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

Chapter Nine: Checkmate

It was with a keen feeling of déjà-vu that Jack found himself standing before the massive oak door of Ari Stephanopoulus' sumptuous house. He cast a quick glance at Anna who stood beside him. She flashed him a brief smile that he returned in kind before he rang the doorbell. They stood there for a long moment, then the door was opened by the ever-efficient Joseph whose thin-lipped expression dropped into a genuine frown as soon as he saw Jack.

"How ya doin'?" Jack drawled, his jauntiest smile firmly in place.

"Good evening, Joseph," Anna greeted. "I'm sorry we've arrived to the party so late, but I couldn't decide what to wear. Terribly bad manners," she said with a hint of embarrassment.

Joseph's frosty manner melted in the warmth of Anna's presence. "Not at all, Mrs. Hoving," he replied. His frown appeared once more when he glanced back at Jack. He stepped aside and granted the pair entrance.

Anna gave Joseph a dazzling smile as she slipped her arm neatly through Jack's. At Jack's nod, she allowed him to lead her inside. "So, what's the purpose of tonight's little shindig?" Jack asked in a low voice as they maneuvered deeper into the house.

"It's Lionel's birthday," she replied, then clarified. "The Swiss cultural attaché. He and Ari are old friends."

"Ah." Jack studied the crowd and tried to ascertain how many bodyguards and other security personnel were present. Given the number of high profile figures in attendance, he had no doubt that there would be quite a few. For a man of Jack's experience it was a simple matter to identify them. There was always the faintest hint of unease about them; their posture tended to be just a hair too stiff, their speech faintly clipped, their gaze too intense. Jack scanned the room, his manner casual, and he could sense several pairs of eyes shift in his direction, sizing him up in return. It was no less than he expected and he identified a half dozen bodyguards on this first pass alone, though he knew that there would be others as well hovering at the fringes, watching. Jack, however, gave nothing away. Long years of practice at blending in in any and all situations gave him an edge, but he knew he had to be careful. It would only take a single misstep to expose him.

Stephanopoulus wasn't among his guests. There was no doubt in Jack's mind that he would be decidedly less than delighted to see Jack given that scene with Daniel the last time they met. The moment Jack thought of Daniel, his worry spiked, but he pushed it away sharply. He needed to focus. Besides, there was no point borrowing trouble, not when he already had a plate full of it. The first order of business was to find Daniel. As for the rest, well, he'd just have to play it by ear.
He snatched a pair of champagne flutes from a passing tray and handed one to Anna. Jack took a small sip and scanned the room once more over the rim of his glass. Finally, he caught sight of Stephanopoulus across the room. Jack leaned over and whispered in Anna's ear.

"Ready?"

Anna nodded.

Jack knew that everything depended on the next few minutes and as much as he hated to relinquish control of any situation, the ball really was in Anna's court. He willed himself to relax.

Stephanopoulus finally caught sight of Anna and moved towards them with a broad smile spread across his face. The smile faltered, however, the instant he noticed Jack Stephanopoulus paused for a moment, obviously taken aback, before regaining control once more. "Anna," Stephanopoulus said. She took his hands in hers and accepted a kiss on the cheek. "You are late."

"I am so sorry, Ari, really." she replied mournfully. "Reginald couldn't come. Something to do with work. You know how I loathe coming to parties all alone and it was terribly last minute, and then I remembered charming Jack and I thought, well, since I met him here, then of course he must be a friend of yours, and I thought surely you wouldn't mind if I invited him along. You don't mind, do you, Ari?"

Jack had to admit he was impressed as he watched Anna's masterful performance. She was babbling up a storm as she recounted her tale of woe. Her eyes glittered and her face was slightly flushed and there was just a hint of a slur to her words. She was a consummate actress; Jack wondered if perhaps that wasn't one of the things that drew Anna to Daniel, this recognition of a skill they both shared, this ability to create and maintain a perfect public façade.

And clearly Jack wasn't the only one to be dazzled. Stephanopoulus' expression softened and became indulgent as Anna gaily prattled on. Of course, that tolerance didn't spill over to Jack. Stephanopoulus' manner turned aloof once more as he turned his gaze in Jack's direction. Par for the course.

"Mr. O'Neill," he acknowledged coolly.

"Dr. Stephanopoulus," he replied in turn. Jack was careful to keep his voice and expression bland. As much as he wanted to kick the living shit out of Stephanopoulus, Jack knew he couldn't give in to the impulse. Not while Daniel was MIA and this godforsaken mission was still underway. But once it was all over, Jack promised himself he would take great pleasure in taking down the rat bastard. Hard.

The two men stared at one another until Anna intervened and subtly interposed her body between them like a buffer. "Ari? Have you seen Lionel about? I wanted to wish him a happy birthday."

"Yes, of course. I believe he is in the sitting room talking with Richard and Eleanora."

"Wonderful," she replied with a sunny smile. She tuggrd gently at Jack's arm. "Come along, Jack. I want you to meet Lionel and the others."

Jack turned with her to go when they were interrupted by Stephanopoulus.

"Mr. O'Neill."

"Yes?"

Stephanopoulus looked at him, his gaze intent. "I am sure I don't need to remind you that you are a guest under my roof. I would hate to be forced to remove you from the premises."

Jack returned his gaze and cocked an eyebrow at the thinly veiled threat. He let the moment stretch between them. Jack schooled his features to a mask of bland indifference, letting the other man read how thoroughly unfazed Jack was by his bullying tactics. Stephanopoulus flushed faintly and his eyes narrowed in obvious annoyance. Jack smiled and nodded his head, but the gesture was anything but conciliatory.

