HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE - 2005 - Intro Story
“Masquerade”
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 back at headquarters.” Jack answered, still looking around. Hardly as bright as it had been before, there was 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,with 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, no one can leave 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.
Full Version: Masquerade - Oreolover
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2005 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > Halloween Challenge and Stories - 2005
Okay, here goes. I hope this story doesn't give anyone nightmares. But if it does, it's only fair. It's been giving me nightmares all week. Enjoy.
"Masquerade"
Chapter 1
Rain slatted against the heavily draped windows and thunder clapped as a statuesque woman wearing a gauzy black floor-length gown stepped up to the microphone. The theme from the Addam’s Family announced her presence. Dressed as Morticia Addams, she crossed her arms over her chest, revealing long black fingernails. Tossing back a stray section of her waist length black hair, she announced, “Could everyone please take their seats? It’s time to begin.”
Jack led Sue to their table and Bobby and Tara joined them. As the theme song continued, Bobby put his arm around Tara and pulled her close. He leaned near her ear singing the words to the song,
“They're creepy and they're kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They're all together ooky
The Addams family. “
His breath tickled her neck and Tara couldn’t help but giggle at his boyishness. She joined him on the next part.
“Their house is a museum,
Where people come to see 'em
They really are a scre--am
The Addams family.”
Jack rolled his eyes at their antics, but then resumed his search for sight of Mulligan. He found him lurking in a doorway. Unbeknownst to him, D. and Myles flanked him on either side bearing silver trays filled with assorted Halloween goodies.
As soon as the room had settled, Morticia continued. “Good evening ghosts, ghouls, goblins and other assorted characters. Welcome to the historic Blair Mansion’s Annual Halloween Mystery Night. I see some familiar faces and some new ones. But since we decided to do things differently this year, let me review the rules for everyone.” Jack glanced at Sue to see if she was catching everything.
Morticia went on, “As most of you know, for the past ten years, we’ve put on an interactive mystery theater on Halloween with a full cast of characters. This year, we decided to up the interaction a notch. You all will be the cast. Your job is to solve tonight’s mystery by any means necessary. Remember, the prize is a weekend stay in our honeymoon suite.” She paused as the guests applauded. “One of you has already been chosen to be serve as the murderer. Only that person and I know who they are. If the murderer gets you, you are out of the game.”
“Like that wouldn’t be obvious,” Bobby mumbled sarcastically only to be elbowed in the ribs by Tara.
“Clues are hidden throughout the Blair Mansion and also in the grounds surrounding the inn including the garden and small cemetery east of it. There are no clues hidden in your guest quarters. Gift certificates for the Blair Mansion’s five-star restaurant are awarded for each clue located and turned in. We will post these clues on the board here for everyone to see.”
Sue felt Jack chuckle beside her. “She makes a great Morticia,” Jack whispered to Sue. “She even has the inflection down.”
“And lastly, remember the Blair Mansion is 110 years old. Like many old buildings, we have our share of unexplained occurrences. You may have heard tales concerning our resident ghosts. If you happen to see any of them, consider yourself blessed. In my opinion, our friends from the Netherworld visit far too infrequently.” Raising an eyebrow to the crowd, she smiled knowingly.
“We will begin the mystery in about an hour. We need to get a few things in place. Until then, enjoy the music, dance with the ghoul of your dreams, and you must try the blood punch. It’s simply di-vein.” Gracefully, she glided off the stage and the music began.
Jack again perused the room. Mulligan seemed to be engaged in conversation at his table with a red-head and didn’t seem anxious to leave. Jack allowed himself to relax a little and turned back to Sue, brushing the nape of her neck with his hand. “They are playing our song ‘Christina’,” he said, flashing her a smile. “It’s ‘Masquerade’ from ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Would you like to dance?”
“Yes, ‘Raoul’, I’d love to.” Jack stood and held out his gloved hand to Sue. Placing her hand in his, he pulled her to her feet and let his eyes drink in her beauty. With her hair up, curls cascading down her creamy neck, her shoulders, begged to be kissed in the pale light. The dress, consisting of layers of airy white lace, accentuated her waist and the full skirt swished alluringly when she walked. The tiny sequins glittered in the light. Jack made a mental note to thank Lucy for the costumes. She had really out done herself. They must have cost the Bureau a fortune.
“You look stunning,” he told her sincerely. “You take my breath away every time I look at you.”
Not used to such open compliments from Jack, Sue’s cheeks warmed. She smiled back demurely and again, he suddenly found his ascot too tight. He tugged at it. Sue reached up to adjust it for him. “Better?” she asked.
With out another word, he swept her into his arms and onto the dance floor. Instinctively, people seemed to part in order to make room for the ample skirt of Sue’s gown. Dancing had always made Sue feel uncomfortably out of her element. While she could often feel the bass of the music if it was loud enough, she couldn’t hear the strains playing and felt at the mercy of her partner. With Jack, however, it never felt that way. As he held her in his arms, she wondered if it was because the fit together so perfectly or because, with him, it always felt like they were the only ones in the room. Or, maybe it was because he somehow made her feel the music through him. “Is that even possible?” she wondered.
“Stop it, Sue,” she chided herself. “He doesn’t feel like that about you. It’s been two months since you decided to stay. He’s had plenty of time to make his intentions known.”
In one twirl, she caught a glimpse of Mulligan. Under the mask, he appeared to be a roguishly handsome man. He hardly looked like someone who had killed two armed guards in a bank robbery. The ring on his hand caught the light of the candles on the table as he spoke animatedly. His female companion seemed mesmerized by their conversation. Mulligan glanced at her and she looked away quickly.
“Can you see what Mulligan is saying?”
“I can see his lips fine, but I don’t think he’s speaking English because I can’t tell what he’s saying.”
Jack stopped dancing, placed a hand on her cheek, and told her they’d just wait there for the next song to begin. Sue knew not to look into the chocolate pools of Jack’s eyes for long, so she took the opportunity to take in Jack’s costume. The short tux jacket fit his well-defined body perfectly. The fake sword, at his side, carried them back in time. To make the costume more authentic, it came with a dark pigtail which Jack had, at first, refused to wear. After much persuading, he had donned it, and Sue found it gave him a dashing look which she liked immensely. She laughed at the thought.
“What?” he questioned.
“Oh, I was just thinking about how much I like the pigtail. You wouldn’t consider growing one for real would you?”
“Not even for you,” he said, sweeping her into the next song. Sue giggled and soon, she was swaying to Jack’s rhythm. Feeling her enclosed in his arms, he questioned that last statement and pulled her even closer. ”The truth is…I’d do anything for you.”
For the umpteenth time, he went over his list of why he shouldn’t make his feelings known to Sue. He could loose her friendship if it didn’t work out. There was the F.B.I. rule. She deserved more. ”Face it, Jack,” he told himself. ”The only reason you haven’t said anything is because you know that once you do, you’ll lose control. She’ll have your heart and soul - 125%.”
She dropped her head to his shoulder and he inhaled the scent of her peaches and cream shampoo. He couldn’t seem to hold her close enough. She leaned into him. ”Maybe losing control isn’t all that bad.”
A tap on Jack’s shoulder brought him to an abrupt stop. He turned to face the Phantom – Mulligan.
“May I cut in?” he asked in mellow baritone voice. “It would seem appropriate that I, too, get the chance to dance with ‘Christina.’”
Out of the corner of her eye, Sue saw Jack’s jaw tense and knew he wanted to yell, “There’s no way on earth that that is ever going to happen.” Sue sensed his reluctance and placed a hand on his arm, forcing him to remember that it would be hard to decline Mulligan’s offer without blowing their cover.
Sue took at step closer to Mulligan. “As long as you don’t sweep me away to your labyrinth,” she told him with a smile.
“If only I could,” he whispered as they began dancing.
Reluctantly, Jack stepped back and watched the woman he loved dance away in the arms of a dangerous criminal.
"Masquerade"
Chapter 1
Rain slatted against the heavily draped windows and thunder clapped as a statuesque woman wearing a gauzy black floor-length gown stepped up to the microphone. The theme from the Addam’s Family announced her presence. Dressed as Morticia Addams, she crossed her arms over her chest, revealing long black fingernails. Tossing back a stray section of her waist length black hair, she announced, “Could everyone please take their seats? It’s time to begin.”
Jack led Sue to their table and Bobby and Tara joined them. As the theme song continued, Bobby put his arm around Tara and pulled her close. He leaned near her ear singing the words to the song,
“They're creepy and they're kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They're all together ooky
The Addams family. “
His breath tickled her neck and Tara couldn’t help but giggle at his boyishness. She joined him on the next part.
“Their house is a museum,
Where people come to see 'em
They really are a scre--am
The Addams family.”
Jack rolled his eyes at their antics, but then resumed his search for sight of Mulligan. He found him lurking in a doorway. Unbeknownst to him, D. and Myles flanked him on either side bearing silver trays filled with assorted Halloween goodies.
