Chloe sat in the kitchen of her mothers Tennessee home eating her breakfast cereal.  She was engrossed in a comic book that she was anxious to finish.  Suddenly, a different picture appeared on the page.  She tried to look out the window to escape the vision, but it wouldn't leave.  It was Uncle Bailey she saw out the window.  He was sitting at his desk in Atlanta working.  The thought made her smile. Bailey had always made Chloe a priority in his life and she loved him.  She had really missed Bailey, and hated not being able to talk to her mother about her feelings. What she saw next frightened her.  Bailey grabbed his head and moaned, then George was there, then Grace, then lots of people all hovering over Uncle Bailey.  It was almost like watching a movie, a scary movie, with Bailey and Grace and George.    Then as quickly as it came, it was gone.  Chloe looked down at the Cheerios floating in the milk in the bowl, the picture was gone.  It was only cereal.  Chloe was very confused by what had happened.  She wanted to tell her mother, she knew that she needed to tell her mother about this scary movie in her head.  But it involved Uncle Bailey and Mom was very angry with him now.  She wanted to talk to her Mom, she needed to talk to her Mom, but now, it would only make her mad.

At the Emergency Department, a cursory exam revealed nothing conclusive, so more extensive tests were ordered.  Grace and the team waited impatiently for news. The emergency room physician entered and asked for Mr. Malone's family.  Grace told him that there was no family available, but the people in this room were considered family.

Taking a deep breath he sat down.  "Mr. Malone is seriously ill."

Grace caught her breath. "What's wrong with him?  What did the tests reveal?"

"I'm sorry to have to tell you this.  It appears Mr. Malone has a brain tumor, that most probably is malignant."  He paused to let the information sink in, then continued, "It's operable, but we're going to need permission to do the surgery. Does he have family or a designated Power of Attorney?"

The room was still and quiet. To anyone outside of the team it would appear as if everyone was frozen in a state of shock.  'How are we ever going to tell Sam?' Seemed to be the thought on everyone's mind, but it was John who finally spoke.  "Grace we're going to have to tell Sam..."

Grace with tears streaming down her face, had questions racing through her mind.  'This will make her lose it, s he'd been through so much, as have Bailey and all of us for that matter. How could this happen to Bailey?  And I can't imagine what Bailey's reaction will be when he finds out we called her?'

The doctor asked, "Is this his ex-wife?"

George answered for the group. "No, she's the love of his Life..." Leave it to George to come up with just the right words.

"I guess I'll go call her now." Grace responds.  George stood, "No Grace, this isn't something that should be done over the phone.  I'll take the helicopter and go get her.  I should do this for Bail and Sam."

John walked to George and placed his hand on George's shoulder, George, you know you hate to fly, let me go."

George shook his head,  "No, John I need to do this. Please, and I need to do it alone."

Grace addressed the doctor, "Can we see him?"

"He's awake but heavily sedated."  The doctor answered.  "Yes, you can see him, come with me."

They entered the Emergency Department.  Entering the room they heard moaning. Someone was moaning in severe pain. When they looked they were shocked to see that it was Bailey. With all the medication, how could he still be in such intense pain?  Garbled sounds came from Bailey's mouth but the only discernible word was "Sam."

George walked to the head of the bed, leaned over and whispered, "Don't worry Bail, I'm going to get Sam. Hang on," his voice broke, "I'll be back soon!"  With tears streaming down his face, George turned and left the room.  John followed.

"George," he said softly, "Let me go with you."

"No John, I need to do this myself."  George felt a connection with and an indebtedness to Bailey.  George had been a young, smart, computer programer when he got involved with the wrong crowd.  He had been arrested for money laundering after he hacked into a bank computer for these unscrupulous people he thought were his friends.  These friends had arranged the evidence so that George shouldered the blame for the scheme while they walked free.  Bailey had seen the good in the young man and had gone to bat for him.  Bailey kept him out of prison, created a job for him at the VCTF, and had helped George regain control of his life.  Several years later, after George had proven his worthiness to the team many times over, Bailey had helped him exact a type of revenge on these people.  Justice was finally done when Bailey set up a sting operation and captured the men who had set George up so many years before.  Bailey protected him and cared about him as he did the other members of the team. Bailey treated him better and cared more about him than George's own family.  It was important to George to repay the debt and the kindness he felt he owed Bailey    He had confidence in George when others around him turned their back, and George felt compelled to justify that confidence.

As John exited the hospital after George, he saw him hurrying across the parking lot talking on his cell phone.  George, the arrangement man the computer guru, and man with a heart of gold was determined to go this alone. About that time he heard the VCTF helicopter.  It landed and George got in to be lifted away in a flash. John reentered the hospital to wait with the team.

As a result of working along side each other for many years Sam and Bailey had become the best of friends;  and they had been through many tragedies in this time.  Most perpetrated at the hand of serial killer Jack-of-All-Trades.  He had killed her husband, her friend Coop and had continued to stalk her.  She had been forced to leave her position at the VCTF to protect Chloe.   Jack had used Chloe, made her a part of the game, just as he had always used Sam.  Try as she might she could no longer justify staying, at the cost of Chloe's life and well-being.  Bailey had understood her reason for leaving but it had broken his heart.  Despite the fact that she had been gone for six months, he thought of her every day, dreamed of her at night, imagined he saw her everywhere.  Sam was the love of his life and he was determined to protect her. He knew she would never agree to protection, so all surveillance equipment was placed prior to her arrival in Tennessee.

Sam was determined to make a life without the memories, good and bad, of her time at the VCTF.  It wasn't working.  Thoughts of Jack still haunted her, though they were happening less frequently.  But thoughts of Bailey were ever present.  He had been her source of strength, her light in the dark, her protector, and her friend. She missed Bailey terribly.  Sam was still angry with Bailey, angry because she loved him, and especially how easily he had let her leave, angry that he was so passive about their relationship, but most of all angry because she didn't understand what was wrong with him.  She had been sure he cared, but that evidently was all in her imagination.  She had left and tried hard to suppress these feeling, healthy or not.  She had spent the last six months trying to shut Bailey out of her life.

Confused and alone she had decided to move away from Atlanta.  Living in the Tennessee Mountains was so relaxing.  The clean mountain air and the solitude helped ease the pain and allowed her time to try to find herself again.  The sounds of nature filled the air around the house, while Sam sat with Chloe dozing in her arms. 

The silence was broken when Chloe sat up suddenly on the porch swing, and stared off into space.  "No, Uncle Bailey..  What's wrong?  Help him Mom, please help him.  Don't let him hurt."  Chloe babbled as she stared into space.  Angel and Sam were baffled by Chloe's behavior.  She was sitting stone faced as if she were watching a T.V.  Chloe looked quickly from Sam to Angel then jumped up and ran upstairs to her room, leaving Sam and Angel staring at one another  with baffled expressions on their faces. When Sam got her bearings she jumped up and ran after Chloe.  Stopping at the top of the stairs she took a deep breath as she knocked at the door.  "Go away!"

"Please Chloe, let me come in,  we need to talk." Sam pleaded to the closed door.

"I don't have anything to say.  Leave me alone, PLEASE."

"Chloe we need to talk about your dream."

"It's not a dream.  I saw it." Chloe said as she started to cry.

Sam slowly opened the door and walked to the bed.  Chloe was laying across the bed, crying.  Sam placed her hand on Chloe's back and slowly rubbed in circles.  "It's OK Chloe.  It was just a bad dream."

"It wasn't a dream, Mom.  How many times to I have to say that."

"Tell me about it, Chloe.  I want to hear all about it."

Chloe sat up and stared at her mother.  After a long silence, Chloe quietly said, "Mom, I guess I just miss how things used to be, you know when we were in Atlanta.  Your right, it must have been a bad dream."  Then turning slowly she lay back across the bed and closed her eyes.  Sam sat on the side of the bed for a few moments, but when Chloe didn't move, Sam left the room.

The solitude was broken by the whirling beat of the helicopter's blades as it circled the house to land.  Looking up Sam saw the letters VCTF--FBI on the side of the Chopper.  She immediately thought back to her last case, the case that had ended her career at the FBI.  Jack had kidnapped her and held her captive for three days. As his form of punishment he had told her many tales of torture. Torture he had committed on others and the torture he had perpetrated on Bailey.  He told her that he had killed Bailey.........He told her before he finished him off  Bailey begged for her safety........He told her his death wasn't an easy death...... he told her how he fought to hang on to life, "He just wouldn't die......... but Samantha, you should feel flattered, because his last word on earth was Sam."  When Jack described Bailey's death  scene to her, she could see it in her mind. The thought of that scene ripped her heart out, even today.   If she had only known that Jack was lying and Bailey didn't care, it would have been so much easier, or would it.  Anger flared again as she watched the helicopter circle above her house.

She gritted her teeth,  "If that is you, Bailey Malone, you can just crawl back in that chopper and go back where you came from!"

Angel's jaw dropped as she looked at Sam.  She was stunned at the amount of anger that Sam expressed at the prospect of a visit from Bailey.  "Get a grip Sam, do you really think he would come here without calling?  Something must be wrong."

Sam looked at Angel, surprised at her outburst.  She had been so angry with Bailey, she never considered that something might be wrong.  As the helicopter sat down she braced herself to see Bailey, and was very unsettled to see George jump out.  George ducked his head and ran toward her as the chopper took off.

From behind a creen in a dark room, a figure in the shadows watched the VCTF helicopter land, deposit George, and then take off.  "Interesting development, Samantha!  Why has he come to visit?  I'll have to turn up the volume and see for myself!"  A sinister laugh ensued.

George stopped short about 20 feet from her and they stood looking at one another.  George slowly walked toward Sam.  She found it strange that he wore sunglasses, George rarely wore sunglasses.  Sam ran to him and threw her arms around him. George began to cry. ~A vision of lights, emergency lights flashing, a crowd  came and went quickly  as Sam briefly held George.~  Sam stiffened.  "George what's wrong?"

"Yes, George what is wrong?"   The man in the shadow's watching the screen asked. "Come on tell Uncle Jack!"

"Can we sit down Sam?" Sam backed away from George.  Suddenly she wanted to run.  Angel was right. Something was very wrong.

"George, let's sit on the porch."

 Sam sat in a large white wicker chair and George sat on the railing opposite her.  George had planned this speech for the hour it took to get to Sam's, but now that he was here, he was unable to look at her.  George stared at the end of the porch as he spoke.  "Sam, I have to tell you something. And I am not sure how…"

Sam's heart began to pound. "George take off those stupid glasses and look at me!"

George dropped his head; slowly he removed his dark glasses to reveal red swollen eyes.  He opened his mouth to speak but no words would come.  Sam was taken back by George's inability to speak, the sadness of his eye's as well as the redness and obvious swelling in his face from crying. Questions raced through Sam's mind.  What could it be? What would cause such overwhelming sadness.  Why is he alone?  Where is everyone else?  Where is Bailey?

"George, what's happened?  Is it the team?  Are they... are they gone?"   Sam asked as she stood and began to back away as if she was trying to get away from the news he would deliver.

George shook his head and looked at the floor. He slowly answered the question at hand with the words that tore at his heart,   "It's not the team Sam.  It's Bailey."

"Oh, now what could be wrong with Mr. Malone?"

~The visions she had imagined when she was captured by Jack flooded Sam's mind.  Bailey, pictures of Bailey from different angles flashed through her mind.  Bailey dead.~ "No!" She whispered.  A terrible chill ran through her, not Bailey as the thoughts continued to race through her mind.  ~Visions flashed again, crowds, blue flashing lights, pain, severe unrelenting pain, then stillness.  "No, George.  Please," Sam pleaded, "he's....he's not....gone!"  Sam was shaking her head and backing away.  "He can't be......George, please tell me he's not dead......No!"  Emotions long suppressed  were erupting to the surface.

"Samantha, don't be upset..I'm still here! I told you that you didn't need Malone!"

"Sam!"  George stepped to her and placed his hands on her upper arms trying to get her attention.  "He's not dead."

"Too bad.... I thought you were over him! Samantha....Remember, your behavior is quickly signing his death warrant."

"Oh, thank God."  Her knees were getting weaker and George held her to keep her from crumbling to the floor.

"Sam, Bailey is very sick.......He maybe dying.....  I'm so sorry Sam, but you're his Power of Attorney.  There are decisions that need to be made and Bailey is unable to make them."

"Now this sounds promising!  Please continue George, tell me more!"

Sam stared at George as if he was speaking a foreign language.  Anger flared again.  "I'm his Power of Attorney!  You lame....Let me get this straight, you came because I'm his Power of Attorney?  What if I hadn't been, would you have just not bothered?  When would or would you have told me, if I had just been Sam?  This is so typical of the VCTF!!!  So, Bailey hasn't asked for me, huh!!!"

"Samantha, Temper, Temper!"

George dropped his head this was not going as he had planned.  "No, Sam that's not the only reason I came.  I wanted you to be told in person not over the phone. I…Oh, Sam!" George shook his head. "He...he can't"   George found it difficult to continue.

Sam glared at George her anger was evident.  "George exactly what is wrong with him?......When did this happen?......If he is this sick, why hasn't someone called me before now?"  Sam fired questions at George.

"Yes George, what is wrong with him exactly...Better yet where is he!"

Hugging Sam in a show of consolation and support George replied, "Calm down Sam, it started this morning.  He collapsed in his office in terrible pain.  No one knew."

~The office flashed in her mind, the desk, a hand grabbing for the desk, then Bailey lying still, very still on the floor.~  "George, please tell me what is wrong with him."  Sam's voice almost a plea.

"Yes Yes, I can't wait....Tell us George!"

"Sam."  Tears olled silently down George's face, his voice was broken as he tried to tell her this horrible news,  "They....they said he has a brain tumor."  Shaking his head trying to clear the visions of Bailey moaning in pain he continued,  "And their pretty certain it's cancer, they called it malignant!"

"Oh really!  How nice...Now where is he?"

"Oh No! George,"  Sam buried her head in his shoulder then breaking the embrace turned her back to George.  She began to pace, walking from one end of the porch to the other mumbling, "This can't be true, we have too much to say, too much to do!"  Then stopping in front of George she said, "Did he...Does he know?"

"I don't know Sam,  he's not talking right now, and he's kept to himself, pretty much, since you left."

"I just bet he did..."  Laughter filled the air in the dark room where the screens played.  "...I just bet he did!  Oh this is too good...I couldn't have planned this better....Well, maybe I could have...but this is good!"

Turning around trying to find Angel she shouts, "tell me this is a dream . Angel, tell me this isn't happening."

"No Samantha, this is my dream!"

Angel stepped up to Sam and answered her,  "Sam, I told you that you needed to deal with your feelings for Bailey.  You have missed him.  You Love Him!  You have done nothing but remain angry with him and push him away.  None of this was his fault, Sam.  He was there for you and loved you unconditionally, protected you, and nearly gave his life for you.  Now Sam, it may be to late, too late to tell him how you really feel."

George stood with his mouth open.  He thought Angel was too rough on Sam.  Sam backed away, shaking her head.  Bounding off the porch she ran through the yard toward a wooded area.  George started after her. Angel stopped him. "Let her go."  Looking in the direction that Sam had gone, Angel continued,  "She has a lot to deal with.  She just needs a little time.  Come on in, I'll make some coffee."   They entered the house to await Sam's return.

Chloe stood at her open window, listening to the conversation below her on the porch.  She watched as her mother ran towards the woods.  ~The pictures came once again, Uncle Bailey lying in a hospital bed.  Moaning in pain.  Crying out for Sam.  then, a very dark room with a large TV screen.  On the screen her house, and her mother running into the woods.~  Chloe's tears began to fall.

While Angel was making coffee Chloe appeared out of  nowhere.  Walking directly over to George, Chloe looked deeply into George's eye's as she asked, "Uncle George, I have to ask you a question: "They think that Uncle Bailey is going to die don't they?"  Chloe had tears streaming down her face.

George looked to Angel not knowing how to respond.  He didn't think that Chloe had been around to hear what he had been telling Sam.  Looking to Angel for the best way to proceed he hesitantly replied, "Come here Chlo."  George took Chloe and lifted her onto his lap and hugged her to him.   He then tried to answer her, "Chlo they don't know yet, I am here to take your mother to the hospital, Bailey needs her now.  He's pretty sick....Do you understand?" Chloe nodded,  "I know Uncle George, why is he hurting so much?"

George stared at Chloe, "Honey they are giving him medicine for pain..."  Chloe buried her head in George's shoulder and sobbed. "I knew something was wrong...I knew it!  The medicine...It's not working....He's still hurting...Uncle George!"

George looked at Angel for some type of understanding to what Chloe was saying.  Angel just shrugged her shoulders in response. Chloe sat in his lap for a few minutes as George tried to comfort the sobbing child.  Chloe leaped down from George's lap and bolted up the stairs to her room to pack for the trip to Atlanta.

In about an hour Sam returned.  It was obvious she had been crying .  Sam slowly walked over to George.  Tilting her head at George, with big tears in her eyes, quietly she asked,  "Where is he?  What is his condition?  Why is he incapacitated." This time the questions she fired at George were in a much kinder tone.

"He has what they call increasing inter cranial pressure.  We believe he has been having symptoms for some time, and kept it to himself.  Today, he was overcome." George took his time and explained today's events until he arrived at her house. ~ As George recounted the events of that day, pictures flashed in Sam's mind, she closed her eyes as George quietly said,~  "When I left, they had him heavily sedated."

Tears flowed freely down Sam's face.  Her lips quivered as she asked,  "So, he can't talk?"

He looked deeply into Sam's tearful eyes, weighing his words carefully.   "Sam," knowing how much pain his words would cause Sam, his lips quivered and his voice broke.  Then taking a deep breath George continued, "Your name is the only thing he has said, that we could understand since he collapsed."  She felt as if she had been hit by a board. ***Samantha, you should feel flattered, because his last word on earth was Sam.* **  It was like Jack was reaching out and again tapping her shoulder.   Sam's thoughts and emotions were overwhelming.  She had to pull herself together. She had to be there for Bailey.  In the distance, she heard the helicopter returning. "Let me throw some stuff together George, and I'll go with you."

"Oh this is too good....Hello, Samantha..I am so touched.....now your thinking of me!!" "Yes....Oh yes, Samantha!  My Samantha is coming back to me....I must prepare..."

Angel asked George, "Where is he, George?"

"He's at Emory."

"Good, I'll get thing's taken care of here and drive down tomorrow."

"Your welcome to come with us, Angel."

"No, Denzel and I will drive down tomorrow morning."

"Ok, what ever you say. Angel"

"Emory....Well let's see...Who do I need to call on...enni, meni, miny, moe... who will Jack chose to go!  Christopher, yes Christopher will do just fine....for the orderly......and Jonathan.....yes Jonathan for security.....Jack began to get his plan in line to re-join the staff at Emory.  "I must keep an eye on this situation.....Now, We must make sure that Mr. Malone never leaves Emory!!!"  He picked up Sam's picture..."I'm sorry, Samantha...you'll be sad for a while but you'll get over it....he really has to go...He means too much to you....I should have finished it before...You would be over it by now....This will be just too easy!"

Chloe met Sam at the top of the steps with her bag in hand, "I'm already packed Mom, when do we leave?"  Sam stopped short. She had not considered that Chloe would need to be there also.  This was something that she had not understood about the relationship between Bailey and Chloe, it was as close as hers was to Bailey… well almost!  This had to be hard on Chloe.  Wait a minute how did Chloe know?  She wasn't there when George was telling her what was going on.

Oh well, she didn't have time to worry about that now, she would think about that later. "Ok, honey, take you bag to Uncle George. I'll be right there." She ran to get her stuff together for a long stay in Atlanta.

The flight to Atlanta took about an hour on the helicopter.  During the trip to Atlanta all Sam could think about were the good times she and Bailey had together in the past. Now the pictures of happier times played through Sam's mind. ***As she looked at Chloe, who had fallen asleep, she thought of the grin on Bailey and Chloe's faces as she watched Bailey give Chloe her first horseback ride. How proud they were of themselves. How much Bailey loved Chloe even then. She thought about going to the Circus.  Sam had been unsure if Bailey or Chloe had been the bigger kid.  She thought about attending the various dinner dances for work  ~Oh how she loved to dance with him~ and how he hated the crowds; and the holiday gatherings, trimming the tree, and how he argued with Chloe about the ornament placements on the tree.  Then tears came as she thought about the quiet moments, his hugs, his smile, his eyes, his manly scent, the feel of his strong arms around her, the way he protected her, the way he always put her needs first, his words of encouragement: ~ "It's Ok, Sam...Hold on Sam... Don't worry Sam, I'm here... It'll be Ok, Sam. You should feel pretty safe here." ~ The words she had been longing to hear, the safe feeling that came with the words and the safety she felt from just his touch. The inner peace he gave her.   This can't all be coming to an end.  How will I go on without him? How could I have been so blind to my own feelings? ****

About half way to Atlanta Chloe awakened with a start.  The look on Chloe's face frightened Sam.  Reaching over she enclosed her daughter into the security of her arms.  Chloe began to sob uncontrollably.  "Mom, please don't be mad at Bailey.  He needs us now, more than we ever needed him."  Sam was astonished at her daughter.  Sam had left the VCTF for Chloe, at least that's what she told herself.  She couldn't believe how selfish she had been.  Not once had she considered Chloe's relationship with Bailey, and the effect his absence had on Chloe.

"Chloe, I'm not mad...I know I have been Chlo, but I'm not anymore....Bailey is very special to us both....Now quit worrying and rest."  Soon Chloe settled back and fell back to sleep, but this time it was a peaceful sleep.

Sam stared out the window of the jet helicopter and remembered a night not so long ago.  It was New Year's Eve, she was a student at Quantico.  A friend from class had invited everyone to a ski resort his father owned, for a party to ring in the New Year.  She had spent the greater part on the evening with her instructor, Bailey.  They talked about all sorts of subjects, and found they had much in common. As the evening progressed, champagne bottles were emptied, and tongues got looser.  Bailey confided that he was relieved the separation from Janet had gone smoothly.  Sam confided in Bailey that she was unsure if she truly loved Tom.  After the next bottle of champagne it seem natural to share a New Years kiss.

As the night progressed and she began to feel the effects of the champagne, Sam was glad she had booked a room for the night.  Bailey said he was worried because she had too much to drink and insisted he walk he to her room.  Sam smiled as she thought how chivalrous Bailey had been, especially since he was as drunk if not more drunk than she was. With inhibitions removed, feeling a little daring, and more than a little excited, she invited him in for a nightcap.  Sam ordered more champagne.  The suite was impressive.  A fire place stood in the corner, and being the gentleman he was, Bailey built a fire.  The suite had the atmosphere of a honeymoon suite.  This was perfect. As Sam watched she felt the intense sexual energy between them.  She was attracted to him, more than she had ever felt before....His smile, his eyes, his scent, he smelled so good.....Oh she remembered, as if it were yesterday, how much she wanted him....Thinking back she could remember the exact moment when she knew he would be hers.  Sitting on the floor in front of the fire...Leaning on him.....Reaching up and touching his face...as he whispered her name.."Sam.."....Oh the feeling that ran through her when he said her name....Slowly never breaking his gaze into her eyes, he leaned to her and tasted her lips...Her heart stopped or it felt like it stopped...She put her arms around his neck, turning toward him Sam slid her leg across his lap....Bailey caught his breath...and looking him in the eye she returned his kiss.  His touch as he explored her was tender...He slowly laid her on her back.....His kisses sensual...no one kissed her like Bailey did....He explored every inch of her as he undressed her. He stopped to gaze in her eyes and down her body....Sam slowly reached up to his chest.....She felt the hard muscles of his chest through the softness of his chami shirt....One by one, she unbuttoned his shirt, touching him, caressing him as she began to undress him.....as she did she was pleasantly enamored as she gazed at his well defined, chiseled chest.  She sat up and began to kiss his chest....Slowly pushing him back onto his back, she began to taste his chest......She felt him stiffen and catch his breath.   Slowly she allowed her hand to wander down his abdomen to the front of his jeans.....Bailey leaned his head back and moaned as she unzipped his jeans and caressed his swollen member which grew more under her soft touch. She moved her hand up and down the shaft.  Again he moaned her name...and began to kiss her and lay her back.... He suckled her breasts, his hand moved slowly down her abdomen, and came to rest between her legs.  Slowly he touched her.  The sensations that ran through her body were electric.  He allowed his hand to explore her, and finding her sensitive area, his hand began to move.  She was in heaven, she felt the climax building.  She was breathless as she softly screamed his name.  As she was attempting to recover, he began to kiss his way down her chest, her abdomen, and came to rest between her legs.  She caught her breath as he sensually tasted her wet folds.  She paced her movement with the strokes of his tongue. 

He brought her to realms that she had never imagined.  She tried to catch her breath, as he kissed his way up her body to her lips.  He whispered in her mouth that he wanted her and she answered, "Yes, Oh, YES!"  As he attempted to enter her, his movements became tender and caring as he realized even through his dazed alcoholic state that she was a virgin.  He worked slowly until he was fully engulfed in her warmth.  Their love making was intense.  He was able to maintain enough control to bring her to a new place, a place she had been unable to reach with any other men since.  The climax racked them.....Soon they slept.

In the early morning hours Sam awakened.  Lying in Bailey's arms, the reality of what she had done became evident to her and she became very frightened.  She moved gingerly away from him, to the bedroom and went to bed...She wasn't sure what to say to him....He was her instructor...She had seduced him...She had slept with him.....How could she do that?...She stayed there in bed till she heard him leave...Later that day Bailey had tried to talk to her about the events of the night before...Sam had felt nervous and unsure and laughed and asked what there was to discuss...The fact that he drank too much?  They never spoke again about that night ...Often she wondered why he let it drop so easily...And part of her was very angry with Bailey that he never mentioned it, again!  Looking up she realized they were landing in Atlanta.

