Blinded

Chapter 2

Current Day

His head ached, undoubtedly from the blow to the head that rendered him unconscious. He bristled as the heavy footsteps came closer, struggling against the restraints hoping he could in some way loosen the zip ties that kept him immobile. Within moments he felt the sting of a punch to the jaw. He tasted the metallic blood in his mouth as he struggled against his restraints, unable to defend himself. He prayed someone would realize where he was – not for his sake, but for hers.

Before he knew it he felt the tug of someone roughly pulling the blindfold off his face, strands of hair pulled out at the same time.

-STFBE-

Jack debated what to do, ultimately deciding they would do more digging in the morning to find the source of the threat rather than calling the team back in. He was tired, and he could tell Sue was also waning. However, he also didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone.

Instead, he drove her home, picked up some food along the way and escorted her up to her apartment. She was quiet the entire time. He had hope to catch her attention but every time he glanced her way, she was looking out the window. He could tell she was scared but had said little after she had shown him the email and they decided to head back to her place. Instead, he reached over and grabbed her hand. He was grateful when she didn't pull away but rather squeezed it back and held it the rest of the journey, continuing to stare out the passenger window.

They made their way upstairs and she unlocked the front door, as he heard Lucy moving about the apartment. Sue announced their arrival, "Lucy I'm home". Lucy came around the corner to greet her friend and roommate.

"Jack!" She exclaimed. "I wasn't expecting you as well! Dinner date?" Her eyes sparkled hopefully.

"Unfortunately, while we did grab dinner, I'm here for other less pleasant reasons." Jack replied, and proceeded to tell Lucy was what going on. Lucy looked horrified. Sue quietly started putting her things away from the day and getting the food out while the two of them talked. Jack watched her out of the corner of his eye, concerned at how quiet she was being.

"But why would someone threaten Sue? Who could it be?" Lucy asked. Jack looked at both women.

"I don't know but we'll investigate first thing tomorrow morning." He replied seriously. "In the meantime, I want you to keep all the blinds closed and the doors locked. I'll come pick you up in the morning." He moved to start closing all the blinds in the living room and kitchen, as Lucy did the same moving towards the bedrooms. Jack turned to Sue.

"I don't want you opening the door to anyone unless its me." She nodded again. Lucy came back out to join them. Sue excused herself to change into something more comfortable before she and Jack ate. Lucy turned to Jack.

"She's scared." Jack sighed. "I know." He replied. "She didn't say anything when the first email came in this afternoon. It wasn't until she got the picture that she finally told me what was going on. Don't worry Lucy, we'll find out what's going on."

"You have to Jack. Why would anyone want to hurt her? Maybe its just an empty threat from someone you've put away in the past? Even in the last year – Simon, Ted Collins, Malcolm Hayden… I suppose she's made her share of enemies…". Those names had come to Jack's mind too – as had the memories that still frequented his nightmares.

Hearing her scream as he raced back to her apartment after realizing he had forgotten his cell phone, only to see Simon crouching over her, his hands around her neck. Racing to the countryside knowing Malcolm Hayden had taken her captive, shoved her in the trunk of his car. What if he had been even moments later? What if he had hurt her?

It didn't take long for more memories to flood his mind. When she was missing after the massacre at the think tank, praying that Dan Malone wasn't an assassin and Myles idea to dredge the lakes wouldn't be needed. When Jonathan took her captive, his heart in a panic fully expecting to find her body somewhere from the moment she was taken until he received her call of reassurances. Even then he wasn't entirely sure, only to be blind sighted by Jessica being the mastermind behind it all. He hadn't even had time to process the rollercoaster that case had been on his emotions.

Sadly, there were those out there who would want to see Sue hurt for the direct impact she had at leading them to justice. It was a hazard of the job, but didn't make it easier for Jack to know there were those out there who intended her harm. Perhaps more than even the one who was directly targeting her.

Sue came back a few moments later, and Lucy decided to excuse herself to bed, having already eaten. She bade Jack goodnight, promising to call him if there was anything suspicious and wait until he arrived in the morning. Sue sat down at the table next to Jack, adding a few items to her plate, which she barely picked at. After taking a few bites, Jack got her attention.

"Sue, tell me what you're thinking. How can I help?" His look of concern was so intense, she reached over and briefly touched his cheek out of instinct. As she moved her hand away he took it in his again and held tight, waiting for her response.

"You are helping. I suppose I've always known there would be those out there that would blame me for their conviction. It just never felt this real before." She sighed. "I'm not sure what to do, or what to think. I don't like the idea that he's watching me."

"Nor do I. But we'll find out who it is. I've put in a call to the DC police and asked them to keep an eye on your street with more frequent rounds. This case will be our top priority – I'll talk to D first thing in the morning…" Jack responded.

"Maybe its nothing too…" Sue started to object. "I don't want everyone to be so focused on me. I'm sure it will just be fine." Jack could hear her torn between not wanting to be the centre of attention while wanting this to just go away.

"It will be fine" Jack answered. "It will be fine once we find out who is sending those emails and I get 10 minutes with them alone." Sue gave Jack a small smile, as they started to put away the left over food.

"Thank you Jack. I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away. I've been a bit worried about you – you have been so tired after our last case." He looked her deeply in the eye.

"You can always tell me anything. I want to know. I want to protect you." She gave him a small smile in return, followed by a yawn she tried to hold back. He took his cue to leave as she walked him towards the front door.

"Don't forget to…" "Lock the door." she finished his sentence. "I will, I promise. Will you text me when you get home? It's late and I'll be worried unless I know you got home safely." This made him smile and he promised he would. He tried to look at her reassuringly and warmed at the trust he saw reflected in her eyes.

"Thanks again Jack."

"Goodnight Sue." He turned and made he way out, but not before waiting at the top of the stairs to hear the door close and the deadbolt connect. The smile faded as his ran his hand across his face. He glanced back up towards her apartment door, unsure of what the next days would bring.