Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me. This story was inspired by the episode "The House that Jack Built".

"Okay, Bailey, I think I’ve got it!" Samantha yelled as she shot through the glass doors of the conference room.

"What have you got, Sam?"

"Well since Jack popped back up I have been doing some research. I think I know what Jack’s problem with me is. His only problem is not he fact that I can get inside his head and think what he’s thinking. His problem is that he sees me as a possession that he owns. This is why he’s gone after all the people that I love and whole dear to me."

"Sam, I thought I told you to let us handle it?" Bailey asked with an authoritative frown on his face.

"Bailey, I know but I can just sit by and not do anything. I owe that much to Tom and Chloe. And now at least we know what his whole deal is."

"You sure about that?" Everyone turned to see John walk into the big conference room with an envelope in hand and a disturbed looked on his face. Everyone knew that when John had that looked on his face something was up.

"What are you talking about John?" Sam asked w/ concern and fear in her tone.

"I am talking about the fact that this envelope was just delivered with your name on it and no return address." John threw the envelope on the table and took his usual seat across from Sam. "Now if you know what he’s up to tell me what the sending of messages is all about."

Sam opened the envelope cautiously. After taking out the contents she noticed that there was a blank piece of paper. Immediately she ran to get the UV light from her office. All the lights were turned off and Sam turned the UV light and ran it over the blank piece of paper. All Sam did then was just stared at them. Bailey immediately rushed to her side knowing what the express on her face meant. He picked up the piece of paper read it, them ordered the lights to be turned back on.

"George, please put it up on the screen." Bailey demanded pushing the envelope and pictures to him.

As he pictures flashed across the big screen John shot up from his chair yelling, "Now can you explain this to me if you know what his deal is?"

The pictures showed John and Sam in a diner with John’s head circled in red ink. Sam and John knew that that picture had been taken the day before when John had invited Sam to take a break and go to lunch with him. George also put up the blank piece of paper, which read:

You Will Always Be Mine And Only Mine.

"Now I know why he hasn’t tried to get into the fire station." Sam said with tears welling up in her eyes. "He knows those are FBI agents outside. He also knows how wired the place, when I leave, when I get in, who I leave with, who I come back with. Goddammit he even knows what I eat and with who."

"Now lets not get carried away, Sam. It could have just been a one-time thing. And maybe..."

"Dammit, Bailey, you know there is no such thing as a 'one time thing' with Jack. But you know what I’m sick of this. I refuse to stand bye and wait and do nothing; I will not live in fear. We’re gonna give Jack exactly what he doesn’t want." Sam said staring at John.

"Sam, what are you thinking?" John asked nervously looking at Sam’s expression.

"I’m thinking that you and I will go away for a romantic weekend."

"What?!!! Sam, we do this and it will likely push Jack farther over the edge than he already is."

"Exactly, which will in turn cause Jack to come out of hiding to come after both of you." Bailey said knowing in which direction Sam was headed.

"BINGO!" Sam shouted.

It had been a week already since John and Sam had begun their 'romance'. The plan had begun to work like a charm. Sam had received several envelopes containing pictures of John and Sam. The pictures were of John dropping Sam off at the fire station, another one of John and Sam sharing a 'passionate' kiss in the headquarter parking lot. The gang was working on the setting up the rendezvous weekend at the cabin. The plan was that John and Sam would stage a weekend alone at Bailey’s cabin up in Vermont where they were supposed to consummate their relationship. Everyone was hoping that if Jack found out that Sam was serious about this relationship he would finally come out of hiding.

Sam sat in her office staring out into the work area thinking about all the events that had taken place and about the ones that would take place. But she gave special concentration to the events that had taken place. Sam had been nervous all week, since the whole 'relationship' began. She was not totally sure that the plan would work. She was also concerned because something had been bothering her the whole week. She could not put her finger on it put she knew it had something to do with John. Sam noticed that every time John and her shared a 'kiss' she got these feelings like. And then it hit her. Oh no those were the same feelings she had when she and Tom had started dating. But that was impossible. John was a colleague and friend. There could never be anything more than friendship between John and her.

