Rating: R/NC-17 for implied sexual situations. Jack/Daniel, Daniel/OMC. AU, drama, angst, romance, first time

Chapter Six: Hedging Bets

Jack O'Neill made his way along the perimeter of the racing paddock. He breathed in the scent of freshly mown grass and the hint of charcoal from the barbeque grills hidden from view. His hands slid into the pockets of his trousers as he affected a sauntering gait, his shoulders hunched forward ever so slightly.

He worked his way through the crowds of men dressed in expensive linen trousers and fine gauge silk polo shirts and women swathed in breezy floral dresses, their faces shaded by the wide brims of pastel colored hats. But behind the darkened lenses of his sunglasses his eyes were in constant motion, as he assessed every detail of the scene around him. He automatically blocked out the insignificant minutiae as he homed in on his primary target.

Snippets of conversation floated past his ears as he moved through the crowd.

"...Trigger Happy will probably be put out to stud at the end of the season. His speed just isn't what it was last year..."

"...their son didn't get into Sidwell Friends. Elizabeth is devastated. She said she can't possibly show her face in public..."

"....can't believe how many corporations have weaseled their way in. It's appalling. Why in daddy's day..."

Focused on the task at hand, he vaguely registered the steady exchange of diatribes and idle gossip that his mind classified as irrelevant. One remark, however, caught his attention and almost caused Jack's step to falter. Almost.

"...isn't he a little young for him? I know everyone is entitled to amuse themselves, but really, you'd think Ari would have outgrown toy-boys by now. At least this one actually seems to have a brain, though I suppose that isn't really the allure, is it?"

Jack continued walking as the sound of tinkling laughter faded behind him. He finally found Daniel leaning on the paddock railing as he watched the horses with rapt attention, a small pair of binoculars dangling forgotten from his right hand. Jack leaned there beside him, careful as the rough texture of wood rubbed against the bare skin of his forearms.

"Nice weather today," he observed.

Daniel glanced his direction before he returned his attention to the parade of the horses moving past. "Yes," he replied. "Perfect for racing."

"I've never been to the Gold Cup before. You?" he asked.

"No," Daniel replied, turning to look directly at Jack. He leaned back on one elbow. "I've never even been to a horse race before." He frowned for a moment, his gaze suddenly distant. "Well, that's not entirely true. My parents took me to see a race in the desert once when we were living in Egypt. But it was nothing like this."

"No," Jack agreed, "I suppose it wouldn't have been."

Jack pulled a racing form out of his pocket. "I can't decide who to bet on. I was thinking Trigger Happy but from what I'm hearing, he's not a good bet."

"No, he's not. The smart money is on Diamondback. He's a three year old out of Shady Grove Farm. His owner, Mark Ellicott, is a friend of Ari's and Ari said he's been holding him back all season waiting for this race."

Jack's eyes narrowed. "Sounds like the good doctor is quite the judge of horse flesh," he responded, his disdain apparent in his voice. "So where is Dr. Stephanopoulus?"

Daniel frowned at him. "He's up in the stands. Ellicott has a box."

"Can he see us from here?"

"I'm not sure. He was busy chatting up the crowd when I left to come down here. That was..." Daniel glanced down at his watch, "...maybe fifteen minutes ago?"

"Then we probably don't have much time." Jack glanced quickly about them, but no one seemed to be in earshot, at least for the moment. "We should get down to business."

Daniel nodded and his hands fidgeted with the binoculars as he moved a little closer to Jack. Together they looked down at the racing form. "You were right about Helen Cartwright. She doesn't seem to know anything about what Ari's up to," Daniel explained, his voice low.

"That's what we thought," Jack agreed. "So who else was there?"

"Pretty much the same crowd. A few new faces. Reginald Hoving..." At Jack's inquiring look, Daniel explained. "He's the director of cultural affairs at the British Embassy."

"Who else?"

"Joseph Faxon. He's a member of the diplomatic corps who had just returned from a stint at the American embassy in Slovenia."

"When did he get back?"

Daniel paused as he scoured his memory for the answer. "Maybe three, four months ago."

"How long was he stationed there?"

"Two years," Daniel replied, remembering that immediately.

Jack shook his head. "No, the timing's all wrong. Anyone else?"

 "Albert Samuels."

"Doesn't ring any bells."

"He didn't stay for dinner. Just popped in for a few minutes and then left. He said something about a late session at the Senate and that he needed to get back."

"Really?" Jack asked, his interest obviously piqued. "Well, I guess I'll need to do a bit of digging on Mr. Samuels."

