam kept stealing glances at Martin. She couldn't believe how different he looked while still looking the same. It was hard to explain. He just looked subdued, worn out. His eyes didn't have that spark that they normally did. She glanced at him again and it took all her will power to not constantly touch him, to assure herself that he was here, walking and talking. She thought she wasn't being obvious but in the middle of studying Martin she realized that Viv and Danny were watching her. She broke her gaze from Martin and suddenly found the shop windows incredibly interesting. She didn't dare turn around when she heard soft laughs coming from Viv and Danny.
As they walked, Martin and Jack discussed the hearing and Martin mentioned that he would be testifying on Wednesday morning since Tuesday was booked with Jack, Sam and Danny's reports. Sam was surprised because the team was leaving at noon on Wednesday which meant that they wouldn't be able to hear Martin's testimony. This was not happy news to Jack either.
"I'm not mad I just wish I had been notified. I would have liked a chance to go over your report with you beforehand." Jack grumpily commented.
"Jack, you had my report that I turned in before we were transporting Adisa." Sam could see Martin's jaw clench. "I'm not straying from that if that's what you're worried about."
"It's not that, I just don't like not being informed. I'm the SAC, I should have been told."
"I'm sorry, Jack, but I only found out this morning." Martin sounded genuinely apologetic and Sam saw Jack back down, sorry for lashing out on Martin.
"Sorry, this isn't any of your concern." Jack then sped up as they neared the hotel entrance.
Once they were in the lobby, Viv non-too-subtly remarked, "I'm exhausted. I can't wait to get to bed." As she held her hand to her mouth and yawned.
As if on queue, Danny added. "Me too, it sure has been a long day, don't you think Jack?"
Jack eyed the two of them suspiciously before finally nodding his head in agreement and saying, "I guess we should head on up." He turned to look at Martin and said, "Goodnight, it's good to see you."
"It's good to be seen." Martin responded as Jack stepped towards the elevator.
"Night you guys." Viv remarked getting in step with Jack.
"Goodnight, don't let the bed bugs biteā¦." Danny joked to Martin and Sam as he followed Jack and Viv to the elevators.
"That was subtle." Martin quipped as he turned to look at Sam who just nodded in agreement.
"Did you drive?" She asked, rubbing her hands together.
"No, not allowed yet. I'll just go ask the concierge to call me a cab." Martin began moving towards the hotel's front desk when Sam touched his arm.
"Do you have to go home right now?" Martin looked at her questioningly but shook his head. "Do you want to maybe go have a drink in the bar?"
She could see Martin warring with himself but thankfully he agreed. "Sure, why not?"
Sam smiled at him and together they headed to the hotel bar.