They landed on the roof of the hospital.  Sam took a deep breath as she, Chloe and George emerged from the helicopter.   They quickly walked to the ICU waiting room, because as usual George had figured out the short cuts through the hospital.  Sam smiled to herself, she had missed George.

Standing on the dock of the ICU, a dark headed orderly with blue eyes peered at the helicopter as it landed on the roof.  The letters VCTF--FBI shined on it's side.  He drew a deep inhalation on his cigarette.  "Samantha, your here....I'm so glad!"  Just then his beeper went off. The call was from MRI..."Well, time to get to work!"

Everyone was glad to see Sam.  Grace walked slowly toward Sam.  Sam tilted her head smiling through her tears, and hugged Grace while they each sobbed quietly.  Chloe ran to John and fell in his arms.  John had to admit he had missed the kid.

Soon their emotions were under control.  Grace backed up and said, "Sam, I'm so glad you could come."

"How's he doing Grace?,"  Sam softly asked, "Is he awake?"

"No, he is very heavily sedated.  They want to do surgery tomorrow.   Right now we are waiting for him to return from MRI. Their putting him in ICU when he returns."

"Grace, what are the doctor's saying?"  About that time the door opened and Dr. Eugenio Vargus walked into the room.  He introduced himself as the neurosurgeon handling the case.

Christopher wheeled Bailey down the hall.  The elevator arrived promptly.  Entering the elevator he smiled to himself as he pushed the 3rd floor button.  As the elevator door closed, Christopher leaned down to Bailey and whispered, "Malone...."  Taking the IV tubing in hand, he pulled a syringe from his pocket, and quickly plunged the syringe into the tubing and emptied the contents into the IV line.  Taking the chart in hand he opened it to the ER record and charted....Heparin 20,000 units IV push  J. T..  Taking a second syringe from his pocket, he injected the contents of it into the bag that hung above Bailey's head.  Shaking the bag slightly, he smiled to himself.  "Have to keep those levels up Malone!"

The elevator doors opened and waiting in the hall was the ER nurse.  "His bed is ready in the ICU."  Handing him some lab work she said, "Take him to ICU 8."  Christopher answered respectfully, "Sure, Amy no problem."  Starting to walk away she stopped and called back to him, "And if you run into Vargus, let him know where he is, Ok Chris?"

"Sure, no problem, Amy."  The elevator doors closed slowly.  Taking another syringe from his coat he injected the second bag with potassium.  His research had told him that Bailey's fluids would be limited..even in surgery.  Feeling of elation overcame him as he imagined the serious complications that would befall Malone, and knowing his death would be slow.  Christopher (Jack) smiled, and whistled as he maneuvered the stretcher down the hall.

In the ICU waiting room, the sound of whistling caught Chloe's attention.  A cold chill ran through her as she knew she had heard it before.  Chloe wanted to tell her Mom, but Sam was talking to a Doctor about Uncle Bailey.  She would have to tell her later.

Walking up to the two women he asked, "Would one of you ladies be Samantha Waters?" as he referred to papers he carried in his hand.  "I have Bailey's Power of Attorney, apparently I am to confer with Samantha Waters."

Sam nodded to him, "That would be me."  She smiled and offered her hand.

Taking her hand to shake it he covered it with his other hand.  "Well," his dark eyes danced as he looked at her, "I can see why he said that you are the light of his life!  It is nice to finally meet you, Samantha. Please, let's sit down and talk."

Sam stood staring at him for a moment.  She was confused, this man talked as if he knew Bailey and her connection to him well. ~At that moment Sam felt an overwhelming sense of danger for Bailey.  Evil, not contained in this room, but near Bailey. Shaking her head, she looked up at Dr. Vargus.~ Finally she was able to respond, "Yes, please let's talk."

Dr. Vargus was a strikingly handsome man.  He had dark skin and hair, with a black mustache and beard.  His most impressive features were large dark black eyes.  When he looked at her he seemed to look deeply into her soul.  Although they were penetrating, they were kind.  The smile he flashed at her was more than just lips, he smiled with his whole face, his eyes, his whole being.  It was obvious to Sam that he was a kind man.  The kindness showed in his eyes, and in his face, but it seemed to emerge from his heart.  His voice was deep, distinctive and gave the impression that everything would be all right even when he was giving the worst news.  He sat down next to Sam and took her hand. "Mr. Malone,"

Sam interrupted, "Bailey...his name is Bailey."

The door opened and a dark headed orderly with a soft voice walked up to Dr. Vargus, "Excuse me, sir, the nurses wanted me to let you know that your patient has arrived in ICU from MRI.  He is in bed 8.  She said to tell you, he is in a lot of pain and they need you, sir."

Dr. Vargus handed him a dictated report and a set of orders for the chart. "I'll be there shortly."

"Yes, sir.  I'll get this right back to them, Thank you, sir.  Excuse me."  He began to whistle as he left. Chloe stared at him.  This man..this man was familiar, he was scary.  Chloe felt frightened, very frightened!

Sam noted his name tag...Christopher.  As she stared at his face, she noted his bright blue eyes.   Piercing eyes, that stared through you as he spoke.  He didn't look familiar, but she felt that she had seen those eyes before, or eyes like them.  There was something that felt familiar, very familiar.  Shaking her head she thought she must be mistaken.  A chill ran through her as she watched him leave.

Dr. Vargus smiled, "Ok Bailey has a brain tumor.  It's about the size of a plum.  Our options, I'm afraid are limited.  I think surgery is indicated.  I would like to go in and try to remove it, the sooner the better, tomorrow if possible.  If it's cancer, and I have to tell you I think it is, then we will have to talk about chemotherapy, and/or radiation.  This is a very risky operation, the tumor lies in a very vascular area."  Picking up a pen and pad of paper he drew a picture of the brain and the location of the tumor in relation to vital function areas.  Pausing only slightly he explained the diagram then continued.  "The risks of the surgery are, loss of function, loss of speech, loss of memory, loss of sight totally, or partially, and of course death.  The other option is to do nothing.  If we choose the latter, he will be dead within a couple of months.  Do you understand the options?  Do you any have questions?"

Sam sat staring at him, unable to speak for a brief time.  Finding the words, was difficult but she finally began to speak.  "Dr. Vargus, the second option is totally unacceptable.  You have to operate, and you must save him.  I can't live without him, Please!"  The words she said were emphatic but the tone was fearful and helpless.

"Samantha," he said as he smiled, "I have known Bailey Malone for years.  I will do everything in my power to see that he comes through this whole."  He leaned to her, "I want to be sure you understand how serious this situation and  operation are."  He paused letting his words absorb.  Taking a deep breath he continued, "He has been a strong man to have dealt with this as long as he has alone."

Sam looked at him with obvious surprise.  "Are you telling me....that Bailey"....she looked away and then slowly back at Dr. Vargus..."Bailey knew he had this tumor?"

Dr. Vargus's head dropped as he weighed his answer...."When Bailey was treated for a gunshot wound several months ago, we found the tumor quiet by accident.  At that time, it was about the size of a quarter.  I tried to convince him then to have surgery.  He was not interested in listening. Apparently, he felt he has more important things he had to deal with, you know how he is.  I tried to get him in here several times, but he told me he was too busy. He must have been having symptoms for several months, but he was too busy. You know ignore it it'll go away.  Now, instead of a controlled situation in elective surgery, we have an emergency situation.  If I had known who you were then, I would have asked for your help before now."

Everyone in the room sat stunned and Sam was speechless.  Everyone in the room except Dr. Vargus knew that Sam was the reason Bailey was so busy.  This situation explained many things to Sam.  Those horrible headaches he had been having. She remembered how many times she had rubbed his head and neck to help alleviate his headaches, she thought they were from stress. So this was the reason he had let her leave without a fight.  He felt he had a fatal illness.  He always put her first, no matter the cost and the cost to Bailey this time was too high.

Sam stood, tears running down her face, finding it difficult to speak. Finally she found her voice.  "Can I please see him?"

Dr. Vargus stood up, and taking her hand said, "Come with me."  As she started to leave, Chloe leaped out of John's lap and ran to her mother.  Sam knelt and hugged Chloe.  She felt the sobs that racked Chloe's small body. "Momma, give him a hug and kiss for me too."

Sam's heart was breaking.  "I will honey, now you stay here with John, OK?"

"OK, Mom no problem.  Mom?"

"Yes honey?"

"Mom ..."  Chloe dropped her head as her voice broke, "Please, take care of Uncle Bailey...I..I didn't like that man that was in here."

Studying Chloe's face she asked, "Who, Chloe, the orderly?"

"That dark headed man, Mom, the one with the bright blue eyes.  I don't trust him...He...he scares me.."

Trying to comfort Chloe she said, "Chloe this is a hospital, the people here are good, they help people, but I will take good care of Uncle Bailey.  Now you quit worrying and stay here with Uncle John, OK?"  Then looking at Dr. Vargus she said, "Ok, I'm ready!"

The team sat totally devastated in the waiting room as Sam and Dr. Vargus slowly left the room, but they had to focus on Chloe and that gave them something to do while they waited.

Sam took the short walk to ICU and walked to Bailey's beside.  He was pale and restless.  The grimace on his face made it obvious to her that he was in pain.  Reaching down she took his hand.  She looked at Dr. Vargus, her eyes pleading, "I want to hold him."

He smiled, "By all means, he needs it."

Sam crawled in the bed beside Bailey, being careful not to dislodge any equipment.  She laid her head on his chest, reached for his hand and kissed it.

Dr. Vargus softly said, "I have a few things to do.  I'll be back."  Pulling the curtain, he left.

As Dr. Vargus left the unit...Christopher moved his chair closer to bed 8...'I can't believe this Samantha... Have you no shame!  He is such a bad influence on you....He must go!'  he thought as he strained to listen to what was being said in room 8.  Was Malone awake?  Does he know what's goin' on around him?  Slowly he removed the chart, opening it he read quickly.  No one seemed to notice, the nurses were busy getting ready for shift change.

Sam's presence seemed to calm him.  His pulse slowed and his restlessness eased. It seemed that he knew she was there.  He rested for the first time since his admission.  She talked softly to him, "Bailey, honey it's Sam, I'm here.  I love you.  Somehow, we'll get through this."

Gritting is teeth, he hissed under his breath,.."No, Samantha..."

Suddenly she heard his voice, clear and distinctive, "Sam?...Sam is that you?" As he spoke his left arm moved around her back and stroked her shoulder.  Sam snuggled to him.  Her tears soaked his chest, and she softly said,  "Yes Bailey, I'm here."

Seeing Sam with Bailey was almost more than he could stand.  The anger in him was beginning to rise.

It took her a few moments then she looked into his face through teary eyes. Blinking his eyes, he tried to focus on her.  "Sam, you shouldn't be here!" He closed his eyes, the excessive pain evident on his face.

"Let me get the nurse," she stared to move but he held her tightly.

"Sam, wait.  I didn't want you to know."  He groaned and grimaced. "I didn't want you to come here out of pity.  And Jack...There's Jack.. He was here, and I can't protect you...I can't..."

"A very big mistake, Malone!"

"Bailey ?  When was Jack here?" The fear was evident in her voice. The chill returned.

Bailey, mumbled....The pain was excruciating and he couldn't think straight..."Sam, please no pity, you need to go,"  as he gritted his teeth.

"Bailey," she said softly, "Oh Bailey, I came because I wanted to be with you, not out of pity!  I love you honey." She touched his face, ran her fingers through his hair, lovingly caressing him and began to quietly sob, "I've wasted our time, honey.  Jack will not keep us apart!   I'm so sorry."

"Oh Samantha, you are so wrong.  You will be mine."

Bailey closed his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks.  Words he had waited years to hear were now too late.  He opened his brown, tear filled eyes and locked gazes with Sam's blue ones.

"I have loved you Sam, for a long time.  I wasn't honest, to either of us.   I want you to go.  Go where your safe.  Sam, I don't want you to watch me die.  You deserve more."

"Smart man, Malone."

Sam's lips quivered as she reached out  and touched his lips,  "Shh !  Bailey, I'm not leaving you.  I did that once, never again."

"Sam, honey it's too late."

"Yes, Malone it's too late for you...You'll never leave here alive!  Oh, this is too easy."

"What do you mean, it's too late?  It's not too late, and Bailey,  I don't want to hear you ever say that again.  Bailey, you will fight this.  You will fight this for both of us, and don't forget about Chloe."

"No, Sam!  Chloe shouldn't be here.  She shouldn't see this... She deserves a life without anymore tragedy.  I don't want her to be hurt again."

"She is here Bailey and she loves you.  Nothing could be done to keep her away.  You have taken care of and protected us for years.  Now it's our turn.  I can handle this, Bailey.  Your strength will come from me.  I'm not going anywhere.  I'll be here.  You can't run me off, not thistime."   Snuggling back to his chest, she rang for the nurse.

"Can I help you," boomed from the speaker.

"He needs something for pain," Sam answered.

The nurses weren't happy in the ICU that night.  Dr. Vargus wrote an unusual order:  Samantha Waters at bedside.  Dr. Vargus found this quite humorous, although the nurses were not amused.  Neither Dr. Vargus nor Sam cared; it was exactly what Bailey needed.  Sam slept in his arms that night.

The next morning Sam signed the operative permits and remained by his side until Christopher rolled him to the operating room.  Something about Christopher made her uneasy.  She tried to pass it off as being sensitive to Chloe's worries.  After all everyone seemed to trust him.  The nurses spoke very highly of him.  What was it, what about him made her uneasy?  Walking down the hall, he whistled, just as he had done the day before.  Something about that whistle seemed so familiar.  Sam's mind was trying to make the pieces of the puzzle fit, but feelings from her heart kept overriding her mental processing ability.  A cold chill ran through Sam and goose bumps raised over her skin.  Strange, she thought as a feeling of terrible foreboding came over her.  Chloe may have been right, not all people who work in hospitals are good.  There was someone here, inherently evil, someone she felt could not be trusted.

Sam met the other team members in the waiting room.  In about an hour, Sam heard her name,  a person in blue scrubs had quietly entered the room.  Sam stood when her name was called.  The nurse walked to her carrying a small plastic bag.  Handing her the bag the nurse said,  "We'll be getting started very soon"  turning she left the room. Sam stood staring at the contents of the plastic bag, Sam realized she held Bailey's hair, his beautiful brown hair.  She could contain herself no longer.  Holding the bag to her face she collapsed in the chair and sobbed.

Grace ran to her side, placing her arm around Sam's shoulder she tried to comfort her.  Sam was inconsolable.  Chloe came to her mother and hugged her.  Sam returned Chloe's hug and together they sobbed.

The hours passed slowly.  Occasionally they received calls to notify them of the progress of the surgery.  Most reported the surgery wasprogressing slowly but that he was doing well.  About eight hours into surgery, the door opened wide when Janet and the girls arrived. The hatred Janet felt for Sam was evident on her face.  Janet hated her because Bailey loved her, because Sam was his legal representative, and because Bailey had made it clear to her on numerous occasions the importance of Sam in his life.  The girls' faces were the exact opposite of their mother's.  They liked Sam, they knew their father was deeply in love with Sam.

Sam looked at Grace, the anger at Janet's presence flashed on herface.  "I can't do this Grace, I can't talk to her right now."

A heavy set gray headed man with bright blue eyes sat watching the security monitors.  His name tag read Jonathan Edwards and he was assigned to the ICU area.  "Now, Samantha this should be interesting! The Ex-Mrs. Malone and her flock....Hummm....."

 Finally, John saw there was something he could do, "I'll take care of it, Sam." He got up and went to them.

"Well, isn't this little surgery over yet?"  Janet sneered loudly as she leered across the room at Sam. John was astounded by her question.   "Well, it looks like a wake in here, everyone came, huh?"

"Oh, now I like her attitude!"

 As John got closer to Janet he realized she had been drinking.  John spent several minutes filling them in on Bailey's condition.  The longer John talked, the paler Janet's face became.  She had not realized the seriousness of what was happening.  Looking around John, Janet blasted at Sam, "Well, I see you didn't waste any time getting here, Samantha!  I thought you were gone.  Sounds like he may be a bit incapacitated for a while. I'm sure that's upsetting to you."  Then, Chloe walked to her mother's side and stared at Janet.  Janet thought better of what she was going to say since there was a small child present.  Bailey's girls cried, and Janet glared at Sam as she held Chloe. 'What is it about that kid?' Janet thought.

"Utt Oh, Samantha Trouble in paradise!"

Janet had delayed the girls' visit until she thought surgery would be over.  The girls glared at her.  "We told you it was serious, Mother.  Now he may die, and we didn't get to see him."  Stomping off, as teenagers often do, they sat down in chairs on the other side of the room.  Chloe looked up at Sam, broke their hug and went to Franny and Ariana.  The girls were happy to see Chloe.  They talked with her and had a very nice visit.  Janet sat across the room and stared at Sam, occasionally looking towards the girls as they laughed.

"Maybe I should make my rounds now...Get some coffee at the ICU waiting room....Yes, good idea!!!!"

As he entered the room, he nodded to several people as he made his way to the coffee machine.  Standing in front of the coffee machine, he felt someone staring.  Turning slowly he saw Chloe was staring, no studying him.  'What is it with this kid,' he thought.  'What was it about her that made him so uncomfortable?  She had been hard to convince before...Did she remember his voice?  What?'  Feeling increasingly more self conscious, he left quickly, pausing only briefly to drop a single red rose outside the door.  "Just to get your attention Samantha,  I want you to know I care!"  He chuckled as he went to watch the fireworks.

Grace stood in the hall around the corner from the waiting room, talking on the phone.  As she gave Morgan an update on Bailey, and heard about Jason's latest escapades, she noticed a man walking toward her.  He was a security guard, she had seen him before in the waiting room getting coffee.  He smiled as he passed and she smiled back at him.  He has beautiful blue eyes, she thought as he passed.  Finishing her conversation, she headed toward the waiting room.  Lying on the floor in front of the door was a single red rose.  Fear overtook her and she instinctually looked around, searching for Jack.  Stepping to the door, she cracked it and called for John and George.  They came to her without hesitation.  She pointed toward the rose as they stepped out into the hall.  The anger that flashed on John's face was matched only by the fear on George's.

Using the mother tone she had perfected for Jason, she spoke to the two men who stood before her.  "Well George are you proud of yourself?  You and Bailey have really pulled a boner now.  I can't believe this.  Now we, no YOU have to tell her what you've done!"  George was stepping backward to escape the finger that Grace was shaking at him.  "George, you have to tell Sam about the surveillance camera's, and about Jack!"

John stood with his mouth open, to say that he was confused was an understatement.  "What's going on here?"  John asked.

George stood against the wall, where he had stopped from Grace's advances.  "Well John, I kinda made a little mistake."

"A little mistake, I'd like to know what you call a big mistake."  Grace was displaying her fear with bouts of anger.  "It seems that George and Bailey have had Sam under surveillance for some time.  Go ahead George, tell him. George opened his mouth, but before one word escaped his lips, Grace continued her rant. "And it seems that Jack has hacked into the NEW computer system.  And it seems that Jack has been watching Sam through our cameras.  Go ahead George, tell him."

"Grace, I think that just about covers it."  George spoke softly, it was becoming very clear to him the gravity of the situation.

"So, we basically lead him straight to her!  Now to Bailey!"  John had spoken the words they all dreaded to hear.  Shaking  his head, he went to the nearest pay phone since he couldn't use the cell phone in the hospital and called Marcus and Nathan.  What they needed most was manpower to guard and protect Sam and Bailey.  There was lots to be done.  They must reinstate Sam, get her gun and badge from Bailey's desk, and arrange for a safe house. Looking back at Grace and George standing in the hallway John said, "Thanks, this little announcement has made a really shitty day, worse."  John had just surpassed Grace's frustration level.

As John made the necessary phone calls, Grace paced the hall and George stood dejected in the corner.  Stopping her pacing, Grace fired at George, "Well George, your gonna have to tell her, and the sooner the better."

"If telling her is half as hard as telling John, I got no problem, you did all that work."  George mumbled.

Whirling to face George she asked, "What did you say?"

Quickly standing at attention he stated,  "Nothing Grace, I'm just trying to figure out what to say."

Within the hour, a second VCTF helicopter landed on the roof of the hospital with Nathan and Marcus in tow.  The time had come to inform Sam.  The four men, John, Marcus, Nathan and George, entered the waiting room.  Grace sat quietly beside Sam and stared at George as the men approached.

"This doesn't look good," Sam said as she tried to smile.

George sat down beside Sam and taking her hand between his he said, "Sam I have something to tell you." Pausing only slightly he looked at Grace.  She said nothing only stared at him, as if to tell him to continue.   "Sam, I..."

"Oh George, What is it now?  It can't be as bad as the last news you brought me."

All eyes turned to Grace as she whispered, "Oh yes it can."

Now Sam looked worried as she looked from one set of eyes to another.   "What is it?"  Sam's eyes begged for an answer.

George looked toward Grace, then continued.  "Sam, you know how Bailey was always worried about your safety?"

"Yes...And?"

"Well, your leaving didn't stop his concern. Sam."

"What do you mean, George?"

"Well, when you bought the house in Tennessee, Bailey continued taking care of you.  He used his clout and had the property fitted with Surveillance equipment on the interior and exterior of the house.  Do you like your neighbors Sam?"

Sam sat with her mouth open as she listened.    "Yes George, what has that got to do with anything."

"Most of them are relocated and retired FBI agents and their families."  The surprise on Sam's face was more pronounced as George continued.  "He used this."  George lifted Bailey's laptop and opened it for Sam to see.  Sam stared at the image on the screen. Moving through the menu he quickly showed Sam how it worked. "I know your mad.  Please don't be mad, Sam.  He only did it because he cared and was afraid for you, Chloe and Angel.  Unfortunately, we've had a little problem."  Grace glared at him, if he had anymore little problems she wasn't sure she could stand it.

George took a deep breath as he continued.  "The FBI installed a new computer system, and well there's been a problem, a breach of security.  It seems as if Jack had been watching you along with us.
 

"Jack?" The surprise on Sam's face was now fear.  "Jack has been watching us?  Where is he now?"

"We don't know, Sam but we're on it.  We'll find him."  John had now entered the conversation.

Nobody said anything for about five minutes, as Sam sat in a state of shock staring at the wall.

When she spoke, no one was ready for what she said.  "At this point all I care about is Bailey getting better...Surviving the surgery..Coming home to me.  So let's not worry about Jack right now, let's keep focused on Bailey."

"I wish we could, but we have to think about it."  Grace said as she reached into her pocket and brought out a single red rose.  "We found this outside the door a little while ago."

~Visions of torture and death flooded Sam's mind.~  "Bailey," was the only word she uttered as she jumped to her feet and headed for the door.  John moved to stand in front of her.  "Wait Sam."

Sam pushed at John as she tried to get out of the room.  Looking up she realized John was not going to let her pass, she began to speak to John, "Don't you understand?  We have to protect Bailey.  Jack won't hurt me, but he will kill Bailey.  You have to let me go to him.  I have to protect him."

"Oh Samantha, It's all ready too late.  You're too late!"

John held tightly to Sam's arms.  "Sit down Sam, he's in surgery, remember?  We can't get to him, and neither can Jack."  He will be protected when he comes out, I promise.  Sam, I promise.  Now sit back down, OK?"  Sam shoved John backwards, tears formed in Sam's eyes as she looked at John, "You just don't get John!  You don't understand!  You don't know Jack.  Jack can get anywhere.  John, please!  We have to protect him Now!"

"Your so right, Samantha.  I can get anywhere.  You know me so well."

Everyone in the waiting room was staring at Sam.  Even Janet felt the panic Sam was showing.  Of all the things Bailey had told her about Sam, the one playing in her mind right now was, "She is the best profiler I've ever seen, her instincts are incredible."  Rising Janet moved closer to Sam and John.  Hating to do anything that remotely resembled support for Sam she choked on the words that flowed from her mouth, "John, you better listen to her, you know Bailey would.  If she says he needs protection now, I suggest you do it."  Standing side by side the two women stood united, the first and probably the last time that would happen.

John stared at the two women, took a deep breath, "Ok, Sam.  I take care of that right now!   Turning to Marcus, John said,  "Go to the OR, station yourself outside the operating room where Bailey's located.  You are his escort.  He goes nowhere without you!"

"I'll handle it."  Stepping over to Sam, he hugged her and said,  "Don't you worry Sam, I'll take care of him."

Sam reached and hugged Marcus, "I know you will, Marcus.  I know you will.  I feel better already."

Janet turned to return to her seat.  "Janet," Sam said, "thank you for your support."

Janet wheeled and glared at Sam,  "You know I didn't do it FOR YOU.  I did it for Bailey.  It's the truth, he would listen to You!"  Turning quickly she returned to her chair.

As Marcus left the room with a purposeful stride, John said to Sam,  "We have to make a plan.  First things first, you need to be armed.  The only way to do that is to temporally reinstate you into the FBI."

John turned to Nathan.  Nathan stepped up to Sam, grinning at her, he said, "Since I couldn't find a copy of our oath.  Do you still agree to uphold all the things you agreed to last time Sam?"  Sam stared at Nathan, she didn't really see the humor that obviously Nathan did in this situation. Without hesitation Sam reached for the badge and gun, John held.  "I do."  Putting the Badge in her pocket and hooking the holster to the back of her pants where it was covered by her coat she said, "OK John, I'm back in.  You have to understand how dangerous this is for Bailey.  Jack told me he would kill him!  And we all know he keeps his word."

"She's right, Mr. Grant. I always keep my word!!"

Looking at Sam, John asked, "OK, Sam, I got it!  Now will you please sit down!"

Jack smiled, "You do that Mr. Grant but It won't help! Not now, Uncle Jack is ahead of you.  Way ahead!"

Sam locked gazes with John,  "Ok, John..for now, but don't even try to keep me away from him when he comes out of surgery.  Do You understand?"

"I got it, Sam.  Believe me I've got it!" John took Sam in his arms and hugged her.  "Sam don't worry we're here for the long haul."  Sam seemed a bit better and returned to the couch, and sat slowly down by Grace.  As the team sat waiting for word on Bailey, Sam smiled to herself.  Bailey did care.