"There's something else, Jack. Samuels said he had only dropped by to return a book to Ari. But when Hoving's wife came over and asked about the book, Ari became...well, nervous is probably too strong a word, but he seemed less than thrilled by her interest."

"Did you get to see what was in the book?"

"No, sorry. Ari kind of swept it from view and when I tried to go back and have a look it was already gone."

Jack frowned in deep concentration. "This can't be a coincidence, Daniel. I'll see what I can dig up on Samuels. See if you can find that book. Is there anything else?"

Daniel's gaze skittered away and his expression suddenly became shuttered. Alarm bells began to sound at the back of Jack's mind. "Daniel?"

Daniel shot him a fleeting sideways glance before he turned away once more and absently began to turn the binoculars over in his hands.

"Daniel?" Jack asked again, unable to suppress the hint of concern in his voice. Daniel looked at him then, his expression carefully neutral.

"It's nothing, Jack, not really. Just a side note of passing interest. I just thought you'd like to know you can now add Ari Stephanopoulus' name to my list of playmates," Daniel said, his tone dispassionate, his face giving nothing away as his gaze drifted away once more.

Jack felt the blood freeze over in his veins. Daniel and Stephanopoulus had become lovers. This was what they'd expected, what they'd been hoping for from the beginning. This was always the plan, that Daniel should insinuate himself into Stephanopoulus' life by way of his bed. It was the surest way of getting Daniel close to the other man and of keeping him there. Mission accomplished.

Jack's hands clenched, his nails biting deeply into his palms to the point of pain. He jammed them into his pants' pockets and out of sight, hoping Daniel hadn't noticed. For a long moment Jack reveled in the pain, using it as a point of focus, as a way to restore his suddenly ragged control before he consciously willed his hands to relax. Jack breathed deeply once, twice, as his fingers slowly uncurled and his emotions were once again firmly in check.

He didn't have time for this, Jack reminded himself. He knew the mission, as well as Daniel did, and Jack couldn't afford to indulge his emotions like this. He needed to remain in control. He needed to be strong, they both did. It was the only way they'd ever get through this.

Jack looked at Daniel once more and tried to assess the other man's state of mind, but Daniel remained closed off. Head bowed, his features partially obscured by his hair. Daniel's expression remained one of perfect detachment.

Jack wanted to say something, to reach out to Daniel and offer...what? Sympathy? Encouragement? He knew instinctively that neither would be welcomed. Instead he remained silent in the hope that Daniel might reach out to him instead, though he knew that was unlikely. Jack sighed inwardly. Stalemate.
 
Jack caught a flicker of motion beyond Daniel's shoulder. His eyes narrowed behind the darkened lenses as he took in the identity of the figure moving irrevocably towards them.

"Don't look now, but here comes Stephanopoulus," Jack warned, his voice low.

Jack had to hand it to Daniel; the other man really was a consummate actor. One moment Daniel was closed off, coolly self-contained and then he breathed deeply, squared his shoulders and plastered his brightest smile across his face, to transform himself into the very picture of carefree pleasure seeker. It was the same mask Daniel had worn the first time they'd met when Daniel had seemed intent on drowning his sorrows at the bottom of a bottle of tequila. It was, Jack admitted privately, more than a little disconcerting to see it again.

"Daniel!"

"Ari!" Daniel replied in his warmest voice. His gaze lingered on Jack's face a moment longer before he turned to his...lover...to greet him. Jack's hands closed into fists once more. Ari moved to Daniel's side and his hand moved to rest against the small of Daniel's back.

"You have been gone a long time, Daniel. I was beginning to get worried." Stephanopoulus stroked Daniel's forearm with a light touch.

Daniel smiled up at him in response, a sweet, faintly indulgent smile that made Jack's blood boil. "I told you, Ari, I just wanted to get a better look at the horses. I couldn't see anything from the box."

Stephanopoulus turned to Jack. "And who is this?"

"Oh," Daniel replied in a mildly disinterested voice. "This is Jack O'Neill. You remember me telling you about him? The man I met on the plane from LA?"

Jack couldn't help but wince inwardly at Daniel's rather casual dismissal before he reminded himself that that was the cover story they had agreed upon. "Jack," Daniel said as he turned his attention towards him once more, "this is Dr. Ari Stephanopoulus, renowned Egyptologist. He teaches at Georgetown."

Jack smiled and extended his hand towards the older man. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I suppose you're the reason I haven't seen much of Daniel of late?"

Stephanopoulus shook his hand, his grip almost painfully tight. "I like to think so," he replied jovially but there was a faint current of something darker underlying the pleasant words. Jack held the other man's gaze and could see it in his eyes, a hint of warning

"You're a lucky man," Jack observed.

