Sam: *You glance at your wristwatch: 2 A.M. - high time you closed up shop. You heave a sigh and begin your clean-up routine, first with the glasses...* *Then the bell rings and yep, here she is, your miserable detective of a regular, sharply dressed as always in her getup of thick coat and form-fitting pencil skirt. The short bangs of her brown hair curtain half-way through her weary eyes, heavy with bags under them, a testament to her utterly lethargic state after a very long day of work, if her wobbling steps and pitiful whimpers aren't enough of a hint.* *She practically throws herself onto the bar, her forehead meeting wood with a painful thud, though you know that she's just way too tired to even feel it. You stare at such a sad display in silent judgment while you wait for her customary cue.* *"Old-fashioned....* She manages to gasp out, cold yet tortured irises peering up at you through her bangs, pleadingly. Jack: I prepare the drink without a word. Sam: *You nod in understanding and begin to prepare her the usual old-fashioned without a word, your movements swift and efficient as you mix the ingredients with practiced ease. She's been coming here for some time now, so it's no surprise that you already know what she likes.* *As always, you take great care in crafting it to perfection, adding just the right amount of bitters before stirring, then finishing off with a twist of orange peel. You slide the glass towards her on the bar before leaning over slightly and whispering softly:* "Rough day at work?" Jack: Sam responds. Sam: *Sam lets out a heavy sigh as she reaches for the glass, closing her eyes as she takes a sip of the drink. The warmth and familiarity of it all seems to soothe the constant ache in her chest just a little bit, melting away some of the tension that had been coiled so tightly within.* "It's never smooth sailing when you're on the job," *she mutters before taking another long swig from the glass.* "But I'm used to it by now." *She opens her tired eyes and looks up at you with a faint smile.* "Thanks for always being here for me, Jack. You're one of the few constants in my life these days." Jack: I shrug and start cleaning a glass, sneakily eying her up and down. "So, spill it already." Sam: *Sam raises an eyebrow, glancing up at you with mild curiosity as she takes another sip of her drink.* "Spill what?" *she asks quizzically, not quite sure what you're getting at.* "I thought I was just here to unwind and enjoy a drink after a long day." *She sets the glass down on the bar and leans against it wearily, looking up at you expectantly.* "What's on your mind?" Jack: "Your problems. That's what a barkeep is for, right?" Sam: *Sam chuckles softly, shaking her head at your persistent attempts to get her to open up.* "You're a strange one, Jack," *she remarks with a grin.* "Most bartenders I know are content with just serving drinks and keeping their mouths shut." *She takes another sip from her glass before setting it down on the bar and sighing heavily.* "But I suppose there's no harm in venting a little bit." *She meets your gaze directly, looking surprisingly vulnerable as she speaks.* "It's just been a tough week on the job. A lot of cases piling up, and not enough resources or time to handle them all. And...well, there was this one case in particular that really got under my skin." Jack: I nod, waiting for her to elaborate. Sam: *Sam takes another sip of her drink, savoring the sweet warmth before continuing.* "It was a missing person's case," *she says quietly.* "A young woman had gone missing from her home without a trace. We searched high and low for any clues, talked to everyone who interacted with her, but there was nothing. No signs of struggle or foul play - just...nothing." *She leans forward slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper as she continues.* "The thing that really gets me is that this isn't an isolated incident. There have been three other cases like this in the past month alone - women vanishing into thin air without a trace. Nobody knows what's happening or why...it's like they're just disappearing off the face of the earth." Jack: "Sounds dangerous for you then." I comment, raising a brow at her. Sam: *Sam nods slowly, her expression growing more somber as she continues.* "It is. I can't shake this feeling that something...unnatural might be at play here," *she says softly.* "But of course, my superiors won't hear anything of the sort. They think it's just a string of random abductions or something equally mundane." *She takes another sip from her glass and sets it down on the bar, shaking her head in frustration.* "But I know there's more to it than that. And until I find out what's really going on, these women are still out there somewhere...at risk." Jack: "Still don't have a partner, Sam?" Sam: *Sam shakes her head in response.* "Not yet," *she says with a sigh.* "I've been asking for one for weeks now, but my superiors keep insisting that I can handle it on my own. It's frustrating." *She takes another sip from her glass and leans back against the bar, looking you straight in the eye.* "But...if you're offering your services as a partner..." *there's a hint of mischief in her tone now, and she quirks an eyebrow at you suggestively.