John was having mixed feelings about this who project. Even though he outwardly rejected taking part in this charade, inwardly he wanted so much to do it. Since the day that John and Sam had met, he had been strongly attracted to Sam. At first he had been a physical thing but as the days, weeks and months had gone by he had seen that it was more than that. This had given John the chance to show Sam the kind of guy he was. He acted like the perfect boyfriend. John was sweet, kind, sensitive, attentive and loving. John thought that maybe this could lead to a real relationship.

"You ready to go, Sam?" John asked as he walked into her office.

"Yeah. Let me just finish this and we can go."

John walked across the office and stood in front of her desk staring at Sam.

"What?" Sam asked

"Nothing. I just want to those guys something to look at," John said signaling with his eyes to the agents who were on the other side of the glass trying desperately to be discrete.

"Well let’s give them something to really look at," Sam said as she smiled and pulled John by his shirt into a 'passionate kiss'. As they kissed Sam found herself rising from the chair and settling herself in John’s arms.

"Excuse me," Bailey softly said as he walked into the office. "Am I interrupting something I should know about?"

As soon as they heard Bailey’s voice, John and Sam tore themselves away from each other looking embarassingly.

"No, Bailey. We were just playing our parts for the fellow agents." Sam replied looking at John and then at Bailey.

"Good cuz I wouldn’t want to see that he charade got out of hand."

"Please Bailey. There could never be anything more between Sam and me then, friendship. Right Sam?"

"That’s right John."

"Okay, then. Let’s go cause the car is set to take you guys to the airport," Bailey with a solemn expression.

"Yeah Bailey. I was thinking about that," Sam said with a look of concern. "I think that we used take either John’s car or my car because if Jack is watching wouldn’t look suspicious if the agency drives to the airport when we are going away for a romantic weekend. That way we take one of our cars and leave at the airport and it looks more realistic. What do you think John?"

"She’s right Bailey."

"I know John. So what we’ll do is you guys take one of your cars and we’ll have an unmarked car follow you. Okay? Then there will be four undercover agents with you on the plan to Vermont. Then there are gonna big six surveillance vans hidden around the cabin. There are also listening devices in certain rooms of the cabin. I think we have all the bases cover. So now let’s go."

Everything ran smoothly from headquarters to the airport and then to Vermont and the cabin. So far there had been no signs of Jack anywhere. But Sam knew that soon enough he was come for them. But once again Sam found herself worry less about the case and more about her feelings and that kiss they had shared at the office. Just as she began thinking about it, John walked into the room.

"Okay, so what are the arrangements gonna be?"

"What arrangements?"

"Sleeping arrangements, Sam. Unless you expect us to sleep in the same bed." John said with half hoping that she would agree to it.

"Oh well what do you want?"

"Well since my mother told me to always be a gentleman, why don’t you take the bed and I’ll take the couch?"

"Okay but it’s still early unless you are planning on going to sleep early."

"No I just wanted to get something straight just in case. Why? Is there a problem? Do you want to do something?"

"I don’t know. Do you want to do something?"

"Okay, since you are going to make this hard, I’ll decide. Why don’t we get a fire going first of all? Then make something to eat."

"That’s sounds good. Why don’t you get the fire going and I’ll see what Bailey has stocked in the kitchen."

An hour later Sam and John were sitting on the carpeted floor in front of the fire eating and drinking champagne.

"At least we know Bailey has some good taste in beverages." John said with a smile on his face and with all intentions and directed fully at Bailey who they knew was listening in.

"Listen John I need to clear something up."

"Look Sam if it’s about that kiss it’s understandable. We both got a little carried away."

"No, it’s just that..."

"It’s just that what, Sam?"

"I can’t do this. There are too many listen ears to have this conversation here and now. Bailey can you please turn the listening devices off in this room?" Sam yelled then waited a second.

"Okay Sam how do you except him to answer you?"

Just as John finished his question the phone rang. Sam got up to answer it.