Stephanopoulus released his hand at last. "I like to think so," he acknowledged. He cast a fond glance at Daniel who smiled at him in return. "So, Mr. O'Neill, are you an admirer of horse racing?"

Jack shrugged. "I've always been a fan of sports. The more competitive the better."

"I've always found that it helps to have a prize worth obtaining at the end of the competition."

"Well, I can't argue with that," Jack replied, his eyes automatically shifting to look at Daniel. Daniel's eyes flashed with a glimmer of understanding, or maybe it was simply annoyance at being relegated to the role of prized possession.

There was a sudden cheering from the crowd surrounding them and Jack realized that they'd missed the main event. He glanced up at the electronic scoreboard that displayed the results.

"Well, it looks like you've won this competition," Jack remarked amiably. "It was Diamondback by a length. You certainly know how to pick 'em, Dr. Stephanopoulus."

Daniel's smile faltered a bit, but Stephanopoulus' simply broadened at Jack's apparent concession. "Would you care to join us in our box, Mr. O'Neill?" he asked, gracious and assured in victory.

Jack shook his head. "No, thank you. I should really be going. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon. Dr. Stephanopoulus, Daniel," he said, acknowledging each with a quick nod of his head. Stephanopoulus responded in kind, before he turned and steered Daniel back towards the stands. Stephanopoulus slid his arm around Daniel's waist and pulled the younger man closer in a clearly proprietary gesture.

Jack watched as they walked away. Their conversation floated back to where he stood in spite of the crowds and the growing distance.

"Your friend, Mr. O'Neill, seems quite enamored of you, Daniel."

"Jack?" Daniel replied with a startled laugh that hurt Jack more than he would have imagined. Jack's hands knotted into fists and this time he made no move to hide the gesture. "Don't be ridiculous, Ari. There's nothing between Jack and I. He's a casual acquaintance, nothing more."

Jack continued to watch, his expression schooled to indifference even as his muscles twanged with tension, as the two men were swallowed up by the milling crowd and their conversation faded from earshot. Jack was still watching when Stephanopoulus led Daniel into the shadowed spaces of the stands and out of sight.

* * *

Simmons smiled at Jack; it had been an unpleasant surprise for Jack to find him - once again - in his CO's office. "Colonel O'Neill. So glad you could join us today," he said, drawling out the 'so,' the sound sibilant and faintly menacing.

Jack refused to rise to the bait, instead turning his attention to his CO. "So, General, any progress on the Stephanopoulus case?"

Bauer gave him a thin smile at the query. "Actually, Colonel, it looks like we've finally gotten the break we've been looking for." He gestured at the empty chair in front of his desk. "Have a seat." Jack complied as the other man's gaze shifted over his shoulder. "Colonel Simmons?"

In a mirror of their encounter of a week prior, Simmons dropped a manila folder in his lap. Jack opened the folder. He half expected-and feared-that he would open it to find semi-pornographic photographs of Stephanopoulus and Daniel. It was with a palpable sense of relief that he found nothing but neatly typed documents inside. He scanned the contents, his eyes widening as he read on.

"Samuels works for Kinsey?"

"Yes, Colonel," Simmons confirmed. "Albert Samuels has been working as the personal aide to Senator John Kinsey for the last four years."

Jack continued to skim the folder's contents, nodding to himself. "Makes sense. Kinsey is the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Vice Chair on the Select Committee on Intelligence. He also sits on the Subcommittee on Defense, Subcommittee on International Operations and Terrorism which means he would have had full access to all the requisite Intel regarding operations and personnel." He paused, tapping his fingers on edge of the desk. "It also looks like Daniel may have been right concerning Stephanopoulus' motives. Kinsey is also on the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy, Export and Trade Promotion, which oversees all kinds of legislation regarding maritime activities, including foreign shipping, such as the Stephanopoulus family business. Sonuvabitch," he muttered under his breath.

He looked up at Bauer's thin-lipped expression. "So it's Kinsey, then? He's the traitor?"

"I'm afraid it's not that simple, Colonel," Simmons said. "At present we have nothing that actually connects Kinsey directly to Dr. Stephanopoulus. If we were to move ahead as we stand now, Senator Kinsey would simply deny knowledge of any wrongdoing and place the blame squarely on Mr. Samuels. In fact," Simmons continued, "we have nothing to connect Mr. Samuels to Dr. Stephanopoulus beyond the single encounter that Dr. Jackson claims to have witnessed."

Jack tried not to bristle overtly at Simmons' stress upon the word "claims."

"I'm afraid he's right, Colonel," Bauer said. "Right now, we have no way of knowing for a fact that the senator is actually involved."