As soon as the room had settled, Morticia continued. “Good evening ghosts, ghouls, goblins and other assorted characters. Welcome to the historic Blair Mansion’s Annual Halloween Mystery Night. I see some familiar faces and some new ones. But since we decided to do things differently this year, let me review the rules for everyone.” Jack glanced at Sue to see if she was catching everything.
Morticia went on, “As most of you know, for the past ten years, we’ve put on an interactive mystery theater on Halloween with a full cast of characters. This year, we decided to up the interaction a notch. You all will be the cast. Your job is to solve tonight’s mystery by any means necessary. Remember, the prize is a weekend stay in our honeymoon suite.” She paused as the guests applauded. “One of you has already been chosen to be serve as the murderer. Only that person and I know who they are. If the murderer gets you, you are out of the game.”
“Like that wouldn’t be obvious,” Bobby mumbled sarcastically only to be elbowed in the ribs by Tara.
“Clues are hidden throughout the Blair Mansion and also in the grounds surrounding the inn including the garden and small cemetery east of it. There are no clues hidden in your guest quarters. Gift certificates for the Blair Mansion’s five-star restaurant are awarded for each clue located and turned in. We will post these clues on the board here for everyone to see.”
Sue felt Jack chuckle beside her. “She makes a great Morticia,” Jack whispered to Sue. “She even has the inflection down.”
“And lastly, remember the Blair Mansion is 110 years old. Like many old buildings, we have our share of unexplained occurrences. You may have heard tales concerning our resident ghosts. If you happen to see any of them, consider yourself blessed. In my opinion, our friends from the Netherworld visit far too infrequently.” Raising an eyebrow to the crowd, she smiled knowingly.
“We will begin the mystery in about an hour. We need to get a few things in place. Until then, enjoy the music, dance with the ghoul of your dreams, and you must try the blood punch. It’s simply di-vein.” Gracefully, she glided off the stage and the music began.
Jack again perused the room. Mulligan seemed to be engaged in conversation at his table with a red-head and didn’t seem anxious to leave. Jack allowed himself to relax a little and turned back to Sue, brushing the nape of her neck with his hand. “They are playing our song ‘Christina’,” he said, flashing her a smile. “It’s ‘Masquerade’ from ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Would you like to dance?”
“Yes, ‘Raoul’, I’d love to.” Jack stood and held out his gloved hand to Sue. Placing her hand in his, he pulled her to her feet and let his eyes drink in her beauty. With her hair up, curls cascading down her creamy neck, her shoulders, begged to be kissed in the pale light. The dress, consisting of layers of airy white lace, accentuated her waist and the full skirt swished alluringly when she walked. The tiny sequins glittered in the light. Jack made a mental note to thank Lucy for the costumes. She had really out done herself. They must have cost the Bureau a fortune.
“You look stunning,” he told her sincerely. “You take my breath away every time I look at you.”
Not used to such open compliments from Jack, Sue’s cheeks warmed. She smiled back demurely and again, he suddenly found his ascot too tight. He tugged at it. Sue reached up to adjust it for him. “Better?” she asked.
With out another word, he swept her into his arms and onto the dance floor. Instinctively, people seemed to part in order to make room for the ample skirt of Sue’s gown. Dancing had always made Sue feel uncomfortably out of her element. While she could often feel the bass of the music if it was loud enough, she couldn’t hear the strains playing and felt at the mercy of her partner. With Jack, however, it never felt that way. As he held her in his arms, she wondered if it was because the fit together so perfectly or because, with him, it always felt like they were the only ones in the room. Or, maybe it was because he somehow made her feel the music through him. “Is that even possible?” she wondered.
“Stop it, Sue,” she chided herself. “He doesn’t feel like that about you. It’s been two months since you decided to stay. He’s had plenty of time to make his intentions known.”
In one twirl, she caught a glimpse of Mulligan. Under the mask, he appeared to be a roguishly handsome man. He hardly looked like someone who had killed two armed guards in a bank robbery. The ring on his hand caught the light of the candles on the table as he spoke animatedly. His female companion seemed mesmerized by their conversation. Mulligan glanced at her and she looked away quickly.
“Can you see what Mulligan is saying?”
“I can see his lips fine, but I don’t think he’s speaking English because I can’t tell what he’s saying.”
Jack stopped dancing, placed a hand on her cheek, and told her they’d just wait there for the next song to begin. Sue knew not to look into the chocolate pools of Jack’s eyes for long, so she took the opportunity to take in Jack’s costume. The short tux jacket fit his well-defined body perfectly. The fake sword, at his side, carried them back in time. To make the costume more authentic, it came with a dark pigtail which Jack had, at first, refused to wear. After much persuading, he had donned it, and Sue found it gave him a dashing look which she liked immensely. She laughed at the thought.
“What?” he questioned.
“Oh, I was just thinking about how much I like the pigtail. You wouldn’t consider growing one for real would you?”
“Not even for you,” he said, sweeping her into the next song. Sue giggled and soon, she was swaying to Jack’s rhythm. Feeling her enclosed in his arms, he questioned that last statement and pulled her even closer. ”The truth is…I’d do anything for you.”
For the umpteenth time, he went over his list of why he shouldn’t make his feelings known to Sue. He could loose her friendship if it didn’t work out. There was the F.B.I. rule. She deserved more. ”Face it, Jack,” he told himself. ”The only reason you haven’t said anything is because you know that once you do, you’ll lose control. She’ll have your heart and soul - 125%.”
She dropped her head to his shoulder and he inhaled the scent of her peaches and cream shampoo. He couldn’t seem to hold her close enough. She leaned into him. ”Maybe losing control isn’t all that bad.”
A tap on Jack’s shoulder brought him to an abrupt stop. He turned to face the Phantom – Mulligan.
“May I cut in?” he asked in mellow baritone voice. “It would seem appropriate that I, too, get the chance to dance with ‘Christina.’”
Out of the corner of her eye, Sue saw Jack’s jaw tense and knew he wanted to yell, “There’s no way on earth that that is ever going to happen.” Sue sensed his reluctance and placed a hand on his arm, forcing him to remember that it would be hard to decline Mulligan’s offer without blowing their cover.
Sue took at step closer to Mulligan. “As long as you don’t sweep me away to your labyrinth,” she told him with a smile.
“If only I could,” he whispered as they began dancing.
Reluctantly, Jack stepped back and watched the woman he loved dance away in the arms of a dangerous criminal.
Wow, Oreo, I can't believe. You added in touches of each character, not to mention, Sue and Jack's musings in a large cauldron of horrow, mystery and romance. Well done, you! 
This is a wonderful scene. You've captured the classic J/S dithering, B/T goofiness.
My one grouse is, much as I liked "Phantom", I could never stand the wuss Raoul. Darn.
My one grouse is, much as I liked "Phantom", I could never stand the wuss Raoul. Darn.
Oreo, that was awesome!! I could feel the whole ambiance of the place and circumstances! I love the bantering back and forth with Jack and Sue and their POV's. And there's a hint of mystery and creepiness over all!!
Bobby and Tara are cute, as usual!!
Can't wait for your next post!!
Joy
Bobby and Tara are cute, as usual!!
Can't wait for your next post!!
Joy
Chapter 2
Glancing back at Sue and Mulligan every few steps, Jack made his way over to Tara and Bobby and positioned himself in full view of the dance floor.
“Got a little competition there, Sparky?” Bobby teased.
“Not to worry,” Tara joined in. “I don’t think Sue’s much into masks. However, I do think she does like pigtails.”
Jack playfully glared at the two of them before immediately returning to his vigil on the dancing couple.
“He’s been watching her on and off all night,” Tara commented and Jack’s scowl deepened.
“Well, look on the bright side,” Bobby tried to explain. “Since Mulligan hasn’t taken his eyes off Sue all night, then at least we should be able to keep an eye on him.”
Jack stiffened. “Forgive me if that thought doesn’t thrill me.”
*************
Sue fixed her eyes on the “Phantom’s” lips as he spoke. He engaged her in conversation wanting to know her name and who her escort was, how they became interested in the mystery, and where she got her incredible costume. Sue answered his questions. Finally, he cocked his eyebrow at her. “Sue, are you reading my lips? Are you deaf?”
Steps faltering briefly, Sue’s eyes grew wide.
Mulligan caught her and held her tightly. He smiled down at her, his dark Gypsy eyes amused. “I only ask because my sister was deaf. She read lips, too, but only a little. Not only do you appear to be amazing at it, but you are also an amazing dancer. My admiration for you just continues to grow.”
Sue spun easily in Mulligan’s arms, and Jack ached to retrieve her. He watched Mulligan leading her towards the doors of the veranda and his stomach flinched. “Bobby…”
“I’m on it,” Tara said, jumping up and placing her hand on Bobby’s shoulder. “I suddenly think I need Sue’s help in the powder room.”