"Hello."

"Okay, Sam. You guys have some privacy, for now."

"Thanks Bailey. I really appreciate it."

Sam hung up the phone and then made her way back to where John was sitting.

"Okay, now I can do this. About the kiss, John..."

"Sam, don’t worry about it."

"No John let me finished. I really enjoyed it. To tell you the truth, ever since we started this little thing, I have been having these feelings that I haven’t felt since Tom. At first I wasn’t too sure but ever since that kiss I’ve known it can work."

"Sam, you know I’m all for it but what about what Bailey will think? I mean don’t get me wrong but you saw how it got over that little kiss. Imagine if we tell him we are gonna really date."

"Oh please John. Bailey doesn’t dictate my life and I know that he doesn’t dictate your life. Well at least not after the Francis issue."

"Oh, please don’t get me started on that one. But let me get this straight you’re stay this, us, is a go."

Without a word Sam leaned over a kissed John, hoping for a positive respond from John. John could do nothing else but respond to Sam’s sweet lips. Somehow both mad it to their feet and found themselves in each others arms. This time there was nothing in between them, no one was watching at them. They knew this was not for showing off. It was only for each other.

"Okay that’s it! We are turning the listening devices back one." Bailey barked out as he tried to pace the length of the van.

"Bailey just give them a little bit more time." George said hoping not to get his head bit off. "Bailey you know where this is headed so take it easy. I know you are still sore about the Francis issue but this is Sam and you know that nothing happened between John and Francis."

Bailey shot George a glare that sent shivers down George’s back.

"Yes, George. I know where this is headed and that is precisely why I want to stop it before it goes any farther. Get them on the phone and let them know we are turning the devices back on. After you speak to them, turn the devices on. I’m going out for a cigar." With that Bailey walked out of the van, into the dark night arm for a cigar.

The ringing of the phone bought Sam and John back to where they were and far from the kiss they were sharing.

"Hello?"

"John. Listen Bailey wants me to turn the listening device in the room back on. But if you guys still want to continue your 'conversation' there are no listening devices in the guestroom upstairs. Just play along say that you guys are going to sleep and go upstairs so that we have it on tape."

"Thanks George. I’ll speak to you later."

John hung up and whispered the situation to Sam. Both did as George had told them to. They went upstairs and made movement in the master bedroom so that Bailey would think they were really going to sleep. After forty-five minutes, John and Sam slipped out quietly and made there way to the guestroom.

Sam and John could not believe what was happening. As they slowly made their way to the bed, they went over all the repercussions that this one event could bring about. Sam was especially concerned with Jack's reaction.

"John, you do know that once this takes place, you will be stuck in a sticky predicament with Jack."

"Because of Jack is why I am in THIS sticky predicament to begin with," he said as he gently kissed Sam.

"Yes but this will put you in an even more dangerous situation," Sam replied as she pulled John's shirt off.

"You know what Sam? I've stayed around this long because I care for you and I love you. I don't care what happens to me as long as I know you're safe."

Sam stopped midway and stared at John as he wiped away the tears that had to fall from her eyes. Sam knew that he was sincere in every word that he had just said. Seeing what effect this had had on Sam, with one gently movement John picked Sam up and placed her on the bed. Sam and John were so involved in what was going on between them that they did not noticed that someone was watching.

"Bailey, we have motion on the south side of the cabin. Near the guestroom," George shouted in a panic.

"Can we make it who or what it is?"

"No but the sensors do indicate that it is definitely human."

"Okay. Call Sam and John and warn them to be careful. I’ll go around the cabin and check it out."

"Bailey! NO! WAIT!" George shouted but was too late. Bailey was already out of the van with his gun in hand headed towards the other side of the cabin.

George knew that Sam and John would never hear the phone since they were in the guestroom. John’s cell was turned off and Sam didn’t have hers. So that only left George the option of beeping them. Crossing his fingers George picked up the phone and first beeped John. Then he hung up and beeped Sam. He would keep beeping them until some called him back.

