Sorry for taking so long to get back to this! Hope you enjoy.

This was the fifth rodeo they'd checked out and still no Abell. Who the hell would have known there were so many rodeos happening all over the country. He kind of thought they'd died out years ago but he'd obviously been wrong. So, here they were, at another rinky dink rodeo, full of horses, bulls and cowboys – oh, and cowgirls – he didn't want to be sexist!

The only positive things about this whole experience were his friends. He glanced sideways and couldn't help but grin. Yeah – having them with him made it all worthwhile.

"You do not have to laugh O'Neill", Teal'c said sternly, not looking at him. "You have seen me many times like this. I believe there is no longer a need for humorous statements about my manner of dress."

"Oh, yes there is Teal'c! You're just so – so 'big' and 'bad'." He couldn't help but laugh out loud, even though his companions all rolled their eyes. Hey – a guy couldn't help it if he found a 6'3' African American cowboy (well, Chulakian actually, but nobody else would know that), dressed totally in black, with a huge shiny silver belt buckle, huge snake-skin cowboy boots (private joke that one) and a black hat pulled low on his forehead. Teal'c looked – amazing! The only problem was he didn't help their attempt to 'blend in' with the crowds.

Then of course there was Daniel.

"I don't need to hear your comments either Jack", the archaeologist muttered, a scowl on his face. Jack did feel a bit sorry for Daniel – he had given him a hard time. But the fact was, Daniel didn't look like a cowboy – even though he was wearing the correct clothes. No, he was afraid Daniel simply looked like a geek in jeans and a cowboy hat. He just didn't have the – swagger – to really look like a cowboy and the glasses through off the whole affect. Still, it was definitely worth it. Jack hadn't had so much fun in ages.

And then there was Sam. Hell – she was the hardest to deal with. Not because she looked funny – no, the problem with Carter was she looked sexy as hell! She wore tight jeans, boots and a skin-tight shirt which showed off all her curves. Even the hat made her look hot. He'd had his share of fantasies about her but now, in cowboy gear – God, he'd had more cold showers in the last couple of weeks than he'd had in years.

"Sir – are you okay?" He jerked back, startled. Sam was standing looking at him with a frown. He must have phased out there for a few minutes. It was probably the cleavage, he decided.

"Sir?"

"What? Oh, sorry – just – thinking."

"About what Sir?" she asked, in all innocence.

"Breas –breakfast – yeah, breakfast – I mean, I'm kinda hungry."

"Yeah, you had kind of a hungry look about you Jack", Daniel smirked. He looked over at the younger man, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. Daniel gave him a knowing look in return. Hell, the man knew exactly what he'd been thinking.

"Well then, lets go get something to eat!"

"I do not believe I can tolerate anything more that is 'barbequed', O'Neill", Teal'c gave a long-suffering sigh. "I also do not wish for more corn on the cob, corn dogs, hot dogs, pulled 'anything' or deep fried donuts."

"No? But Teal'c – that's real American food. Where's your patriotism?"

"I fear it is in the same location as fresh fruit and vegetables."

Carter giggled as she looked at 'her' men. God, it was so good to have the Colonel back with them. Even though their mission was a serious one, she couldn't remember having such a good time in a long while. There was something about the four of them together that made everything see right.

They finally found a place that served salads as they all pretty much agreed with Teal'c that they couldn't take any more 'rodeo food'. Jack looked at his friends as they all sat there eating and suddenly felt guilty. They'd been on the road now for two weeks. They must all have much better things to do than to babysit him! Each of them had a life – especially Sam. Was it fair of him to expect her to come along with them when she had someone at home?

"Sam", he finally said, "won't – uh – Pete be missing you?" He hadn't really meant to ask that – it had just slipped out of its own volition. He really wished he could take the question back when he saw the 'deer in the headlights' looks on Teal'c and Daniel's faces. He didn't want to look at Carter, although the choking sound that came from her made him really regret asking.

"Jack", Daniel said in a strangled voice. Teal'c, the coward, began to study a piece of tomato in his salad as if he'd never seen such an unusual food before.

"What?" he finally said. "What did I do? I was worried that Sam – that Pete – hell, I was only making conversation!"

"Pete and I broke up months ago Sir", Sam said quietly.

