Sue didn't drink the posion, did she? Maybe she just collapse due to the shock of Jack confessing his love for her?

Bobby as Indiana Jones?

i always did love Indiana Jones...


and Jack love was all that was needed but please tell me that Sue is going to be okay...

Bobby as a swashbuckler... I like

I wonder if Sue will remember Jack's declaration?

Great story

AAHHHH....Bobby shows off is whip skills!!! o.k. could have been taken in several ways, but I think you understand where I was going with that!

Love that Jack said no more games....it's time those two just said I love you and live happily ever after. I love happily ever after! Speaking of that...maybe Bobby could give Tara some swashbuckling lessons or at least involve her in some lovely rescue reinactment scenes! Those could be fun and could lead to even more "happily ever afters"

Tosca, I like the way you think!

I'm off to my son's Taekwondo tournament this morning, so I thought I'd post today's installment early. Have a great day, everyone, and Matalyn, I hope you are feeling better.

Chapter 25

“I almost killed you?” Sue asked incredulously. Tears sprung to her eyes and Jack wiped them away with his thumb. She had remained unconscious for nearly 30 minutes. It was enough time for Jack to carry her back to her room, for Bobby to turn Mulligan over to D, and for Bobby to return with Tara and the doctor. While the doctor assured him that Sue appeared fine, the terror he felt was overwhelming. When she finally opened her eyes, all he could do was lie in the four-poster bed, propped against the ornate headboard, holding her. Exhausted, she dozed on and off. Finally, she woke and demanded he tell her what had happened.

Jack thought she looked fragile and pale, and his heart ached for her. “Sshhh, it’s over now. You weren’t in control. It’s not your fault.” Jack pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. “How’s the headache?”

Sue was unsure of why Jack was being so demonstrative, but decided she needed his touch more than his explanation. “Pounding. It’s unbelievable.”

“Here. Sit up.” Sue complied and Jack began to knead the taut muscles in her neck. Sue moaned softly, allowing her head to loll forward. Her creamy skin beckoned his lips. Ever so gently, he burned a trail of kissed across her neck and shoulders. Suddenly, she shuddered. He leaned in front of her.

“Sue, what’s wrong?”

“I just remember feeling him......... touch me. But I couldn’t stop him,” she sobbed. “I don’t think I cared.”

Too choked to respond, Jack merely nodded.

“Jack, did he……..”

“Did he what, honey?” For a second, Sue looked terrified and quickly averted her eyes shamefully. Jack suddenly understood. “No, no Sue. The doctor assured me that he didn’t hurt you -- especially like that.”

“I'm just so confused. I can’t remember any of it.”

“Any of it?”

She shook her head “no” as more tears trailed down her face.

“So, you don’t remember what I said to make you wake up?”

“No,” she whispered.

“Then, Miss Thomas, we really need to talk.”

After a respectfully quiet knock on the door, Bobby stuck his head in the door. “D wants to all meet in the ball room if Sue is up to it. We have to decide what to do about charges before the cavalry arrives.”

Sue didn’t catch all of Bobby’s words, but she saw the word “charges.” She grabbed Jack’s hand. “Am I being charged for attempted murder?”

“Heavens no, Sue. But there were murders that we believe those college girls were involved in for sure and Keller tried to kill Tara. Not to mention we have to figure out how Mulligan fits in all this.”

“But how is my trying to kill you different from what Mr. Keller did?”

“Actually, you had a gun to your back. You didn’t have a choice.”

“Oh.”

WOW! so much to say.....here goes.....



That was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second, loved the Bobby and the whip thing!!!!!!! So visible in my mind's eye!!!!!!!!!!


LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111

patiently waiting

Propse JAck!!!!!!!!!!!!! She didn't remember and you brought her out of that!!!!!!!!!!!



WOW!!!!!!!!!!! wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm feelin' better Lorna, hope your son's tournament goes okay!


and have I mentioned that I LOVE YOUR WRITING!!!!!!!!

I really think that Sue needs to ask Jack how he brought her out of the trance....could be very interesting!!!! :whistle:

Great story...please post more soon!

We now seem to have another interruption!! Jack needs to tell Sue what he said to bring her out of the trance, and she needs to tell him she likes his kisses and touch!! Does that about cover it??

Oreo, this story is fantastic!!

Joy

I agree... it's definitely time for Jack to open up to Sue!