"Understood," Jack said coolly as he turned to accompany Anna into the other room.

"Well, I think that went rather well, don't you?" Anna whispered as soon as they were out of earshot.

"All things considered, it went about as well as could be expected. At least he didn't toss me out on my ass."

"Yet," Anna observed with a flicker of a smile.

Jack snorted. "Right. So let's keep it that way. At least until we get Daniel out of here."

"Of course."

They continued walking through the crowd of people. Anna hung on his arm, laughing brightly and waving to friends while she and Jack plotted.

"First things first," Jack said. "We need to get Joseph on board. Suggestions?"

Anna nodded. "Yes. Follow me."

They continued their ambling path until they reached the kitchen. Jack hovered near the threshold while Anna entered the kitchen, bold as brass, and spoke briefly to an older woman who seemed to be directing the organized chaos. He stepped aside to allow a waiter to pass, then returned to his post just in time to see Anna nod to the woman and then weave her way back to Jack's side.

"Joseph is in the wine cellar getting more champagne."

"Perfect. Do you know where it is?"

"Yes," she confirmed, with a quick bob of her head.

"Well, let's go."

Jack led the way down to the cellar with Anna trailing doggedly behind him. There were no guests in this part of the house, just a few members of the wait staff, which was just fine with Jack. Anna moved forward until she was even with Jack.

"Joseph?" she called softly.

Joseph gave a startled gasp and turned so quickly he almost lost his balance. He swallowed convulsively. "Mrs. Hoving? What are you doing here?"

"We need to speak with you," she explained. Joseph stiffened and his eyes darted to Jack before they returned to Anna..

"What can I do for you, ma'am?"

"How is Daniel?"

Joseph's wariness dropped away, replaced by a sympathetic look. He shook his head. "He didn't look well the last time I saw him."

"When was that?" Jack asked.

"Two days ago."

"Why haven't you seen him, Joseph?" Anna asked, her voice gentle.

He paused for a moment. "Dr. Stephanopoulus said that he must not be disturbed by anyone," he explained in a tone that made it clear he had his own suspicions on that account.

"Has a doctor been to see him yet?"

Another pause, accompanied by a brief shake of the head. "Not to my knowledge."

"We've come to get him out of here." Jack said urgently.

"Dr. Stephanopoulus won't like that," Joseph observed.

"I don't give a..." Jack took a breath, then began once more. "Look, we have to get Daniel out of here. He keeps getting sicker by the day and Stephanopoulus has done nothing to help him. Daniel's not safe here."

"We need your help, Joseph," Anna added.

Jack studied the other man. Joseph remained silent, his expression wary. Perhaps it was time to play hardball. "Look, I think you know what's going down here, Joseph. So unless you want to be an accomplice to murder...."

"Murder?" Joseph bleated, his face suddenly ashen. "Accomplice?" His gaze darted back and forth between Jack and Anna, his earlier veneer of control gone. Anna shot Jack a hard look that he accepted with an unapologetic shrug.

"Joseph," she began as she moved closer to place a gentle hand on his arm. "Jack is right. You do know that something terribly wrong is happening here and that Ari is behind it. And it didn't start with Daniel getting sick, did it?"

He looked around them furtively before he replied in a lowered voice. "No, it didn't," the other man finally admitted. "There is something going on here, though I don't know what precisely. I've always made a point of doing my job and not meddling in my employer's affairs. It's not my place get involved in such things." Joseph paused, then swallowed before he continued. "But now Dr. Jackson is so ill and Dr. Stephanopoulus won't call for a doctor. He won't even allow any of the staff into the room unless he is also present. Dr. Stephanopoulus says it is so Daniel can rest and get better, but he is only getting worse." Joseph shook his head.

"Will you help us, Joseph? For Daniel's sake?" Anna asked.

Joseph stiffened and looked again at both Anna and Jack. Joseph gave a short nod. "What do you need for me to do?"

Jack answered, "I need for you to get a couple things that are stashed in Stephanopoulus' desk, the one in his study. You know the one?"

"The Chippendale?"

Jack nodded. "Yes."

"But the lock is broken," Joseph replied with a frown.

"No, it's not. But Stephanopoulus wants people to think that. Inside the desk there is a book with a dark blue leather cover, written in German. There's also a ledger of some kind. Handwritten, with hieroglyphics. I need for you to get those and smuggle them out."

"But if the desk is locked..." Joseph began, his voice trailing off.

"There has to be a key somewhere. And if not, well, there's always the more direct approach."

Joseph looked thoroughly scandalized at what Jack was proposing. "You want me to break into my employer's desk by force?" he asked, aghast.

"I'm asking you to do the right thing and help us," Jack countered.

"Please, Joseph," Anna implored, her voice soft and persuasive as she reached out and briefly placed a delicate hand on Joseph's forearm. "Jack wouldn't ask if this weren't necessary. Nor would I."

"I'll lose my position for sure," Joseph said, his sympathetic gaze at odds with the perfunctory declaration. Jack thought Joseph wasn't quite as broken up by the prospect as he might have expected.

"Actually," Anna said, "Reginald and I have an opening in our staff. I think you would be quite well suited to the position, Joseph. That is, if you were interested."

Joseph gave her a grateful smile. "What do you need me to do?"

Jack nodded at the other man. "I'll take care of getting Daniel out of here. You get the book and the ledger and bring them to Anna's house tomorrow. Can you do that?"

"Yes."

