A/N: Hey everyone! I have been working crazy hours, so it's been hard to find time to write. BUT I was determined to post something tonight, before too much time passes. I promise, I will post at least once a week if not more.

As always, thanks for the amazing feedback! I'm so glad so many of you agreed that it would be better that Sam and Jason's story can't be like Lake's story in any way, shape, or form. Liz was so desperate for Jason that she didn't care about anyone who was missing him, not even his wife, child, or mother. But Sam knows the heartache of losing someone you loved, and would never just disregard that pain. She'll certainly fight it as long as possible.

And Jace is not Jake Doe, who gave up on finding his identity practically the day he woke up from his coma. RME. As much as Jace wants to be with Sam, he respects her too much. But don't worry, I plan for lots of JaceSam cuteness coming up as new developments arise.

So let's get right into it. Jace and Sam are on the case to find his identity, and they're running into nothing but dead ends until an old lead brings something new to light. And Jace gets a job!

Happy reading, and please keep your reviews coming!

Jen

buttercup0303

Chapter 24

"We've gone to every city and town, every police department and hospital in a fifty mile radius. How is it possible that we're no closer to finding out who I am than we were a week ago?" Jace asked, pacing back and forth in frustration. Sam looked up at him from the floor of her office, where she'd spread out.

"Don't lose hope, Jace. We'll figure this out."

Jace laughed mirthlessly.

"Well, if I didn't know before, I definitely know now. There's no way I'm still married. I can't believe that my wife wouldn't be looking for me if I went missing. But I don't match any of the missing persons reports filed in the few months. And that's not even considering my shiny new face. But body type and build, coloring, nothing!"

Sam sat up and pushed to her feet, watching him prowl around the room.

"Maybe you're not from Port Charles. Maybe you were in town on business? We could have Spinelli search the flight records, trains, buses, whatever to see if anyone matching your general appearance came into Port Charles or the surrounding cities. Then we just need to verify if any of those people went missing." Sam said optimistically.

Jace turned to face her and Sam's breath caught at the look of vulnerability on his face.

"How could I not have family? Friends? How could I be so alone that no one misses me?" He asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Sam's heart ached for him and she found herself rushing forward and wrapping her arms around him.

Jace clung to her, surprised by how much he'd needed her comfort. He thought of himself as strong, but there was something decidedly weakening about feeling as if no one in the world loved you.

He turned his head into her neck and breathed in her subtle, exotic scent. Sam shivered in reaction, and suddenly they both became aware of how wrapped up in each other they were. Sam had kept a careful distance between them in the last week or so, and tension had been building between them.

Sam tilted her head back to look at him. Jace lifted his head to meet her eyes, and their faces were just inches apart.

"Jace, wait..." Sam whispered softly, her eyes lowering to his lips.

"Please don't push me away." Jace whispered fiercely, before dipping his head towards hers. Sam closed her eyes and lifted to meet his kiss. Just as their lips were about to touch, the door flew open and slammed against the wall.

Sam sprang back a few feet as Jace turned murderous eyes towards whoever the hell had just interrupted the first close moment he'd had with Sam in over a week. Spinelli stood there, head down as he struggled to carry his laptop, bag, and several paper bags.

He looked up with a sheepish grin.

"Gracious greetings, Fair Samantha, Master Jace. I bring news and sustenance! Shall we partake?" Spinelli spouted cluelessly, waving the bags of food. Sam threw Jace an apologetic look before smiling and moving forward to help Spinelli.

"Thank you, Spinelli. I'm starving! What did you bring?" She asked, peeking into the bags.

"Noodle Buddha!" She exclaimed happily, pulling out cartons of food, forks, and napkins and arranging them on the desk.

Taking a deep breath, Jace stepped forward and helped her. He reached out to pull a carton from a bag at the same time as Sam and felt a spark as their hands touched. They glanced up at each other and Sam looked away quickly, yanking her hand out of the bag and grabbing another.

Jace bit back a grin pulled out the food. At least he knew he wasn't the only one suffering. Completely oblivious to the sparks flying between Sam and Jace, Spinelli dragged a chair over, picked up a carton, and dug in.

Jace and Sam grabbed seats and did the same.

"You haven't had Chinese yet, have you?" Sam asked, watching as Jace dug into lo-mien. He shook his head, unable to answer as his mouth was stuffed with noodles.

"Here, try this." She said, passing him a carton. Jace peered into it suspiciously.

"What is it?"

Sam laughed.

"Just try it. It's good."

