Manhunt

February 1. She glared at the artfully penned scroll on her wall calendar as if it was more offensive than brussel sprouts. She had begun to hate this month more than any other. Cold and dreary, winter still clung on while the warmth of spring was only a tantalizing hope. And February always pulled off some nasty surprises – like strong winds and icy roads and endless gray skies…and then, of course, there was the matter of the fourteenth. That was the lowest blow of all.

Another year older and still single, she couldn’t keep the thought at bay, shuddering as she remembered all the well-meaning comments and good-natured jibes she’d received from relatives over Christmas.

“Still not married yet dear? No prospects on the horizon?”

“My Cynthia’s expecting her second in the spring – you better hurry up or you’ll miss the mommy wagon.”

“It’s not like you’re getting any younger.”

“And that biological clock is ticking. You do want children, don’t you?”

“Ah leave her alone – she can’t help it if all the good guys are taken. Better happily single then miserably married, I always say.”

“Yes, and after all it’s a new century – women’s roles have changed…”

“It’s all well and good to be married to your career, but in the end it doesn’t warm your bed at night.”

“Nowadays a woman doesn’t have to be married to keep warm in bed…”

“Grandma!!!!”

She groaned, blocking her mind to the painful memories. It seemed that wherever she went over the holidays eligible men, or the lack thereof, were the hot topic of conversation. She couldn’t even site lack of eligibility as her reasonable excuse. Didn’t she work in a building primarily staffed by men – many of them unattached and available? Only not, it seemed, to her.

She stared at herself in the mirror as she applied a last coat of lipstick. So what exactly had she been doing wrong all these years…

Furious with herself for evening entertaining that line of questioning, she screwed up her face in disgust and dismissed her wandering thoughts as unworthy of her. Collecting her handbag and coat, she headed for the door, forcing a smile on her lips as she prepared to meet the day. She faltered on the threshold, teetering forward only to pull back, as if stepping out into the first day of February was more than she could handle right now.

This was ridiculous! Downtrodden before she even began the day, let alone the month. I don’t think so! Suddenly her head snapped up, her chin jutted out and her eyes flashed fire as she squared her shoulders determinedly.

I am not going to get sucked into the vortex of discontent again this year. I work for the FBI – one of the largest and finest law enforcement agency in the world. I know how to follow leads, pursue a case, run a man to ground no matter what obstacles are placed in my way. Sometimes it might take years and a lot of planning and patience to set an operation into motion, but it’s not impossible. That’s it! She snapped her fingers triumphantly. I’m not going to wallow in self-pity the next two weeks and then battle depression the two weeks after that -–Not this year…not ever again. I’m going on my own man-hunt and by Valentine’s Day I'll be snuggling up next to…hmmm, I have just the man in mind…”
*****

Tara could feel the extra spring in her step, the grin on her face, and the excitement building in her heart. She’d purposely gone up an extra story, to the 4th floor, meandering away five to ten minutes, knowing that she’d be fashionably late to the bullpen. Tara was certain that when she entered that office, no one would be able to deny how gorgeous she looked. After all, half of looking fabulous is everyone acknowledging it, and today, she would be acknowledged.

After her little light bulb moment that morning, she’d decided that the suit she was wearing was far too drab for a day of concentrated manhunting. So, she went back inside and pulled out the most promiscuous, work appropriate outfit she could find.
*****

This looks interesting, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's reaction to Tara's new outfit. I hope her target isn't eating at the time, otherwise there could be choking involved!

Sairs

if it's morning like I suspect then I suppose everyone will be eating doughnuts and drinking coffee...

Ya'll are giving Lizzy ideas!

Oh JOY!!! Lizzy is doing another story!!!

Bring it on, girl!!!

Jill

What a great beginning! Can't wait to read about the team's reaction!

Bobby thought his eyes were about to pop out of his head— which just so happened to be spinning, at the moment. The doughnut he’d been eating dropped from his numb fingers to his desktop. He swallowed hard.

He hadn’t even recognized her when he first saw her… he still couldn’t be sure that he recognized her, despite the fact that he hadn’t stopped looking at her since she’d entered the bullpen. She was stunning.

Bobby wasn’t the only one. Another set of very wide eyes were fixated on the very lovely agent—eyes belonging to an aristocratic, very single male agent. For once in his life, Myles Leland the Third was dumbstruck.

“Helloooo, sheila,” Bobby said under his breath.

“Hey, everyone,” Tara announced as she sat down in her desk chair, seemingly oblivious to all the silent gawking going on.