Bobby watched Tara’s hips sway as she made her way between the tables and smiled appreciatively. Marion’s sheer, white-dotted dress from Raiders of the Lost Ark hugged her curvaceous figure. Oblivious to Bobby’s reaction, Jack kept his eye trained on Sue until she headed through the arched doorway arm in arm with Tara. He sighed with relief.
“Mate, when are you going to tell her?”
“Who? Sue? Tell her what?”
“Let’s just say, when it comes to romance, I am not going to following in your footsteps,” he glanced again in Tara’s direction. “I won’t be a bloke and ignore a good thing when it’s right in front of me. Sparky, you know, even Sue won’t wait forever.”
**************
Tara pushed open the heavy mahogany door of the powder room and Sue followed her in. Divided into two halves by a heavy dark blue velvet drapery, the parlor side featured marble topped dressing table, gilded mirror, and a chintz skirted stool. Sue gracefully sat down on the stool and arranged her multi-layered skirt. In the corner, a matching chintz-covered rocking chair beckoned Tara.
“So,” Tara asked, “what was the ‘Phantom’ like?”
“Actually, he’s very handsome in a Johnny Depp ‘Chocolat’ sort of way,” Sue told her. “He’s very charismatic. It is easy to see how he could get people to follow him. It’s hard to believe he killed those two armed guards.”
“Really? Did you learn anything else?”
“He said he was here to meet some business associates. He participates with them every year. I suggested he introduce me, but he said….” Sue allowed her voice to trail off.
“What did he say?” Tara pressed.
“It’s not important.”
“Then tell me what he said.”
Sue sighed. “Alright. Just promise me you won’t tell Jack.”
Tara cocked her head to the side in question and stood.
“He said he was saving me all for himself. See, that’s why you can’t tell Jack. You know how he gets. I’m sure Timothy was just joking.”
“Timothy?” she asked, fluffing her hair in the mirror.
“Well, I couldn’t exactly call him Mulligan or Phantom now could I?”
Tara laughed softly. “No, I guess you couldn’t. I guess we’d better get back.”
Sue stood and straightened her skirt. “First of all, I really do need to use the restroom. I just hope I can get all this material to fit in a stall.” Sue parted the draperies and screamed.
Glancing back at Sue and Mulligan every few steps, Jack made his way over to Tara and Bobby and positioned himself in full view of the dance floor.
“Got a little competition there, Sparky?” Bobby teased.
“Not to worry,” Tara joined in. “I don’t think Sue’s much into masks. However, I do think she does like pigtails.”
Jack playfully glared at the two of them before immediately returning to his vigil on the dancing couple.
“He’s been watching her on and off all night,” Tara commented and Jack’s scowl deepened.
“Well, look on the bright side,” Bobby tried to explain. “Since Mulligan hasn’t taken his eyes off Sue all night, then at least we should be able to keep an eye on him.”
Jack stiffened. “Forgive me if that thought doesn’t thrill me.”
Sue fixed her eyes on the “Phantom’s” lips as he spoke. He engaged her in conversation wanting to know her name and who her escort was, how they became interested in the mystery, and where she got her incredible costume. Sue answered his questions. Finally, he cocked his eyebrow at her. “Sue, are you reading my lips? Are you deaf?”
Steps faltering briefly, Sue’s eyes grew wide.
Mulligan caught her and held her tightly. He smiled down at her, his dark Gypsy eyes amused. “I only ask because my sister was deaf. She read lips, too, but only a little. Not only do you appear to be amazing at it, but you are also an amazing dancer. My admiration for you just continues to grow.”
Sue spun easily in Mulligan’s arms, and Jack ached to retrieve her. He watched Mulligan leading her towards the doors of the veranda and his stomach flinched. “Bobby…”
“I’m on it,” Tara said, jumping up and placing her hand on Bobby’s shoulder. “I suddenly think I need Sue’s help in the powder room.”
Bobby watched Tara’s hips sway as she made her way between the tables and smiled appreciatively. Marion’s sheer, white-dotted dress from Raiders of the Lost Ark hugged her curvaceous figure. Oblivious to Bobby’s reaction, Jack kept his eye trained on Sue until she headed through the arched doorway arm in arm with Tara. He sighed with relief.
“Mate, when are you going to tell her?”
“Who? Sue? Tell her what?”
“Let’s just say, when it comes to romance, I am not going to following in your footsteps,” he glanced again in Tara’s direction. “I won’t be a bloke and ignore a good thing when it’s right in front of me. Sparky, you know, even Sue won’t wait forever.”
Tara pushed open the heavy mahogany door of the powder room and Sue followed her in. Divided into two halves by a heavy dark blue velvet drapery, the parlor side featured marble topped dressing table, gilded mirror, and a chintz skirted stool. Sue gracefully sat down on the stool and arranged her multi-layered skirt. In the corner, a matching chintz-covered rocking chair beckoned Tara.
“So,” Tara asked, “what was the ‘Phantom’ like?”
“Actually, he’s very handsome in a Johnny Depp ‘Chocolat’ sort of way,” Sue told her. “He’s very charismatic. It is easy to see how he could get people to follow him. It’s hard to believe he killed those two armed guards.”
“Really? Did you learn anything else?”
“He said he was here to meet some business associates. He participates with them every year. I suggested he introduce me, but he said….” Sue allowed her voice to trail off.
“What did he say?” Tara pressed.
“It’s not important.”
“Then tell me what he said.”
Sue sighed. “Alright. Just promise me you won’t tell Jack.”
Tara cocked her head to the side in question and stood.
“He said he was saving me all for himself. See, that’s why you can’t tell Jack. You know how he gets. I’m sure Timothy was just joking.”
“Timothy?” she asked, fluffing her hair in the mirror.
“Well, I couldn’t exactly call him Mulligan or Phantom now could I?”
Tara laughed softly. “No, I guess you couldn’t. I guess we’d better get back.”
Sue stood and straightened her skirt. “First of all, I really do need to use the restroom. I just hope I can get all this material to fit in a stall.” Sue parted the draperies and screamed.
QUOTE(Oreolover @ Oct 15 2005, 06:35 AM)
Sue stood and straightened her skirt. “First of all, I really do need to use the restroom. I just hope I can get all this material to fit in a stall.” Sue parted the draperies and screamed.
Please don't tell me that there's someone hiding there?!
EEEK!!!!
That seems to be the response I will be using for all of these Halloween challenges. If I'm on the edge of my seat now, what will it be like by the end??
That seems to be the response I will be using for all of these Halloween challenges. If I'm on the edge of my seat now, what will it be like by the end??
I hadn't looked at this story until just now....kinda funny that we both used Morticia Addams in our stories!
This is truly spooky---please come back and post more soon!
This is truly spooky---please come back and post more soon!
Please don't let it be a dead body!!!Or maybe it's Mulligan behind the curtain!!!
Jack my lad get your act together and tell her how you feel before it's too late....
Vickie
Jack my lad get your act together and tell her how you feel before it's too late....
Vickie
I'm loving this so far!! Sue's reaction to the 'Phantom' is a little disconcerting, almost like she's under his spell...I'm glad she's got friends looking out for her--armed friends, at that! Wondering what's behind that curtain....we seem to have a cliffhanger theme for ALL of the Halloween entries! 
great cliffy!!
I suppose the first body surfaced??
Bell
I suppose the first body surfaced??
Bell
I guess the fun has begun and all the 'players' are in place.
Wonderful story, Oreolover. Looking forward to more!
Wonderful story, Oreolover. Looking forward to more!
I'm getting scared out of my witts in this thread! This is amazing, Oreolover, and I have a burning desire to know why Sue screamed -- hope you enlighten us tonight.kav
Thanks for all of your comments. I really appreciate them. Marimba, I haven't had the chance to read your story either. I guess Morticia is just a Halloween regular. Sweet dreams everyone. 
"Masquerade"
Chapter 3
Casually, Jack and Bobby made their way over to D. who was serving the blood punch. They each selected a goblet from the silver tray and took a swallow.
“What is this?” Bobby sputtered.
“I don’t know. Tomato juice and something else,” D. admitted, leading them to the corner.
“It’s not too bad,” Jack admitted. “How many guests are here, D.?”
“According to Angela Meyers, otherwise known as our hostess Morticia, there are twenty-five guests and five staff including Myles and myself.”
“Where’s Myles now?” Bobby asked, searching the room with his eyes.
“He followed Mulligan onto the veranda. He said he didn’t like the way Mulligan was eyeing Sue.”
Jack crossed his arms over his chest and huffed. “He’s not the only one.”
“Take it easy, Jack. We’ll just keep an eye on the Phantom. Meanwhile, you guys do your best to participate in the activities while watching him. Have you met any other guests?”