Jace grimaced and used the chopping stick to grab the small, fried ball of some kind of meat, he was assuming. As he chewed the rubbery meat, he made a face and looked up at Sam accusatorily.

"This is nasty." He said, chewing slowly. Sam burst out laughing at the look of disgust on his face.

"Seriously, what the hell was that?" He asked, staring into the offensive box.

Sam was still laughing at his face, which was getting more and more disgusted. His mouth was now just hanging open, the food just sitting on his tongue while he scrounged for a napkin. Sam's head was now thrown back she was laughing so hard while he spit the food into a napkin and then used another napkin to blot at his tongue.

"It was calamari, you big baby." She choked out between laughs, wiping tears from her eyes.

"What the hell is that?" He asked in disgruntlement.

"I believe what you just ate would be a fried cephalopod. Or in layman's terms, squid. Calamari is the Italian word for squid. It is actually considered a delicacy, though, as your reaction would indicate, it is perhaps an acquired taste." Spinelli informed him cheerfully, an amused grin on his face.

Jace stared as he listened before turning to Sam.

"Yeah, I don't think so." He said, shoving the box her way. She took it with a laugh and shrugged, popping a calamari into her mouth.

"Men." She said with a giggle. "Jason didn't like it either." She added with a laugh as she remembered his face.

Jace had a brief flash of them sitting on the floor, passing Chinese food back and forth. He stared at her in surprise and Sam's head tilted to the side as she tried to understand why he was looking at her that way.

"What's wrong?"

Jace shook his head slowly.

"Nothing. I don't know. I just had the weirdest sense of deja vu. Like we've done this, had Chinese Food together before, tried foods I didn't like or something." He shrugged and picked up a box of Orange Chicken. Sam's head tilted as she thought about what he said. She opened her mouth to ask for more details but Spinelli spoke in that moment.

"Fair Samantha, I believe I've located your missing Samuel."

Sam turned to him in excitement.

"Really? Spinelli, you're amazing! So, how can I find him?"

"I've located a Samuel Bennett, retired Marine, and owner of the BBW Ranch, originally from Houston, Texas."

"That's him!" Sam said excitedly.

"I'm afraid Mr. Bennett suffered a heart attack around the second week of October. He was actually hospitalized in General Hospital up until two weeks ago, when he was transferred to Texas for a period of convalescence at his mother's home."

Sam looked distressed. He had been so kind to her.

"I hope he's okay. Is there a way for me to contact him?"

Spinelli nodded quickly.

"Yes. I have his cell phone as well as his mother's landline."

Sam smiled in thanks, before turning to Jace.

"He was our best lead on finding out who you are. I'm going to reach out to him. If he's up to talking, maybe he can tell me what he found on the tapes."

Jace nodded.

Sam grabbed her phone and took a few steps away, dialing first Samuel's cell phone, and then his mother's landline.

Jace watched as Sam spoke into the phone, explaining who she was and expressing concern for Samuel. He knew she'd only met him the one time, but she genuinely cared about his recovery. Just like she had with Jace. It was just who she was, he thought with a smile.

Sam walked back to him and grinned.

"Looks like I'm going to Texas."

Jace raised a brow.

"His mother knew about me. She said he gave her something to hold for me, in case he didn't make it. But she didn't have my information, so she was hoping I would get in contact with her. She offered to send me what he found, but I'd feel better if it was in my hands. I'm going to catch the next flight out."

"Do you need me to watch young Master Stone Cold Jr.?" Spinelli asked with a smile.

Sam shook her head and laughed at the nickname Spinelli had given Danny.

"No, but thank you for offering. It's not a dangerous trip or anything, so I figured we'd make it a Mommy and Son adventure."

"I want to go with you." Jace said suddenly.

Sam turned to him in surprise.

"I don't think that's possible." She said gently, continuing, "I'm flying commercial. You don't have I.D., so they wouldn't let you board the plane. But if I leave this afternoon, I'll be back by morning."

Jace looked away, frustrated. He should be going with her. It was his life they were talking about. To not even be able to follow through on a lead that could solve this mystery once and for all was pissing him off. But it wasn't Sam's fault, he reminded himself, reining in his temper.

He shot her a sheepish grin.

"You're right. And I know I can trust you to take care of this. Listen, I better head out. I have that interview you set up for me in a couple of hours."

Sam watched him leave, worried.

"Don't fret, Fair Samantha. For a man as confident and strong as our Mr. Smith, having to put his fate in someone else's hands must be humbling. Even in hands as lovely as yours." He added with a smile.

Sam laughed lightly and walked over to hug Spinelli.

