Congrats to D and Donna for winning the Mistletoe Challenge! Great job Oreo!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas. We traveled up north to Minnesota yesterday and we're having another celebration here tonight. I'll be finishing the advent caledar while I'm here at my mother-in-love's home on the lake.

Wednesday, December 21

Tara found it amazing that during the Christmas season even criminals seemed to take some time off. No the shop lifters or mall thieves, of course, but those involved in bigger crimes like the ones the FBI has to deal with. Therefore, their unit had only received one new case this week so far and Jack and Bobby had gone to interview someone for it.

Repeatedly, Tara found herself glancing at Bobby's empty desk throughout the afternoon. For an interview, they'd been gone a long time, but when she said something to Sue, she simply told Tara it was Christmas time and she'd learned not to ask questions. Not asking questions went against Tara's nature. If Sue wasn't worried, then she must know the two men were up to something. "What was it now? Tara wondered.

Her phone rang around 4:45 and Bobby informed her that she needed to bring Sue and meet him at 5000 Burroughs Avenue at 5:30. He refused to give her any further information despite her prodding.

'"What is the name of the place I'm supposed to meet you at?" she asked.

"Just go the address, luv."

"And if I can't find you?"

"You're a resourceful woman. You'll figure it out. Now, you'd better get going or you'll be late."

Sue and Tara had no trouble finding the address, but both were surprised at what they found.

"Grant Park Care Center?" Sue asked. "Are you sure you got the address right?"

Tara glanced at the paper where she'd written the information down. "I think so. Isn't this a home for the elderly? What is Bobby up to now?"

Sue shrugged. "Well, there's only one way to find out."

The two women quickly made their way inside the facility.

"May I help you?" a clerk asked from behind a tall nurses station.

"Yes, we were told to meet Bobby Manning and Jack Hudson here."

"Oh, they're in the activities room. Here, follow me."

The petite aide led them down a long hall to a large room. There residents were shuffling into the waiting chairs or were being rolled in to the room in their wheel chairs. The clerk ushered them to a set of chairs in the front near the piano. "Bobby said you two should sit here. He is such a great guy," she said dreamily. "The residents look forward to this every year. And I must admit, the staff has been buzzing about it all day as well."

"Buzzing about what exactly?"

"Bobby said not to answer any of your questions. Sorry." With that, the young woman hurried away.

Sue glanced around the room again, then nudged Tara. "Look in the back. Myles, Lucy, and D just came in."

Tara saw them and waved. They hurried to the front to join their fellow team mates.

"So, Tara, for what kind of command performance have we been summoned?" Myles asked.

Tara shook her head. "I have no idea."

Before their discussion could continue, a middle aged man stepped up to the mic positioned at the front of the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. It is time to start. I know you are all excited as we look forward to this concert every year. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to...."

Music started playing in the back round and Tara immediately recognized the intro strains to "Blue Christmas" by Elvis. Bobby had been playing it constantly for weeks.

The man continued. ".....our very own King of Rock and Roll....Bobby Manning as Elvis."

Dressed in an all white leather, rhinestoned out fit, Bobby began crooning the words to the song. He winked at Tara and she had to giggle at the trade mark turned up collar and the sideburns he'd attached,

Sue glanced around for Jack and found him sitting at the back manning the karaoke machine which played the accompaniment to the songs. He flashed her a winning smile. She turned to see the residents, many singing along, with smiles on their faces, tapping out the rhythm to the song with their feet.

"Thank you, Thank you very much," Bobby impersonated Elvis. "It's a pleasure to be with all of you today."

He went on to perform "White Christmas", "I'll Be Home for Christmas", and "Amazing Grace" before he told them he was switching gears to a couple of his favorites. Tara sat mesmerized by his ability to stand in front of everyone and do something like this. Not only was he good at it, but he was also so incredibly comfortable with it.

Launching into "Blue Suede Shoes", the audience applauded Bobby's movements. The old women seemed to swoon as he approached, Tara noticed. "If Bobby can do that to them,"/i] she thought, [i]"Jack's eyes would give them a coronary.

"For my last song, I want to dedicate it to a very special woman in my life." He locked eyes with Tara as the song began. Tara immediately recognized "Love Me Tender." Bobby approached and sang the words directly to her.

"Love me tender,
Love me sweet,
Never let me go.
You have made my life complete,
And I love you so."

Tara couldn't fight the tears which sprung to her eyes as he sang the words so sincerely. Taking her hand he continued.

"Love me tender,
Love me true,
All my dreams fulfill
For my darlin' I love you,
And I always will."

He pulled her to her feet in front of the people and they applauded. Tara, reluctant at first, complied to being led to the center of the room.

"Love me tender,
Love me long,
Take me to your heart.
For it's there that I belong,
And we'll never part."

Bobby's voice caught at the words, but he continued, cupping her face with his hand.

"Love me tender,
Love me dear,
Tell me you are mine.
I'll be yours through all the years,
Till the end of time.

As if the rest of the world had vanished, he leaned forwards and kissed her passionately. The residents and staff cheered. Nothing made people feel younger than love.

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

After Bobby's program was over, Jack persuaded Sue to play some carols on the piano so the residents could have a good old fashioned sing along. It didn't last long, but they elderly thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Tara and Bobby left, hand in hand, from the care center. "I'm guessing today's picture was of carolers."

"You're right. I'm glad I got it. I wanted to tell you about this little tradition of mine."

"You made so many people happy," she told him. "You're a wonderful man, Bobby Manning."

He paused on the sidewalk. "I meant what I sang to you," Bobby told her, removing the sideburns and stuffing them in his pocket. "They were just as much my words as the King's. I do love you completely."

He didn't give her time to reply as he bent to kiss her - both tenderly and sweetly.

can't talk right now...
need to wipe that silly grin of my face first...

sooo romantic!!

You're back!!!!! It sounds like you're in ideal writing atmosphere now! I'm totally amaze at how much an imagination you have. This Elvis bit was just perfect. I can see how the elderly ladies in particular would love it. I bet Bobby has his own fan club.

kav

*sigh* that was beautiful.......i am swaying from side along with the music in my head and i dont even like Elvis....

Elvis is in town

It was so beautiful and lovely

Gingerbread house ... amazing !!!! And you cannot eat it ?

Christmas caroling with Elvis ... just love it ! Bobby has a heart of gold !

