The Nomination:

Marlo has long been known for her intricately woven plots that take our characters out of their 'comfort zone' in Washington DC into intriguing and suspenseful cases set in other parts of the country or world. Another strength of her writing are her original characters, who in some cases become as dear to us as the central cast. Hockey Coach is one such example of her fabulously creative writing... so wonderful, in fact, that it became the springboard for a continuing series written by a fellow author and friend, Jill. Our readers continue to clamor for more stories about these endearing characters, but it's always a pleasure to go back and see where it all began.

It was not like the parking lot of the office building was busy at 6am, truth to be told it was rather totally empty except for a dark blue minivan park in front of an accounting office. How the grey pickup managed to squarely hit it when it slid on a patch of ice defied the odds.

Myles was stopped at the lights waiting for the green, sipping on his coffee, when he saw the pickup truck entering the parking lot at full speed attempting a u-turn. Myles watched in slow motion as it rear-ended the parked minivan. To Myles' even greater surprise, the driver backed out and just sped away, his front bumper barely hanging by some loose bolts. FBI training kicking in, he noted the truck license plate and turn into the parking lot to assess the damage. The minivan was two maybe three years old, and was now in need of more than $4000 in repair cost. He couldn't see the owner anywhere, the office building was closed, so he left a note on the windshield wit his name and phone number. He also took the minivan license plate number to track down the owner if needed. Satisfied he resumed his lone drive on the deserted streets to the Hoover Building.

* * *

Bullpen, mid-morning

Everyone was busy with paperwork wanting to finish as early as possible. They were a week away from Christmas and nobody wanted any extra hours, too much shopping and party planning left to do. Myles' cell rang.

“Leland”, he answered, annoyed at the interruption. A clear musical voice with a slight foreign accent greeted him. He leaned back in his chair, forgetting about his paperwork, mesmerised by the woman at the other end.

“You don't know me, my name is Michelle Bergeron”, French accent thought Myles after she mentioned her name. “But you left a note on my windshield saying you have information about who ran into my van this morning in front of my office.”

“Yes, Miss?… Mrs? Berge…”

“Michelle is fine.” She was amused. He liked the sound of her laughter.

“Yes … Michelle. It happened at 6:03am. A grey Ford F-150 pickup license plate 6190DS sped into the …”

“Please, could you slow down? Or better could you fax it to me?” She was frantically writing but he spoke too fast.

“What if I drop a written report to you at lunchtime instead and show you exactly how it happened. I don't mind going that way. Just tell me which office.” He really wanted to match the voice with the woman.

“I guess you could”, after hesitating a moment. “I work at Black and Smith Accounting firm. Thank you Mr. Leland.”

“Call me Myles. And I will be there around noon. “

After he hung up, he stared at the ceiling for a while before going back to his paperwork. But any train of thoughts he had before the call had vanished. Only the mystery voice remained in his head.

* * *

Myles walked into the accounting office. The secretary was eating a sandwich while typing on her keyboard. She lifted an eyebrow.

“My name is Myles Leland. I am here to see Michelle Bergeron”, hoping she wasn't Michelle. He let a sigh of relief when she instructed him in perfect English to wait a moment. She picked up the phone, and then indicated the third door on the left.

Myles knocked. The same voice he remembered invited him in. A petite woman with a radiant smile stood up and came to shake his hand. She was maybe 5' 6”, shoulder length wavy hair kind of blond with reddish highlights, fair skin, big green twinkling eyes, mid to late thirty, it was hard to tell. She wore a black knee length skirt open on one side and a light green shirt. She offered him a seat and leaned on the corner of her desk. She took the report from Myles and read it. Myles could see relief flowing all over her.

“My insurance company will be pleased. And so am I.” She smiled at Myles. “Thank you. It is very detailed. Just by curiosity, are you a cop?”

“No, an FBI agent”, replies Myles, smiling back. And seeing her stunned expression he pulled out his badge.

“Wow!” she exclaimed. “It must have been my lucky day.”

“It would be mine, if you accept to have lunch with me”, offered Myles in his deep voice, noticing no wedding band on her left hand.

She scrutinized him a moment. The only lunches she has had lately have been business related and she wasn't ready for anything more. His eyes were pleading her. She convinced herself she could call it business. After all he was her only witness, she needed to go through that report with him in detail.

“I know a charming little restaurant a block away”, grabbing her coat. “We could walk.”

“It will be my pleasure to ensure your security for the next hour, Michelle.” She was still laughing by the time they made it outside the office.

* * *

Myles got back to the bullpen an hour late. The others were openly staring at him when he sat back at his desk, grabbing the report that had been given him grief all morning, knowing it wouldn't be done this afternoon either. Michelle had agreed to lunch again tomorrow and he just couldn't wait. She was smart, beautiful and witty. He couldn't remember having so much fun talking with someone. Her accent was charming, and sometimes her choices of word just made him laugh, not that she took offence, she was fluent in English but French remained her first language and she had no intention of changing that.

“That's it, mate”, exploded Bobby. “Care to explain why you are so late? And why that huge grin on your face just keep getting wider?” The others were listening attentively, refraining themselves from laughing out loud.

Myles' jaw just dropped. He had not even realized until now that he was still smiling. But as hard as he tried he couldn't come up with a straight face, not as long as he kept thinking about her. Since when did a woman have that kind of effect on him? 'Leland' he admonished himself, 'Snap out of it. You've known her for two hours and simply had lunch with her, it's not like you spent the night having wild sex with her”, which conjured up another set of images in his mind and the grin just … Myles just shook his head, that was getting him nowhere.

“Anything to do with that mystery phone call this morning?” continued Bobby. “Michelle was it?” He had been eavesdropping which had been easy in the quiet office.

Garrett entrance saved Myles. Garrett had a new case for them. An accountant had been found dead in his office last night presumably of a heart attack and there's money missing from the account he was working on. He placed a pile of documents on Jack's desk.

“Since when are we in charge of economic crimes?” asked Jack.

“Since there's a dead body and you are not busy at the moment”, answered Garrett. “And also because I just lost a bet to their assistant director. Enjoy people.”

* * *

They had ordered Chinese food and called it a night after 10pm. The team wasn't going anywhere with that new case. All the financial records seemed to be in order; they were looking for a needle in a haystack.

The next morning provided the autopsy report. The accountant had a legitimate heart attack and no foul play was suspected. The financial statements were blown up on the big screen.

Michelle walked in around 10am with a visitor pass and surveyed the bullpen, the people working and the big screen. Before she could make her way to Myles' desk, Bobby was out of his chair.

“Sheila, can we do something for you?” bringing out his Aussie charm.

She stared at him, not having caught half of what he said. “I'm here to see Myles”, she said looking in his direction.

At the sound of his name he lifted his head, a smile coming instantly to his face as he saw her. “Michelle.”

“You are Michelle”, repeated Bobby clearly impressed. “Myles has been hiding…”

Myles cut Bobby short by leading a confused Michelle in the conference room. He downplayed Bobby's statement. She brushed his explanations away. She had been teased at her office all afternoon yesterday after their lunch. Her conclusion was that gossip was good for the moral. Everyone enjoyed a good story, it didn't need to be true, just interesting. She had stopped by for two reasons. First she needed a description of the truck driver if he saw him, which he did. He wrote it down. Male, Caucasian, Mid-twenty, Black short hair and a moustache. He could probably identify him if necessary. And second she had to cancel their lunch and she wanted to do it in person. For a moment she wondered why she actually felt a pinch in her stomach, she had only known him for a day. She explained she had to meet the appraisal inspector and the only time available was at lunch. She wanted her van fixed as quickly as possible; she didn't like driving that small rental car. When he asked for a raincheck for tomorrow she regretfully shook her head. She was picking up her son at the airport; he was coming to spend the holidays with her in DC. Myles was taken by surprise, she had not mentioned any family yesterday, but then he didn't either. He wanted to push his luck and ask for dinner tonight but with the case he didn't know if he could make it and didn't want to let her down. When they exited the conference room, the bullpen was quiet once more, people either working at their desk or staring at the big screen.

“Is it something you are working on?” asked Michelle pointing at the financial statements.

“Yah”, answered a short blond hair woman. “We are supposed to try and find something fishy.”

“The travel expenditures”, strongly suggested Michelle.

“We already looked at those”, explained the same lady. “Seems legit. We can match the expenses.”

“Then the accountant does a lousy job because the travel expenditures should never have been entered in that category. That is basic bookkeeping”, and with that she left them pondering.

* * *

Thanks to Michelle’s tip they had the case wrapped up by the end of the day. The missing money was found in another account though it wasn’t clear if the accountant was on it or if it was bad accounting. Either way, the case was closed and the team could go home. Since it was Dec 20th, Sue, Lucy and Jack went tree hunting, Bobby had a date with Darcy who had just made it back from an assignment in Houston, Stanley was waiting for Tara and D went back to his family. Before leaving the bullpen, Myles ran Michelle's license plate in the computer to have her home address. With that in hand, he drove in the fresh snow.

She lived in a townhouse on the outskirt of the city. He parked in the driveway beside the small rental car. As he was about to knock it crossed his mind that she was not expecting him. What if she wasn’t alone? The case, he could always say he wanted to thank her for helping them with the case. Good, he thought as he knocked. She looked through the window. A smile appeared on her face as she opened the door.

“Myles! What are you doing here?” She motioned him inside.

“Well, we… we finished with the case, thanks to you. The discrepancy was in the travel expenditures.”

“I am happy I could help.” They were facing each other in the small entrance, both lost for words. She had a pair of tight jeans and a blue sky sweatshirt with a plane on it. She was bare feet.

“If you haven’t had dinner yet, I thought maybe you could join me”, recovering the first one.

She smiled at the invitation. Why did she have to eat as soon as she got home? ‘Because I was hungry’, she replied to herself. ‘ And I didn’t think I would hear of Myles again after cancelling lunch.’

Myles noticed the hesitation. “No problem, Michelle. I understand if you have other plan.” As disappointed as he was, he had thrown himself into that situation.

“No”, she reacted, placing a hand in his arm just to remove it quickly. “I would like it but I have already eaten. I… I have left over if you are interested, homemade lasagne and tossed salad? And some banana chocolate chips muffins in the oven that I made for my son, but that could be dessert.” Myles could smell the chocolate aroma.

That was an invitation too good to resist. “That sounds delicious, thank you. And I would like to hear about your mysterious son.”

A big smile crossed her face, and her eyes shone. She obviously missed her son. Everything that was part of her he wanted to know about.

“That could be arranged”, she replied. “But first I need to know if there is a Mrs. or a wanna-a-be Mrs. Leland in the picture somewhere?”

“What if there is?” played Myles.

“Then I will kick you out and slam the door on you. I don’t invite married men for dinner.” She paused a second. “Come to think of it, I usually don’t invite single men either, I’m just making an exception here because of your good deed with my van.”

He burst out laughing. “I am truly single. No women anywhere, near or far.”

“Then I will take your coat”, which he gave gladly before following her in the kitchen.

* * *

Myles’ stomach was deliciously full. He probably had one too many of those devilish muffins with more chocolate chips than banana he might had. They were comfortably sitting on the same couch in the living room in front of the fireplace, drinking vanilla flavoured coffee. The conversation that had started in the kitchen just kept flowing.

Her son, Olivier, was flying from Northern Alberta tomorrow. He had just turned sixteen beginning of the month and was playing midget AAA hockey in a provincial league. As she was telling him about her family, Myles observed she unconsciously kept rolling a ring on her right second finger. The missing wedding band came to his mind as her husband came into the conversation. He instantly knew why it migrated from the left hand to the right even before she mentioned the dreaded accident. Michelle and her husband met in university when she was still a teenager. He was on his last year and training to be a fighter pilot for the Canadian Air Force. Both were French Canadian. When he was transferred across the country they decided to get married and she followed him. Two years later their son was born. Every couple years, for the following ten years, they moved from one base to the next, staying just long enough to make friends and miss then. When Olivier was ten they moved to Cold Lake, an Air Force Base in Northeast Alberta. During their posting there, two F18 squadrons were sent in the Middle East for six months. Her hubby was part of one. When he left she didn’t know she was pregnant. She actually didn’t know why she was telling Myles all that. Only a few close friends knew about it. She had even kept it from her own mother knowing it would break her heart. A month before the two squadrons were supposed to return home, one was involved in a deadly encounter, the planes being blown out of the sky one after the other. The day the chaplain knocked at her door by mistake she almost fainted. Her husband eventually made it back, their neighbours on each side didn’t. But he came home too late to see their daughter, Michelle lost the premature baby two weeks before, and was told her chances of having anymore children were very slimmed. The base was divided between the grieving widows who needed to move out and the lucky wives whose husbands came back alive. Michelle was stuck in between in her own mourning world.