Bobby inclined his head towards the front of the room. “See Captain Picard over there with his wife.”
“The one with the shiny bald head?” Jack asked.
“Yeah, his wife is supposed to be Dr. Beverly Crusher from Star Trek. Funny thing is in real life, she is Dr. Denise Kellogg. Her husband is a banker named Thomas. Who’s your fan club over there, Sparky?”
A gaggle of college girls dressed as football players giggled at Jack and waved. “They made a point of introducing themselves earlier. They are students at Georgetown. How about you, D.?”
“Well, I overheard Hatchet-Head in the corner. He’s hoping to win the honeymoon suite because he’s getting married in the spring. The Hulk with him is a body builder who actually spray painted his body green for this night.”
Jack surveyed the crowd. “What do we know about the pirates? They look like the stealing kind.”
“Tsk, Tsk.” Bobby teased. “Jack, I’m surprised at you. Wouldn’t that be considered ethnic profiling?”
“Pirates aren’t any ethnicity….” he said as he started to defend himself. He stopped mid-sentence as Sue’s ear-piercing shriek echoed down the marble hallway.
*******************
Jack and Bobby pushed through the stunned people and bolted towards the noise. Neither man hesitated as they rushed through the door to the ladies’ room.
“Tara?” Jack called, knowing Sue wouldn’t hear them.
“We’re over here -- through the draperies.”
Bobby tore back the panels and both men sucked in their breath at the sight before them.
“This is unreal,” Bobby breathed.
The gray marble and the ornate mirror were splattered with fresh blood. “Morticia” lay on the floor, eyes fixed open, but unseeing, with a slash wound gaping at her jugular. The killer had left a message scribbled on the wall in blood which sent chills down Jack’s spine, “Are you ready to play my game?”
"Masquerade"
Chapter 3
Casually, Jack and Bobby made their way over to D. who was serving the blood punch. They each selected a goblet from the silver tray and took a swallow.
“What is this?” Bobby sputtered.
“I don’t know. Tomato juice and something else,” D. admitted, leading them to the corner.
“It’s not too bad,” Jack admitted. “How many guests are here, D.?”
“According to Angela Meyers, otherwise known as our hostess Morticia, there are twenty-five guests and five staff including Myles and myself.”
“Where’s Myles now?” Bobby asked, searching the room with his eyes.
“He followed Mulligan onto the veranda. He said he didn’t like the way Mulligan was eyeing Sue.”
Jack crossed his arms over his chest and huffed. “He’s not the only one.”
“Take it easy, Jack. We’ll just keep an eye on the Phantom. Meanwhile, you guys do your best to participate in the activities while watching him. Have you met any other guests?”
Bobby inclined his head towards the front of the room. “See Captain Picard over there with his wife.”
“The one with the shiny bald head?” Jack asked.
“Yeah, his wife is supposed to be Dr. Beverly Crusher from Star Trek. Funny thing is in real life, she is Dr. Denise Kellogg. Her husband is a banker named Thomas. Who’s your fan club over there, Sparky?”
A gaggle of college girls dressed as football players giggled at Jack and waved. “They made a point of introducing themselves earlier. They are students at Georgetown. How about you, D.?”
“Well, I overheard Hatchet-Head in the corner. He’s hoping to win the honeymoon suite because he’s getting married in the spring. The Hulk with him is a body builder who actually spray painted his body green for this night.”
Jack surveyed the crowd. “What do we know about the pirates? They look like the stealing kind.”
“Tsk, Tsk.” Bobby teased. “Jack, I’m surprised at you. Wouldn’t that be considered ethnic profiling?”
“Pirates aren’t any ethnicity….” he said as he started to defend himself. He stopped mid-sentence as Sue’s ear-piercing shriek echoed down the marble hallway.
Jack and Bobby pushed through the stunned people and bolted towards the noise. Neither man hesitated as they rushed through the door to the ladies’ room.
“Tara?” Jack called, knowing Sue wouldn’t hear them.
“We’re over here -- through the draperies.”
Bobby tore back the panels and both men sucked in their breath at the sight before them.
“This is unreal,” Bobby breathed.
The gray marble and the ornate mirror were splattered with fresh blood. “Morticia” lay on the floor, eyes fixed open, but unseeing, with a slash wound gaping at her jugular. The killer had left a message scribbled on the wall in blood which sent chills down Jack’s spine, “Are you ready to play my game?”
I'm not liking this game!
Great job! Can't wait for more!!!
Great job! Can't wait for more!!!
ACK!! What a chilling scene to leave us with, Oreolover! Please post some more soon!
oooooo that's spooky!! I think I'm gonna need my 
for this story!
for this story!
Sweet dreams? After that post? Don't thinks so!
And something tells me that Morticia didn't mean for the murder to be real - and certianly not hers!
Eek!
Carry on - I'm hooked.
And something tells me that Morticia didn't mean for the murder to be real - and certianly not hers!
Eek!
Carry on - I'm hooked.
I don't think I want to play this game. It doesn't look to me that he's playing fair!!
Yb, that's a good idea - I'm going to get my teddy bear and hug him until the next post!!
Joy
Yb, that's a good idea - I'm going to get my teddy bear and hug him until the next post!!
Joy
First I'm rolling on the floor laughing over:
This isn't part of the game, is it?
kav
QUOTE
Who’s your fan club over there, Sparky?”
A gaggle of college girls dressed as football players giggled at Jack and waved
andA gaggle of college girls dressed as football players giggled at Jack and waved
QUOTE
Jack surveyed the crowd. “What do we know about the pirates? They look like the stealing kind.”
“Tsk, Tsk.” Bobby teased. “Jack, I’m surprised at you. Wouldn’t that be considered ethnic profiling?”
and then“Tsk, Tsk.” Bobby teased. “Jack, I’m surprised at you. Wouldn’t that be considered ethnic profiling?”
This isn't part of the game, is it?kav
Chapter 4
“Sue?” Jack breathed, turning to her. Her ashen face and shallow breathing made his own heart beat rapidly. He crushed her to him and thanked God she was unharmed. Stroking her hair, he felt her body tremble against his own. Gently, he eased her away, took off his tux jacket, and draped it over her shoulders. Then, he took her icy cold hands in his own.
“Bobby, can you and Tara secure the scene? I think I should get Sue out of here.”
“Sure, mate,” the Australian told him. He did not, however, meet Jack’s eyes as he was still giving Tara his own visual examination. Pale and drawn, he could see that Tara was barely holding it together. Their eyes met and locked. As much for her benefit as for Jack’s, he stated, “We’ll be fine.”
As soon as Jack had led Sue out, the room rippled in Tara’s eyes, her stomach rolled, and she swayed on her feet. Bobby grabbed her by the waist, but she pushed him away and raced for the toilet with her hand covering her mouth. A few minutes later, she felt a cool paper towel being placed on the back of her neck. Bobby pressed another to her hand and rubbed her back in gentle circles. Immediately, the nausea began to subside.
“Come on, luv,” Bobby whispered, easing her up into his arms. “Let’s get you out of here, too.”
Too shaken to argue, she allowed him to lower her into the chintz rocker and draw the drapes closed. She tilted her head back, eyes shut, and breathed deeply. He knelt before her and took her hand. “Tara?” She opened her eyes and looked down at him. Surprised by the concern etched on his face, she dropped her head and nervously fiddled with the wet paper towel in her hand. A violent shudder shook her, and she hastily brushed a tear from her cheek hoping he didn’t see.
He lifted her chin til she met his eyes. “What is it?” he prodded.
“I’m just so embarrassed. I’m an FBI agent for heaven’s sake. It’s not like I’ve never seen a dead body before.”
He ran his hands up and down her cold arms to warm them. “Going to a crime scene knowing there will be a body there is a far cry from discovering one in the powder room -- especially something as gruesome as that. I about lost my cookies, myself.” He flashed her a half-hearted grin and stood. “Listen, why don’t you just stay here until you feel a little better? When you’re ready, you can come play detective with me.” Before leaving, he bent and brushed her cheek with a kiss, the place he touched staying warm long after he departed.
“Sue?” Jack breathed, turning to her. Her ashen face and shallow breathing made his own heart beat rapidly. He crushed her to him and thanked God she was unharmed. Stroking her hair, he felt her body tremble against his own. Gently, he eased her away, took off his tux jacket, and draped it over her shoulders. Then, he took her icy cold hands in his own.
“Bobby, can you and Tara secure the scene? I think I should get Sue out of here.”
“Sure, mate,” the Australian told him. He did not, however, meet Jack’s eyes as he was still giving Tara his own visual examination. Pale and drawn, he could see that Tara was barely holding it together. Their eyes met and locked. As much for her benefit as for Jack’s, he stated, “We’ll be fine.”