"I'm so glad you're back, Spinelli." She whispered fiercely.

"As am I. I missed you and Young Daniel Sir terribly."

…

Jace sat stiffly in the opulent but elegant lobby, his knees bouncing up and down in an attempt to rid himself of his nervous energy.

He glanced up at the click clack of heels on tile and into the face of a stunning brunette.

"Thank you for waiting, Mr. Smith. Mr. Quartermaine will see you now." She said with a bright smile, her eyes lingering on the tall, broad-shouldered hunk of man unfolding to his full, towering height.

Holy crap, I'd like to climb him like a tree. She thought, putting a little extra oomph in her walk. She threw a coy look over her shoulder only to deflate slightly when she noticed he wasn't even paying attention to her. Well, it's obviously not me. I was Miss Port Charles three times running. She thought huffily, fluffing her hair in aggravation.

She schooled her features into a polite smile as the handsome young CEO of ELQ stepped out of his office and came forward to greet the sexy mountain walking behind her.

"Hey Jace, thanks for coming in." Michael greeted him easily, though Jace thought he detected a shadow in the young man's eyes.

"Thanks for humoring Sam and giving me a chance." Jace replied ruefully.

Michael chuckled and shook his head.

"I don't know anyone that can say no to Sam. She's insanely persuasive."

"Not to mention drop dead gorgeous. Who can say no to that face?" Jace agreed without thinking. The adminstrative assistant rolled her eyes. Of course there's a woman. Gotta be love if these hips weren't doing it for him. She smirked as she poured them coffee.

Michael shot Jace a startled glance, that quickly turned to amusement.

"Not a man alive." Michael replied dryly. "Of course, she's like an aunt to me, so I'm safe from her wiles. Honestly, all she did was refer you. I saw you because you made a good first impression."

He turned to accept the coffee cup and waited while Jace was served.

"Thank you, Rosalie. That will be all."

"Of course, Michael-I mean, Mr. Quartermaine." Rosalie said, glancing up at him from beneath her long, thick lashes. She left the room, her hips swaying mesmerizingly. She glanced back over her shoulder, and what she saw made her grin in satisfaction.

"That's more like it." She murmured to herself, pulling the door closed behind her.

Michael shook his head, tearing his eyes away from Rosalie's delectable body to look at Jace, who was watching him with amusement now. He flushed a deep red.

"What were you saying about 'not a man alive' being able to deny Sam?" Jace said dryly.

Michael laughed self-consciously, his eyes shooting to the closed doors briefly.

"Yeah. Brunettes, right?" He joked, straightening his tie self-consciously. He strode over and sat in the big leather chair behind his desk, and gestured to the seat across from him.

Jace sat down.

"The position I'm hiring for is Head of Security. It's an important job, and there are several qualified candidates in the running. But Sam told me what you did for her and…" Michael cleared his throat, looking away but not before Jace saw the shadow return to his eyes. "Well, how you stopped Franco. That sick freak should have died a long time ago, and you saved two of the most important women in my life, besides my sisters and grandmothers." Michael said softly, carefully choosing his words.

"Look, what I did? I'm not sure if I can do it again. It was instinct. And I don't know anything about my past. I could be a dangerous criminal." Jace warned him.

The corner of Michael's mouth twitched.

"Did you come in hoping for a job or to talk me out of giving you one?"

Jace grimaced.

"Yeah, that was stupid. What I'm trying to say, is that I don't know who I was before, but I know who I am now. I know that I will be a hard worker, respectful, dedicated, and loyal. I learn fast, and I already have a specific skill set which can be very beneficial to a man in your position."

Michael nodded.

"That's true. Once I took over ELQ, I realized three things about myself. Even though I was raised around the mob, this is the family business I was meant to run. It's in my blood. Another thing I learned about myself is that I have good instincts, and rely on them to make a lot of my decisions when the facts aren't enough. And third, I like to take risks. So I'm going to trust my instincts and take a chance on you, Jace."

Jace felt a smile stretch across his face.

"Seriously?" He asked incredulously.

Michael nodded, grinning.

"Seriously. But a condition of your employment will be that this is a probationary period only. Once you have successfully met the requirements of probation, we'll hire you on permanently."

Jace nodded.

"What are the requirements?"

"You need to apply for identification, take and pass a drug test, and I'll need you to go to the gun range and our company gym for a demonstration of your skills. Once I'm confident you're qualified for the job, we'll work on getting your a permit to carry a concealed weapon."

Jace watched him carefully.

"Get a lot of assassination attempts in the corporate world?"