"Good." Jack answered. He turned his attention back to Anna. "We've all been gone long enough. Time to make an appearance upstairs before Stephanopoulus gets suspicious."

"Of course." Anna reached out and lightly rested her hand on Joseph's arm once again. "Thank you," she said.

Joseph smiled in reply before he returned to his earlier task of collecting more champagne as Jack led Anna up the stairs towards the kitchen and to the party still in full swing beyond.

The foyer was even more crowded than before they made their little excursion to the wine cellar, the space filled with bodies and noise. Anna was once again doing her "tipsy matron," turn, clinging to Jack like a limpet as he steered them both through the animated obstacle course.

"Jack," Anna said, her voice low and her breath warm against his ear. "Isn't that Senator Kinsey over there?"

Jack wasn't sure which startled him more; the utterance of the now familiar name at a time and place where he hadn't been expecting it, or Anna's own unforeseen interest in Jack's elusive quarry. He glanced over in the direction Anna indicated with a casual wave of her hand. Sure enough, the man she'd identified was none other than the Republican senator from Colorado himself. Kinsey was currently engaged in serious conversation with a number of other guests, while an attractive middle-aged woman with neatly coiffed hair and sensible pumps--presumably the good senator's wife--stood at his side. Jack hoped his colleagues were maintaining their typically stringent surveillance protocols. Although Kinsey's presence in Stephanopoulus home in and of itself hardly constituted culpability of any kind, it certainly made it that much harder to deny familiarity when they finally did snare the bastard.

Jack turned his attention back to the mission. "Anna, I'm going to find Daniel now. I have a pretty good idea where he is, but I have no idea what condition he might be in. I need for you to play lookout. Remain as unobtrusive as possible and keep an eye out for Stephanopoulus. If he makes a move towards the stairs, you need to distract him. Can you do that?"

"Of course, Jack," Anna replied with a flickering smile. "Be careful."

It was Jack's turn to smile. "You do the same," he cautioned. "I mean it, Anna. Don't take any risks."

Jack cast a quick glance about the room to check Stephanopoulus' whereabouts. Reassured that he wasn't nearby, Jack made his way upstairs, walking as quickly as caution would allow. He moved stealthily along the dimly lit hallway towards the door that he knew led to Stephanopoulus' and Daniel's bedroom. Taking a deep breath and offering a quick prayer to whatever God watched over willful archeologists and USAF colonels, he twisted the doorknob and entered the room, closing the door softly behind him

The interior was cool and dark, with a pervasive stillness. As Jack neared the bed, he could just make out a form, dark and shapeless, nestled within. His steps quickened.

"Daniel," he called softly as he turned on the bedside lamp, casting the area in a pool of warm light. Jack hovered there and took in the gaunt features and the pallor of the figure laid out on the bed, the twisted bedclothes swaddled about his body like a funerary shroud. Jack rested shaky fingers against the exposed neck. He breathed a sigh of relief when he found a pulse, thready, but regular nonetheless.

"Daniel," he called out again, but still received no response. Jack's eyes drifted to the nightstand, relatively bare except for an empty glass and a spoon resting on a dish next to the squat bed side lamp. Jack peered closer at the glass, frowning slightly. Even in the dim light, he could see a faint residue clinging to the bottom of the glass' interior that confirmed his worst suspicions. Jack pulled the handkerchief from his shirt pocket and wrapped it carefully around the spoon before he slipped it in his own pocket once again. If he were correct, the residue on the spoon would help with the toxicology report.

He returned his full attention to the unconscious man once more. He slapped Daniel's cheek lightly, then harder when he received no response. This time the blow had the desired effect. Daniel began to stir. He mumbled incoherently under his breath, his nose and brow wrinkling. Jack called Daniel's name again, his voice urgent now.

"Daniel! I need you to wake up."

Daniel's eyelids flickered and his lashes fluttered wildly before he opened his eyes to squint at the man hovering over him.

"Jack?"

Jack felt relief rush through him at the sound, low and broken though it was.

"Yeah, it's me," Jack assured. He offered a brief smile as he laid a hand along Daniel's cheek. The skin was clammy to the touch and now that his eyes were acclimated to the darkness of the room, Jack could see the flush on Daniel's cheeks, forming two spots of color in his otherwise pallid complexion.

"You came," Daniel slurred, a hint of surprise in his voice, his eyes bare slits.

"Of course I did," Jack replied. "I don't leave my people behind."

"Ari," Daniel said through cracked lips. "He...knows. Ari...knows."

 "I figured as much."

"Poison...he...poisoning me. Try...tried to warn you. No chance."

Jack reached down again to cup Daniel's cheek in his hand. The contact seared the sensitive skin of his palm, as Daniel rubbed his cheek lightly into the comforting touch. Jack could almost believe that it was the fever superheating Daniel's system that made his own skin burn.

Almost.

"I know, Daniel. But you're OK now. You're going to be OK," he amended, as his thumb stroked lightly across Daniel's cheekbone in what he hoped was a soothing gesture. "I'm going to get you out of here. Can you walk?"

Daniel frowned. Jack was pleased to see he was looking more alert than he had when Jack had first roused him, but he still looked pretty zoned.

"I...I think so," Daniel replied before he steeled himself and raised his torso from the bed and braced himself with his forearms.

Jack smiled at the other man's tenacity, though in truth there wasn't any other choice. They were getting out of here, even if Jack had to carry the other man out draped across his shoulders.

"OK," Jack muttered. His gaze flicked around the room. "Stephanopoulus is holding a little shindig downstairs. I need to make you presentable."

