Chapter 39: Just Reward PT 2

1530hrs: Lt. Smith's rental house...

Pete woke up groggily from drinking too much beer. His father and best friend thought he needed to relax so they got him drunk. The last thing he remembers is leaning on Jessie's shoulder. How he got in bed is beyond him. Although right now he felt really good thanks to his new wife lying with him.

Pete ran his fingers lazily through her hair wondering how he was going to tell her the truth. There was nowhere to run to that they, the NID, could not get to him. They were royally screwed. His family could be lied to easily. The note said they would not be harmed; it was just his new wife they threatened.

Jessie started to stir at Pete's loving touch. She smiled into his shoulder then raised her head and kissed him firmly. "I'm very happy that you're safe. When they took you I didn't know if I'd ever see you again." She told him with tears forming.

"To tell you the truth so did I babe." He told her sincerely. "I need you to be strong for me though. The lawyer I have is also working for our handlers. He told me that I am to do as told and nothing else. If I don't, your life is forfeit and I won't let that happen. I made a promise to protect you and I will." Pete finished kissing Jessie with passion.

Jessie listened intently as she lay in her husband's arms. This was almost exactly what they (Jessie/Drae'ma) feared. Their handlers had turned on them for some reason. The information they were given on Colonel O'Neill was specific. Whoever wanted the colonel dead also had the desire for him to suffer first, along with Major Carter. The intelligence provided mentioned that Colonel O'Neill recovers quickly. The intel also stated that the Colonel's friends often aided him. The only thing the two could figure out is that O'Neill had received help. Jessie and Pete were talking the fall for this for some reason. They had to get off earth then. Jessie thought to herself while hugging Pete tighter. Drae'ma suggested telling their husband the truth. Once he accepted the truth and her mission was complete they could leave earth and be safe.

"I trust you my love, I really do. What are you going to tell your parents and Lt. Smith?" she asked snuggling closer to him.

"I'll tell them what the lawyer said I could, nothing more." He replied quietly. "We'll talk after we're alone babe. I can fill you in on the details then. Right now I need to use the restroom." Pete stated.

"...but I'm so comfortable in your arms." She replied but let go reluctantly.

1804hrs: Kitchen Table...

The newlyweds walk into the kitchen seeing dinner laid out. Pete's mom made one his favorites, Meatloaf and mashed potatoes. She even had some of Jessie's favorites too, apple sauce and cottage cheese. "Sit down you two, I'll pull the pumpkin pie out of the oven and then we can eat." His mom said running back into the kitchen.

"Your mom really worked hard preparing the meal. She threw me out twice before threatening me with a butcher knife." His father jokes.

"She always had to." Pete replies laughing as well.

"So am I going to chase you out of the kitchen too?" Jessie asks mockingly.

"My dear Jessie, if you're half the cook his mom is you'd better put up an iron gate." Ben jokes loudly.

"Now Ben, you know I only chased the two of you out because the food would be eaten before making it to the table." Marybeth corrects her husband and son.

"Don't listen to my mom; she liked the challenge of keeping us out." Pete cajoles with a smirk.

"Your right son, it was always a challenge between all of your brothers and father." His mom answers with a smile. Pete looks at the table setting seeing only four plates.

"Did Berry have to leave mom?" he asks wondering why his friends is absent. Ben looks at his wife as she takes a seat.

"Berry went home to his family, said he'd catch up with you later. I suppose he wanted to give us some family time before we left." His father answered.

"That was nice of him. I'll have to buy him a round or two at O'Malley's soon." Pete replied as he filled his plate with food. The family ate and talked about nothing import. Ben wanted the dinner to be joyful saving the supposed charges.

1845hrs: Living Room...

They all sat in the living room of Berry's rental house. It was really nicely furnished for a rental property. Pete took a swig of Budweiser then began. "The Internal Affairs officers read me my rights and then booked me. They had more questions than I had answers." He said with a sigh. "My lawyer, Mr. Lucius Dowe, pushed for me to be released overnight but got denied as I was considered a flight risk. Where would I have gone too?" Pete says shrugging his shoulders.

"He's a great lawyer son. I've used him before. His rates are reasonable too." Ben told his son.

"What are they trying to charge you with Pete? You're a good detective that solves many a cases." His wife asked him. "They are saying that I tampered with evidence, planted evidence, and falsified paperwork for starters." He said telling them half-truths. The fact was, that he did do those things because the Running Man paid him to. "I told them the truth each time but they kept questioning me." He added.

"Sounds like you are being set up son. Is there anyone in the department that doesn't like you?" his father asked. Marybeth started to cry silent tears as she listened. Her baby boy was being targeted for some reason. "In the department no, but outside of the department there are a few that do. There's one that could pull this off. He hates me with a passion." Pete responded with a hint of anger. Seeing his mom crying he went over to her placing an arm on her shoulder. "Don't worry mom, I'll be proven innocent." Pete said with a smile. "I hope so son, sounds like this guy has powerful connections." She responded.