Thursday, December 22, 2005 - Part 1

Peeling back the little cardboard window on the advent calendar, Tara bit her lip thoughtfully at the sight of the picture inside. She could go several directions with this one, she thought crawling into bed. By morning, she hoped something spectacular had dawned on her.

Tossing and turning, she replayed the evening in her head. After they left the care center, Bobby had seemed distracted. She thought his mood would shift after they picked up Bell and made supper at his place. It hadn't. Even when Bell had ripped open three of the gifts they'd wrapped and placed under the tree, he stayed remote as he cleaned up the mess. She had asked him if anything was bothering him, but he said no and told her he just had a lot on his mind. She knew better than to press him. When he was ready to talk about it, he would. Maybe a great advent calendar surprise would take his mind off it.

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

Mentally kicking himself for the tenth time, Bobby punched his pillow. After he'd sung "Love Me Tender", he'd wanted to say something else to Tara. At the very least, he'd missed his chance when they were leaving. Why was something that he was so sure of becoming so difficult to do? With a huff, he rolled over and stared at the moonlit ceiling. "It just wasn't the right time," he thought. [/i]"Only a few days until Christmas. . . I just need to come up with a plan."

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

Waking up earlier than normal, Tara hurried to get dressed. A thought had come to her during the night, but she'd have to go to Walmart in the pre-dawn hours and get her supplies. She jotted down a list and stuffed it in her oversized purse before heading out the door.

It took her only five minutes to locate the section of Walmart that she needed most. The varieties of the item she sought surprised her. She stared at the choices and finally spotted the one she wanted. An old fashioned wooden sled with shiney red runners. It was the last one on the shelf. Running her hand over the smooth edge, she started to lift it into the shopping cart. Just as she hefted it in the air, a tall, skinny woman tried to grab it from her hand. Tara pulled back.

"I had it first!" the woman screeched.

"Excuse me," Tara replied sarcastically. "I was putting it in my cart when you grabbed it."

"Listen lady, this is for my kid."

Tara felt her own resolve soften, but then glanced at the woman's overladen cart. Tightening her grip, she calmly told her, "It looks like your child won't be suffering."

With brow creasing in anger, the woman tried to yank the item free. Tara pulled back hard. Her hands slipped and the runner and the sled whipped back hitting the woman in the face. Tara fell against the floor.

"What's going on here?" a security guard asked rounding the end of the aisle.

"This woman is trying to take my kid's sled!" the tall woman yelled.

Tara hopped to her feet, rubbing her back side. "I did not. She--" she pointed to the woman, "tried to take it from me just as I was putting it in my cart."

"And she slugged me," the tall woman accused. "Just look at my eye!" She pointed to the bruise forming on the side of her face.

The security guard took hold of Tara's arm. "Ma'am, come with me, please."

"What?!" Tara asked incredulously.

"Come with me," he said, giving her arm a little yank.

"What about her?"

"She'll have to decide if she wants to press charges." He turned to Tara's accuser. "Ma'am, if you'll just come with us, we'll get you some ice for that eye, and we can discuss your plans."

Oreo -- are you not having a nice visit in Minnesota?! You better be planning on posting more!!!! Soon.


kav

Thursday, December 22 - Part 2

"Yes, sir. If you'll just come down here, we'll be happy to release her to your custody," the security guard said into the phone.

Tara sat in the stark security office alternating between feeling furious and humiliated. The tall woman had repeated accused Tara of hitting her. "Listen," she had finally told the guard, who was actualy an off duty DCPD officer, "I'm an FBI Special Agent. If I would have hit her, there'd be a lot more damage than a little bruise."

Suddenly overcome with sickening sweetness, the tall, thin woman had told the securtiy guard that she wouldn't press charges. She said that she just wanted to take her sled and go home.

"My sled," Tara had corrected, in low threatening voice.

That was when the security guard informed Tara that since he felt the other woman was in physical danger, he would only release her to the custody of a fellow FBI agent. The other woman had smirked at Tara when the guard turned his head, and Tara had to clench her fists at her side to keep from wiping the smile off the woman's face -- permanently. He had thanked the other woman for her cooperation and had dismissed her along with the sled.

Turning his attention to Tara, he had then added that he was going to suggest that she receive some anger management counseling. Despite Tara's protests, he had insisted she give him the name of a fellow agent to call. "They'll want to help you," he had tried to placate. Finally, Tara reluctantly gave him Bobby's number.

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

Although Bobby knew that whatever had happened at Walmart with Tara at this ungodly early hour had to be some kind of misunderstanding, thinking of her decking someone made him chuckle. Pushing open the door to the security office with the smirk still on his face, he stepped inside.

"Special Agent Manning?" the guard asked.

"Yes. Where's Tara?"

"Before I take you back to her, I wanted to recommend that you ask her superiors to order some anger management counseling. I know your jobs can become stressful."

"Mister, I don't know what happened, but I can assure you of one thing, if my Tara did take a swing at that woman, then she deserved it. Now, where is she?"

Shaking his head, the securtiy guard opened the door to the adjacent room and held the door for Bobby to enter. Seated at a small table, Tara looked up when he came in. "Morning, Slugger," he told her. "Ready to blow this pop stand?" He wrapped her warmly in a hug, before adding, "I can't wait to hear the rest of this one."

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

"I just wanted to get a sled so we go sledding for today's advent calendar surprise, and I repeat, I did not hit that woman. That man would just not listen," she told him vehemently.

"You know what they always say, Tara, only the guilty get defensive," he teased. She slugged his arm. He pretended to be greatly wounded. "See, one little break and you've already turned to a life of violence." He started to laugh and soon she joined him. "I just can't get the mental picture of you and this tall woman fighting over a sled in the aisles of Walmart out of my head."

"And you should have seen her face when my hands slipped and that sled flew up in her face," Tara managed to get out between giggles. "Oh Bobby, I can't believe all this happened."

"And won't it make great office talk this morning?"

"You wouldn't dare, Koala Boy."

"What are you going to give me to keep me silent?"

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

Bobby kept silent about the whole affair for exactly one minute after they got to work. By noon, Tara had received two anonymous pamphlets on her desk about counseling services available to agents, one e-mail directing her to an ammatuer boxing class, and her personal favorite, a picture of Minnie Mouse decking Donald Duck.