Go Jack, don't waste another minute

This is a wonderful mix of fuzzies, angst and suspense!

Come on JAck, don't back pedal now, tell her exactly how you feel.....


Vickie

Good morning, everyone! This is a long post, and tommorrow, I'll post the last chapter. I'll post that one early in the morning so if you want to read it before taking you little cherubs Trick or Treating, you can. Have a great day!

Chapter 26

Jack kept his arm protectively around Sue as they entered the ballroom. At one end of the room sat the three college girls, Sarah, Stephanie, and Vickie, with red-rimmed eyes and pale faces. Beside them, Mr. and Dr. Keller, also deathly pale, made notes on a tablet. Jack was surprised to see Stella and her husband, too, and made a point to ask about it. Handcuffed to the table leg and sitting alone at another table was Timothy Mulligan. He smiled at Sue as she entered and Jack positioned himself so Sue couldn’t see him. On the opposite side of the room, D, Myles, Bobby, and Tara had gathered around a table.

Jack kept a hand in the small of her back until they were seated at the table. Then, his arm immediately encircled her shoulders. Under the table, he took her hand in his.

“How are you feeling, Sue?” Tara asked. “Do you still have a headache?”

Sue nodded and Jack squeezed her hand. “But I’ll be fine. Tara, Jack says you understand what happened better than the rest of us.”

Tara leaned forward. “Basically, Mulligan hypnotized all of the murderers. This is sometimes called the ‘Svengali effect' named after the sinister character in the 1894 novel Trilby by George Du Maurier. The headache is a common complaint after this kind of hypnotism.”

“But, don’t hypnotists say they can’t make you do anything against your will?” Jack asked.

“They do, but that’s not entirely true. Have you ever seen a hypnotist’s show? You know where they make someone act like a chicken or think they are blind. Now, you know that goes against their will, right?”

“Yeah, but acting like a chicken is a far cry from murdering someone,” Myles said.

Tara placed a heavy volume on the table. “True, but according to that book, what happens is the same. First, the hypnotist finds people who he can easily command. They follow his directions. Then, he uses hand movements, often involving something shiny, to keep their eyes busy while he says words in rapidly. Sometimes he even touches their face and presses on their cheekbones. All of this shuts off the part of the brain controls their will. We also think that Mulligan slipped each of the suspects some kind of psychotropic drug which made them even more susceptible to hypnosis.”

“Didn’t you say that he used scopolamine?” Bobby asked.

“Yes. Apparently you were listening,” she grinned at him.

He squeezed her hand under the table. “I listen to your every word, sheila.”

“Dr. Keller said it was a possibility. It is derived from Jimson Weed. Something known in folklore as loco weed. It’s also an amnesiac.”

Tara disentangled her hand from Bobby’s, opened the book, and pointed to a photo of some subjects under hypnosis. “The book said that in studies they’ve been able to hypnotize people to steal money and even shoot rubber bullets when they thought they were assassins. They were even able to get this woman to throw what she thought was acid into someone’s face. This was especially effective when they hypnotist was able to make the person believe that it was part of a game.”

“So how did Mulligan get so good at this?” D asked.

“I don’t really know. Maybe he studied it or maybe someone taught it to him. The book also said that in Russia, there are some people who are so gifted at hypnosis, they can steal money from a tourist right on the street. They are called Gypsy hypnotists. About 300 cases a year are reported.”

“His grandmother was Gypsy. She gave him the ring,” Sue explained. “I remember talking about it. She might have even known about the Jimson Weed.”

“I hate to be the skeptic,” Myles cut in, “but do you really think it’s possible to get someone to kill another human being by waving a watch in front of their eyes.”

“Yes,” Jack whispered. “I do.”

“And it’s not just anyone. Mulligan is exceptionally good at this. Remember the bank robberies? Sue, you were the one who commented on how the tellers just handed the money over to him without pushing the alarm or putting in the dye pack. Remember how the last one said she couldn’t even remember what happened? We just assumed it was the trauma. I think Mulligan just likes to show off his skills.”

D took a deep breath. “So what you’re saying is you think he tired of that game and moved on to murder. That's quite a jump.”

“That’s what he told me,” Jack explained. “He said it was about showing the world his power.”

“So who do you think killed whom?” Jack asked.