There was a 4000 km2 exercise range just North of the base where the fighter planes would practice dropping bombs and where nobody was allowed in. Skimming the range on the west side a new road was built to connect Cold Lake with a new town 300 km North named Blacksand. Blacksand came to life after oil was discovered, and soon the Air Force decided to actually deploy permanently a squadron over there. When Michelle’s husband got command of it, a couple months after his return from the Middle East, they moved North with Olivier. Then eighteen months ago, her husband got a two years assignment at the Canadian embassy in DC. So they packed but without Olivier who had asked to stay in Blacksand. He was in grade 10 and didn’t want to screw up his high school for two years, plus his hockey was also on the fast track so to speak. Good friends who had a son the same age, also playing hockey, agreed to keep him for the time being. Her husband was looking forward to go back to Blacksand in the spring for good, he was missing his wings. Every Sunday morning, he would fly for a couple hours from the municipal airport. One foggy September morning he left home early like usual, except he never came back. There were tears in her eyes and it almost broke Myles’ heart. He pulled her to him, her head resting on his shoulder. How did he manage to fall in love with a woman who lost her husband three months before? A plane made an unauthorised landing as her husband was taking off. None stood a chance.

They stayed there for a while, Michelle crying her heart out, Myles wishing he could ease the pain knowing only time could do it.

* * *

“Why did you stay in DC after?” he couldn’t refrain from asking once her sobbing subsided. “Why not going home with your son?”

She looked at him. The tears had stopped but her eyes remained distant, red and puffy. “I went back to Cold Lake for his funeral. Do you know how hard it is to be stopped every three feet in the street by people who are sorry for you, trying to hug you when they are crying louder than you? I just couldn’t take it. So I came back here, this is the only home I have. My son stayed in Blacksand for the same reasons as before.” Myles came to say something but she placed the tip of her fingers on his lips. “Please, don’t say you are sorry. Just say you understand.” He nodded and a small smile crept back on her face. “I had a wonderful husband. He was more afraid of losing his wings than he was of dying. I just miss him so much. I know it is probably the wrong thing to say and the last thing you want to hear, not that you look like him but you remind me of him.”

Her admission took him by surprise, but would explain why she opened her heart to him. “Well, on the list of things not to say, I could add this one, I wish I could have been him.” She looked at him more puzzled than angry which was a relief for Myles who had not thoroughly thought that one out. “He was a very lucky man to have you as his wife.”

“I think you would have changed your mind when that plane crashed into you.” She couldn’t believe she actually made a joke about it, nor could he. “You know it is the first time I feel alive since the accident. Actually that lunch was nice too.” She became suddenly very aware of his arms around her and she moved slowly away. He let her go. “What about telling me about you so I can see where the resemblance stops and where Myles begins?”

He had to resist the temptation of pulling her back to him as he started talking about his life. His tight upbringing and his mending relationship with his sister after a lifetime of sibling rivalry. His failed relationship partly due to his line of work, there was just so many cancelled dates and overtime excuses a woman could take without mentioning the dreaded hospital phone call that sometimes followed a poorly executed operation, and partly because of him and his lack of empathy. Somehow when he looked into Michelle’s eyes, he knew she understood him. So he talked about Lucy, how he screwed up badly by cheating on her when she had been one of the few he could have stand a chance with. He talked about his work in general and his co-workers, Bobby’s Aussie charm, Tara’s computer wit, Jack’s by the book rules, Sue’s compassion and determination and Dimitrius’ father figure. He made of few comments on the no-dating policy, and how hard they kept teasing Jack and Sue, until Michelle reminded him it was call gossip. He didn’t particularly care what it was called as long as it made her laugh.

“So where does the resemblance stop?”

“To be honest, same disturbing dry sense of humour, which my son share as well. Same dangerous line of work that you seem to enjoy as much as he liked flying. He could come home a Friday night to announce me he was leaving that Sunday for a two months training camp somewhere and thought I didn’t need any more notice than that.” Myles turned slightly red at the statement. “I figured you did that to someone as well, and you wonder why she didn’t stick around.” She was amused.

“You stayed”, he observed bluntly.

“Yah, I did. Which makes me either special or insane, your choice.” They both laugh. She ended up in his arms again. He stroked her hair, kissing the top of her head. “Thank you, Myles”, she whispered.

“Anytime”, he murmured back, amazed by how strong she was. “Do you think your son would approve if I stop by while he is here?”

“If you talk hockey with him, you could probably get away with spending the night here”, as soon as the words were out of her mouth she wished she could recalled them. “It’s not … I didn’t …” she was blushing and her English was becoming blurry which made her even more adorable in Myles’ eyes.

“I know”, coming to her rescue, not letting her pull away this time. “Is your son bringing his gear?” changing the subject.

“Yah, because he is flying back directly to Helena, Montana, for a tournament on January 2. Why?”

“During the holiday we sometimes arrange for fun hockey games between units, we could use a good player.”

“He’s a goaltender”, she corrected.

“OK, we definitely could use a good goalie. We usually borrow Randy and he is awful. I should be going”, looking at his watch, 2am.

“Yes, you should.” She walked him to the door and handed him his coat. “Good night, Myles”, placing an innocent kiss on his cheek.

* * *

Myles was all chirpy when he entered the bullpen at 8am Friday morning despite his lack of sleep the previous night. He tossed and turned until his alarm clock confirmed it was time to get up. He kept thinking about Michelle. Maybe he was losing his mind, which was a way more rational explanation than falling madly for a woman he just met.

“Good morning to you too, Myles”, exclaimed Bobby that large mischievous grin on his face. “I see you’re in a good mood. Had a nice evening?” Myles wondered if Bobby was fishing or if he knew something. “Stop by your place last night and you were not there. Actually waited till 1am before giving up.”

“Must have been important”, commented Myles without offering any other explanation.

“Yah, mate. Forgot to mention, got to your place at quarter to one. Anyway, wanted to know if you were playing on Monday morning game against DEA. Or do you have plans that involve a certain French lady?”

“For your information, she is Canadian and there is nothing going on, she is only a friend, we…”

“Of course, mate”, cut Bobby. “Just like Jack and Sue. She spent the night at his place last night but it was totally innocent.”

“Sue spent the night?” repeated Myles looking at a flustered Sue and an annoyed Jack

“We fell asleep on the couch”, repeated Jack for the tenth time this morning. “After she helped me decorate my Christmas tree.” He didn’t share with them that he wouldn’t mind waking up like that every morning.

“Monday morning the 24th we have a fun hockey game against DEA”, explained D. “And we need at least six players and a goalie. Do we have enough or do we need to borrow from another unit? Who won’t be there?”

Bobby was around, him and Darcy were planning a quiet holiday at his place. Jack wasn’t going anywhere, his parents having decided to go in the Caribbean with his younger sister for the holiday, he could have gone but decided otherwise when he learned Sue was staying in town as well. Sue was staying because her parents were going to her younger brother whose wife just got a brand new baby last week. Tara and Lucy were planning to spend most of the holiday together double dating Stanley and his best friend Jeff, both of whom were available for the game.

“OK” reviewed D. “ Beside myself, Bobby, Jack, Stanley, Jeff. That’s 5. Myles?”

“Yes, and I have a goalie for you … that is not Randy.”

“Fantastic but should I ask who?” Myles shook his head. “Fine. Girls, anyone of you want to play?” They all declined, they would be the fan section. “Garrett gave us the day off. The game starts at 10am so be there 30 to 40 minutes earlier. Also since everyone is staying in town Donna and I would like to invite all of you to our Christmas Eve party. More to follow on Monday morning. Now please lets get back to work and finish those reports, I would like to go home early for a change.”

* * *

Friday night, not five minutes after Lucy was gone with Tara and the two guys, Jack miraculously knocked on Sue’s door. She was getting ready for a long bath and a quiet evening in her pyjamas. He convinced her to come with him for a ride. They drove on the commercial avenue. At 8pm they were going to light up the giant Christmas tree and he wanted her with him. The last few days had been particularly difficult with Myles grinning all the time. It had made him more aware of his own repressed feeling for Sue. If only he knew for sure she felt the same way. Sometimes he thought she did then she would take a step back. Plus there was that no-dating policy. Was he ready to put his job on the line for the woman he loved? Bobby was settling down nicely with Darcy, and Myles was beyond help right now. D had learned a long time ago that the road was too lonely if you drive it alone. What was he waiting for? He glanced toward the woman in the passenger seat. She had been the one he was waiting for and she was slipping through his fingers because he wouldn’t close his hands on her. He found a parking space. He offered her his arm and they walked together, Levi one step behind. They did some window shopping before he led her to the park where the huge tree was standing. She still didn’t know why a small crowd was gathering around the place. There was a collective gasp when the lights came to life.

“It’s so beautiful”, she whispered to his ears, her eyes reflecting the multicoloured lights. He placed his arms around her shoulder and pulled her to him. She rested her head on his coat, her hand finding its way around his waist, dazed from the sight. People spontaneously started singing Christmas songs. Taking her cue from Jack she joined in as well. She knew the songs better than he did. He didn’t know how long they stayed there in each other arms, just how wonderful it felt. When she started shivering against him he realized it was time to take her home. He kept her hand in his all the drive back. To Jack disappointment, Lucy was already inside when they got back. Poor Jeff had gone to the hospital with a sprained ankle after sliding on an icy step outside the movie theatre. So Jack called it a night, suggesting her to run a hot bath, promising to pick her up for lunch tomorrow. She thank him before he left, she had a wonderful evening with him.

Myles’ house was quieter on Friday evening. He spent it with a book but for the life of him couldn’t have been able recalling anything he read. For his credit he refrained from calling her, giving her time with her son, though he was looking forward to meet the teenager. He would stop by at lunch tomorrow.

* * *

When Jack picked Sue up for lunch he asked her to grab her skates. They spent the afternoon on an outside pond skating and chasing each other. When young kids showed up on the ice with sticks and a puck, Jack and Sue organised them in two groups, Jack running back to his car to get orange cones for makeshift goals and sticks for him and Sue. They played with the kids having as much fun if not more fun than them. Jack made sure he gently tackled Sue at every opportunity. She swore to him that she would get her revenge. Levi ran around the pond his tail wagging energetically. Jack sat on a snow bank to re-lace his skates while watching Sue and the kids. She was a darned good skater and not bad with a stick either. She smiled at him, warming his heart. He went back on the ice ready for another round. They wore the kids out.

“What about pasta and my famous Hudson sauce for dinner?” he offered Sue who was taking her skates off on a bench. She bent on the side before going to him.

“Just make sure there are plenty, I am starving”, she answered playfully, placing her arms around his neck, his instantly going around her waist. He felt her mitts going inside his collar and he jumped. He took his coat off trying to get the snow out but she had skilfully dumped it into his sweatshirt. She was laughing so hard he could only make out the word revenge. When she saw him reaching down for snow, she grabbed her skates and ran to the car, innocently sitting inside. He watched her go, grinning. If that was war she wanted he would give it to her, the weekend was young. He picked up the cones and the sticks. He slowly made his way to the car and dumped everything in the trunk.

She had that devilish smile on her face and her eyes were sparkling when he sat down beside her. He started the car before turning to her, one hand going to her waist, the other behind her neck. “Do you know what happened to bad girl, Ms. Thomas?”

“They get to skip dinner?”