Jack frowned. "Aw c'mon, General. You don't really believe for a second that a lap dog like Samuels is really the mastermind behind all of this, do you?"

"It's possible..." Bauer held a hand up to stay Jack's imminent objections. "Possible, but highly unlikely. You're correct, Colonel. Everything about Samuel's profile indicates he's just a messenger boy. He has neither the intelligence nor the ingenuity to execute such a complex plan. I think we can all agree that Kinsey is the most likely candidate to be behind all of this. Samuels is either his lackey or an unsuspecting dupe used to courier information between Kinsey and Stephanopoulus."

"What we need, Colonel," Simmons explained, "is something concrete that links Senator Kinsey to Dr. Stephanopoulus, and to the transfer of Intel to the terrorist cells in Egypt."

Jack nodded. "Samuels and Kinsey have both been put under surveillance?"

"Already done," Bauer said. "It took a Presidential warrant to place the wiretap on the senator's phones at his office as well as his home, but everything is in place."

"Now, if Dr. Jackson would be good enough as to provide us with some nice solid evidence..." Simmons said, his voice trailing off suggestively.

Jack stiffened."Dr Jackson has provided us with our best lead thus far, Colonel."

Simmons' eyes were wide with mock innocence. "Why, Colonel. I never implied that Dr. Jackson has been anything but cooperative. Quite the contrary. He appears to have been most eager to aid our cause."

Jack took a step towards the other man, only to be brought up short by the harsh sound of his CO's voice. "Colonel O'Neill! Colonel Simmons! That will be enough!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Of course, sir."

Both men remained standing, locked in a silent face-off. It was the sound of a rapping at the door that finally broke the tense tableau.

Lieutenant Rawlings, Bauer's assistant, entered the office at the General's prompting. "Sorry to interrupt, sir, but there's a Dr. Jackson here. He's asking to speak either to you or to Colonel O'Neill."

"Well, speak of the devil," Simmons drawled.

"What is he doing here?" Bauer asked. Jack merely shrugged. "He shouldn't be here. It's too dangerous."

"Yes sir, I've explained that to him." Jack assured him.

"General?" the lieutenant asked nervously, his gaze darting back and forth between the superior officers. "Should I bring him here?"

Bauer waved absently at the younger man. "Yes, yes, of course. Show him in, Lieutenant."

"Well, well, well, this should be interesting," Simmons commented blandly, casting his gaze across his neatly manicured fingertips.

Minutes later, Daniel was ushered into the room by the decorous young lieutenant who promptly exited and closed the door behind him.

Bauer rose from behind his desk and extended his hand to Daniel. "Dr. Jackson, I'm General Bauer." Daniel shook the proffered hand. "This," Bauer said, "is Colonel Simmons."

"Dr. Jackson," Simmons acknowledged with a smile, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in the flesh. We've all heard so much about you," he said as he stepped forward to shake Daniel's hand.

Daniel's eyes narrowed. Nevertheless, he shook the proffered hand and nodded his head. "Colonel," he replied in a bland tone.

Simmons' smile broadened. "Colonel O'Neill was just telling us what a wonderful job you've been doing. It sounds like you've got Dr. Stephanopoulus right in the palm of your hand. Congratulations."

Daniel flushed slightly at the other man's lewd inference and his lips thinned in displeasure. "I've done what is necessary to get the job done."

"Oh quite. And we are most appreciative, aren't we, Colonel O'Neill?" Simmons asked, even as he cast a pointed gaze at Jack.

"Gentlemen," Bauer interjected, his tone clearly disapproving. "Dr. Jackson," he said, as he turned his attention back to the younger man who was watching the entire exchange through slitted eyes. "Please, have a seat," he offered with a gesture towards the leather sofa nearby.

"Thank you, sir," Daniel said softly before he seated himself.

Bauer sat down [HLB1]next to him. "It was dangerous for you to come here, Dr. Jackson, you know that," the General chastised, though there was a warmth in his tone took the sting out of the words.

Daniel bowed his head. "Yes, I know, and I'm sorry. I'll try to be more careful in the future. But I had to talk to someone and I wasn't able to reach Jac...Colonel O'Neill and it is a matter of some urgency."

Jack had been watching Daniel ever since he'd entered the office. He noted the obvious air of discomfort and the way Daniel kept folding and unfolding his hands. Jack moved closer, and perched on the edge of Bauer's desk. He couldn't help but think that Daniel looked pale, though perhaps that was a trick of the fluorescent light.

"Dr. Jackson?" Bauer prompted, his voice soft and encouraging.

