HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE -2005
Intro Story - Halloween Night - 9pm

Sue hadn’t meant to cry out, it was a knee jerk reaction. In her heart, she hoped she hadn’t. But a moment later Jack seized her hand, and she knew she had said something. His shoulder was against hers now, the reassuring scent of his cologne tickling her senses, left blank by the darkness. He squeezed gently, and she squeezed back as lightning flashed, revealing a peek at the scene around them. A light flickered across the room, matches, and candles, and Jack O’Lanterns burst to life as waiters made their way from one end of the room to the other. Dressed as ghouls, their eerie makeup did nothing to soothe the situation. Candelabras were added, the effect surreal, and while she could now see around her, she was grateful Jack didn’t let go. “It’s a good thing Levi isn’t here… he wouldn’t appreciate this, even though it would seem planned.”

“It would have been nice if they had let us know before killing the lights. Levi’s probably much happier following Lucy around back at headquarters.” Jack answered, still looking around. Hardly as bright as it had been before, there more than enough light. Sue finally seemed to relax a bit, although her eyes sensually deeper…sparkling now in candlelight. Wetting his lips, he looked away, searching for Bobby and Tara where he had last seen them. Finally Jack spotted him, his Indiana Jones Hat hiding most of face, at attention, he was clearly now scanning the room. Realizing Myles and Dimitrius were most likely assisting the staff as was their cover, Jack turned. Sure enough, Myles in full ghoul makeup, was by the door, Dimitrius, complete with artificial wounds, stood by the large window overlooking the lake below. Jack turned back to Sue. “Any sign of Mulligan?”

“No. He had just said something about payment, when the lights went out. Do you think he knows he’s under surveillance?”

Jack held up his hand and paused, then met her eyes and shook his head. “They just announced the bridge is out, and there is no other way off this private island. They won't be able to work on it until morning. Remind me never to work Halloween again.”

“It’s not like we had much choice, Mulligan’s been in hiding now for six months… it’s the first real break to find the bank robbers.” Sue answered.

“Maybe so… leave it to a bank robber to pick a Halloween Scare Party.”

“Scare party?” she echoed, worried by the implication.

“It’s no big deal… they just dim the lights, dress a few staff in costumes… a few effects…” his voice dropped under Sue’s gaze, the cravat from his costume suddenly tighter. The costumes had been Lucy’s responsibility, blending them in amongst the guests, and the perfect cover… but dressed as Christine and Rauol, he had not missed the implication…the couple engaged by the end of the story…Phantom of the Opera. In reality, he had done little to nothing since Sue had made the decision not to move to New York… although he had vowed things would be different. Too nervous to lose a friend, too focused on the present, but then he assumed he had all the time he needed, and he knew better. It had been the worst of ironies to find Mulligan dressed as the Phantom himself, the perfect excuse for wearing a mask, although fortunately it didn’t hinder Sue’s lip reading.

“There he is… near Tara.” Sue whispered, and nodded. Mulligan, not more than two people away, seemed oblivious of Tara. Dressed as Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark…she seemed perfectly in character, working her way through the crowd, until she was close, Myles shadowing her from the other direction.

“So all we need to do is hold the fort… and wait for morning, and reinforcements.”

“And between now and then, hope Mulligan says or does something that we can use…and maybe even lead us to his accomplices.” Sue added.

“Shouldn’t be hard.”

Sue didn’t need to hear his voice… the doubt clear in his eyes. Jack was worried and rightfully so. They were no longer in control, the situation no longer secure. Mulligan could be alone, or there could be several suspects… all in costume… it was going to be a long night.

Leaving the ladies’ room, Sue couldn’t help but smile when she caught sight of Jack waiting outside in the hallway, just as he’d said he would. Looking so handsome in the costume Lucy had chosen for him, Sue was sure he had no idea the effect he was having on her tonight. He returned the smile as she approached, and she noted the concern in his eyes.

“I appreciate you coming up here with me,” she told him. “Even with the candles, this place is just…eerie.”

“I would say, especially with the candles,” he pointed out, offering her his arm, which she took as they began to descend the staircase together.

“Yes…the candles definitely make it spookier,” Sue agreed. “But you didn’t really think that something would happen if I came up here on my own, did you?” After the lights had gone off and the party had become much more dimly lit than before, he hadn’t left her side, and she was finding that she had to concentrate more than normal to keep her mind on the job before them. His nearness to her, as well as all of the comments the two had been receiving about what an attractive pair they made in their costumes were certainly not helping matters.

