Ok, so here's my shot at the challenge. For now I'll just post the intro and tomorrow I'll start posting what I've written.



Intro Story - Halloween Night - 9pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It’s no big deal… they just dim the lights, dress a few staff in costumes… a few effects…” his voice dropped under Sue’s gaze. The 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.

Great begining...looking forward to more!!!

You have my interest!!

Eagerly awaiting the first installment

Vickie

ditto!

Thanks for your interest. Here is the first part...

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As Jack looked over the crowd he tried to spot the best way to get out if they needed to. The only thing that looked halfway promising, was the door Myles was by. This wouldn’t be good. Then he realized that he probably shouldn’t be thinking worst-case scenario right now. After all, he was with Sue, and he might as well enjoy himself since they wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while. Smiling he turned toward her.

“What’s so funny?” Sue asked wandering what on earth about this situation could possibly be the slightest bit humorous.

“Nothing, just everything seems to happen to us, doesn’t it?” Jack said.

“It does seem that way.” She said feeling slightly calmer. “Should…”

“Would you like to dance?”

“What?”

“Would you like to dance? After all this is a party.”

Sue eyed Jack suspiciously, “I guess.”

As Jack led her to the dance floor, several people watched.

“Bobby look,” Tara said nudging him.

“Woohoo. ‘bout time too.” Bobby said tilting his hat a little to get a better view. “What do you say we get a closer look?”

“I’d love too. And maybe we can get a few good shots of them…proof, that way they can’t deny it.” Tara suggested.

“I like the way you think.”

Bobby and Tara slowly danced their way across the room; each time getting a little closer to Jack and Sue. But just as they got close enough to capture a few moments for posterity. Jack and Sue made their way over to the edge of the room, not far from where D was standing.

Forming a plan, Bobby led Tara over to Myles, and after getting him to agree, and Tara was kind of surprised he went along so quickly, they headed over to D. Now, they made these movements casually, mingling with guests in between, even stopping to have some punch.

Upon hearing their plan D quickly agreed and promised he’d do his best to help them. Satisfied, Bobby once again led Tara out to the dance floor, this time though he had no intentions of getting photographs.
After taking Tara out that one night he had slowly began to look at her in a new light. He knew she was with Stanley and that telling her he loved Darcy after kissing her probably meant nothing would ever happen. But at the same time he still held out some hope.

As they danced Tara noticed Mulligan chatting with a couple senators. “I hope Sue is watching.” Tara said turning her attention back to Bobby.

“Let’s hope. Unfortunately there isn’t much we can do, so I say we enjoy ourselves and try to perfect our plan a little more.”

“Deal.”

Sue and Jack were standing next to the window when Jack once again spotted Mulligan. Pointing him out, Sue began to watch the conversation unwind. When Mulligan walked away fifteen minutes later Sue relayed to Jack what had been said. Smiling her took her hand and made their way to D.

“Excuse me sir, could you please point out the ladies restrooms please.” Jack asked.

“Of course down the hall and on the right.” D replied, pointing.

Sue nodded and made her way down the hall.

“Thank you,” Jack said, slipping him a tape.

This is getting interesting..can't wait for more!!!

Intriguing start!

what's on the tape???

Interesting! A tape?

is the tape of what Sue said???

Thanks for all of your comments...eventually almost everything will be explained.

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Back at the Hoover building, Lucy had just gotten back into the office from taking Levi out when she heard the news. Within seconds she was on the phone with Garrett informing him of the developments.

Within the hour he had arrived and was busy making phone calls. “Yes I understand, thanks for your help.” Garrett said slamming down the phone.

“Well?” Lucy asked.

“They are going to get on it as soon as they are able to see what they’re doing. So it’s going to be a long night… Have you heard from anyone yet?”

“No sir…but it’s nearing the check-in point.”

“Who’s?”

“Dimitrius, I believe.”

“Good, he should know something. Let me know when he calls. I have some other calls to make.”

“Yes sir.” Lucy said as Levi whined and laid down.

Sitting down, Lucy did spare a moment to hope that maybe being stuck out there would somehow work in their favor…Jack and Sue’s. She had been trying so hard, and her crowning moment was when she thought up the costumes. Now hopefully fate would help the rest of the way. Though she was kind of perturbed at the fact that she would have to wait till morning to find out.

Tearing her mind away from her guesses she returned to the paperwork she was working on. Before long she was so busy trying to complete it, she lost all track of time.

“I told you to let me know when Dimitrius called?” Garrett asked walking in.

“I’m sorry what?” Lucy asked looking up from her paperwork.

“What did Dimitrius have to say?”

Lucy looked at the clock; it was an hour past the supposed check-in time. “He never called.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“This isn’t good…” he mumbled. “Does Jack have his cell on him?”