Taking the ribbing good naturedly, she laughed with her team mates. Bobby watched her from his desk. He loved her ability to laugh at herself. He would have like to go sledding with her after work. It would have been fun.

"Look what I've got," Sue said as she entered the office, waving a video tape around.

"What is it?"

"The tape of Tara's altercation with that woman this morning. The security guard had it sent over along with this note." She passed the note to Tara.

"But he said the security tapes didn't monitor that area," Tara told them.

"Appararently, the night security guard had the camera's direction changed." She pushed the tape in the VCR. "Ready?"

They watched the entire event play out with Sue reading both Tara and the other woman's lips aloud to the group. "Well, luv, I guess you've been vindicated," Bobby said brushing her cheek with a kiss. "What's the note say?"

"He apologized profusely for not believing me, and he said, there's a sled for us at the Courtesy Desk at Walmart to pick up. You still want to go?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. But, just to be on the safe side, Slugger, would you mind if I go in and pick it up?"

Slugger! Bobby had too much fun with that. Thanks for posting - I was worrying unduly I see!

kav

I'm happy that it turn out good

Poor Tara! The slugger incident was fabulous, well not for Tara, but I could just imagine it happening. I'm hoping the nasty woman from Wallmart get's her comeuppance, maybe because she certainly didn't tell the truth!

I'm looking foward to your next post!

Take care,

Sairs

Slugger !!! ... just love the nickname ...

Just caught up on your story again, Oreo!

I love the White House visit! It's funny, I just watched a special on TV about the decorations and the Gingerbread House!!

The Slugger incident is too funny!! I can just picture it!! I'm glad they apologized to her after they saw the tape!!

Can't wait for your next post!!

Joy

Thank you all for your comments. I'm having a great time here in Minnesota on the lake celebrating with family. The snow certainly helps keep the Christmas season alive. I watched my little girl, Emma, who's 6, ice skate for the first time today.

Friday, December 23, 2005 - Part 1

The cold shower did little to quell Bobby's desire to get back in his car and drive back over to Tara's apartment and never leave. Every time he said good bye, it was becoming harder to be on the other side of the closed door. Even caring

After donning a pair of boxers and towel drying his hair, he flopped into the already rumpled bed and stared at the ceiling. "You've been doing an awful lot of this lately," he told himself. "There's got to be a better way to go to sleep than this." Even in the dark, he grinned. "There certainly is, but I doubt if Tara would agree to be my medication for insomnia.

Turning his thoughts to something safer, he replayed the afternoon. The sledding had been a blast. Who would have thought they could have that much fun on an old wooden sled? And the sled....he still chuckled every time he pictured Tara's tug-of-war over it and the forlorn expression on her face when he'd come into the security office.

Tara had taken them to a nearby park to go sledding. School children, already on Christmas Break, had populated much of the hill. She directed them to a more secluded area with trees at the bottom.

"Uh, luv, you do remember I grew up Down Under, right?"

"It's just sledding. It's easy. Just remember, you have to throw yourself off before you hit the trees."

"Sounds easy enough."

"And let me steer the sled."

"Why can't I?"

"Do you know how?"

"No."

"Then that's why."

Bobby had shaken his head in confusion and climbed on the sled behind Tara. Scrunched together with his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, they had started to fly down the hill. Tara had angled them left, then to the right. As the trees loomed ahead, she had yelled, "Now, Bobby!" She threw herself to the right, leaving Bobby no choice but to follow. Keeping her wrapped in his arms, they rolled like a snowball down the hill and finally came to stop. "You okay?" Bobby asked propping himself up on an elbow above Tara.

"More than. That was great! Ready to do it again."

"I think I need to warm up first."

"But Bobby, we only just started. We can't go home yet."

"Who said anything about going home to warm up?" He lowered his lips to hers and Tara had later admitted to him that his technique warmed her quite effectively.

Turning to his side in the bed, he turned on the light on the night stand. Next to it, he saw the bear he'd given her from a few days ago. Little did Tara even know that he'd bear-knapped Koala Boy. No matter what picture he opened on the advent calendar, he'd already planned to work in the bear-knapping. Since he couldn't sleep anyway, he tucked the bear under his arm, climbed out of bed, and went into the living room to find the calendar.

After sliding a few empty pizza boxes and used glasses around, he located the calendar. The little door opened easily. A plan immediately formed in his mind. I would work perfectly and maybe he could get the rest of the team to help.

Two hours later, with scraps of paper littering the living room floor, Bobby sat back and admired his handiwork. He almost couldn't wait for morning. Tara was going to love this.

What has Bobby got planned???

Oreo, I'm glad you're having fun in Minnesota! It's so much fun to watch children play in the snow!!! It's fun for the adults too!!!

Joy

What? What? What is it?!!!! Oooohh, this is going to be good!

Just came back from Northern Iowa and had a great time sledding during my Christmas vacation! Now, I didn't have a gorgeous Bobby to warm me up, but I still had fun! Not as much fun than if I had a Bobby mind you !!! Loving the story and can't wait to read more!

Tosca, I'm from southwest Iowa. I'm glad you had fun in our state! Maybe we crossed paths on the interstate.

Friday, December 23, 2005 - Part 2

The late night did not keep Bobby from getting up early and dropping Bell off at the doggy daycare. He had a lot to organize before Tara arrived at work. He made several stops along the way, hiding boxes in his pre-determined locations. Once inside the Bureau, he carefully placed a brightly colored box on the center of her desk. He glanced at the clock. It was three til 8:00. Tara, who was almost never late, would be there any minute.

Propping his feet up on his desk, he picked up a folder and tried to look casual. Myles was the first to arrive. "Bobby, what are you doing here this early? Is there a national emergency?"

"Just wanted to get a start on things," he admitted.

Tara entered with Sue, Jack, and Lucy. "Mornin' luv," he said cheerfully.

Tara jumped at the sound of his voice. "What are you doing here already?" she asked, "Is something wrong?"

"No," he said standing up to help her with her coat. "Can't a bloke get to work on time? I just wanted to get an early start on the day."

"Okaaaay," she said doubtfully. He pulled out the chair to her desk and she at down. For the first time, she noticed the small box on top on it. "What's this?"

"I don't have a clue."