Michael looked at him steadily.

"No, but I'm the adoptive son of a well-known mobster. Despite the fact that I've disowned both of my parents, Sonny's enemies will always go after the people he loves." He said matter-of-factly.

Jace nodded, wondering at the ache in his heart at the thought of this young man growing up in that life. Jace would have said that ache was regret if he didn't know better.

"You start Monday. I'll email your offer letter, along with a prospective salary to you, or to Sam if you haven't set one up yet. We can hammer out the details when you come in on Monday. That work for you?" Michael glanced at him expectantly, his hand outstretched..

Jace clasped his hand firmly, nodded.

"Sam helped me setup my email, so it's on my application. And I'll be here."

Jace started walking towards the doors, fighting the urge to say more. He stopped at the door and turned back to Michael.

"Hey, Michael. I don't mean to overstep, but I have to say this. I know what Carly and Sonny did feels unforgivable. And I don't know your dad, but I do know your mom. She's become a real friend to me and I know this rift between you is breaking her heart. I won't tell you to forgive her, because I don't know if I could in your position. But what I'm saying is don't doubt for a second that she loves you. And I'm pretty sure you love her too. I don't know if my parents are dead or alive, but I know that there isn't much I wouldn't do for a chance to see them, talk to them, hug them."

Michael stared at him stonily, nodding curtly.

"I appreciate your honesty and your input. However, if you want to work for me, you won't speak to me about Sonny and Carly again." He said coldly.

Jace grinned and nodded. He knew he'd taken a risk by offering his unsolicited opinion, but he'd felt the need to.

"What a polite way of telling me to mind my damn business. But you're right, and that's the last thing I'll say about it." He nodded at Michael before strolling out.

As he strolled down the hall, he thought about his appointment with Michael. He seemed like a good kid, and he knew it was irrational, but Jace was oddly pleased to have the role of Head of Security. He felt an unexplainable urge to protect Michael.

…

Sam walked through the airport, weaving through the crowd, keeping a tight grip on Danny's hand.

She glanced down at him and smiled.

"Ready for an adventure with Mommy?"

He grinned up at her, pumping his fists and mouthing "Yes!" Sam chuckled but truth be told, she missed her baby's voice. Not too many kids Danny's age could have held out this long, but her kid was some kind of special.

They had a quick lunch in one of the restaurants in the airport while the car service Sam had arranged for waited. When they finished, they got in the car and headed straight to Samuel's mother's house.

Sam got out of the car and pulled a sleep Danny up into her arms. Turning, she looked around in awe at the sprawling ranch with its lush green land. The large, stately clapboard house with its wraparound porch was just as gorgeous.

"You know, I think I would like to live on a ranch like this."

"You say that now, Miss, but just you wait til you're up at the crack of ass feeding them there chickies and yanking on a cow's teat. You'll be whistling Dixie all the way back North, you betchur bottom dollar."

Sam's head snapped to the side to look at the wiry old woman who had made her silent approach and now stood with her hands plopped on her hips as she studied Sam.

Sam smiled brightly, already liking her.

"I don't know about that. I've roughed it before and I always did alright for myself."

The old woman ran her eyes up and down Sam again, before stepping closer and staring into her eyes. She grinned suddenly and Sam was struck by how beautiful the older woman still was, with her emerald green eyes dancing.

"Well, I'll be damned. There's that fire my Sammy told me about. I'm Della Bennett. Welcome to BBW Ranch."

Sam grinned.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bennett. I'm Samantha Morgan."

Della waved her hand.

"Please, call me Della. And who is this handsome little tyke?" She asked, peeking around Sam at Danny's sleeping face.

Sam's eyes lit with pride like they always did when talking about Danny.

"This is my little boy, Danny. And if I'm calling you Della, please call me Sam."

"Well, alright, Sam. Let's get you out of the sun and inside the cool house. Your baby boy looks plumb tuckered out. You can set him down in one of the guests rooms while you visit with Samuel. He's been looking forward to meeting you."

Sam clutched Danny a bit closer to her.

"Thank you, but I'd prefer to keep my son with me. I wouldn't want him to wake up and be scared in an unfamiliar place."

Della beamed and nodded.

"A mama bear, are ya? Well, I like you even more now, Samantha, dear. Come on now, follow me." She turned and hurried up the stairs, quite spry for a woman who had to be in her late sixties, early seventies, given that Samuel was at least fifty. Sam hurried behind her as they walked through the spacious, pretty home.