“Honestly, tonight, anything is possible,” Jack said. “I think it’s best if none of us go anywhere alone. In fact, I insist on it,” he added, reaching over to squeeze the hand that was gently grasping his arm. The smile he was rewarded with was a shy one, and he was just about to say something else when he heard a loud crash coming from upstairs.

“What is it?” Sue asked, as she saw him suddenly glance toward the floor from which they’d just left.

“Sounded like glass shattering,” Jack replied. “We should go check it out.” It was on the tip of his tongue to tell Sue to go on back to the party, but since he’d just finished telling her that no one should be alone, he knew she wouldn’t go for that. The two of them hurried back up the stairs to find the source of the unknown sound, while the party continued in full swing just one floor below.

Dead silence was all Jack could hear as they stood at the top of the stairs. Sue looked at him questioningly, but he shook his head. Then, a doorknob rattled, followed by the sound of hollow laughter, and he reached for her hand, pulling her with him. In the soft glow from the sconces that lined the hallway, they both saw the dark figure emerge from one of the rooms up ahead of them. His white mask clearly visible, appearing to have an ethereal glow, caused Sue to let out a gasp. Suddenly he darted into another one of the rooms, and they followed, Jack’s hand reaching for his gun. If Mulligan was wandering around upstairs all on his own, then it likely meant he was up to no good. Knowing they didn’t have time to go downstairs and get backup, Jack motioned for Sue to stand aside as he opened the door to the room, having no idea what was on the other side.

Oooh! Creepy! Wouldn't like to be in Jack and Sue's shoes right now!

Eek! I'm getting the shivers already. Excellent start, Marimba!

Oooooo, spooky!!

Joy

I think I'm going to have to read this one in the daylight!

kav

I really love the way this story is going..can't wait to hear more..

Not taking her eyes off of the tall, well-built man across the room, Tara sighed inwardly. Halloween night, and she was stuck working. To make matters worse, this party was exactly what she would have had in mind for a good time if this assignment hadn’t come up. The costumes were wonderful, what little food she’d sampled had been excellent, and the atmosphere was just right for a Halloween party. Mulligan was moving around the room, and he seemed to know just about everyone, which wasn't making their job any easier. It didn't really look as though he was there to conduct any business after all. With his Phantom of the Opera mask, he really did look creepy, and Tara thought that he couldn't have picked a better costume to put the team on edge, considering how it fit in with the theme of Jack and Sue's costumes.

Scanning the room briefly before settling on Mulligan again, now making conversation with couple dressed like Morticia and Gomez Addams, she saw that Jack and Sue still hadn't returned from upstairs. Casually making her way across the room to where Myles stood, she reached for one of the drinks on his tray. "Jack and Sue still aren't back," she whispered worriedly. "Maybe one of us should go and check on them." Myles nodded, but before either of them could say another word, a strange tinkling sound caused them to look up. The magnificent crystal chandelier that was hanging from the ceiling was swaying dangerously and without a second thought, Myles dropped his tray and dove out of the way, pushing Tara in front of him. There were screams followed by an awesome crash and a sickening crunch. Only when the dust had settled did it become clear that one unfortunate person hadn't been quick enough to get out of the way.

Please let that unfortunate person be Mulligan!

Please don't tell us it was Bobby!!

This is a very creepy story, Marimba! I thought Jack and Sue was following Mulligan upstairs???

Can't wait for more!!

Joy

EEK!

This story just took a startling twist!!



And who didn't get out of the way?????

This story is great.. every time i read more get more and more hooked!

Great start!! What's going on with Jack and Sue upstairs, and who got squished by the chandelier?? Please post some more soon!

very phantom of the opera with that chandelier crashing down!!


great start!

Bell

Wow - wonderful story, Marimba! You've certainly nabbed my attention....I'll certainly be back for more.

The room was empty, but somehow Jack had known it would be. The power was out, but candles had already been lit in here, probably by an enthusiastic staff. He heard Sue shut the door behind them, but didn’t turn, still taking in the surroundings. Glass had shattered, Mulligan had come out, then come back this way, but why? “There must be another way out of here,” Jack muttered and turned back to face Sue, ready to repeat himself when his breath caught. The same candlelight, the same Sue, and yet he wasn’t prepared for the way the light sparkled in the hazel eyes, or caught the gold in her hair.

“Jack?”