As soon as Jack had led Sue out, the room rippled in Tara’s eyes, her stomach rolled, and she swayed on her feet. Bobby grabbed her by the waist, but she pushed him away and raced for the toilet with her hand covering her mouth. A few minutes later, she felt a cool paper towel being placed on the back of her neck. Bobby pressed another to her hand and rubbed her back in gentle circles. Immediately, the nausea began to subside.
“Come on, luv,” Bobby whispered, easing her up into his arms. “Let’s get you out of here, too.”
Too shaken to argue, she allowed him to lower her into the chintz rocker and draw the drapes closed. She tilted her head back, eyes shut, and breathed deeply. He knelt before her and took her hand. “Tara?” She opened her eyes and looked down at him. Surprised by the concern etched on his face, she dropped her head and nervously fiddled with the wet paper towel in her hand. A violent shudder shook her, and she hastily brushed a tear from her cheek hoping he didn’t see.
He lifted her chin til she met his eyes. “What is it?” he prodded.
“I’m just so embarrassed. I’m an FBI agent for heaven’s sake. It’s not like I’ve never seen a dead body before.”
He ran his hands up and down her cold arms to warm them. “Going to a crime scene knowing there will be a body there is a far cry from discovering one in the powder room -- especially something as gruesome as that. I about lost my cookies, myself.” He flashed her a half-hearted grin and stood. “Listen, why don’t you just stay here until you feel a little better? When you’re ready, you can come play detective with me.” Before leaving, he bent and brushed her cheek with a kiss, the place he touched staying warm long after he departed.
There's a killer loose!!
Loved the J/S and B/T moments!! Now, let's see if we can figure out what happened!!!
Joy
Loved the J/S and B/T moments!! Now, let's see if we can figure out what happened!!!
Joy
Chapter 5
Jack deposited Sue on a fainting couch in the mansion’s hallway and faced the crowd that had gathered while still holding her hand. His position blocked the entry to the room.
“Here honey,” a middle-aged red-headed woman dressed as a saloon girl gushed handing Sue a glass of water. “You look like you need this. By the way, I’m Stella.” She sat down beside Sue and put her arm around her. “What happened, sugar?” she asked, then looked up at Jack.
He addressed the crowd. “Sue discovered our hostess murdered in the ladies’ room.”
“Oh, honey, that’s just part of the game,” Stella soothed.
“Not this time. She’s really dead.” He scanned the crowd for their reaction. The college girls gasped, the doctor and her husband fell into conversation, Hatchet-Head and Hulk pushed their way to the front.
“Let me see,” Hulk demanded.
Jack met the large man face to face. “No, we need to preserve the murder scene.”
“Who died and made you boss, pretty boy?” he growled, pushing a finger in Jack’s chest. “Maybe this is all part of the game. We need the clues.”
Jack didn’t flinch, but answered through clinched teeth. “I’m a lawyer. I know that this is what the police would want us to do.”
D. stepped forward from the group. “He’s right. That’s what they do on C.S.I. I’ll find some rope to cordon off the area.”
Stella piped up, “But fellas, what are we gals goin’ to do for our --- personal needs?”
Another inn worker spoke up. “There are bathrooms in each of your rooms as well as another large one on the second floor.”
Hulk backed off and Jack continued, “For now, I suggest we all stay as close to the dining room as possible.”
“But what about the game?” Hatchet-Head shouted.
“The game,” Jack stated in a low voice, “has now become very real and extremely dangerous.”
Jack deposited Sue on a fainting couch in the mansion’s hallway and faced the crowd that had gathered while still holding her hand. His position blocked the entry to the room.
“Here honey,” a middle-aged red-headed woman dressed as a saloon girl gushed handing Sue a glass of water. “You look like you need this. By the way, I’m Stella.” She sat down beside Sue and put her arm around her. “What happened, sugar?” she asked, then looked up at Jack.
He addressed the crowd. “Sue discovered our hostess murdered in the ladies’ room.”
“Oh, honey, that’s just part of the game,” Stella soothed.
“Not this time. She’s really dead.” He scanned the crowd for their reaction. The college girls gasped, the doctor and her husband fell into conversation, Hatchet-Head and Hulk pushed their way to the front.
“Let me see,” Hulk demanded.
Jack met the large man face to face. “No, we need to preserve the murder scene.”
“Who died and made you boss, pretty boy?” he growled, pushing a finger in Jack’s chest. “Maybe this is all part of the game. We need the clues.”
Jack didn’t flinch, but answered through clinched teeth. “I’m a lawyer. I know that this is what the police would want us to do.”
D. stepped forward from the group. “He’s right. That’s what they do on C.S.I. I’ll find some rope to cordon off the area.”
Stella piped up, “But fellas, what are we gals goin’ to do for our --- personal needs?”
Another inn worker spoke up. “There are bathrooms in each of your rooms as well as another large one on the second floor.”
Hulk backed off and Jack continued, “For now, I suggest we all stay as close to the dining room as possible.”
“But what about the game?” Hatchet-Head shouted.
“The game,” Jack stated in a low voice, “has now become very real and extremely dangerous.”
Alas, poor Morticia. What a ghastly way to go.
Jack and Bobby were so great with Sue and Tara.
Jack and Bobby were so great with Sue and Tara.
Eek! I suggest that Sue stay very close to Jack. That's going to be the best thing for her! 
I suggest that Sue stay very close to Jack. That's going to be the best thing for her!
Shades of Alfred Hitchcock!! Creepy, creepy!! Very good!!!
Joy
Joy
Cluedo in real life 
QUOTE(Oreolover @ Oct 17 2005, 12:48 AM)
“Who died and made you boss, pretty boy?” he growled, pushing a finger in Jack’s chest. “Maybe this is all part of the game. We need the clues.”
Jack didn’t flinch, but answered through clinched teeth. “I’m a lawyer. I know that this is what the police would want us to do.”
D. stepped forward from the group. “He’s right. That’s what they do on C.S.I. I’ll find some rope to cordon off the area.”
I'm sorry but....
Now for the rest of the story....
AH
Thank you for your comments so far. They really feed my muse. And Agent Hudson, I'm glad you caught my little tidbits of humor that I put in. We needed something to break up the tension. 
Chapter 6
Bobby used a paper towel to make sure he didn’t mar any finger prints as he carefully examined the crime scene. He noted that Morticia’s throat had been cut by a sharp blade with almost surgical precision as there appeared to be no jagged edges on the wound. Stepping back, he noticed a bloody footprint heading away from the scene. It was incomplete with only the heel section showing, but it revealed what Bobby guessed was made by a man’s shoe or boot. Still, with everyone in costume, that would be little or no help unless he could ask for everyone’s right shoe. “Tara, how are you doing?” he called.
Tara pushed back the drapes. “Much better. I was on my way in. What’ve we got?”
He showed her the footprint and told her about the wound. “Bobby, what’s that under her hand?”
Bobby leaned over the body. “Hmm, I didn’t see that before. It’s a folded sheet of paper. Let’s take a look.” As carefully as he could, Bobby slipped the blood splattered white typing paper from beneath Morticia’s hands. Tara spread several paper towels out on the far end of the counter, away from the body, where they could open the note. Bobby laid the note on the paper towels and gingerly pulled back the corners.
Tara leaned over his arm to read the contents. Bobby swallowed as her breast brushed his arm. “It’s the words to the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ song,” she told him as she read the computer generated note aloud:
“Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade . . .
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!”
--- And the game begins.
Bobby felt Tara shudder as she read the last words. He placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it softly. “Hey, sheila, we’re going to get him.”
She managed a weak smile. “I don’t know why, but this guy scares me to death.”
“Me, too,” he admitted. “Look at those words again. All he has to do is change his ‘face’ here.”
Tara suddenly spun towards the stall. “Bobby, go over there and pretend you are coming out of the stall to kill me.”
“Tara….”
“Just do it. I’m going to act like I’m washing my hands. I want to see how soon she would have recognized someone approaching.”
Bobby reluctantly complied and took a few steps out of the stall. “Can you see me now?” he asked, mimicking the cell phone ad. “How about now?”
Tara rolled her eyes at his antics. “Right there – stop. I can see your face clearly. Bobby, did you notice she didn’t put up a fight. All her perfectly groomed nails were in tact. Not one was broken. If her killer came out of the stall, she would have had plenty of time to be ready to protect herself if she thought she needed to. I think we’ve made a mistake. I think the killer was a woman or at least someone dressed as one because whoever it was, they didn’t raise her suspicions. She let them approach her from behind.”
Bobby closed the distance between them. “That’s my girl, always an equal opportunity profiler.”
Tara tried to mask her shock at his use of “my girl”. ”What’s gotten into him?” she wondered.
Bobby glanced around at the blood spatters on the mirror and counter top. “These didn’t come from the actual murder either. The killer had to have deliberately splattered the blood when he or rather she painted the words on the wall. Whatever the person was wearing, it has to have blood on it. Maybe we can find that or find someone who’s changed costumes.”
