Chapter Sixteen: interrogation

Jack stared at the footage of him and Lyla at Lenny's bar from the night before, it was taken moments before she had been murdered according to the detectives standing either side of him.

Jack glanced at the small observation room he had been called into from work. His eyes landed on the mirror, chances were Carter was standing behind the mirror with the other detectives, Jack tore his gaze away from the mirror.

His eyes returned to the video, he didn't need to watch it with his full attention, the events of that night kept replaying through his mind. He remembered putting his foot down and leaving, luckily, it was CCTV footage and it hadn't picked up sound.

The taller detective walked over to Jack's right side, giving Jack a curious look, he queried, 'were you and the victim romantically involved...?'

Jack frowned, 'excuse me?'

'Sexually, I mean.'

Jack's eyes drifted to the large mirror again, he averted his gaze as he softly replied, 'once...but not recently.'

'When?'

'Around three months ago...' Jack wondered what effect his answers would have on his career if the chief of medicine was in fact standing on the other side of the mirror.

'Why didn't you pursue it?' the detective was now standing opposite Jack, training his eyes on Jack's nervous gaze.

'We were both drunk at the time...it was a mistake.'

'A mistake-gee doctor, you know the facts of life, its not like you fell into her, then out of her then-'

Jack shot him a look, the detective paused mid-sentence, intrigued by his passionate but silent response.

'Are you currently seeing a 'Kate Austen?'

Jack frowned, 'Uh...Yes, No, I don't...'

'wow, she's messing you around huh?' Jack knew exactly what the detective was trying to do as he quietly listened. 'That must get pretty frustrating...Know what I think?'

Jack lifted his head, so his eyes locked on the detective's.

Jack smiled tightly, 'I don't really care. But I think you're gonna tell me anyway.'

The detective behind Jack chuckled at Jack's comeback, the other detective gave him a warning look.

Jack smirked at the detective, who was now far from impressed by Jack's attitude.



'I think, you're girlfriend...Kate Austen-'

'she's not my girlfriend-'

'whatever she is of yours-either way-that's where you're getting your action from, right?'

'Watch your mouth detective.' Jack warned him in a firm tone.

The detective carried on, un-phased by Jack's verbal warning, 'I think she's been messing you around since you and your friends returned from the crash...Now, you and I both know no-one an access those files, but if you're not completely honest with me...I might have to put in a request. Why are things so confused between you and miss Austen?'

'That's none of your business-what does this have to do with Lyla?' Jack asked in an irritated voice.

'Because, my theory is...after Kate Austen messed you around, you were fed up...so you started something with Lyla Carter, but when Kate took you back, you ended it with Lyla Carter-'

'are you saying I used Lyla?'

'I'm not done DOCTOR.'

Jack straightened as he noticed the way the detective stressed his title.

'Maybe you were still attracted to the victim on some level, you couldn't keep away-'

'No.'

'Then why were you getting drinks with her if the woman you're in a relationship with was at home?'

'we worked together-she was stressed that day...'

'Did she know you had dumped her to be with Miss-'

'I did NOT dump her. I told you-it was a one night sta-' Jack froze in midsentence as he recognised a familiar face in the footage, a face that should not have been there.

Sayid. Alarm bells rang in his head, he climbed to his feet and abruptly grabbed his jacket.

'Where do you think you're goin?' the detective asked-Jack threw him a scowl.

'Look Detective Riley, I walked in here by CHOICE. I Volunteered to be interrogated-and you've been treating me like a suspect since I set foot in this room-I don't know who you think you are-but I am NOT guilty. Maybe if you were any good at your job, you'd know that-'

This hit home-the detective lunged for Jack, Jack simply walked away as the other detective restrained his partner from doing something stupid.

Jack pulled out his cellphone, he dialled the number, he knew it by heart, he hadn't called Sayid before. But he had thought about it, several times.

'Hey, I need to talk to you. In person.'



'Where and when?' Sayid's voice calmly asked.

Jack replied without hesitating, 'My place, tonight.'

'See you then Jack.'

Jack nodded, 'yeah, see you.'

After hanging up, he stared at his cell phone for a moment.