“Girl, you look fabulous!” Lucy gushed, rushing over to her friend and coworker.

“What’s the occasion?” Sue asked eagerly, following Lucy over.

“I just felt like dressing up a little,” she answered nonchalantly.

“A little?” Sue echoed, amused. “Tara, you look like you belong on a magazine cover!”

And that Tara did. Her ivory blouse dipped just a bit lower than she was accustomed to, adorned with translucent little beads in just the right places. Forgoing her normal collared shirt, this one was sleeveless and fitted perfectly to her curves.

Of course, with it being winter, a sleeveless shirt alone just would not do. Tara had tied a brown, silky scarf around her neck, and was wearing a perfectly fitted, perfectly buttoned, brown corduroy jacket over it.

Daring to be… well, daring, Tara’d donned a tightly fitted pair of brown stretch pants, knowing they’d accentuate her curvy figure. Finishing the outfit off with gold heels, smoky eyes, richly painted, deep red lips, and hair loosely pulled back in a clip, she’d never looked better.

“So, are you going to explain?” Lucy continued to prod. “You know we won’t stop until we find out.”

“I guess I just felt a little romantic today. After all, it is the season of love,” Tara replied matter-of-factly. She nodded once, as if to solidify her words.

Shocked silence.

“You hate Valentine’s Day,” Bobby stated, once he’d found his voice.

“Are you feeling okay?” Sue inquired, genuinely concerned.

“Tara, Valentine’s Day is the one holiday you don’t celebrate. You won’t even listen to the radio, because of all the love songs!” Lucy interjected. “In February you’re like Myles in December!” She turned serious. “You’re a grinch.”

“I resent that comm….” Myles began to protest.

“Look,” Tara interrupted, “I just decided that it would be different this year. I’m going to take the initiative,” she announced decidedly. “No more blind dates or half-hearted attempts at romance. I am the woman that everyone wants, and I am going to be the ultimate Valentine!”
*****

BTW, that doughnut bit was for you all! hehe

Bobby dropped his donut . . . that there say something all on its own

Bobby dropped food?

Fantastic! I loved Bobby and Myles' reactions to Tara's appearance. I can't wait to see where this is going, I feel there could be a lot of competition between our two eligible batchelors to win the heart of Tara. I wonder who Tara has in her sights though!

Guess I'll just have to be patient and wait and see!

Sairs

this is better then I thought....



Lizzy...that was hilarious!

Sparks are only starting to fly in that office!!!

I can't wait to see which Mr. Available is going to take the bait !!!

They betterwatch out or they will burn down the Hoover Building!

“That’s quite a mission you’re taking on,” Bobby commented as he stood by Tara at the “coffee corner” of the bullpen.

Tara stopped pouring the hot beverage into her Minnie Mouse mug. “Excuse me?”

“Well, your whole ‘ultimate Valentine’ effort. Seems a little ambitious to me.” He took a sip of his coffee.

“Why do you say that?” Tara questioned, her tone quickly turning icy. “You think I’m incapable of it?”

“No, of course not!” He shrugged. “I just think considering your past experience with the holiday… and with the dating pod, it’s a bit unlikely.”

“I’ll have you know, Bobby Manning, that I am more than capable of turning a man’s head. And who are you to judge my love life? After all, you haven’t been out with a woman since Darcy left you for a job offer a year ago!” she retorted, keeping her voice low.

“That was completely uncalled for!” Bobby snapped, his words coming out as a fierce whisper. “Besides, you and Stanley ended it rather quickly. Darcy and I were together over for almost two years, and technically, the door’s still open for a future relationship.”

“But you couldn’t keep her in D.C., could you?” she challenged.

Bobby grimaced, then silently left Tara where she stood, grateful for the stack of paperwork on his desk to keep him occupied.
*****

I'm glad that you're still being bitten by the writing bug, Lizzy! Very nice start!! Tara is certainly one determined lady, and it'll be interesting to see who she sets her sights on...or rather, who sets their sights on her!

Ouch! Very ouch.

ditto to that!!!


Not gonna catch a guy with vinegar, sweetie. Try honey.

Jill

That had to hurt! Are you being a bit cocky? Try another approach........this one ain't workin!

You're writing a new story! I', so excited. And wondering just who tara will pick for her Valentine? Someone in the bullpen or someone completely different? Can't wait to find out.

kav

I think this will be fighting Valentine's Day

Tara will try to prove Bobby she could wrap boy's head up and Bobby will try to prove her he is quite a catch!!!!!

I can't wait!!!!