John called to Nathan,  "We need to get a list of everyone that has been involved with Bailey since he arrived.  George, when we get the list, run a background check on everyone.  Let's make sure we know who these people are."

"I'm gone, John."  Nathan replied.

George smiled at John, "I get on it as soon as I get the list."

Twelve hours had passed when Dr. Vargus entered the waiting room. Walking to Sam he smiled.  "He made it Sam."  Sitting down beside her, he took her hand, "I think we got it all."  Dr. Vargus paused, took a deep breath then continued.  "We had some trouble.... with bleeding.  He had a significant blood loss.

~Pictures flashed in Sam's mind, IV Bags, IV tubing, Blood, Bailey.  None of these pictures seemed connected to Sam.  It must be the stress.~

We'll recheck a crit...in about 2 hours and then decide if he needs blood.   If anyone would like to donate, he is AB+. We can collect from you and test it and give it to him if that is an option.  His blood type is relatively rare."  Having said that he paused and took a deep breath then continued.  "We'll keep him in a coma for the next 3-4 days, and he'll be on the ventilator for that period of time.  We want high flow oxygen and hyperventilation to help keep the swelling down.  He'll also be in a state of hypothermia.  That means we will keep his body cooled to a very low temperature.  This decreases the oxygen need of the body and will help keep the swelling down in the brain itself.   There is no way to tell the amount of damage we've done getting the tumor out yet.  The next few days will be struggle of his life. And looking around the room to the girls and Sam, "Then we begin the struggle to convince him to live.  Do you have any questions?"

Sam was trying to process what he had said. Chloe came to her mother's side and stood close.   As Sam opened her mouth, Janet interrupted her.  "Excuse me Dr. uhhh..," attempting to read the name tag.

"Vargus" as he stood, "Dr. Vargus, and you are?" He asked, without really having to.  He had known Bailey for a long time and he was sure this must be Janet.  He had never met her but was sure he wouldn't like her.  She was proving to be every bit the bitch Bailey had said she was.  He would enjoy putting her in her place.

"Well," she said glaring at Sam, then turning to smile sweetly at Dr. Vargus. "I am Bailey's ex-wife, Janet, and these are HIS daughters."   Turning her eyes to glare at Chloe standing by Sam.  Sam wrapped her arm around Chloe to support her against Janet's venomous stare.  We would like to talk with you a moment," turning her eyes to Sam and Chloe and then back to Dr. Vargus, "In Private!"

"Oh, Samantha! She doesn't seem to like you very much.  This could be very interesting."

Dr. Vargus held up his hand as if to stop her. He looked at Sam and the tearful Chloe "I will be happy to answer," turning to the daughters, "any questions you may have. As for you, ahh… Janet. I am afraid you must address any questions you may have to his Power of Attorney, Ms. Waters, or your daughters after I speak with them. Now, if you will excuse us,"  pointing to Sam, "as soon as I finish here, I will be happy to answers the questions his daughter's might have."

He stood and locked eyes with Janet.  It was evident that he could hold his own with this ex.  Grace couldn't help but smile.  Bailey would love this she thought.  She reached down and put her hand on Sam's shoulder.  Sam looked up at her and saw her smirk.

"Grace!" she whispered...

Grace leaned down to Sam and whispered, "I can't help it, Bailey would have thought that was funny."

Sam smiled, "You're right."

Dr. Vargus stood staring into angry yes until Janet turned and left.   Smiling, more to himself than anyone else, he sat back down.  Looking into Sam's eyes, he continued as if he had never been interrupted. "When you see him, his face will be swollen, he will be feel cold, he has a large bandage on his head." He smirked and shook his head, "I'm sorry but I know he's gonna hate being bald, and he'll really give me a hard time about my hair cutting skills."  Dr. Vargus paused and smiled. "He is a good man and a good friend. I'll do everything I can to make this have a good outcome." Then noticing Chloe, he said, "and who might this be?"

Chloe returned his smile, "Chloe, my name is Chloe."

Looking at Sam, he replied as he reached his hand out to her, "Well, I've heard a lot about you Miss Chloe.  It's really nice to meet you!"

Chloe's eyes brightened, "You have? From who?"

Dr. Vargus smiled at her, "Why from Bailey of course.  He talks about you whenever we are together!  You are very special to him and so is your mother!"

Chloe's grin spanned her face, "It's nice to meet you too, Dr. Vargus."

Sam smiled at him, "Thank You.  Can I see him?"

Before Dr. Vargus could answer Sam, Chloe interrupted, "You will make Uncle Bailey better won't you?  I need him to be better!"  Tears rolled slowly down her cheek as she spoke. "He's my GodFather you know!"

Dr. Vargus hugged Chloe, "No, I didn't know that, but I'm doing all I can, Chloe.  I promise.  Now it's going to take time....So you'll have to be patient.  You think you think you can do that?  Y ou can see him as soon as he gets a little better, OK?" Chloe nodded her head 'yes' she understood.  Turning back to Sam he continued,  "Why don't you go with her Grace? I need to talk with his children."

Grace rose and answered, "Yes, of course, come on Sam."

It was cold in the room.  Sam walked to the bedside as tears flowed quietly down her face.  Dr. Vargus was right he was swollen, and he felt cold when she touched his face.  Please she prayed please let him be all right.  Sam leaned down and kissed Bailey's swollen face.  She glanced at Grace and found that she was crying also.  Reaching around the e quipment, she hugged him.  Wiping the tears from her face she leaned to his ear.  "I love you Bailey Malone."  Grace reached for Sam's arm, "Come on Sam, lets go."

~Again the visions of the scene Jack painted raced through her mind.  Sam's fear for Bailey was overwhelming.  It was almost as if she could hear Bailey calling her name.~

Looking up at Grace she tearfully said,  "I can't leave Grace.  I need to protect him."

"Come on Sam, he needs his rest, and you need yours.  He's gonna need you a lot more later.  Let the guys take care of this right now."   Reluctantly Sam agreed and slowly walked out of the unit.

Shortly after they returned to the waiting room, Nathan entered and handed George a list of names, social security numbers, and addresses.  Smiling at George, Nate said, "Here you go, music man.  Time for you to make some music!  Check out these people and see what we get!"

George laughed, "Well I don't know about music, Nate.  I'm tone deaf, but I will get on this right away!"

They had been in the waiting room for about an hour when Sam started to feel very uneasy and restless.  Pacing the floor of the waiting room she felt as though she might explode.  Chloe came to Sam's side…"Mom, something is wrong with Uncle Bailey, I can see it.  Why are there so many doctors and nurses in his room?"   Sam looks down at Chloe, her focus now totally on her daughter: "Chloe what are you doing honey?  What are you seeing?"  Chloe was staring off into space as though she could not sense anyone around her… this was the second time Sam had encountered anything like this with her daughter. She thought back to the incident this morning on the porch...'How long have you been able to do this, how long has that been happening?' she thought.

Something was wrong.  Sam knew it as well as she knew her own name.   Chloe was seeing something happening to Bailey.  She had felt it but Chloe more than felt it she knew it for certain. Making up her mind, she started with a purposeful stride and went quickly into the ICU, she had to find out if Chloe really had "sight".  Now she could appreciate what the team felt when they were with her on a case, this felt really strange.

Bailey's room was filled with people rushing around his bed.  She stopped short as she saw the activity in Bailey's room.  Yes, she thought Chloe had seen something.  Dr. Vargus was standing at Bailey's bedside.  He was barking orders to the nurses.  Sam could tell by the tone of his voice that he was extremely anxious.  As Sam hurried into the room, a nurse stepped in front of her to stop her progress, and told her she would have to leave.  Dr. Vargus said, "NO!, she can stay.  I need to speak to Dr. Waters."  Keeping a professional aire in front of the staff, shaking his head he continued.  "He has take a downward turn."

"Sam, call me Sam."

He smiled at her, "Sam, Bailey has signs of increased inter cranial pressure.  He may be bleeding or his brain has started to swell.  During surgery, I started medicine to try to slow the swelling, but if he isswelling, obviously it hasn't helped.  We are going to do a CAT scan.  Ifit is bleeding I'll have to go in and evacuate the clot.  If he has swellingof his brain, it is an ominous sign.  If he swells to much, well...he will "herniate" he paused not wanting to continue, "that means his brain will push the vital control centers downward through the small opening for the spinal cord and he will die."

Sam's eyes were large.  "You have to stop it! You can't let that happen! Please, what can we do?"

"Sam, if it is swelling I've done all I can to stop it. You need to Pray, Sam, Pray real hard."

Standing near the bed, Christopher thought to himself, 'Yes pray, but praying won't help this problem.'

Sam said as she held his hand and the tears rolled silently down herface, "I shouldn't have left him.  I won't leave him again."

'Smiling he thought, they shouldn't have left him in the ER.'

Dr. Vargus walked to her and touched her shoulder, "I don't think it would have changed this, Sam"

'Oh Samantha, your much to hard on yourself.'

Sam quickly looked up at him "You don't know that."

'If someone had been with him, this wouldn't be happening, but I can always count on Amy.'

He smiled at her knowing better, "No, you're right I don't know."

Sam shook her head, "He thought he was alone."

'He was alone, no I was with him Samantha.  Never fear, Jack is here.'

Dr. Vargus squeezed her shoulder, "No Sam, he doesn't know."

Sam glanced back at Dr. Vargus and answered very matter of factly,"He knows, Trust me he knows."

'He also knows I'm here Samantha, and admit it so do you.'

Smiling at her Dr. Vargus said, "Ok, then you stay."  The nurse opened her mouth to object but Dr. Vargus continued.  "It'll be OK, Becky.  Dr. Waters will stay out of your way, won't you Sam?"  Sam nodded herhead in response to his statement.  Becky didn't look very happy but Sam didn't care.  She wanted and needed to be by his side.

The new portable CAT Scanner was brought to the bedside.  Sam stood with Dr. Vargus as they scanned him.  "There," he said, pointing to a large black area. "Damn, I thought we had that under control. That is ah uge bleed.  W e'll have to go back in. Call the OR. Here, Sam this whole dark area is blood."  He stood, his dark eyes darting as he studied the films that arose to the screen. The concern was evident on his face.

"What does this mean to Bailey?"

"We have to go back into the operating room.  I have to find where he's bleeding.  He can't keep going back to surgery"  he mumbled. "I thought we had it. Dr Vargus studied the chart.."Oh my God! Damn, some idiot gave him 20,000 units of Heparin in the ER...Who the hell is J.T.  Angie! Call the ER and get the physician on the phone, and find out who works in the ER with the initials J.T.  As Dr. Vargus ranted Sam was afraid she knew who J.T. was...Jack Of All Trades.  Jack had added his signature to this game, the game to save or take Bailey's life.  He was winning.  The nurse returned with bad news.  There was no nurse in the ER with the initials J.T., and the doctor denies ordering Heparin.  Dr. Vargus shook his head as he studied the chart.  "God this is a mess, Sam.  If he did in fact get Heparin, we could be in real trouble here."  Sam was confused.  "What do you mean if he got heparin?  It says he got it."  Dr. Vargus placed his hand on her arm, and squeezed lightly.  "What I mean is, it's possible that it was given to him accidentally when it should have gone to another patient, or it was given to another patient and mischarted.  We don't know yet.  I have to do some blood work."

Sam stared deeply into Dr. Vargus' eyes and stated matter of factly.  "Or somebody did it deliberately."

~In Sam's mind she saw the IV, the tubing, the syringe in the tubing, the IV bag shaking, then Bailey. She saw the hand injecting the tubing, the hand shaking the IV bag, she shivered.~ 

Dr. Vargus looked shocked as Sam continued.  "After all nobody ordered it, there is nobody in the ER with initials J.T, and Bailey is in trouble." Dr. Vargus regained his composure and started spouting orders.  "Angie, give him 20 of Vitamin K...Let's get this reversed.  Let's get all his lab work repeated Stat! CBC, Lytes, liver panel, PT, PTT, Bleeding time, and I want it yesterday...Is that clear!... Call surgery and have them get protamine ready..We may need it to reverse this.. Get him 2 units Fresh Frozen Plasma, type and cross him for 4 units packed red cells, and get him to the OR.  I am going down to surgery and get things going down there.  Sam, pray for us both."  He was gone. The activity increased in his room.

' Won't help doctor...it's in the bag...so to speak.'

Outside the room Christopher waited to take him to surgery.  Marcus appeared, he would be Bailey's escort.  Thank God, Sam thought, he won't be alone. When he was ready Sam kissed him good-bye.  Looking up she looked into the ice blue eyes of Christopher.  'What is is about you?'  Sam was very uneasy, but Marcus stepped to the side of the stretcher and smiled at Sam.  "Don't worry, Sam, I won't leave him."  Slowly, Christopher rolled him away.

'Stay with him Marcus, the damage is already done!  You will have to face your failure to protect him!  It's over!'

Marcus walked along side the stretcher and took a post outside the OR. He would remain at the post until Bailey returned to the ICU.

She walked despondently into the waiting room.  The grief was evident on her face.  Grace jumped up and ran to her, "Sam, what's wrong?"  her heart pounding, "Sam?" Sam began to sob as if her heart was breaking.  John and George came to her and helped her to a chair.  Janet stood staring as her daughters walked toward Sam.

"They had to take him back to surgery!!"  she said as sobs wracked her body. George held her, looking at Grace in desperation, as if she knew somehow what had happened and why Sam was so devastated.  Trying to say something positive George spit out,  "It'll be all right Sam, he's strong. He knows you're here.  He'll fight now."  Janet listening from across the room winced as she heard George's words.  Sam couldn't focus.  She sat devastated at the thought that he might die.

Grace looked at her, "What happened Sam?"  When Sam made no effort to explain Grace placed her hands on Sam's upper arm and shook her until Sam's eyes focused on her.  "Sam, what happened?"

Sam slowly answered, "He's bleeding, there's a clot on his brain. No, it didn't clot...Someone gave him medicine...Heparin or something like that...He tried to kill him...I know it was Jack..Bailey said Jack was here!...I thought he was just confused!  

~Visions flooded her mind, Jack's story, IV's, Hands, an open mouth Laughing, Evil.~ 

Oh God, No!" she rambled on sobbing as she tried to talk...looking up at Grace she pleaded for answers, "He got to him in the ER!...How did he do that Grace? How did he get to him there?...How did he Know?

Grace's eye's turned to George.  George was devastated.  He knew how Jack got his information, and he was responsible.  Grace turned to Sam.  "It's the camera's Sam.  He used our cameras and got all the information he needed."

"Those Damn camera's, yes, that's how Jack knew!  Why did Bailey have to spy on me?  Why didn't he just call me?  Oh, this is all my fault...Jack is hurting him because of me.  I was so mean to him...I was so angry at him...God, Bailey, I'm so sorry!"  Sam sobbed.  "Vargus said that he couldn't keep going back in.  They gave him...stuff.  I don't know... medicine, something to help his blood clot."  She held her head.

'Oh, they have found my first gift...And little Georgie has found out how I knew about this....Now I must be very careful....They are in the game...Check!'

Slowly she looked into the eyes of Bailey's daughters; they had not spent enough time with their father.  Janet had seen to that.   They didn't even know who he really was, what he was really like, how much he loved them, how much he missed them, how much he wanted to be with them, how proud he was of them and how much he cared.  He was one of the kindest men Sam had ever known.  He truly cared about his daughters, and he cared about her and Chloe, especially Chloe.  How could she have been so blind?  She looked again at his daughters, "You two are the light of your father's eyes.  He loves you two so much.  You need to know how much he cares.." Janet was on her feet.  "They have lived their lives without a father...thanks to You!!  You don't need to try to tell them, how HE feels," she screamed with venom is her voice.  "Don't you dare!"

'All right, Cat fight...Now who is stronger....uhmmm I love it...Malone, what do you have that causes these reactions!!!'

Sam glared at her as she stood to meet the attack, "You are a really bitter aren't you, Janet?"  Sam gritted her teeth, "YOU robbed them of their Father, Not ME!  Bailey loves his girls, but you kept them from him to punish him...Bailey didn't have the affair, Janet!  You Did!  Remember?"  Both girls stared at their mother.  Ariana screamed, "What, Mom you didn't, and all this time you blamed Dad?"

Chloe quickly walked to her mother's side, "Mom?  Are you all right?"   She looked at Janet, "You leave my Mom alone!  Franny, why is your Mom yelling at my Mom for telling you that Uncle Bailey loves you?"  Angel quickly came to Chloe side and took her hand; glaring at Janet she took her out of the room.

Sam locked gazes with Janet and moved closer until they stood eye to eye.  All conversations in the waiting room had stopped as all eyes were on these two angry women. "You hurt him and you have to live with that.  I hurt him, too... and I have to live with that... but they were innocent and you stole their Father from them,  So don't you dare accuse me or Bailey... You threw him away... I didn't steal him but I do love him... And you can't stand it, because He Loves me!!  Get away from me," she shouted as she pushed Janet back. "They deserve The Truth.  He may never get the chance to tell them, but I can.  Now You GET Away from here I wasn't talking to You!"

The girls stood looking at Sam with tears in their eyes.  Franny finally asked, "Sam, did he tell you those things, or do you just think he feels that way?"

"No, Franny, he told me.  We had many conversations about you girls. I have seen his tears, his pain, his guilt, and his sadness.  He has loved you girls but he couldn't get to you.  He felt like he failed you so badly as a father.  He does and has always loved you." Janet was fuming.  She stood red faced, her hands balled into fists at her side as she listened to the words Sam told her daughters.  The hatred she felt for Sam was never voiced, it didn't have to be.  It was evident to everyone in the room.  Janet wouldn't let it rest.  She felt Sam had crossed the line.  John had been watching her closely.  As Janet reached for Sam, John grabbed her and escorted her out of the waiting room.

"Janet, you can't act like this here!  We will not tolerate you being nasty to Sam.  Now, either you go in there, sit down and shut up or leave!  We could have you removed, you've been drinking you know!  Now! You got that?"

Janet glared at him.  "Oh yes, let's protect little Sam!  You sound like Bailey!  He has had a thing for that little blonde for years!"

"Bailey didn't have an affair with Sam, Janet.  You had the affair. You've made him out to be the bad guy for so long that even you believe it too.  It's just not true!" Janet shook her arm free from John and stomped into the room and took her seat. Janet and Bailey's marriage had been a stormy one.  Jane t had an affair, one of several, shortly before Bailey met Sam.  Bailey was devastated by the events that had destroyed his faith in their marriage.  He couldn't forgive nor would he ever forget the infidelity that started soon after Franny was born.   It had affected him more than he knew, causing him to make several bad choices in relationships following his marriage.   Sam had become a constant in his life. His relationship with Sam is probably the only true relationship he had with a woman. Sam had always been true to their friendship.  Bailey could confide anything to Sam. He was comfortable with her.

Sitting in the crowded waiting room, Sam's mind wandered.  She thought of times past, of a wonderful night, of love found and lost too quickly.  Remembering was hard, she thought of missed opportunities.  Why had she let him get away?  Why didn't he remember, had she been that forgettable?  How would her life be different if he had remembered?  Would Jack have killed him like he did Tom and Coop?   Their relationship had been a good one, a close one.  She knew she could count on Bailey for anything.  He challenged her mind like no other.  He made her feel good about herself and her talent.   He had been her lover, protector, friend, teacher, and her boss.  As she thought back she realized he had been everything to her that anyone could want.    She had been so blind.  She had wasted their time.  Her heart was breaking, as she thought of what might have been.

The tears flowed down her cheeks, as she bowed her head.  She felt arms around her.  Both girls hugged her, then walked away.  As they were walking away from her she heard Franny say to Ariana, "See, I told you Dad was Ok!  I knew we couldn't believe Mom!"  Sam hoped they understood that Bailey loved them.

George walked up to the group.  "Well, I've checked out everyone involved in Bailey's care since arrival.  Of everyone on the list, there are three people who started work that day.  Two were new hires, one is a return worker.  The first two check out but this...Christopher, has a fragmented history here.  I'm checking him further."

Sam looked at George,  "Is that the orderly?  The one that Chloe doesn't like?  What have you found out about him?"

George answered slowly, "It's just that he works for a cruise line and it takes time to get their records, Sam.  I'm sure it'll be all right."

John thought about this situation, "Well, we'll put another person in the unit just to be sure.  It'll make me feel better."

The hours were passing so slowly.  It was difficult for Sam to be in the same room as Janet.  But, Sam finally slept.

***She felt herself traveling.  The halls were clouded. It was as if she was flying. She moved through the doors.  She looked down.  There was a operating room. There was activity, voices raised in a stressful tone.  They were ripping at the drapes that covered the stilled figure.  She saw the equipment.  Sounds that were foreign. She tried to focus on the activity.

~ No Pressure.  We have V-Tach. Charge to 200 zzzKer--chunkThe body jerked. We're fibrillating! Charge to 300 zzzKer--chunk Still in fibrillation. Charge it 360 zzzKer--chunk!! Straight line. Start CPR.~

"Dr. Vargus the lab just called his electrolytes..His potassium is 8.8."  Dr. Vargus swore in spanish.  Get dialysis down here stat! Remembering his conversation with Sam, he was sure foul play was involved.  "Continue CPR and change all his IV's and save them for analysis!  Move now!"  Dr. Vargus was livid.  Someone was trying to kill his patient and his friend.  This was personal.  "Hey Karen, call the waiting room.  Find out if Grace Alvarez is still here, if she is get her back here now!

She began to feel a presence next to her. She turned to see Bailey standing next to her. "Bailey," she moved to him and melted into his arms.  He wrapped his strong arms around her.. "Sam, Honey, I've missed you."  He looked into her beautiful blue eyes, and slowly bent to meet her lips.  She could feel his warm breath against her lips.  He touched his lips to hers lightly as he tasted her.  Her heart felt as though it had stopped.  He moved his hands to the sides of her face as he slowly broke their kiss.  "I love you Samantha Waters," and he kissed her again passionately.  His kiss took her breath away.  She was in heaven.  As he broke the kiss, he slid his hands down her face, her neck, to her shoulders, and hugged her to him.  Oh how she had missed the feel of his strong arms around her, the feel of his body against hers.  "Sam, listen to me.  I wanted you know how much I have loved you.  More than life.  Sam, I  don't know what's going on but I want you to know you are the most important person in my life.  Sam, be careful.  Jack is here.  He knows your here, he told me.  He put something in my IV....I couldn't stop him.  I can't protect you.  I'm scared for you.  Please tell John..."

Sam held onto him,  "Bailey, don't you dare leave me.  Please promise me, you won't leave me!"

Sam, time is short, I have to go and so do you.  I love you.  Don't forget...Please, don't forget...ever... and he was gone.

"No, Bailey... No don't leave," as she felt her self being pulled backwards through the halls.... "BAILEY!!!!!

"Sam. Sam wake up,"  she heard Grace's voice. 

"Sam,  are you all right?" Sam slowly focused on Grace.  "You were crying out.  Are you all right?  Sam you're dreaming!!"

Sam leaped to her feet.  "They're losing him Grace!" Grace stepped back as if Sam had slapped her.  "Don't say that Sam!"

"It's true Grace, I saw them!"  Sam began to pace.  George finally grabbed her and held her to him. Looking over George's shoulder, she made eye contact with John, and said, "Bailey told me Jack was here.  He asked me to tell you John."  John was speechless, he stood staring with his mouth open.  He was unsure if he should question her or just take her at her word. Sam shook violently in George's arms.  The door opened and a person dressed in blue scrubs came to speak to Sam.

"Dr. Vargus asked me to come out and let you know they have had...well... complications.  He has had a turn for the worse on the table, and has suffered a cardiac arrest.   They are working hard on the resuscitation of Mr. Malone right now.  He has been quite unstable over the last hour.  He found the bleeder for what's it's worth at this point, and they reversed his bleeding time.  We do know his electrolytes are out of range, and it's effected his heart rhythm.  Dr. Vargus has called for dialysis to try to reverse his electrolyte imbalance, but it's questionable if he will live to get this accomplished.  We'll keep you informed. I need Grace Alvarez, is she here?"

Now, that's more like it!  Dr. V.. wants Alvarez, Oh man, it must have worked!  This is just too good. I wish I had brought a camera!...Oh silly me, I have camera's right here in front of me!'  A very cold sinister laugh emanated for Jack's lips as his fingers danced over the security console. 'I must preserve the moment of Malone's demise. It'll be great in syndication!'

"I'm Grace," Grace said as she stepped forward.

"Oh boy, Film at 11!!!"

"Dr. Vargus request you assistance in the OR, please."  Grace turned and looked at Sam..."I'll be back soon, Sam"

'Oh, Ms. Alvarez, I bet poor Dr. V. could use more than your help!' The nurse and Grace left for the OR.  Sam felt overwhelmed.  She looked at John and George, the only word she could say was Jack."  Watching Grace hurry out of the room became to much for Sam.  Sam was very frightened. In her mind the only reason Dr. Vargus would want Grace was if Bailey was dead.

~ In Sam's mind she plainly saw Bailey's body, she saw herself crying over him, The sadness was overwhelming.~ 

She fainted knowing Dr. Vargus' request for Grace's assistance was not normal.  John and George carried her to the couch and softly laid her there.  Sam was exhausted.

Grace dressed quickly and entered the OR suite.  She could hear Dr. Vargus' voice long before she saw him.  Stepping into the operating room she asked,  "Eugenio, how can I help?"

"Grace, I think Sam is right.  Someone is trying to kill Bailey!  Look at this potassium!  I can't deal with this alone Grace.  I need help!  We have saved both of his IV's.  I thought you would want to test them."

"Don't worry, Eugenio, I'll get started on this straight away...and I'll see that he's protected!  That much I can do."  Taking the IV's, she turned to leave and heard Eugenio swearing in spanish...Bellowing orders, and trying desperately to save Bailey's life.