“Yes that’s what he’s supposed to call in on.”

“Good I want you to try to get a hold of him, and if you can’t, contact Thomas.”

“She doesn’t have her blackberry on her.”

“Ok, well try the others and see if we can get in contact with anyone.”

“Yes sir.”

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

“So what are you doing this weekend?”

“Not much just hanging out I guess. I should probably work on some of the paperwork this assignment will create.”

“Yeah, that paperwork’s a killer.”

“That’s definitely the whole down point to the FBI.”

“Yeah, so I was wondering if maybe you would like to, uh, maybe go out to dinner on Saturday?”

“I don’t know…you mean like a date?”

“Kind of, if you’d like to think of it like that.”

“Sure.”

“To the dinner or the date?”

“Both.”

Interesting start! Can't wait to see what happens!

and good luck in the HC Challenge!

Thanks...here's some more.

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Dimitrius headed away from the kitchen a little worried. One thing they hadn’t told the guests was that the phone was out. And now he had no way of contacting the office. Hopefully he could pass word to Jack or Bobby, and they could call in. But in the meantime he still had to act his part of the security service hired to protect the high-powered guests.

Looking over the guests he spotted Bobby and Tara talking in one corner mingling with some of the guests. But as he scanned the crowd he didn’t see Jack or Sue. So he turned his focus back to Tara and Bobby. He watched as they excused themselves and how Bobby put his hand in the small of Tara’s back as he guided her over to the dance floor. He also noticed how, when they began to dance, Bobby held her quite close. Turning to the guests that had just walked up, he made a mental note to somehow find out about that.

“How can I help you?” D asked the couple.

“We were wondering if there’s been any other news of bridge being repaired?” The elderly man asked.

“No, I’m afraid not…from what I understand they can’t get to it till dawn. I’m sorry.”

“Thanks anyway.”

“No problem.” D said and as the couple walked away Sue and Jack passed him. “Excuse me sir?”

Jack paused and signed something to Sue. She continued to walk across the room as Jack turned to D.

“Yes?”

“I just got a notice that your car’s headlights are on.” D said, as Jack got closer.

“Thanks,” Jack said then whispered, “What’s wrong.”

“The phones are out…I can’t call to check in and it’s an hour past my time to do so.”

“Ok I’ll take care of it. Thanks for letting me know.”

Jack turned and instead of going to Sue, turned down a hallway and into a deserted room and as he did so he felt his phone vibrate.

“Hello? Lucy.”

“Jack, thank goodness. We were getting worried...”

“We? Garrett’s there isn’t he?”

“Yeah, actually I’m going to go ahead and transfer you to him…those were my orders.” She said paging Garrett.

“Jack.” He said picking up the phone. “What’s going on?”

“The phones are dead, and as it is I’m getting next to no signal out here.”

“The phones are dead?” Garrett asked bringing his hand to his head.

“That’s what D said, he asked me to call in and let you know.”

“Where are you?”

“Right now, in a empty room.” Jack said.

“Is Sue with you?”

“No, I…”

“Good, listen…. here’s what I need you to do….’

“But what about the bridge…”

“We’re working on that… but here’s what you’ve got to do…”

Jack left the room looking quite confused, but as he entered the main room he focused his attention on finding Sue…not that it was a difficult thing to do.

What is Jack going to do? Please post more soon...

ditto

Curiousity is getting the better of me!

I want to know what Garrett's plan is. I want to know why Jack let Sue out of his sight. I want to know what Levi thinks about missing out on the Halloween party. I want to know how Bobby and Tara are getting along on the dance floor...uh...I want to know just about everything.



kav

Curious-er and curios-er. Inquiring minds want to know.

I'm waiting!

Sorry it's been so long...I just realized that there's some stuff I need to add into the story....but if everything works out ok...I should possibly be able to post later tonight or tomorrow.


But I will give you a hint: this story is quite like some of my others, the ending will/should be something different than expected. :whistle:

I just caught up on your posts! This is a great story and I can't wait to see where you're heading with it!!

Jack and Sue - possibly Bobby and Tara?? Can't wait to see what Jack is supposed to do!!

Joy

Ok, sorry guys...I got really busy yesterday(it was grocery day...the only thing I had to eat was a box of Rice-a-Roni...and Wheat Thins...so needless to say I needed to buy groceries. So this weekend I'm making Lasagna and Cheesecake)


So after that little side-note.....

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Looking up and down the hall, he led her into an abandon room.

“Ok, we have to talk.” He said shutting the door behind her.

“Ok. Is something wrong?”

“Yes…no…just let me finish.”

Eyeing him wearily she nodded, this was unlike him. And she was a little worried.

