"Hey."

"Hi, Jack."

"I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. ...I had to finish the program first."

Tony let out a sigh as he shook his head. "I'm sorry."

"It wasn't your fault, Tony. It's over now anyway."

"I know. I just wish I'd known. I wish there'd been another way."

Jack looked down at the table. "I did what I did and it's over."

Tony looked away.

"How are you holding up?" Jack asked, changing the subject.

A sardonic smile. "Been better. ...How's Michelle?"

"She misses you, but she's ok."

A flicker of relief passed over his face, knowing Jack wouldn't lie to him. He nodded. "Good. ...How does she look?"

"More pregnant." Jack smiled. "When do you see her again?"

"Nine more days, but she's been writing every week. It's better than this." he added, tapping the glass with the receiver.

"I bet." Jack said quietly. He paused. "Do you write her back?"

Tony averted his eyes and gave no answer.

"Tony."

"Yea," he whispered "sometimes."

"Tony," Jack said softly. "Don't push her away. Not now."

Tony nodded though he was looking at the table. "I don't want her to be alone, but I don't want to be her ball and chain."

"Tony. ...Look at me."

Reluctantly Tony's eyes met Jack's.

"You both are having this kid. Michelle loves you and she knows what you did to protect her and the baby. Don't let yourself believe lies." He sighed, trying to think of the right words. "Just because you are in here doesn't mean you are a ball and chain. It's more like a difficult long distance relationship."

Tony snorted with good humor at Jack's comparison. Then, a comfortable silence settled over them.

A guard suddenly broke the silence. "2 minutes."

Jack looked over at him, nodded, then back towards the glass.

'I've been talking to Palmer-'

'Jack, don't.'

'He'll do it. It'll just take some time to convince him.'

'Maybe, but I don't want to hear it.' he said adamantly 'Please.'

Tony could not afford to let that hope in.

Jack nodded, regretting his sudden thoughtlessness. 'Alright.'

'Do me a favor?'

'Yeah.'

'Look out for Michelle?'

'I am.'

'Thank you.'

"Time's up." The guard across the room called.

'Take care, Tony.'

'Yea. I'll see ya, Jack.'