"Yeah, right." Gently, Tara opened the red foil paper on the box. Inside, she found a piece of paper which she pulled out and opened. Meticulously glued to the typing paper were letters cut from a magazine like a classic ransom note.

There may be 12 days of Christmas, but there is only one day to find your Koala Boy bear.
Follow my directions exactly if you ever want to see him again with his stuffing still in tact.

Tara spun on Bobby. "You kidnapped my bear?"

"Wouldn't that technically be bear-napped?" Jack asked.

Tara shot him a glare, then turned to level her gaze at Bobby. "What do I have to do to get him back?"

Bobby shrugged. "Beats me. What's the rest of the note say?"

"It says, 'Look for the second clue where we always find you.'"

Lucy perched herself on the corner of Tara's desk. "This is going to be fun. Tara, that's an easy one. Where do we always find you? Right here at your computer. Look in your desk."

Tara rummaged through her drawers and around her desk. She finally found the second box fastened with duct tape to the back of her computer tower. She ripped off the paper and opened the box. Something fell out of the note inside when she picked it up. Quickly, she retrieved the fallen object and examined it. It was two ticket stubs to the Mo Jo Go Go's charity banquet performance where Bobby had taken Tara on their first date.
On the back, she recognized Bobby's scrawl. "I kept these in my wallet ever since we went that night. I guess I knew the truth even then who I was really meant to be with."

"What's the next clue?" Sue asked her.

Tara blinked away tears and opened the note. "Stairway to heaven and 3 French ones."

"Any ideas?" Tara asked the group.

"The stair way might be the one that leads to the roof," Lucy noted.

"And the 3 French ones could be kisses," Sue noted.

Tara blushed and glanced at Bobby who smiled in amusement. "Luv, why don't I just accompany you to that stair well to see if your next package is there?"

As predicted, the next box sat just inside the door of the stairwell. Tara bent to retrieve it, but Bobby put his foot on top of it. "Haven't you forgot something?" he asked, pinning her against the wall.

"You mean the kisses?" she whispered.

His eyes lowered to her lips. He let the seconds hang in the air, charging it. Slowly, deliberately, he brought his lips to hers and desire exploded between them. As she arched into him, she felt one hand curl around the back of her head and the other press against the small of her back urging her closer. Finally, they pulled apart for air.

"That's one," he said with a wink.

"Are you sure we can even handle three?" Tara breathed.

He moved his lips a fraction of an inch from hers. "For Koala Boy, we can do anything."

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

Slightly flushed and disheveled, Bobby and Tara carried the box back into the office.

"It appears you had that clue right, Sue," Lucy teased. "Tara, I admire you for your willingness to do anything to keep your bear's stuffing in tact. What does the clue say?"

Tara opened the package and removed the folder paper inside. "It says, 'You can't go singing in the rain without this.'"

"Amateur," Lucy told Bobby. "It's just too easy. And you call yourself a Special Agent. Tara can't sing in the rain without her umbrella, of course."

Tara headed to the hat rack and found her Pooh umbrella. As Lucy had predicted, tucked inside it she found the third box. Opening it, she found four long distance calling cards with a note attached. She read it to herself. "One of the things I love about you is how much you love your family. Your parents were great and I hope these will help you keep in touch with them.

She smiled at Bobby, who winked back , before she read the next clue. "When it's lunch time, take Bobby Manning to your favorite burger place and order onion rings."

"Did you just say onion rings?" Sue asked.

"Yes," Tara admitted. "Don't you get it? So far I received 1 ransom note in a shiny box, 2 ticket stubs, 3 French kisses, 4 Calling Cards, and now we're going to have 5 golden onion rings for lunch."

Myles moaned loudly. "I can only imagine what Manning will do with geese a laying and maids a mikling."

"Well, at least it seems we have a while to actually work on a real case before lunch," Jack announced.

"The kidnapping of my bear is a real case," Tara said in defense.

"Sorry Tara. I meant, how about we work on another case besides the kidnapping of Tara's teddy bear?"

"Koala bear," Tara corrected. "Koala Boy is a koala bear and not a teddy bear."

Jack shook his head in confusion. "Right. People, let's just get some work done, so we can all go home early."

Part 3 will come in the morning along with Dec. 24's post. We're getting to the end. I hope you'll hang in with me for the last two days. You all have been great.

are you going to post some more? Oreo?
I dont think I could stand the waiting...
I can't wait to see what Bobby has in mind!

I'm hanging on! I can't believe Bobby did that!
I would never forgive my boyfriend if he ever touches my stuffed animals!!

How do you come up with it??? This is just great! I love how the whole team is helping Tara on her search for her Koala Boy....ehm, I mean Koala Boy bear. Can't wait to find out what the other clues will be!!!

please don't call me a koala bear for i'm not a bear at all. just sayin'

This is just too funny. Myles cracked me up when he commented about the maids and the geese. That was the perfect line for him.

It's not great that Bobby bear-nabbed the Koala Boy Bear, but I love how he has figured how to give it back!!!

Joy

Gulp! This is so traumatic for me. When I was a little girl my sister used to...well, do similar things to my bears...she could get me to do anything with the words "Or the bear gets it." Now, I'm reliving the trauma from my childhood.


Now why would that come to Sue's mind? :whistle:

See what can happen when you kidnap a bear?! It's a wonder they don't use this method in their interrogation techniques. Find the criminal's teddy bear and threaten it with... no never mind that would be cruelty to teddy bears and no matter what the reason it doesn't justify that kind of cruelty.
I admire Tara for her fortitude too!!!


I've heard many versions of that carol (done some of my own too) but I never heard of five onion rings...that has to be a classic. Clever tara for cluing in so soon.

You have such a great imagination Oreolover!
kav

I woke to a fresh blanket of snow on the ground here. It certainly put me in the mind for "Let It Snow". God sure paints gorgeous pictures.

Friday, December 23 - Part 3

A rumble in her stomach reminded Tara it was about lunch time. She looked up in time to see Bobby put on his coat with the same thought in mind. "Ready for you onion rings, darlin'?"

Tara pushed her chair back from her desk and stood. "He's safe, isn't he?"

"Who?"

"Koala Bear Boy. I mean, you didn' send him with Bell to doggy daycare for show and tell or anything."

Bobby chuckled. "Didn't think of that one."

"Bobby!"

He helped Tara with her coat. "Koala Boy Bear is currently safe. It's up to us to make sure he stays that way."