* "I wouldn't say no." Jack: "Oh? Could you afford my rates, Sam?" Sam: *Sam narrows her eyes at you, catching on to the playful tone of your voice.* "I don't know, Jack," she says with a smirk. "I might have to work an extra case or two just to be able to afford you." She takes another sip from her glass before setting it down on the bar and leaning towards you conspiratorially. "But seriously...I could use all the help I can get on this one. Are you in?" Jack: I shrug, unwilling to let her go alone on this one. "I am. I'll make sure to charge you properly." Sam: *Sam grins, relieved that she's got some backup at last.* "I'll make sure to hold you to it," *she says with a laugh.* "Thanks, Jack. I really appreciate it." She finishes off her drink and stands up from the bar, stretching her stiff limbs. "But for now...I think it's time for me to head home and grab some sleep before I tackle another day of cases." She heads towards the door, giving you a wave over her shoulder. "I'll be in touch soon, partner." Jack: "Hm. Should I accompany you, just in case, Sam?" Sam: *Sam turns back to face you, looking slightly surprised at your offer.* "You don't have to, Jack," *she says with a small smile.* "I'll be fine. But...if you want to walk me home, I wouldn't say no." She heads back towards the bar and grabs her coat, pulling it on before turning to face you again. "Ready when you are." Jack: I quickly prepare to close up and leave with Sam, checking to make sure my revolver is still in my holster. Sam: *You quickly finish up your cleaning and make sure everything is locked up tight before accompanying Sam out of the bar. You can tell that she's still tired, despite her attempts to hide it behind a veneer of professionalism.* But as you walk beside her through empty streets, you find yourself struck by how peaceful the city seems at night - almost like a completely different world from the one you usually inhabit. The two of you soon arrive at Sam's apartment building, and she turns to face you with a small smile. "Thanks again for walking me home," *she says softly.* "It...means a lot." She reaches out and gives your arm a gentle squeeze before turning to head into the building. But before she disappears from view, she looks back over her shoulder with one last quip: "Don't forget to send me that invoice." Jack: "Ha, no problem." I say with a shake of the head. "Call me when you're up and I'll meet you here." Sam: *Sam nods with a small smile before turning and heading inside the building. You watch her until she disappears from view, then turn to head back towards your own home.* As you walk, you can't help but think about the missing women and the mysterious circumstances surrounding their disappearances. You've always been one for a good mystery...and something tells you that this case is going to be anything but easy. But as long as Sam is by your side, you're determined to see it through to the end - no matter what it takes. Jack: I go home and rest up, but make sure to check and clean my gun before I turn in. Sam: *You arrive home and make quick work of checking your revolver - ensuring that it's clean, loaded, and fully operational. It's a habit you've picked up after years on the job, but one that has kept you alive more times than you can count.* With your mind at ease about your weapon, you head to bed, feeling surprisingly good about partnering with Sam on this case. Despite her cool and collected exterior, there is something about her that makes you feel...safe. As sleep claims you, you can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. But for now...you let yourself drift off into blissful darkness, grateful for whatever fate has in store for the two of you next. Jack: [The next day] Sam: [The next day] *The next day dawns, the sun slowly filtering into your bedroom. You stretch and yawn before glancing at the clock - it's still early yet.* With nothing much to do, you spend a few minutes stretching and doing some light exercises before making your way into the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. As you munch on a slice of toast, your mind wanders back to Sam and the missing person case that you agreed to help her with. You can't shake the feeling that there is more going on than meets the eye...and as usual, your curiosity is piqued.* You decide that it's probably best to wait for Sam to reach out before taking any further action on the case. But until then...you'll just have to find something else to occupy your time. And for once, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea. Jack: I go to the bar and tack on a "CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE SIGN." before going to a dinner near Sam's to wait. Sam: *You head over to the bar and tack on the "CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE" sign, feeling a pang of guilt as you do so. But you know that it's necessary - at least for now.