They turned a corner and Della pushed open a set of double doors. Sam followed her into an enormous, masculine room, with a huge four poster bed set in the center on a slightly raised platform. Perched in the center with a pile of fluffy pillows around him, sat Samuel, grinning at her.

"Well, I'll be. You really did come to have a visit with old Samuel. And looking pretty as a picture for someone who just got off an airplane, and with a baby no less. Here, turn around, let me have a look at him."

Sam grinned and spun, enjoying the friendly, easy manners of mother and son Bennetts.

"Oh yeah, he's gonna have the ladies in a tizzy when he grows up." Samuel grinned.

Just then Danny's head lifted. Blinking sleepily, he looked around and seeing two new faces, his sleepy face transformed. As similar to his father as he was, there was something Danny definitely did not inherit from his parents, and that was his instant trust and delight with new people. His big baby blues sparkling and a wide grin on his face, Danny waved at Della and Samuel in delight.

They burst out laughing, with Della strolling forward and reaching out for Danny. To Sam's surprise, Danny practically leapt into her arms. Della laughed in delight and spun Danny around, smiling down at him.

"Well, aren't you a lady killer? Oh, and those eyes! You're just precious, aren't you, Danny?"

"Tanku" Danny hissed in a barely audible whisper. Della raised a brow at Sam, who grinned and shrugged.

"It's a phase. He only whispers. I should be grateful because just a few weeks ago every word was said in a deafening shout, but I miss his little voice."

Samuel hooted at her explanation.

"Hey there, buddy. My name's Samuel. I think it's mighty impressive that you stick to your guns like that. But don't you want to talk regularly now?"

Danny grinned and shook his head.

"No way, Jose." He whispered fiercely. Samuel laughed again and Della winked at Sam before bouncing Danny on her hip.

"You know, Son, I bet young Danny here can't remember how to talk normal." Della said to Samuel with a sad shake of her head. "That's too bad, really because I have my famous chocolate chip cookies down in the kitchen and a ice cold jug of milk." She glanced at Danny from the corner of her eyes, shaking her head pityingly while Sam bit back a grin and waited to see if it worked. " If only Danny could talk in a regular voice and tell me he wanted some cookies. But he can't, so I guess I'll throw them in the garbage bin."

Danny shook his head so hard Sam was surprised it didn't fall off.

"I talk! I talk! No cookie in da gahbage. Cookie for me." Danny said quickly, in his normal, sweet voice. He placed both hands on either side of Della's face and leaned close.

"I talk now. Cookie pease?" He said sweetly. Della nodded solemnly, her heart swelling at the sweet little angel boy in her arms.

"Well, of course you can have cookies. You sure do have a nice big boy voice, Danny." She shot a look at Sam that told her she was struggling not to laugh.

"Do you mind if I take him down to the kitchen for that glass of milk and cookies?" She asked. Sam walked over and ran her finger down Danny's nose, before leaning forward to press a quick kiss on the tip of his nose. Danny beamed at her and ran a finger down her nose, leaning forward to kiss it.

"Go ahead and get cookies with Miss Della, Danny. But behave okay? Mommy will be right here when you're done."

"Well, if that's not the most precious thing I've ever seen. Bless your hearts." Della said, having watched the obvious love mother and son shared with a mother's understanding. She shot an adoring look at Samuel who grinned back at her.

Sam waited until Danny and Della disappeared around the corner before turning to Samuel.

"So how are you doing, really? When my friend found you and told me you'd had a heart attack, I was so worried."

Samuel smiled.

"That's right kind of you, lady Sam. But I'm just fine now. I'll admit, I'm feeling my mortality a bit more than I did before, that's for sure."

Sam nodded sympathetically.

"And I'll tell you what else. I was right glad you and your detective partner found me because I've been itching to talk to you since I saw what I saw."

Sam's brows rose and she moved forward quickly, dragging a chair close to the bed.

"You saw something on your camera?" She asked eagerly.

Samuel grinned.

"I sure did."

"Did you see the accident?

"I saw that car swerve directly into him. That was no accident, I'd bet my life on it."

Sam stared in surprise before anger suffused her.

"That son of a bitch hit him on purpose. I'm glad he's dead."

At Samuel's questioning look, Sam shook her head and hurried to explain.

"Sorry. We found the guilty party but he was killed while being taken into custody. Samuel, about the accident, could you see Jace's face at all? Even a small glimpse of his face could help us identify him."

Samuel pushed up a bit, grinning at Sam.

"I can do better than that, lady Sam. I didn't just see the accident. I saw your friend come crashing through the woods. I saw everything."