“Good, now we’ve known each other for a while now. And I know that you probably don’t feel the same way, but I’ve got to tell you how I feel.

She nodded once again, but this time she felt her heart jump a little in her chest. She also thought she heard the curtains behind them rustle a little.

“Ever since that first day I met you, I knew there was something about you. But as we started working together I tried to push those feelings away, unfortunately it didn’t work too well. And over the last few months, I think I’ve come to the realization that I needed to tell you how I feel, and have felt for the past years.”

She nodded slightly this time, and she could barely manage that.

“After that kiss, I just can’t stop thinking about you.”

A single tear fell down her cheek as she stepped closer to him. He reached out and wiped it from her face.

She caught his hand in hers and closed the gap between them. That single kiss spoke volumes and every emotion that the two had dodged for the past years unleashed itself within that minute.

Awkwardly they pulled apart, smiling and then laughing. They hugged then made their way back into the party, hand in hand.

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

“What did Garrett want?” Sue asked as joined her once more.

“Nothing big…just some things that need to be solved by morning…”

“Ok…can you elaborate a little more than that?”

“Can I? Yes. Will I….” Jack stopped seeing her glare.

“Very funny Hudson…”

“Just kidding…he told me how we were going to work the take down since the bridge is now out…and he also wanted me to give you his thanks for getting that information earlier.” Jack said.

“Oh, ok.” She said.

“Good, now that we have that settled…how about we dance some more?” Without waiting for a verbal consent he took her by the hand and led her to the middle of the dance floor.

As they danced he took a chance and pulled her closer to him. Seeing that she didn’t object, he closed the gap even more and as he did she rested her head on his shoulder and let him guide her around the room.

Aaaahhhhhhh!!

Joy

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Sue deaf in your story?

Cellogirl, that post was simply beautiful.

that was a wonderful scene! Can't wait to see what reveals next...

Great job! Can't wait for more!!!

Ok...sorry this is so short...but I'll be finishing up the story tomorrow.

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Quietly a tall shadow walked into a room, closing the door behind. The only other person in the room was a man. He was across the room talking on a phone, looking out over the bay.

“Yes, ok.” The man hung up the phone and turned around. “What do you want?”

“Nothing, nothing.”

“Listen, I’m not playing your game anymore. I’m tired of it.”

“Of course you are.”

“I won’t tell anyone, but you’ve got to start leaving me alone.” The man said walking over to the door.

“I promise,” the shadow said reaching into a pocket, “To leave you alone from now on.”

“Good….” The man fell to the floor before he could finish.

Stepping over the already pooling blood, the shadowy figure left the room and the most respected senator. After all, there were guests to attend to.

Oh God!

I would like to thank all of you for your support. Here is the final post and it's a long one...

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Myles watched over the crowd; he couldn’t understand why they were so anxious. He doubted anything else would happen tonight. And on top of that he now had to think about Tara and Bobby’s plan. There were times he deeply regretted ever even mentioning that Jack and Sue should date.

As he was once again pondering his decision, he noticed Jack and Sue coming from a back hallway. Taking a few pictures, then quickly turning around he almost bumped into Bobby and Tara, who were coming from another hallway.

“Hey did you get anything?” Bobby asked.

“Yeah, a couple shots here and there.” Myles said smiling, catching Tara’s eye.

“Great.”

“Yeah, anyway, it’s almost daylight, and they’ve already started work on the bridge. So you should be able to leave soon.”

“Thanks.”

Bobby and Tara once again headed to the dance floor. This time with a purpose in mind and determination not to fail. After a couple dances they made their way over to the corner where Jack and Sue were conversing.

“Hey Jack! What’s up buddy? Long time no see.”

“Hey, how’s it going?”

“Not bad. You?”

“Good. Some party huh?” Jack said as the group moved closer to the window, away from the crowds.

“Not much longer now.” Bobby said glancing out the window.

“Yeah, and it’s a good thing too. I’ve got some business to take care of once we get out of here.” Jack said.

“It was good talking to you.”

“Yeah, you too.” Jack said leading Sue away.

“So, did you get anything else?” Jack asked.

“Actually…”

“Hello. I’m Senator Jones and this is my wife Sharon. I try to make it a point to meet all my guests.”

“Hello. I’m Jack and this is Sue.”

“Pleasure.” Said Sharon looking quite bored.

“Crazy about the bridge huh?” Senator Jones said.

“Yeah, go figure. Only on Halloween.”

“Yes, and only at one of my parties. Well, it was nice meeting you.”

“You too.” Jack said shaking his hand.

They watched him walk away and didn’t begin talking again till he was several people away.