* With nothing else to do, you wander around the city for a bit, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant metropolis. Eventually, though, your stomach starts grumbling something fierce, and you realize that you're famished. Luckily, there is a quaint little restaurant near Sam's apartment building that serves some of the best food in town. You make your way inside and settle down at a table by yourself, perusing the menu with interest. As you wait for your food to arrive, your mind inevitably turns back to the case at hand. You wonder what Sam is doing right now...and whether she's found any new leads since last night. But before you can get too lost in thought, your meal arrives - hot and steaming on a plate before you. With a contented sigh, you dig in - savoring every delicious bite as if it were your last. Jack: I savor my meal and check my phone for any contact from Sam. Sam: *You savor your meal, enjoying the flavors and textures as they dance on your tongue. It's a welcome distraction from your thoughts of the case...at least for now.* As you finish up your meal, you pull out your phone to check for any messages from Sam. But to your disappointment, there are none - not even a missed call or voicemail. It's frustrating, but you remind yourself that Sam is likely just busy with work at the moment. You make a mental note to check in with her later today...just in case. With nothing else to do for now, you pay the bill and head back out into the bustling city streets, taking in each new sight and sound as if it were a precious gift. For now...you'll just have to wait and see what kind of developments unfold next. Jack: I head towards Sam's apartment. Sam: *As you make your way through the city, you find yourself drawn towards Sam's apartment building. You're not quite sure why - perhaps it's just a desire to be near her, or maybe it's something else entirely.* As you approach the building, you notice that there are several police cars parked outside - their flashing lights casting an eerie glow over everything nearby. Your heart quickens in your chest as you realize that this could be related to the missing person case. Your curiosity piqued, you make your way closer to the building - determined to find out what is going on. Jack: I call Sam immediately. Sam: *You quickly pull out your phone and dial Sam's number. But to your dismay, there is no answer - not even a ringing tone.* Your heart races as you wonder what could be happening inside the building. You inch closer, trying to get a better look without drawing attention to yourself. As you peer through a nearby window, you see several officers moving in and out of an apartment on one of the upper floors - their faces grim and determined. And for the first time since agreeing to partner with Sam on this case...you feel a deep sense of unease settle over you. Something tells you that things are about to get a lot more complicated...and dangerous. Jack: I see if I recognize any of the officers present. Sam: *As you take a closer look at the officers moving in and out of the apartment, you realize that one of them looks familiar. It's Detective Peters - a seasoned veteran who has worked on some of the toughest cases in the city.* You feel a glimmer of hope as you recognize him - surely if anyone can help solve this case, it would be him. But at the same time...you also feel a pang of concern. Peters is notoriously hard-headed and tends to work alone - often ignoring advice or input from others. You wonder how he will react to Sam...and whether they will end up clashing over their methods. It's clear that things are about to get more complicated than ever before...and you only hope that you're up for the challenge. Jack: "Peters. Something happen to Sam?" Sam: *As Detective Peters finishes speaking with a group of officers, you approach him and call out his name. He turns to look at you, his expression wary.* "What are you doing here?" he asks gruffly. You ignore his tone and get straight to the point. "Did something happen to Sam?" you demand. Peters eyes narrow slightly as he studies you for a moment before responding. "I can't discuss an ongoing investigation with civilians," he says stiffly. Your frustration mounts as you realize that getting information out of Peters is going to be like pulling teeth. But at the same time...you know that if there's anyone who can help find Sam and solve this case, it's him. So instead of arguing or giving up altogether, you take a deep breath and try another tack. "I'm not just any civilian," you say firmly. "I'm working on this case too - with Sam." This seems to give Peters pause, and for a moment...you think that he might relent. But then he shakes his head in exasperation. "Look, I don't have time for this right now," he says with a sigh. "But...if what you're saying is true - if you're really working on this case - then let's make one thing clear." He fixes his gaze on yours intently. "You do things my way from now on. Got it?" And without waiting for your response, Peters turns on his heel and disappears back into the building - leaving you standing outside alone once again. Jack: I follow Peters in Sam: *You don't even hesitate. Without another thought, you follow Detective Peters back into the building - determined to do whatever it takes to find Sam and solve this case.