As soon as the sat down at Mickey's perusing the menu, they heard the bell on the door jingle more customers. Peeking over the top of her menu, Tara's face broke into a smile. "Look's like you're under surveilance for bear-napping," she told Bobby.

He turned to see the rest of the team at the door. "Then, I guess I should make their job easier." He motioned them over. Jack and Myles pulled another table closer so everyone could sit together.

"Fancy meeting you here," Sue said with a grin. "Any clues yet?"

"Not a one."

The waitress arrived shortly and the team ordered with Tara specifying that she wanted five onion rings - no more and no less. The waitress smiled knowingly at Bobby who flashed her a dimpled smile in appreciation.

The waitress delivered the food in record time except for Tara's. "I'll be back with yours in a minute."

When she returned, she was carrying in on top of a large shirt-sized wrapped gift. "Enjoy your lunch," she told Tara as she set the whole pile in front of her.

"Open it!" Lucy begged.

"Can't I eat first?"

"Girl, your bear is in danger!"

Tara lifted her plate loaded with the burger and five onion rings off the top of the box and set it aside before tearing into the wrapped gift. In it she found six, colorful extremely soft scarves.

"Did you want Tara's scarves to match your ties?" Myles asked. "I particularly like the one with the Disney characters on it. Every FBI special agent should have it."

"I'll be sure to find you one, Myles," Lucy told him. "You'd look good in that hot pink color, too."

"What's the note say?"

Tara opened the folded paper. "Since you have a tendency to give your scarves to snowmen who look cold, here's seven ________ for ____________."

"We have to fill in the blanks? That's impossible," Jack said, jumping into the game.

"Not really," Tara told him. "The scrarves are made of fleece. Fleece rhymes with geese. So it has to be seven fleece for ..."

"Playing!" Lucy shouted.

"Bingo!"

"And what's the next clue?" Jack asked.

"It says, 'Let Levi help you find this one.'"

All eyes turned on Bobby. "What do you have planned now?"

"Me? I'm just a fellow agent in search of missing bear."



I'll post several ones like this today as I bop in and out from the computer.

This is so very creative and fun!!! I am really enjoying keeping up with this story! Thanks for sharing it!!

oh this is soooooo exciting. i feel like i am right there with them on the bear hunt....

This is so much fun!!! And what a guy Bobby is to have gone through all the trouble he has....I'm hoping to a very satisfactory conclusion/

kav

Friday, December 23 - Part 4

No matter what Sue or Tara tried, they could not get Levi to cooperate in finding the package. "I don't think the bear-napper knew what he was talking about," Tara said, giving Bobby an evil eye.

"Let's just give it some time. Maybe something will turn up," Sue told her.

Waiting until everyone was suffienciently engrossed in his or her work, Bobby carefully pulled the next box from a Ziplock bag and casually slid it under Myles' desk as he pretended to be picking up some fallen trash. He headed to the filing cabinet to watch the show.

It took only seconds for Levi to smell something was up. He padded over to Myles' desk and sniffed around. With his superior investigative skills, Levi was able to locate the package in seconds. He glanced back at Sue to see if she was watching. Finding her interest turned elsewhere, Levi plunged ahead dragging the box out.

Levi couldn't believe his luck. Myles was certainly not one to leave him treats. Lucy and Sue always gave him treats and he could certainly count on Tara for a good one. Even Jack an Bobby surprised him occasionally, but Myles? "So this is what Christmas is all about," he thought.
It took only a few well chosen yanks by his jaws to pry the box open.

"Levi!" Sue yelled as she spotted him destroying the gift. Levi looked up at her, chagrinned, with the box still dangling from his mouth.

Tara grabbed her arm. "Wait, Sue, that must be the box."

"Okay, boy, go ahead and have it."

Levi made short work of discovering the source of the delicious aroma. He devoured the strips of bacon found inside in seconds, leaving the slightly slobbery note in his wake. Tara picked it up between two fingers. "Yuck. Levi couldn't you have been a little neater."

Carefully, Tara unfolded the on her desk as the team gathered around. "It says, 'Convince Jack to kiss Sue seven times to make seven Sparky's _______________."

"Smooching?" Lucy offered.

"No, that doesn't sound like Bobby," Tara surmised.

"Hey, the box wasn't under my desk. It was under Myles'."

"Nice try, Koala Boy," Tara told him, undetoured. "Now, you've gone from kidnapping to framing a friend. Talk about that slippery slope."

"But what about the note?" Jack asked.

"Oh, will you do it Jack?"

"I don't know. You know kissing Sue is such an effort for me." His eyes twinkled merrily at Sue.
"What about you? Are you willing to kiss me seven times?"

"I guess, I could suffer through it since it's for a good cause."

The first six kisses progressed from quick and sweet to long and passionate. By the last one, Jack was determined to make Sue forget the were even in the office. Everyone around them could feel the heat being generated.

"Don't tell me we're having another Mistletoe Challenge?" D asked as he entered.

Hearing D's voice, he pulled away despite Sue's sigh in protest. "D," he signed to her still keeping a hand supportively around her.

"No," Tara came to their defense. "They are helping me with a case of bear-napping."

D held up his hand. "It's Friday and we are about to have a nice long weekend. I don't even want to know."

"Sparkings!" Lucy yelled.

"What?" Tara asked.

"That's the blank. Bobby would say seven Sparky's sparkings just like seven swans a swimming."

They glanced at Bobby for confirmation and the grin on his face gave it away, but he remained silent.

"What's next?"

"It says, 'Supply room duty with the agent of your choice,'" Tara read. "Agent of my choice, huh?" She toyed with Bobby's tie, then spun away. Come on Levi. Let's go find the next box."

I feel like I'm involved in the game too!!! I get more excited with each new clue!!!

Joy

What I love about these holiday challenges is that they're so funny!

Although Bear knapping may be a little sad, it's not that serious.

Tara was surprised by the weight of the next she sized box as she brought it back from the supply closet.

"That was fast," Lucy told her.

"Yep, I picked the right agent for the job," Tara replied, giving Levi a generous rub behind the ears. When she stopped, he made a beeline for Bunny. "Clearly, Levi understands the importance of ones stuffed friends," she said pointedly to Bobby.

"So, we were on seven, right Tara?"