“No …they get this.” He leaned and kissed her passionately. After the initial shock she responded as ardently, lacing her arms around him, pulling him closer to her body. They stopped when the window started to become foggy, having gone through one layer of clothing. They were both equally shock at how quickly they had lost control. “Maybe we should go”, he murmured trying to restrain himself without much success, his hands wandering inside her coat. She pulled away, took both his hands and placed them on the wheel.

“Now bad boy, drive away before the cops come and arrest us”, her voice rasped. He turned the air at max and headed towards his apartment, not sure if that was a good idea either.

* * *

Myles stopped by Michelle shortly before lunch hoping to invite both of them out, only to come face to face with a tall and sleepy young man.

“May I help you?” he asked, opening the door. He was wearing a pair of boxer short and a t-shirt.

“Yes, would Michelle be there by any chance?”

He yelled ‘maman’ but there was no answer. He looked in the driveway, her car was gone. “I guess not. Probably went to the office for a while. Are you Myles?” Myles nodded. “I’m Olivier, mom talked about you, said you would probably stop by. You want to come inside?”

“I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“I’m having breakfast, you’re welcome to stay”, and he let him in.

Olivier was just above 6 feet about 155 pounds. His legs were strongly developed. Myles guessed he ran during his free time on top of his goalie training. His upper body was not as developed from what he could make out through the t-shirt but he was getting there. Myles suspected weight training as well. The kid had just turned sixteen after all, he was still growing. He had short unruly blond hair and blue-green eyes. He had fair skin, some shaving burn but relatively pimple free. By teenage girls standard he would be a hunk. He didn’t look like his mom, probably his dad then.

Olivier cooked himself three eggs with two toasts, a large orange juice, a banana and a yogurt. Myles made himself a coffee. It took the teenager about ten minutes to engulf everything. They talked about his hockey. Olivier was looking for a drop-in gym to train during the holiday preferably as soon as possible. He had a chance to make Junior next year if he gained another twenty-five pounds, but he wanted to make sure he did it the right way, with the right training and the right eating. Myles offered the young man to take him to the gym where he himself trained regularly. Olivier was grateful. He told Myles he would be happy to be an FBI goaltender for a day on Monday morning. They then talked about Myles’ job, Olivier considering a career either as a fighter pilot or as a law enforcement officer if his hockey doesn’t take him anywhere. Olivier’s mom knew of his desire to follow into his father’s footstep and she approved. She wouldn’t stand against her son’s choice of career as long as he was happy, unless he decided to become a stripper, which got Myles laughing hard. Myles had a renew admiration for Michelle. She had a well balanced son, with a sense of humour, no wonder she was proud of him.

“Would I be out of line to invite you and your mom for dinner tonight?”

“No, you wouldn’t. Be warned that I eat a lot though, might get expensive.”

“I will keep that in mind, Olivier. How does McDonald sound?” It was the young man’s turn to laugh out loud.

* * *

By the time they made it up the last steps of his apartment building they had cooled down somewhat a little. Jack boiled the pasta and reheated frozen sauce while Sue set the table. They were silent, not an awkward silence, more like a fibrillating silence, where each one was aware that the slightest incongruous move could send them over the edge. As he stirred the pasta, he could see his own heart boiling just the same. He had crossed the line in the car, just to realise the other side was a very steep cliff and they were now free falling from it, with no way up. The taste of her had left him hungry for more, way more, her response having been what he had dreamed of. And he wouldn’t stop falling until … until she was his forever. He shook his head, when exactly did marriage enter his mind? They were not even dating yet. Come on Jack, he admonished himself, what are you calling that? OK, maybe they were. He knew he had the same exact grin on his face then Myles had. Oh boy! If Garrett sees both of us like that at the office he will have a fit …and Bobby will have a fieldtrip. A hand brushed his shoulder.

“If you cook it more I won’t need to chew it, Jack”, she teased him, twinkling in her eyes. He looked in the pot, it was ready. They sat side by side. “You want to talk about the private conversation you were having with my spaghetti? From the look on your face it seemed fascinating.” She had been observing him. It shouldn’t surprise him since he did the same when she wasn’t looking.

“I love you”, he stated simply. Three little words that conveyed more than any others put together. “I have for so long.” He took her hand in his. “It feels like I finally open that door and all those emotions are rushing out, wild and unruly.” He looked into her eyes. She waited expectantly, but he didn’t know how to continue.

“I love you too”, she whispered timidly, breaking the silence. “Are you …do you …want to close that door again?” suddenly afraid of his intentions.

“Not in this lifetime”, he answered unreservedly, kissing her hand, smiling broadly. “Even if I wanted to, which I really don’t, the door got knocked out of its hinges and is nowhere to be found.”

She let out the breath she was holding and smiled back. “So where do we go from here, Jack?” she asked, the answer showing in her eyes.

“I believe the right question, Ms. Thomas, is not where we are going, but …how fast are we planning on getting there?”

* * *

Myles took Michelle and Olivier at Juanita’s, his favourite Italian restaurant. The atmosphere was relaxed, the food was delicious and abundant, and the price … let’s just say he could afford it. He was impressed to see the young man had dressed appropriately, black pants, dressed shirt and a tie, and mesmerized by Michelle in a simple formfitting black dress. They had a nice comfortable evening.

Bobby had been doing last minutes errands for Darcy when D called him with the bad news. Since he was in the neighbourhood, he decided to stop by Jack to see if he could think of anybody.

At the apartment, Jack and Sue were watching a thriller. Despite their best intentions of taking things slow, they had come closer and closer on the couch as the movie got scarier. Her hands were holding tight to his skin under his shirt, her head resting on his chest while he was massaging all the tired muscles of her back. His fingers kept getting caught in the elastic band of her bra. If he pushed his exploration further he wondered if he would find a plain comfortable white cotton bra or a bright pink fuchsia push up bra. Jack frowned, where did that thought come from? His attention back to the movie he realised the girl was now lost in the wood, running away from rogue FBI agents, wearing only very suggestive pink fuchsia undergarments. Was it him or was it getting hotter in his apartment?

* * *

‘Take Sue home now’ a little voice warned Jack. Jack shifted position. Sue lifted her head, the movie forgotten, her lips mere inches away from his, desire in her eyes. She removed her hands, inadvertently pulling the sweatshirt halfway up in the process. She blushed slightly. God, he loved her. Against his best judgment the sweatshirt went flying on the floor. He wrapped her in his arms, his lips tasting hers before migrating to her neck and her shoulder blade as he moved the fabric aside. Jack smiled when he realised he was fighting with a very sexy black silk bra. A look of panic, matching his, crossed her eyes as he suddenly pulled away from her, quickly straightening her shirt.

“Bobby’s at the door”, he explained looking for his own shirt. Understanding drawing on her, she stood up and tucked it in her pants before rearranging her hair. “Ready?” She nodded.

Bobby didn’t even wait for the door to be fully open before stepping in. “You took your sweet time, mate. We have a problem, Je…” He stopped dead in his track. “Sue?”

“Hi Bobby.”

“Hi …Am I interrupting something?” gazing from one to the next. “Let me guess, you were watching a movie, totally innocent?” a grin forming on his face. “Just like wearing your sweatshirt backward is a new fashion statement …right?” He almost felt sorry for them …almost. “I believe Sparky that red is not your colour but it looks good on the sheila sitting over there.”

Jack was beaten and Bobby knew it. How was he going to salvage that one? Might as well take the offensive. “So …you have a problem and bad timing, what is new? Why are you here, Crash?” Digesting Jack’s statement, he was lost for words for a second. “Bobby, did Darcy kick you out?”

“No, I …D phoned me”, deciding to get to business. “Jeff, Lucy’s date, badly sprained his ankle.”

“You came all the way here to tell me that!” only Bobby thought Jack. “We knew by the way, it happened last night. Why is it a problem?”

Bobby stared at both his friends. “Guys, we are playing DEA Monday, we need a new player or we will be toasted. It’s a 3 against 3 format, we need two lines. As it stands we will always have a player pulling double shift and our team won’t last for the full hour.” Bobby felt like he was explaining geometry to kindergarten kids.

“It’s only for fun, Bobby”, reminded Sue. “It doesn’t matter if we lose.”

“Actually, it matters”, Jack admitted reluctantly. “We always lose to them and they like to rub it in. It would be nice to kick their butt for a change.” Jack’s face lit up. “I know the perfect player.”

“Who?” asked Sue and Bobby simultaneously.

“You”, pointing to Sue, giving her his best Hudson’s puppy face. “You were terrific on the rink this afternoon.” Turning to Bobby. “You should have seen her, Crash. She could skate around any of the DEA guys, I swear.”

“And it is no contact, so the risk of injury is minimal”, Bobby pitching in. “She could be on our line, you as centre, Sue as your winger and me as defenseman.”

Sue was shaking her head. Jack wasn’t doing that to her, was he? She wasn’t a hockey player, she used to be a figure skater. She could tell Bobby was already convinced. She decided to approach them logically. “Should I remind both of you that I do not own any gear?”

“No problem, I replaced all my equipment couple years ago but kept the old one. Let me get it and what is missing we can buy tomorrow”, offered Jack as he headed for the closet. He came back with two big hockey bags, which he emptied on the floor of the living room.

“Come here sheila so we can try some of that stuff on you.” Reluctantly, Sue stood up. The guys grabbed equipment from the floor and measured it against her. “Sorry Sparky, she gets the new shin pads they fit better.”

“No problem, throw everything that fits Sue in the blue bag”, answered Jack, pulling out shoulder pads. “Those one are smaller”, and they flew in the blue bag, followed by some elbow pads and a pair of oversized pants. “Try those and tell me which one you prefer”, giving her two sets of gloves.

“Jack, I am not a hockey player, I would much prefer to watch”, she pleaded.

Jack stood up and walked to her, placing his hands over her shoulders. “Like you said, it is for fun. I would really like to have you on the ice by my side during that full hour instead of watching you in the bleachers. We are a team. What do you say? Win or lose, can we be in it together? Bobby will watch our back.”

“Count on me, mate. When they say no contact, they mean no contact between the players of the same team, mainly you two, no kissing or hugging, but you can smash the daylight out of DEA.”

“BOBBY!!!” they both exclaimed.

“See, you even think alike. That will be so much fun, guys”, resuming his equipment search.

“Please”, Jack whispered for her eyes only, and making sure Bobby attention wasn’t on them he stole a kiss.

“OK”, she answered, grabbing the gloves. “I like the old ones better”, and she put them in the blue bag. “I expect that one of you will carry that bag for me.”

“If lover boy here doesn’t, I will gladly do it for you, sheila.” Bobby pulled out five socks of different colour. “What do we have here, a blue, a red, a white and blue, a yellow and black, a red and black? Sparky, don’t they usually come in pair?” Jack shrugged. “Sheila, pick two.” She chose the blue and the blue-white, they would match the hockey jersey Jack gave her and that she often used as a nightgown. “Jack, where is your other helmet?”

“Cracked, in a dumpster”, replied Jack. “Ms Thomas, we are going shopping tomorrow afternoon, you need a new helmet, a female jock and a pair of skates.”

“I have skates”, she argued.

“But not hockey skates. Then we will go at the rink and you can practice. I will even throw in free dinner.”

“Sparky, careful, it’s starting to look like a date”, teased Bobby.

“Thanks for your help, Bobby, but isn’t there somewhere you need to be right about now.”

“I see I overextended my welcome, guys. I will see you Monday. Have a …good weekend”, winking at them.

After Bobby was gone, Jack grabbed both their coat. “Time to take you home, Sue, before we give a new meaning to the word SLOW.”

* * *

Sunday saw Myles and Olivier spent the afternoon at the gym while Michelle was finishing her last minute shopping.

A stick and white tape were added to the shopping list. After three stores they had everything they needed. The skates had been sharpened, Sue only needing to practice with them. They tried the indoor rink where they were to play the next morning and it was opened for public skating. Luckily for them it was almost deserted. Jack and Sue put on the hockey skates and hand in hand stepped on the ice. Sue realised she was missing the front picks the first time she tried to stop only to bump into Jack.