Daniel drew a deep breath then released it. "Dr. Stephanopoulus has asked me to move in with him," Daniel stated without further preamble.

"Really?" Simmons queried, a look of surprised delight flashing across his features. "Why that's perfect! Dr. Jackson will have complete access to Stephanopoulus' home. It's ideal."
 
"And what did you say?" Jack asked, his tone carefully neutral.

"I haven't said anything yet, but Ari...Dr. Stephanopoulus is, well...he's rather impatient. He insisted that I give him an answer at lunch today."

"Dr. Jackson...Daniel," Bauer began. "Are you willing to take it this far?"

Daniel glanced at the faces surrounding him. He shrugged. "Well, in for a penny, in for a pound, right?" he replied in mock bravado. "Besides," he continued, his voice becoming more somber, "like Colonel Simmons pointed out, this would give me complete access to everything.

"I don't see that I have any choice." He cast his searching gaze once again over the faces of the room's other occupants. "If I don't do this, all of this will have been for nothing, won't it?"

The other men exchanged quick glances "Yes," Bauer confirmed. "Stephanopoulus would almost certainly break off relations with you."

Daniel nodded.

"Colonel O'Neill?" Bauer asked. "What do you think?"

Daniel's head shot up to look at the other man. Although Daniel's expression was resolute, Jack could read the reluctance in his eyes. For a brief moment, Jack wavered. He could put an end to it all right now, spare Daniel any further humiliation. It would just take one word from him and it would be over. Except... they would be right back where they had started, wouldn't they? Nothing had changed. They still had a traitor on the loose. They still had a mission and they still needed Daniel's cooperation to achieve it. Once again, Jack's sense of duty won out over his conscience.

Jack looked at Daniel and hoped the other man could read the regret in his eyes before Jack turned back to Bauer, his face carefully neutral once more. "It's Dr. Jackson's call."

Bauer nodded before turning his attention fully upon Daniel "It could be dangerous, Dr. Jackson. It will be harder for us to provide backup and it means that you and Colonel O'Neill will have to be even more circumspect in your meetings. Dr. Stephanopoulus will no doubt be keeping an eye on you, just as you're keeping an eye on him."

Daniel nodded. "I understand."

"We'll step up surveillance on Stephanopoulus' house to provide you with as much safety as possible."

"Thank you, sir." Daniel drew a deep breath before rising to his feet. "I should really be going. Dr. Stephanopoulus is waiting for his answer."

"I'm sure he'll be most pleased with your decision, Doctor," Simmons observed.

"I'm sure you're right, Colonel," Daniel replied; the faintest chill shivered beneath his response.

Simmons merely smiled.

"Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, Dr. Jackson. Don't ever doubt that for a second," Bauer said

"I won't, General." Though his words were directed to Bauer, Daniel's eyes darted to Jack's face. "Thank you for your time, General, Colonels."

"You're welcome, Doctor."

And with that, Daniel was gone.

The three men remained standing there gazing at the door until Simmons broke the silence at last. "Well, I think that went rather well, don't you?"

"Colonel?" Bauer turned to gaze at Jack. "Are you sure this is a wise course of action?"

Jack shrugged. "I don't think we really have any other choice. Besides, Daniel's a grown man. He can take care of himself."

Jack kept his eyes forward, refusing the impulse to let his gaze stray to the door through which Daniel had just departed. Jack was surprised at how convincing the words sounded to his own ears. He had thought Daniel was the consummate actor, but he had nothing on Jack, not when Jack could tell a lie like that without anyone calling him on it. Jack wondered who he was really trying to fool here-Simmons and Bauer or himself. He could feel two sets of eyes on him, as the other men assessed his reaction, but Jack gave nothing away. He was, after all, a professional soldier first and foremost.

"And for once, I must say I am in complete agreement with Colonel O'Neill," Simmons proclaimed. "Dr. Jackson will get us what we need, of that I have no doubt."

Bauer nodded, somewhat grudgingly. "Well, gentlemen, shall we get back to business?"

Jack returned to his seat. He listened half heartedly as Simmons discussed the current status of surveillance on Kinsey and Samuels. He knew that Daniel was right, that they had no choice but to take this step. But as Simmons droned on, his words buzzing in Jack's ears like angry gnats, Jack couldn't help but think that they had made a terrible, and potentially irreparable, mistake. He couldn't help but think of the cost Daniel would pay. Hands folded rigidly on his lap, Jack's eyes strayed to the door as he reflected on duty and the difficult choices it demanded.

* * *

Daniel entered the restaurant, which was already bustling with the downtown luncheon crowd. He deftly sidestepped to avoid a rushing waiter as he followed the maitre d' to a table near the rear of the restaurant. Ari rose as they approached the table

"You are late," Ari observed, his voice concerned rather than disapproving.