Before he knew it, he had begun dialling her number.

'Hey Kate,' as he greeted her, his heart stopped beating for a second as he waited for her reply. He could feel his heart praying she'd talk to him.

'Hey,' her voice was soft but breathless, it sounded like she was moving things around.

'I'm sorry for what I said.'

'How manly of you-you're gonna apologize over the phone?' Jack smiled, he had missed her attitude.

'Kate, I really am sorry.'

There was a pause on the phone, this one was slightly longer before Kate finally spoke.

'I need some space...' she said, Jack froze-his heart stopped beating for a moment-'I don't know where to put all your dvd's-I didn't know you were such a movie watcher-'

Jack broke into a laugh, he was flustered and relieved all at once.

'Uh...you're rearranging my furniture?'

'Yeah, Sarah and I decided that we needed to...just...warm in up alittle...why're you laughing?'

Jack shook his head,' no reason,' he couldn't help but smile, 'I'll be back in an hour...'

'where are you?' this time her voice was gentle. She was worried about him, he could tell.

'I went to the police station...'

Another pause. Then he added, 'I'll see you in an hour, okay?'

'Yeah, okay.'

There was an awkward pause, Jack prepared to hang up before he heard her softly say, 'I love you.'

Jack's mouth hung open for a moment, he found himself turning bright red as he mumbled, 'I love you too.'

He could almost feel her grinning on the other side.

'Good bye Kate.'

'Bye Jack.'



He frowned, she was definitely teasing him, he could tell by the tone in her voice.

Kate couldn't stop grinning as she put down her cellphone, she had told him she loved him without thinking about the consequences and immediately burned up, she forgot just how funny it was to hear Jack try and express his feelings. She chuckled as she shook her head, he was so cute some times, the way he had mumbled it back. She had been trying not to laugh. Uncomfortable Jack cheered her up no matter what the occasion.

Aaron ran upto Kate holding a dvd he had found in the pile, 'mommy, mommy-can I watch this?'

Kate looked at he cover, she cocked an eyebrow, 'Kill Bill?'

Aaron jumped up and down excitedly, 'please mommy, can I?'

Kate sighed, she glanced at the cover, it couldn't be that bad. Surely Jack wouldn't own a movie that was too violent.

'Alright, I'll watch it with you.'

An hour later:

Kate and Aaron stared at the tv screen with their mouths hanging open at the bloodbath they had just witnessed.

After a moment Aaron turned to his mother, 'Bob the builder?'

Kate nodded eagerly, 'I'll just put it on.'

End chapter Sixteen:

Chapter seventeen: Old Friends

Kate lifted her head as Jack walked into the apartment, 'hey,' she said whilst throwing him a grin.

Jack raised an eyebrow at the happy greeting, 'you're in a good mood.'

Kate smiled, 'I was just thinking about you,' her tone was warm as she glanced over at the bedroom door, Aaron was asleep behind the door. 'I put him to bed early, so we could...' she trailed off, her eyes were on his face, why was he frowning?

'What's wrong?'

Jack looked down, Kate knew that look, something was bothering him.



'Jack.'

'You're not gonna like it.'

Kate studied him hesitantly, 'try me.'

'Sayid...killed Lyla.'

Kate stared at Jack for a moment, 'what?'

Jack ran a hand through his hair, 'My guess is...Ben found out that Lyla was looking into you and Aaron and decided to take care of it...'

Kate felt a wave of anger and frustration hit her, she could see the can of worms that was being opened in front of her. The island was back in their lives, Ben, Sayid, the apparitions of Claire, she threw Jack a furious look.

'What?'

Kate shook her head as she scoffed, 'You know, all of this could have been prevented if you had just kept it in your pants.'

Jack stared at her, 'You're blaming ME for this?!'

Kate didn't answer, 'you know what? I'm going to bed.'

'Kate-' his fingertips grazed her arm as she brushed passed him. She needed time to think and reassess where this would leave them, her, Aaron and Jack. What would this mean? The media attention they had gotten when they first returned from the island was bad enough, having more of that in her life, having more of that around Aaron...was the last thing she wanted. And YES, she blamed Jack. As much as she had matured emotionally, the thought of Jack sleeping with Lyla still infuriated her, it was better if she went to bed instead of saying something might regret later.