Jessie/Drae'ma sat in the love seat shedding light tears as well but was really thinking. 'This Colonel O'Neill must be connected to people more powerful than our handlers. If he can pull this many strings at once we should have just killed him.' Drae'ma surmised. 'Pete will tell us more when in private. We'll have a better picture then. We can leave once our mission is complete if need be.' Jessie replied back mentally. 'Agreed; I'm sure Pete will agree to blend with Sha'mus. The two of them are so much alike and the love making will be out of this world.' Drae'ma added with subdued happiness.

"Colonel O'Neill is friends with President Hayes I hear. If that's the case I'm in trouble. I'll have an uphill battle all the way." Pete answered back holding back anger in the fact that he wasn't allowed to kill him. His parents didn't need to know that part of the story.

"Is that the same Colonel that is Samantha's commanding officer Pete?" Jessie asks drying some tears. "He is and I also believe they were using me as a cover to an affair. We also got into a fight at his place." He adds for the sake of a good story.

"So this O'Neill fellow and your ex-girlfriend were sleeping together? That's a blatant violation of fraternization regulations. What was your fight over and did you win?" Ben replied with interest. Maybe this could be used in his defense.

"I can't confirm their affair dad but if they weren't they sure acted like it. The fight…" Pete said then continued. "…well, O'Neill won only because he's a trained black ops soldier. Has a mean right hook too!" he answered rubbing his jaw like it still hurt.

"Next time try him when you're sober. Never fight when drunk, it works against you every time." Ben advises Pete.

"Mr. Lucius Dowe, your lawyer, what did he say your chances were again?" his mom asked drying her tears. "He said that the evidence against is fabricated so well that it looks authentic. Mr. Dowe thinks he can prove everything bogus. The sticky part is my military records." Pete said taking a long drink.

"Why are your military records going to be a problem honey?" Jessie asked leaning her head on his shoulder.

"My former commanding officer sent the original recently. Its causing a conflict with the one I left with." He informed his family.

"Why would he do that now after all this time? His mother asked, confused.

"I never told you guys this but… I decked him and was thrown in the brig for my troubles." Pete told everyone with a cringe.

"You decked your commanding officer son, bad move there." His father replied.

"Why did you deck him Pete? I'm sure you had a good reason at the time." Jessie surmised.

"I did, he asked out my girlfriend out at the time. He knew we were dating too. She then promptly broke up with me. They married and have 4 kids now." He finished then got up for another beer.

"Want another dad?" Pete asks from the kitchen.

"Yeah, I'm dry too." Ben answered back. Pete came back handing another cold beer to his father.

"Does that bother you honey?" Jessie asked caressing his hand.

"It did at the time. Looking back…I'm glad it happened." Pete replied kissing her hair. "Why he sent this copy of my record now I don't know. If Mr. Dowe can't get it thrown out I will be charged with submitting false documents. That'll be enough to get me thrown off the force." He sighs looking down at his drink.

"I'm sorry son, this one big mess. I wish there was something we could do for you." His mom said squeezing his shoulder.

"Could you get on at another department? Jessie asked her husband.

"If my lawyer can't get the discharge papers thrown out… no, my law enforcement career is over." He informs his wife.

"Don't worry honey, I can get you on at my work (Colson Industries) if needed, they pay better too." She said trying to make Pete feel better about the situation. The night went as they shifted to other topic such as housing, vehicles, and insurance claims. To Pete's complete surprise his dad gave him the 1978 Firebird. It was Ben's first car and it still smoked tires to this day.

2100hrs: Washington D.C. Vice Presidents house…

"Mr. Vice President how was your trip to Europe?" his personal butler asked, taking the overcoat from Kinsey. "It was very relaxing Tim. The wife and I had a great time since I ordered there be not interruptions." Robert replied pulling out a cigar from his jacket pocket. "Here Tim, this is for you. I know how much you love Cuban Cigars." He said handing him a package. Tim looked at the package shocked at what he saw. "Mr. Vice President, these are Siglo 5's, very expensive and very good. I don't know what to say sir." Robert smiled then answered… "There's no need to say anything Tim. You're great at what you do. Consider it a thank you for your hard work and dedication." He said walking into his office and closed the doors. "You welcome sir." Tim replied taking one out and lighting it up. The taste was perfect as always.

Kinsey sat down at his opulent solid oak desk looking through various memos and files on his laptop. He came across a picture of his favorite Star Wars villain, Darth Vader. It was the scene where Han Solo and Princess Leia entered the dining room on cloud city. Sitting at the head of the table was Vader. He envisioned himself sitting there while Major Carter and Col. O'Neill were being led in. Robert smirked at the thought as he clicked on the picture decrypting it.

He couldn't wait to hear that Jack O'Neill was dead! This day would end on the highest note ever with him out of the picture. Major Carter could then be bent to his will. Robert let out evil laugh 'Muhahahahahahaha' then his face fell. "No..! This can't be! The mission was planned out perfectly. What the hell went wrong?" he yelled slamming his fist on the desk. Robert read further then cursed loudly. "I'll get you one day my dear Colonel O'Neill and your little Grey Friend!" he cackled as he spun around in his chair laughing manically!