"I'm sorry, Ari," Daniel apologized as he shifted his silverware to the side of his placemat. "I had a few errands to run. I didn't think they would take that long."

Stephanopoulus shook his head. "No, Daniel, it is I who should apologize. You are a grown man, more than capable of looking after yourself and I am just a foolish old man who is afraid that someone will try and steal you away from me."

"Ari," Daniel chided.

Stephanopoulus shook his head once more. "No, it is true. I was being foolish. But you are here now and that is all that matters, yes?"

"Yes," Daniel affirmed.

"So, tell me, Daniel, have you made a decision?" Stephanopoulus asked. He rested his hand lightly upon Daniel's on the table between them.

Daniel looked down at his hand trapped beneath Ari's. He didn't want to go through with this. Things were moving far too fast. Everything had been so clear at the beginning. Although he had been appalled at what Jack had been proposing, Daniel had at least understood the reasons for it, had understood his own role in the mission. Now things were...complicated. His own emotions had become so tangled up and confused he wasn't sure what he was feeling anymore. While he'd always known that Ari was charming, Daniel hadn't banked on how persuasive he could be. Ari seemed to know instinctively exactly what Daniel needed, perhaps even more than Daniel did himself. He even wondered at times if Ari was just manipulating him, playing on his insecurities to lure him into Ari's bed. Daniel wasn't sure he liked what that said about him; it made Daniel seem even more desperate and pathetic than he already felt. Still, Ari seemed so sincere and so generous that it was terribly hard to say no to him, even without factoring in Ari's not inconsiderable skills as a lover.

Daniel knew he was in too deep. He wasn't even sure he could trust his own judgment when it came to Ari, so he'd turned to Jack, in the hope that he would provide Daniel with an out. Foolishness. Jack was right; he was a grown man, perfectly capable of making his own decisions. Nothing had changed. The mission objective was still the same and Daniel would see it through to the bitter end.

"Daniel?"

Daniel looked up at Ari. "Yes, I have," Daniel replied softly[HLB2]. "I'll move in with you."

Ari beamed at him and gave his hand a quick squeeze. "Oh, I am so pleased, Daniel. This will be wonderful, you will see. I must arrange to have your belongings moved to my house as soon as possible. Yes, as soon as possible," he repeated with a nod of his head.

"I was thinking, Daniel, that we should go to New York for the weekend to celebrate. There is an exhibition on art of the Neo-Assyrian period at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that I have been told is most interesting and another on Persian miniatures at the Pierpont-Morgan Library And the Metropolitan Opera is staging a performance of Gounod's 'Faust'. I am very good friends with the artistic director at the Kennedy Center-I must introduce you to her, by the way-and she can always arrange for me to get tickets whenever the Metropolitan Opera is performing at Lincoln Center. Yes, that is what we shall do."

Ari prattled on enthusiastically, unaware that Daniel had ceased to pay attention. Daniel nodded his head at all the right places. He absently trailed his fingertip along the edge of his water glass, around and around and around like a rat on a wheel as he contemplated Faustian bargains and the price that inevitably waited at the end of the deal.

* * *

Jack moved along the cycling path wending along the Potomac. It was late morning midweek, so it was relatively deserted, though Jack did need to make way for the occasional cyclist or jogger.

It had been nearly a week since Daniel had dropped the bombshell in Bauer's office about Stephanopoulus' invitation to shack up together. More than once, Jack had wondered if Daniel would have gone through with this mad plan if he had intervened. He liked to think not, but then, it didn't really matter anymore. They were committed to this course of action and there was no turning back. Daniel understood that as well as he did.

Daniel was seated on a stone bench off the path. He gazed out at the water, a book abandoned at his side. Jack walked over and plopped down next to him, close, but not too close, with Daniel's book resting between them like a chaperone.

"Hey," Jack said awkwardly.

Daniel didn't bother to look at him. "Hey."

"How ya doin'?" Jack winced at the ridiculous words coming out of his mouth. The trite, meaningless phrase curdled on his lips. He felt awkward, like a boy on his first date. He wanted to find the right words, but they skittered away from his grasp and left him floundering.

"Daniel..." he began once more but Daniel cut him off.

"Jack."

Daniel spoke only the one syllable, both acknowledgement and absolution and Jack couldn't decide whether to be resentful or grateful.

Jack leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees in an echo of the other man's posture as he watched a sailboat drift lazily past. He remained still; the breeze ruffled his hair softly, and the warmth of the sun was on his face as a wispy cloud floated overhead. Daniel turned his gaze upon Jack and studied him.