“Sideways, always sideways”, Jack reminded her, not that he minded saving her. Skating in straight line wasn’t the problem, not being able to rely on her front picks was. She knew she could skate without them, she just needed to kick the habit of using them. After an hour and a half of accelerating, stopping, turning, skating backward, her confidence had soared. The skates were comfortable and she liked to share her passion for skating with Jack. They reluctantly left the ice when the door for the zamboni machine opened. As they stepped out hand in hand, a group of hockey players exited the locker room.

“Isn’t it Hudson and Thomas”, exclaimed Josh Debroso, the DEA unit leader. “How sweet. Isn’t there fraternisation rules in your unit, Hudson?” The other guys were grinning.

“Cut it off, Debroso”, warned Jack. “We’ll see if you’re still laughing after the game tomorrow.”

“I heard she was playing”, continued taunting Debroso. “Good idea to teach her how to skate first.”

Jack’s body tensed up. He threateningly took one step towards Debroso before Sue placed her hand on his arm. “Let’s go, Jack. You don’t want to deprive them of their practice time. They obviously need it if they don’t want to be blown out of the water the first five minutes of the game.”

“Right, wouldn’t want to be accused of unsportsmanship” as he led Sue away from the now fuming group.

After dinner, at Sue’s request, they found another indoor rink where she could practice some more. She was more than determined to show Debroso what she was made of. Since they were alone, they were permitted to bring on their sticks and a puck. By the end, her passes were almost as precise as Bobby’s. Jack didn’t know if they stood a chance but his unit would give DEA a run for their money. He couldn’t wait to see who the mystery goalie was.

* * *

Jack and Sue pulled in at the rink at the same time than D and his family. Jack carried both bags inside while Sue had the sticks. Tanya, D’s oldest teenage daughter, held the door for everyone. Bobby was waiting in the lobby with Darcy, Michelle, Tara, Lucy and a limping Jeff. D left his wife, Donna and his two children, Tanya and David, with the group while Sue, Jack and him followed Bobby into dressing room #4. Sue stopped Bobby before he opened the door.

“Shouldn’t you check to make sure there’s no naked guy in there before I come in?”

“OK, if you insist. Everyone’s decent?” he yelled at the closed door. “Can Sue come in?”

“Very funny Manning”, retorted Myles opening the door. “Get in.”

Myles was already fully dressed, Stanley was putting his shoulder pads and a teenager was lacing his skates. Jack dropped both bags beside the youth who looked up. “Hi”, was all he said before resuming his task.

“He is a man of few words”, volunteered Myles, the youth grinning at the remark.

“You have unusually skates”, noticed Sue. “And aren’t you supposed to put on your socks first?”

He looked at her with amused blue-green eyes. “Are you, Sue?” She nodded. “I am supposed to look at you when I talk, right?” Again she nodded. “Cool. Nice meeting you. Those”, tapping his feet down, “are goalie skates. And I don’t wear hockey socks on top of my long johns.”

“So I take it you are our goalie. I am Jack Hudson. Over there, Bobby Manning and in the corner, Dimitrius Gans, also called D. Do you have a name beside puck stopper?”

“At the rink people call me Chip.”

“I bet there’s a story behind that”, ventured Bobby, opening his bag.

“Yah, but I won’t share it”, he replied, tossing his pads on the floor, pushing the straps aside, before kneeling into them.

“OK …Chip, just tell me one thing”, demanded D, the youth turning his attention to the dark agent. “Are you good between the posts?”

He mused for a second. “I was told better than average”, he replied modestly.

“Sounds good to me”, says Jack who motioned to Sue to follow his lead as they were getting dress. He took off his shirt and sweatpants to stand in long johns. She did the same.

“Are these your johns, Sparky?” teased Bobby. “They look way better on Sue then they ever did on you.” Chip was grinning. “I like that kid. Finally someone who appreciate my sense of humour.”

“It’s because he hasn’t been around long enough”, answered back Jack. “He is being polite.” Turning his attention back to Sue. “First the jock.” She looked at hers, it wasn’t like the one the guys were wearing. At that point she wondered what she was doing in a room full of men in long underwear.

“Jack? Which side?” panic was setting in. He was also puzzled never actually having seen a woman wear one.

“The name goes outside”, informed Chip. “Legs in those holes.” She followed his instructions. “Now tighten up those two straps by pulling down … That’s it …It is supposed to be snug. And it is called a jill.”

“Thank you. How come you know that?”

“Had girls on my teams.”

“How come I never had girls on my team when I was growing up?” questioned Bobby.

“Because they were merciful to the girls. Now Sue, the shin pads and the socks.” Jack gave her tape to secure everything in place, doing the same thing.

“Don’t pay attention to them. They are always like that”, said D who was observing the kid as he was fiddling with his last strap. “Need some help?”

“No thanks, the strap is just worn out. Need to replace it sometimes. And no worries, Myles warned me about them”, replied Chip.

“Now, kid, don’t go believing everything Myles here says. He’s lost some brain cells ever since he has been swept off his feet by his new French girlfriend.” Myles gave him a horrified look. “Sorry Myles, Canadian girlfriend.”

“She is a friend, Manning”, corrected Myles forcefully, looking in Chip’s direction.

“And I am crocodile Dundee”, retorted Bobby.

“Yah, he’s Crocodile Dundee and I am Jose Theodore”, couldn’t resist Chip, holding Myles’ stare.

“Listen Olivier …”

“Who’s Oliv…how do you say that again, Myles?”

“Chip’s name is Olivier Bergeron. I can spell it for you, Bobby.”

“Nah, wait isn’t your girl also named …” Bobby’s gaze went from Myles to Chip. “You are related, aren’t you?” The kid nodded, a small grin on his face. “Tell me you knew about...”

“Actually they are only friends”, answered truthfully Chip. “But if you ever want to date her”, he continued for Myles’ benefit. “It would be fine with me. Just don’t go breaking her heart or get killed. I’m not sure how much more pain she can take.”

“I will definitely keep that in mind, Olivier. Thank you.”

Olivier stood up, bending up and down, making sure the pads were secured. Satisfied, he looked around. There wasn’t enough room with everybody’s bag to stretch properly.

“I’m going outside to stretch. I’ll be back.”

“Who’s Jose Theodore?” asked Stanley after the kid was out.

“An NHL goalie”, answered Bobby, absent-minded. “Sorry about that Myles. Who’s Michelle to him? His sister?”

Myles had to smile. “Olivier is sixteen and he is Michelle’s son.” Bobby stared at him with wide opened eyes. So before anyone of them embarrassed him any further, Myles talked a little bit about Michelle.

* * *

Olivier went in the hallway. His mother, sitting on the bench, was chatting with the people around her. A dark teenage girl started staring at him. He sat down and stretched his legs first. Then came his back, torso, shoulders, arms, working his way up to his neck. When he was done, the girl was standing in front of him.

“Hi.”

“Hi”, he answered shyly, girls were not his forte.

“Are you playing for my dad’s team? His name is Dimitrius.”

“Yes.”

“I hope you win.”

“We’ll do our best. I …I have to finish getting dress.” He only had his pants, skates and pads.

“Yah. Good luck”

“Thanks.”

Tanya checked him out as he turned his back to her and walked back to the dressing room. ‘Cute. I hope he comes to the party tonight.’

* * *

When Olivier came back in, the others were almost ready. He put on his chest protector, then his jersey with Chip on the back. His neck guard came after, then his helmet on top of his head. He would lower it as he stepped on the ice. His trapper and blocker in each hand, he grabbed his stick. He was ready. He stood up and followed the others. They had a five minutes warm-up. Chip stretched some more on the ice before taking his position in front of the net. They took shots on him. Someone blew a whistle and the game started. The game was clean for the first thirty minutes, no hits, no dirty tricks. From Chip’s point of view, Jack’s aim was the best. He scored three of their four goals. Bobby’s shots were more powerful but he played defence so he didn’t get to the net as often. Both Bobby and Myles were good defensemen, retreating quickly and taking their man without hindering Chip’s view. Sue played well with Jack, instinctively knowing where he was on the ice, and her passes were precise. She wasn’t as fast but she could skate around the other guys. Dimitrius was holding his own, working well with Myles but the chemistry that existed between the first trio wasn’t there between Stanley and the other two. And Chip was doing well at frustrating Josh Debroso and his team, having received twice as many shots than the other goalie, yet only two found their way passed him. He was having fun. Of course they also had a very enthusiastic fan section. They had a two minutes intermission where they switched side. Chip got Bobby’s attention and both skated the length of the ice together while Chip was commenting on the other goalie.

“He’s a stand-up goalie”, said Chip. “Keep your shots low, preferably on the ice. He doesn’t go down. Try more wrap around the net. Between his legs too, he doesn’t keep his stick on the ice.”

“We’ll do. Anything useful on the players.”

“Red jersey #3, half visor, pass him on his left, he is weaker on this side. Red #15, red helmet, don’t let him break away, he is faster than all of you, and he knows where to shoot on me.”

That would be Debroso, thought Bobby. “But you stopped three of his four break away, mate.”

“Yah, but he’s good. Also the girl, yellow jersey, keep an eye on her, she is unpredictable. She will make plays that don’t make sense and that’s dangerous. The other three are your average players.”

“I will pass all that along”, promised Bobby. The kid was impressive and he knew his hockey.

The whistle blew.

* * *

Jack won the face-off against Debroso, the puck going to Sue who passed it to Bobby. Bobby made a perfect pass to Jack who stood on the side. He spotted Sue, she was behind the net, he passed to her, she got it and wrapped around the net in the opposite direction, sliding the puck between the post and the goalie’s skate. Jack and Bobby hugged her. Debroso sneered past them. Another face-off in the centre, Debroso got it and passed to his wing, they broke into the zone. The puck is back to Debroso who approached Chip from the outside left. He feigned shooting, passing instead to his defenseman way on the right who faced an empty net. Chip made a lateral slide, the tip of his pad deflecting the puck at the last second. He heard Debroso swear. The puck went to Sue, Debroso went after her, ready to board her. Seeing him in her corner vision, Sue passed to Jack before ducking. He smashed onto the board missing her by an inch. Bobby who saw everything ran into Debroso. Both dazed they dropped their gloves. Whistle blew. The ref gave Debroso a penalty shot. Bobby is outraged. Jack and Sue had to stop him from going after the referee. Debroso took the puck and sped toward Chip. He aimed for the top left corner, Chip’s weakest spot. It missed, hitting Chip on the side of the head instead before being deflected in the crowd. The trio got to Chip who had removed his helmet and was leaning on his net, trying to shake the stars out of vision.

“Are you OK, mate? First Sue, now you. I will get that guy.”

“Bobby”, warned Jack. “Nothing stupid.”

“Jack is right”, said Chip who could focus again. “He wants you to lose your temper and take you down. Don’t play his game.”

Bobby cooled down on his way to the bench. The second line took over. The puck went back and forth, both side making saves, until Stanley found the hole between the goalie’s pads. 6-2. Jack and Debroso were back for the face-off who went Jack’s way but was lost to their defenseman. A pass to Debroso who broke away again. Chip was waiting for him. If he was lucky, his stunt wouldn’t cost him a goal, if he wasn’t the guy would still get his lesson. Debroso was speeding his way, at the last moment, Chip left his net and skated toward Debroso, his stick aiming not for the puck but for the man’s skates. He got a piece of both, the puck missing his net by a couple inches and Debroso losing balance, crashing inside the empty net, propelling it on the board. The whistle blew. Chip watched as Debroso disentangled himself and the ref pulled the net back in position.

As Debroso skated by him, Chip lifted his stick. The man stopped and stared angrily at the young goalie. “Next time you aim at a goalie’s head”, calmly warned Chip. “You won’t be that lucky.”

* * *

Shortly after the incident the yellow jersey girl scored. 6-3. Later Myles stopped a breakaway and skated into the other zone, he passed red jersey #3 on his left and had a clear shot to the net. He didn’t miss. 7-3. Three minutes left into the game. Debroso-Hudson face-off again.