“What about the heel print?”
“Maybe it was part of the costume or maybe there were two of them.”
When the powder room door creaked opened, Bobby protectively stepped in front of Tara. Just as instinctively, she stepped up beside him. Simultaneouly, they let out the breath they were holding when Myles parted the curtains. He swallowed hard at the sight before him and whistled. “Well, who’s going to tell Gomez and Cousin It?”
“Myles…” Tara moaned.
“Sorry.” He produced a handful of Ziplock bags from his pocket. “I thought you might need these for evidence.”
“Thanks Myles. Have you seen Jack and Sue?”
“They are off looking for Mulligan. He seems to have been misplaced during the commotion.”
“Misplaced?”
“I lost him.”
Chapter 6
Bobby used a paper towel to make sure he didn’t mar any finger prints as he carefully examined the crime scene. He noted that Morticia’s throat had been cut by a sharp blade with almost surgical precision as there appeared to be no jagged edges on the wound. Stepping back, he noticed a bloody footprint heading away from the scene. It was incomplete with only the heel section showing, but it revealed what Bobby guessed was made by a man’s shoe or boot. Still, with everyone in costume, that would be little or no help unless he could ask for everyone’s right shoe. “Tara, how are you doing?” he called.
Tara pushed back the drapes. “Much better. I was on my way in. What’ve we got?”
He showed her the footprint and told her about the wound. “Bobby, what’s that under her hand?”
Bobby leaned over the body. “Hmm, I didn’t see that before. It’s a folded sheet of paper. Let’s take a look.” As carefully as he could, Bobby slipped the blood splattered white typing paper from beneath Morticia’s hands. Tara spread several paper towels out on the far end of the counter, away from the body, where they could open the note. Bobby laid the note on the paper towels and gingerly pulled back the corners.
Tara leaned over his arm to read the contents. Bobby swallowed as her breast brushed his arm. “It’s the words to the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ song,” she told him as she read the computer generated note aloud:
“Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade . . .
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!”
--- And the game begins.
Bobby felt Tara shudder as she read the last words. He placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it softly. “Hey, sheila, we’re going to get him.”
She managed a weak smile. “I don’t know why, but this guy scares me to death.”
“Me, too,” he admitted. “Look at those words again. All he has to do is change his ‘face’ here.”
Tara suddenly spun towards the stall. “Bobby, go over there and pretend you are coming out of the stall to kill me.”
“Tara….”
“Just do it. I’m going to act like I’m washing my hands. I want to see how soon she would have recognized someone approaching.”
Bobby reluctantly complied and took a few steps out of the stall. “Can you see me now?” he asked, mimicking the cell phone ad. “How about now?”
Tara rolled her eyes at his antics. “Right there – stop. I can see your face clearly. Bobby, did you notice she didn’t put up a fight. All her perfectly groomed nails were in tact. Not one was broken. If her killer came out of the stall, she would have had plenty of time to be ready to protect herself if she thought she needed to. I think we’ve made a mistake. I think the killer was a woman or at least someone dressed as one because whoever it was, they didn’t raise her suspicions. She let them approach her from behind.”
Bobby closed the distance between them. “That’s my girl, always an equal opportunity profiler.”
Tara tried to mask her shock at his use of “my girl”. ”What’s gotten into him?” she wondered.
Bobby glanced around at the blood spatters on the mirror and counter top. “These didn’t come from the actual murder either. The killer had to have deliberately splattered the blood when he or rather she painted the words on the wall. Whatever the person was wearing, it has to have blood on it. Maybe we can find that or find someone who’s changed costumes.”
“What about the heel print?”
“Maybe it was part of the costume or maybe there were two of them.”
When the powder room door creaked opened, Bobby protectively stepped in front of Tara. Just as instinctively, she stepped up beside him. Simultaneouly, they let out the breath they were holding when Myles parted the curtains. He swallowed hard at the sight before him and whistled. “Well, who’s going to tell Gomez and Cousin It?”
“Myles…” Tara moaned.
“Sorry.” He produced a handful of Ziplock bags from his pocket. “I thought you might need these for evidence.”
“Thanks Myles. Have you seen Jack and Sue?”
“They are off looking for Mulligan. He seems to have been misplaced during the commotion.”
“Misplaced?”
“I lost him.”
QUOTE
“Thanks Myles. Have you seen Jack and Sue?”
“They are off looking for Mulligan. He seems to have been misplaced during the commotion.”
“Misplaced?”
“I lost him.”
LOL well...at least he admits it “They are off looking for Mulligan. He seems to have been misplaced during the commotion.”
“Misplaced?”
“I lost him.”
Please write more tonight..I want to go to bed knowing that Jack and Sue are safe because if they have gone after Mulligan who knows what could happen!!! 
QUOTE(ybnormal @ Oct 17 2005, 05:22 PM)
QUOTE
“Thanks Myles. Have you seen Jack and Sue?”
“They are off looking for Mulligan. He seems to have been misplaced during the commotion.”
“Misplaced?”
“I lost him.”
LOL well...at least he admits it “They are off looking for Mulligan. He seems to have been misplaced during the commotion.”
“Misplaced?”
“I lost him.”
Agreed!
And Bobby with Tara
Keep it up!
AH
QUOTE
“The game,” Jack stated in a low voice, “has now become very real and extremely dangerous.”
I liked how you made Jack sound almost like H. from CSI Miami! =)
QUOTE
“Well, who’s going to tell Gomez and Cousin It?”
“They are off looking for Mulligan. He seems to have been misplaced during the commotion.”
“They are off looking for Mulligan. He seems to have been misplaced during the commotion.”
Too funny!!! I love your Myles! I can soooooo see him say that!!
This story is amazing. A fantistic mix of humour and horror! Keep up the Wonderful work and please make sure to post again soon!!!
~Veronique
Very creepy, very enjoyable story.
thanks,
Terie
thanks,
Terie
It was interesting seeing Tara point out that the murderer could be a woman. Whoever it is, Morticia let the murderer approach her.
QUOTE
Can you see me now?” he asked, mimicking the cell phone ad. “How about now?”
QUOTE
Bobby closed the distance between them. “That’s my girl, always an equal opportunity profiler.”
QUOTE
He swallowed hard at the sight before him and whistled. “Well, who’s going to tell Gomez and Cousin It?”
You have a great sense of humour and these comments are exactly like you'd hear on the show! It makes me totally able to visualize the scene (including the gruesome body)
I'm lovin' this!
kav
That's not a good thing...
"Masquerade"
Chapter 7
“I can’t believe he lost him!” Jack propelled Sue down the second floor hall with a hand in the small of her back. Sue glanced down the hall which divided at various places like the branches on a tree then back to Jack. “Now, not only are we in the middle of a murder investigation, but we are also searching halls for a bank robber. Talk about a waste of time.”
Walking side by side, it was hard for Sue to catch all of Jack’s words. She knew, however, he was ranting. “I’m sure Myles didn’t mean to. Things got a little confusing there for a while. You heard Stella’s husband. He even lost her for a while, and she sure doesn’t seem like someone who’s easy to lose.”
Jack chuckled, stopped in the hall, and turned to Sue. “Point taken. That’s one of the things I love about you. You can always make me smile.”
Before Sue could respond, put a finger to his lips. “I hear something,” he mouthed for Sue as he pulled her to the side of the hall. “Stay here.” Sue rolled her eyes at Jack who scowled at her before adding the word please.
Jack eased around the corner into an adjacent hallway. Sue watched the sleeves of his white shirt billow as he trotted down the hall. The pony tail swaying back and forth made her smile. She thought the hall Jack now investigated was the one D said it led to the library which was usually booked for casual meetings. Glancing down the hall to the window at the end, she noticed the tree outside whipping back and forth and knew the storm raged on. Sue leaned against the fern green wallpaper and glanced at the sconce on the wall opposite her. The candles cast flickering shadows on the wall, and she wondered how long the tapers would last.
Pulling Jack’s tux jacket more tightly around her shoulders, she closed her eyes and inhaled the woodsy scent of his aftershave that lingered on the material. ”Did he just use the word 'love?'” she wondered. Jack’s face filled her mind. He’d looked so concerned when he’d found her in the powder room – almost afraid. She knew he cared about her like a good friend would, but love…..Like a bad dream, her thoughts of Jack’s face morphed into that of Morticia and Sue shook her head to make the image go away.
Quickly, she opened her eyes and immediately felt safer in the warm glow of the candles. “Guess that’s going to be my new nightmare,” she told herself. “It figures. I finally kicked Simon out of my head, and now this.”
Her dress rustled and hair blew when a sudden gust of wind struck. The candles briefly flickered, then went out. Instantly, Sue was plunged into darkness.
****************************
Giggling. Jack couldn’t believe that what he’d heard was only the laughter of the three college girls dressed in the football costumes. Delighted by his appearance, they quickly drew him to the overstuffed leather couch.