“We have about thirty minutes.” Jack said. “Not much…”

A scream interrupted and echoed through the whole room. Everyone became quiet for a moment, then started talking again, thinking it was just part of the party. But not even a minute later D came running into the room. And looked like he was searching for something.

Jack led Sue over to him and queried as to what was going on.

“Jack, Senator McFallen is dead. Shot.”

“Wasn’t he….?”

“Yes. And I think I know who did it…and you’re not going to believe it.”

As D divulged what he had scene, so confirmed it with what she had witnessed earlier in the evening.

As they finished up their conversation, an announcement was made that the bridge had been repaired and that the guests would soon be able to leave.

Jack noticed that several more people had appeared in the room and stood guarding the doors.

D mouthed SWAT…and Jack nodded. As Bobby and Tara headed over Jack signed something to Sue as he headed with Bobby to corner Mulligan.

Coming up behind him, with agents closing in. Jack and Bobby each grabbed an arm.

“Mulligan, your under arrest.” Bobby said handcuffing him.

As he was doing so, the two guys next to him, began to reach into their pockets.

“I wouldn’t do that.” Jack said pointing his gun.

The two men looked around to find about 10 guys surrounding them, each with their gun out.

As D, Bobby, and Jack stood around talking, Senator Jones came up with his wife. “Everything go ok?”

“Yep, with the exception of Senator’s death.” Bobby said looking at Mrs. Jones.

Mrs. Jones looked away under Bobby’s watch.

“Very unfortunate indeed, he will be greatly missed. He was just starting to get his life back together.” Jones agreed.

“Yeah, it was a shame. He had just done his country a great favor.”

“What?!” Asked a shocked Mrs. Jones.

“Yeah, he helped us organize this whole sting. The person who shot him, wasn’t very bright to kill him with FBI agents all around. Isn’t that right Mrs. Jones?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said.

“You killed him didn’t you?”

“Gentlemen, come now you can’t really believe…” The senator said looking at his wife.

“He wanted out…was that just impossible?” Bobby asked.

Harriet stood there, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Harriet…tell them…Harriet?”

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” She said hanging her head.

D took her by the arms and led her outside.

“I can’t believe it.” The senator said in unbelief. “I thought… how could she do this? Why?”

“She and Mulligan were high school sweethearts. Apparently he still had some sort of influence over her.”

“Excuse me. I think I need some time alone.” Senator Jones said walking away.

“I hate this part of the job. How many lives we destroy.” Jack said.

“Yeah, but think how many more are destroyed by the acts that men like Mulligan do every day.” Bobby said, placing a comforting hand on Jack’s shoulder. “Let’s go, I believe you still have a lovely lady to drop off, and some plans to finalize.”

“How did…?”

“We’re the FBI mate, we always know.” Bobby said winking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack pulled up in front of Sue’s building just before sunrise. As they neared the door to her apartment he caught her hand.

“Hey. You ok?” He asked with concern in his eyes.

“Fine, it’s just been a long night, and a lot has happened.” She said her eyes sparkling.

“That’s true. I think after tonight none of us will be the same.” Jack said smiling.

“Yeah, I mean especially Bobby and Tara.” Sue said.

“Well I was thinking more about you and me but yeah.”

“Who would’ve guessed? Although, that might explain why she and Stanley broke up.”

“Sure is a good thing they didn’t see us.” Jack said. “That would have been a little awkward.”

“Yes, but you were just asking me out. Far less weird than us catching them kissing.”

“Very true.” He said, as Sue opened the door. Stepping in he called out for Lucy.

“Why’d you do that?” Sue asked following him in and shutting the door.

“Just don’t want someone to walk in or be here with out us knowing.” Jack said.

“And why is that?” She asked.

“Well, it might be a little weird.”

Jack took a step and met his lips with hers. Then he brought his hands to her face, and wiped the hair out of her eyes.

“Don’t forget, we have plans for tonight.” Jack said kissing her once more before he left.


Halloween was over but the events brought about by it would stick in their minds for many years to come.

Oh, what a nice ending to the story! I like the way that you tied the mystery all together (with an unexpected twist!) and at the very end looked towards the future! I'm sure that it will always be a memorable day for Jack and Sue!

Awwww...loved the kiss at the end... very sweet!!

I have to agree whole heartedly. Good work.

That was lovely! Splendid is more like it!


Great job! Can't wait for more!!!

Great story!

*says the words very breathlessly* Wow... That was an amazing ending. Definitely didn't see the twist coming. You tied up everything all very nicely there, cellogirl..

Bravo!

Cellogirl, that was a great story!! Lots of intrique and twists!! Jack and Sue!! Bobby and Tara!!! Wonderful!!

Thanks for sharing your talent with us!!

Joy

glad none of the good guys were hurt and jack and sue admitted their feelings.