"Seven Sparky's sparkings. This should go with eight maids a milking. I'm almost afraid to open it."
Bobby covered his mouth to contain his laughter as Tara gingerly peeled off the paper. She opened the box and looked inside, her face showing her confusion. One by one she placed the contents on her desk: a tube of lip balm, sun screen, a package of breath mints, Cinderella Band-Aids, an instant ice pack, safety pins, a needle and thread, and an index card. For several seconds she stared at the array, then erupted into laughter.

"What is it?" Sue asked.

"He's re-supplying my kit."

"What kit?" Lucy asked.

"My Dating Disasters Diversion Kit."

"Only you would have a Dating Disasters Diversion Kit," Jack said with a laugh.

"Only she would need one," Myles added.

"I think it's a great idea," Sue told her. "What's in it and how does Bobby know about it?"

"He knows about it because I've had to use it on more than one occasion. What's in it is the stuff here and few other items that didn't need restocking."

"Like?" Jack asked, but Sue elbowed him. "Oh, yeah. Sorry."

Tara blushed. "Nothing like that, Jack. One of the things is a $20 bill in case you need to call a cab to make a quick getaway."

"And the other?"

"Pepper spray." Everyone laughed. "You know, just in case ...."

"They get it, luv," Bobby said coming up behind her and placing his hands on her shoulders.

Lucy fingered the lip balm. "Okay, this I get and the the breath mints, but what about the rest?"

"The safety pins and needle and thread are for apparel issues, obviously. The sun screen is because you never know where your date is going to take you and you have to be prepared for any situation."

"The Band Aids?"

"And the ice pack?"

"Both for dating injuries."

"Ones you get or ones you cause?" Myles asked.

"Either," Tara replied, unfazed.

"What about the index card?" Sue asked. "Look, there's writing on the back. Did you see that Tara?"

"No. My original index card had 10 things talk about when the conversation lulls. Bobby and I haven't ever needed that one."

"So what's on this one?" Lucy had to know.

Tara flipped the card over and read it, feeling Bobby's arms wrap round her waist. At the top of the card, he'd writtien, "20 Things I Always Want to Hear."

"Read it," Lucy begged.

"It looks kind of personal," Sue told her.

"No way. We are all in this together, and remember the only romance I'm getting this year is coming vicariously through you two. Now, spill it sister."

"Go ahead," Bobby whispered in her ear.

Tara read the title aloud. "Ten things I always want to hear" Beneath it, Bobby had listed the items. "One," she read, "Your laugh. Two - what you're feeling. Three - your dreams." Tara's voice caught and she swiped the tears from her eyes. "I don't think I can read this out loud."

"Give it to me, then," Lucy said, holding out her hand. Reluctantly,Tara dropped the index card into it. "Four - you humming in the kitchen. Five - your plans for tomorrow. Six - your new favorite song." Lucy paused to swallow. "Good grief, Bobby, you're going to kill the girl." Then she read on, "Seven - anything that makes you happy. Eight - anything that makes you sad. Nine - my name on your lips. Ten - hearing you say that you love a bloke like me."

"Crash, you are setting some awfully high standards for the rest of us," Jack told him.

"So, this wasn't eight maids a milking it was eight aids for ...?"

"That ones easy," Myles told her. "Eight aids for dating."

"And to think they let a mind like that into Harvard," Bobby teased.

Tara dug in the box further for the next clue. "Here it is." She waved the slip of paper in the air. "It says, 'Just wait at your desk and the next box will come to you.'"

I knew that the 12 Days of Christmas could be funny, but this tops any skit that I have ever seen.

Your creativity for each day is outstanding! I love the bear hunt, it's absolutely brilliant, I've loved each clue so far. It's great getting and solving a clue in each post, it's as if the reader is a part of the action!

I'll be patiently lurking for the next clue!

Sairs

Friday, December 23 - Part 5

The team worked hard for the next hour and a half. All work came to a stop when a handsome Denzel Washington look alike entered the room carrying a box in a wrapping paper the team had become familiar with.

"Danny!" Bobby called. "I'm glad you made it up here." He turned to face the team. "Everyone, this is one of my old mates from S.W.A.T. Danny Anderson. He just transfered here from Buffalo. I ran into him yesterday. Here, let me introduce you to each of them."

Tara watched as Bobby strategically started his introductions with Myles, then went on to Jack and Sue, making Lucy the logical next place to stop. After introducing the pair, Bobby made an excuse to check on something with Tara, leaving them alone.

Bobby leaned over Tara's computer. "Bobby Manning, are you playing matchmaker?"

"The mate needs a date for tonight. The new team is going out for dinner and dancing for their holiday party. And, since I knew Lucy wasn't leaving for her grandma's until tomorrow, I may have mentioned that we had a rather attractive, available rotor."

"I think I love you more every minute. Just look at those two."

"Then, I'll pick you up at 7:00. Dinner's at 8:00 and dancing is at 9:00," Tara heard Danny confirm before heading towards she and Bobby.

"And you must be his Tara," Danny stuck out his hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Danny."

"I'm Dan. Only Bobby gets away with Danny." He smiled warmly revealing a stunningly white smile that would give Jack and Bobby some competition in the make-a-girl-swoon area. "I believe this is for you." He passed her the box, said his good byes, and departed.

Lucy twirled around the room. "I'm going dancing," she crooned.

Tara, who was busy opening the box looked up. "That's it! Instead of 9 ladies dancing. You have Lucy going dancing at 9:00! Brilliant!"

"Bobby, if I'd have know that bear-napping resulted in a date with a hunk like that, I'd have helped you," Lucy beamed. Tara gave her a teasing glare. "So, Tara what's the next clue."

She pulled out a second box wrapped in the first. "No hunting, yet. When you get the signal, open this card and follow the instructions inside."

"I can't wait," Lucy admitted.

"But I guess you'll have to," Bobby told her firmly. This was one surprise he didn't want anyone ruining.

Denzel washington lookalike

and Lucy is going

I'm amazing at your imagination, Oreo!! I would have run out of ideas around Day #3!!

That was a nice bonus - Lucy getting a date with a hunk!!!

Joy

I'm thrilled for Lucy... Now I wonder what's in store next?

Sairs

Friday, December 23 - Part 6

Approximately forty-five minutes later, Tara received an instant message. "Open the note now, but don't let anyone see you."