“There must be another way out,” he blurted.

Walking along the edge of the wall, Sue let her eyes wander across the curiosity cabinets and books. “Didn’t we read the house was built back in the Civil War era?” she asked, looking back for an answer.

“1859 started, 1864 completed.”

“So if I were building a home, in the middle of a war, I would make sure I had hiding places.”

Frowning, Jack could see her staring down at something on the ground and joined her. “Broken glass.” No sooner had the words passed his lips a horrifying crash sounded from the ballroom below. Sue must have felt something, her eyes on his face. His thoughts on the rest of the team, he bolted across the floor, twisting the knob, but it didn’t move. Turning harder, slower, jiggling it made no different.

“Can you pick it?” Sue asked, her voice by his ear. Turning to find her lips nearly on his cheek, her face sensuously close, he asked “You have a pick?”

“You’re the agent.”

“And you’re my partner.”

Rolling her eyes, Sue shook her head. “Will a bobby pin work?”

“If this was a movie,” Jack quipped. “This lock’s vintage, copper fittings.” He knocked, then pounded on the door, and sighed. “Looks like our way out is the same as Mulligan’s, which we need to find.”

Returning to the broken glass, Sue studied the floor, aware of Jack nearby doing the same. “One of the floor boards doesn’t match, here, beneath this bookshelf.” Touching it, she ran her hands over the wood, the mouldings, and the books, pushing a few, rearranging, but nothing happened.

“Or it could simply be a repair.”

“But this is where the broken glass is.”

“Maybe he knocked the glass when he was passing, which would place the exit, back this way.” Jack walked to the adjacent shelf, then the one after it, examining each for any sign, and clue. “Or, maybe it was a diversion.” He didn’t look back at her, he knew she was stubborn. Sue hadn’t followed him, remaining by the broken glass, working her theory, her dedication one of her endearingly frustrating qualities. Sighing, he swallowed hard, and turned back to face her, and he was alone, and now extremely worried.

LOL too cute!!!!

And where did Sue go???

Ackkkk!!! Where has Sue gone??Did she find a secret passgeway???

This is really freaky, loving it though!!

Vickie

Yikes!! First locked in a room and now Sue's gone...and we still don't know who didn't get out of the way of that chandelier...this story is definitely putting me on edge!

Eeek! Where did Sue go? I hope Jack figures it out quickly.

This is triple whammy suspense!!!!

kav

This is very scary!! Where did Sue go? I hope Jack can find the secret door!! And, as others have asked, who is under the chandelier???

You've got me hooked, Marimba, can't wait for more!!

Joy

This is really good....I'm liking it....but....(I think this is the question of the day) where's Sue and who got...well.....squished.....I need to know .....Please .......this is great!

Typical man...you try and help...



Uh-oh! Where'd she go! Where's Levi when you need him?

Tara had been to her share of crime scenes; she was no stranger to death, but there was just something so macabre about the broken figure of Mulligan, the mask still covering his lifeless face, she had to walk away. The fact that there was evidence the chandelier had been loosened on purpose and they were trapped on an island with a murderer or murderers was not making her feel any better about the situation. Bolting for the door that led out to the veranda, Tara knew that right now, she needed to get as far away from the sight as possible. Following her, Bobby reached for her arm to stop her. “You okay, Tara?”

“Yeah. Just need some air,” she replied. Much as she was touched by his obvious concern, she didn’t need anyone fussing over her. She needed to get outside, take a few deep breaths, and she would be just fine.

“I’ll come with you.”

Tara shook her head at him. “No…I just need a few minutes and I’ll be back. There’s plenty for everyone to do in here without someone needing to baby-sit me. I’m fine,” she insisted with a reassuring smile. Not giving him the opportunity to argue, she gently wrenched free of his grasp and made her way outside, relieved when he didn’t follow. She prided herself on being a strong agent, not revealing any weakness, and the last thing she wanted was to show her vulnerability in front of Bobby. A little voice told her that she was being too hard on herself, that nearly getting hit by a chandelier moments before witnessing the violent death of another person was enough to shake up anyone. Still, she was on the job, and there wasn’t time for this. Thunder crashed and lightening flashed nearby, causing her to jump. The storm was picking up again, and soon, when the wind and rain regained strength, the veranda would offer little shelter. Closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around herself for warmth, she took a deep breath. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and let out a gasp, turning to find herself face to face with a ghoulish figure.