Jack flinched as Kate slammed the bedroom door shut. Kate pressed her back against the door as she buried her face in her hands, taking a deep breath as she leaned back against the door Kate sat down, lost in thought.

Jack let out a defeated sigh, this shouldn't be so difficult. If they were supposed to be in love, why was this so hard? Why were there so many issues? For the first time since their weekend away, Jack had a craving for a drink, his eyes drifted to the fridge. It would be so easy to give in, it would feel so good to lose control, and at this point, he didn't have the willpower to resist the temptation of a cold drink. Knowing it could make his problems vanish for a few hours, Kate had gone to bed, she wouldn't have to know.

A knock at the door jerked Jack's attention away from the fridge, he opened the door.

'Hello Jack,' the asian man smiled warmly at him.

'Sayid, come on in.'



Sayid nodded as he politely entered the apartment, 'How are you?'

'Don't ask,' Jack replied as he watched Sayid stroll over to the couch and take a seat.

'Why did you wish to see me?'

'Lyla Carter.' Jack felt his heart sting as her name left his lips, Sayid studied Jack carefully, was Jack feeling guilty?

'What about her?'

'You killed her. I saw you on the tape...at the bar.'

'You didn't see me kill her.'

'But I know it was you.' Jack bit back, trying not to get worked up, Sayid let out a sigh.

'Look, Jack, I did what I had to, in order to fulfil my promise to Ben. I was protecting you...' Jack studied him, he smiled softly, 'the way you were protecting Kate by faking the bloodtest results and telling Lyla to keep away from her and Aaron.'

Jack didn't bother asking how Sayid knew, chances were-Jack wouldn't like the answer he got.

Unbeknownst to Jack and Sayid, their conversation wasn't as private as they hoped, Kate listened silently from the bedroom.

Sayid paused, 'What's done is done Jack and I will not apologise. It shouldn't matter to you, she had no business looking into the island.'

'I was HANDLING it-'

'Does Kate know why Sarah left you?'

Jack stopped mid-sentence, a frown on his face as he asked, 'what has that got to do with anything?'

Sayid shrugged as he replied, 'I'm just wondering.'

Jack furrowed his brow, 'You didn't have to kill her-'

'Why? Are you annoyed that you no longer have a rebound option for whenever Kate kicks you out of her life?'

Jack gave him a firm look, 'you know how much I love Kate. The Lyla thing was...a one off...I was trying so hard to not need Kate,' he struggled to think of the words, 'Do you know how that feels? To be so in love with someone, that no matter what they do to you, you go back for more...? Do you know helpless that makes you feel? How angry it makes you? To know that she can break your heart at the drop of a hat-and you'll still be wanting more...?'

Kate's heart writhed in her chest as Jack's words unknowingly blew her away. 'Screw taking it slow,' she decided as the men continued to talk.



Sayid smiled sadly at Jack, 'I used to know how that felt. But lately I've found feelings are beyond me. Look Jack, I don't know what you were hoping to achieve by calling me here-if its to remove any guilt you feel, I can't do that. It was your fault she got involved in this mess. You need to be more careful, or next time, Ben will send me after you.'

Jack gave Sayid a look, he knew Sayid wouldn't kill him, but he also knew just how dangerous their lives could potentially become. Nadia, Sayid's fiancé had been murdered by Widmore, Ben's nemesis as a result of carelessness, the oceanic 6 had learnt their lesson for being careless with their personal lives.

'Thanks for coming Sayid.'

Sayid nodded, 'anything for an old friend.' Jack smiled at him, 'oh and Jack? Don't worry about the cops...they've been dealt with.'

Jack knew better than to ask how Sayid had dealt with them.

'Good luck with Aaron and Kate. You know she loves you.'

Jack let out a sad laugh, 'sometimes I think she's with me, because Sawyer didn't make it.'

Kate felt his words like a hit to the stomach, she found herself feeling guilty for not letting Jack know just how much she loved him. She climbed to her feet, Sayid was leaving now and her and Jack needed to talk about what she had overheard.