"What?"

"Clothing, Daniel."

"Oh." Daniel nodded in the general direction of the closet. "In there."

In four strides, Jack was standing at the closet pulling the door open. He grabbed clothing more or less at random; a pair of trousers, a sweater. He bent down and grabbed the first pair of shoes he found.

Jack maneuvered Daniel into a sitting position and carefully peeled off his damp tee shirt and a pair of cotton pajama bottoms.

"They said...you transferred." Daniel said softly without preamble.

Jack looked up at Daniel, unable to hide his shock. "Transferred? Who told you that?"

"Bauer."

Jack's eyes narrowed, as surprise gave way to suspicion and then anger. He had an idea what Bauer was up to and he wouldn't be surprised in the least if that sleazebag Simmons wasn't behind it.

"Jack?"

"I didn't transfer, Daniel. I wouldn't just walk away and leave you here. I thought you knew that."

Daniel frowned. "I thought I did. But then Bauer...he said you were..." Daniel shook his head. "Sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Daniel," Jack assured as he raised Daniel's arms to slide the sweater over his head. "Bauer and Simmons, they've been playing some kind of game from the beginning, with both of us. I didn't know what they'd planned for you when I recruited you, I swear. I didn't know. And once I did...I should never have agreed to go along. I should have put a stop to it then and there."

"S'alright, Jack," Daniel said, his voice soft and still faintly slurred. "I didn't have to agree to it."

Jack nodded, though Daniel's absolution did little to relieve his own sense of guilt. "We'll talk about all of this later, Daniel. I promise. But first, we need to get you out of here." Jack grabbed the trousers from the bed and maneuvered Daniel's legs inside.

"I hope you don't mind going commando," he teased, trying to redirect the conversation as he pulled the trousers upwards. He helped Daniel to stand then pulled the fabric up over the other man's hips and ass. He fastened them with one hand, while the other held the swaying man upright.

"All done," Jack pronounced before he straightened up. He gave Daniel a reassuring smile, but before he could say another word, Daniel leaned across, bridging the scant inches that stood between them and kissed him.

The kiss was clumsy, as their teeth clashed and their lips aligned awkwardly, but there was an intensity there, a fervor that was as irresistible as it was unexpected and Jack found himself responding instinctively. He braced Daniel and pulled him closer. Jack could feel the bristles along Daniel's cheek and jaw rasping against his own clean-shaven face, could feel the faint burn that prickled along his skin as Daniel's arms snaked around his own waist.

They parted, and Jack asked softly, "What was that for?"

Daniel shrugged. "T' say thanks? Or 'cos I might not get a chance to later."

 "Daniel..." he began, but the other man cut him off with a shake of his head.

"Later," Daniel replied before he took a lurching step towards the door.

"Daniel?"

"Huh?"

"Shoes," Jack explained as he gestured towards the footwear still resting on the bed.

"Oh," Daniel replied sheepishly, squinting down at his bare feet.

Jack walked him backwards and leaned him against the heavy mahogany post at the edge of the bed for support as Daniel slid his bare feet into the pair of suede loafers.

"Ready?" he asked. Daniel nodded.

They shuffled towards the door. Jack opened it a crack to assure that the coast was still clear. Their luck was holding, at least for now. They walked as quickly as possible with Daniel leaning heavily against him, practically deadweight in his arms. Jack could feel the heat rising from Daniel's body where it made contact with his own and he knew they didn't have long. Daniel was upright and coherent for the moment, but already his strength was beginning to wane.

From their perch at the top of the staircase they could hear riotous hum of conversation below. Not far now, Jack reflected. Down the stairs, then across the foyer and out the door. Forty, maybe fifty yards. Piece of cake he told himself, knowing it for the lie it was. They were running a gauntlet here and time most assuredly was not on their side. Jack looked at Daniel once more to assess his condition "Ready?"

"'Ready."

And with that they began to descend the stairs into the tumult below. Miraculously, they made their way down the stairs without attracting attention, slipping below the radar of the partygoers more intent on pleasure and their own conversations than anything happening outside their little bubbles. Jack had never been so grateful for vacuous self-absorption in his entire life.

Just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, however, their good fortune vanished in spectacular fashion. There, standing not four feet away was none other than Stephanopoulus himself who glared balefully at them.

"What do you think you are doing, Mr. O'Neill?" Stephanopoulus asked, his voice low and venomous.

"I'm taking Daniel to a hospital," Jack replied steadily.

"Daniel is going nowhere, and most certainly not with you. He is in my charge. I warned you to stay away, Mr. O'Neill. Obviously, you didn't take me seriously."

Jack put his anger in check. The urge to drop Stephanopoulus where he stood was powerful, but counterproductive. He could see the front door perhaps thirty feet away, eclipsed by Stephanopoulus' large frame. He could also see a couple of bruisers he'd already identified as security as they moved into position just beyond.

Jack glanced around the room. No one else was paying them any mind, at least for the moment; the invisibility which moments before had been their ally was now working against them. Turning to focus his attention back on Stephanopoulus, Jack caught sight of another, equally familiar face and suddenly a plan of action came to mind.

"C'mon, Ari...I can call you Ari, right? I'm sure we can work things out. We're both reasonable men, after all. Besides, you wouldn't want me to make a scene, especially not in front of such an illustrious person as Senator Kinsey, now would you?" he asked, raising his voice just enough to catch the attention of the people nearest to them, including the good senator himself.