OMG Mulligan is dead!!!!
And who has just crept up on Tara hmmmm????

vickie

Marimba, great post, but I have lots of questions:

Where did Sue go?? Are they sure it's Mulligan under the chandelier?? Did they take his mask off?? Who just came up behind Tara??

Can't wait for your next post!!

Joy

Marimba, great suspense building. Tara + outside+ alone cannot equal anything good.

“Myles!” she gasped, as a bolt of lightening flashed nearby, allowing her to see him more clearly.

“I’m sorry,” he said, seeing that he had obviously startled her. “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you, though I suppose that means I am accomplishing what they hired me for, aren’t I?”

“Uh huh,” she agreed, cracking a tiny smile, as the racing of her heart began to slow.

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay after that near-miss in there.”

“I’m alright. Just a bit shaken up,” she admitted. “How about you?”

“About the same,” Myles replied. He didn’t want to think about what a close call that had been…if he hadn’t reacted quickly, Tara or him, or both of them, could have ended up in the same state as Mulligan.

“Any sign of Jack or Sue?” Tara asked. Her concern for them had turned to genuine worry…she couldn’t believe that they hadn’t reappeared after the chandelier had fallen.

“Unfortunately, no. And it doesn’t look like the power will be coming back on tonight, either. We thought it was a scare tactic, but it seems that the lines have been damaged from the storm…”

“So not only are we trapped here till morning with a dead body and those responsible for said dead body, but we’re in the dark?”

“I’m afraid it looks that way,” he said with a frown. “The police have been called, but there is, of course, no way they’re going to get here tonight. We’re maintaining our covers for now, but someone is going to have to go and look for Jack and Sue. With everything that’s happened, we’re confident that Bobby can slip away without anyone being the wiser. You feel up to joining him?”

“Definitely. The sooner we find them, the better.” Tara led the way back into the ballroom, and Bobby met them as they came inside the door.

“You alright?”

“I’m fine. I’m going with you to find Jack and Sue.” She glanced over to where the body lay, and was relieved to see it had been covered with a blanket. The partygoers were huddled together in groups, everyone wondering what to do next.

“I’m glad,” Bobby replied with a nod. He could see that Tara was downplaying how shaken up she really was, but it was also obvious she wasn’t in the mood to talk about it. Tara was a trooper, and she would do what need to be done. “D and Myles will stay here and keep their eyes peeled for any of Mulligan’s…associates.”

“Haugen is supposed to make an announcement in just a minute or so,” Myles said quietly, glancing in the direction of the host of the party, who was dressed as a medieval knight. “That will be a good time for you to make your exit.” Tara nodded, but her gaze was locked on the far side of the ballroom. Either her eyes were playing tricks on her, or she had just seen another man dressed as The Phantom. “What is it?” Myles asked her curiously.

Tara shook her head. “Did either of you see anyone else here dressed as The Phantom, aside from Mulligan?”

“I don’t think so,” Bobby replied. “But there are lots of people here with masks, so it’s hard to say.”

“I could have sworn I saw a mask like that in the crowd again, but now it’s gone,” she said with a frown.

“It’s nearly midnight and we’re all tired,” Myles told her. She nodded, continuing to study the crowd. “Why don’t you two go wait over by the door so that you can slip out when he starts talking,” he suggested. Bobby and Tara moved to the other side of the room while he went to stand with a couple of the other waiters. There was still no sign of the mask in the crowd, but Tara was convinced she had seen it, despite the hour and the fact that she was shaken up. All of the mysterious occurrences were beginning to make her head spin, and Tara just hoped that they would find Jack and Sue quickly, putting an end to that particular mystery.

oooooo you do the creepy stuff so well!!!!

*shivers*

The suspense is great!
kav

I am gripping my seat in anxiety waiting to see what happens next.
thanks,
Terie

Mulligan met his end, but something sinister is in the offing. Watch each other's backs, team. This is creepy.

You know, I think it's a lot safer when the team are up against mad terrorist plots. This stuff is too creepy!...That said...

Where's Sue?????? Where did she go????

I am on the edge of my seat, waiting to see where you're taking us. Bravo!