Chloe came to sit next to her mother, "Mom, everything is going to be fine, I can see it" the last was almost a whisper that could barely be heard to anyone other than Sam.  "Bailey's...No we are all together in his room…"

Sam looked to see if anyone else had heard Chloe… she notices that Chloe is in a trance like state, with her eyes open as though she were watching the TV on the far wall… on ly Sam knew better.   As Sam looks around the room she notices George and Grace together.  Sam's eye's were drawn to the IV Bag's that Grace held in her hands.  She thought back to the pictures that had been playing in her mind.  Why had she not been able to put this together!  She turned her attention back to Grace.  Sam listened intently as Grace informed everyone of Dr. Vargus' suspicion that someone had tampered with these fluids.  He had requested analysis and she was on the way back to the lab to test the fluids.

George walked Grace to the door.  "What does that all mean, Grace?  I mean I know what they said, but could this have happened normally."

"No, George, It's not normal.  It's very bad."

"Grace, they can fix this...right?"

Looking over at Sam, Grace said, "I don't know George, it looked pretty bleak back there.  Eugenio is trying, but I'm afraid it may be too late."  Silent tears rolled down Grace's face as she thought of Bailey lying on the table, watching them perform CPR, his brain exposed, with Eugenio screaming orders.  Shaking her head, as if to remove these images, she said,  "I have to get out of here and get to work.  At least I can do that."  With tears in his eyes, George touched Grace's arm, "No, Grace he can't die!" George said as he looked at Sam.  "She hasn't had time with him or him with her.  That isn't fair."

"I know, George, I know.  I need to go to the office I'll be back shortly"

Sitting behind a central monitoring station, Jonathan Edwards listened and watched the fear, anguish, and desperation going on in the ICU waiting room with a smirk on his face.  It appears his plan was working flawlessly.  "Desperate times, desperate measures, Grace.  You can't help him, but go ahead and try.  It'll make you feel better."

Several hours later, a very exhausted, and grim faced Dr. Vargus entered the waiting room.  Following him were two security guards. One being Jonathan Edwards. They stopped and stood at the door.  He walked over to Sam and knelt down next to her.   Slowly, he touched her shoulder and lightly shook her.  "Sam,  Sam..." Sam opened her eyes and sat up quickly.

Dr. Vargus dropped his eyes.  Sam's eyes became large and it felt like her heart stopped.  "What!"

"Sam he had a hard go in surgery.  He suffered a cardiac arrhythmia, which lead to a cardiac arrest.  He didn't..."

"No," Sam leaped to her feet, and backed away.  "No. Don't you dare tell me he is dead..

'Ahh, Samantha, will you never learn?  You don't need him.'

"Don't... No!"  Sam's eyes full of tears.

"Sam," Dr. Vargus said softly as he stepped toward her,  "Sam, we finally got his heart straightened out.  We got his bleeding time reversed and the bleeding controlled.  We put him on dialysis to get his potassium reversed.  He's alive, but I need to tell you that this won't help things.  He may have swelling from the drugs we had to use to get his heart going.  His condition is very serious, very grave.  I'm so sorry."

The door to the waiting room opened and Grace rushed in, not stopping until she reached Dr. Vargus' side.  "Eugenio, you were right!  The IV's contained drugs.  One contained a large dose of heparin, judging by the concentration, I'd estimate about 60,000 units.  The second contained an estimated 400meq of potassium.  It was definitely a serious attempt.  He meant to do the job and almost succeeded."

'Your right.  I meant to, you just caught on a little to soon.  Damn it Malone.  You just won't die.''

Sam looked at the two physician's, "What are you saying..It was deliberate?...Someone did this to him?..Jack did this, didn't he?"  Glaring at Grace she said, "Didn't he?"

'Samantha, I'm touched.''

Grace nodded  to Sam as she answered,  "Yes, it looks like he did Sam, and he nearly succeeded!"

"That Bastard!  We have to protect Bailey."

' Easy Samantha.  Don't hurt my feelings.  That would not be wise.'

John stepped to Sam's side, "We will Sam, we will.  I promise you, We'll protect him!"  John hugged her, but she was not comforted by his words.  Pushing John away, she screamed, "Like we've been doing?  Don't you see?  Are you blind?  He is HERE!  Jack is here, Somewhere!  We're two steps behind him!"  Taking a deep breath, realizing she was taking her frustrations out on the people who were trying to help, Sam looked into John's hurt eyes.  Walking over she put her arms around his neck and said quietly, "Thanks John..I'm sorry..I know you'll try!"

'Yes John, but try as you may, you won't be able to keep me away.'

Sam turned and studied Dr. Vargus.  She heard the sobs in the room.  Chloe came to her and took her hand.  "I want to be wi th him!  I need to be with him!  I have to protect him."  She looked down at Chloe, "Honey, can you stay with Angel?  I have to be with Uncle Bailey right now.  He needs me, honey.  I'll give Uncle Bailey a Big Kiss for you, baby.  You can see him soon."  Looking up at Angel, she said,  "Please take care of her for me Angel.  I have to do this!"

Angel smiled at her best friend and answered as she hugged her tight,  "We know, Sam,  Chloe and I will be fine.  You go be with him, he needs you now!"

" Mom, now don't you forget to kiss him for me, OK?"  Sam hugged her and looked at Dr. Vargus, "Ok, I'm ready!"

As Sam started for the door, Janet sneered, "Do you have to be so dramatic?"

Jonathan looked at this woman and smiled, 'I really like how you think, Janet!'

Dr. Vargus stopped next to Janet.  As his dark eye's glared at Janet, he said sternly,  "I would suggest you behave yourself.  The security guards have been instructed to remove you from the premises if there is another outburst in here from you!  If you notice, there are security cameras all over this area of the hospital.  I have seen the tapes from earlier today.  Your behavior will not be tolerated and you will not disturb Sam.  Bailey asked me to see to that before his surgery, should you decide to arrive here.  Security has been watching you since your arrival.  Bailey knew you would use this opportunity to try to get to Sam.  That will not happen on my watch."  His dark eyes were dancing as he finished.  "Do you understand?   Now, have I made myself clear?... Janet!"

Why yes Doctor, we've been watching everyone!

Dr. Vargus turned to Sam, "Come with me."  She left the sobs behind her and went to Bailey.  Sam settled in next to him.  She held his hand and talked to him.  There were FBI agents posted throughout the hospital.  Most of the nurse were not happy with the intrusion.  However, knowing a murder attempt had taken place in the ER made them accepting of the men with guns who invaded their space.

'Oh, now finally a challenge  ...How to out smart the FBI 101!'

Four days had passed since Bailey's surgery.  Progress was limited.  Dr. Vargus was beginning to lose hope that Bailey would return to previous function.  There had been no purposeful movement, actually, no movement at all, no response to painful or verbal stimulus.  The latter disturbed Dr. Vargus, he felt Bailey's inability to respond to pain was an ominous sign.  Sam stood as strong as a tree in her resolve.  She was sure he knew she was there, even responded with an increased heart rate when she spoke.  The only truly positive sign had been Bailey's ability to breath on his own when they weaned him from the ventilator.  Despite Dr. Vargus' warnings, Sam remained convinced Bailey would recover, after all Chloe had seen it.  As she sat at his bedside she practiced in her mind how she would tell him what she had discovered in Chloe.

The door to the ICU opened, Angel and Chloe stepped into the unit.  Walking toward Bailey's room, Sam met them.  "I'm sorry Sam, but she has waited as long as she could.  She needs to see him for herself."  Although Angel was apologetic, it was obvious she was not sorry for what she had done.  Chloe walked quickly to Bailey's bedside, with Sam taking her position beside her.  Chloe stood silently as tears rolled slowly down her face.  Chloe stared at the lifeless form in the bed then turned toward her mother.  The pain is Chloe's eyes as she looked at her mother broke Sam's heart.  "It's OK Chlo, you can touch him... talk to him.  It's OK, go on if you want to."  Chloe tentatively reached down and touched Bailey's hand, then grasped his little finger as she had so many times in the past.  Watching, Sam remembered when Chloe was small, she always held Bailey's little finger as they walked together.  Seeing the large hand with the little hand firmly wrapped around the little finger brought tears to her eyes.

Chloe looked up at Sam.  "Mom, I need to hug him."  Without hesitation Sam reached down and gently lifted Chloe onto the bed beside Bailey.  Chloe studied Bailey the looked to her mother for reassurance.

"Go ahead honey, give him a hug.  He needs one of your world famous hugs."

Chloe eased herself down and hugged herself to Bailey's neck.  "Oh Uncle Bailey, I miss you so much!  Please, you have to get better.  I need you Uncle Bailey," Chloe whispered.  Snuggling to his chest she cried.  Watching Chloe's innocent affection she realized how unfair she had been to Chloe.  She had been selfish, taken him, and all he did for granted, deprived Chloe of Bailey's affection and Bailey of hers.

Angel stood in the corner watching the scene before her.  Sam walked to her, large tears hung in the corner of her eyes.  "What am I going to do Angel?  What if he dies?  He's not responding, Dr. Vargus says he should be responding.  He thinks...he thinks he may be brain dead.  If he dies, it's all my fault.  Jack said he would Kill him and he may have succeeded." Sam's voice became a whisper,  "Just like Tom, and Coop.  Now Bailey."  The tears flowed down her cheeks as she asked,  "Oh, Angel what am I gonna do?"  Angel stepped up to her friend and embraced her, holding her tightly as she cried.  Angel whispered to Sam,  "Honey, you are not responsible for a mad man.  This is not your fault.  You know that and so does Bailey."

After a few minutes, they stepped apart and stood staring at the bed.  On the bed, with her arms wrapped tightly around Bailey's neck was a sleeping Chloe.  Sam studied the picture before her, and was once again racked with guilt.  Angel stepped forward, reached down and shook Chloe lightly.  "Wake up honey, its time to go."  Chloe reached down and lightly kissed Bailey.  Standing up she took Angel's hand, and started to leave the room.  Sam stopped her and gently lifted Chloe's chin with her hand.  "Don't worry honey," Sam said with a confidence she didn't feel, "He's be back soon."

Looking at her mother, Chloe stated, "I know Mom, he told me."

A strange look passed between Angel and Sam.    "What do you mean, Chlo?"

"Just now, in my dream, Bailey told me he would be back soon."

"Oh."  Again the two women looked at each other.  Kissing Chloe on the top of her head Sam said, "I'm sure he will baby, very soon."   Angel and Chloe started out of the room.  "Chloe."

"Yes Mom"

"I'm glad Angel brought you back, and I'm sorry I didn't bring you sooner."

"It's OK, Bailey was ready for me today.  See you later, Mom."  Angel and Sam again exchanged looks, as Angel shook her head unsure of what to make of Chloe's declarations.

Smiling Sam looked at Angel, "You guys get some rest."

Smiling back at her friend, Angel responded, "We will, you to.  By the way, you look like hell."

"Oh thanks, now I remember why we are friends!"  For the first time in a long time Sam laughed.

Around 3 PM Sam dozed off with her head resting on the bed hear Bailey's hand.  Suddenly she was awakened by a soft caress on her hair.  Her head jerked up and she stared into a pair of beautiful brown eyes.  "Bailey," she whispered as she moved to his face and kissed him.  "Bailey, honey, I'm so happy to see you!"

Standing in the doorway, Christopher stared in the room, "Damn you, Malone!  You just keep coming back for more!"

Closing his eyes, he said, "Sam, my head..."  He tried to raise his hand to cover his face, but it wouldn't move.  The fear was evident in his eyes, as they flew open.  "Sam, what's wrong with me?  My arm won't work.  Oh God, what's wrong?" The panic that Bailey felt was quickly spreading to Sam.  Trying to calm him, she spoke softly into his ear, as she rang for the nurse.  Try as she might she was unable to alive Bailey's fear and he was becoming more agitated.  As Dr. Vargus arrived Sam was cradling Bailey's head as he moaned.  The fear that was increasing in Bailey was obvious to everyone in the room.  In the many years that Eugenio had called him friend, he had never seen this kind of reaction in Bailey, and it frightened him.  Finding it increasingly more difficult to calm Bailey, help was summoned.

Christopher smiled to himself as he entered the room.  Bailey was afraid, an emotion he had yet to see in him.  This is a wonderful job, he thought as he watched the fear on Bailey's face as he struggled.

"Eugenio!  My left arm won't move.  What the hell!"

"Bailey, quit struggling.  Wait a minute.  Before I can give you any answers I have to check you, so settle down so I can do my job."  Bailey looked at him.  He was exhausted.  As he quieted sweat rolled down his face and dropped onto his chest. Looking over at Christopher Dr. Vargus said, "That will be all Chris, thanks for standing by."

Christopher locked gazes with Sam, quickly diverting his eyes, he answered Dr. Vargus, "Sure , Doc., any time just call if you need me, I'm always available."  There was really something Sam didn't like about this guy.  Usually she had a better sense about people but with all that was going on with Bailey she couldn't concentrate.  She needed to talk to John about this.  How she wished she had her dictaphone so she could make a note of it so she didn't forget.

Eugenio took three instruments out of his lab coat pocket. Using these instruments he began to check Bailey.  Moving through the test, he was as fluid as a dancer doing their routine.  He checked reflexes, feeling, response to pain, strength and movement.  The right side responded sluggishly, but the left side was completely flaccid.

Placing two fingers in the palm of each of Bailey's hands, Dr. Vargus took a deep breath.  "Squeeze my hand Bailey....Try...try hard."  Knowing what his friends reaction to bad news would be, he felt compelled to delay the news he thought was inevitable.  Not knowing if it was compassion or fear, Eugenio decided to sedate him for several days until further testing could be done to determine the extent of the injury.  Pausing briefly to collect his thoughts, he sat down in the chair at the bedside.  He tried to project a positive demeanor, despite the fact that his gut told him that this insult, was most probably permanent.

"OK Bailey, here's where we stand.  I'm going to have to do a MRI.  This could just be a short term thing caused from the surgery, but you may have had a stroke when you arrested in surgery.  I need some pictures before I can say for sure.  Sam could see the compassion in Eugenio's eyes as he spoke to his friend.

Bailey stared at him "You should have let me go, Eugenio, if this is the result!"  Turning her head, to hide her face from Bailey, Sam cried softly at his words.

Shaking his head in agreement, Christopher thought to himself, Yes, you should have let him go.  You  tried too hard on this one, Dr. V!  Oh, this may come together in my favor yet.  Imagine if he offed himself.  How sweet that would be.  Then Samantha could really be free!

"Bailey, you have to be patient.  It will take some time to know what is or isn't permanent."

"Eugenio, I won't live like this!  I'll not be a cripple!"  Bailey said through clenched teeth.   Sam recoiled hearing the words that flowed easily out of Bailey's mouth.

Good choice Malone.

Sam stepped to the bed, took his right hand, and held it to her chest.   Bailey refused to look at her, and pulled his hand away from her chest.  "Listen Sam, I think it's time for you to head home.  I don't need you now, and you sure as hell don't need me."  Sam stood unsure how to respond to Bailey's anger.  Looking toward Dr. Vargus, she hesitated.  Staring straight ahead, he said loudly,  "What's the matter don't you understand.  GET OUT!"  Sam turned slowly and walked from the room.  Pulling his right hand up to his head, he turned toward Dr. Vargus.  "You think you could get me something for pain.  My head is busting, and I think I'm gonna throw up.  Dr. Vargus called the nurse into the room and ordered pain medication and a sedative.

"You know Bailey, you were way out of line.  You just devastated the woman who loves you more than life." Unwilling to respond to the statement he knew to be true, Bailey turned his head and closed his eyes.

Stepping out of the room, Dr. Vargus found Sam seated on the floor by the door.  She rose to meet him. "Sam, he's not going to deal well with this.  I think that pretty evident by his actions just a minute ago.  He thinks he's protecting you, he doesn't want you to be saddled with him, if things go badly."

"Please tell me this isn't permanent."

"I don't know, Sam.  I wish I could be more optimistic.  He's very flaccid, there's no pain response, and his got symptoms of increased inter cranial pressure.  I'm going to increase him to head injury level steroids and see if that helps. The MRI will tells us what we need to know.  I'll talk to you soon and try not to be too upset by Bailey's behavior."  He started to leave then stopped, turned and spoke.  The stress of the situation was evident on his face.  "Sam, you know...if this is permanent, all this we have done is in vain.  I believe him when he says he won't be a cripple.  I think, he will kill himself."

YES, Christopher thought! Oh yes, yes, yes!  I feel like dancing.

Standing by the door of Bailey's room, Sam watched Dr. Vargus walk out of the unit.  His words weighed heavy on her mind when she heard her name.  She turned slowly as she again heard "Sam?" coming from the room.  Bailey was calling her.  She smiled to herself.  Dr. Vargus was right, he was protecting her by pushing her away, fortunately for her, he was calling her back.

She opened the door and quickly moved to the bed.  "I'm here Bailey," Sam whispered softly, "Everything's all right, I'm still here."

"Oh Sam..." tears rolled down his cheeks as he struggled to complete his thought but was unable to finish.

"Bailey, don't try to say anymore, you need to rest.  Sleep now and we'll talk later, when you feel better."  She caressed his face, and stared deeply into his eyes, she spoke.  "I'm here don't worry, we will be ok Bail."

Oh Samantha, the eternal optimist!

The next few days were difficult for Bailey and for Sam.  Each time he would start to awaken, he became very agitated and combative.  It was hard for Sam to see Bailey so out of control.  Dr. Vargus elected to keep Bailey heavily sedated until the medication had time to work.  Finally the day came for Bailey to awaken.  There had been slight improvement, His left side had shown signs of recovery, the steroids had down their job.  Bailey was on the road to recovery.

"Damn it Malone!  You are determined to make my life miserable!

Two days later as Sam and Bailey sat in his room laughing and making plans for their life together, Dr. Vargus entered the room.  The laughter and smiling faces were soon replaced by fear as they saw the look on Dr. Vargus' face.  Pulling a chair toward the bed he turned it backwards.  Straddling the chair he sat down.  Sam was suddenly very frightened, as she noticed the stress and sadness on Eugenio's face.  Propping his elbow on the back of the chair, he rubbed his chin, and said, "Bailey we need to talk."  Sam felt weak, she walked to the bed and sat next to Bailey.   Bailey slid his arm around Sam's waist.  Neither was sure, who was supporting who.

"O.K. Eugenio, shoot."

"I got the path report this morning, Bailey" Tears began to form in the corner of Bailey's eyes as he tried to be brave and answered, "Bad huh."

Having read the report, Christopher already knew the reason Dr. Vargus was so upset.   And he was totally elated.  Another chance, the best chance yet, to off Malone.  He would have to study this little development, to be on top of the latest treatments so he could make them work for him.

"Yes, well it's not what I hoped for.  The tumor was a sarcoma.  It's highly malignant and fast growing.  I'm consulting the oncologist today.  We're going to have to see if it has spread. I've ordered some blood work, a total body CT,  and bone scan. Bailey, I could kick your butt for not letting me take care of this 6 months ago when we found it!  Why were you so stubborn?  I don't understand."

Seeing the tears run down Sam's cheek, Bailey voice was abrupt.  "It doesn't matter now.  I had things to take care of, that's over now and I'm not going to discuss it.  I made the decision I had to."

Taking a deep breath Sam reached for Bailey's hand.  Intertwining her fingers with his she lifted his hand to her mouth and kissed it.  As always he made her the first concern.  Trying to make her feel better he squeezed her hand as he spoke, "It's Ok, Sam."

Dr. Vargus continued, "I think we need to talk with the radiology oncologist about the possibility of Radiation."

"No," Bailey answered shaking his head.  "I won't do that, I don't want to end up a vegetable, Eugenio."

Oh now Malone, listen to the Doctor.

"Bailey, we have to look to the future, this tumor could recur.  I know the margins are clear but that is not conclusive!"

"You said you got it all, and that's good enough for me."

Eugenio looked toward Sam, his eyes begging her to help him convince Bailey to investigate all possibilities.  Looking back to Bailey and said,  "At least talk to him Bailey."

"Eugenio,..." Bailey paused as he looked at the fear and love he saw in Sam's eyes.  "OK, I'll talk to him."

"Yes, Malone.....Please talk to him!"

"Good Bailey, I'll set it up.  I'll talk to you later."  Dr. Vargus left the room leaving Sam with more questions than when she entered.

"Bailey, Answer a question for me, Please"

"Anything, Baby, What do you want to know?"  A small smile turned up the corner of his mouth as he looked at her.

"Bailey, I'm responsible for this aren't I?  I mean I'm the reason you didn't do anything when you found out about this tumor."  Bailey opened his mouth to stop the conversation before it went any further but Sam raised her finger to his mouth to silence him.  "Tell me the truth, don't try to protect me, just tell me the truth.  I'm the reason your in this shape, well, me and...Jack."  The words caught in her throat but she continued.  "This is the reason you let me go, and made no effort to contact me.  I'm right aren't I?"

Bailey looked deeply into Sam's eyes.  "Sam, I had to find you, get you away from Jack, make sure you were safe, and back with Chloe , where you belong.  Jack is a madman, I had no way of knowing what he might do to you.  I couldn't live with myself, if you had been injured or killed by that monster.  At that moment, nothing else mattered...nothing.  Your safety was my only concern."

"You loved me even then, didn't you Bailey?"

A long pause followed, as Bailey collected his thoughts.  He finally decided to be truthful.  "Yes Sam, I've loved you for a long time.  I'm not sure exactly when I started loving you, but I've had strong feelings for you that go back to when we were at Quantico.  I buried my feeling for a lot of reasons, but I wouldn't want to live if Jack...Well, if I hadn't been able to get you away from Jack...and know you were safe.  The most important thing was for you to be safe, no matter where you were."

"Oh yes Malone, let's keep Samantha safe from big bad Jack."

Sam lay down in the bed beside Bailey and rested her head on his chest.  She felt his shoulder began to tremble. "Sam, if he had..." Bailey couldn't finish the statement, he voice fell silent as his fear of what might have happened overtook him.  "At that time, with you gone and not knowing if you were safe, this little tumor, just didn't matter." Sam held him tighter.  She couldn't believe what he had just said.  Grace had told her Bailey would die to protect her, and now it seems he might do just that.  "Bailey, I'm overwhelmed by your love and devotion.  I've been so stupid.  How can I make it up to you?"

Bailey was torn, he was moved by what Sam had said, but he could die.  It was unfair to put her through yet another death of someone close to her.  He had to give her the option to leave. "Sam you don't deserve this, to watch yet another person die.  Maybe you should get on with your life, you and Chloe and Angel.  I'll be all right."

"Are you out of your mind?  I just finished telling you how I have never felt such devotion and love and your trying to send me away.  Forget it Malone, I'm not going anywhere!  I made that mistake once but I won't make it again.  I know I hurt you, and I'm very sorry about that but I do love you.  I think I have for a very long time."

"Samantha you are really trying my patience!"  He whispered to himself.

"Sam, you really need to think about this, it's not gonna be easy."

"Yes Samantha listen to him!"

"Nothing that's worth having is ever easy.  You can't get rid of me that easy.  I'm not leaving you Bailey, not today, not tomorrow, never again."  Leaning over she kissed his chest, tears rolled down her cheek and puddled on his chest.  "I'm in it for the long haul Bailey.  We are going to beat this Bail, I just know it!  I'm gonna be there for the good times as well as the bad.  If I have to lose you, I'll be here spending every waking moment with you, just like you would be for me if things were reversed."

"Oh, Sam," he whispered, "I'm so scared."

"I just bet you are, Malone and well you should be..."

"I know Bail so am I.  But we're a team now, an unbeatable team."   Looking deeply into his eyes, she kissed him lightly on the lips.  "I love you Bailey Malone!"  She kissed him again, this time deeper and more passionately.  She had not had a kiss like this in many years.

In his mind Jack screamed, "Samantha! Stop! That does it! He will have to go!"

The next morning the door opened, a tall man entered.  He had boyish features, dark hair, fair skin, freckles, and large kind eyes.  Walking toward the bed, he smiled as he extended his hand toward Bailey.  Shaking hands, in a soft voice he said, "Hello, I'm Dr. Jones.  Dr. Vargus asked me to stop by and see you about your treatments.  I'm an oncologist, a cancer doctor.  Do you understand what your problem is, Mr. Malone?"

"I had a brain tumor, it was cancer, does that about cover it?" Bailey bluntly answered.

Dr. Jones smiled, he would not be discouraged by this man's abrupt manner.  Dr. Vargus had warned him he might be met with less than an enthusiastic response.  "Well, yes in a nut shell that about covers it.  I've looked at all of your post op scans, and I think we have a good chance of recovery.  There seems to be no metastatic disease after surgery.

"Hey doc, now in English, OK?"

"The good news is that we couldn't find any evidence of cancer any where else in your body.  The bad news is this is not a cure.  As far as cancer is concerned   we speak in terms of remission not cured.  We don't consider you cured until you have survived 5 years without reoccurrence of symptoms.  I have out lined a 6-week chemotherapy treatment plan that gives us the best chance for remission.  It is also my opinion that you should consider a short course of radiation.  I've spoken with Dr. Smith, a radiation oncologist.  He feels 8 treatments will be enough.  I feel that this is an integral part of your treatment Mr. Malone.  I strongly suggest you consider it carefully."

Bailey stared at him. "I want my brain to function. I don't want it destroyed.  Will this treatment destroy my brain?"

"You disappoint me Malone your not afraid of anything but maybe your teenage daughter!"  A quite chuckle escaped.

Dr. Jones smiled. "This is very specific radio-graphic treatment, Mr. Malone.  There is only about a 10% chance of destroying tissue that doesn't need to be destroyed.  It's as safe as an x-ray."

"Yes only 10% but Uncle Jack can help those odds, Yes he can!!

"Can I think about this?"

"Sure. I'll come back in the morning.  Good day."

Bailey stared off into space toward the door the doctor just walked through.  This was not a dream.  It was really happening.  The silence was deafening.  Slowly he turned to Sam, tears streamed quietly down her face.  Feelings of inadequacy overcame him, all he wanted was to protect and comfort her, but he couldn't take care of himself, much less her.  "Sam," frustration was evident in his voice as he dropped his head.  Sam stepped to the bed and without hesitation crawled into the bed next to him.