It was a gamble, but it clearly paid off. Stephanopoulus blanched at the mention of Kinsey's name, the anger in his eyes now replaced with fear. Bingo. Not quite so cocky now, are you, you bastard?

Stephanopoulus glared impotently at Jack. Jack flashed him a cocky grin and dared him to call Jack's bluff, which most assuredly was anything but in this case. And then there was another voice cutting through the stalemate.

"Daniel?"

Anna.

Jack could have kissed the woman for her impeccable timing. Anna moved forward. Her previous role of drunken society matron had given way to exemplar of maternal solicitude. She clucked reproachfully at the younger man's obviously weakened condition as she ran one bony and bejeweled hand across his brow and along his cheek.

"Oh you poor thing! You look terrible! Ari," she said and turned to frown petulantly at the now speechless Stephanopoulus. "I don't know what you're thinking, letting this poor dear out of bed in his condition. He should see a doctor, right away."

Suddenly she brightened. "I know! One of our neighbors is a doctor. He and Reginald play squash twice a week. He's an absolute dear. I'm sure he'll be happy to take a look at Daniel. Yes, that's what we'll do! Jack, be a darling and take Daniel out to the car, won't you? We don't want to take Ari away from all his guests, now do we?"

"Of course not, Anna," Jack readily agreed. He looked over at Stephanopoulus who glared at him with barely disguised outrage. Jack gave the other man a smile edged in barbed wire.

Stephanopoulus had no other option but to yield. He stood aside and allowed Jack to tow Daniel towards the door. The ever-attentive Anna trailed behind them and maintained a constant litany of solicitude the entire way.

Joseph was standing at the doorway. He held it open for them and gave Jack the faintest of nods in understanding as he passed. Just as he reached the threshold, Jack risked a backwards glance. He caught Stephanopoulus' eyes with his own, warning implicit in his gaze. Stephanopoulus' hands curled into fists at his side. Good. Message received and understood. Jack exited into the night with Daniel, his mission accomplished.

***

Ari stood staring at the door. The buzz of conversation from the party seemed to have dropped away and all Ari could hear was the sound of the door closing with all the finality of a death knell. His hands closed into fists at his side and he took a deep breath as he struggled to regain his composure. Took another deep breath and almost choked on his own fear. They had seen it, everyone had witnessed the scene with Daniel and O'Neill and the solicitous Anna. They were all wondering now, and whispering, putting two and two together and coming up with...what? A pair of friends who graciously stepped in to offer succor to Ari's ill lover? Perhaps they saw another man whisking Daniel away, cuckolding Ari in public? Or did they suspect something else?

"Ari?"

A chill ran down Ari's spine at that voice. He took another deep breath and turned, his smile firmly in place.

"John!" It is good to see you! I am sorry that I have not had a chance to speak with you yet. Is Elizabeth here?"

Kinsey frowned, his displeasure apparent in every line of his body. "Elizabeth is off somewhere talking with some of the other wives. What is going on, Ari?" he asked, his voice low and vaguely ominous.

Ari felt the chill again. Kinsey had seen everything as he'd feared. Kinsey was studying him and Ari could almost see the wheels turning in his head.

"Nothing, John."

Kinsey's frown deepened and his brows drew together. "That didn't look like nothing to me."

Ari's mind scrabbled for an explanation, something, anything to appease Kinsey's inquisitive mind. Finding no other plausible explanation for what had just transpired, Ari had no choice but to go along with O'Neill's ploy.

"Daniel has been sick the past few days, that is all. I insisted that he stay in bed, but Daniel, he has always been stubborn." Ari explained with a faint shrug of embarrassment. "He decided to ignore the doctor's advice and come down to the party." Ari shook his head. "I didn't even realize he had come downstairs until I saw him with Mr. O'Neill. I am grateful that Mr. O'Neill and Anna offered to take him to see a doctor. It was quite generous on their part."

Kinsey's gaze was assessing, the wariness still apparent. "Perhaps we should discuss this elsewhere?" Kinsey said, his voice little more than a whisper.

Another chill danced along Ari's spine. He nodded imperceptibly then replied in a voice that he hoped sounded quite casual. "I have just acquired a bottle of that brandy that I told you about when you were last here, John. Perhaps you would like to sample it?"

Kinsey nodded. "Yes, that would be very nice, Ari. Thank you."

Ari ushered the other man to a small sitting room and closed the door behind them. Ari busied himself with pouring them each a brandy. He kept his back to the other man to hide the faint tremor in his hand as he clutched the cut crystal decantur and the faint sheen of sweat that had broken out on his brow. He surreptitiously wiped his forehead with his sleeve and took a calming breath. When he turned to face Kinsey, his composure was once more in place.

Kinsey accepted the snifter with a cursory nod. He took a sip. "We have to be careful."

Ari nodded. "I know."

"I wonder if you do."

"I have been cautious. No one suspects," he announced with more certainty than he felt.

"Perhaps," Kinsey countered, his tone denoting his own doubts on the matter. "You should never have invited him to move in. If you insist on having a toyboy, Ari, the least you can do is keep him somewhere out of sight."

Ari flushed, angered on behalf of Daniel as well as himself. "Daniel is not a 'toyboy.' He is a brilliant scholar with two PhDs to his name."

Kinsey's expression remained disdainful. "Perhaps, but it's still foolish to have him here. It's too dangerous. He might see or overhear something he shouldn't."

"Daniel knows nothing," Ari declared forcefully. The lie slipped from his tongue with surprising ease.