“You taught her good, Hudson”, taunted Debroso as the puck fell. It went to Sue who skated with it. Debroso was holding Jack’s stick. “How is she in bed, Hudson?” Jack was furious; he elbowed the guy squarely in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him before snatching his stick back. The whistle blew. Another penalty shot for Debroso and the goal Bobby had just scored was not good. Sue tried to restrain both men, pushing them instead towards the bench. Myles, D and Stanley took over. Debroso shot directly at Chip who caught the puck in his chest but didn’t slow down and rammed Chip into his net. The referee called it a goal, the puck crossed the line. 7-4. Now it was Myles’ turn to go after Debroso. Chip quickly got out of his net and intervened but not before Myles hit Debroso once. Another penalty shot. The fans were yelling. Jack and Bobby were ready to jump back on the ice. Debroso aimed for the top right corner this time but Chip’s reflexes were good, especially with his catcher, and he caught it. He dropped it behind his net for Myles, who passed it to D. They entered the zone, but the whistle blew before they could do anything with it. The game was over. They had won for the first time.

* * *

After a huge group hug on the ice, they stepped out, removing their helmet in the process. Tara threw herself at Stanley’s neck, while Donna and Darcy hugged their significant others. Chip had that totally embarrassed look when his mom kissed him on the cheek, and turned beet red when Tanya did the same.

“That was something I hadn’t seen coming”, whispered Myles to Michelle’s ears.

“That’s because you were not sitting with her for the entire game”, she replied knowingly. “Interesting fun game by the way.” She had that twinkling in her eyes as she tiptoed and gave him a kiss on the cheek as well.

Jack and Sue had dashed for the changing room. Jerseys, helmets and shoulders pads at their feet, they were caught in a passionate embrace. Jack broke the kiss as Bobby’s came in. One look at their flushing face and he knew.

“Mate, you may want to lock the door next time”, widely grinning.

“Who wants to lock the door?” asked Stanley who wasn’t in on the inside joke.

“You wouldn’t understand”, said Jack who had regained his composure.

D had a case of beer with him when he got in. He passed it around. Chip declined when it got to him.

“We won’t tell your mom”, D promised. “You deserved it. Wouldn’t have won without you. Which is the only reason I am not shooting you on the spot for kissing my daughter.”

Olivier’s jaw just dropped and colour rushed to his face.

“Leave the poor young man alone”, begged Sue who wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “Chip, you were great and you didn’t lose your cool like some of the macho men in this room.” With that she also kissed him on the cheek.

“Wrong move, Chip”, exclaimed Bobby as the teenager turned redder. “Hitting on Jack’s girl like that.”

“Bobby!!!” Sue and Jack together. The others were shaking their head, laughing.

“Now you really look like you could use one”, D observed, offering him a cold one.

“No, thanks”, replied Olivier, and turning to Myles. “Just so you know if mom smells alcohol on you, she will take your car keys.”

“Anything else, I am supposed to know about your mom?” only half joking. Olivier just grinned.

“Hey, mate. Are we still invited to your place tonight?”

“Oh …yah. Good thing you reminded me. Donna said to get there before 6pm since she has hot food prepared.” And before Sue could interrupt. “No, you don’t need to bring anything except yourself. Any question?” He surveyed the room; they would all be there.

Eventually they made their way to the parking lot, all in need of a long warm shower. Lucy and Jeff left for lunch but would meet the gang at D’s. Tara and Stanley headed for Stanley’s flat. Darcy took Bobby to his place and stayed for the afternoon. Michelle took Myles’ keys from his hands and drove away. Jack dropped Sue off but promised to be back right after his shower.

* * *

Jack could hear Levi barking behind the door but nobody was coming. He took the key Sue gave him and unlocked the door. He could now hear the water running. He immediately erased the image that was forming in his mind, without much success. When they were in public they behaved quite nicely, the problem was when they were alone … like now. He needed something to distract him. He went to the kitchen and plugged the kettle in. He would make them hot chocolate. He found marshmallows in the cupboard and whipped cream in the fridge. He didn’t noticed when Sue leaned in the doorway, absorbed as he was in his task. She observed him a moment. He was wearing the same thing than her, a pair of jeans and a pullover. She signed to Levi to get him.

“What is it, boy?” He turned and gazed appreciatively at her. “Had a good shower?” She nodded. “I thought we could have a nice hot chocolate and cuddle on the couch for the afternoon. I am too tired to do anything else.”

“Sounds like a good plan”, replied Sue, flirting with him. “Be warned though I might just fall asleep in your arms”, and with that she headed for the living room, leaving Jack wondering exactly what she meant by that.

* * *

Michelle stopped the car into her driveway. Olivier took his gear and went inside leaving his mom and Myles alone outside.

“You drive carefully, Myles”, giving him his keys.

“Why do I have the feeling there is a personnel story behind drinking and driving?” A shadow crossing her eyes confirmed it. “I am sorry.”

“One day, I may share it with you, but not on Christmas Eve.”

“You are quite something, did you know that?” admiration in his eyes. “Can I take both of you out for lunch?”

“I don’t think Olivier will wait that long before emptying the fridge. What about you go take a shower and come back here? I will fix something.” That was an offer he couldn’t resist. He was standing there, mere inches away from her, grinning like a child, unable to break the spell. No woman had ever had a hold like that on him before. The temptation of kissing her surged inside him, but she pushed him towards his car before he could act on it. “Myles, are you sure you don’t want me to drive you home?”

“No”, shaking his head, the last thing he needed right now was to be left alone in his house with that woman. “I will be back shortly.”

* * *

Lucy came home late afternoon to change for the party. She quietly unlocked the door and moved to the living room. A gasp escaped her mouth. She stared in wonder at the sleeping forms of Jack and Sue. Jack stirred and opened his eyes.

“Lucy?” he whispered sleep in his voice.

“Don’t move on my behalf. I will be in the shower”, and left, a huge grin on her face. Too cute, maybe those two would see the light after all.

‘What was that about?” thought Jack, pushing the fog out of his mind. As reality set in so came the awareness of the warm body against him. He was lying on the couch, Sue sleeping on his chest. He had his arms wrapped tightly around her. Panic quickly receded as he realised they were both fully dressed. Her arms were near his neck, on top of his clothes. He tried to remember what happened. They had cuddled with their hot chocolate, talked for a while. She had leaned against him, exhaustion from the game taking its toll. He guessed he followed her in dreamland, only to be wakened up by Lucy. First Bobby, now Lucy. It would be a matter of hours before the entire bullpen knew about their new relationship. He stroked her hair. What he wouldn’t give to feel like that every morning when he woke up. Marriage entered his mind again. How long was he supposed to wait? He had known her for over two years that got to count for something. Would he send her running away faster than a scared rabbit if he proposed now? On the other hand, they were still free falling from that cliff. Shouldn’t it be preferable that they were married before they came crashing down? If so, they were on borrowed time here. At one point in the near future, they were bound to be left alone and uninterrupted. He played different scenarios in his mind, but Sue leaving the team was even less an option after this morning game. What if she ended up with a new unit leader like Debroso? No, maybe there could be a way that on paper they were in different units yet they were working together? That was worth some investigating. Garrett was a reasonable man, Jack would go see him first thing on Thursday morning and throw himself at his mercy. With that plan in place, he closed his eyes, only to hear Lucy clear her throat.

“What?” he asked annoyed to be disturbed in paradise.

Lucy was standing beside the couch in her robe.

“Please, Jack, don’t insult my intelligence and tell me there is nothing going on between you two.”

“OK I won’t. “

“Jack! Are you planning on staying like that all evening?”

“I am contemplating it, yes. But you are ruining it right now.”

Lucy sighed. She wasn’t sure which Jack made her madder, the one in denial or that one, whoever that one was. Was he hit on the head this morning or something?

“Fine, suit yourself. I will tell D. you are not coming because you and Sue are asleep together at the apartment. That should make for a nice piece of conversation.” Jack gave her an exasperated look. “Jack, you do realise it is past 5pm already, don’t you?” From Jack’s reaction, he didn’t. “OK, I …will be in my room changing.”

Jack woke Sue up as gently as possible before telling her they were running late. He would wait till she was ready then they would go to his apartment before heading to D. With any luck they would make it before 6pm.

* * *

Luck ended up not being on their side. They got stuck in a traffic accident. The party was in full swing when they made it … an hour late.

“Hi, Sue, Jack and Levi”, welcomed Donna. “I will take your coat. Just go in the kitchen and grab something while it is still hot.”

“Thanks Donna.”

The small kitchen was packed with people. The original idea had been that they would fill their plate and take it somewhere else in the house but it didn’t quite work out that way and nobody minded.

“Sparky, sheila, nice of you to make an appearance. Let me guess, you were caught in an accident?”

“Will you ever leave them alone?” admonished Darcy.

“Not a chance, darling. Too much fun. So you two, care to share why you are late?”

“The car in front of us was in an accident. We had to wait for the police to give our statements. You can verify with Metro PD if you like”, suggested Sue, pleased that for once they could beat Bobby to his game.

“Gee, that takes all the fun out of it, sheila.” At the same moment Olivier came in the room followed by Tanya. He filled his plate. “Hey, Chip, isn’t it your third serving?”

“What can I say, I am growing”, and he left again, Tanya right behind him.

“Am I missing something?” wondered Jack. “Tanya didn’t even say hello.”

“Yes, mate. Tanya’s crush on you is history. She left you for a younger man.”

“Younger and cuter man”, added Tara, teasingly. “Oh, did I forget smarter?”

“OK, is it what I get for being late?”

“No”, replied Myles. “It’s what you get for being Jack Hudson.”

By then the tone of the evening was pretty set. They were lots of food and lots of games, pictionary, charade, ping-pong …D got his karaoke machine out. Elvis made a few appearances. At how comfortable Jack and Sue were, it was obvious to everyone that something was up. Booby’s teasing didn’t bring any answers though Lucy had a knowingly smile on all evening. Myles and Michelle were like old friends sharing a nice evening. They were all surprised that time had flown so quickly and that midnight mass was minutes away. They rushed to church, sitting all together, Jack and Sue fingers intertwining themselves at one point, never letting go after that.

When they were back at the house, after more food was brought out and that everyone had settled down in the living room with a fire roaring in the fireplace, Bobby asked for a moment of silence. He then knelt down in front of Darcy, opened a velvet box in front of her and asked her to marry him.

“Bobby, I …I don’t know what to say.” She was crying.

“I believe, darling, that YES would be a appropriate.”

“Yes, Bobby”, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, but not before he placed the ring on her finger.

Sue was squeezing Jack’s hand hard, tears flowing down her cheeks. He hugged her. All the women and some of the men had tears in their eyes. Himself wasn’t immune. Bobby made it sound so easy.

Around 2:30am, the party began to wind down. David had fallen asleep on the couch and D had picked his son up and put him to bed. People began to leave wishing each other Merry Christmas. Jack drove Sue home but didn’t let her go without a passionate Christmas kiss. Jeff had dropped Lucy minutes earlier. As they walked to the car, Myles had given his keys to Michelle, he could have argued that the few drinks he had were long gone, but he respected her conviction too much for that. She didn’t drink at all; she could chauffeur him around anytime. She left him at his house, again kissing him Merry Christmas and good night on the cheek. She promised to bring his car back tomorrow and stay for Christmas dinner.

* * *

The song “I dream of a white Christmas” was playing on the radio when Michelle woke up. When she looked outside she realised she wasn’t dreaming. The white stuff was everywhere and they forecasted for more, feet more. She had her car and Myles’ car in her driveway. She needed to return one of them to him, she couldn’t leave him stranded on Christmas without a car. It was 10am already, she checked to see if her son was awake. He was reading in bed. He quickly got up, wishing her a Merry Christmas. They opened the presents they had for each other. She was going to prepare a special breakfast while he was in the shower but caught herself calling Myles first. He suggested to them to come over at his place for breakfast while the roads were still manageable. He would find a way to get them home later in the evening. Olivier and Michelle made it to Myles, they had a delicious breakfast. Myles and Michelle played scrabble most of the afternoon while Olivier was chatting on line with his friends. Myles entered his den a few times and saw the name Tanya popping up on the screen regularly, he wondered how much D. knew about the little romance. Dinner was even lovelier but there was one promise Myles couldn’t keep. With almost two feet of snow on the ground and more coming down, he had no way to take them home. They spent the next two days in his house, Michelle and Olivier borrowing lots of clothing and sleeping in his two guestrooms. On the bright side, Olivier did lots of weight training with the shovel. On the other side, whenever the kid was in the house he was on line and Myles could lose his computer for hours.