Cuddling up to him she spoke the words he had to hear.  "Bailey, this is important.  You have to do this...you have to do this to survive, to live for us.  I am so sorry to say this but it's to important not to say anything.  I'll be right here with you, I promise, every step of the way."

Seeing the look in her eyes and hearing the words she spoke he was sure she was telling the truth.  She would be there.  He knew he could be honest with her.  "I know Sam, but I really don't want to do this.  This radiation thing has really got me spooked.  I'm afraid, and that's not something I admit easily.  I want my brain and my body to work.  I want to live, Sam.  I want to be whole.  I want to be with you!"

Comfort him while you can Samantha,  say what you need to because he is going Down, Hard!"

Sam held him, her own tears running down her face.  "I know honey, I know.  I want to be with you too.  And I'll be right here, I'm not going anywhere.  Please, don't push me away, Bailey.  Let me be your support, you've always been mine.  I can do this for you and with you."  Sam kissed his forehead.  Bailey was speechless, he pulled her to him and hugged tightly.

Bailey had a pleasant and not so pleasant surprise later that day.  His daughters came to visit.  It was a very nice visit until the door flew open.  The not so pleasant surprise arrived.  Janet stormed into the room.  "I would like to talk with you Bailey, ALONE."   Although she spoke to Bailey, her eyes were glaring directly at Sam, as she sat by him on the bed.

Bailey returned the favor, as he spoke to Janet he also looked at Sam, but his was a look of love.  "No, Janet.  Sam is not leaving for you!  If you have something to say, it can be said in front of Sam and the girls."

"Things never change do they Bailey!  You put this little blonde," Janet swung her hand toward Sam, in a gesture of disgust,  "in front of your marriage and your children.  It hasn't changed!"

"Janet, stop it...you know better!"  Pausing briefly he decided to keep things civil, and agree.    "Hey,  You should be happy.  You always liked being right!  You were right.  Sam and I love each other.  You should be happy.  You've wished me dead for a long time, and I might just die."  Sam winced at the words, took his hand and purposely put it to her lips and kissed it, as Sam's eyes met Janet's.  Bailey glanced at Sam, seeing the hatred in the women's faces as they stared at one another, he smiled slightly.  Then returned to meet Janet's glaring face.  "Isn't that something you've wanted for a long time.  You know, Janet," Bailey rose to sit upright and shouted, " you just need to get the Hell outta here!  I don't need you, and I don't want you here!"  As Bailey's voiced raised, he immediately grabbed his head.  Pain suddenly seared up the side of his head, a wave of nausea engulfed him, as he lay back on the bed.

Janet smiled at him, the pain that was evident on Bailey's face seemed to please her.  "Well Malone,  you're as big an asshole as you ever were.  I went out of my way to come here when you were shot the last time.  All you could talk about, and think about was your little blonde, Sam this and Sam that.  It made me sick to hear you call for your little....whore!  I couldn't be lucky enough for you to die!"  Janet stood smiling at Bailey as she watched him hold his head.  Janet was so enthralled in her ranting she was unaware of her daughters standing across the room staring at her. 

The looks on there faces made it evident to everyone in the room that they had never seen this side of their mother.  It was also evident that didn't like what they saw.  Bailey spoke in a pleading tone, "Janet!  Stop It.  Please!" 

Before speaking her next words, she looked across the bed and smiled a triumphant smile.  Moving her eyes back to Bailey she hissed at him,  "I hope you do hurt.  I hope you suffer, Bailey and you're little...blonde, too."

Sam started to rise, but Bailey took her arm and stopped her, "No, Sam," he whispered.

Janet walked to the side of the bed.  Glaring down at Bailey, she bent toward him to speak into his ear, "What's the matter Bailey, you afraid?  I hope you are!  It's good enough for you."  Bailey winced at her shrill voice near his ear. 

"Janet, your drunk, again!" With these words Sam jumped up and reaching across Bailey, shoved Janet away from the bed. "Get Out!"

After struggling to maintain her balance Janet sneered, "Oh Bailey, how nice she thinks she can protect you from the truth."

"Janet, get the Hell outta here!"   Bailey tried frantically to convince Janet to leave.

"You want to know the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth..."  She giggled at her attempt at humor.  "Well Bailey I'm gonna tell you the truth that they're not telling you.  You're gonna die!"  Janet threw her head back and laughed, then raising her head she looked Sam in the eyes.  Raising her hand and pointing her finger at Sam she continued.  "Yes, that's it.  You're done!"  Wiggling her pointed finger at Sam she smiled. Reaching down she began to rub Bailey's bare chest.  Bailey grabbed her hand and shoved it away.  "What's the matter, Bailey?  You use to like me to rub your chest. Of course someone else does that for you now!" 

Janet's sarcastic, childlike banter irritated Bailey, and he gritted his teeth. "Janet, stop it!"  But there was no stopping Janet, she was drunk and feeling very self-righteous.  Looking at Sam she smiled and sneered, "Well soon, you won't have him either. Too bad, huh Samantha!"  Janet's eyes narrowed and waving her hand toward the girls who stood open mouthed, by the wall, she said,  "At least I have his children!  Something you'll never have, now!"

Both girls whirled on their mother.  "Get Out!" Franny demanded.  "Get the Hell out of here!"  She attempted to push Janet out of the room as their voices got louder and louder.  The voices and commotion in the room was getting the attention of the nursing staff.  Bailey was reeling, his head bursting.  Sam was holding Bailey as he retched and vomited from the increase in intercraninal pressure as well as the stress caused by the scene occurring in his room.

Janet was incensed, her children were turning on her.  Shoving Franny back, she stormed past her and into the center of the room.  Stepping toward Sam, she again began swing her finger at Sam.  "You are the reason he left me!"

"No, Janet!"  Was all Bailey could say.

"You little blonde home wrecker....admit it..you were screwing him, weren't you?"  Placing her hands on Sam's chest she shoved her away from Bailey's bed.  Yes, admit it!  You were screwing him from the minute you came to work for him.  Admit it!"  Janet was screaming and shaking her fist at Sam by this time, her face red with hate.

Sam stood watching Janet rant, she had all of Janet's venom she could stand.  Standing quietly she met Janet's eyes.  "Yes Janet, does that make you happy."  From the look that formed on Janet's face she was anything but happy.  Sam smiled to herself, she had Janet's attention.  "But at least Bail was separated when he made love to me Janet."  Sam took a step toward her, as Janet took a giant step backward.  "We have never screwed as you so eloquently put it!  We made love!  He is a wonderful lover too, I might add.  It's not my fault if you threw away the best thing you ever had.  Now you can't stand it!"

Sam took another step toward Janet as Bailey reached out and grabbed her arm.  Pulling her toward him he said,  "Sam....stop it!"

Sam looked into Bailey's questioning eyes.  The look on his face was total confusion.  She quickly looked away, she couldn't believe what she had just done.  Looking back at Bailey it was obvious it had happened, too bad she hadn't imagined it.  Taking a deep breath Sam stepped back to Bailey's side, placing herself between him and Janet.  Janet stood glaring at Bailey.  Neither woman moved, Bailey squeezed Sam's arm and quietly said, "Sam, stay put and be quiet."

In the waiting room, Chloe jumped up and rushed to John.  "You need to go help Mom.  That mean woman is back there!  Hurry, Uncle John, Please!"

Seeing the panic in Chloe's eyes John rushed out towards Bailey's room.  As he got closer, he quickened his steps as he heard Janet's drunken voice.  John rushed through the door just as Janet started towards Sam.  As John rushed toward Janet he noticed Bailey with a panicked look on his face holding an irate Sam.  John reached Janet about the time security and police stormed  the room.  Following them was Dr. Vargus.  Janet continued to rant and rave, screaming obscenities at Bailey, Sam and the police, until she was escorted from the room and eventually to jail.  Dr. Vargus examined Bailey, ordered a sedative and stayed until he was sure Bailey was calm.  The most important thing for Bailey now was rest.

Franny and Ariana were shocked at the events that occurred in the room.  Ariana came close to her father.  "Daddy,"  the tears began to fall slowly down her cheeks, as she took his hand into hers. "Daddy, I'm so sorry.  I've said so many mean things to you.  I didn't know Daddy.  I was so wrong.  I didn't know Mom lied to me.  Can you ever forgive me?"

Bailey looked at his beautiful, fair-haired, light complected daughter.  "Here honey, come here."   He took her in his arms and held her as she cried. Franny joined the hug, and she cried, "That goes for me too, Daddy.  I'm so sorry."  Sam was happy.  She was seeing a family hug, one that Bailey had wanted for some time.  Tears of joy rolled down Sam's face.

After visiting for a few minutes Franny and Ariana decided to go to the waiting room so Bailey could rest.  They kissed him and slowly left.

Bailey sat quietly after the girls left.  Despite the sedative his mind was racing.  He knew he should say something to Sam, but wasn't sure what to say.  Sam also sat quietly, knowing that she would soon have to answer for the things she said.  "Sam, talk to me...Why did you say that to Janet?"

Sam looked into his questioning eyes and dropped her head, "Because it's true..."

Bailey lifted her chin and studied  her face, "Sam, where was I?  I think I would remember that!"

"Yea, I'd think you would remember it to.  It was pretty special, at least to me.  Don't you remember the night at the ski resort, on New Years.  I was a student in your class, do you remember that much?"

Bailey looked at her, he was stunned.  "I remember you were a student in my class.  I also remember New Years Eve.  I also remember having a dream that night as I slept on your floor.  A dream that we made love.  But I don't remember telling you about the dream.  How did you know about my dream?"

"Because Bailey it was my dream too.  I slept on the floor with you, well, we didn't sleep much, but I was there."  Looking up into the deep brown eyes she continued.  "Bailey...It wasn't a dream...It was real… It happened...It really happened.  We made love that night...and it was wonderful!"

Bailey studied her and watched as tears began to slowly roll down her cheeks,  "Wait a minute, Sam.  I tried to talk to you about this the next day.  You blew me off!  Told me I drank too much, and now your telling me we made love."

"We did make love!  I was afraid.  I was a student who had just seduced my instructor.  What did you want me to say?  Did you want me to announce it to the world and get kicked out of the program?"

"No but since I was there, it would have been nice if you had at least acknowledged my presence."

"What do you mean acknowledge your presence, I gave you ALL I had to give.  I was just a kid.  I didn't know what to do."

"As I remember, and I remember my dream vividly, I was the aggressor.  I took the lead and it was my responsibility.  I know I made love to an innocent young girl.  I probably should have been arrested."

"Oh Bailey, I didn't want you arrested then and I don't want you arrested now.  We made love, at least that's the way I've always looked at it.  I wanted so badly for it to happen again, but I was afraid...  You never mentioned it again, so I thought you just didn't remember, or maybe you wanted to forget."

"Oh Sam, the last thing I wanted was to forget.  I have never forgotten, I just thought it was a wonderful dream.  I'm glad it wasn't a dream!  I'm just sorry we wasted so much time, time we could have been happy together."  Without wasting another second he pulled her to him and kissed her.

Breaking the kiss he looked down at her.  "Now about Janet."

"Oh Bailey I'm sorry I let her get to me.  It just made me so angry the way she talked to you."

"Sam, Janet is an angry, unhappy person.  She gets really mean when she drinks.  She fights dirty, and strikes out.  Her purpose is to hurt, and unfortunately this time she hurt you and the girls.  I'm sorry you had to be involved in that, but it did have an up side."  He smiled sweetly at her.

"Your right Bailey, I'm glad that's out in the open, about you know the first time. But I'll never forgive what she said and did to you.  Never!"

"Sam, lets not worry about Janet right now.  I'm like you, glad it's out in the open, Your first time meant more to me than you will ever know."  Sam was stunned, she had no idea he knew.

Bailey nodded and grimaced, "I really need something for pain, Sam."   She called the Nurse and he soon drifted off to sleep.

George was conflicted about his task for the day.  It was to set up the surveillance system to monitor Bailey.  Although George knew it was necessary, he was concerned.  Because of his last surveillance set up, Bailey had been injured, and George was taking it very personally.  He was making this his mission, keeping Bailey and Sam safe, catching Jack, and getting everyone's life back to normal.  

Dr. Vargus was thrilled.  He had hesitated taking Bailey out of the ICU, due to safety concerns.  With George's cameras Bailey could be transferred to a private room.

Christopher was working in the ICU when he heard the nurse telling George the room number where Bailey was to be moved the next day.  This was easier than he thought it would be, too easy.  Walking the halls during the day he watched as George and the team set up the equipment needed for surveillance.  The only problem would be the channel the equipment worked on.  Smiling to himself, he stood close to the FBI agents as they keyed in the numbers.  This was getting easier.  Thanks George, he thought, as he made note of the numbers needed for his equipment to be joined with the FBI's.

Bailey slept peacefully, till mid afternoon of the next day.  When he awoke he was pleased and surprised.  Sitting in the recliner Sam had used for a bed for many nights sat Sam.  Chloe sat in Sam's lap, and they talked quietly.  A huge grin came across Bailey's face as he watched.  "Hello, Sunshine!"  he said. .

Chloe's eyes flew open at the sound of his voice.  Jumping up, she ran to the bedside, "Uncle Bailey."  The excitement was evident in her voice and she was almost jumping up and down at the bedside.

Bailey slid to the other side of the bed and patted the bed beside him.  "Come here, Chloe."

Chloe hesitated as she looked at Sam.  Sam smiled, as she answered the question in the small child's eyes.  "Go on, Chlo, he won't break."

Chloe climbed onto the bed and hugged herself to Bailey's chest.  Pulling Chloe as close as possible, Bailey kissed her forehead.  "Baby, I have missed you so much."

Tears welled up in Chloe's eyes, "I've missed you too, Uncle Bailey."  The tears rolled down Chloe face as soft sobs escaped her lips.

Now, isn't this sweet!

"Honey, what's wrong?" Bailey asked as he pulled her away from his chest.

"I'm afraid... I.....I don't want you to die...."

Too bad, little girl, he's going to!

Tears rolled down Sam's face.  She couldn't find the words to comfort Chloe.  This innocent child had just honestly stated her fear, the same fear that haunted Sam.  Bailey studied the child's face, then hugging her to him, looked over her head into the eyes of her mother.  Speaking to Chloe, he stared into Sam's eyes.  Sam knew he was addressing her as well.  "Chloe, honey you don't need to worry.  I'm a tuff guy, remember?  I'll be fine.  I promise.  We won't keep anything from you, Baby.  Will we Sam?"  Words failed Sam, she merely shook her head.

Chloe still sobbing managed a few words, "You promise....... Uncle Bailey?.....Promise?"

Oh stop it.  Your going to make me cry!  A smile broke across Christopher's face.

Walking quietly into the ICU, John stopped as he noticed an orderly staring into Bailey's room. Slowly he walked up behind him and spoke.  "What's going on?"

Christopher jumped, startled by John's presence. "Oh, that child is so sweet.  This is such a sad situation.  Are you with the FBI, Too?"  Bringing his hand to his mouth, he batted his eyes at John.  I've got to distract him, he thought as he stared at John and smiled.

John was astounded.  This orderly was flirting with him.  Couldn't he see that George was more his type.  John was uncomfortable with this man, but was unsure what was causing his discomfort.  He listened intently to this orderly, as he studied his bright blue eyes.  "Yes, I'm with the FBI, ahh Christopher, and how long have you worked here?"

"Oh, I'm in and out.  I work when I'm home.  I work full time on a cruise ship in their medical department.  The schedule I work gives me long stretches off and I like working when I'm home just to keep my skills up to speed."

"And how long have you been working this time, Christopher?"

"Chris, please call me Chris."

"OK, Chris?"  John felling of uneasiness was growing with each word out of the man's mouth.

"Oh about two weeks, Why?"

"Just curious, making conversation, you know how nosey we at the FBI are, Chris!"  John said letting a big smile cross his face.

Chris returned his smile, and the two men stared at one another until one of the nurses called to him and he excused himself.  Walking away he felt John was suspicious, but felt he had thrown John off a bit with his flirting, but it still made him nervous.

Walking slowly back to the waiting room John pondered his conversation with Christopher.  Something didn't feel right about him, but John was unsure what exactly made him uncomfortable.  Entering the ICU waiting room he went to George.  "You know George, this Christopher character just tried to hit on me.  Did you finish your search on him?"

"What's the matter, John, Not your type?"  George smiled at the thought.

"Give me a break, George, of course he not my type, but I don't think that's what makes me so uneasy about him.  Have you got anything on him yet?"

"No.  I'm having a hard time getting anything on him, I keep coming up empty."

"There's something hinky about this guy.  I just found him, standing outside Bailey's room staring in at him.  Didn't you tell me he just started to work, the day Bailey was admitted?  He bothers me, George.  Check it out, OK?"

"I'll keep looking."  George turned back to his computer screen and continued his work.  John walked to the window and sitting on the sill stared at the rain that beat against the window.

Bailey looked down into the crying child's face.  "Scout's honor, Chloe."  He pulled her toward him and held her tightly, trying to comfort her.  Seeing her this way made him realize how important she was to him, not just because he cared for Sam but because he cared for Chloe.  He was her Godfather, he had been there when she was born and for every important event in her life since.  He loved her, for the great kid she was.  "I love you, Chloe."  Bailey held her close to him as she cried herself to sleep.  Looking over her he saw tears in Sam's eyes.  Sliding the sleeping Chloe over to him, he said, "Come here, honey, let me hold you too."

Crawling into bed, Sam thought of how caring Bailey was, always putting them first.  She crawled into the bed, moved to his face and kissed him passionately through her tears.  "Bailey, I love you more every day.  I didn't think that was possible...but I Do."

"I love you, Sam and Chloe too more than you will ever know.  Hell, more than I even knew." Soon, the three were asleep in the hospital bed.

Anger raged in Christopher as he heard these words coming out of Sam's mouth...He will pay Samantha, soon.

The next morning, Sam, Chloe and Bailey were visiting.  Laughter filled the room when there was a knock on the door.  The door opened, two men in white lab coats entered the room.  The shorter of the two stopped short when he saw Chloe standing at the bedside.  He stood near the doorway, and stared.  He wore large glasses that did nothing to hide, small deep set eyes.  His hair was receding and graying on both sides.  Chloe didn't like him immediately, and the feeling was shared by Bailey.  Raising his hand up to point at Chloe, he said, "That child should not be here."

Tears immediately came into Chloe's eyes.  Sam moved to take Chloe into her arms and looked over at Bailey.  Bailey was enraged.  Bailey glared at the man, "Listen Asshole, this child has more of a reason to be here than you.  She will be here and you can just get use to it, or you can get the hell out of here, You Got That?"

The taller of the two men was noticeably nervous by the scene that had just played out in front of him.  It was Dr. Jones, he grinned at Chloe, as he stepped toward her.  "It'll be fine." He could see that this child was important to Bailey.  Extending his hand toward Chloe he spoke.   "Hi, I'm Dr. Jones, and this is Dr. Smith, and you are?"

"Chloe," she answered meekly.

"It's very nice to meet you, Chloe."  Chloe's posture relaxed at his easy manner and kind voice.   "We will need your help, and the help of your mother as well, to keep your dad safe."  Smiles appeared on the faces of the group.  "We will need for you and you mother to wear masks when you visit once we start treatments.  The medication we will give him makes it very easy for him to catch a cold.  A cold that would make you have the sniffles could be very serious to your dad.  It could make him very, very sick.  The masks will help protect him from any germs you might have. Do you think you will be able to do that?"

Chloe smiled sweetly at Dr. Jones, then looked past him and glared at the other man.  "Sure I can, No Problem!"

Dr Jones smiled, "Good, and you Mom?"

Sam smiled, "Ditto"

"But why do you want to hurt Uncle Bailey?"

"Oh I'm sorry, I thought he was your dad."

"It's OK, Dr. Jones.  He's my Godfather." Fear was evident on Chloe's face, and she turned to Sam, "Mom! Don't let them hurt Uncle Bailey!"  Chloe backed away from the group, and stood in a trance like state.  Sam rushed to Chloe and attempted to comfort her with a hug.  Chloe pushed her mothers arms away.  "Mom, They....."  Chloe again stood transfixed, staring into space.  "It's...The're...Oh no..."  Tears rolled down Chloe's cheeks as she turned and ran to Bailey.  Climbing into bed, she hugged him as she  sobbed.  Tears ran down Sam's face as she looked into the shocked expression on Bailey's face.

That little brat is very smart, maybe even gifted.  But they aren't the one's that's gonna' hurt Uncle Bailey.  Uncle Jack's gonna' do the hurting!

"Chloe, what is it,  What is it, honey?"  Bailey asked her as he tried to comfort her.  All Chloe would do was shake her head and cry harder.

Dr. Smith quickly said, "This is why children should be left at home!  It's too stressful on them.  They don't understand!"

Bailey glared at him..."You can shut the hell up, Mister.  You don't know me, or this child so you have no right to express your opinion, so just can it!"

Malone, your like a PaPa Lion where that kid is concerned...Too bad you didn't take that kinda time with your own brats.

Frustration was beginning to show on Dr. Jones face.  He had just calmed things down and here Smith was stirring things up again.  He asked him to leave and walked him to the door.  Returning to Bailey, he smiled.  "Well, what have you decided Mr. Malone?"

Bailey looked at Sam and down at Chloe who was still crying in his arms.  They were his future.  He looked back at Dr. Jones. "Well, aside from the fact that I really don't like your Buddy .....It's a Go."

"No, Uncle Bailey, No!"

"It'll be alright Chloe, honey. It'll be all right,"  Rubbing her face and back, he tried to reassure her.

"Good, we'll start tomorrow,"  Chloe got down and took her place on the chair beside Sam.  A technical discussion followed as Dr. Jones, Sam and Bailey discussed the treatments and what they could expect.  After all questions were answered, Dr. Jones shook hands with Bailey and left.  Bailey smiled as he looked over to find Chloe sound asleep on the chair.

After watching a sleeping Chloe for awhile Bailey turned toward Sam.  "Sam, what's going on with Chloe?"

Sam knew that Bailey was bothered by Chloe's behavior, she was too.  She probably should tell Bailey but now was not the right time.  "She's been very upset about all this, Bail.  She'll get better as soon as you do."

"Are you sure that's all?  Sam, you would tell me if there were more to this wouldn't you?  Is it possible that she…?"

Sam plopped down on the bed beside Bailey and kissed him.  "Well," she said determined to change the subject, "I don't know if I can go 6 weeks without tasting these lips," Sam slowly ran her finger over the slightly open lips that smiled at her.

Bailey pulled her to him and kissed her.  "Sam," he looked at Chloe sleeping in the chair and whispered, "Sam....I want to make love to you, ......tonight."

"Bailey, you're still recovering. Are you sure?"

"Trust me, honey, I'm ready.  I can't wait 6 weeks or more Sam."  Tears formed in his eyes,  "I...I don't want to die without making loving to you, again."  He smiled as he said the words they most feared.

Sam's lips quivered, "Bailey, I love you so much! I want to make love to you too, Bail."  She then kissed him.  "Angel will be here soon to get Chloe.  Soon, honey soon."

Dr. Vargus entered Bailey's room with a large smile on his face.  The smile faded quickly as Bailey explained to him his plans for the evening.  A long discussion/argument ensued that ended with Bailey telling Dr. Vargus that he would sign out of the hospital unless Dr. Vargus allowed his plans to go forward.  Against his better judgement, Dr. Vargus agreed.

Bailey was transferred to a private room later that afternoon.  It was a perfect room for extensive cancer treatment, and quiet moments.  Reverse isolation was an issue with chemotherapy patients so this room was one of the few lockable rooms on the floor.  Assigned to Bailey's care was a trusted friend of Dr. Vargus.  Susan was well liked by patients, staff and physicians.  Although she was a competent, caring nurse who could always be counted on to keep the patients best interest at heart.  Susan understood the dilemma of a ill man, afraid he would die before he could express the love he had for the woman in his life.  She agreed to help Dr. Vargus.

Sitting at the console in the security control room, Jonathan studied his laptop. He has successfully taped the VCTF's equipment. He was taken by surprise by the events that happened next. Just as Bailey had asked George cut the VCTF's access to Bailey's room for tonight and placed guards in the hall.  George had no way of knowing that Jack had reentered the picture.

Susan came on shift at 7pm.  She entered the room, took Bailey's vital signs, and did a nursing assessment.  Asking if there was anything Bailey needed she prepared to leave.  When she was assured he was fine, she lowered the lights, pulled the curtain around the bed, closed and locked the door.  Pausing as she left to place a "No Visitors" sign on the door.  Sam smiled at Bailey, provocatively swaying as she walked to him.  "Alone at last!"

Bailey stared at her. "Sam, do you have any idea how incredibly beautiful you are?"

Sam's lip's quivered, "Oh, Bailey."  Tears began to roll down her cheeks.  "I have made such a mess out of things."

"Sam, come here." Sam moved to the side of his bed and leaned down to him.  Bailey reached up and cupped her face in his hands.  Using his thumbs he slowly traced her cheeks with his thumbs.  Gazing deeply into her eyes he moved his thumbs to her lips and lightly ran his thumb across her them.  Bailey smiled slightly as she gasped as he slid his thumb between the lips into her waiting mouth.  Slowly he slid his hands around her head to her neck and pulled her face to his.  "I love you, Sam," he whispered as he lightly kissed her.  Sam's head fell back slightly as she gave in to the passion she felt.  Running his lips along hers, he kissed her lightly then ran his tongue along them and dipped it teasingly into her mouth.  Pulling back slightly they gazed into each others eyes, then he passionately kissed her.  Sam felt as though she could melt. 

Her legs were weak, standing was becoming a problem.  Realizing she was losing control, Sam pulled back slightly. Taking a deep breath she sat down on the edge of the bed. "Bailey, we have to take it easy.  You've been through a lot lately, your weak.  I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't hurt me.  I told you I talked to Eugenio.  He said everything would be OK."