Jack paused before Sayid left, 'Sayid...before you go, I was just wondering if you ever have dreams...of the past I mean...of the island?'

Sayid shook his head, 'no, no I do not. I've made my peace with that part of my life.'

And for that single moment, the man who had the woman he loved envied the man who had lost the love of his life.

'Goodbye Jack.'

'Bye Sayid,' Jack pushed the front door shut.

End chapter Seventeen:

Chapter Eighteen: Home is where the heart is



'Hey.' Jack froze as he stood facing the front door, Kate was awake, her voice was firm but warm. Had she heard everything he'd said to Sayid? Jack quickly altered his flustered expression to a calm one.

He turned around, gathering his courage, he threw her a smile, 'hey, what're you doing up?'

Kate cut through the smalltalk, 'Do you really feel that way?'

Jack blinked as she continued, 'That the only reason I'm with you, is because Sawyer is dead?'

Jack gulped, she had heard what he had said, but he wasn't about to deny it, to some extent, he DID feel that way and he couldn't help it. He walked over to the couch and took a seat, Kate, who was wearing one of his shirts, strolled over to the table and sat opposite the couch, her tanned legs were crossed, distracting him as they glinted in the lamplight, she held his gaze.

'Jack?'

Jack trained his eyes on hers, 'Yeah,' Kate looked saddened as he spoke softly, 'Yeah, I guess I do.'

Kate studied him, she looked at him as if he was speaking ancient Hebrew.

'Really?' she asked, hoping the answer wasn't what she thought it was. Jack's eyes fell to the floor, Kate smiled sadly, almost feeling sympathetic towards his naive behaviour. She gently stroked his cheek with one hand, Jack straightened, suddenly alert, 'look at me,' Jack did as he was told, his eyes met hers as her eyes searched his. She gave him a look which managed to be sultry but adoring both at once, it was enough to make his heart pound in his chest, she leaned closer, cupping his face with both her hands now, 'Jack...' he stared at the captivating woman helplessly as she spoke softly, 'I'm with you, because I CHOSE to be with you.' Jack nodded, his heart was wrestling with his mind as he began to find his attraction to her almost unbearable.

Hadn't Kate said she wanted to take things slow?

As Jack's eyes drifted to her lips, she wasn't finished speaking, 'I'm with you, because I love you.'

As Jack took in the words that were laced with sincerity, he stared at her, Kate leaned closer, her lips meeting his as they shared a tender kiss, she pulled away after a moment, he gazed at her, mesmerised. Kate wrapped her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist as she kissed him again, the passion between them had never faded, out of all the times they had been together, their feelings for eachother still consumed them and blew them away. Jack's hands traced her back as he pulled her closer, returning her passionate kiss with a deep kiss. They pulled away for a moment as Kate gazed down at him, he smiled slightly, he loved the way she blushed as she'd gaze at him, he knew that look. He knew where she wanted to take this, lifting her up into his arms, he continued kissing her, Kate pulled out of the kiss reluctantly, her voice was breathless as she whispered, 'watch where you're goin...' she giggled as Jack almost stumbled in his eagerness to reach the bedroom.

She glanced behind her as she tried to see where they were going, but her attention was diverted from the bedroom to the sensation of soft lips caressing her neck, she tightened her hold around 

him as he carried her to the bed. She loved it when he lost himself in the heat of passion with her, it was the one place where nothing else ever mattered, all that mattered was them and their love.

She let out a laugh as they fell onto the bed, 'shsh! You'll wake Aaron...!'

Jack grinned, 'come on, he slept through it last time-'

'Jack!?' Kate slapped his arm as she scolded him, her cheeks reddened at the memory. Jack let out a chuckle at her reaction, he asked her teasingly, ' you totally stole my line out there...'

Kate leaned up, kissing him briskly as she unbuttoned his shirt, 'which line?'

'Because I love you...'

Kate rolled her eyes as he stared down at her, 'Jack?' his eyes drifted from her collarbone to her eyes, 'Just, shut up and kiss me.'

He grinned, closing her eyes she pulled him closer as his lips trailed down her neck as Jack unbuttoned the shirt she was wearing.