Restie

It hadn’t worked. He’d expected the forms he was filling out to divert his thoughts from her, but it was to no avail. He’d just meant to tease her a little, maybe to strike up a bit of healthy competition. As soon as she’d entered the bullpen, something felt different. He couldn’t stop looking at her. He wanted to talk to her, but was afraid that he’d just start gawking again. Finally, the opportunity to strike up a casual conversation presented itself. So, he took it. He’d never anticipated that sort of reaction.

Instead of playing along as he’d hoped Tara would, she’d brought up the one thing in his life that still made him uncomfortable… that still hurt. It was ironic, how the one person who was there for him when Darcy stepped out of his life was now hurting him with it. Sure, Jack had been willing to talk, but Tara was the one to cheer him up and encourage him when everything seemed to be falling apart. He chuckled to himself, a dry, bitter laugh.

“Hey, Bobby, you coming to lunch?” Jack asked the Aussie, breaking him out of his reverie.

Bobby forced a smile. “No, ah, I think I’ll just stick around here.”

“You sure?” Jack raised an eyebrow. “We’re going to Slappy’s.”

“Yeah, I think I’ll pass today. I’ve got a report to finish up.”

“Suit yourself.”
*****

She was in the wrong, and she knew it. She shouldn’t have gotten as angry as she had. Somehow, Tara’d just snapped, and consideration of Bobby’s feelings had flown out the window. Enjoying this “season of love” is much harder than I thought it would be. I guess all the extra effort has me on edge, she thought. Glancing over at Bobby, she could see the tension on his face, as he typed at his computer. She’d have to apologize later. There would always be time for that. But now, she had plans.

“Operation Manhunt” was about to begin.

Tara’s first stop was the bathroom. She reapplied a fresh coat of lipstick and fixed her hair, making sure she looked absolutely stunning. Taking a deep breath, she left the bathroom and headed for the elevators.
*****

Not nice Tara. You should apologize now.

I would love to see Bobby gawks

I think you should apologize, Tara but you told it's time for your mission... why I have a feeling you don't head to Bullpen towards Bobby...

I am waiting for more!!!


Restie

Tara should apologise.

Why is she heading for the elevators? Surely the object of her manhunt is located on the same floor as the bullpen?

I just had an awful thought Randy wouldn't be the object of her manhunt... :hide: Tara wouldn't!!! ::Sairs inhales deeply and tries to think of coherrent happy thoughts:: Okay so she's found a dashing, handsome and wonderfully romantic other agent somewhere in the building. That's the thought I'm going with.

I will be hoping you'll put me out of my self induced misery soon!

Take care,

Sairs

A modern-day Marc Antony—that’s what they’d called him. She’d only seen him once, but it was enough to know that the buzz about him was true. Gabe Haliburton. Tall, fit, with brown wavy hair, dazzling blue eyes, a gorgeous smile… he was practically perfect. The only thing missing was his better half: her, Tara Williams, and she had thirteen days to prove just how perfect she was for him.

Stepping off the elevator on the fourth floor, Tara smiled. She headed down the hallway and stopped in front of office 413. Taking the open door as a fortunate invitation, she walked inside.

There was only one person in the almost deserted office space, and thankfully, it was the person she was looking for. He was reading something intently, leaning over a thick book, which was open on his desk. Her heels clicked against the linoleum, as she walked further into the office. Finally, he raised his head, noticing her presence. He stood almost immediately, a breathtaking smile on his lips. His eyes sparkled as they studied her appreciatively.

“Can I help you?” His voice was strong, amiable, and polite.

“I was looking for… for Linda,” Tara bluffed. “I was hoping that we could go out to lunch.”

“She actually just left with the rest of my unit.”

“And they left you behind?” Tara inquired.

He chuckled. “Nah. They invited me, but I decided to stay here. I haven’t been here long, so I have to get caught up as best as I can.”

“Well, then, I’d hate to disturb you. I should probably go down to the cafeteria, see if there’s anything decent to eat.”

“Wait,” he said, as Tara turned away. She faced him. “Since Linda’s out, and I’m getting kind of hungry myself, maybe you’d like to join me for lunch?” He smiled hopefully. “You could show me one of D.C.’s better restaurants. I’m afraid I’m still behind on that.”

Tara shrugged and smiled back. “I don’t see why not.”

“Well, then, let me introduce myself. I’m Gabe Haliburton.”

She shook his offered hand. “Tara Williams.”
*****

well.......that went better than I thought!

Wow that was smooth@ Though I'm thinking of Bobby all by his lonesome.

kav

hmmm....a toss-up for me for now...