"Bailey, if I know you, I sure you bullied Dr. Vargus into agreeing to this.  But...but I can't say no to you."

"Sam, I'll be careful.  I want you.   I need to feel you... I need to love you."  The look on Bailey's face and in his eyes melted Sam's heart.  She knew and he knew that she was fighting a losing battle.

Sam looked deeply into his eyes.  "I love you so much."  Touching his bare chest, she leaned over and lightly kissed his chest.  Bailey reached for her and pulled her to him.  He kissed her hungrily.  Slowly he began to move his hands over her back and shoulders.  Moving his hands over her shoulder they met at her neck.  Slowly they moved down her chest and began to unbutton her blouse, taking care to maintain contact with her skin.  After unbuttoning the blouse completely he place his hands flat on her abdomen and slowly moved them upward, across her chest and shoulders, taking the blouse with him.  The blouse slid off her arms onto the floor.  Moving toward him, Sam lay across his chest and kissed him deeply.  Bailey unfastened her bra, then breaking the kiss pushed her up as he pulled the silk fabric from her shoulders.  Staring at her, he extended his arm and dropped the bra onto the floor next to the blouse. Sam felt as if she was about to explode.  His touch was electric, just as she remembered.  Looking down at Bailey, she wondered how she had lived for so long without this feeling.  It wasn't until he touched her that she realized how much she had missed his touch.

"No! Malone, You Bastard!  Take your hands off her!"  Jack's anger grew as he watched the two lovers.  In his demented mind, Sam was innocent in this relationship.  He could not, would not  accept that she could love anyone other than him....

Sam got up and quickly removed her jeans and underwear.  Gazing down at him, Sam moved to remove the only clothing Bailey wore, a soft gray pair of VCTF sweat pants.  Quickly they were removed and took there place on the floor with her clothes.  Staring down at him she slowly reached for the sheet and pulling it drug it over his body to cover him.  Slowly she climbed into the bed, sliding her leg across him.  Continuing to move, she came to rest sitting astride his abdomen.  She held him in her gaze as she leaned down and kissed him.  Slowly she moved her lips to his chest.  His chest quivered at the touch of her lips to his skin.  "Sam," he moaned.  His hands ran up and down her back, moving to cup her breasts in each of his large gentle hands.  She could feel his growing arousal under his sheet. 

"Bailey, you have a gorgeous body," she whispered as she continued to kiss him.  "Sam, I want you," he whispered.  "I know," she whispered as she moves her kisses upward to his neck.  "Oh, God, Sam..." he moaned.  The sweat glistened on his body and his skin tasted salty.  Slowly Sam eased herself down his body, sliding the sheet that covered him away as she moved.  She kissed down his chest, down his abdomen, came to rest near his engorged, pulsating member.  Her breath was hot against him and he was hard as a rock.  Bailey moaned as her lips engulfed him.  His body shook as he tried to maintain control.  Touching the sides of her head with his hands he pleaded.  "Sam, please.."  Looking up she smiled at him as she moved to receive him.  A quite groan escaped his lips as he entered her.  He had waited for this for so long.  She was so tight, so hot, so familiar.  They seemed made for each other as they melted together.  Bailey slowly began to thrust to meet her as she sensually rode him.  Watching her was about more than Bailey could stand, but the feel of her was excelerating.  He fought hard for control.  She was so close.  She began to increased her movements.  Bailey felt her body begin to tighten, to spasm, to shake as she pulled him over the edge to ecstasy.  They quaked as orgasms overtook them. Sam collapsed on his chest and sobbed.

As Bailey's breathing slowed, he became aware of her tears.  Hugg ing her to him, he whispered softly, "Sam, It's Ok."  Seeing her tears broke his heart, he lifted her chin, and spoke tentatively.  "Look at me Sam."  Raising her head, Sam looked through her tears into his eyes.  "We will make it.  It will be OK."

"It will NOT be OK! Malone!" Jack screamed at the screen.  Stomping around the room, throwing things, he made his was back to the laptop and the scene before him.  Samantha... his Samantha had just been seduced by Bailey Malone.  "How could you let that happen, Samantha.  I can't believe This!  Now, you will die if it's the last thing I do on this earth Malone!"

Running her hands up Bailey's chest Sam felt a profound sense of dread, foreboding, and death.  Staring at the heart monitor, she saw Bailey, pale and gaunt lying in a bed.  She is over him crying.  Staring at the scene she sees eyes watching the scene, laughter echoes in her mind.  Shaking her head attempting to remove the scene from her mind, she feels evil, evil very close.~  Sam's lips quivered, "Bailey, I love you.  I am so afraid.  Don't you dare leave me.  I don't want to live without you Bailey!  I made that mistake once."

"No Samantha, you don't love him.  You may be infatuated with him but you belong to ME!"

Bailey knew Sam's fear was real.  He was afraid too.  He didn't know how this would end.  He knew he could die.  He knew he had to fight for his life.    "Sam, if I...if this doesn't go well, you need to know that I have done everything I can to stay with you.  I love you and I want to spend my life with you, a long life.  But I'm afraid it'll be like everything else we've done.  A struggle."

"Never fear, Malone...It will Not go well!"

The touch and caress of their bodies felt so good.  They held each other for a long time, then drifted off to sleep.  As the early morning came, Sam awakened before Bailey.  Looking down as he slept she thought of the day to come.  Today was his day to begin, begin the chemotherapy and the radiation.  She was frightened, very frightened as she thought of all the things the doctors had told her could happen.  Lying next to Bailey thinking, she becomes very aware of the feel of his  body next to hers.  Sam reached for him, and touched his chiseled chest.  Looking at him, she studied him, trying to memorize the sensations she felt.  Closing her eyes she remembered the events of last night and smiled.  As she thought, her hand began to slowly move across his chest and abdomen.  It was almost as if she were reliving the moment.  Her movements became more pronounced.  Her hand moved down to caress his growing erection.  She wanted him.  Bailey began to stir. He opened his eyes and watched her as she caressed him. The love emanating from his deep brown eyes was captivating.  Sam moved nuzzling his neck as she continued to caress him.  Suddenly she was startled as she heard him whisper to her.  "I love you so much.  You are so beautiful, Darling.  You are so sexy and I want you so bad."  Sam eased herself over closer and Bailey quickly took her in his arms and began to kiss her.  He slowly maneuvered her onto her back and moved into position to enter her.  He locked his gaze to hers and entered her slowly as she gasped for air...."Oh God Bailey...I want you so bad..."  Bailey began to move, bringing her close to climax then slowing, only to bring her back again and again.  Sam was lost  in her own feelings and needs.  His needs were secondary to hers, but each time she climaxed, his need intensified.  Soon he was unable to maintain his control and the orgasm racked him.  He collapsed on her as he tried to catch his breath.  They lay in each others arms as the light began to shine through the window.

Lying in the bed beside him Sam whispered.  "Bailey, let's take a shower."

Bailey smiled at Sam,  "that sounds like a wonderful idea, baby."  Sam and Bailey moved to the shower. As they held each other under the running water, Sam caressed Bailey's chest unable to look him in the face.  Bailey slid his hands up her body and touched her face.  Allowing his hand to come to rest under her chin he lifted her face.  Slowly Sam's eye's made contact with Bailey's.  Her lip's began to quiver.  Fear overcame her.  Bailey smiled down into Sam's face.  He reached down and kissed her.  As his lips met hers, Sam began to cry.  "Sam, Baby what's wrong?" 

Sam shook her head, unable to describe the fear that haunted her.  Leaning against him, she hugged him tightly.  Pulling him closer, it was almost as if she could become one with him, if she could just get close enough.  "Sam honey, it's going to be Ok." 

Sam looked up at him, her fear was evident in the sadness that shown in her eyes.  "Bailey, please promise me, your going to be all right!"  Bailey's eyes became soft and glistened with the moisture of tears.  He wanted badly to alleviate her fears, but this new relationship must be based on truth.  He bent close to her and kissed her. "Sam, I don't know what is going to happen, but I promise, I will fight to stay with you.  Right now, I just want to hold you."  Bailey pulled her to him, they held each other tightly until the water began to get cold. Toweling each other off, they dressed and returned to bed, sleeping for the little time they had left before the days activities began.

Jack (Jonathan) was livid, he walked the floor in the security office, muttering to himself.  "Malone has to go!"  Getting his keys, he moved quickly to the radiology dept.  Finding the radiation oncology charts, he pulled one from the file.  Quickly removing the correct dosage chart, he replaced it with a  altered chart, and smiled at himself.  As he slid the chart back into the file he reread the name, just to be sure....Bailey Malone.  Laughing out loud, he planned the next step.  Altering the chart orders.  This he could accomplish just as easily, as soon as Christopher came on duty.  Then all he had to do was...sit and wait....

The next morning as they had breakfast together, there was a knock at the door.  Dr. Vargus, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Smith walked into the room.    Eugenio smiled at Bailey, "Did you rest well last night, my friend?"

Bailey looked at Sam, took her hand, and answered; "Yeah, it was a good night!"

They laughed.  "OK, now lets get down to business.  Here's the plan for today.  Someone will be here shortly to take you to Radiology.  We'll CAT scan you and mark the tumor site with purple lines.  Very attractive, Bailey.  You'll probably have a hard time keeping Sam off of you."  Looking toward Sam he smiled.  Sam's face turned a bright shade of red, as he continued.  "Then you will receive your first radiation treatment.  Bailey, it's very important that you remain perfectly still during the treatment.  After the treatment, you will be returned here, where we will begin the Chemotherapy.  I'm going to be perfectly honest with you, Bailey.  This is not going to be easy.  You're going to be sick to your stomach, you'll lose your appetite, you'll get weak, you won't have any energy.  Am I making it attractive enough for you yet."  He smiled at Bailey, who sat quietly staring at him.  "Now, this is the important part.   An infection could kill you Bailey, so your visitors will be limited.  You will be in, what we call reverse isolation.  This means we will be protecting you from outside germs.  All your visitors will be asked to wear masks.  Sam will you be staying in the room with Bailey?"

Turning toward Sam, he waited for an answer, but it was Bailey who responded.  "Yes,...yes she will, if that's OK."

"That will be fine, since she will be staying she won't have to wear a mask."  Turning toward Sam he continued, "You can touch him, kiss him, but we ask that if you leave the room, you wash up before touching him.    I know this concerns you, but we'll keep on top of things."

Bailey sat silently, with his eyes closed.  He felt overwhelmed.  He really didn't want to do this.  He knew it was necessary, but that didn't make it any easier.  He felt warm breath near his lips.  Slowly opening his eyes, he met Sam's eyes as she bent to kiss him.  "Honey, I'm here with you. We'll get through this, together."

There was a knock on the door.  The door opened, Chloe and Angel entered the room.   Chloe was holding tightly to Angels hand, as her eyes darted from person to person.  Fear and concern showed on her face and in her eyes as she searched for answers to question she was unable to ask.  Bailey immediately focused on the little girl.  "Come here, Sunshine," he spoke softly as he held his arms out to her.  Looking around the room, from person to person, it was almost as if Chloe was asking permission.  Sam nodded at her, and Chloe slowly went to him.

He patted the bed, and smiled.  "Here, come up here."

The weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders as Chloe smiled and eagerly climbed into his bed, and hugged his neck. As Bailey gathered Chloe in his arms, the tears began to roll down his face.

Sam watched the scene unraveling before her, and was suddenly overcome with anxiety.

~Pictures starting flashing through her mind.  The indelible purple tattoo on his head, looking like a huge floating X.  It reminded her of looking through the scope of a gun, and seeing the target plastered on his head.  Flashes of machines, buttons, settings, flashing lights, buzzing noises, and Bailey.  It was too much, too fast.  Emotions flooded her and fear overtook her, she couldn't stand it, she had to get out.  "Excuse me," she said as she rushed from the room.

Bailey looked at Angel,  "Please Angel, go after her, she's having a hard morning."  Angel nodded yes as she started to follow Sam from the room.  With tears in his eyes, he turned his attention back to Chloe.  Leaning his face forward he touched his nose to Chloe's.  She broke into a wide grin.  "Do you know how much I love you, Chloe?"

Chloe grinned, "As much as I love you, Uncle Bailey?"

The words from this small child touched him.  He pulled her to his chest and held her, caressing her back.  "Yes, but even more, baby."

She had not gone far.  She stood looking in the room tears running down her face.  Sam was startled when she felt a hand on her shoulder, she jumped as she turned to see Angel at her side.   "Oh Angel, look at him.  Bailey always makes time for Chloe.  Even now when he's facing what could be a devastating event in his life.  He doesn't deserve this!  I wasted so much time.  Oh, how could I have wasted all that time."  Angel squeezed Sam's shoulder, turned her and gathered her into her arms.  Sam laid her head on Angel's shoulder and cried.  "He really loves us Angel, what are we going to do if he...if he dies!"

Angel allowed Sam to cry for a few minutes before speaking.  Her voice broke as she tried to comfort her friend, "Sam, you have to have faith in God, in the doctors, and in Bailey...And Pray Sam."  Pulling her away and looking her in the eyes she said, "Now get yourself together he needs you, now."

Sam nodded her head, dried up her tears, and returned to the doorway of Bailey's room in time to hear laughter coming from the room.

"I love you more!"

"No, I love you more."

"No, I love you more."  Bailey began to tickle her and loud giggling followed as Sam stepped through the door.  Watching the scene, Sam was overwhelmed by the love Bailey obviously had for a child that wasn't his.  She smiled at the thought.

The giggling stopped when a stretcher was wheeled into the room by Christopher, the orderly with the bright blue eyes.  Angel followed the stretcher, walked over to Sam and draped her arm around her shoulder.  Squeezing her shoulder again, Angel did her best to give Sam strength, that she so badly needed.

Bailey moved onto the stretcher.  Sam moved to him. "I'll be here when you get back, honey,"  she whispered, as tears spilled down her cheeks.

Seeing the tears in Sam's eyes, tears formed in Bailey's eyes, "It'll be OK, Sam.  Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

Sam hugged him and kissed him, "I love you Bailey."

"I know Sam, I'll be back soon."

Looking toward Chloe, he grinned.  "I love you more."

Chloe ran to him and threw her arms around his neck.  Whispering in his ear she said, "Please, don't do this Uncle Bailey."

"It'll be OK, Sunshine.  I have to do every thing I can to get better.  I love you."

Christopher stood staring at Chloe and Bailey.  'What is it about this kid?  What does she know?'  Christopher kept staring at the scene and soon made eye contact with Chloe.  'Get lost kid, you bother me!'

Making eye contact with Christopher, Chloe slowly backed away from Bailey, maintaining eye contact with Christopher.  Bailey was unsure why Chloe seemed so uncomfortable.  He followed her stare to Christopher.  'How strange' Bailey thought.  Looking at Christopher he said, "You got a problem, buddy?"

Christopher shook his head from side to side, "No, just a time schedule, no problem," he said at a near whisper.

Bailey turned his head, there was something familiar about that voice, but he couldn't put his finger on it.  "OK, I'm ready, let's go."  Waving at the group gathered, he said,  "And we're off!"

Christopher started rolling the stretcher out of the room.  John nodded to Marcus as they left.  Marcus fell in behind the stretcher and followed them down the hall.  Sam held Chloe and they watched until the stretcher turned the corner at the end of the hall.  Holding each other Sam tried hard to maintain her composure, but was unable to, broke down and sobbed.

Christopher smiled as he wheeled Bailey down the hall to disaster.  'This is just too easy,' he thought.  I'd like to stop and kill him with my bare hands after what I saw last night, but this will be better...All thing come to those who wait!'

Angel and John supported Sam and helped her regain her composure.  They waited in silence for an hour until Bailey returned.  Sam was taken aback by the purple X tattooed on the back of his head.  Again it reminded her of the crosshairs of the scope of a gun.  How odd she thought, cancer treatments and guns, so different yet, so deadly.  When he was back in bed she went to him.  Pulling a VCTF hat from the drawer he smiled as she placed it on his head.

"Gee Uncle Bailey, what's with the purple X?"  Although Chloe seemed lighthearted, she was apprehensive.

"That's so the doctors know where to aim the treatment."

"Will it ever go away?"

"Don't worry, my hair will cover it.  I won't always look like this."  He laughed and made a funny face at her and she giggled.  The tension was broken.

Angel stepped forward.  Chloe I think it's time for us to go.  You need to say good-bye to Bailey.  It'll be a long time before you can see him again."

Stepping toward Bailey, she crawled into bed by him and hugged him tightly.  "I love you Uncle Bailey.  Please be careful."  Crawling from the bed she headed toward Angel and the door.

As she turned to wave bye, Bailey said.  "I love you best!"  As Chloe left the room a large smile covered her face.

Pulling the gown from his shoulders, he waded it up and threw it at Sam as she watched Chloe leave the room.  As it hit her on the head, she heard "Here." then a chuckle.  Holding his arms out to her he wiggled his fingers, motioning her into his arms.  She didn't hesitate.  He gathered her into his arms, she laid her head on his bare chest, and she kissed it.  They rested silently in each other's arms until the door opened and the Oncology nurse entered.

"Hi Mr. Malone.  I'm Johnna.  I'm here to administer your first chemotherapy treatment.  I'm going to explain everything first, so if you have any questions I'll be glad to answer them for you.  First, I'm going to..."  Bailey's mind began to wander.  He really didn't want to know.  This was more than he could process.  Although she continued to talk as she worked, Bailey heard nothing more.

Sam stayed at his side as Johnna gave him three medication.  Within the hour, Bailey was retching.  Sam was by his side as Johnna helped him get through the side effects.

*********

The days that passed were hard for Bailey and Sam.  His appetite disappeared, and he grew weaker with each passing day.  As the days turned into weeks the stress showed on Bailey and Sam.  He lost a great deal of weight.  He looked pale, gaunt and dark circles surrounded his deep brown eyes.  Weakness overcame him and soon he was unable to stand without a great deal of assistance.  Sam found it harder and harder to maintain an upbeat demeanor.  To Bailey she remained positive, but as friends visited she was able to voice her fears.

Jack's satisfaction rose each day as he watched Bailey's slow demise.

*************

At the beginning of the sixth week of treatment Sam was awakened by Bailey's moans. Rushing to his side, she touched his face.  Immediately she jerked her hand away, his skin burned her hand.  He was confused and incoherent.  His body twitched as if he were dreaming something very frightening.  Bailey mumbled names, the names of his team.  He spouted instructions in a frenzied tone.  His actions frightened Sam and she immediately rang the nurse.

Entering the room quickly, the nurse, Susan stopped short.  Baileys usually pale skin was bright red.  Spasms racked his body as the chills became worse.  His temperature was 104.5. After a short assessment Susan headed for the door.  Sam stopped her, "Where are you going?  You have to help him."

"I'm going to call the doctor, get him something for his fever, and order some lab.  I'll be right back.  I promise."  Sam stepped aside as she rushed out of the room.

Sam watched as Susan rushed from the room, then returned her eyes to the man she loved.  Sam couldn't remember being this frightened.  Thoughts rushed through her mind.  'How could this happen?  What's wrong?  Did I do something wrong?  We were so careful.  Is anybody sick?'  Her mind raced as she thought back over the last six weeks trying to find a cause for Bailey's condition.

Returning to the room Susan gave Bailey medication to bring his fever down.  A flurry of activity followed as blood was drawn, and a chest x-ray was taken.  Seeing Sam standing frightened in the corner, Susan went to her.  "Well Mrs. Malone, I guess you can see, that things have taken a turn for the worse."

Sam's eyes jerked to her face.  "Sam, call me Sam please."

"OK, Sam."  Susan smiled at Sam as the two women stood silently watching as others finished there tasks.

When the last person had left the room, Sam walked to the bedside.  Picking up a cool towel, she began to wipe his face as she spoke to Susan.  "What happened?   Why does he have a fever?  I tried to be so careful.  What did I do wrong?"

"You didn't do anything wrong, Sam."  Susan looked at her with compassion in her eyes. "Sam, he's gotten weaker and weaker.  Much weaker than most of our patients with this short term treatment.  He's not moving around much, not eating well, his immune system is compromised.  With all this, he probably has pneumonia.  We'll know more when the tests come back."

Looking at Bailey, Sam was heartsick.  This was bad, really bad.  She knew it, and she hated what they had done to him.

There was a knock at the door, and Dr. Smith entered the room.  Tears rolled down Sam's cheeks as she watched him walk to the bedside.  "Look what YOU did to him!" she said with venom in her voice.

Dr. Smith dropped his eyes and shook his head.  "I know this is frustrating for you, but we'll try to turn this around.  I guess his system was more sensitive than we thought.  The combination of the radiation and chemotherapy may have been a bit much.  Well we may have miscalculated his stamina a bit."

Sam exploded, "What do you mean you guess...more sensitive...a bit much...miscalculated?   LOOK at him, you Son of a Bitch, LOOK!  Do you even see them as people?  Or are they just lab rats to you?  You had better turn this around.  He has to get better... Don't you see he's a vital, strong man with incredible stamina, at least he was until you got a hold of him.  You better get him better."

"Anger, Samantha is a healthy emotion.  Look at him, I know you can see his body has given up the fight," he whispered to himself as he moved closer to hear better.

Dr. Smith had seen this reactions from families before.  He stood emotionless, seemly unmoved by her tears or her venom.  "Now, Ms. Waters, you knew going into this that an infection would be a problem.  He has been very weak this past week, and he has no reserve to fight.  We were concerned that he had taken all he could, but we decided to continue.  He got through his last treatment this morning.  Unfortunately, he has suffered a major setback.  The x-ray shows he has pneumonia, which has affected a significant amount of both lungs.  I need to talk with you about what you want done, if he gets worse."

Sam glared at him, anger shot from her eyes as she caressed Bailey's face tenderly.  "Just what the hell, are you trying to say?"

"Let's say Mr. Malone quits breathing.  I need to know how aggressive you want me to be?"

Sam's mouth flew open, she badly wanted to speak, but words escaped her, briefly.  When she spoke, she screamed.  "HOW AGGRESSIVE?  What do you mean how aggressive.  I want him to live, that's what I want.  I want him well, home with Chloe and I.  I want to love him again and for the rest of our lives. That's what I want!  What do you mean how aggressive.  Where is Eugenio?"  Looking toward Susan she asked, "Did you call Dr. Vargus?"

"Now Mrs. Waters, I'm in charge of Mr. Malone's care now.  There's no reason to bother Dr. Vargus with this."

Sam was speechless, she looked from Susan to Dr. Smith, then back to Susan.  Stopping to stare into Susan eyes, she pleaded with her own, for help.  A small smile crossed her face as she winked at Sam.  Sam stood confused until the door opened and Dr. Vargus entered the room.

"Oh Eugenio, I'm so glad your here."  Sam ran to him and clutched his arm, dragging him toward the bed.  "Look what they did to him, Eugenio."  Pointing at Dr. Smith she continued.  "He acted like it was no big deal.  He said there might be complications, but he didn't tell us that this might happen.  He has had six weeks of pure hell, and now this.  He even said he knew Bailey was too weak but he continued anyway."  By this time in the conversation Sam was sobbing, she couldn't say anymore.  Dr. Vargus held her as he looked at his friend, frail and near death in the bed.   Tears formed in Dr. Vargus eyes, as he heard Sam softly say, "I want him back!"

"Oh Samantha, you should let him go, don't prolong the inevitable!"

"Ok, I guess I can assume you want him resuscitated."  The words were blunt and unfeeling and seemed to affect Dr. Vargus as much as they did Sam.  Sam and Dr. Vargus merely shook there heads, almost as one and he continued.  "We will try to turn this around, but you should prepare yourself.  It will get worse....before it gets better.  I must tell you, I have my doubts."

Dr. Smith stood in the room until Dr. Vargus took a deep breath and said, "Thanks Dr. Smith, I don't think we need any thing else from you just now."  He turned and left the room.

"Samantha, you have to love him enough to let him go!"

**********

The next days were rough, although Sam didn't know it, they were the beginning of Bailey's struggle for life.  Sam stood steadfast beside him, refusing to leave his side except for brief periods when she visited with Chloe.  Bailey's fever was unrelenting.  When it peaked at 106, they placed him on a cooling blanket.  He lay quiet and still, too quiet and too still.  He was unconscious for three days, and Sam feared they were losing the battle.

***********

Bailey's fever broke on the fifth day of antibiotic treatment.  Dr. Jones entered the room early that morning with a very stressed look on his face.  "Ms. Waters we need to talk."

Christopher moved to the desk closest to the door with a chart to listen to what was being said.

Seated in a chair by the bed, Sam looked up as he spoke.  "What's wrong, now?" Tears formed in her eyes as she looked into his face.

"Ms. Waters, I'm afraid I have some bad news.  It appears from Mr. Malone's blood  work that......."  There was a knock at the door and Dr. Vargus entered the room.  From the look on his face, Sam was sure he knew the bad news already.  Dr. Jones continued, "Well.....It appears that the calculations that were done by Dr. Smith were in error.  Unfortunately, the mistake was never discovered, and an extraordinary large amount of radiation was given to Mr. Malone.  This is very unusual, I mean, this kind of thing just doesn't happen.  I don't know what happened, but....but it could prove fatal for Mr. Malone."

Sam studied his face.  Then turning toward Dr. Vargus she was distraught to discover that he couldn't look her in the face.  Tears had formed in the corners of his dark eyes, as he looked down at Bailey's pale body, lying motionless in the bed.  The promise he made to his friend, "but we'll keep on top of things," haunted his thoughts.  The promise he made, that he had obviously not been able to keep.

"What are you saying?  What has that....that....Doctor done to him?"

Dr. Jones took a deep breath.  "The tests show that Mr. Malone's  bone marrow has quit working."

"What do you mean quit working?  It won't just stop on it's own, will it?  You mean you people killed it?  So much for Dr. Smith's 10% chance of killing anything that didn't need to be killed."