“Wow! Not one, but two good looking visitors,” the blond teased, running her hand seductively along Jack’s sleeve. She bit her lip and purred, “Has anyone ever told you that you have amazing eyes?”
Jack pulled his arm away slowly. “You said you had another visitor?”
“Sure did, gorgeous,” the brunette teased, flipping her curls. “The Phantom was here. He’s got great eyes, too. Not warm like yours. His are dark and engaging. Very powerful.”
“Vickie, stop waxing poetry. You’re such an English major,” blondy whined, then turned back to Jack and slipped her fingers between the buttons on his shirt. “I am sure I can think of a better way to entertain our guest.”
“How long ago did he leave?”
“What will you give me if I tell you?” she purred, running her finger across his lips.
Jacked grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand away. “How long?”
“Oh, you’re no fun,” she pouted.
“Sarah, you’re such a flirt,” the red-head piped in. “Mister, he left just a few minutes before you came.”
“Thanks.” Jack couldn’t resist kissing the red-head on the cheek before he spun around. He paused half-way to the door. “Hey, what did you and the Phantom talk about?”
“Nothing really. I just remember him showing us that big flashy ring on his hand.”
“Let me know if you see him again. And ladies, you might want to go back and join the group. I don’t think it’s safe for you to be here all alone.”
Their giggles resumed as he left the room. He smiled to himself as he heard the young women commenting on how “hot” he was. ”It’s nice to know, I’ve still got it.”
Breaking glass shattered the silence of the hallway. The rush of wind extinguished the candles. Instinctively, Jack whipped out his gun and then flicked on the small flashlight he retrieved from his back pocket. Jack picked up speed as he raced for the turn into the hallway where he’d left Sue. He cursed himself for leaving her so far away, and, for the first time ever, wished she had ignored his directions and actually followed him.
Chapter 7
“I can’t believe he lost him!” Jack propelled Sue down the second floor hall with a hand in the small of her back. Sue glanced down the hall which divided at various places like the branches on a tree then back to Jack. “Now, not only are we in the middle of a murder investigation, but we are also searching halls for a bank robber. Talk about a waste of time.”
Walking side by side, it was hard for Sue to catch all of Jack’s words. She knew, however, he was ranting. “I’m sure Myles didn’t mean to. Things got a little confusing there for a while. You heard Stella’s husband. He even lost her for a while, and she sure doesn’t seem like someone who’s easy to lose.”
Jack chuckled, stopped in the hall, and turned to Sue. “Point taken. That’s one of the things I love about you. You can always make me smile.”
Before Sue could respond, put a finger to his lips. “I hear something,” he mouthed for Sue as he pulled her to the side of the hall. “Stay here.” Sue rolled her eyes at Jack who scowled at her before adding the word please.
Jack eased around the corner into an adjacent hallway. Sue watched the sleeves of his white shirt billow as he trotted down the hall. The pony tail swaying back and forth made her smile. She thought the hall Jack now investigated was the one D said it led to the library which was usually booked for casual meetings. Glancing down the hall to the window at the end, she noticed the tree outside whipping back and forth and knew the storm raged on. Sue leaned against the fern green wallpaper and glanced at the sconce on the wall opposite her. The candles cast flickering shadows on the wall, and she wondered how long the tapers would last.
Pulling Jack’s tux jacket more tightly around her shoulders, she closed her eyes and inhaled the woodsy scent of his aftershave that lingered on the material. ”Did he just use the word 'love?'” she wondered. Jack’s face filled her mind. He’d looked so concerned when he’d found her in the powder room – almost afraid. She knew he cared about her like a good friend would, but love…..Like a bad dream, her thoughts of Jack’s face morphed into that of Morticia and Sue shook her head to make the image go away.
Quickly, she opened her eyes and immediately felt safer in the warm glow of the candles. “Guess that’s going to be my new nightmare,” she told herself. “It figures. I finally kicked Simon out of my head, and now this.”
Her dress rustled and hair blew when a sudden gust of wind struck. The candles briefly flickered, then went out. Instantly, Sue was plunged into darkness.
Giggling. Jack couldn’t believe that what he’d heard was only the laughter of the three college girls dressed in the football costumes. Delighted by his appearance, they quickly drew him to the overstuffed leather couch.
“Wow! Not one, but two good looking visitors,” the blond teased, running her hand seductively along Jack’s sleeve. She bit her lip and purred, “Has anyone ever told you that you have amazing eyes?”
Jack pulled his arm away slowly. “You said you had another visitor?”
“Sure did, gorgeous,” the brunette teased, flipping her curls. “The Phantom was here. He’s got great eyes, too. Not warm like yours. His are dark and engaging. Very powerful.”
“Vickie, stop waxing poetry. You’re such an English major,” blondy whined, then turned back to Jack and slipped her fingers between the buttons on his shirt. “I am sure I can think of a better way to entertain our guest.”
“How long ago did he leave?”
“What will you give me if I tell you?” she purred, running her finger across his lips.
Jacked grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand away. “How long?”
“Oh, you’re no fun,” she pouted.
“Sarah, you’re such a flirt,” the red-head piped in. “Mister, he left just a few minutes before you came.”
“Thanks.” Jack couldn’t resist kissing the red-head on the cheek before he spun around. He paused half-way to the door. “Hey, what did you and the Phantom talk about?”
“Nothing really. I just remember him showing us that big flashy ring on his hand.”
“Let me know if you see him again. And ladies, you might want to go back and join the group. I don’t think it’s safe for you to be here all alone.”
Their giggles resumed as he left the room. He smiled to himself as he heard the young women commenting on how “hot” he was. ”It’s nice to know, I’ve still got it.”
Breaking glass shattered the silence of the hallway. The rush of wind extinguished the candles. Instinctively, Jack whipped out his gun and then flicked on the small flashlight he retrieved from his back pocket. Jack picked up speed as he raced for the turn into the hallway where he’d left Sue. He cursed himself for leaving her so far away, and, for the first time ever, wished she had ignored his directions and actually followed him.
Creepier and creepier (is that even a word?)!!
Good for Tara - getting in there and showing them that she is a good FBI agent under pressure! So, the murderer may be a woman? Interesting!!
Myles is priceless!! I can hear him saying these things! You have him down perfectly!!
The college girls are something!! I'm surprised Jack got out of the library alive!!
Now, is Sue okay?? Can't wait for your next post!!
Joy
Good for Tara - getting in there and showing them that she is a good FBI agent under pressure! So, the murderer may be a woman? Interesting!!
Myles is priceless!! I can hear him saying these things! You have him down perfectly!!
The college girls are something!! I'm surprised Jack got out of the library alive!!
Now, is Sue okay?? Can't wait for your next post!!
Joy
QUOTE(Oreolover @ Oct 18 2005, 01:10 PM)
Their giggles resumed as he left the room. He smiled to himself as he heard the young women commenting on how “hot” he was. ”It’s nice to know, I’ve still got it.”
Jack - always 'mister modest'!
But where's Sue?
AH
God, I can't believe you left us there!!! Again, this story is amazing.. you're playing with all of our emotions here: We laugh, hold our breath.. have nightmres! Keep it up!!! And please, post more soon!!!!! And, and make sure Sue's safe -although I have a bad feeling about this!-
~Veronique
~Veronique
Oh such suspense....this is riverting....
*shudders several times* Eeeeek! The suspense is driving me nuts!!
I have not finished reading this yet, but you're weaving a very interesting tale and I can't wait to catch up and see what you're having the team face. Very interesting read and very true to form.
I wasn't going to post more than one chapter a day, but I got extra finished and all the feedback put me in a generous mood.
WARNING: Reading Halloween Challenge stories before bed may cause nightmares.
Chapter 8
With the team gathered together at a table near a window, D addressed Bobby, Tara, and Myles. “Several of the guests insist on playing the game and searching for the murderer. I heard them saying that the real murderer isn’t necessarily the one in the game.”
Tara set down the goblet of blood punch she’d been drinking. “But there haven’t been any fake ones either. I’d say it is a definite possibility that the play actor is the real murderer.”
“I agree,” D. told them. “That’s why I want you and Bobby to ‘play the game’ and search for clues with the others. At the very least, you can help keep an eye on the guests for safety reasons.” He turned to Myles. “We are going to use our position as staff to search the rooms for some evidence of the clothes you think the killer might have been wearing. While we’re gone, you two should try to fit in here.”
“Where do you think Sue and Jack have gotten themselves off to?” Bobby asked.
“I told him them to check back in within the hour. They should be here soon.” D. pushed his chair back from the table. “Hey, let’s be extra careful on this one.”
********************
She wasn’t there. He’d searched the hallway. He’d searched the adjacent rooms and corridors, and even the stairwell, but there was no sign of Sue. In Jack’s ears, his own heartbeat thudded more loudly than the wind that roared through the broken window at the end of the hallway.