Kinsey studied him. Ari held his breath for a moment, half afraid that Kinsey could hear his heart pounding in his chest, or notice the way Ari clutched his snifter in a grip that was far too tight. Ari forced himself to take a sip of his brandy. It tasted of ashes and fear.

Kinsey finally broke off his intense scrutiny and drank deep of his own brandy, emptying the snifter. "I still think it was a bad idea. You need to be more careful in the future, Ari."

Ari nearly sagged in relief. Kinsey didn't know. He might be worried, but he didn't know, not for sure. Ari still had time for damage control.

"Would you like another?" Ari said as he gestured towards Kinsey's empty snifter.

Kinsey nodded and Ari dutifully poured a generous measure of the hideously expensive brandy. He smiled inwardly. Kinsey didn't know.

***

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of tension. From time to time Ari could feel Kinsey's eyes on him. Ari had succeeded in mollifying the other man for the time being, but Kinsey was not easily fooled. He had never really trusted Ari, had made repeated and snide remarks about Ari and his lifestyle. For his part, Ari found Kinsey to be a sanctimonious hypocrite whose intolerance was only exceeded by his ambition. They had achieved a détente of sorts, bound together by necessity and mutual self-interest, but they had never really liked one another, nor trusted each other.

Kinsey was placated for the moment, but the thin veneer of trust was gone and Ari needed to tread lightly henceforward.

Ari watched his last guests depart with a profound sense of relief that bordered on a physical release. No sooner had the front door closed behind them than he raced upstairs, taking the steps two at a time in his haste. He made a beeline to his office and dashed inside, leaving the door flung wide in his wake. He reached beneath his worktable to retrieve his key. His hands trembled with apprehension as he moved to the desk proper. He took a deep breath and whispered a prayer before he slid the key in the lock. His ears strained to hear the snick of the lock over the frantic pounding of his heart. His throat dry as the desert sands of Egypt, he pulled on the slanted front, opened it outwards and peered inside...

And exhaled a breath of overpowering satisfaction. The book and his ledger were still there, exactly where he had left them. Ari closed the desk once more and sagged in relief against the wall while his heartbeat returned to normal.

Even if O'Neill suspected that Ari had played a part in Daniel's illness, well, he'd have a hard time proving it. Ari had been careful, very careful in the dosage of the poison. Unless they knew precisely what to look for, it was unlikely they would ever find it. No, he was safe. Perhaps Kinsey was right after all. Perhaps he really better off with Daniel out of his life.

"Dr. Stephanopoulus?" Joseph inquired respectfully from just beyond the threshold.

"What is it, Joseph?" he snapped, embarrassed at being taken unaware.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, sir. But the caterer has asked about the final payment..."

"Of course. I'll be down momentarily with the check."

"Yes, sir," Joseph acknowledged with a nod of his head.

Ari waited until Joseph had withdrawn down the hall, before he locked the desk once more and returned the key to its hiding place. Straightening his shoulders, he left the study and turned the light off as he passed and plunged the room into darkness behind him.

***

Jack paced the halls of the hospital, marking a precise path back and forth on the linoleum tiles. His hands dug deeper into the recesses of his trouser pockets as he silently counted his steps. Three hundred and twenty-six, three hundred and twenty seven, three hundred and twenty eight...

He glanced again at the closed door of the hospital room. Daniel had been unconscious by the time they had reached the hospital, his body burning up with fever. He'd been whisked into an examination room and the door was shut firmly behind him, leaving a deeply worried Jack and Anna to stand uncertainly on the other side. Jack had been waiting ever since.

Jack continued to pace as the minutes dragged by, each slower than the one preceding it. Three hundred and thirty-nine, three hundred and forty, three hundred and forty-one...

He flicked a glance at his watch. It was well after midnight now. Anna had wanted to stay, but Jack had been adamant that she go home. She hadn't been happy, but at last she had acquiesced after Jack had promised to call as soon as he knew anything. But Jack still didn't know anything. Three hundred and fifty-four, three hundred and fifty-five, three hundred and fifty-six...

A sound to his right immediately drew Jack's attention and he turned to see a man in a lab coat exit Daniel's room and close the door behind him.

"Doc?" Jack called. "How is he?"

"You're Mr. O'Neill?"

"Yes. How is he?" Jack repeated. He made no attempt to mask his impatience, nor the anxiety that lay beneath it.
 
The doctor motioned for Jack to follow him to a small, deserted waiting area on the other side of the hallway.

"We ran a tox screen on Mr. Jackson and found trace amounts of arsenic in his system. Thanks to that spoon you brought us we knew exactly what to look for."

"Arsenic," Jack repeated softly.

"Yes. Arsenic poisoning takes two forms. When ingested in large quantities, it tends to kill quickly, usually within a few hours, or if the patient doesn't die at this stage, within a few days when the kidneys fail."

Jack swore softly under his breath.

The doctor smiled sympathetically. "The good news is that doesn't appear to be the case with Mr. Jackson. Based upon the symptoms you described as well as the relatively small quantities of arsenic found in his system, I would say that he has been ingesting arsenic in small doses over a prolonged period of time, perhaps two weeks. His specific symptoms-- somnolence, dizziness, delirium, extreme prostration--are the result of long term, accumulated exposure. Fortunately, it was caught in time."

Jack exhaled the breath he'd been holding. "So, he's going to be all right?"

"Yes," the doctor assured him. "He's very lucky we caught it when we did. A few more days and...well, the prognosis might not have been so positive. In any case, he should make a full recovery. We're treating him with a combination of lavage and Dimercaporal and he appears to be responding well to treatment. We'll need to keep him here for at least two days while we continue treatment-he has to receive injections of Dimercaporal every four hours during that period-then two shots on the third day and one each on the fourth and fifth day, but we can do that on an outpatient status, provided, of course, he continues to respond positively to the treatment."