* * *

Jack caught up with Sue in the deserted park where she was walking Levi. When he had arrived, Lucy informed him he just missed her so he went running after her. First thing he did was to kiss her, which sent them rolling in a snow bank. Now for revenge he did manage to get some snow where he shouldn’t have because after that Sue was determined to turn him into Frosty the snowman.

They finally made it back to the apartment when they started freezing, Levi never having that long of a walk. Lucy just stared at them when they came in covered in snow. And she just gaped when they took their coat off to reveal even more snow underneath.

“I…don’t want to know”, and she left for the kitchen. To her dismay Sue and Jack followed her in and Jack prepared his famous Hudson’s hot chocolate with marshmallow and whip cream. “OK, you two, that’s it! I cannot take it anymore”, Lucy exploded. “What is really going on? You act like two crazy teenagers, and I don’t mean to insult teenagers here.”

They both shrugged and replied “Nothing” at the same time.

Lucy just screamed and left for her shower.

“Did she say something or what is just some meaningless gibberish?” asked Sue.

“Actually, she just screamed.”

“Oh, OK. Is the hot chocolate ready?”

* * *

They snuggled on the couch with their drinks. He brushed a lock of golden hair behind her ear and leaned for a tender kiss. “I love you very much, Ms. Thomas. And I have a surprise for you.” He extracted a small flat box from inside his shirt, beautifully wrapped in red and silver metallic paper.

“But Jack, I thought we already had our gift exchange at the office last week.”

“We did but there was something I really wanted to get you but couldn’t get my hand on in time for the office party. Please.”

Her eyes were shining with anticipation as she took the small Christmas gift. First she read the gift tag, ‘I hope to be the one you take along’. She gave Jack a puzzled look. She delicately unwrapped the box wanting to enjoy the moment as long as possible. She lifted the lid and she gasped, her eyes widen.

“Jack!” She wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him. “How did you? They have been sold out for months.”

“Lets just say there is way less people owing me favours now then there was a month ago. So will you take me with you, I have never seen it?” giving her his best puppy face.

“You would have been my first choice no matter what, Jack Hudson”, laughing. “Thank you.”

“Now what about a bit more snuggling?” pulling her to him. She happily complied. She couldn’t believe it, Jack had been able to get tickets for the nutcrackers on ice production at the national centre.

* * *

Later on that morning while Lucy was on the phone with Jeff, Jack told Sue of his intention of revealing to Garrett that they were dating. She wasn’t sure exactly when the hanging together stopped and the dating started, nor was Jack for that matter, but they were definitely more than friends. She would go with him since they were in it together. Once Garrett told them about their options they could then find the best compromise. She didn’t see the point of worrying about something that was now outside of their control. Jack knew she was right.

Lucy came rushing in the living room. Jeff wouldn’t make it for dinner; all the roads around his neighbourhood were closed. It would be only them three. To pass the afternoon they got the board games out. The played RISK, Jack’s little green army conquered the world, then they played MONOPOLY where Lucy was a ruthless realtor sending Jack and Sue into bankruptcy. Their growling stomach and the smell of honey ham led them back into the kitchen for dinner. Jeff’s phone call after dessert corresponded with Levi’s walk. So Sue and Jack left for the park giving Lucy her privacy. As soon as they stepped outside it became obvious that Jack wasn’t going anywhere tonight. They barely made it around the block with all the snow and the wind. On the way back, Jack grabbed the extra set of clothes he always kept in his car. Lucy kind of smile when they told her Jack would be spending the night. They watched a romantic Christmas movie with a bowl of popcorn, and a box of Kleenex between Sue and Lucy. Sue was comfortably leaning against Jack.

Jack’s teasing about the movie scenes increased as the box of Kleenex emptied. Once a while he would get a dirty look from Lucy’s teary eyes, Sue would slap him or pressed her hand on his mouth to stop him. He kind of enjoyed the last part as he would catch himself licking her palm.

“That was so sweet”, sighed Lucy once the credits appeared. Sue nodded wiping her tears away.

“Girls, I could have told you five minutes after the movie started that they would end up together and the little kid would find …” Sue gagged him again with a cushion this time. He sent the fluffy thing flying away and wrapped Sue in his arms using her as a shield against the popcorn kernels Lucy was throwing at him. Later he would thing of a more personal revenge.

“Men!!!” exclaimed Lucy as she placed the empty bowl on the table. Jack released Sue who shook the kernels out of her hair. “Sorry Sue, I was aiming at Jack.” Sue was laughing, she would get back to Jack herself.

They had made a mess on the couch. Jack knew better than to argue when the girls sent him away while they were cleaning. He grabbed his bag and headed for the washroom.

“I will go get the blankets”, said Sue as Lucy put the vacuum cleaner away. But Lucy stopped her.

“Sue, can I have a word with you?”

* * *

Lucy was waiting in line in her pyjama as Jack stepped out of the washroom. The apartment was quiet and all the lights had been turned off except for the two bedrooms. He went to the living room. The cushions were back on the couch and there was no trace left of popcorn, but there wasn’t any blanket or pillow either. Sue’s door was opened. He leaned in the doorway. She was wearing fuchsia flannel pyjamas with teddy bears on it. ‘That woman just look sexy in about anything’ thought Jack. Levi was sleeping at the foot of the bed, totally ignoring Jack, while she was pulling the blankets down halfway.

“Is Lucy still in there? I need to brush my teeth”, she asked as she saw him.

Jack turned his head and looked in the hallway. “Yes.”

“You can leave you bag by the dresser.” He complied.

“Are you going to give me any blankets or am I sleeping in your bed?” he joked. His smile froze as colour crept along her cheek. “You’re not serious, are you?”

“We would be more comfortable”, stated simply Sue as she approached him, placing her hands on his chest, his arms wrapping instantly around her.

“Sue, the couch will be fine. Lucy is here”, reminded her Jack.

“Yes, I am here”, emphasized Lucy from the doorway. Jack turned around. “Yes, I am here”, repeated Lucy for Sue’s benefit. “And it was my idea, Jack. I took pity on Sue’s sore back since she would probably have joined you on the couch. Just keep in mind that the walls are very thin. I trust you can be a perfect gentleman. And please, don’t talk all night.” Jack just gaped. “See you tomorrow.”

“Sue, what exactly did you tell Lucy?” he inquired once the initial shock was over.

“Give me two minutes than I will explain.”

She left him standing in the middle of her room, and he was still there when she got back. She closed the door and turned off the ceiling light only the night table lamp remaining. She took his hand and he followed her to bed. He removed his pants and shirt, leaving him only in boxer shorts. She pulled the blankets over them and cuddled against him. As he wrapped his arms around her Jack kept reminding himself ‘Just think about Lucy and you will be fine’. He was pretty sure sleeping in Sue’s bed didn’t enter in the SLOW category either.

Sue was observing him, her chin on his bare chest, her hand following the contour of his muscles. She stopped when she realised what she was doing. “Jack, that’s a bad idea, isn’t it?” her inside turning all mushy.

“Coming from Lucy, what did you expect?” he chuckled. “She doesn’t believe we are sleeping together, does she?” Sue sighed. “I am sorry”, he said kissing her forehead. A mischievous smile appeared on her face. “What else am I missing, Sue?”

“That’s just it … She gave me a lecture between sleeping with you and …having sex with you.” Jack was listening with interest. Sue didn’t miss the twinkling in his brown eyes. “Pointed out many occurrences of us asleep together on the couch this week. That if my plan was to keep you company on the couch till I fall asleep, might as well do it in my bed. By the way, she knows we took our relationship beyond friendship.”

“I figured she would.” He pondered what Lucy said. “Well, I suppose it makes sense in a twisted way. We are not technically doing anything that we haven’t been doing lately.” He was unconsciously gently rubbing her back. “Except from this perspective, sex seems the next logical step. A couch is safer.”

“I don’t think your couch was any less dangerous than my bed, Jack. How far would we have gone before Bobby’s … untimely arrival?”

He could see in her eyes she was dead serious with that question and that he owed her the entire truth. Maybe this conversation was a very good idea after all.

“I wouldn’t have stopped …unless you had asked me to”, he honestly admitted. “And …I didn’t want you to ask.” He gazed into her eyes, she was suddenly very far away. Was he losing her, he wondered.

“I don’t think I would have ask, Jack”, coming back to him, twilights in her eyes. He gently kissed her before lowering his head on the pillow again. “Jack …slow doesn’t seem to work but how fast is too fast?”

“It depends. If I mention marriage am I going to scare you away?” To his delight she grinned.

“Is that a proposal Mr. Hudson?” she probed.

“It would be if I was sure you would agree to it”, confessed Jack. “Except a little voice tells me it would be rushing you.” She sighed. “Little voice is right, isn’t it?”

“Yes”, she answered sadly. “Could we sort out what will happen to us at the office first?”

“That’s fair”, smiling at her. “I am a patient man, Ms. Thomas. The proposal will stay on the table until you are ready to accept it.” And as an afterthought, “What about no sex until we agree to talk about marriage again? That way we know for sure we are committed to our relationship and it’s not just some spur of the moment … thing.”

“Yah … I like that. But how do you suggest we control those spur of the moment things, Jack?” she asked mischievously.

“Well, for one, you have nothing to worry about tonight. With Lucy in the next room, I will be a perfect …almost perfect gentleman”, his hand having moved under her top to rub her bare back. “Maybe we could ask Lucy to chaperone us 24/7?” which sent them into laughter.

Knocks on the wall shut them off. “We should sleep, Jack, before she throws you out in the snow”, whispered Sue as she reached and turned the night table lamp off. “Love you.”

* * *

Jack ended up spending not one but two nights in Sue’s bed, the storm clearing only Wednesday night and the advisory against driving remaining in effect till Thursday morning. He figured he wouldn’t be the only one late for work as he left Sue’s apartment to drive to his place to get changed. He stepped in the Hoover building as the elevator doors were closing. ‘Hold it’, he yelled. To his surprise, Myles, who had just driven Michelle and her son home, was standing in there with his coat on along with two women. They stopped their chatter when they saw Jack who unfortunately caught enough to know they had been talking about him and Sue. The women exited on the next floor, leaving Jack and Myles alone.

“Myles, what were they gossiping about?”

“Apparently, thanks to Debroso and his sore losing team, you and Thomas are having a torrid affair.” Jack rolled his eyes. “Jack”, adding a word of advice. “If there is any truth to it, Garrett would probably prefer hearing it directly from you.”

“Thanks Myles. He was actually my next stop”, leaving a speechless Myles behind as the elevator doors opened.

But with the storm, Garrett couldn’t fly back to DC until the weekend, leaving Sue and Jack wondering how much damaged the rumours would cause by then. The day went slowly, the only worthy memo coming their way being an invitation for another fun hockey game tomorrow at 10am against Personnel. Myles left after lunch for the gym. When the others raised their head at his early departure, he argued that unless someone gave him work he was going to make sure their goalie was getting a good workout. D let him go.

Jack stopped by Sue’s for dinner and a quiet evening there, Lucy being at Jeff’s. Myles and Olivier made it back as Michelle was coming back from work. They went out for dinner at a buffet style restaurant.

* * *

D arranged to have the ice available for an hour prior to the game since they needed to practice a new player, Stanley and Jeff being called to work the previous night. Between Stanley’s and Jeff’s equipment and Jenna’s, a girl who played for Personnel, who had some spare pieces, it should be enough to dress Tara for the game.

“Does it always smell that awful in here?” commented Tara as she entered dressing room #4.

“The sweet smell of hockey, sheila.”

“Please I need someone to remind me to never volunteer again”, she pleaded.

“You get use to it”, offered Sue without much conviction. “Now you get undress” as she shed her pants and shirt.

