Chapter 21
"How could you know? What is it that you think you know?" I practically screamed at them. If Hammond knew about what Jonas had done, it would ruin everything. I could feel my heart beating rapidly and I gasped for breath. I had to calm down but at the same time I can't. Taking deep breaths, Jack puts his hand on my knee.
"Carter, I told General Hammond about the abuse and everything. Before you freak out, I told him about our plan, he's agreed to go along with it." Jack smiled reassuring me that everything was going to be okay.
"Alright, but you don't understand. If I can stay on Hanson's good side long enough I can get my daughter back. He's already talked about being a family again. He wants me to be the perfect little suburban housewife and I can do that easy."
"Carter, this is retirement you're talking about. Once we handle Hanson, you'll still be retired."
"Yes sir, I know. But I'll have my daughter with me then, and retirement will be best. If anything I could come back as a contractor." Hammond was thinking over this carefully. My argument was air tight and logical. If he really wanted to help me then he would go along and process my retirement.
"I wish there was a better way but you're right. I'll put the papers through and you should be retired fully by the end of the month."
"Thanks General." I stood up and saluted, requesting dismissal. Jack had followed suit.
"Just be safe as possible Sam, I don't want to see you hurt again. You have a lot of leave time left, so just go ahead and take it until retirement."
I nodded and Jack and I stepped out into the hallway. We both knew that we would see less and less of one another as this nightmare got deeper. Maintaining our military stature and agreeing to a silent pact of isolation between us, we parted ways for the time being. I left for my office, I had a lot to clean up.
Haphazardly throwing papers and random things I had collected over the years into a box, memories and future possibilities drowned my thoughts. This program was such an integral part of my life. I was saddened to leave but at the same time, I knew if everything worked out that I would have everything I had ever dreamed for and more; Jack and a family.
Walking over to what used to be my bookshelf, I climbed up the small stool. Reaching for something, I felt a wave of nausea and dizziness wash over me. Shrugging it off as nerves, I continue the packing. Just as I am about to finish, Daniel comes waltzing in. He looks bewildered and confused.
"I heard you're retiring? Thanks for telling you friends about it. Why are you retiring?" He rambled on. I loved Daniel like a second brother, as bad as it is to say, almost loved him more than Mark. But everything banked on people believing this charade. Hopefully he would forgive me in time.
"You were my teammate Dr. Jackson, I wasn't aware I was required to inform you of my activities. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back home. I want to be there when Hanson returns." I reply cold and detached. I can see the hurt in Daniel's eyes and I almost take back what I needed to say. Clenching my jaw down, I push past him and leave for home.
((AN: *dodges flaming shoes* I know it's short. But honestly I was too tired to write anymore. But I pinky promise to update again tomorrow to make up for it mmkay?))