You are intent on making us squirm a little, aren't you?


Jill

WOW, Tara... great plan!!!

I think Bobby will be crazy by jealousy


Can't wait for next part!!!!


Restie

“So, why did you come to D.C.?” Tara asked curiously, before taking a dainty bite of her salad.

“I was a homicide detective for 5 years back in Florida. One of my friends got transferred up here to Metro PD, and I decided to look into it. That led me to the FBI, and eventually I ended up here, in violent crime.”

“And you’ve been here how long?”

“Three months.”

Tara nodded. “A newbie. Make many friends yet?”

“I think so.” He looked at her warmly. “And I think I just made another one.”

“I think so, too.”
*****

Tara practically floated into the bullpen, her feet closer to cloud nine than the good, firm ground.

“Looks like someone’s enjoying the season of love to an excess,” Myles whispered to Bobby, at the latter’s desk.

“Might have something to do with Tara’s being up on the fourth floor twice today,” Bobby replied, loud enough for it to carry across the room.

“The fourth floor? That’d be either violent crime or… what, the assistant director’s office?” Lucy asked casually. “What were you doing up there?”

“I’m wondering why Bobby even cares… Bobby, were you spying on me?” Tara questioned pointedly.

Bobby threw his hands up in a ‘surrender’ position. “Hey, I just happened to see you get into the elevator as I came into the lobby. I had to wait for the next one. I saw that yours stopped on the fourth floor.”

“And how’d you know about the second time?” Tara continued with a glare.

“I was going to the bathroom! Does my every waking moment need to be questioned? Is that how it is?” The Aussie stood and left the office.

The bullpen fell silent, the only sound being the clicking of Tara’s heels as she crossed to her desk. She sat down, ignoring the team’s stares. Clicking her mouse a few times, she pulled up her email, typed in her address and password, and checked for her newest mail. She clicked on her daily quote newsletter, hoping it’d do something to make her feel more optimistic about this month… which was starting to look bleaker and bleaker by the minute.

Let not the sun go down upon your anger.
- Ephesians 4:26

With a groan, she finished checking her email, then turned to her unfinished reports. Let not the sun go down upon my anger. Fat chance. He doesn’t deserve the satisfaction.
*****

Oh, ouch... to ignore such a pointed reminder. Careful, Tara...

You're doing a great job, Lizzy!!!

I am a bit worried about Tara's reaction to Gabe... She is too excited...

Bobby will have hard time to show her he is the one... I can't wait for it!!!!


Restie

Getting a little touchy, are we?

Tara and Bobby....... Figure it out!

Jill

I smell frustration between the two of them...

A 2x4 may come handy in this story too!!!!

Thanks for waiting, everybody!! I was at school, then studying for my big fat scary monstrous finals tomorrow! 3 essays in two hours... huge honors math test over everything we've learned this year. *shudder* Dreadful stuff.

Here you go!
*****

“Tara!” a voice called out from a distance. She turned to see the source of her name. “Hey.” It was Gabe.

“Hey, yourself.” She pulled her coat tighter against herself, shielding her petite body from the biting cold.

“I was hoping to catch you before you left. You were pretty preoccupied, so I guess you didn’t hear me calling.” He bounced a bit on his toes, trying to keep warm. “You up for a bit of ice cream?”

“In the dead of winter?”

“I have a sweet tooth.” He flashed a gorgeous smile.

“Sounds good to me.”

He offered her his arm and she took it, gladly. They reached the sidewalk and walked the two blocks to the ice cream parlor.

Maybe February won’t be so bad after all.

A few minutes later, they were seated in a comfortable booth sharing a banana split. “I haven’t done this in years,” Tara confessed.

“Eaten ice cream?” He looked at her with a confused look.

She laughed. “No, no. Eaten a banana split. When I was little, my dad and I would do this during the summer.”

“And now you’re doing it with me, in the winter.” He smiled. “I hope I’m not ruining the sentimental value.”

“Well, nobody ever said that ice cream was limited to just one sentimental value. Perhaps I’m creating a new connotation for it.” She took another bite and wiggled her eyebrows.

“You really are something else.”

Tara shrugged her shoulders innocently, a mischievous smile on her lips. “Perhaps.”
*****

“I had a wonderful time,” Gabe said, as he walked Tara to her front door.

“Me too,” Tara agreed. “I’d forgotten how much I missed ice cream.”

They both laughed. “Well, I’m glad I could reintroduce you to the wonders of the banana split.”

“You have my unimpeded, unbridled thanks.” Tara grinned.