He whipped his head around to look at her. This time he was the one whose eyes looked as if they were ready to pop out of his head. "Huh?" Well, that was intelligent O'Neill! He glanced back at the men, only to see that Daniel was carefully contemplating a piece of radish. What was it about vegetables today?

"We broke up Sir, a long time ago."

"Why didn't anyone tell me?" he managed to ask. Was that his voice that sounded so – squeaky?

"We thought you knew Jack." Daniel finally lifted his head to respond.

"And how the hell would I know? No one said anything."

"Major Carter has not spoken of Pete Shanahan for many months O'Neill", Teal'c added. "Did not that give you a clue?"

"No Teal'c – it didn't give me a clue!" he answered sarcastically. "It's not like she exactly chatted away about him before!" He heard another 'choke' but refused to look at Carter. Damn but he wanted to crawl under the table. Oh well – he'd just stuck his foot in his mouth big time so he'd better do something about it.

"I'm sorry Carter – I had no idea or I wouldn't have said anything. I hope – I hope – I'm just real sorry."

"You are?" she asked, surprised.

"No – I mean yes – I mean, I hate to see you hurt or anything and I know breaking up can be hard." Not as hard as making a fool of yourself with your second in command, he decided. Come on, can't some system lord please attack right now!

"I wasn't hurt Sir", she said calmly, taking a bite of her salad. "I knew that he wasn't the right man for me, that's all. I realized I was just 'settling'."

"Oh." Well, now what the hell was he supposed to say? Daniel and Teal'c were both looking at him expectantly, as if it was obvious when, in fact, he was absolutely clueless. Surely they didn't think he was going to ask her about 'settling'. "Well, I'm glad you're okay then."

"Yes Sir", she said, crunching on a piece of carrot. He had a suspicion that she was laughing at him but didn't want to push it. No – what he really wanted to do was stand up and flee as fast as his legs could carry him. This was why men were terrified of women. No matter how hard they tried, they eventually put their foot in their mouth when it came to relationships.

"Jack!" Daniel said again.

"What Daniel? What do you want?" Daniel simply pursed his lips and shook his head. Damnit! What did they want of -" He suddenly saw something across the room. He didn't know what it was, but it made him stop and stare.

"Jack?" Daniel had noticed his sudden pause and this time was asking what was wrong.

"I don't know Daniel", he answered quietly. "I just thought I saw -" There it was again. Someone was standing over in the corner, his back towards them, but Jack was sure he recognized the man.

"It's him", he hissed when the man turned around. "Don't look, but it's Abell – he's standing over in the corner. I'm pretty sure he hasn't seen us yet." Jack carefully looked around the room and, as far as he could tell, there were just two exits – the door over to their left, by which they'd entered and a door in the back, closer to where Abell was standing. "Teal'c, when he's not looking, make your way outside and hurry to the back door. Watch for him. Daniel, Sam, the two of you stay here and keep your eyes on him. If he heads out, follow him – but carefully – he's smart and dangerous."

"What are you going to do Jack?" Daniel asked.

"Me? I'm going to just sit here and finish my lunch."

He kept his eyes on the figure of Abell, so didn't see the looks that passed between his friends. If he had, he wouldn't have been surprised. He knew they were worried about him. It was true – seeing Abell had given him a jolt – of both shock and fear. He had managed to bring it under control pretty quickly though and now simply felt anger. His time with the Nox had helped him to come to terms with what had happened to him. He was no longer terrified and on the verge of madness. It didn't mean however, that he was about to lie down and forget it. No, this man – and Samuels – had to pay for what they'd done. They'd stolen months out of his life and practically destroyed him. He was not about to forget his time with this man – and he certainly wasn't going to let him get away with it.

"O'Neill, will you be alright?" He looked up, surprised, to see Teal'c still standing beside him. He realized then how concerned his teammates were. He gave a small smile.

"I'm fine guys, don't worry. I just don't want him to notice me which he will if I stand up. I want you all in place before I make my move." He looked at each of them and finally sighed. "Go! I'm okay, I promise!"

With a final look at him, and then at each other, the three of them moved out. Sam walked to the main door and left quietly. Daniel moved over until he had a clear view of that same door and sat down, looking as if he was just here to eat some lunch.

It was only a few short minutes later when Abell headed towards the back door and slipped out. Although he hadn't looked worried, he was naturally cautious and would do whatever he could to keep himself safe. Jack stood up as soon as he'd gone and motioned to Daniel. He then headed out back.

As soon as he'd left the building he saw Teal'c a couple hundred of feet ahead clearly following his kidnapper. Jack reached under his vest to his radio and gave a quick click and then spoke softly. "Daniel, Sam, he left out the back door. Teal'c is following and I'm not far behind. Come out back – but be careful."

Jack stayed in the shadows as much as possible, but kept Teal'c in his sight. He saw the big man stop and lean up against the side of a small building. Jack sauntered over casually until he was right beside his friend.

"So?' he asked softly.

"He has gone into that small trailer, O'Neill", Teal'c indicated a small camper about 15 feet from where they were standing. "I do not believe there is anyone in there, but I cannot be sure."

"Good – thanks Teal'c." They waited quietly for another couple of minutes until the remainder of their team had arrived. Jack gave them quick instructions and then moved towards the small mobile home.

It was Sam who walked up to the door of the camper and knocked. Jack was pretty sure that Abell must have seen a picture of each of them, but hopefully he wouldn't recognize Sam right away with her hat on and looking so casual in jeans. It was also extremely bright out and Abell would probably have trouble identifying someone right away.

"Yeah?" Jack could hear the voice he remembered from his nightmares. "Whatya want sweatheart?" He obviously hadn't recognized Carter – at least not yet."

"I was told to come to this trailer to see about a job", she replied. "The man at the gate said you might have something for me?"

"Sorry babe, but you've got the wrong trailer. You want the one on the other side of the fairground. This is my place."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you."

"No problem. Hey, you want to come in for a drink?" Abell had just noticed that the woman in front of him was a babe. His eyes narrowed suddenly! There was something about her – "hey, do I know you?"

"I don't think so", Sam answered, not sounding the least bit nervous. "Are you from around here?" she asked. "I've been here my whole life. That's why I'm looking for work. I figured this was a great way to see some of the world – or at least some of our country."

As she was talking, Jack made his way slowly up to the trailer from the side. He could see Daniel and Teal'c watching things closely from the opposite side. He was proud to see that Carter was being extremely careful in not getting too close to Abell . She was a good soldier.

"Hey babe, why don't you come in. You can start seeing some of the world right here! I can take you places you've never been before!" Abel said.

Jack rolled his eyes and felt like he wanted to vomit. The man might have been a master at torture, but he sure didn't know how to pick up a woman!

"Thanks but that's okay. I really just want a job." Sam smiled and began to turn. At the last minute, Jack could see Abell's face change and his eyes light up with sudden recognition.

"Major Samantha Carter!" he hissed. "You thought you could fool me, didn't you?" Jack could see him reach into the back of his pants and moved quickly. He ran from his position beside the trailer and vaulted over the small handrail and onto the steps. Sam quickly moved out of his way but pulled out her own weapon.

Jack launched himself at the other man, leading with a fist to the face. Although it hurt, he relished the sound and feel of his fist hitting the man so hard he could hear the resounding 'thud' like a clap of thunder. Abell flew backward, into his trailer and landed on his back against the small dining table.

In a matter of seconds Jack and the rest of Sg1 were inside the camper with the door closed. Jack had grabbed Abell and pulled him up. Sam quickly reached around and removed the pistol tucked into the back of his pants and then did a quick pat down and pulled out the knife he had concealed in his socks.

"I think that's it Sir", she replied.

"Good. Sit down", he said to Abell, pointing to the small couch. Abell looked at each of them but finally decided he didn't have a hope in hell of making it out with these four so sat down without further resistance. "Teal'c, if he tries to escape, kill him."

"I will O'Neill", the Jaffa replied calmly. Jack wanted to grin when he saw the sweat appear on Abell's face.

"So, it's been a while", he said to the man who had caused him such pain. He was quite proud of himself for how well he was holding on grimly to his emotions when what he really wanted was to beat them man to a bloody pulp.

"What do you want O'Neill?", the other man asked. "If you're here to kill me, just get it over with. I'm not telling you anything."

"No, I didn't expect you to. I just wanted to see you one last time before I turned you over to the Goa'uld."