She cast her eyes towards Bobby for confirmation and he nodded slightly. Casually, she removed the slip of paper and opened it under her desk drawer.

This will take all of your skills as an agent to accomplish, but I know you are up to the challenge.

Do not tear the paper off of this box. It opens on the end like cereal, but DO NOT attempt it yet. The next time Myles goes to the coffee pot or filing cabinet, follow him and empty the contents of the box secretively near his feet and stand back.

Keep in mind why you're doing this. Little Koala Boy is counting on you.

Tara waited for anothr 15 minutes before Myles went for a fresh cup. Making her movements as unnoticeable as possible, she followed. But in keeping her eye on Myles, she didn't notice the chair in front of her until it was too late. She stumbled and the box fell spilling the contents at Myle's feet. When he saw the tiny mice scurry out, he hopped from one foot to another. Tara, too, jumped to her feet and then onto the chair.

"Bobby! What kind of sick joke is this?" she cried.

Rolling with laughter, he couldn't respond. Jack, also double over, was finally able to answer. "Don't you get it?"

"No," Tara said, climbing down.

"What number are we on?"

"Ten lords a leaping," Sue answered.

Jack clutched his sides again with a new fit of laughter. "I'm sure he lept at least ten times, Crash. Was anyone counting?"

"What are you two laughing idiots talking about?" Myles said definsively. "Taking advantage of a man's dislike of rodents is quite juvenile.

"But it was perfect," Bobby finally managed. "One Lord Leland leaping ten times."

"And how, exactly, do you plan on capturing your furry friends?" Tara asked.

"I bought some traps, too."

"Traps? You want to kill them?" she shrieked. "There helpless, defenseless little creatures." She punctuated each phrase with a finger to his chest. "You will not be killing them on my watch. You better get a new plan right now, mister."

"Okay, okay. I'll do something else."

It was Myles' turn to laugh. "Now, who's jumping?"

"So, where's the next clue, funny guy?" Tara asked Bobby.

"In the box."

"Where the mice have been trapped all day doing all the disgusting things mice do? Then, you had better be planning to get it out."


Note: No real animals were harmed in the making of this fanfiction.

I'm enjoying this game so much!

This is too much fun!!!!

Joy

Friday, December 23 - Part 7

Bobby chose not to fish out the clue from the mouse box and instead sent Tara an instant message containing the information.

The next clue isn't in a box. Instead there are items hidden throughout the room that usually aren't here. When you've found all eleven, you'll get the last clue.

"Lucy, Sue, I've got the next clue over here. You still want to help?" Quickly, Tara filled them in and they started searching.

Sue was the first to hold up a Tweety Bird night light she found in the filing cabinet. "This looks like a possibility."

Lucy and Tara each found the next two items: a flashlight and a pillar candle.

Myles pulled the fourth from his desk drawer. "Tara, I believe this must belong to you." He held up a small lamp with a faux fur covered lamp shade. "Not my taste."

Unable to resist searching, Jack found the fifth one on the white board tray. "Hey, look what I've got - birthday candles."

Tara found six, seven, and eight in a set. They were heart shaped votive cups all attached under various desk chairs with duct tape.

Rummaging through his desk, Jack found another. It was a light bulb. "Got any other bright ideas, Crash," he said holding it up proudly.

Sue attached number ten to Levi's collar and sent him to Sue. Tara signed thanks and removed the long tapered candled. "One more folks," she announced.

Every nook was examined including Bobby's own desk, but they had found nothing. Bobby sat quietly at his desk and watched. Tara eyed him in desparation.

"Wait a minute," she said. "I know a place I haven't checked." She headed towards Bobby with determination. He stood and started to back away from her. "Don't go anywhere, honey, I have a full body search to do," she teased.

She could now see him protectively hide something inside his suit coat with his right arm. Cornering him against the wall, she snaked her hands inside and felt the object. However, instead of simply removing it, she decided it was time for Bobby to do some begging of his own. Using her acquired knowledge of his most ticklish places, she had him writhing in laughter in minutes. "Ready to give me the last one," she taunted. When he shook his head "no", she renewed her assault.

"Okay, okay, I give," he finally said with his cheeks sore from laughing. He pulled out the last item - a set of old fashioned Christmas bubble lights. One was a piece of peppemint, one a reindeer and the last a Christmas tree. Tara accepted them and kissed his cheek.

She lined up all the items on a table. "Either I've been spending too much time with Bobby or he was getting tired when he did this one because it's so easy."

"What is it?" Sue asked.

"Instead of eleven pipers piping, I have eleven lights for lighting."

"Good job, Tara," Lucy told her. "Did anyone else notice there was a letter on every one?" she asked. "Maybe they make up the last clue." Lucy held up a marker at the white board. "Tara, call the letters to me, and we'll all unscramble them."

Tara picked up each object and read the letter on it as well as signing it for Sue's benefit. "C- O- O- O- G- R- F- N- T- M and then there's this one that has a dash followed by a heart and the letter B. I'm guessing it means 'love Bobby.'"

"Any idea how many words?" Jack asked.

"None," she glanced at Bobby hoping he'd reveal something. Instead, he rewarded her with a dimpled grin.

"I think it is logical to assume the first two words could be GO and TO," Myles said taping his pen on the desk.

"Excellent, Myles," Lucy said. "That would just leave us with a C, O, R, F, N, M." She wrote the new series on the board.

"From CN?" Jack asked.

"I've got it!" Sue shouted. "Conference room. He abbreviated it."

Tara led the entourage as they headed to find the last box. Opening the door, she couldn't believe her eyes.

Friday, December 23 - Part 7

Strung around the conference room in intertwining circles, yarn covered every surface. A sign with one end taped to it, stated "Start Here."

"I'm guessing you have to follow the yarn to find the last box," Jack told her.

"Why don't we just find the box and skip the yarn winding?"

"Uh-uh-uh," Bobby warned. "Remember the bear-napper said to follow the instructions exactly."

Lucy and Sue took turns helping Tara wind the yarn into a ball. Lucy surmised it was one of those new huge balls of yarn from what they were seeing. "This had better be big when we get to the end," Tara groaned.

"It'll probably be 12 chums for chumming," Sue suggested.

"Or maybe 12 Hummers humming. That would be nice," Lucy said, hopefully.