Jack nodded. He paused then asked the question that had been preying on his mind. "What about long term effects? Will he suffer any kind of permanent damage? You mentioned kidney failure? Is that possible? What about brain damage?"

The doctor shook his head. "I don't believe so. As I said, we caught this in time, but we'll have a better idea in a few days. Mr. Jackson is young and appears to be in very good health, so I think the long-term prognosis is extremely good. I don't foresee any long term effects."

"That's good," Jack replied. "Can I see him?"

The doctor frowned faintly. "Well...he's sleeping at the moment. But I suppose it will be all right. Just be careful not to wake him. He's not completely out of the woods just yet and he's going to need his rest."

"Sure. Thanks," Jack said. He shook the doctor's hand and set off in search of Daniel.

Jack slipped into Daniel's room and moved alongside his bed to gaze down at the sleeping man for the second time that night. Daniel still looked pale and gaunt against the starched white sheets of the hospital bed, but Jack was reassured by the steady beeping of a monitor at his bedside.

He pulled a hard backed plastic chair from the corner. He winced at the screech of the metal legs on linoleum as he moved it closer then sat down next to the bed. Jack watched Daniel for a long time before he reached out to lightly clasp Daniel's left hand-the one free of the IV-in his own. The skin was warm to the touch, but not as heated as it had been. Jack ran his thumb along the back of Daniel's hand and traced a gentle path back and forth across the skin. He gazed down at the hand resting slackly within his own.

"The doc says you're gonna be okay, Daniel. In a few days you'll be as good as new. You're gonna be OK," Jack promised fervently before he surrendered to the silence once more. Daniel's hand still clasped in his own, Jack settled in to wait out the night.

***

Jack knocked on the door to Anna's house. A maid promptly answered and ushered him towards the garden where Anna and Joseph were already seated.

"Jack," Anna greeted. She took his hands in hers and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "How's Daniel?"

Jack gave her hands a brief squeeze. "He's going to be fine. He'll be released from the hospital in a couple of days and the doctor assured me he'll make a full recovery."

"Thank goodness," Anna sighed, her relief palpable. "It was Ari, wasn't it?"

Jack nodded. "Apparently Stephanopoulus had been feeding him a steady diet of arsenic for the past two weeks. Always in small doses, so as not to arouse suspicion. A few more days and...well, let's just say it's a good thing we acted when we did."

Anna paled. "Poor Daniel," she murmured.

"The doctor said he'll be OK," he reassured Jack turned his attention to Joseph, all business once more. "Did you get them?" he asked.

Joseph nodded and placed the two books on the table in front of Jack. Jack flipped them over to confirm that they were the items in question.

"Did you have any trouble getting them?"

"No," Joseph assured him. "I waited until Dr. Stephanopoulus left for the university this morning and then retrieved them."

"Good work," Jack praised. "Just out of curiosity, where was Stephanopoulus hiding the key?"

"I have no idea."

Jack frowned. "Then how did you get them out?"

"I took the direct approach."

Jack raised a questioning eyebrow.

"A crow bar works wonders," Joseph explained. A flicker of a smile seeped through his habitual reserve.

Jack chuckled at the observation. "That it does," he agreed. "Anna? I'd like to ask another favor."

"Anything," she replied without hesitation.

"I'd like you to go to the hospital and keep Daniel company."

"Of course, Jack. I'd planned to anyway."

"Good. He was out all night and I...well, I'd just like him to have a friendly face around when he wakes up."

"I take it you have other business to attend to?"

"Yes."

"Is there anything you'd like me to pass along on your behalf?"

Jack paused for a moment to think about all the things he needed to say, none of which were really appropriate in any context, least of all when delivered by a third party. "Just...just tell him mission accomplished. He'll understand."

Anna nodded. "Of course."

Jack looked at Anna and Joseph once more. "Thank you both. I couldn't have done it without your help."

Anna flicked a glance at Joseph and smiled once more before she returned her gaze to Jack once again. "It was our pleasure, Jack. Good luck."

"Thanks," Jack replied. He turned on his heel and headed for the door. It was time to reel in some traitors.

***

Frank Simmons smoothed the front of his suit jacket with a manicured hand as he waited for the elevator doors to open. He was aware of the MPs that stood directly behind him in the cramped space but paid them no mind. He was running this show.

The elevator pinged sharply and the doors slid open and Simmons exited. His stride was purposeful but not rushed. He wanted to savor the moment to its fullest.

Two more strides and he was standing in a neatly furnished receiving area. A secretary was seated at the desk typing away. Sensing his arrival, she paused and looked at him.

"I'm here to see Senator Kinsey." Simmons announced.

"I'm sorry, sir, but the senator is currently in a meeting and he'll be leaving shortly thereafter for a reception. If you'd care to leave your name..."

"Oh, I think the good senator will make time for us."

"I'm sorry, sir, but that won't be possible. If you leave your name and a telephone number..."

Simmons didn't give her a chance to finish her standard brush off. He nodded to the MPs and then strode towards the closed door of the senator's office.

The secretary stood up quickly, startled by this breech in protocol. "You can't go in there! Senator Kinsey is in a meeting! Sirs? Sirs!"

With that sound still reverberating, Simmons opened the door to Kinsey's office. The senator was seated at his desk. Two other men, who Simmons recognized as Senators Winslow and Preston, were there as well.