John and Sam ignored the beep coming from John’s waist. They wanted no one and nothing to disturb them. They figured it was just Bailey checking up on them and nothing really important. Then when the heard the beep from Sam’s beeper and then almost simultaneously the second beep from John’s beeper they knew something was up. John rolled off of Sam and reached for the phone. What he heard on the other end was a very nervous and agitated George.

"George, we got your beeps. What’s wrong?"

"You and Sam got to get out of the guestroom ‘cause we just got movement on that side of the cabin and Bailey is on his way. The system indicates definitely human. You and Sam have to be careful."

"Okay, George we’re on our way out. And thanks."

As John hung up he noticed that Sam was already out the door. He quickly put his shirt on but didn’t bother with his shoes. John also picked up his gun from the night table and ran after Sam. Before he made it down the hall, he heard a scream from downstairs.

"Sam!" Was all John could get out. When he made it to the living room he saw Bailey on the front porch bleeding profusely and Sam next to him. "Is he okay?"

"I got a pulse so I guess he’s okay but we have to get him into the cabin."

"Okay I’ll go and check to see if I catch the bastard. You stay here look the windows and doors. Also call George to tell him the situation and to alert the other agents. I’ll be back."

"John! Please be careful."

John stood there for a second them ran out the door. Sam did as John had told her. Sam locked everything tight then called George. George told Sam he would keep track of where John was. Sam then ran quickly to the bathroom to get alcohol so that she could stop Bailey’s bleeding. Sam sat in the living room and felt like an eternity until finally she heard a knock at the door.

"Thank God John you’re..."

When she opened the door George was standing there with a grim look on his face.

"Sam, I have some bad news."

"George what happened to John?"

"Nothing as far as I can tell but..."

"What do you mean nothing as far as you can tell? George, don’t lie to me please. Tell what happened."

"Sam you have calm down."

"George, don’t treat me like a four year old. Tell what happened."

"Well remember I told you I would keep track of John?"

Sam shook her immediately wanting to him jus tell her what had happened to John.

"Well he sort of disappeared from the surrounding area."

"What do you mean he 'disappeared from the area'? People don’t just disappear, George."

"Well Sam, one minute he was on the system and the next minute he wasn’t. But I have the agents looking for him right now."

Sam sat curled up in the rocking chair, staring out the window. She had not slept all night but had stayed up crying and waiting for any word on John’s whereabouts. The agents had searched the entire area; George had scanned the area with the tracker and had found only John’s beeper in the bushes near the cabin. Sam was sure that Jack had finally come out of hiding. The plan had worked but it had put John’s life in danger. Sam couldn’t live with the thought that now that she had finally realized her feelings she would lose him.

Bailey watched Sam from the kitchen. He had awoken to Sam’s crying and with many people coming in and out of the cabin. He had also stayed up all night with Sam. It was living Tom’s death all over again. Bailey felt helpless. George had filled in Bailey on all the events, including how the relationship between Sam and John had developed. Bailey did not have the heart to lecture seeing how distraught she was.

"Sam, maybe we should pack up and head back to Atlantic and continue from there."

"No, Bailey. Now that Jack’s knows I’ll be here by myself, he will come after .I’m not gonna run and I’m not gonna hide any more. I am not gonna run and hide behind the badge and headquarters. I’ve hidden since he walked into my life. I hid when he killed Tom. Then I went and hid when his crazed experiment of a replacement, Jill, killed Coop. I can’t and won’t hide anymore."

"But Sam you haven’t been hiding. You’re back at work. You’ve moved on with your life."

"No, Bailey. I haven’t. It’s the same routine everyday. I go from home to work, then to a crime scene, then I go back home. Bailey, that’s not a life. That’s just playing it safe. Why do you think it took me so long to realize my feelings for John? Because I closed myself off and played it safe. He wants me well let him come after me. One thing I know is that I will not Bailey, lose another man that I love to that psycho. He wants to play, I’ll play. But he better prepare himself ‘cause it’s gonna big war."

Part Two