"Are you okay, Daniel?"

Daniel only nodded.

"You're...settled in at Stephanopoulus' place?"

"Yes."

Jack drew a deep breath. Before he could frame another question, Daniel took control of the conversation. "So, is it Samuels? Is he the one behind this?"

"We're pretty sure he's involved, but we don't know how deep, at least not yet."

"Who is he?"

Jack hesitated, uncertain how much information to share, but the more information Daniel had at his disposal, the better equipped he would be to help them. Simmons would no doubt disapprove; he seemed to get off on withholding information and keeping secrets, but Jack had always preferred to know what he was getting into and he figured Daniel deserved the same courtesy, even if it was coming rather late in the game.

"Albert Samuels is an aide to Senator John Kinsey," he explained.

Daniel frowned. "Kinsey...isn't he the one who was spearheading that whole prayer in school campaign recently? And pushing for further cut backs in Medicare and welfare?"

"Yep, that's our man. The ultra-conservative Republican senator from Colorado. Holier than thou and pretty damned powerful to boot. A dangerous combination. He's the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which gives him a hell of a lot of clout. He's also seated on a number of other committees that would have given him access to precisely the kind of information that's been leaked."

Jack looked directly at Daniel then. "We believe he's involved in all of this, but so far, we haven't found anything to link him directly to Stephanopoulus."

Daniel shook his head. "I wouldn't have expected Ari to be chummy with a conservative right wing politician, given his...well..." Daniel paused, then said, "...proclivities. Politicians who go around spouting biblical verse have never been known for being liberal minded when it comes to alternative lifestyles."

"Well, you know what they say about politics making strange bedfellows," Jack observed. He shot Daniel an apologetic look.

"Yes, Jack. I'm well aware of the concept," Daniel replied coolly.

Jack ran his hands across his face. "Look, we need to find some hard evidence linking the two of them, preferably something that indicates how the Intel is being passed along. Have you had a chance to look around Stephanopoulus' house yet?"

"Yes."

"I take it you haven't had any luck finding that book?"

Daniel shook his head. "Not so far. I've looked everywhere for it. I've checked every book in his library and I've pretty much scoured the rest of the house. No sign of it so far."

"Let's assume Stephanopoulus is hiding it, then. Where would he keep it?"

Daniel frowned in concentration. "Ari has a wall safe in the bedroom. It's hidden behind a painting, believe it or not."

"Do you know the combination?"

"No," Daniel replied. "I've only seen him open it once, but I was too far away to see the combination or what was inside."

Jack nodded. "Okay, let's keep that as potential hiding place number one. Anywhere else?"

"He has a safe deposit box at First Union Bank..." Daniel began.

"No," Jack said. "Not a safe deposit box. Too much risk involved and the Intel is far too valuable. He'd want it someplace nearby, within immediate reach so it's available to be handed off, or, if it all goes to hell, where the evidence can be easily destroyed."

Daniel leaned forward and rested his face on his clasped hands. Jack watched him, saw the frown lines that creased his brow as his gaze grew distant. "Daniel? Whaddya got?"

Daniel blew out a breath before looking at him. "I don't know. It might be nothing."

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that?"

"The first time Ari invited me to his house, he showed me his study. It was...is...incredible. Floor to ceiling bookshelves, huge oak worktable, artifacts everywhere..."

"Daniel..." Jack said, a hint of impatience in his voice. Daniel held up a finger in a now familiar gesture that demanded forbearance. Jack sighed and let him continue.

"There was this beautiful antique desk up against one wall. Chippendale. Absolutely gorgeous and in pristine condition. I asked Ari if I could have a look inside, to see what kind of inset compartments it had, but before I could try to open it, he told me that the lock was broken."

"Broken?"

"Yes, he said it was like that when he purchased it."

"And you don't believe him?"

"I don't know," Daniel said. "I didn't think much about it at first, but it started to nag at me. I mean he's had the desk for seven, eight years, so why hasn't he had it repaired? A desk like that, an authentic Chippendale piece in perfect condition is worth a hell of a lot of money."

Jack frowned. "Just how much money we talking about here, Daniel?"

"At auction? Ten, fifteen thousand dollars, easy."

Jack blinked in surprise. "Whoa!"

"Exactly. Now let me ask you, Jack. If you had a desk worth ten thousand dollars, wouldn't it be well worth your while to pay a hundred dollars to get a locksmith to come out to your house and repair a broken lock?"

 "Yes, yes it would." Jack nodded and rubbed his hands absently along his thighs. "The desk is now potential hiding place number two. You need to try and get inside that desk, Daniel."