Gabe took her hand gently and Tara looked up at him, into his fantastic blue eyes. “We should do this again sometime. Soon.”

“I’d like that.” Tara paused. “I’d really like that,” she repeated breathlessly.

“I’ll come by sometime in the next few days. We just got a case this afternoon, and it’s pretty unpredictable, so I don’t know when I’ll be by. But, I’ll make it a point to drop in.”

Tara nodded, more than a little dazed. “Good.”

Taking advantage of the moment, Gabe came closer, lightly letting his thumb caress her cheek. She closed her eyes, simply enjoying the touch.

When he kissed her, she was completely taken by surprise. However, that didn’t stop her from returning it. This is what I wanted, she thought to herself, and I’m going to enjoy it. They eased away, one from the other, both smiling.

“See you later,” he told her as he backed away, waving goodbye.

“See you,” she echoed, content.
*****

something tells me that this may not work out, even thought I would like it to!

Why do I feel this sense of dread coming over me? Like Tara and Gabe are like so good for each other but something bad is going to happen??

Tara, Tara... he isn't the one...

Maybe Bobby is hiding behind the bushes...


I can't wait for more!!!


Restie

Hmmm. Bananna split......kissing.....cold weather.......


She's got all the right ingredients.....but does she have the right guy?


Jill

Maybe this is going a little too smoothly, my paranoia antennae is tingling, I'm sensing a storm approaching.

I'll be waiting for more updates, because I'm curious to see how Tara and Gabe are going to work out.

Sairs

Bobby returned home that night, exhausted, but unable to sleep. She’d gotten under his skin. There was no way to deny it. Ever since Darcy got the job offer in LA… he hadn’t been himself. He couldn’t be, because he wasn’t the man he wanted to be. And the one person who could make him that man was pushing him away. At one point in time, he thought they could have had something together. Then somehow… that potential faded into the background. Eventually, though, the feelings he thought had been trumped by his love for Darcy began to resurface. Seeing Tara today, dressed as she was, made those feelings return stronger than they ever had before.

That’s why her words hurt so much.

Bobby sank down onto his couch, rested his feet on the coffee table, and turned on the television. Some televangelist was preaching from behind a pulpit in an elaborately decorated church.

Let not the sun go down upon your anger. The verse popped up onto the screen as the preacher’s voice read it. Ephesians 4:26

Am I angry? Hurt, yes, but angry? He scoffed. So what if I am? I have a reason to be! He flipped through the channels, finally deciding on a mediocre college basketball game. It wasn’t long before he dozed off into a dreamless sleep.
*****

Wow. Bobby is really hurting. Too bad he switched the channel.

As for a dreamless sleep.....maybe he should have a dream...a real inspirational one!!!


Jill

First off, it sounds almost like Tara was giving herself a pep talk when Gabe kissed her. And then both of them ignoring that bible passage? Yowzers, I'm hiding here to avoid the lightning that's sure to strike!

kav

Is there room under that chair? Oooo, wait, I'll get the couch! :hide:

Poor Bobby!!!!!

Tara, I hope you don't destroy your future!!!!!


Restie

Alright everybody, hold on to your hats... things are about to get a little.... well, strange. Bear with me. I must have been consuming lots of chocolate when this idea hit me. Enjoy! *mmmwwwaaaahahahahahaaaaa* Don't run off... it's not that scary!! D


Tara stirred, unwilling to surrender her dreams to the day.

Since when did I have my alarm clock set to country music… or gotten up at six o’clock?

It took her a few drowsy minutes to realize something was dreadfully, dreadfully wrong. Running her fingers through her hair, she was shocked to find her locks were unusually short, her fingers long, and her hands large. Flopping herself back onto the bed, she squinted her eyes shut, waiting a minute before opening them again. Nothing had changed. The room, the bed, the alarm clock… nothing was familiar. Looking down, her eyes locked on huge hands attached to muscular, toned arms, bare and brawny. Tara turned around quickly, just to make sure she was alone. There was no one else there. She flung the bedding tucked around her away from her body, sitting bolt upright. She scooted to the side of the long bed, swinging her legs over the edge. Large feet hit the icy cold floor.

What the heck is happening? Her mind raced as her heart beat faster in her chest. She stood, beginning to pace the room. I’ve got to be dreaming. There’s no other way, I…

Her runaway train of thought abruptly ended, as she stood in front of a full length mirror on the back of the bedroom door. She opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out. She was definitely not herself today.
*****

She is in Bobby's body? or Gabe's body?

I am curious!!!!!!

Come back soon!!!!


Restie