"Senator Kinsey?" Simmons inquired unnecessarily as Kinsey stood up and glowered imperiously at the spectacle suddenly unfolding in his office.

"Yes," he snapped in irritation. "What is the meaning of this? Who are you?"

"Colonel Frank Simmons. And you, Senator John Kinsey, are under arrest on the charge of treason."

"What?" he exclaimed, his face flushed with anger. "What are you talking about?"

"I thought I was fairly clear. You are under arrest for treason. I'm sure that a man in your position is familiar with the term."

"You're insane! I don't know who you are or what kind of sick game you're playing, but I will not stand for this! Do you know who you're dealing with? I am a close associate of the president. He will not sit still for this!"

"Actually," Simmons drawled, as he pulled a sheath of papers from his jacket and extended them towards the outraged senator. "The president himself signed the warrant for your arrest."

Kinsey snatched the papers from Simmons' hand and scanned them. His eyes grew wider and his formerly flushed face paler by the moment.

"This is ridiculous," he declared. "I'm not a traitor. I demand that you leave this office immediately."

"Well, our evidence says otherwise, as do your co-conspirators. Gentlemen," Simmons said, addressing the MPs behind him who stepped forward to take the senator into custody.

Kinsey's anger shaded into an apoplectic rage as his control snapped suddenly. "It was that fag Stephanopoulus, wasn't it? He's a liar. They all are. Those goddamned faggots! Every last one of them will burn in Hell! It's the will of God!"

Kinsey continued his tirade, as the MPs restrained him and led him from the office leaving behind one panic-stricken secretary, two incredulous senators and one thoroughly satisfied colonel. Rocking back on his heels Simmons observed pleasantly, "I think that went rather well, don't you?"

Receiving no reply to his jaunty remark, Simmons merely shrugged then nodded graciously to his dumbfounded audience. "Good day, ma'am, gentlemen." And with that, he withdrew from the room, a broad smile firmly in place. Some days, he really loved his job.

***

"And it is here, next to the queen's main sanctuary, that we find a sanctuary with a stepped altar open to the sky which is dedicated to Amon-Re," Ari Stephanopoulus explained. His laser pointer flashed a point of brilliant red light against the screen in the darkened auditorium as he traced the upper terrace in the image of the funerary temple of Queen Hapshetsut currently projected on the screen.

Suddenly the lights were turned on without warning to bathe the auditorium in harsh fluorescent light, eliciting a few protests from the students napping in the seats at the back. Ari blinked a few times as he tried to adjust to the sudden change in illumination.

"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded impatiently. He pivoted away from his lectern towards the doorway where he was greeted by the sight of five figures in uniform. One of them was familiar and decidedly unwelcome.

"You!"

Jack O'Neill walked forward, dressed in his class A's, his expression as hard and cold as carved granite. "Dr. Aristide Stephanopoulus," Jack said as he came to a halt directly in front of Ari. "You are under arrest on charges of treason and attempted murder."

Ari felt a stab of panic at O'Neill's pronouncement. He drew a deep breath and his fists clenched and released at his sides as he struggled to regain control of his emotions. Squaring his shoulders, he glared at O'Neill and allowed his contempt for the man to strengthen his resolve.

"I don't appreciate having my class interrupted by such foolishness, Mr. O'Neill. I suggest you leave before I am forced to have campus security remove you from the premises."

Jack laughed at him, a harsh, mirthless sound. . "I don't think so, " O'Neill answered smoothly. "You're a traitor and you are going to go the jail for a long, long time."

Ari's eyes flitted nervously towards his audience. His students sat there wide-eyed and gaping, suddenly alert and attentive in a way they had never been during class.

"Class dismissed!" Ari barked, in a desperate-and futile--attempt at damage control. Although he could see some nervous fidgeting and heard the shuffling of papers, none of the students seemed inclined to depart. Damn them all. For three months they could barely be bothered to stay awake and now they decide to hang on his every word. Ungrateful rabble. He drew himself up to his full height.

"You're mad. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sure ya don't, Ses. But don't worry; I'll get your good buddy Neni to explain it all to ya when you're settled in at Leavenworth."

Ari could feel the color drain from his face as the stark chill of fear washed over him. O'Neill knew. Somehow he knew everything.

Daniel. It could only be thanks to Daniel.

Ari flushed. "I should have known that you and Daniel were plotting together right from the start. You won't be able to keep him O'Neill; a man like you has nothing to offer that he could ever want or need," Stephanopoulus hissed, his voice dripping with disdain. "And as for Daniel? You can tell that duplicitous little slut that he has thrown away any chance of ever working in this field again. I hope he enjoys being on his back because, mark my words, that is the only kind of work he'll ever be able to get."

Jack took a threatening step towards the other man, his eyes blazing. Although Stephanopoulus had the greater bulk, Jack still managed to loom over him and forced him to take a nervous step backwards.

"You listen to me, Stephanopoulus. The only reason you are still breathing right now is because Daniel is alive and safe, no thanks to you," Jack growled into his ear. "If Daniel had died, there wouldn't be enough left of you to fill a coffee cup by the time I was done with you."

Jack pulled back slightly to allow Stephanopoulus read the truth of his words in his eyes. "You're going down, you lying, scheming rat bastard, and I'm going to enjoy every minute of the journey."

He stepped away from Stephanopoulus and gestured to the MPs, who moved forward to take the white-faced archeologist into custody. They exited the auditorium, leaving behind a dumbfounded and silent audience in their wake.