“Here?” panicked Tara. “I don’t have those …things”, pointing at Sue’s long underwear.

“Sheila, do you mean you didn’t put them on or that you don’t have any?”

“Don’t have any. Can I go back in the stand now?”

“Anybody with a spare pair?” asked D around. Tara started to relax as one after the other they shook their head, until Chip took a pair out of his bag.

“It’s clean”, he affirmed as she hesitated to take it. “You may want to use the shower room over there to put it on”, he suggested before resuming his task.

“Or you can do it here, sheila.” She glared at Bobby before disappearing in the shower room.

When she came back they all grinned. It was about two sizes too big. “Just don’t forget to return it”, said Chip also grinning. “It’s my lucky one.”

“You have lucky long underwear?” incredulous.

“And lucky boxer shorts with blue maple leafs on them”, confirmed Chip. “Goalies are very superstitious.”

“Weird.” Turning to Sue. “What next?” She followed Sue and slowly got dress. The skates were a bit big so she wore two big pairs of socks. The only thing missing was a jersey. She pulled Stanley’s out of the bag. It smelled worse than the rest of the equipment together. “I’m not putting that on. Don’t you guys ever wash those things?”

“No!” exclaimed the men

“It’s bad luck to wash your jersey if you’re on a winning streak”, explained D.

“Sorry, but I washed mine”, said Sue.

“I don’t wear dirty jersey either”, said Chip and he pulled a second jersey out of his bag. “You can have that one but it might be too big.” And it was. She reluctantly gave it back and put Stanley’s on.

“Didn’t you say goalies were a superstitious bunch, mate?” putting his helmet on.

“Yah, always put left skate first, no hair cut during play off, no shaving the morning of a game, clean lucky boxer and long johns and clean jersey. Actually our equipment manager wash our jersey after every weekend” also putting his helmet on top of his head.

After an hour Tara could skate while carrying the puck. Her pass to D and Myles, though not very precise, were at least in the right direction. And she could shoot without falling …most of the time. Sue, Jack and Bobby chemistry got even better and they were the one giving Chip most of his shots.

Personnel stepped on the ice for their five minutes warm-up while the team took a break and observed them. Bobby was beside Chip.

“So what can you tell me?”

“Butterfly goalie, shoots from the right. Shoot high, top right corner, blocker side … he doesn’t cover his angle as well when his players approach him from the left. I will know more at the intermission, but he seems better than average.”

“Players?”

“Black #9, very good and powerful skater. I need to see them play together.”

Bobby tapped his shoulder.

The game was evenly distributed. The puck was going back and forth but Personnel’s defensemen were weaker and Jack’s team had twice as many shots on the goalie. After intermission they were ahead 5-1. They switched side, Bobby skating with Chip, but Chip couldn’t give him anything that Bobby hadn’t noticed himself. Tara was gaining confidence every shift she was playing. She scored their sixth goal and was so excited that she jumped in the arms of closest guy, Peter from Personnel. She was even more mortified after he asked her out and she had to turn him down. With fifteen minutes left, Bobby went to see Chip.

“Listen, mate. We actually like Personnel, can you make it a bit easier for them to score a few goals.” They were now winning 7-1.

“I’ll try but it goes against my instinct and my professionalism”, replied Chip.

“I’m sure you can manage”, skating away.

When a player from Personnel had a breakaway less than a minute later, Chip stepped out of his net at the last second, giving the player an empty net. The guy was so surprise that he missed his shot and the puck ended up in the stand. Bobby came skating to him and glared at the grinning goalie.

“You told me to make it easy”, shrugged Chip, his grin getting wider and reaching his eyes.

“Not THAT easy, koala brain”, retorted Bobby, incredulous.

The final score was 8-3. They were greeted by Darcy, Lucy, Michelle, Donna and the kids when they came off the ice.

“That was a boring”, said David. “There was no fights in that one.”

“You and I, young man, will have a discussion when we get home”, informed D. “Could you go get the beer please honey?”

In the dressing room Tara was exuberant. “I cannot believe I almost said no. That was so much fun. Are we having another one soon?”

“Calm down, sheila and get undress. The beer is coming”, D passing the cans.

“OK. How do I do that?”

Jack rolled his eyes. “Take off first what you put on last.”

“How am I supposed to remember that?”

“Just watch Sue”, replied Jack.

“Yah, sheila, watch Sue. Just like Jack is doing …without the hungry eyes.”

“Very funny, Crash.”

“When I was at the cafeteria someone asked me if you were having an affair”, said Tara looking at Jack and Sue. They both stopped what they were doing. “I said I didn’t think so.”

“Didn’t think so. TARA!” exclaimed Sue.

“You mean you are!”

“NO!” they both yelled. “NO was the right answer, not you didn’t think so.”

“Oh! Sorry, next time.”

“Should a remind everyone that there’s a minor child in this room. Please keep the conversation appropriate” joked D.

Conversation turned to New Year Eve party and Myles agreed to host one at his house.

* * *

In the rink parking lot, Tanya asked Olivier to come over for the afternoon but was cut short by her father who reminded her of that whole chemistry unit she missed in December and needed to be done. Tanya knew she had been stalling the last two weeks with it, too proud to admit she didn’t understand at all those new concepts. She was a good student and hated asking for help. She believed that she had it figured out when the teacher explained it, but she was wrong and finally told her dad. When she got back to school next week she would go see Mr. MacLean for extra help and an extension. Could Olivier come over, please? D just stared at his daughter, then at Olivier who just stood there visibly uncomfortable. Fine. Michelle took her son home for a shower before driving him back to the Gans and going to work herself. The gang also went back to the bullpen for the afternoon, but soon realised what a waste of time that was. At three o’clock D called it a day, before asking for Myles attention.

“Sorry Myles, but remember that report on the Allison’s stand off you wrote. It’s coming back from the top. They want more detail in certain areas.”

“And want it now? After four months.”

“No. They want it before 4pm tomorrow”, replied D, apologetically. “You’ll have the report back around lunch tomorrow.”

“Are you telling me I’m spending my Saturday afternoon here instead of the gym?” argued Myles.

“Sorry Myles. Not my call.”

“Just great”, muttered Myles putting his coat on.

“Hold on, Myles”, stopped Bobby. “Were you taking Chip for training?” Myles nodded. “Darcy’s away for the weekend and I need to stay in shape. Tell the boy I will pick him up at 1pm.” Myles opened his mouth and closed it again without saying anything. “You’re welcome”, grinned Bobby.

“Crash, I will join you as well”, volunteered Jack.

“You mean you will actually be able to live without Sue for the afternoon, Sparky.” Jack just shook his head.

“Sue and I will be going shopping”, explained Lucy.

In the elevator, Bobby told Jack he was taking Darcy out for dinner tonight and invited Jack and Sue to accompany them. They agreed.

At the Gans’ house, Tanya took Olivier’s coat. After offering him something to eat and drink she asked him what he wanted to do.

“Getting you out of trouble”, he replied following her. “Go get your chemistry book. I will help you.”

“Really? You don’ have to.”

“I want to. Is there a quiet place we can work?”

“My bedroom”, she offered.

He grabbed her arm. “You really want your dad to shoot me, don’t you?”

Once she understood the double meaning she suggested the study instead. They started on the desk but soon Tanya had papers lying everywhere in the study. They were sitting side by side on the floor, Tanya meticulously taking notes as Olivier patiently explained the unit to her. He made diagram for her to help clarified things. He wasn’t very good at drawing but he was able to get the point across. They were half way through the unit when Tanya’s mom came in with fresh baked cookies and milk but made the mistake of leaving the tray by Olivier. When she came back twenty minutes late she couldn’t believe it when she picked up an empty tray, but still invited the young man to stay for dinner and a home movie. Olivier called his mom to tell her he wouldn’t be back before 10pm.

“Do you have a girlfriend in Blacksand?” asked Tanya, staring at the same question for more than a minute.

“Is that in your chem book?”

“Very funny”, sticking her tongue out. “So do you?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Don’t have time.” She looked him over. “I go to school. I have homework. I practice three times a week and do weight training. I also help coach the goalies of a younger team once a week. I am away out of town every other weekend. The weekend I am home I either play or practice some more. And when I can I am a referee. Do you see any time in my schedule for a girlfriend?”

“No”, she admitted grinning. “Would you chat on line with me once you’re back there?” she asked hopeful.

“Yah, I could squeeze that in for you” grinning as well.

* * *

Myles phoned Michelle to inquire about her evening plan. He was secretly pleased when she told him she was alone tonight. Since she liked dancing Myles was going to surprise her into that little romantic restaurant where the atmosphere was very cosy, the dance floor quite dark and the food excellent. As he drove towards her house, his anticipation gradually got replace by fear. Was he over doing it on their first date? Was she even seeing it as a date? By the time he knocked on her door he had imagined the worse that she would slap the door on his face. ‘Leland, get a grip’, he admonished himself.

She was standing in the doorway, her coat on, a smile on her lips, waiting for him. He smiled back and relaxed. He offered his arm and she took it. She didn’t ask where they were going, she just leaned comfortable in her seat and enjoyed the ride.

A little gasp escaped her lips when they entered the restaurant. He was happy to see she seemed pleased. A waiter took their coat. She was wearing a lovely shimmering emerald dress that matched her eyes. The dress, which had no shoulders, covered very nicely in front but went down very low in her back. ‘Maybe I should have mentioned dancing’ reproached himself Myles. With that dress there was no way he could avoid toughing her bare back. They were sitting by the dance floor, the lights were very subdued. He took a glass of red wine, she toasted back wit her glass of water. He remembered ordering something, so did she. Her smile never left but her eyes kept wandering towards the open area where a few couples were intertwined and her upper body gently swayed under the music. Before the waiter came for their dessert Myles stood up and took her hand. She followed him and wrapped her arms around his neck while his hands moved to her small back. Her skin was silky soft and he couldn’t resist stroking it as her body moulded against his and followed his every moves on the dance floor. As the songs succeeded her hands moved down to his shoulders and her head gradually came resting on his chest. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slowed and he could feel her heart beating against his. He kissed her hair, expecting a reaction. When none came he pulled her a bit closer and also closed his eyes. A squeaky sound in the speakers startled them back to reality.

“Sorry folks”, apologized a waiter. “Small technical difficulties we will solve shortly.”

“What about dessert then?” whispered Myles to her ears.

“That would be lovely.”

He had a coffee and she had a piece of chocolate cake that she fed half to Myles. It was already 9:30 by the time they got the bill. Myles paid and took Michelle home. He walked her to the door and she invited him in. Olivier wasn’t back yet. They were standing in the small entrance, staring at each other, just like the first time he came to her place to thank her for her help with the case. This time she thanked him for the wonderful evening. He reached for her hair brushing it away from her face, his hand coming to rest behind her ear. He slowly lowered his head towards her, giving her time to retreat if she wanted to. His lips met hers barely touching at first only to deepen as their body got closer.

* * *

D was pleasantly surprised when Donna gave him a review of their daughter afternoon with Olivier. The kids called it quit when Donna called for dinner. Olivier would come back on Sunday afternoon to allow them to finish the last third of the chemistry unit. In the evening they watched Shrek II while eating popcorn. After a quick kiss on Tanya’s cheek, Olivier ran to the driveway where D was waiting to take him home. They rode in silence for a while; Olivier aware Tanya’s dad was scrutinizing him.

“When are you flying back, Chip?”

“January 2nd.”

“Looking forward to it?”

Olivier looked at D considering the answer.

“In a way.” D looked back at him, puzzled. “It’s just those last few months have been hard and I was really worried about my mom. I wondered if I made the right choice when I went back in September. I know I did and my mom made it through but now there’s Myles.”

“And that worries you. He’s a good man, you know.”

Olivier grinned. “I know and I like him. He looks at my mom the same way my dad used to. It’s not Myles I am worried about it’s my mom … that she won’t give him a chance.”

That was probably the last thing D expected to hear from a boy whose mother was seeing a new man but it dawned on him. “You think she will push him away so she won’t get hurt again, isn’t it?”

“Yah … she has been hurt a lot you know. I just want her to be happy again.”