End chapter Eighteen:

Chapter Nineteen: Familiar Faces

Jack stirred in his sleep as he felt Kate kissing his neck, he leaned closer to her as he felt her lips drift to his, she pecked him softly, 'good morning...'

Jack reluctantly opened his eyes, he squinted as a ray of light shone through the drapes, he smiled at Kate, 'hey...' Kate blushed as she cutely replied, 'hey.'

Jack grinned at her as he noticed her coy expression as she lay with an arm spread out across his chest, 'what?' his bemused tone made her blush even more.

'Nothing...' she smiled contently, 'I'm just...happy,' she looked at his muscular arm, her fingers traced the tattoo, 'being with you I mean...' Jack frowned slightly, flattered but also surprised by the vulnerability in her words, he kissed her head softly and held her close.

Her cellphone rang on the bedside table, Jack sighed as Kate reached for it, he handed it her, 'Thanks,' she said with a grin. Her expression turned uncomfortable as she read the name of who was calling. She glanced at Jack, wondering if he had noticed the change in her and naturally, he had.

'What's wrong?'

Kate glanced back at her cellphone as it vibrated and lit up, 'its erm...Its my ex-husband.'



Jack froze, 'oh.'

Kate winced, she glanced from Jack to her cellphone. Jack climbed to his feet, giving Kate some privacy, Kate felt her heart warm at his polite gesture. He respected her and she loved that.

Jack pulled on a pair of jeans and headed for the bathroom, he brushed his teeth, trying not to think about the man ringing the woman he loved. He lifted his face and looked into the mirror. For the first time in a while, he searched his eyes. Was he changing for the better? Was trusting Kate the right thing to do? He loved her with all his heart, he truly did, but he had been hurt before and couldn't let himself get hurt again...he shook his head, he was being crazy, he just needed to relax and have faith in her.

'Aaron's still sleeping...' Kate said as she walked into the bathroom, she was wearing a gown, ready to shower, Jack smiled at her, 'what did he want?' he asked and turned back to the sink, pretending that it didn't effect him.

Kate smiled she placed her hands on Jack's shoulders, he turned around to face her, she leaned up against him, kissing him slowly, pulling away, she gazed at his lips, 'I didn't answer it.' Her eyes met his, he couldn't help but smile, she knew he was trying hard to trust her and she would never betray that. Not with Jack.

Kate slipped her fingers through his and led him into the shower, he grinned as he pulled off his jeans, 'c'mon, we've only got 20 minutes before he wakes up...' Kate said, she was smitten and she couldn't help it and he was besotted and he didn't want to help it. The perfect match.

Two hours later:

Kate put the groceries on the counter, Jack had left for work an hour ago, her cheeks were still glowing from their intimate session in the shower, not to mention the night before. She loved how it felt to be in his arms, it had been so long, she had almost forgotten how it felt to really BE with Jack. It felt amazing. Kate had forgotten all about the phonecall she didn't answer from Kevin.

Aaron was at nursery, Jack was at work, the two men in her life were busy. She let out a sigh as she opened the fridge door and put milk on the shelf.

The sound of the doorbell got her attention, 'coming...!'

Kate jogged over to the front door, she pulled it open to find a woman who was probably slightly older than her own mother, she had dark hair and gentle eyes. Kate paused, surprised, those eyes seemed so familiar.

The woman smiled at Kate, 'I'm Margo, Jack's mother. '

Kate frowned as she realised she knew nothing about Jack's mother, Jack never spoke about her.

'I'm K-'



'Kate.' Margo said tightly, Kate studied her, 'I know. I have something to give to Jack, it was his father's, but seeing as my son is far too comfortable staying with you, and staying away from me, I can't give it to him. Can you pass it on for me?'

Kate nodded, she decided not to question Margo's irate tone, Jack had daddy issues, but Kate had no idea about his mother issues.

Margo handed Kate a wooden box, Kate took the box, 'Thank you Kate.' She seemed to warm to Kate as she looked her over once more.

'You're beautiful,' Kate smiled at Margo.

'Thank you,' Margo smiled.

'You remind me of Archara.'