“This might be hard to do without the whiteboard, but I’ll give it a try,” Myles explained. “About an hour ago, Stella came to us extremely upset. She admitted her husband found her in the powder room just after Morticia was killed. Her dress was covered in blood. He took her back to their room, and she collapsed. He removed the dress, washed it, and hung it in armoire to dry. She had two dresses because they are square dancers and she couldn’t decide which dress to wear.”

“So, the heel print belongs to the sheriff?” Bobby asked.

“That’s what I think.”

Jack glanced at the other table. “What about the girls?”

Bobby set down his water glass. “They probably killed Hulk, and possibly Hatchet-Head. If they didn’t kill him, then Mulligan did with that fancy knife.”

Jack could feel Sue trembling and he pulled her closer. She swallowed the lump in her throat and inclined her head to the table at the other end of the room. “So, what’s going to happen to them?”

D followed her gaze. “Forensics will have to go over the murder scenes. If there’s physical evidence against them, they’ll be booked. The doctor has already taken blood samples of them all. If they were drugged, I don’t know what will happen from there.”

“I’d like to testify on their behalf if need be,” Sue breathed.

Jack squeezed her hand. “We both will. That should help their cases a lot.” Jack pushed his chair back. “Now, if you all don’t mind, I’d like to take Sue out to enjoy the sunrise.”

“Whatever you do, just don’t take her to the garden, mate.”

***********************

As they all started to depart, Bobby hastily directed Tara away from the others and steered her down the hall to an empty room. Once inside he placed his hands on her hips, and Tar splayed her fingers across his broad chest. “You were great in there, sheila.”

“Thanks. By the way, where did you learn to use a whip like that? The Outback?”

“Can you keep a secret from Jack?” he asked raising his eyebrows.

“I don’t think that’ll be a problem.“

“There’s a first time for everything, luv.” He winked at her conspiratorially.

"Bobby!"

“I don’t know what possessed me. It must be this costume…." They both laughed, and he kissed her forehead. "Hey, I think I have our next date planned.”

“Oh, it’s not white water rafting?”

“Nope. I heard ‘Phantom of the Opera’ is playing.”

Tara maoned and rolled her eyes. Then, her eyes lit up. Biting her lower lip, she grabbed the sides of his leather jacket. “Actually, Indy, I have a better idea,” she whispered pulling him even closer. She slipped her arms around his waste under the jacket and allowed her hands to roam his across his lower back. “I think I like to curl up with you and watch ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’. Who knows what treasure we’ll find.”

“Marion,I like the way that beautiful mind of yours works.”

Whoa!!! I'm staying away from any one who flashes rings in my face and speaks rapidly!! At least, until Tuesday!!!

What a great post, Oreo - can't wait for your ending!!

Joy

It must be so worrying for the ones who were hypnotised as any prints on the dead people and they will get arrested for murder!!

Great post, can't wait to see how you end it all


Vickie

Ok I've only got to chapter 7 but I have interrupted myself, cos I've just got to let you know how great this is....and so so funny.

I love the dialogue and the various interactions taking place...off to read more

loving it....Oreo loving Indy bobby....someone so cute about that picture...

For me, it's alway bittersweet to come to the end of a story. I planned to post this last chapter on Halloween for two reasons. One, it's for the Halloween Challenge, and two, it's kind of a birthday present to myself. Halloween birthdays are kind of weird. Your husband has no excuse to ever forget it, but you also spend your childhood Trick or Treating and your adulthood taking your kids Trick or Treating. So, writing this story has been my way of "Treating" myself to something I enjoy. I hope all of you have enjoyed it, too.

"Masquerade"

Chapter 27

Dawn greeted them with smile. The heavy bellied thunderclouds of the night had dissipated to be replaced with the orangey, yellow hues of morning. Jack inhaled the crisp autumn air as he stood hand in hand with Sue unwilling to let her go for even a moment.

As soon as Jack had brought her out here, Sue’s fears grew. While most of the night had become one long, horrific nightmare, the last few hours were a dream come true. He turned to face her and picked up her other hand as well. “Sue, remember when I said we needed to talk?”

“Yes,” she whispered tremulously, sure that now that the night was over, Jack was about to give her a wake up call.

“You need to know what I told you to make you come out of the trance. More importantly, you need to know that I meant every word. I did this.” He picked up her hand and signed, “I LOVE YOU” into it.

Sue’s eyes filled with tears and she started to speak. Jack pressed a finger to her lips.