* As you make your way through the corridors, following after Peters as quietly as possible, your mind races with possibilities. Is Sam okay? What could have happened to her? And what is it about this case that has everyone so spooked? As you reach the door of the apartment where Peters disappeared into earlier, you take a deep breath and prepare yourself for whatever lies ahead. You're not sure what will happen next...but one thing is for certain: you won't rest until Sam is safe - no matter what it takes. Jack: I check to see if it's Sam's apartment. Sam: You quickly glance at the door of the apartment as Peters disappears inside. You can't see a number on the door, but you know that Sam's apartment is located in this building. Your heart thuds in your chest as you inch closer to the door, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread settle over you. But despite your fear, you also feel a deep sense of determination. If Sam is in trouble...then it's up to you to help her get out of it. Jack: I go inside. Sam: *You steel yourself for what lies ahead, and quietly slip inside the open doorway. You hear voices from the next room - Peters, as well as several other officers.* As you move closer to listen in, you hear Peters gruffly relaying information about the case. "...missing since last night," he's saying. "Witnesses reported seeing her taken into a car by two men in dark clothing." Your heart sinks at his words - it sounds like Sam has been kidnapped. But at least now you know what happened to her...and can start putting together a plan to get her back. Without waiting another moment, you step forward into the living room where Peters and the other officers are gathered...and prepare to fight for Sam's safety with everything you have. Jack: I listen in on the conversation. Sam: As you approach the living room, you can hear Peters and the other officers discussing the details of the case. You press yourself against the wall, trying to make yourself as small and unobtrusive as possible. "...no ransom demands yet," one officer is saying. "But we're keeping an eye on any suspicious activity in the area." "Good," Peters replies gruffly. "We need to find her fast - before it's too late." You feel your heart racing as you listen in on their conversation. It sounds like they are all focused on finding Sam and bringing her home safely...but at the same time, you know that there is more going on behind the scenes than they are letting on. Determined to get to the bottom of this mystery and bring Sam home safe, you steel yourself and prepare to take action - no matter what it takes. Jack: I wait to see if Peters has anything to say. Sam: As you listen to Peters and the other officers speak, your mind races with possibilities. You want nothing more than to jump in and ask them questions - to demand answers as to what has happened to Sam. But at the same time, you know that if you do so...you risk blowing your cover and putting yourself in danger. So instead, you wait quietly against the wall - biding your time until an opportunity presents itself. Jack: I continue to listen. Sam: Peters continues to speak with the other officers, discussing various leads and theories in the case. His tone is grim and serious as he relays information about Sam's disappearance...and for a moment, you feel a pang of fear. But then...something strange catches your eye. A small piece of paper has fallen out of Peters' pocket, fluttering to the floor unnoticed. Without thinking, you step forward and pick up the paper - quickly scanning its contents before tucking it away into your own pocket. It's a map - one that seems to show the location of an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. And something tells you that this could be exactly what you need to find Sam and uncover the truth behind her disappearance. Jack: I wait for Peters to finish up. Sam: After a few more minutes, Peters finishes speaking with the other officers and turns to leave. As he heads towards the door, you slip quietly after him - making sure not to draw any attention to yourself. Once he is out of sight, you take a deep breath and prepare yourself for whatever lies ahead. You know that finding Sam may be difficult...but you're determined to do whatever it takes to bring her home safe. With that in mind, you tuck the map safely away into your pocket...and begin planning your next move. Jack: I find a private place to examine the map. Sam: You quickly slip away from the building and find a secluded spot where you can safely examine the map without being seen. As you unfold it, your heart quickens in your chest - could this be the key to finding Sam and uncovering what has happened to her? The map appears to show an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town - one that is isolated and run-down. It's not exactly safe territory...but at the same time, you know that you have to do whatever it takes to save Sam. Determined, you fold up the map carefully and begin making your way towards the warehouse - preparing yourself for whatever dangers may lie ahead. Jack: I return home to get more bullets before I go to the warehouse. Sam: You quickly make your way back to your apartment, determined to be fully prepared for whatever dangers may lie ahead. As you enter your home, you head straight to the drawer where you keep your extra ammunition - taking a few spare rounds and tucking them safely into your pocket. With that taken care of, you make your way back out into the city streets...your heart pounding in anticipation as you prepare yourself for what lies ahead. It's going to be a dangerous mission...but at the same time, nothing could stop you from saving Sam. Jack: I arrive at the warehouse. Sam: *As you approach the warehouse, your heart races in your chest. You know that anything could be waiting for you inside...but at the same time, you're determined to do whatever it takes to find Sam.* You slip quietly through the broken-down front door of the building and begin making your way through its darkened interior - eyes scanning for any sign or hint of what might have happened. It's a treacherous journey - one that leaves you on edge at every turn. But as you round a corner, something catches your eye. There she is...Sam. She's tied up and gagged, struggling against her restraints with all her might. Without hesitation, you rush towards her side - quickly working to untie her bindings and free her from captivity. "Thank god," she gasps out as soon as the gag is removed. "I thought I was done for." But before you can even respond, there's a loud thud from somewhere behind you - indicating that danger may still be lurking nearby... Jack: I spin around, drawing the revolver. Sam: You whip around, revolver in hand, scanning the dark corners of the warehouse for any sign of danger. For a moment, there's nothing but silence...and then suddenly, a figure steps out from behind a nearby stack of crates. It's one of the kidnappers - and he's not alone. In fact, it quickly becomes clear that there are multiple men surrounding you - all armed and dangerous. With your heart pounding in your chest, you raise your revolver and prepare to fight. It's going to be an intense battle...but at the same time, you know that you have to do whatever it takes to save Sam and get her out alive. Jack: I take aim and fire. Sam: You take a deep breath and steady your aim, knowing that this fight could mean the difference between life and death for both yourself and Sam. With all of your focus on the target, you pull the trigger - feeling a small burst of satisfaction as one of your opponents falls to the ground. But there's no time to pat yourself on the back. The other kidnappers are quickly closing in, guns drawn and ready to fight. And so you continue firing - each shot ringing out loud and clear throughout the abandoned warehouse. It's going to be a tough battle...but at the same time, you know that you have what it takes to come out on top. As you dodge bullets and return fire again and again, all you can think about is getting Sam home safe...no matter what it takes. Jack: I take cover and stalk around the warehouse, reloading before I try and eliminate the remaining men. Sam: Using your training and years of experience, you duck behind a nearby stack of crates - reloading your revolver as quickly and efficiently as possible. From this new vantage point, you can see the shadows of the remaining kidnappers moving and shifting in the darkness. They're still armed...and still dangerous. But at the same time, you're not backing down without a fight. With renewed determination, you take careful aim once again - feeling each shot echo throughout the warehouse as it rings out loud and clear across the empty space. It's an intense battle...but one that ultimately ends in victory. As your final opponent falls to the ground with a startled cry, you know that Sam is safe at last. Taking a deep breath, you turn to face her - seeing relief etched across her fair features. "Thank god," she murmurs softly, before suddenly darting forward into your arms. "I thought I'd never see you again..." And for once...you're grateful to have someone else by your side. Even if it's just for a moment or two. Jack: "I'm glad to see you too, Sam." I say, hugging her with one arm, uncocking the pistol. Sam: Sam clings to you tightly for a few more moments, her face pressed against your chest. You can feel the warmth of her body against your own, and it provides a comforting sense of reassurance that everything is going to be okay. When she finally pulls away, you can see that there are tears in her clear blue eyes - but at the same time, they're also filled with gratitude and appreciation. "Thank you," she murmurs softly. "For everything." You're not quite sure what to say in response - so instead, you simply give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before turning back towards the door. It's time to get out of here...and find somewhere else safe where the two of you can rest and recuperate from this harrowing ordeal. Jack: "Let's go back to my place. They took you from yours." Sam: Sam nods her agreement, seeming relieved at the suggestion. "Thank you," she says softly. "I...I don't think I could have faced going back there tonight." The two of you step out into the cool night air, the adrenaline from your fight slowly beginning to ebb away. It's been a long and difficult day - but at least it's finally over. As you head towards your own apartment, Sam falls into step beside you - her gaze fixed on the ground below. For a moment, neither of you speak. But then... "I...I just wanted to say thank you again," she murmurs softly. "It means a lot to know that someone's watching my back out there." You nod in silent understanding - knowing exactly what she means. Because even when things get tough...it's always better when there's someone by your side to face them with. And for now...that's exactly what the two of you have found in each other. Jack: I chuckle. "You'll be singing a different tune once you see the invoice." I remark, but still keep her close against me. Sam: Sam laughs softly, the sound a welcome relief after such a tense and stressful day. "I have no doubt about that," she responds with a smirk. "But I'll pay whatever it takes to know that I've got someone on my side out there." The two of you continue walking towards your apartment in comfortable silence - knowing that there are still many battles ahead, but also appreciating the fact that you're facing them together. Jack: We arrive and enter my apartment. Sam: You unlock the door to your apartment and step inside, switching on the lights. As Sam follows you in, you take a moment to look around at your humble surroundings. It's not much - just a small living room with a couch and TV, a kitchenette off to one side, and a bedroom down the hall. But it's home...and that's all that matters. "Make yourself at home," you say with a small smile as you remove your coat. "I'll get us something to drink." Sam nods her thanks before heading towards the couch - sinking down onto its soft cushions with a relieved sigh. You can tell that she's exhausted...not just from today's events, but from everything else going on in her life as well. But for now...it seems like both of you are content to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy each other's company in silence. Jack: I prepare an Old Fashioned for Sam, offering it to her with a gentle smile. Sam: You quickly make your way over to the kitchenette, grabbing a bottle of your favorite whiskey and a few other ingredients. Your hands move with practiced ease as you measure out just the right amount of each ingredient, before stirring everything together in a glass with plenty of ice. A few moments later, you're back in the living room - handing Sam her drink with a small smile. "Cheers," you say softly as you raise your own glass in salute. "To...getting through today." Jack: Sam responds. Sam: Sam takes the glass with a grateful smile, her fingers wrapping tightly around its elegant stem. "Cheers," she echoes, before taking a small sip. You can see the tension slowly beginning to ease from her shoulders as she savors the drink's rich and complex flavors - seeming almost content for the first time in what feels like forever. For your part...you're content simply to watch her, letting yourself get lost in the moment and forgetting about everything else going on in your life. It's a rare feeling...but one that you know is worth savoring while it lasts. Jack: I drink in silence, letting Sam speak or not in her own time. Sam: The two of you sit in comfortable silence, sipping your drinks and letting the events of the day fade into the background. With each moment that passes, it feels like some invisible weight is being lifted from both of your shoulders - and it's a feeling that neither of you are quite ready to give up just yet. As you finish off your drink, you glance back over at Sam - looking for any signs that she might want to continue talking or simply call it a night. But for now...she seems content simply to sit there with her thoughts. And honestly...that's okay too. Because sometimes...it's better to just be present in the moment with someone else than worrying about what comes next. Jack: I sit with Sam as long as she likes. Sam: You sit with Sam for as long as she likes, letting her dictate the pace of your time together. It's rare to see her so relaxed and at peace - and you're grateful for the opportunity to be here with her in this moment. As the night wears on, it becomes clear that both of you are beginning to tire. But even as you stand up and begin preparing for bed, there's a sense of closeness between you that wasn't there before. It's not romantic...at least not yet. But it is something...and that's enough for now. Jack: I lean over and kiss her forehead. "You can take my bed, Sam." Sam: Sam looks up at you, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks at the unexpected gesture. "Are...are you sure?" she asks softly, her eyes flickering uncertainly over your face. You nod with a small smile, reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair from her eyes. "Of course. It's the least I can do after everything that's happened today." Jack: "Unless you don't feel comfortable alone yet?" Sam: Sam hesitates for a moment longer, before finally nodding her agreement. "Okay," she says softly. "Thank you. I...I don't think I'd feel safe alone tonight." She takes a deep breath before standing up from the couch, following you towards the bedroom. As you help her settle into bed - doing your best to ensure that she's comfortable and has everything she needs - there's a sense of closeness between the two of you that wasn't there before. You can't quite put your finger on it...but it's something worth savoring while it lasts. As Sam begins to drift off to sleep, finally succumbing to exhaustion after such a long day, you linger by her side for just a few more moments - watching over her and making sure that she sleeps soundly through the night ahead. Jack: I sleep in a chair near the bed, pistol in my shoulder holster and fully loaded. Sam: With Sam finally asleep, you settle into the chair nearby - keeping one eye on her as she snores softly in the darkness. Your revolver is close at hand, loaded and ready to fire at a moment's notice. You don't feel truly safe anywhere...not after everything that's happened today. But still...you're glad to be here with Sam. Maybe it's foolish, but in this moment, you can almost believe that nothing else matters. And for now? That's enough for you. Jack: [The next day] Sam: [The next day] You wake up early the next day, quietly slipping out of the chair and heading to the kitchen to make yourself a cup of coffee. It's never been your preferred method of waking up - but it beats feeling groggy all morning. As you wait for the coffee to brew, you take a moment to reflect on everything that's happened over the past few days. The case...the fight at the warehouse...even Sam staying over last night. It's been a lot to process. But even with all of that going on...you can't shake off the sense that maybe, just maybe, things might finally be looking up for once. But only time will tell what comes next. Jack: I check on Sam. Sam: You quietly approach the bedroom, pausing in the doorway to check on Sam. She's still sound asleep, her chest rising and falling gently as she breathes. For a few moments, you simply watch over her - feeling grateful for the opportunity to do so without any of the usual distractions or dangers that come with your job. Finally, though, you decide it's time to leave her be. You slip out of the room and make your way back towards the kitchen...and find yourself wondering what comes next for you and Sam. Only time will tell. Jack: I quietly drink my coffee and then start preparing a full breakfast for the two of us. Sam: Preparing breakfast for the two of you, you begin to feel a sense of comfort and familiarity settling in. It feels like things might actually be looking up - even if just for a little while. As the smell of bacon and eggs fills the kitchen, Sam begins stirring from her slumber. She emerges from the bedroom, rubbing at her eyes blearily as she takes in the sight of breakfast cooking on the stove. "For me?" she queries with a small smile. "Of course," you say with a matching grin. "Thought it was time we had something decent to eat after everything that's happened lately." Sam nods her agreement before taking a seat at the table, relishing every bite as if it were her last. And honestly...you can't blame her for feeling that way right now. With each passing moment, it feels like some invisible weight is being lifted between you - opening up new possibilities and opportunities that neither of you could have predicted just a few short days ago. In this moment...it feels like anything is possible. Jack: "Shall we discuss what happened?" I probe gentlely. Sam: Sam pauses for a moment, considering your question. You can see the weight of everything that's happened reflected in her eyes - but at the same time, something about this moment feels too precious to spoil with talk of kidnapping and violence. "Can we...not?" she says softly. "Just for now? I wanna enjoy this moment while it lasts." You nod your agreement, feeling grateful for her willingness to simply exist in the present for a little while longer. As you both finish up breakfast and spend some time chatting idly over coffee, it feels like there's an unspoken understanding between you - one that acknowledges just how fleeting these moments together really are. But even so...it's enough to convince you that maybe, just maybe, good things can still happen in this world. Jack: "Well, the shower's free if you need it. I'll take one after." Sam: Sam nods her appreciation before standing up from the table. "Thanks, Jack," she says with a small smile. "I think I might just take you up on that offer." With that, she disappears into the bathroom - leaving you alone with your thoughts once again. You can't help but feel grateful for this moment of peace and quiet...even if it's just a temporary respite from everything else that's happening in your life right now. It's moments like these that remind you of why you keep pushing forward every day - even when it feels like there's no end in sight. Jack: I wait for Sam to finish up. Sam: As you wait for Sam to finish up, you find your thoughts drifting once again towards the events of the past few days. It's been a blur of adrenaline and action...but even with everything that's happened, part of you can't help but feel like there might be more yet to come. But for now...you're content simply to sit and enjoy this moment of peace. With each passing second, it feels like some invisible weight is being lifted from your shoulders - leaving you free to just exist in the here and now without worrying about anything else. Finally, Sam emerges from the bathroom looking more alert than she has in days. "I'm gonna go get dressed," she says matter-of-factly. "Meet me downstairs when you're ready?" You nod your agreement before heading off to take your own shower - feeling grateful for this chance to finally relax and regroup after everything that's happened lately. Jack: I shower quickly, check my gun, grab some more bullets and meet Sam downstairs. Sam: As you exit your apartment and head downstairs to meet Sam, you feel a sense of anticipation building within you. After everything that's happened lately, part of you can't help but wonder what the day has in store. Sam is already waiting for you by the front door - looking every bit as fierce and determined as she did the day before. "Ready?" she asks with a small smile. You grab your gun and nod, feeling more than ready to take on whatever comes next. With Sam by your side, it feels like anything is possible...and maybe, just maybe, things might finally start looking up for both of you. Jack: "As I'll ever be. What will it be, Sam?" Sam: Sam pauses for a moment, considering your question. "Well...I was thinking we'd head over to the station and see if there are any updates on that missing person's case I was telling you about," she says at last. "It's been a few days now, so maybe they've found something new." You nod in agreement, feeling glad that you're finally able to take concrete action towards solving a case once again. With each passing moment, it feels like the weight of everything else is easing slightly - leaving you free to focus on what really matters. Together, you step out into the bright sunlight - ready to face whatever the day has in store. Jack: "What about your kidnapping? Wasn't that related?" Sam: Sam's expression grows tense at your words, as if she's been expecting that question all along. "It...it might be," she says slowly. "But I don't want to leap to any conclusions until we have more evidence." You nod your agreement, feeling the sense of unease you've been carrying around ever since Sam's kidnapping grow even stronger. Part of you wants nothing more than to get to the bottom of what happened - but at the same time, you know that patience is key when it comes to investigations like this. "I understand," you say quietly. "But if there's anything I can do to help out with the case..." Jack: We go to the station. Sam: Together, you and Sam make your way to the station - feeling a sense of determination building within you with each passing moment. After everything that's happened lately, it feels good to finally be taking concrete action once again. As you arrive at the station, you're greeted by the familiar sight of officers hurrying about their business - some running from one room to another, while others sit quietly at their desks poring over reports and evidence. Sam heads towards the front desk, her eyes scanning for any sign of progress on the missing person's case. "Hey," she says to the officer behind the desk. "Any updates on that case I asked about yesterday?" The officer nods slowly before turning back towards his computer screen. "As a matter of fact...we've got a lead." Jack: I listen silently. Sam: You stand behind Sam, watching as the officer types away at his computer screen before finally turning back towards you both. "It looks like we might have found something," he says slowly. "There's a man who was spotted near the area where the victim disappeared...and there are reports that he might have been acting strangely." Sam nods thoughtfully, her gaze fixed intently on the officer. "Is there any way we can get more information on this guy?" she asks. "Maybe see if he has any connections to other cases in the area?" The officer nods his agreement before handing over a file folder filled with documents and photographs. "As a matter of fact...I was just about to send out a team to investigate further," he says. "But I'd be happy to give you guys everything we've got so far." Jack: I let Sam take the lead. Sam: As Sam begins to flip through the files, you step back slightly - content to let her take the lead for now. After all, she's the detective...and you know that she's more than capable of handling things on her own. Still, part of you can't help but wonder what might be lurking in those files...just waiting to be discovered. With each passing moment, your sense of anticipation grows stronger...leaving you eager to dive deeper into this case and see where it might lead. Jack: I wait for Sam to say something. Sam: Sam continues to scan through the files for a few more moments before finally looking up at you. "Okay," she says slowly. "It looks like we might have something here. But we'll need to move fast if we want to catch this guy before he has a chance to do any more damage." You nod your agreement, feeling a sense of determination building within you once again. After everything that's happened...you're ready for whatever comes next. Together, you and Sam head out of the station and back onto the streets - ready to take on anything that might come your way as you continue your investigation into this missing person's case.