Kate paused, 'who?'

Margo smiled, 'Ask Jack, I'm sure he'll inform you.'

Casting Kate a disdainful look, she walked away. Kate frowned as she looked from Margo to the box. What just happened? Who was Archara and what was in the box...? Or better yet, why had Jack never mentioned his mother?

End chapter nineteen:

Chapter twenty: Obstacles

'Who's Achara?'

'Hey yourself,' Jack greeted Kate as he entered the apartment, 'Where did you hear that name?'

Kate closed the door as she turned around, Jack was casually walking over to the fridge, he pulled out some bottle water.

'From someone else you've never mentioned before...your mother.'

Jack stopped opening the bottle, he studied Kate, 'she was here...?'

Kate nodded, 'yeah, she wasn't too fond of me...and she left you something from your dad.'

Kate picked up the wooden box and handed it to Jack, Jack stared at the box. He put it aside.

'You're not gonna open it?'



Jack smiled, 'no...no. I'm not.'

Kate's eyes drifted to the box, curiosity was a curse sometimes, she settled onto the couch.

'Where's Aaron?' Jack asked in a gentle tone, he was trying to change the subject without it seeming forced. Unfortunately for Jack, Kate knew him better than that.

'At a friend's, come, sit...talk to me.'

Jack groaned, 'Kate...just let it go...'

'Is she an ex-girlfriend?'

Jack sighed, 'Kate. Trust me-you don't wanna know-'

Kate frowned, 'another ex-wife?!'

'No. Achara was...' he ran a hand through his hair, 'she was...' he let out a breath, Kate frowned, 'what's that?'

Jack paused, 'what?'

'That-the-' kate let out a breath imitating his behaviour, 'what was THAT?'

Jack looked at her, 'why is it than when we're happy, when we're doing good, something bad tries to claw its way in...?'

Kate shrugged, 'I guess you can't have the good without the bad...'

Jack smiled at Kate for a moment, her eyes were studying him expectantly, and he knew Kate. If Kate wanted answers, she'd get answers...How could he get her to drop this topic?

'Kate...what's in the past, should stay in the past.'

Kate studied him, she couldn't argue with that. But if this Achara was just another ex, why didn't Jack want to talk about it?

'Jack-'

'Kate.' he levelled her with a look, she sighed, sitting back into the couch.

'Alright, fine. I'll drop it for now...' she glanced at him, 'I'll see you in a few hours...'

Jack paused, 'what? Where are you goin?'

Kate frowned, why did he sound so surprised to hear that she was going out?

'You don't wanna know Jack. Trust me.'

Jack gave her a look, Kate shrugged, 'hey, you said it yourself, what happened in the past should stay in the past, my past called me again after you left this morning, I'm going to get coffee with him.'

'Why?'



Kate frowned as Jack blurted out the one worded question. He managed to sound shocked, disappointed and annoyed all at once.

Kate gave him a look, 'I want to.' she sounded indignant as she continued, 'Look, you don't wanna talk about the past Jack. You don't wanna confide in me...then I don't think I wanna confide in you about my past.'

Jack stared at her, 'if this is some game so I tell you about Achara...you can forget about it-'

Kate frowned, 'no Jack, I'm going to see Kevin at Lenny's for a drink, you enjoy your memories.' She patted him on the shoulder as she grabbed her handbag and headed out the door.

Jack stood frozen, what just happened?

Kate walked towards her car, she was annoyed it Jack, but to be honest, she was more disappointed than annoyed. It wasn't fair of him to do this to her, she loved him with all her heart, she had even told him again last night, but he still wouldn't trust her. What WAS his problem?

She had to admit, knowing he'd be worried about her and Kevin spending time together made her feel slightly better at this point. Maybe he should know what its like to be out of the loop.

Jack watched Kate go, frustrated, he tossed the bottle of water aside. He grabbed his jacket and opened his cellphone, 'Hey Sarah, you wanna grab a drink?'

'Great, I'll see you in half an hour at Lenny's.'

He hung up, he looked at the cellphone, a small smirk on his face. If Kate wanted to play games with him, he'd play games with her.

End chapter twenty: