Chapter 17

Jack couldn't believe what Sam just told him. Well, of course he believed her, he just couldn't imagine someone going through that. He always thought Sam had this cookie cutter life, when in reality she was just good an covering the bad spots. He didn't involve any authorities like Sam wanted, but he did enlist the help of Daniel and Teal'c. He didn't divulge every detail, just the main gist. But enough so that they were thoroughly livid.

While Sam drifted off to sleep, Jack was out on the porch making a phone call. While they were out in Minnesota for the time being, I had to make sure Hanson was under control.

"Hey Daniel it's Jack. Yea. She's fine, well as much as to be expected. He's just sitting there? Has anyone come by? Alright, well when he goes on a mission next, I want you and Teal'c to go in and bug the place. Alright, thanks and bye."

The door creaked open and Jack turned to see Sam making her way over to him. "What are you doing out of bed, you must still be in pain."

"It's nothing I haven't been through. Not as bad comparatively. It's so calm and simple out here. I was thinking, I've experienced enough, gone as far as I want to go with my career at this point in my life. If I find my daughter, and once everything settles down, I'm going to retire." Sam said, she leaning on the porch railing for support.

"Not if Sam, when. We are going to find her I promise you. I have Daniel and Teal'c keeping an eye on Hanson, and nothing is going to happen that we don't know about." Jack walked over to the porch bench and sat down, motioning for Sam to do the same. "I was thinking…"

"Oh no, call the marines!" Sam joked.

"Ha ha. Very funny. Seriously though, I was thinking when we get your daughter back maybe…maybe we could give us a try. I'm tired of waiting or flirting around the idea. This is probably bad timing but you need to know how much I love you Samantha."

"I think I've known for awhile Jack. Especially through how much you've been doing for me with all this. And I would be lying if I said I didn't feel the same way." Sam smiled before hesitantly kissing Jack. He returned it. They broke apart and Sam scooted closer to lean on Jack.

"You know what this reminds me of?" Jack asked.

"Yeah, Antarctica, minus the broken leg and the freezer burn." Sam chuckled. They both drifted off to sleep. Unbeknownst to them, a stranger in the distance sat in a parked car snapping pictures of the pair.

Jack and Sam woke up early the next morning. Stretching they both made to get up.

"Come on Sam, we gotta go talk to an old buddy of ours." Jack was going back and forth between the cabin and his truck with things.

"Whose this old buddy?"

"Maybourne. He owes me a whole bucket of favors. And if anyone can find someone meant to be hidden it's Maybourne." Jack said. Sam looked worried. Maybourne always had something else up his sleeve.

"Don't worry so much Sam, Maybourne has a thing for you. And anyways, I have him on a short leash. He'll make good with his end of the bargain."

"Oh yeah, well what's your part of the deal?"

"Uh, I'll help him into the US without the authorities catching wind."

"JACK!"

"Sam, I thought I told you not to worry? Everything is going to be okay, and we'll have your daughter back in no time."

Once in the truck, Jack drove about 30 minutes to a bus terminal. They had to switch up their method of transportation just to make sure. Going to some town in Kansas, they rented a car under the guises of Mr. and Mrs. James McPherral.

Pulling up to what was supposed to be a mall, Jack and Sam stepped out and walked into the food court. Maybourne was supposed to approach them so now they were just waiting. Ten minutes passed before someone with a bad Texan accent came to their table and spoke.

"Pardon me folks, I'm new in this here town, and I reckon the best way to meet nice folks like yourself is to dine with them. You mind sir? Ma'am?"

He had a brownish/gray mustache with a cowboy hat and boots to match. Sam was about to object, but Jack pulled out the adjacent seat for him.

"Not at all, we're the McPherrals, and you?" Jack winked at me letting me know it was Maybourne. He really was a creative man.

"Tired of this get up is what I am mister, let's ditch this joint." Maybourne said. The three got up to leave and headed out to take the city bus.

((AN: Haha. I loved Maybourne in the show. Anyways, so now, Jack is watching Hanson and Hanson is watching Jack…well only at the cabin anyways. So, review! Getting closer to finding Sam's daughter. But the drama isn't over yet!))