“Then, I told you that the game was over. You had won my love. Sue, the game –the one we’ve played with each other for the last three years - is over. I don’t know how we’ll do it, but we will. I want there to be an us -- not just today, but tomorrow and the next day and the next and the next.”

“I love you, too, Jack!” Sue cried, unable to contain herself any longer.

With a flourish, he picked her up and swung her around, the lacey dress swirling around her ankles. Sue giggled. He lowered her to the ground and stared into her eyes still glistening in the morning sun with tears of joy. They held each other tightly for long moments, and then Jack pulled away, tilting her face up to his. Cupping her face with both hands, he brought his lips to hers.

Pulling back, he stared into her eyes, forming words his heart had been trying to tell his head for a long time. “If I had a ring, I’d ask you to marry me.”

Sue laughed. “Don’t take this wrong, Jack, but I don’t want to see a diamond ring for a long time.”

He grinned in understanding. “When the time is right then, expect to be swept off your feet, Miss Thomas. “ He kissed her again, deeply, passionately, intimately, sealing their new love with a promise.

No more masks. No more games. The masquerade was over.


The End

I wanted to acknowledge the following sources that I used for this story. The first one,

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nati...hypnotic01.html .

was a Pulitzer Prize winning story about the Gypsy street hypnotists. The article is entitled "GIving Until It Hurts" by Kim Murphy, LA Times staff writer. It was what gave me the idea for the crime.

A couple of the other sources I used, included:

www.psywww.com/asc/hyp/faq5.html

http.forshores.org/p05hyp.htm

That was a super ending, Oreo. A sequel, perhaps?

Fantastic ending Oreo, room perhaps for a nice fuzzy sequel??!!

Vickie

that was truely wonderful oreo, absolutly brilliant and your final post was a treat for me aswell - i got to read it while in my lunch break when i thought i would have to wait until tonight to find out the ending!

and im with vickie - always ready for a good fluffy sequel!!

Ditto!

Wonderful story!!! With lots of room for a sequel....

Please? :whistle:

Bravo!!! (if the smilie had legs he's be giving you a standing ovation!)


Happy Birthday Sweetie!


Now - did i hear someone mention 'SEQUAL'?


AH

Gee Lorna, I don't know what to say?! That was the most beautiful ending!!!!!!! That was the only ending that would have fit!


Thanks you for sharing your talents with us!!!!!!! I hope to read more of your stuff!!!!!!!!


GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!


Love,
Matalyn

Almost forgot!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

BRAVO HUNNEY BRAVO

Perfect ending to a great story! Bravo!

And....Happy Birthday to you!!!!!

I enjoyed reading your story, it was very good, well done

Oreo, what a wonderful story!! I shivered, I cried, I laughed, I had a ball reading this!! Thank you for sharing your great talent with us!!


HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OREO!!! MAY ALL YOUR WISHES COME TRUE!!!!

WoW1 Happily ever after!

Heart-stoppingly (is that a word?) scary plot with two beautiful love stories in the mix ... what more could a fanfic reader want?

Great job, Oreolover!

Katinka

Well that was a thoroughly satisfying ending! You have a wonderful way with words, and I wouldn't mind a sequel either -- or at least another story from you very soon. And I'm glad your treat was our treat. another October birthday -- they're the best Thanks for entering the contest....you did a fantastic job.
kav

That was a wonderful way to end your story

Beautifully written...

Thank you Oreo for entering the Halloween Challenge I'd love to read more stories from you

I love seeing this little window into Bobby and Jack's relationship, how well they know each other and can anticipate eachothers next move and feeling

Eww, eww eww! Jack needs to show up and get Mulligan's hands off of Sue!! What did Mulligan make these girls do?!

Oh thank goodness for Myles! Oh Jack, follow the music, get Sue back and then tell her you love her!!!

I knew he would be able to get through to her! Is Sue okay?! I wish I could have seen this! Bobby would have made a very good Indiana Jones!

She doesn't remember what Jack did, does she?!
What an awful feeling that must be! I can't wait until this talk!

All of those poor people that Mulligan put under their spell having to live with murder and attempted murder now

That was a perfect ending!!

I absolutely loved this story!

OreO

Just read this AGAIN! and it's just as creepy the 2nd time around.

Very tense

aww bobby and tara are cute couple.
ugh mulligan hypnotizing everyone glad jack was able to break through with his love.
well i'm sure jack can find ways around the diamond restriction.