He raced from room to room flashing the tiny light over the carpeting, fixtures, and furniture for any sign of Sue. “Calm down,” he ordered himself taking several deep breaths. “Maybe she just went back to the group when the lights went out.”
Feeling someone behind him, Jack spun to his right. Too late to react, a hard object connected with the back of Jack’s head and he crumpled on to the plush Oriental rug.
WARNING: Reading Halloween Challenge stories before bed may cause nightmares.
Chapter 8
With the team gathered together at a table near a window, D addressed Bobby, Tara, and Myles. “Several of the guests insist on playing the game and searching for the murderer. I heard them saying that the real murderer isn’t necessarily the one in the game.”
Tara set down the goblet of blood punch she’d been drinking. “But there haven’t been any fake ones either. I’d say it is a definite possibility that the play actor is the real murderer.”
“I agree,” D. told them. “That’s why I want you and Bobby to ‘play the game’ and search for clues with the others. At the very least, you can help keep an eye on the guests for safety reasons.” He turned to Myles. “We are going to use our position as staff to search the rooms for some evidence of the clothes you think the killer might have been wearing. While we’re gone, you two should try to fit in here.”
“Where do you think Sue and Jack have gotten themselves off to?” Bobby asked.
“I told him them to check back in within the hour. They should be here soon.” D. pushed his chair back from the table. “Hey, let’s be extra careful on this one.”
She wasn’t there. He’d searched the hallway. He’d searched the adjacent rooms and corridors, and even the stairwell, but there was no sign of Sue. In Jack’s ears, his own heartbeat thudded more loudly than the wind that roared through the broken window at the end of the hallway.
He raced from room to room flashing the tiny light over the carpeting, fixtures, and furniture for any sign of Sue. “Calm down,” he ordered himself taking several deep breaths. “Maybe she just went back to the group when the lights went out.”
Feeling someone behind him, Jack spun to his right. Too late to react, a hard object connected with the back of Jack’s head and he crumpled on to the plush Oriental rug.
eek!!! First Sue, now Jack! eek!!!
This is creepy, scary, frightening, etc., etc. - a really good Halloween story!!!
Where's Sue and who hit Jack???
Joy
Where's Sue and who hit Jack???
Joy
OMG you scaring me here!!!
Who hit my Jack?? and where is Sue?
Vickie
Who hit my Jack?? and where is Sue?
Vickie
Chapter 9
Myles had proffered the room keys from “Morticia’s” desk that allowed D and him access to the guest’s rooms. Along with the keys, he’d found a registration spreadsheet indicating who was assigned each room.
The guest rooms of the Blair Mansion were located in east wing. With everyone either in the dining hall or out looking for clues, only a couple of people had even gone to their rooms. D. knocked on the first door which belonged to the the doctor and her husband. Because of the surgical precision of the wound Morticia’s throat, Bobby had suggested they check their room first. “Room service,” he shouted. When no one answered, Myles unlocked the door and pushed it open.
Nothing seemed out of place in their check of the luggage, closet, bed linens and drawers. The doctor’s medial bag, placed on the nightstand, did contain a scalpel, but it was sealed in surgical plastic awaiting use.
The second room they checked belonged to Hatchet Head and Hulk. Myles chuckled when he saw that the mini-bar had already been cracked open and much of the contents devoured. “That’ll cost ‘em.”
Room three, a suite with a four poster bed, belonged to saloon girl Stella and her sheriff husband Frank. Myles opened the armoire and whistled. “Come look at this.”
D. stepped over to join him. “An extra dress?” He used a paper towel to lift the red dress from the hook and placed it on the bed. By the smell, he could tell it was damp. “Now, do you think she just got rained on or do you think something got on this she wanted to get out?”
Myles shook his head. “She doesn’t seem the type to me. It’s funny she’d need two dresses though. I’ll check the bathroom while you put that back.”
“Find anything?”
“Not unless you’re into these.” He held up a lace and leather garter around the corner for his supervisor to see.
“I don’t even want to go there in my nightmares. Come on, Leland. Let’s get out of here.”
********************
“Monster Mash” boomed from the speakers as Bobby stood and pulled Tara’s up by the hand. “Let’s go for a walk down the hall. It’s noisy in here.”
“D said we should try to fit in.”
“And he said for us to ‘play the game’ and look for clues. Scared to be alone with me? Don’t worry, luv, I’ll protect you.”
“Cute, Manning. And, I can protect myself, thank you very much.”
With her hand clasped tightly in his, she had no choice but to follow as he wound his way through the tables and into the hall. His grasp didn’t lessen as they started toward the west wing. Tara glanced at Bobby who seemed deep in thought. “Earth to Bobby. You don’t have to keep up the pretense here. No one is around.”
“Huh?”
Tara lifted their entangled hands.
In one swift move that Tara knew they didn’t teach at Quantico, Bobby had her pinned against the wall with his right hand beside her head and his left beneath her arm. “Tara, do you honestly think that everything I’ve been doing was part of my cover?”
Caught off guard, Tara stared blankly at him until a tear betrayed her inner turmoil. Her words came out disjointed and garbled. “Darc… I….. was afraid to ….
“Ssshh.” He pressed a finger to her lips. “I am here with you ---you and only you--- , right now, because I want to be. I’m not attending the Jack Hudson School of Romance. When I realize that the best thing that’s ever happened to me, could be right in front of my eyes, I’m not going to think about it for the next three years.” He stared into her eyes conveying the depth of his emotions. He dropped his gaze to her lips. “You need to know that before I do this.” Deliberately slow, Bobby closed the distance between them and kissed her with an intensity he’d never imagined with anyone.
Myles had proffered the room keys from “Morticia’s” desk that allowed D and him access to the guest’s rooms. Along with the keys, he’d found a registration spreadsheet indicating who was assigned each room.
The guest rooms of the Blair Mansion were located in east wing. With everyone either in the dining hall or out looking for clues, only a couple of people had even gone to their rooms. D. knocked on the first door which belonged to the the doctor and her husband. Because of the surgical precision of the wound Morticia’s throat, Bobby had suggested they check their room first. “Room service,” he shouted. When no one answered, Myles unlocked the door and pushed it open.
Nothing seemed out of place in their check of the luggage, closet, bed linens and drawers. The doctor’s medial bag, placed on the nightstand, did contain a scalpel, but it was sealed in surgical plastic awaiting use.
The second room they checked belonged to Hatchet Head and Hulk. Myles chuckled when he saw that the mini-bar had already been cracked open and much of the contents devoured. “That’ll cost ‘em.”
Room three, a suite with a four poster bed, belonged to saloon girl Stella and her sheriff husband Frank. Myles opened the armoire and whistled. “Come look at this.”
D. stepped over to join him. “An extra dress?” He used a paper towel to lift the red dress from the hook and placed it on the bed. By the smell, he could tell it was damp. “Now, do you think she just got rained on or do you think something got on this she wanted to get out?”
Myles shook his head. “She doesn’t seem the type to me. It’s funny she’d need two dresses though. I’ll check the bathroom while you put that back.”
“Find anything?”
“Not unless you’re into these.” He held up a lace and leather garter around the corner for his supervisor to see.
“I don’t even want to go there in my nightmares. Come on, Leland. Let’s get out of here.”
“Monster Mash” boomed from the speakers as Bobby stood and pulled Tara’s up by the hand. “Let’s go for a walk down the hall. It’s noisy in here.”
“D said we should try to fit in.”
“And he said for us to ‘play the game’ and look for clues. Scared to be alone with me? Don’t worry, luv, I’ll protect you.”
“Cute, Manning. And, I can protect myself, thank you very much.”
With her hand clasped tightly in his, she had no choice but to follow as he wound his way through the tables and into the hall. His grasp didn’t lessen as they started toward the west wing. Tara glanced at Bobby who seemed deep in thought. “Earth to Bobby. You don’t have to keep up the pretense here. No one is around.”
“Huh?”
Tara lifted their entangled hands.
In one swift move that Tara knew they didn’t teach at Quantico, Bobby had her pinned against the wall with his right hand beside her head and his left beneath her arm. “Tara, do you honestly think that everything I’ve been doing was part of my cover?”
Caught off guard, Tara stared blankly at him until a tear betrayed her inner turmoil. Her words came out disjointed and garbled. “Darc… I….. was afraid to ….
“Ssshh.” He pressed a finger to her lips. “I am here with you ---you and only you--- , right now, because I want to be. I’m not attending the Jack Hudson School of Romance. When I realize that the best thing that’s ever happened to me, could be right in front of my eyes, I’m not going to think about it for the next three years.” He stared into her eyes conveying the depth of his emotions. He dropped his gaze to her lips. “You need to know that before I do this.” Deliberately slow, Bobby closed the distance between them and kissed her with an intensity he’d never imagined with anyone.
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