"Well yes, your right, it won't quit on its own.  The new calculations I did show Mr. Malone was administered about 3 times the maximum dose of radiation, and unfortunately it has killed his bone marrow.  We have already started looking for a marrow donor.  We look at family first.  I understand his parents are deceased.  Does he have any siblings?  We tested his children this morning."

Sam stared at Bailey's unconscious body and remembered his fear.  She thought back on the conversation when Bailey told Chloe he wanted the treatment and the violent reaction Chloe had to the news.

Neither of the doctors said anything as Sam stood staring.  Pictures flashed through her mind: Tom, Coop, Bailey...Tom, Coop, Bailey...Tom, Coop, Bailey.  Tom was first, Coop was second, now Bailey is third.  Sam mind was reeling.  Again Chloe violent reaction flashed in her mind.  She tried to stop us.  Looking up at the two doctors standing in front of her, who were trying hard to give her time to accept the inevitable.  She was far from acceptance.  Reaching for Bailey's chart that Dr. Jones held, she headed for the door.  Both men stood with mouths open as she opened the door and handed the chart to John.  "Check those orders make sure there is not a J.T there somewhere!  Pay particular attention to the Chemo and Radiation sections.  I think Jack got to him again."

Oh Sam, Jack thought, You got it, I knew you would...You are my equal!

Dr. Vargus and Dr. Jones stood staring at Sam.  This was not the woman they had come to know.  She was strong and determined.  "Now, what do you mean you've tested his daughters?"

"Sam are you saying you think this was deliberate.  Somebody tried to kill Bailey here, again?"

"I think so.  Now tell me about the girls.  Is one a match?"

"We tested both girls.  Franny matched but she has antibodies that make her unsuitable as a donor.  Ariana is not a match.  We have registered him at the National Donor Bank.  If we don't find a donor within 36 hours...I'm not sure he will live."

Dr. Jones excused himself.  "I'm going back to the lab to see what I can do."

Sam was stunned.  "You are telling me he's going to die?  You have to find a match.  He can't die!"

Sam stood staring at Bailey when Eugenio looked at her.  "I had no idea Ariana was not Bailey's natural child."

Sam's head snapped up, "What did you say?"

"Bailey always talked about both girls the same, I had no idea Ariana wasn't his."

"Ariana isn't Bailey's?"

Oh, now that is interesting...Jack was heaven...what information...I'm learning so much!

"Her blood type doesn't match, Sam.  She couldn't possible be his natural child.  Didn't you know?  Does Bailey know?"

"No I didn't know, and I don't know if Bailey knows.  Did you tell Ariana?

"No, we just told her that their antibodies didn't match.  It's not a lie, it's just not the whole truth.  She's a minor, but her mother has been informed."

Sam stood in total disbelief.  Reaching down to place her hand of Bailey's cheek, she rubbed her hand over his face.  "Oh Baby, did you know this?"  Running her fingers across his lips, she spoke, more to herself than Bailey.  "He couldn't know.  He's grieved so much about the years he lost with Ariana, he couldn't possibly know."  Anger filled Sam.  "How could Janet have done this to him?  How could she make him suffer?  He will be devastated.  We can't tell him."

***********

A knock at the door startled her back to reality.  Going to the door she saw Grace standing on the other side of the window.  Stepping into the hall she found Grace, George and John waiting.  Grace held Bailey's chart open to Radiation orders.  "What did you find Grace?"

"Your right Sam, we found the initials J.T. on both the orders on Bailey's Chart and on the changed dosage chart in X-ray."  Grace held out the chart for Sam to see.  Sam took a deep breath.  Jack had out smarted them again, he was always one step ahead.  The team stood devastated, they had failed Bailey.  All the promises of protection had been in vain.

"Ok, he got past us again.  Now we have to come up with a plan to protect him.  We have to figure out who he is, and how he's doing it.  It's somebody who has incredible access.  He can go anywhere in the hospital.  Start back at the beginning, we had to miss something.  Come on guys Bailey needs us.  I'm going back inside, keep me informed, please.  I've got something else to deal with right now.  We have to work fast.  The doctor just told me Bailey may only have 36 hours to live."  Sam turned and entered the room.

Too little, too late Samantha.  He is going to die!

Sam reentered the room with determination.  She paced the room.  "So what's the plan, NOW?"

Dr. Vargus responded,  "The rest of the team insisted on being tested, that's in the works now.  As I said earlier we've requested a match from the marrow bank also.  Dr. Vargus held a tube of blood in his hand.  "Sam, Chloe insisted on being tested.  I drew the blood but she's a minor, so it's up to you if we run it.  What would you like for me to do?"

"Go ahead, she'll be disappointed if you don't.  You should test me too."  Extending her arm, she asked.  "When will we know?"

"I should know something in 24 hours from the bank, and 6 hours on the team, Chloe and you."

Dr. Vargus studied Sam, unsure what to say next.

"What's on your mind, Eugenio?"

"I don't know if I should even say anything."

"Go on, we don't seem to have any secrets at this point."

"You should know Sam, as I drew Chloe's blood, she told me not to waste time testing it because  she would be a perfect match."  Eugenio paused, his eyes danced with an unasked question. "Is there anything I should know that would save us time?"

Sam was dumbfounded.  "Oh Eugenio, don't be ridiculous just run the tests, please and fast."

Sam walked over to Bailey.  Looking down at him lying so still, her resolve crumbled.  She gathered him into her arms and sobbed, a deep sad sob.  The scene playing out was the exact scene she had seen in the visions that had haunted her for days.

Don't cry Samantha....They will never find a match for him in time....Just say Bye Bye....He crossed the line Samantha when he seduced you!  He must die!

*********8

In about 8 hours a knock on the door startled her.  Dr. Vargus entered and walked quietly over to Sam.  He knelt down beside her.  "Sam, I have some news on the testing.  We've found a suitable match."

Sam's eyes brightened.  "Where from the bank?"

"No Sam,  the match is Chloe."  He paused, and seemed to be weighing his next words carefully. Taking a deep breath he continued, "She's an almost identical match to Bailey.  In fact, she is an identical match."  He paused, waiting for a response.  When there was none, he continued.  "She has the same blood type.  Sam, we only see this type of match in a parent, a sibling, or a child.  Chloe is Bailey's child."

Sam sat in stunned silence.

"Sam. We have to move on this!" Dr Vargus said.

"Are you sure, Eugenio?"

"Very sure, I checked myself.  What do you want to do now?"

"What....what does this entail for Chloe?  What does she have to do?"

"Well, we'll take her to the operating room and put her to sleep for a very short time.  We place a needle into her pelvic bone, and take about 50 cc's of bone marrow.  That's it for her, she'll wake up a bit sore but there's little danger to her.  Then the marrow goes to the lab for final testing.  If it's as good a match as we think we inject it into Bailey.  Then, we wait....to see if it takes.  He has a good chance, now that his infection as cleared.

Sam said slowly, "I have to talk with Chloe.  Ok?"

"Sam we need to harvest and inject ASAP, the longer we wait the longer Bailey waits to get better. Time is of the essence."

"I have to talk to Chloe!  There are things I need  to talk to Chloe about.  Please, ask Angel to bring Chloe to me."

"I'll take care of it.  Have the nurse page me when you make your decision."  Dr. Vargus left the room quickly.

In a short time Chloe entered the room.  She walked past her mother, to Bailey's bedside.  Wrapping her small hand around his little finger she spoke softly.  "I love you Uncle Bailey."

Sam went to Chloe.  "Honey, we need to talk."

Never letting go of Bailey's finger, Chloe turned to Sam.  "I matched him, didn't I Mom?"

Sam smiled at her young daughter. "Yes Chloe, you were a match.  We need to talk about this."

"What's there to talk about, Mom.  We don't have time to talk.  Uncle Bailey looks very sick."

"Yes honey, he is very sick.  But you need to know what's going to happen, so we can decide what to do."

"I know what's going to happen.  I'm going to save Uncle Bailey's life.  That's all I need to know."

"Ok Chlo, but I'm going to tell you about this."

"OK mom if it will make you feel better, but can you go ahead and get things started first."

Dr. Vargus was beeped and Sam explained the procedure to Chloe.

Chloe's eyes danced.  "I knew I would match him, even before they took my blood.  I just knew it."  Sam and Dr. Vargus exchanged looks over the young girls head.  "When do we get started?"

Sam stared at Chloe, then looking at Dr. Vargus, "when?"

"As soon as we can get the OR.  We'll move a bed in here for her to recover."

"Thank you.."

A long 30 minutes passed before they came for Chloe.  Sam kissed Chloe and watched as Christopher wheel her away followed by John and Nathan.  Sam slumped to the chair and sat holding her head in her hands, until Dr. Vargus entered the room.  "How are you holding up, Sam?"

"I'm OK, a very eventful day."  She looked up into his eyes and they smiled at one another.

"I'd say you have.  Is there anything I can do to help you."

Sam sat silently for a few minutes mustering the courage to ask for what she needed.  "Eugenio, do you think you could....could you arrange....you know..."

"You want me to arrange DNA testing?"

"Yes, Please.  I don't know what to say.  I've known Bailey for a...."

Dr. Vargus sensed Sam's embarrassment.  "Sam, you don't own me any explanations.  I've known Bailey for a long time, and although I haven't known you.  I have known for a long time that he loved you."  Sam again placed he head in her hands.  Dr. Vargus came to her side and placed his arm over her shoulder, as she cried.  In a short time, she looked up at him and smiled.  He smiled back, "I'll go call the lab, we'll have an answer shortly.

Suddenly the door opened and a nurse rushed in with a small bag.  Sam watched as the nurse attached the bag to tubing, then into Bailey's IV.  As she opened the clamp, the fluid began to infuse into Bailey.  Sam's eyes became shinny from tears, as she stepped to the bed and took Bailey's little finger in her hand.  Chloe, her baby, Bailey's baby, may be the difference in life and death for the man she loves.

The door opened again, a stretcher rolled in.  A very sore but sleepy Chloe was perched on the stretcher, a big smile on her face.  When the necessary procedures were finished, Sam went to Chloe. "Chloe?  Honey, are you awake?"

"Ummm, yes Momma," a small tear came in her eyes, as she tried to move on the bed.  "Momma, is Uncle Bailey well yet?"

Sam looked at Chloe, she had done such a grown up thing, for such a young child.  Sam smiled, "Not yet honey, they're giving him your marrow now.  We have to give it time to work."

The door opened and Dr. Vargus walked into the room.  In his hand was an envelope.  Crossing the room he went to Chloe's bed.  As he reached Sam, he smiled and handed the envelope to her.

"How are you feeling Chloe?"

As Dr. Vargus and Chloe talked Sam went to the other side of the room, near Bailey's bed.  She slowly opened the envelope and pulled the paper out.  It showed that there was a 99.9% chance that she was Chloe's mother.  She smiled to herself, that much she knew as fact.  Turning to the second page, looking down the page she reached the spot she was looking for.  There was a 99.9% chance that Bailey Malone was the father.  Sam sat down hard, getting Dr. Vargus and Chloe's attention.

"You OK Mom?"

"Yes honey, I'm fine."  She smiled a smile she wasn't sure she felt.  It was true.  Chloe was Bailey's.  What was she going to do.

Dr. Vargus left and Chloe drifted off to sleep.  Watching her sleep, Sam thought about all the things that had happened.  The visions made sense now.  She was Bailey's and her child.  She came by them honestly.  Oh what was she going to do?  How would she tell him?  Should she tell him?

She laid the envelope down on the night stand, looked over at Bailey, and slowly walked over to him.  Sam ran the outline of his lips with her finger, leaned down and kissed him.  She whispered to him,  "Bailey, you have a beautiful baby girl over there, she loves you like a father should be loved.  You have her mother, who loves you sooo much.  You have so many reasons to live.  Please, Bailey come back to us.  Chloe shouldn't have to give up two Fathers."  She slowly closed her eyes and prayed, "Please, let him live!"

***********8

Angel arrived shortly, opening the door she overheard Sam's conversation to Bailey.  Calling to Sam, Angel stepped out the door into the hall.  Sam followed her into the hall.  "I don't believe this Sam."

Sam not knowing Angel had overheard her conversation smiled.  "Yea it's been quiet an eventful day.  Chloe is doing great, and we have to pray that Bailey will get better."

Angel's demeanor was abrupt.  "You never told me you slept with Bailey."  Sam's mouth flew open.  She was unable to speak, Angel continued.  "You were his student.  He slept with his student.  That's pretty irresponsible.  Did he never question Chloe might be his?  How could you not know who Chloe's father was?  Or did you know?"

"Angel wait, listen to me, please.  We were both drinking, it was only one time.  I seduced him.  It's my fault, not Bailey's.  He tried to talk to me the next day, but I blew him off, convinced him it was a dream, it never happened.  By the time I found out I was pregnant, Tom and I were engaged.  I just assumed the baby was Tom's."  Sam rambled out of nervousness."Angel please don't blame Bailey.  It's not his fault."

Angel shook her head,  "Bailey is Chloe's father!  What are you going to do Sam?"

" I don't know yet, I haven't had time to think.  I guess I'll have to tell him, and Chloe.  I don't know Angel.  I can't think straight now.  I'll be like Scarlet, and worry about that tomorrow."

"Sam...Chloe loves Bailey...."

"I know but she thinks of him as her Uncle, and Tom as her father...I think I'll try to wait till she's older.  Please Angel can we drop this now.  I'm overwhelmed."

"You think your overwhelmed, how do you think Bailey's gonna feel?  I'll bet he's happy, if the shock doesn't kill him."

"I hope so, Angel.  I really hope so,  he's going to have a lot to deal with!!"

"You can say that again.  But he can handle it, Sam.  He'll just love you more."

"I hope so, Angel, I really hope so.  Sam became very quite, and Angel finally let the subject drop.

In less than 24 hours Chloe recovered.  Angel took her home and left Sam with her thoughts.

 When Chloe was discharged, Christopher came in to clean the room.  As he did, he found the envelope under the bed.  Recognizing the hospital lab paper he slipped it in his pocket.  After emptying the trash and making the bed, he was off for the night and headed home.

*************

Sam had a lot of time to think about Bailey and their relationship, as she waited for signs of improvement.  Her mind wandered from the night 9 years ago when they created Chloe to the night they made love before his treatments started.  She reached down, took his limp hand, held it to her tearful face.  "You were right Bailey,  I wouldn't trade those memories for anything."  She kissed his hand, and prayed, something she had been doing a lot of lately.

Bailey's condition remained unchanged.  The doctors were becoming less optimistic about recovery.  They tried to talk to Sam about the likelihood of brain damage due to sustained high fever, but Sam would not accept their explanations.  She no longer trusted them.  She was tired, so tired.  Wrapping her arms around Bailey's arm, she drifted off to sleep.  She awakened the next morning and immediately started to speak to Bailey.  "Good morning, Bailey.  It's Thursday."  This was as much to remind herself, as him.  "I'm gonna go clean up, I'll be back in a minute.  I love you!"  She turned and started to the bathroom when she heard in a hoarse whisper.  "Ditto, Sam."   She whirled, and rushed to him.

"Bailey?  Is that really you?"   Slowly he opened his eyes.  Sam touched his cheeks, "Oh, honey, welcome back.  I've missed you so much."

"Sam, what happened?"

"Bailey, you got a really bad case of pneumonia.  I really thought that I had lost you.  Let's not worry about that now."  Tears formed in Sam's eyes but these were tears of joy.

"Sam, I wouldn't leave you.  I love you."

She held him. "I love you, too.  You need to rest Bail...I'll be here just rest."

At home Jack opened the envelope.  Sliding the papers from the envelope he read the info they contained.  "NO!!!"  He screamed.  "You Bastard, Malone!  You fathered that child!  No wonder she gives me the willy's!  Oh....I'll get you Malone if it's the last thing I do!!!!!!!!!"

********

Three days passed and Bailey's condition improved tremendously.  Sam finally took a break away from the hospital and went home.  She needed time to get clothes, clean up and most importantly spend some quality time with Chloe.  While she was gone, Dr. Vargus came to check Bailey, and spend some time with his friend.  Assuming Sam had told Bailey the events of the past few weeks, Eugenio began to talk to his friend.  "You know Bailey I've worked a lot of years in this business, but I've never had excitement like this before.  I've never had to protect any patient, much less a friend from a mad man.  This Jack fellow must be a real hard ass."  Eugenio was on a roll, he never noticed the change of Bailey's facial expression.  "The security around you was so intense.  If it wasn't so frightening it could almost be exciting.  I can now understand what gives you your motivation, to do the job you do."  Bailey's eyes grew larger with each word but Eugenio remained unaware of any change.  "An attempt on your life not once but twice, gee Bailey, I don't know how you maintain that level of excitement all the time.  First the murder attempts, one of which caused the need for the bone marrow transplant, then....."  Eugenio looked toward Bailey and became very aware that he was giving him new information.  Sam had told him nothing.  Feeling a bit strange, he stopped speaking briefly then continued.  "That's water under the bridge now, lets not worry about that any more."  Getting up from the chair, he continued, "I guess I better get out of here now and let you get some rest."  Moving toward the door, he tried desperately to leave the room.

"Hold it big guy!  Come back here, sit down and tell me what your talking about."  Eugenio didn't move.  "Now please!  You can't let the cat out of the bag then leave, and let me go crazy trying to figure out what your talking about."

Eugenio returned, sat down and starting at the beginning, he told Bailey about the attempt on his life with the medications, the tampering of the radiation orders, and how it killed his bone marrow.  He told him about the search for a donor.  He explained that Franny was a match but antibodies made it impossible for her to donate, sadly about Ariana parentage, and lastly about Chloe being the match he needed.

Bailey was overwhelmed with the news.  "You guys didn't tell Ariana, did you?"

"No, of course not.  You don't seem surprised Bailey, is this news to you?"

"No, I've known for a long time that Ariana wasn't my biological child."  He pause briefly, staring out the window before he continued.  "What I don't understand, is how Chloe matched when Franny didn't?  Will you explain that please, Eugenio."

Now it was Eugenio's turn to stare out the window.  Silence filled the room as he thought of what to say.  "Bailey I think this is something you need to talk to Sam about."

"Oh so now Sam is a medical expert.  All I want to know is how she was chosen.  Is there something else I need to know?"

Eugenio was caught.  "Bailey, Chloe asked to be tested, Sam said it was OK, so we tested her."He was feeling very proud of himself, he had gotten out of that one.  He smiled to himself, "It just turned out she was a perfect match."

"So Eugenio, what does it take to be a perfect match?  What are the odds of that?"

"Well....Ahh...Ahh...."  Eugenio was dumbfounded.  "I'm not an expert in this Bailey, they just do tests and....."

"What are you trying not to tell me?  Spit it out, Eugenio, you never could keep a secret.  Tell me how Chloe was a perfect match?  How does that happen?"

"OK Bailey, this I know, perfect matches occur in families, parents, siblings, children."

Now Bailey was dumbfounded.  "What...what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that Chloe is your child, and how did that happen?"  Bailey stared at Eugenio, who stared back.  "You look just as surprised as Sam did, surely you both were there."

"I can't believe this.  Chloe is MY daughter?"

"DNA test prove it, Bailey.  She's yours, 99.9%.  I'd give you a cigar if I had one."

The two men talked for a short time about all the news, Eugenio broke to Bailey.  Eugenio left the room when his beeper sounded, and left Bailey alone with his thoughts.

***********

The door to Bailey's room opened.  "Well, it's now or never!" Christopher walked in.  Bailey was sleeping.  He stood quietly watching until Bailey opened his eyes.  Christopher sneered at him. "Hello Malone," he hissed.

Bailey sat at attention. "Jack!  Well, you've decided to show yourself?  With all the camera's?  My you've gotten brave!  Or maybe just an attack of stupid!"

"No, Malone.  The people watching the screen, see you sleeping.  We have much to discuss," he said as he pulled a chair up and sat down.  "So, your a Daddy!  Congrats on the birth of your 8 year old."  He laughed, a sinister laugh.

Bailey became a deadly shade of pale.  Jack knowing about Chloe made her a target, just because she's mine!  "Haven't you heard, there was a mistake on the test.  She isn't mine."

Laughing he pulled the DNA results from his pocket and sailed them at Bailey.  They floated down and landed on the sheet near Bailey's hand.  Picking up the paper, Bailey read the results.  The expression on Bailey's face told Jack that the results were true.  "Now what will you offer for her life, Malone?"

"What do you mean?  Where is she?  What have you done?  Where is Sam and Chloe?"

"What do you think?  Should I let her live after I kill her second Father?  You know, now that I know she's related to you....I'm not sure I can tolerate having her around us!"

"Chloe is innocent in this.  She's just a kid.  Do whatever you want to me, but leave Sam and Chloe alone."  Begging wasn't beneath him, where Sam and Chloe was concerned.  Whatever it takes to keep them safe.

"I don't know Malone, she might come in handy.  She has the gift, you know."

"What do you mean, she has the gift?"

"Think about it Malone, she is a product of the sin between you and Samantha.  She has the gift of sight.  She couldn't help but have it.  She could be trained,....by the right person!"

'My God!'  Bailey thought, 'No!  How can I protect them?'

***************

Sam and Chloe spent several hours together and had started back to the hospital, when suddenly Chloe screamed.  Sam pulled the car to the side of the road, "Chloe, what on earth is wrong?"

"Mom, that scary man is with Uncle Bailey.  You know that one with the blue eyes.  Uncle Bailey is scared!"  Chloe was staring out the window, like Sam had seen her do many times recently.  "I'm scared, Mom!  Why is he there?  Why are they arguing?  Mom....Mom!  He says he's going to kill Uncle Bailey!"

Sam was speechless and panicked.  Pulling out, she rushed toward the hospital.  "Mom, he's waiting on you..."

Reaching for her cell phone, she called John, "Get the team together and meet me at the front entrance.  Bailey's in danger.  I'll be there in 5 minutes."

Arriving at the hospital, Sam met the team.  Sam began to explain her fears, when George ran up to the group.  Breathing heavily, he tried to catch his breath.  "Christopher, the orderly, doesn't exist.  He has a fictitious name and history."

Chloe stepped up quickly, "Is he the one with the blue eyes?"

All eyes turned to her, it was George who answered, "Yes Chloe.  Why?"

"He's the one who is trying to hurt Uncle Bailey.  You have to get him out of his room."

Although the team didn't understand, they accepted what she said as truth.  "We will honey, don't worry."  Grace took by the hand and led her next to George.  "You go with George, maybe you can help him with his computers."  Chloe was reluctant but agreed.  George and Chloe left the group to man the computer and check for compromised equipment.

Christopher was Jack.  Now they knew who they were after, but had it come too late.  The team sat down to form a plan was made for Jack's capture.

*************

The door opened and Sam came bouncing into Bailey's room.  Seeing Christopher, she stopped.  "Is something wrong?"  Moving quickly to Bailey, she positioned herself between Bailey and Jack.  "Are you all right?"  She looked deeply into Bailey's eye's, trying to warn him.  Touching his face, she leaned to him and kissed him on the cheek.  Then Bailey heard her whisper.  "We have to stall."  As she raised away from him, their eyes met.  She smiled and winked at him.  Bailey was sure she knew, that this man was Jack.

Walking to the door Jack removed his keys and sliding the key into the lock he turned the key.  "Stop It, Samantha!" Jack hissed.

Standing on the other side of the door, John's heart sank.  "He locked the door.  That SOB locked the door.  Where's a key?"  Nathan moved quickly to the nurses lounge where the staff was being kept.  Waiting for Nathan to return, John heard George's voice through his ear piece.  "I've been able to reestablish contact in the room.  It's Jack for sure."

Nathan rushed to the lounge, and quickly asked, "A key, I need a key for the room!"

The head nurse reached for her key's, and came up empty.   A strange look came across her face. "There gone.  Christopher must have taken them, without me realizing it."

"Is there another set?"  Nathan was pushing.

The nurse said, "The nursing supervisor or maintaince would have a master."

Nathan coldly said, "Get them down here, Now!"  Make it quick or we'll be too late!"

The nurse quickly placed the call.  Nathan returned and informed John,  "Great! Just Great!  This guy is getting to be a major Pain in my Ass!"

Slowly Sam turned to him, "Jack!"  It was a statement, not a question.

"Get away from him! Now!"

"No, Jack. I won't let you hurt him!"

"Samantha, you've foiled me so far but, he is going to die!  Isn't there some thing's he needs to know before he dies?  No?  Let me give you some hints.  How about....the kid's gift?.....Don't you think he need to know that before he dies.  Don't worry Sam, I can nurture that!  What about Ariana?......What about Chloe's DADDY?   Tell him, Samantha, before he dies!"

Sam couldn't look at Bailey.  Staring at Jack, the look on her face was shock, devastation and pure terror.  A tear formed in her eye, as she finally turned toward Bailey.

Tell him Samantha or I'll kill her Too!

Whirling towards Jack, Sam screamed, "No!  Don't you dare say that!  Don't you DARE!  I don't know what your trying to accomplish, Jack"

"I'll do it Samantha.  We all know I keep my word.  Tell Him!  Now.  I want him to hear it from you.  Tell him about her gift, Samantha!  That kid, what's her name?  Chloe....yes Chloe.....She's a product of Sin!   Admit your sin!  Samantha.  Malone, you Bastard, you caused Samantha to sin!"

"STOP IT,"   Bailey screamed!  "Leave her alone."  Turning to Sam, he began his act.  "Sam?"  Bailey feared for Sam's safety, he could tell Jack's anger was growing.  "What's the deal here Sam,  he has been goading me since he showed his beady little self."

As John waited impatiently for the key, George's voice took his attention.  "Things are getting heated inside, be ready to move."

"Sam?"  Bailey's questing voice spurred Jack on.

"Tell the Bastard, Samantha!  Tell him!  I'll do what I say....If you don't tell him, NOW!  I'll kill her too!"

"Who?"  Bailey was playing along, "Who are you talking about killing?"  He knew Jack would expect him to question any thing he told him.