"How?" Daniel asked. "I've never seen any kind of key for it. Ari probably has it hidden away somewhere."

Jack's mind was racing as he examined, then abandoned possible solutions, until only one remained. "I need a way into that house," he said, more to himself than to Daniel. He began to tap his fingers against his chin in thought before he turned to look directly at Daniel. "When is Stephanopoulus planning on hosting another shindig?"

"Um...a week from Friday. He's throwing a party to celebrate the Hovings' twenty-fifth wedding anniversary."

"Perfect," Jack said. "You need to wrangle me an invite."

"What?"

"Get Stephanopoulus to invite me to his little get together. While he's busy schmoozing the guests, I'll slip upstairs and check out the safe and the desk."

"How do you plan on doing that, Jack?" Daniel asked, genuinely curious.

"Man of many talents," Jack replied cryptically.

"It's not gonna be that easy, Jack," Daniel said with a shake of his head.

"Sure it is," Jack assured Daniel. "Just tell him you want to invite your new friend Jack to the party, kind of as a thank you for taking such good care of you when you first arrived. How could he refuse?"

Daniel shook his head. "He can and he will."

"Why?"

Daniel sighed. "Ari...well, he doesn't...well, not to put to fine a point on it, but Ari thinks you're attracted to me. He was incredibly jealous when he saw us together at the Gold Cup. I don't think he'll want you anywhere within a ten mile radius of me."

Jack's expression turned thoughtful, lines of concentration furrowing his brow. Daniel watched him silently.

"Alright," Jack said, his voice clipped and decisive. "We'll take advantage of that. Tell Stephanopoulus that he's absolutely right. That I do have a thing for you and that you've been turning me down cold."

"What?" Daniel asked, clearly surprised. Daniel's hands shifted nervously on his lap before he reached over and retrieved the book from the bench beside him. He held it carefully in both hands, effectively stilling them.

"Hear me out, Daniel," Jack asked. "After revealing my 'crush' to Stephanopoulus, you then explain that you think that the best way to deal with this is to force me to see how happy you already are with him. Invite me to the party, let me see the two of you together and once I see how content you are, I'll just go and crawl away and hide under some bush to lick my wounds and try to mend my broken heart, and leave the field of play wide open."

Jack kept his voice even while he explained his plan. Jack had never been a big fan of irony and this was yet one more reminder of why. The scenario he had described cut a little too close to the truth for Jack's liking. Stephanopoulus was no dummy; he'd picked up on the undercurrents between Jack and Daniel from the get go. Maybe Stephanopoulus was insanely jealous of all his lovers; maybe he was particularly astute and had recognized a truth that neither he nor Daniel had openly acknowledged. In the end it hardly mattered. The only way in that Jack could see was to play right into Stephanopoulus' suspicions. Hiding in plain sight. He hated the very prospect but, he had to concede, it was far less onerous than what they had asked Daniel to do. Comparatively speaking, Jack had it easy. At least he wouldn't have to feign an attraction to Daniel.

Jack watched Daniel carefully to assess his response. Daniel was looking intently at Jack, a deep frown creasing his brow.

"Well?" Jack asked after a protracted silence.

"That almost sounds plausible."

"Don't sound so surprised."

Daniel reached across the bench and rested his hand briefly on Jack's forearm. It was the first time they had shared any kind of touch in many days and Jack's skin fairly sizzled at the unexpected contact. He looked at Daniel intently and Daniel returned his gaze for one heady moment before he looked away.

"Sorry," Daniel murmured contritely. "I didn't mean to sound condescending. It's just that Ari's no fool and he really was suspicious of you."

"Can you really blame him? He thinks I'm the competition. Actually, this can work to our advantage. If he's preoccupied thinking that I'm trying to get into your pants, he won't be contemplating other scenarios, like counter-espionage."

"I guess."

Jack reached out hesitantly, then settled his hand on Daniel's shoulder. He squeezed there, trying to reassure Daniel, whose body was tense beneath his fingers. "This will work, Daniel, trust me. Just go back and work your charm on Stephanopoulus and get him to invite me to the party. I'll take care of the rest, all right?"

Daniel nodded.

"I should go," Jack said slowly. "We're upping the surveillance on Kinsey and Samuels. We can't take any chances." Jack stood and gazed down at Daniel, whose features were half shaded. "Let me know as soon as you've arranged things, alright? And if you manage to find anything else or hear something in the meantime, let me know, okay?"

"I will," Daniel promised.

Jack reached down and gave Daniel's shoulder one, final squeeze before leaving Daniel on the sunlit bench.