Abell reacted with absolute terror. Good, thought Jack, he knew something about the Goa'uld! "Yeah, I thought and thought about what I'd do for revenge and decided that anything I did would be over too soon", he explained calmly. "The Goa'uld, however, have sarcophaguses" he turned to Daniel, "or is it sarcophagi? Anyway, I made a deal with one of them. As you know, we've managed to rid the galaxy of most of the snake-heads and the rest are running pretty scared of us Tauri. So, when we offered to leave him alone on his teensy, insignificant planet in exchange for a little favor – he jumped at the chance. You see, we asked him to take you and – play - with you for a long, long – loooong – time. He was more than happy to oblige."

"No! You can't do that O'Neill. I have rights! You can't just kidnap me and send me to another planet."

"Why not? You kidnapped me so I think it's only fair."

"They won't let you!" Abell sounded almost like he was going to cry.

"Who won't let me?" O'Neill asked. "No one but my team knows I'm here or that I'm looking for you. We're all just on vacation, teaching Teal'c about an American past-time. No one will ever know but us that you've been taken off-world. Oh, us and my little friend Thor. He's going to be here in", Jack looked at his watch, "about an hour. I've asked him to beam you up and deliver you to Thotheris for us. He was more than happy to help out. He doesn't like it when his friends are kidnapped and tortured."

"But he'll allow me to be taken and tortured?"

"Uh – yeah", Jack answered, as if surprised Abell would even ask.

"O'Neill, you can't do this. I – I don't believe you. You're bluffing. There's no way you'd do this."

Jack looked at Abell and remembered. He remembered being tortured and humiliated for weeks by this man. "Oh, I could Abell", he said, so quietly the others barely heard him. "All I have to do is remember our time together and then I know I want you to suffer – to suffer like I did – but for you, there'll be no way out. You'll feel pain and you'll die, only to be brought back again and again until you're begging to die one last time. Pretty soon there'll be nothing left of you. Oh, your body will be healthy and you will continue to feel pain – but your mind will start to fail and you'll go mad." He stopped and had to take a deep breath. "Believe me, there is nothing I want more than to know you are going through that for eternity."

"No", Abell sobbed. "Please O'Neill, I'll do anything. Please don't do this."

"Why should I do anything for you? Did you show me any mercy? Did you listen to me when I begged you to stop?" Jack was so caught up in the memories he'd forgotten that his team were there, that they were listening. He'd also lost sight of why they were really here. All he could think of was that he truly did want this man to suffer.

"I'll give you Samuels", Abell said. "I have the proof that he engineered this. I'll give it to you if you just let me go."

It took a second, and Sam's hand on his arm, to bring him back. He stared at Abell, who by now was blubbering uncontrollably and finally had to shake himself. This is what he had wanted all along, a way to get to Samuels, but still, he really wanted to hurt this man. So much so that it was scaring him. "Why should I let you get away with what you did?" he asked.

"Because, Samuels was behind the whole thing, he just paid me to do a job."

"He paid you to torture me?"

"Yes, yes. He wanted you to suffer as much as possible."

"I thought he wanted the information from the Ancient download."

"That too, although he said if he couldn't get it at least he'd make you suffer. He really hates you."

"And you say you have proof that he was behind this whole thing?"

"Yes – I'm not stupid. I knew he'd go after me once it was all over. I made sure to let him know that I'd recorded him and that I had video of him coming to see you."

"Where is this proof", Jack asked, his voice practically a whisper.

"I – I'll show you, but only if you promise to let me go afterward."

"Let you go? No, I'm afraid that's not ever going to happen. Even if I could justify letting you get away with what you did to me, there's no way I'd let you do that to someone else. No, my offer is a fair trial, here on earth, or I have Thor take you to the System Lord. It's your choice."

Abell looked both terrified and furious. It had to gall him to have been caught like this. Still, after a few moments consideration he looked at O'Neill. "Fine, I'll take the deal." Jack nodded, but knew that they'd have to watch the man carefully. He was sure Abell would try anything to escape and, if he did, he was pretty sure that was the last they'd ever see of him.

That night, as he lay in bed, Jack couldn't help think back over the day. He'd thought he'd be elated when they captured Abell – instead, he felt soiled, dirty. All the memories of what this man had done had come rushing back and he felt ashamed, although he knew that was crazy. Still, he wanted this whole thing to be over and to be able to get back to his life.

That thought brought up something else. He'd forgotten, until this moment, what he'd found out today about Sam. So, she and Pete were no longer together! For the first time in hours he allowed himself a small smile.

Hell! Things weren't all bad. In fact, maybe things were looking up! With that he closed his eyes and was soon asleep.