"Hummers? On what we make. I think it would more likely be 12 bums a bumming."

"Tsk, tsk," Bobby said from the doorway. "Do I sense a little reluctance on the winding front? Poor Koala Boy Bear."

"Oh, don't worry about Koala Boy Bear's future, Bobby," Lucy explained. "If I were you, I'd be worried about the future of Koala Boy himself."

"With that, I think I'll go finish up my work for the day."

By the time Bobby returned, the girls had found the end of the yarn and the box attached. "Don't open it yet," Sue told her. "Let me go get Jack and Myles, too."

With everyone assembled around the enormous ball of yarn and the box, Tara ripped off the paper with a flourish. She carefully lifted the lid from the box. Inside, she found a photo album. On the front, Bobby had written "My Love".

Tara turned to the first page and found a picture of her at beach last summer. The next page revealed her on Halloween in her Marion from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" costume. On and on they pictures went. In one, she was curled up on his couch asleep, in another, she was sitting at the table in a candlelit restaurant, and in still another, she was laughing at a carnival. She counted them. There were 12 in all, each capturing her in a different way.

"How did you take all of these without me knowing?" she asked.

"A special agent never reveals his secrets," he said with a smile. "Do you know what the last one is? No help this time."

She glanced around at the faces of her friends, but no one seemed to have any ideas.

"I don't know," she admitted. "I'm stumped."

"Finally." He cupped her face with his hand. "Now, if you'll all excuse us, I'd like to tell Tara the answer."

Lucy started to protest, but Sue pulled her out of the room. After they all had left, he continued, "It's probably the weakest one of all, but it's 12 Luvs for loving. No matter what face you're wearing - happy, sad, sexy, or sleepy - I love you."

He brought his lips to hers and kissed her with such intensity, Tara could hardly keep her knees from giving way. The kiss exploded and Tara could feel that Bobby loved her - all of her - from every clutzy mistep to every sultry look - from fuzzy pens to puppies - from agent to woman. Any last inch of her heart she'd been holding back, she gave to him in that instant.

Wow......

I have read about 5 parts in one sitting just now. They were all funny, warm, hilarious etc. but this last one was just .....

I just caught up on the last two posts, Oreo!! WOW!!!

All of these clues were ingenious!!! I'm still blown away with your imagination!!!

Joy

Only two days of the advent calendar story left, and I'll post them both today. Hope you can hang in there with me until the end.

Saturday, December 24 - Christmas Eve- Part 1

Not having slept well all week, Bobby couldn't believe when he awoke and looked at the alarm clock. Eleven fifteen flashed at him and for a moment her panicked about being late for work before he realized it was Saturday. When he was a little boy, he called it Christmas Eve Day, and his mother would laugh.

He climbed out of bed and threw on a pair of sweats and sweatshirt. Opening Bell's kennel, he pulled out the pup. "Mornin' little one," he croaked. "I bet you're needing a trip outside." He snapped on her leash, slipped his feet into a pair of shoes, and stepped into the chilly hallway.

"Hi, Bobby," the blond next door, Suzanne, cooed. "Oh, you've got a puppy. Isn't he cute?"

He lifted Bell into his arms. "She. The puppy is a girl. Her name's bell."

Suzanne stepped close and nuzzled he dog to her cheek. "Bell-y Well-y if you need someone to babysit you, you just tell your handsome daddy to call me," she purred.

"Thanks for the offer," Bobby said. "We better get going. Bell hasn't been out yet today."

"I'll let you two get going then. Why don't you come over for a cup of Christmas cheer later, Bobby."

"Sorry, Tara and I have plans." Bobby watched Suzanne's half hearted smile as he made a quick get-away. "And if I have my way, we'll have plans for the rest of my life," he whispered under his breath.

He snickered on his way down the steps. Tara didn't like Suzanne. She said the woman made a habit of pretending Tara didn't exist. Bobby had to admit that it was true. He remembered Tara ranting about it. "She could at least have the decency to see me as a threat or worthy competition. She just dismisses me entirely."

Tara pulled up just as he exited the building with Bell. He watched her park and get out of her car. "Mornin' luv," he said, giving her a kiss. "What brings you here so early?"

"I hardly call nearly noon early." She took in his attire and added, "But I can tell you haven't been awake long."

"Just long enough to have Suzanne hit on me again," he had to confess.

"That woman...."

"I know, she drives you crazy."

"And you love it."

He rubbed his arms for warmth. "So, why are you here?"

"I came to take you out for a Christmas brunch. I thought it would a great start to our Christmas weekend."

"Brunch?" he asked, glancing down at his clothes, "When is it over?"

"No hurry. We have plenty of time."

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

While Bobby showered, Tara gathered a few necessary items belonging to Bobby and stuffed them in an bag. She had to hurry to get the bag and Bells kennel secured in her trunk before he came out of the bedroom. When he emerged, she had Bell in hand ready to go.

"We're taking Bell? There aren't a lot of restaurants that allow pets, you know, luv, no matter how adorable they are."

"Don't worry. I have it covered."

"Then, lead on. I'm in your ever capable, loving hands."

Bobby was surprised when she insisted on driving, but had no problem in letting her do so. When she started to head out of town, he could no longer contain his questions. "Just where are we going?"

"I'm kidnapping you," she said with a smile. "You kidnap my bear; I kidnap you. It's only fair."

"But who's going to pay my ransom if you kidnap me?"

"Well, if nobody will pay a ransom for you, I guess I'll just have to keep you and make you my man slave."

"Man slave? I might like that." He ran his hand along her neck playfully.

"Hey, mister, I'm trying to maneuver here."

"Me too," he teased, but removed his hand. "Truthfully, where are we going?"

"Just sit back and relax. You'll know soon enough."

I'm glad Levi is discovering the Christmas spirit.

Ugh -- she's lucky Levi didn't eat the paper too...my dogs would have. Very admirable of Levi to show that kind of restraint.

One can never let this smilie out too often for exercise! I love Tara's sense of humour -- or is it really yours, Oreo?

I'm so glad that Jack has gotten over his phobia about public displays of affection!

Sorry, but that is tooo funny! Poor D, trying to keep tabs on the whole team!!! It's like he leaves his kids at home and comes to work to start parenting outrageous teenagers!!!

Agent of her choice eh? What's Bobby going to do about that?!

kav