Her mind was her worst enemy Sue kept repeating to herself. This was an old house, and like a lot of old houses, there were plenty of extra rooms. And because of when it was built, secret passages. It was all quite logical, quite reasonable. Standing at the base of the stair, looking at the door before her, her inner voice was no longer working and she considered fleeing back up the stairs, regardless of how cramped, and waiting until they found her, or she managed to break a hole back through the wall to where Jack was, if he was still there. It was ridiculous, Jack wouldn’t leave her, but he may have headed out, trying to find another way in, that is, if he could get out. For the fourth time she considered crying out, and once again rejected the idea completely. Jack, if he could hear her, would think she was in trouble and Mulligan would know she was there, and that would be a potential disaster. Glancing back up the dim passage, she made up her mind, forward and hope for the best. One thing was certain, someone had been this way. With no power, low battery lights illuminated her entire way, although considering everything, that was hardly a comfort.

Her hand on the door, she took a deep breath and opened it. Peering inside, then stepping into what was clearly a large room, and reasonably maintained at that. Graced with a pool table, bar and wooden panelling, it had all the comforts of a well planned game room. In the corner, a dartboard, placed in what appeared to be an interrupted game, several darts set on a nearby chair, as if waiting for their owner to return. A shiver went down her spine and she backed away, turning her attention to the bar. A bottle rested on the counter, not put away, as if recently used. Alongside, papers, maps and a pen. Then she saw the mess. Standing on the brass kickguard, she hoisted herself higher, peeking over the bar at the clutter of broken glass and strewn papers. The room suddenly felt very cold, colder than even moments before. Her hands tingled and her heart began to hammer. What had happened had not been good, nor had Mulligan been alone. She needed to be gone before they came back.

She made to step down, when hands seized her waist, and she lost her balance. Logic fled, fear taking over and she opened her mouth to scream, only to have a hand clamp over it, silencing her.

AACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who's got her??????

Eek - this isn't good, is it??

Joy

Repeats to self........Be Jack...Be Jack...Be Jack!!!

It had better be Jack....

Oh...My...Gosh! Please be Jack!

You left it there? We all hope it is Jack, but only another post will tell.
You wrote such a vivid description the the room. Great job.

please let it be Jack.......

Better be Jack! But I have a feling it's not...

~Vero

Be Jack....Be Jack.....Be Jack..........I'm still waiting!

Come on Marimba....is it Jack?


Love your story and good luck in the HC! Can't wait for more!

PLease be Jack, PLease be Jack, PLease be Jack!!!!

If i say it enough it might just be him........

I can't believe you left it there!!!!


Vickie

that wasn't cool!!!

It was a man; she could see his coat sleeves. Struggling, she tried to twist, then slip, but he was too strong, pinning her to his chest. Sue lifted her foot, taking careful aim with her heel. It was a mistake. Only one leg to balance, and he took that from her, then she was falling backwards, landing in his lap, cradled tightly. She arched, and found herself staring into Jack’s eyes, rich with concern. She was breathing hard, but saw him mouth ‘Don’t scream.’ Nodding, shaking, she went limp against him, grateful he removed his hand and she panted to catch her breath.

“I’m sorry, I was afraid if you screamed…” he began.

Sue held up her hand to stop him. “Makes perfect sense,” she shuddered, still fighting to regain control. He hugged her, and she didn’t think twice, nestling close until her head no longer felt light and she lifted it. “I’m all right now, and I should show you something.” She tried to slide off his lap and stand, only to have her legs wobble. Within a heartbeat she was clasped tight a second time, only now she was facing him. “I don’t care what Lucy says, no more scary movies.”

Jack laughed softly. “No more scary houses.”

“Someone has been using this room, but it was empty when I got here. Maybe this was their hideout. There are papers and things scattered behind the bar, as if there was a fight.”

“Looks like an old prohibition bar.” He paused as Sue looked at him quizzically and fingerspelled P-R-O-H-I-B-I-T-I-O-N. “Alcohol was illegal back in the 20’s, and our jobs were mostly stopping the mob who supplied the liquor. Places like this is where they served it, which could be a break for us.”

“How so?”

“There would be a secret way in, that only invitees knew, and a quick escape, in case of a raid.” Jack said, taking her hand. It was still trembling and he gave it a light squeeze. “I really am sorry for scaring you like that.”

“I’m just glad it was you who found me.”

“There was no way I wasn’t going to find you,” he said, then grinned when her lashes swept down, a blush now tingeing her cheeks. Leading her towards the far wall, he let go and started to examine it, only to halt, and turn to face her. “You won’t disappear on me again?”

“I don’t think I would survive another reunion.”

Pursing his lips, he shook his head with amusement, but said nothing, resuming his search.