Sam was conflicted.  This was neither the time nor the place for the news she needed to tell Bailey.  But telling him would buy time.  Reluctantly she began.  "Bailey, I have to tell you something.  A lot of things happened since you entered the hospital.  The first thing happened in the emergency room.  Medication that when given in normal doses work wonders were given to you in massive doses, thanks to Jack.  It almost killed you."  Jack looked frustrated, she knew this wasn't what he meant.  "Then your radiation dosage was tripled, again thanks to Jack.  The excess radiation  caused your bone marrow to quit working.  Because you were compromised you got pneumonia.   While you were unconscious we had to do a bone marrow transplant."  Sam started to cry, tears could really buy them time.

"Samantha, you know that's not it!  You know what I want you to tell him."

Gritting her teeth she answered, "Shut up! Jack!"

"Temper, Temper, Samantha."

Playing along Bailey asked, "Sam what is it?  Are you trying to tell me it didn't work?"

"Samantha, your time is ticking, just tell the Bastard!"

"John are you close to getting a key.  Things are starting to escalate in there."

Sam shook her head.  "It looks like it did Bail, but it was so scary.  They tested the girls, unfortunately, they had antibodies that made it impossible for them to donate."

"Not both of them, Samantha.  Tell him about Ariana, tell him she's not his Kid!"

The pain was evident on her face, as tear's formed in her eye's she said, "Why, Jack you already did?"

Bailey's eye's were huge, tears fell slowly down his cheeks, "No, Sam, that can't be true."

Sam shook her head, "I'm so sorry, Bailey."  She reached out and touched his face and bringing her face to him, she kissed him.

"Stop that, Samantha!"  Jack gritted his teeth, "Don't touch him again!  Now finish telling him The Rest Of The Story, so to speak!"

Sam dropped her head, words would not form, her mouth felt as if it were full of cotton.  "I have to tell you something that is going to be a big surprise."

"Tell Him!"

"John, you have to get in there.  You won't believe what's coming through my ear piece.  I'm not sure how much longer Sam can stall."  Hearing George's concerns deepened John's anxiety.

Sam glared at Jack and took a deep breath.  Looking back toward Bailey she paused briefly.  "Honey, your match, for the transplant was Chloe.  She was able to give you marrow that saved your life."

"Temporarily Malone, just temporarily."

"Bailey, Chloe was so happy that she could help her Uncle Bailey."

"Tell him everything, Samantha, tell him why Chloe could help Uncle Bailey."  His voice reeked with sarcasm, as his eyes bored through Bailey.

"Sam?"  Confusion showed on Bailey's face as he listened to him.

"Bailey this is so hard for me.  I wanted it to be special, when I told you."  She paused and took a deep breath.  "Bailey, Chloe was able to match you so perfectly, because....well because she's your daughter."

"What?  Are you sure Sam?"

"Yes, Bailey, the DNA test are proof,  99.9% sure."

In the security room, George's eyes were getting larger and larger as he listened.  "Shit!"

"What's the matter Uncle George?  Is Mom OK?  Is Uncle Bailey OK?"

"Yes Honey, they're OK....I just think I'm getting a headache."  Speaking into the headset, he said, "John do you think we could get this done today, please."

"The key is on the way, do we need to move right away?"

"No, John, but tell me you have a plan if the key doesn't arrive."

"I guess I'll do what ever I have too.  Keep me advised if I need to move."

"Tell him the rest, Samantha....Tell him about her beautiful gift!"

"Bailey,  honey it seems Chloe has sight.  As far as I can tell, she see the present.  She doesn't understand it, or what is happening.  Right now it just scares her!"

"Sam, your sure?"

"Of course she's sure, Malone!  The kid has no choice, she's a product of your sinful behavior with Samantha, your seduction.  Why, I've seen your behavior with her even NOW!  You will pay for seducing her, Malone.  Do you have any idea what it's like to be forced to watch you push your desires on my poor Samantha!"

Bailey looked at Jack. "Watching, you were watching us?  Where? Here?"

Jack looked at Bailey in disgust. "Yes, here.  Right here. When you Seduced Samantha!"

Forgetting he was still on the headset, George groaned.

John was close to panic.  "What's happening George?"

"It's OK, John.  I'm just hearing things I don't want to know.  Too much sharing going on in that room."

Bailey glared at Jack, "How? How did you watch us?"

Jack laughed turning to stare at the camera mounted in the corner of the room. "Well, with the help of the VCTF, of course!"

"Boy I really didn't want to know that?"  George's eyes grew larger still.

"Cool it George, just tell me the important stuff."

"If you only knew!  OK, I'll stay on track."

Bailey was livid.  The thoughts of Jack's intrusion on that night was more than Bailey could stand.  Bailey knew their best bet was to turn the tables on Jack, to goad him, and put him on the defensive.  Using what Jack knew against him, he tried to make the best out of bad situation.  "You little pervert!  You enjoyed watching us, admit it.  You know you'll NEVER reach that part of Sam.  You know she will NEVER love you, the way she loves me!  Now you know, you'll NEVER bring her where I have!  Your not capable of that are you Jack?  You know she loves ME!  You can't stand it!  Can you?"

Fear was instant on Sam's face.  She was so frightened for Bailey, all she wanted was to defuse the situation.  Bailey however, was baiting him, and she felt, making things worse.  "Bailey, no don't!"

"Look at him Sam.  He's a peeping Tom.  He gets his kicks watching you.  He knows, the little weasel knows!  He can see it by the way we look at each other, the way we touch each other.  He probably got off watching us."  Sam moved to try to quiet Bailey, he grabbed her, pulled her to him, and started kissing her.

Jack Screamed, "Stop Malone! Let her Go!  Don't make me Kill Her, Malone!"  Jack cocked the gun and slowly pointed it at the back of Sam's head.

Bailey quickly broke his embrace and pushed Sam back.  "Ok, Jack.  Ok.  Don't hurt her!  Your right, I'm the problem.  She had nothing to do with it.  Your right, I seduced her."

"Enough, ENOUGH!  Get away from him Samantha!  NOW!  He has to pay for his sins!"  Jack raised a gun, and leveled it at Bailey head.

"MOVE JOHN NOW!  MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!"  George screamed into the headset.

The events that followed, happened quickly although it seemed everything was moving in slow motion.  Sam saw Jack pull back the hammer of the gun, screaming she dove for Bailey as a shot ran out.  Lunging for Bailey, it was almost as if she stopped in mid air and fell on to the bed.  Bailey screamed, "NO."  He watched a wide streak of blood followed her as she slid to the floor.

"She's down John!  What are you waiting for?  Get in there!"

Jack's attention was momentarily deflected to the door.  Pounding, followed by a gun shot, as John blew the lock.  Quickly Jack took aim at Bailey, as he walked closer to him.  He pulled the trigger as the door flew open and John fired at him.  Bailey rolled off the bed as Jack screamed, grabbing his arm, he crumpled to the floor.

Pandemonium ensued as FBI agents swarmed the room, converging on a small male figure on the floor.  Bailey crawled to Sam, she lay quiet and pale on the floor, her blond hair floating in a pool of blood.  Crying her name, he reached for her.  Slowly he turned her over, and lifting her to him, he cradled her in his arms.  Blood poured from a head wound onto his chest.  Bailey screamed for help.  "Sam, Oh God Sam!"  Bailey cried as he held her.

Eugenio arrived at his side, "Here Bailey, let me have her!"  Immediately the room was filled with medical support for Dr. Vargus as he bellowed orders.  The medical team worked feverishly on Sam as the FBI hand cuffed Jack.

Everyone was talking, and the noise lever in the room was high until Jack screamed.

"Samantha, My love, see what they have done to you!  I knew you wouldn't live without me!!"

Silence filled the room as Jack muttered his delusions.  All eyes were on him.  Bailey jumped to his feet.  Sam lay unconscious on the floor, and Jack stood seemingly unscathed near the door.    Bailey grabbed Jack and slammed him into the wall.  His eyes were red with hatred as he screamed,  "You sick little Bastard,"  Not one member of his team made a move to stop him as he placed his hand on Jack's throat, and held him against the wall.

"Well Malone, If I can't have her, neither will you!" Smiling he added, "Too Bad!"

A groan escaped from Bailey, "AHHHH,  I'll kill you!"  Bailey repeatedly slammed Jack hard against the wall, then he tightened his hand around Jack's throat...

Jack's eyes were open wide, for the first time he felt a feeling foreign to him.  Fear.  Grace screamed at John, "John, stop him!  Stop him!"

Slowly turning to Grace, John shook his head.  "No, he deserves it Grace!"

"I know he deserves it, nobody deserves it more, but Bailey and Sam are the ones who will suffer.  Turning, Grace ran to Bailey, and grabbed his arm.  "Let him go, Bailey.  You won't do anyone any good in prison!  John, Marcus, you guys help me!" she pleaded.  Bailey hand was like steel around Jack's throat.  "Bailey!  Sam wouldn't want this!  She and Chloe need you!"  Slowly Grace's words began to penetrate Bailey's conscious, but he was determined....determined  to get this weasel out of their lives for good.   "Bailey, Please! Let Go!"

Eugenio was the first to respond to Grace's plea's for help.  Running to Bailey, he took hold of his friend's arm.  Speaking loudly and distinctively into Bailey's ear,  "Bailey let go of him!"  When Bailey failed to respond to his request, he started swearing in Spanish, as he fought to free Bailey's hand from Jack's neck.  Marcus and Nathan finally responded to Eugenio's pleas.  Prying Bailey's hand from his throat, Jack crumpled to the floor.  Bailey was consumed by his anger, stepping around Eugenio, he reached again for Jack.  Eugenio grabbed Bailey by the arm, spinning him around he slammed Bailey against the opposite wall.  Pinning him hard against the wall, Eugenio got in his face.  "Stop it Bailey!  Look at me!  LOOK AT ME!"  His black eyes blazing, his voice shouting the anger and frustration he felt for his friend.  "You can't do this!  I know you want to, I don't blame you, but you can't.  I won't let you throw away your life, Sam's life, or Chloe's chance for a FATHER!"

Grace stood with her mouth open.  "Hey, your pretty strong for a little guy!'  Turning to John, Grace simply shook her finger, "We'll talk about this later, John!  You can bet on that!"

As Bailey anger slowly subsided, he focused on his friend.  "Sam?"  He was fearful of the news his friend carried.

"Bailey, Sam's waking up.  We'll get some x-rays, but I don't think this is a serious injury."  Bailey seemed to be holding his breath, a large sigh escaped as Eugenio continued.  "She'll need some stitches but I think she's going to be fine.  Think about her, and Chloe...instead of revenge.   Chloe needs you!  He's not worth it Bailey!  Now Stop It!"
 
 
 

Later that night, after the excitement had dies down, Bailey and Sam snuggled in bed.  Holding her close, he whispered.  "God Sam, you scared me today.  Don't ever do that again!"

"What honey, scare you or try to save you?"  Sam sat up and grinned at him.

"Sam, be serious, you nearly got yourself killed today!"

"Oh, I get it.  I was suppose to just stand there and let you get shot!  No way buddy, not after all we've been through the last few weeks!  No Way!  Forget It!  I wasn't about to let him kill you.

"Oh so you get yourself killed! Now That Makes A Lot Of Sense!"

"Obviously I didn't have time to think it through.  Anyway, Bailey, are you trying to pick a fight with me!"

"No,  No honey, you just scared the hell out of me!"

"Good, turn about is fair play!  After all you've scared the hell out of me several times over the last few months, and years for that matter."

Bailey pulled her close.  Wrapping her arms around him she felt him shaking.  Sam hugged him tightly then quickly sat up.  Pulling away from his grasp, she looked at him.  Tears welled up in his eyes.  "Bailey, it's all right.  Everything's all right now.  Let it go, honey, you gotta let it go.  You've had a very hard day, week, couple of months!"

They lay, for what seemed like hours, holding each other tightly.  Bailey finally broke the silence.  "Sam we have to talk about Chloe.  You know I have lots of questions."

Sam was afraid to meet his eyes, eyes that she knew were staring at her.  "I know you do, so do I.  The one thing I do know Bail, is that it's true.  Chloe is your daughter."

"You mean this happened that New Year's?"

"Yes, Bailey, that New Year's.  Why is that so hard for you?"

"Well Sam, I'm just a little confused.  And I guess it's hard for me because it is, after all 9 years later.  Why is it just coming up?  Is this why you blew me off when I tried to talk to you?  Did you think I wouldn't be a good father to her?  That Tom would be a better father than me?  Is that why you all but denied, that anything happened?"

"I didn't know I got pregnant that night.  After we slept together, I was afraid, yes, but pregnancy wasn't even a concern for me.  I seduced my drunk instructor.  I was afraid I would lose my place in the FBI, get kicked out of school, lose my job.  Yes I was afraid, and I thought if I pretended to you that it didn't happen then nobody would know and I'd be safe, at least safe from losing my job."  Bailey stared at her, shook his head and waited for her to continue.  "When I found out I was pregnant it was after Tom and I started sleeping together.  I just assumed the baby was his."

"So, you think I just wasn't man enough to father a child?"

"I'm sorry Bailey, but I just never gave it a thought.  I was with Tom, therefore it was Tom's baby."

"You never gave it a thought?  You know, that I might be her father."

"Bailey, I would never intentionally keep Chloe from her father.  After all, you are Chloe's Godfather.  Do you really think I would ask you to be her Godfather, if I had ever thought that you might be her father?  Do you think I'm that heartless?"

"No Baby, I don't think your heartless.  I guess it just hurts my feelings, that you wouldn't give the night you spent with me a second thought."

"Oh, I gave it a second thought, and a third thought.  Suffice it to say, I thought about it almost nonstop for a couple of days after we parted.  But as I said before, I was afraid, for all the same reasons.  I was young, foolish and scared, but I never forgot the love we made.  I just never associated it with Chloe."

A long period of silence followed.  Both struggled with what to say next.  Bailey started.  "Sam, This is not your fault, not entirely.  I was scared, too.  I was an instructor who slept with a student.  It was easier for me to pretend that nothing happened.  Don't take this all on yourself, I'm as much to blame as you are.  I should have pushed it when you said nothing happened.  I knew something happened, I wanted it to happen.  I wanted you, that night and many other nights before and after that fateful New Year.  But the big thing that stopped me, was Tom.  I liked him and he took good care of you.  And I would never do anything to jeopardize your relationship."

"Oh Bailey, I wanted you too, so many times, in so many places.  But it was never right, you were with Janet, then I was with Tom.  The timing was never right for us, not to mention the job.  You went from being my instructor to my boss.  No matter what I may have wanted, I would never put you in a compromising situation, or any situation that might cost you your position."

"So we both sacrificed what we wanted to protect the other.  We certainly are a pair, aren't we?"  Bailey paused as if he were having a hard time finding the words to continue.  Finally he took a deep breath and asked the question, the answer of which he was afraid to hear.  "Sam, how long have you known Chloe was mine?"

"Actually not long at all.  As a matter of fact Eugenio told me."

"Well isn't that interesting, Eugenio told me too.  Why was that Sam?  Why did I have to hear it from him instead of you?  As a matter of fact, there were a lot of things you didn't tell me that I learned from Eugenio, but we won't get in to all that right now.  The important thing now is Chloe."

"I was waiting for you to get stronger, so we could have a romantic moment and I could...."  Sam looked as if she had had a realization,  "What do you mean Eugenio told you?  How long have you known?  You let me go through that whole thing with Jack and you already knew?  We both seem to be keeping major secrets lately."

"Well, the secrets are over now.  From this day forward, we have no more secrets from each other.  Do you have anything more to confess?"

"Let's see, we've been over the murder attempts, bone marrow transplant, Ariana's not yours, Chloe is...I think that's about it."  His laughter at that statement was contagious, and soon loud laughter could be heard coming from the room.  Soon the laughter subsided and they hugged each other.  Sam had one more question she needed to ask.  "How do you feel about all this, Bailey?"

"What do you mean, how do I feel?  About Chloe?"

"Yes."

"Baby, I'm the happiest man on earth.  Chloe is a great kid, and I'll be proud to call her mine.  Does she know, Sam?"

"No, I wanted to wait so we could tell her together."  Sam looked at him, she wasn't sure he bought it, but it was mostly true.  Bailey smiled.

Bailey grew stronger each day and was soon released to Sam's care.  He joined her at the firehouse, and under her love and care soon was almost as good as new.

*********

Three months into his recovery, he planned a romantic night for Sam.  Chloe was spending the weekend with her friend Andrea, so they had time for themselves.  This was important.  He needed to make it special for her, she had spent so much time taking care of him, now it was her turn.  Sam left to deliver Chloe and run some errands.  Time was of the essence.  The firehouse was swarming with friends.  John, George, Marcus and Nathan set up a Jacuzzi in their room.  Grace flitted around arranging candles, fresh cut flowers that Bailey had bought, and setting up cooled Champagne and glasses.  Bailey called for food to be delivered.  It was a fast and furious time for all, but it was a happy time.  When all things were ready, the group left wishing Bailey luck. Bailey got cleaned up and sat down to wait for the sexiest woman he knew.

Sam returned to the firehouse, she entered the elevator.  As the elevator ascended, her head swayed to the music she had just heard on the radio, that now played over in her head.  The door opened and she stood shocked.  Candles filled the room, and it was illuminated only by candlelight.  Soft music played, as she scanned the room looking for Bailey.  Her eyes fell first on the table.  It was set for two, beautiful fresh cut flowers served as a centerpiece.  The floral fragrance filled the room.  Her eyes continued around the room.  Standing in the hall doorway stood Bailey, smiling at her.  Sam's eyes glistened, as tears formed in her eyes.  "Oh Bailey, everything is beautiful."

Crossing the floor, he met her, taking her in his arm, he kissed her.  "I love you, Sam.  "Taking her by the hand, he led her to the table.  She stood looking down at the beautifully set table.

"How did you do all this, Bail?"

"Some good friends helped."  He smiled as he seated her in the chair, then disappeared into the kitchen.  When he returned he carried a covered silver serving dish.  Walking toward the table she giggled, he was trying hard to act like a waiter, a white cloth napkin draped over his arm.  He bent at the waist as he place the dish in front of her.  He was trying so hard to be serious she giggled again.  In dramatic fashion he slowly removed the cover.

"Oh Bailey."  It was her favorite dish from her favorite restaurant.  He left the room and returned again, this time with his food.  Seated across from each other they enjoyed a leisurely dinner.  He was so excited he could hardly wait.  He felt like a kid at Christmas.  After they finished dinner, she eyed him with a devilish look, "What's next?"

He saw the look on her face, and smiled.  "It's a big surprise.  Close your eyes, and I'll lead you to it."  She squinted her eyes closed partially, but could see through the slit she left as she wrinkled her face.  "No cheating," he said as he kissed both eyes.  "Keep them closed, I lead you."  Taking her hands, he walked backward as she followed.

Entering the bedroom she opened her eyes.  This room was more beautiful than the first.  Standing near the back wall was a large Jacuzzi.  She repeated the phrase that had become the words of the night.  "Oh Bailey!"  This room was also lit by candlelight, fresh flowers providing the fragrance that permeated the room.  Champagne stood chilling at the side of the tub.  Two silver trays lay on the corner of the Jacuzzi.  On one stood two crystal champagne glasses, on the second, large strawberries dipped in white chocolate.  Sam was speechless, she stood staring with both hands covering the lower part of her face.  "Sam, you've worked so hard, taken such good care of me.  I want you to be able to relax."

Sam stood stunned for a few minutes, the turned, smiled and said, "Would you like to join me in the first dip?"

Smiling down at her he responded, "I thought you'd never ask."  A mischievous look crossed his face as he drew her to him and kissed her.  "Well...." he drew his hand up to his face and rubbed it along his chin, "we'll have to get you out of these clothes."  He began by slowly unbuttoned her blouse.  Gently and sensually Bailey undressed Sam, kissing and exploring each part of her body as he went, until she stood nude before him.

Sam was in heaven.  Standing on tiptoes she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself to him.  She kissed him deeply as she ran her hands over his body.  As she broke the kiss, she whispered, "Now it's my turn to undress you."  Bailey smiled at her as she touched him.  Slowly  her hands ran over his blue flannel shirt.  She could feel his muscular chest under the soft flannel.  As she unbuttoned the first button, she opened the shirt and tasted his chest.  Bailey's breath was warm against her face as she kissed his chest.  Placing his hands on her head, he ran his fingers through her hair as she made her way down his chest, kissing as she unbuttoned his shirt.  Reaching his waist, she placed her hand on the front of his jeans, she rubbed the bulge she felt.  Bailey's head fell back, his hands on each side of her head.  Sliding her hands to his waist she unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans.  Reaching inside, she had just touched him when Bailey reached down and began to pull her up his body.  As he did she clutched the shirt and as she rose she jerked the shirt from his pants.  Bringing her face to his, he kissed her deeply, his tongue exploring her mouth.  Her hands ran under the shirt and pulled it from his shoulders, and let it fall to the floor.  Her hands traced his muscular back, sliding them down to the jeans and shorts.  She pushed them over his hips, and sliding her body down his she slid them to the floor.  Bailey peered down as Sam ran her hands up his thighs.  Reaching down he took her hands, and began to pull her up to him.  As Sam rose she leaned into him.  Her body caressed his as she rose, up his thighs, rubbing over his pulsating member as she rose to his chest.  Bailey sighed audibly as her breasts crushed against his chest.  He pulled her to him and kissed her feverishly.  Bailey reached down and swooped her into his arms and carried her to the Jacuzzi.  Lowering her into the warm swirling water, he kissed her.  As he started to stand, she reached for him, "Come here, Bailey."

Bailey smiled at her.  He allowed himself to be pulled to her and eased himself into the water.  He kissed her, breaking the kiss he whispered, "One minute, baby."  Moving to the side of the Jacuzzi, he reached for the Champagne.  Turning his head back to Sam he grinned.  Placing his hands on each side of the bottle he pushed.  A large "POP" sounded as the cork flew up, then down landing in the water.  They chuckled as they watched the cork bob up and down in the swirling water.  Handing her a glass he slowly poured the Champagne.  It bubbled up and over the rim onto her fingers.  Bending his head he licked the Champagne from her fingers, kissing them as he went.  Looking at her, he could see the desire in her eyes, as he reached for the strawberry.  Lifting it to her mouth he rubbed it over her lips, dipped it in then out, then in again as he gave her a taste.  Holding it in her teeth, strawberry juice slid down her chin,  Bailey licked the juice from her face, then bit the strawberry as she held it in her mouth.  Each holding the others face in their hands they finished the strawberry then took turns kissing the juice from their faces.

Bailey moved under Sam and rested her body against his.  He nuzzled her then moving his hands began massaged Sam's neck and shoulders.  Sam sighed loudly, her head falling backward on to his shoulder.  Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her body and tenderly caressed her breasts.  Pulling her closer to him he slid his hand down her abdomen, slowly moving his hands between her legs.  Spreading her legs apart, he found her warm folds, and began to move his hand.  Sam moved against his hand. The more she moved, the more her body rubbed against his, causing his excitement to increase.  As she climaxed he slowed, and turned her to him, hungrily kissed her.  He moved over her and began to explore her body with his mouth.  Sam begged for him.  Bailey hoarsely whispered in Sam's ear, "I want to get so deep inside you, that I don't know where I stop and you begin!"  Bailey was on fire as he entered her.  Attempting to quench the fire he delved deeper and harder.  Soon Sam was again on the verge.  As she crashed over the edge, her screams and spasm's pulled Bailey over the edge, and he erupted into her.

As sanity slowly returned, Sam whispered to Bailey, "You are incredible, Bailey Malone."

Bailey smiled and said, "It's easy when your with the sexiest woman in the world!"  He kissed her, tenderly.

Tomorrow, Bailey would receive the reports on his last blood test, but tonight he just wanted to please Sam.

*********

The next morning Bailey and Sam went for a follow up appointment with Dr. Vargus.  They sat in the office waiting for him, holding hands.  Each afraid to speak.  The door opened and Dr. Vargus entered.  "Sorry I kept you waiting."  Sitting on the corner of his desk, he made eye contact with Bailey.  A huge smile crossed his face.  "Bailey, your blood work looks great.  Your scans are clear.  I'll see you in 6 mo."

Bailey's shoulders seemed to drop as the stress drained from his body.  "Eugenio, how can I ever thank you?"

"That goes for me too," Sam said as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Say Bailey, how did an asshole like you find such a beautiful loving woman."  Bailey grinned at Dr. Vargus, "Well, she found me Eugenio.  I've loved her for a long time.  I was just too stubborn to admit it."  Feeling the need to change the subject he continued,  "So, a clean bill of health."  Bailey grinned at Sam, "I think we should head home.  What do you think, Sam?"

Sam locked her eyes on Bailey's and walked to him.  Sliding her arms around his neck, "I think that's a great idea.  Thanks for the great news," she said to Dr. Vargus without looking at him.

Bailey locked in Sam's trance, lowered his lips to hers and kissed her.   As he broke the kiss, he looked up at his long time friend who was smiling.  Bailey reached over Sam and shook his hand. "Thanks for everything, Eugenio.  I'll never be able to repay you."

Eugenio softly said, "Bailey I was happy I could help."  He then grinned at Bailey,  "Well, what are you waiting on Man?  Take this woman home."

************

On the way home Bailey's cell phone rang, "Hello, yes John!"  Bailey turned pale as he listen to the news John gave him.  He felt sick to his stomach as he pulled the car to the side of the road and stopped.

"Bailey, what's wrong, is it Chloe?"  Her strained voice contained a bit of panic.

Bailey couldn't find the words, his mouth was like cotton.  Taking a deep breath he found the courage to speak.  "Sam, Jack has escaped!"

"No!"  Sam began to shake.  He pulled her too him, and held her tightly.  "We'll get him Sam, we got him once we'll get him again!"  Sam was unable to quit trembling.  She clung to him tightly.  Her nightmare was starting again, except now it was their nightmare!