“And you are thinking that if you stay here you could nudge your mother in the right direction?”

“Something along those lines.”

“You are playing a dangerous game, son, meddling with your mother’s love life. Why don’t you trust her to make the right choice?”

“You have no idea how stubborn she is.”

“And you have no idea how resolve Myles can be. Listen, what if I keep an eye on them for you and if I see trouble I will get you back for a visit.” Olivier just stared at him. “I mean it. Tanya would probably be thrill too.” D couldn’t be sure but thought he might have made him blushed. “You go back, keep up with your school, enjoy your hockey and I will keep you posted. Deal?”

“Deal … except there might be details I don’t really want to know … like …you know.”

D burst laughing. “Myles is a very private man, he wouldn’t share that kind of details. And unlike Bobby I wouldn’t pry. By the way, you didn't make to my daughter any promises you couldn’t keep, did you?”

“I would never make promises I didn’t intend to keep. Tanya is nice and I like her, but like I told her there’s no room in my life right now for a girlfriend. There’s too much hockey in it.”

“And you would choice hockey over a girl?”

“Don’t take it the wrong way but yes I would.”

“You’re sixteen, Chip. That was the right answer. One day you will meet someone special, someone you love so much that you will be ready to give up everything for her.”

“I hope so. And I hope she will love me enough not to ask me to give everything up for her”, showing a wisdom that many men twice his age had not reached yet.

“I am sure you will. But at the moment, you shouldn’t be force to give up hockey at any price.”

“There’s always a price”, rectified Olivier seriously. “I learned a long time ago how much I was willing to pay.” He paused bringing to the surface the dilemma he was facing. “Do you agree there are things in life you cannot buy … like love and respect? Those need be earned or given freely …And there are things you shouldn’t be able to buy like …like a man’s integrity or a man’s silence? Because ultimately that would destroy that person.”

“I agree” answered soberly D wondering what tragic events in Chip’s life helped shape him into a young man older beyond his years. “It is more than a philosophical discussion, isn’t it?”

“You’re a FBI agent, you catch bad guys, right?” said Olivier, ignoring D’s previous question.

“Right”, letting Olivier lead.

“Let’s say you know five people, four are crooks and one is an ex-crook who turned his life around and is now a good guy.”

“So far I follow.”

“OK, what if you could stop the four crooks …but at the price of ruining the life of the good guy. What would you do?”

“At this point I would very much like you to tell me this is a rhetorical question, but it’s not, is it?” Olivier shook his head. “OK this will stay between us. What are we talking about here, robbery, drugs?”

“Drugs and sex.”

D pulled the car on the side of the street and turned his full attention to Olivier. “Something that you heard about or something you witnessed?”

“Both …well with the drugs but not the sex part, just the girls coming and going.”

“Any other witness that you know of?”

“Beside that person? No.”

“The girls, are they minors?”

“Didn’t look minors to me.”

“If you talk would that ruin your life as well?”

“It wouldn’t be as damaging. I just don’t want to destroy that other person in the process. Those four crooks are destroying themselves anyway and I don’t care about them.”

“Then tell me why you want those four crooks that badly?”

“You think I should just give up?”

“I didn’t say it, Olivier, you did. Are they worth going after?” Olivier pondered it. “It is not giving up, Olivier. It is call retreating … in order to be able to fight another day. Keep your eyes on them. In time another opportunity may present itself, one that won’t be that costly for anybody. Think about it.”

“Thanks, I will.”

“Anytime ,son, anytime”, driving away.

They made it somewhat later than expected and parked in the street, Myles’ car being in the driveway. D honked as Olivier stepped out.

“Was that a warning shot, Mr Gans?” joked Olivier.

“Well, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to let them know you were home”, both laughing. “Good night, son.”

“Good night, sir. And thanks for the ride.”

Olivier came in to find Myles and his mother in the entrance. His mom was putting her coat away and Myles was getting ready to leave. They were both somewhat out of breath. He decided he didn’t want to know, wished them good night and went to his room. As he closed the door behind him, he grinned. Maybe D was right after all and Myles was a tenacious man.

* * *

After a long hot shower to sooth his aching body, Jack left for Sue’s. He was going to take her out for dinner before the show. He wondered if she was still as excited as she was when he dropped her off last night after their evening with Bobby and Darcy. The nutcracker presentation was the only thing she talked about in the car and the good night kiss that resulted from it turned the car windows all foggy. Good thing it was winter, they came back to their senses before they got to the last layers of clothing. They definitely needed to get married before this summer or they were in big trouble. She didn’t even give him time to close the door before she jumped into his arms. ‘That answers my question’ thought Jack. Her eyes were as big as saucer and shining so bright they could light up the room.

“I have to give you that, Jack, you have a way of sweeping a girl off her feet”, commented Lucy as she came in the living room. “Have a good evening.”

The National Centre was packed solid. The costumes and the décor were breathtaking. The skaters were terrific. The music so loud that Jack was convinced Sue could feel every single note. The crowd was … wild, gasping at every jump, clapping and cheering. At intermission, Sue refused to leave her seat. He winced when he got up.

“Jack, are you OK?”

“Yah, just need to stretch a bit. I will be back.”

Ten minutes later, he surprised her with a huge ball of candy cane.

“Blue and pink, my favourite. Thank you, Jack.”

“It’s not free, darling”, leaning for a kiss that she returned easily. “And you have to share.”

“What about two kisses and I don’t share?”

“Thomas!!! You’re terrible”, kissing her a second time and grabbing a chunk of candy cane in the process.

At the end the crowd gave the performers the longest standing ovation Jack remembered seeing. To Jack’s amazement Sue’s exuberance only increased as he drove her home. But it changed to worries when she saw how strenuous it was for him to go up the steps to her apartment.

“What did you do, Jack?” she demanded to know, pulling him inside and closing the door behind them. Levi and Lucy weren’t home.

“Bobby and I tried to keep up with Chip at the gym today”, he admitted sheepishly. She should have known it had something to do with men’s misplaced pride.

“Give me your coat and take your boots off, please”, she ordered him rolling her eyes, shedding her own as well.

“Come with me and I will make it better.” She led him to her bedroom where she proceeded to discard the rest of his clothes. He stopped her when she got to his pants.

“Exactly what do you have in mind, Ms Thomas?” totally lost at her behaviour.

“Giving you a massage, Jack. Take you pants off and lie on the bed, I will be back”, pulling the blankets off the bed. He obeyed, when she had her mind set on something there was no arguing.

Sue went to the kitchen and left a note for Lucy before going into the washroom to change into a plain baby blue t-shirt and royal blue pyjama pants with stars on them. She closed the door, turned the ceiling light off, and turned the night table lamp on. Jack was lying on his tummy, his head turned her way resting over his folded arms, gazing lovingly at her.

“Tell me where it hurts?” she tenderly asked, kneeling on the bed beside him.

“Everywhere.”

“That narrows it down!” she teased. “So I should work my way down”, beginning with his shoulders and his neck. Jack relaxed instantly at her touch. Any conscious thoughts left his mind. He was only vaguely aware she was now working on his back, her hands stopping at the elastic band of his boxers. After a while, she rolled him over to massage the front of his leg as well. He felt the blankets pulled over him. The room went dark. She cuddled against him, her lips brushing his before resting her head in his chest. “I love you, Jack Hudson” he heard her whisper before they both drifted to sleep.

Only the kitchen lights were on when Lucy came in with Levi. She could see Jack and Sue’s coat and boots but it was eerily silent. She found Sue’s note on the kitchen table. ‘Hi Luce, the show was wonderful. Don’t be shocked, just imagine there’s a snowstorm outside to explain why Jack is staying for the night. See you tomorrow and thanks for taking care of Levi. Sue.’

“Well, Levi. I guess you’re sleeping with me tonight”, grinning.

* * *

Jack woke up at Levi’s barking. Last night came back in a flash. Sue was sound asleep in his arms. He gently moved over and took his clothes, the less he could do was take Levi for his walk and let her enjoy her slumber. She had an angelic smile on her face and he resisted the temptation of kissing her knowing it would wake her up. “Sweet dreams, my love. I will be back’, he whispered.

Jack came face to face with Lucy in the hallway. She was holding Levi by his collar, wearing sweatpants and sweatshirts.

“Fancy meeting you here, Jack. Are you moving in or what?” she wasn’t totally awaked yet and sounded sarcastic.

“I will take Levi, you either go back to bed or make coffee. Come on boy, we’re going for a walk”, more barking and tail wagging from Levi.

She woke up, the bed suddenly getting colder without Jack’s body and the aroma of the fresh brewed coffee appealing to her senses. She found Lucy at the table sipping her coffee. “Hi Luce, smells delicious”, grabbing a cup for herself. “Have you seen …”

“Jack?” finishing Luce, surreptitiously.

“Yah, have you seen Jack?” hoping he wasn’t gone.

“Took your dog for his walk. Just left. Got your note”, holding the piece of paper in her hand. “Any idea how much Bobby would pay for it?” smirking.

“LUCY! You wouldn’t”, reaching for it without luck. “Give me.”

“Only if you tell me what happened last night?” holding out the note. “Deal?” Sue grabbed it and tore it in pieces. “So girl, what was the dashing dark agent doing in your bed last night?”

“Sleeping”, she stated with a blank expression. Then her eyes twinkled. “Believe me when I say his body couldn’t have taken any more exercise last night”, and she went on telling her about the gym.

“I wish I could see Bobby this morning”, exclaimed Lucy. “You do realize that you and Jack are given a new meaning to sleeping together, aren’t you?” Sue blushed. “I am not sure how you manage it though.”

“I am not sure either, Luce”, confided Sue. “You know my mind tells me to wait so it can be very special while my body betrays me every time he takes me into his arms.”

“What does your heart tell you?”

“My heart … let’s see … my heart is in the middle of my body”, placing her hand over her chest, “and far away from my mind …moving further away as we speak”, sending both into laughter. “I have it bad, Luce.”

“I can see that. I hope it will get like that between Jeff and I eventually.”

“And …how is that going?”

“Well, I know he’s a bit shy but he is very nice and attentive. We share lots of interest and he sends …butterflies in my tummy when he kisses me”, Lucy turning rosy. “But please don’t tell anyone.”

“Promise …as long as you don’t tell Jack sleeps in my bed.”

“Promise. Jeff’s ankle is better and he wants to go skating this afternoon, would you and Jack like to come?”

“I will ask. How did Jack seem this morning?” Sue turned to the doorway as Lucy gazed above her head. “Good morning, Jack.” He approached her and kissed her on the forehead.

“Good morning. Skating would be fun” as he caught the last part of the conversation. “I am still a bit stiff but moving will help. Actually a hot shower right now would make it even better.”

“Then go, Lucy and I can wait”, Lucy nodding.

“OK. Leave some coffee for me.”

* * *

Michelle didn’t object to Olivier staying over at the Gans for dinner again when they offered as she was dropping him off. She was now driving to Myles’ place.

Myles had phoned her late afternoon yesterday from work apologizing for not being able to be there for dinner, he was still hours away from completing his report, but promised to make it up to her and was expecting her for lunch. She had been relieved; she wasn’t ready then to face him, the kiss replaying in her mind. She knew she enjoyed it, responding to it. It had been so long since someone held her like that. Four months, she reminded herself. The four longest months of her life. What was she doing? Last time she dated someone else was when she was …barely older than her son. Was she dating Myles? Was it how he saw her? Deep down she knew he did. She could see the look in his eyes when he looked at her. The only one who’s ever looked at her like that is … was …Marc. Her and Marc rode so many storms together that she believed they could survive anything. She fought the tears that were coming as she parked in Myles’ driveway. She shouldn’t be here. As she was about to restart the engine her door opened.

“Hi, I hope you are hungry”, as he took her arm helping her out and walking her to the house.

“I can’t stay, Myles” pulling away. “I still love Marc.” She didn’t realised that she said it out loud until she saw the astonishment on Myles’ face.

“That’s good”, regaining his composure, not letting go of her arm. “For a while I thought you were mad at me for working late last night.” She was too stunned to resist when he dragged her inside and took her coat off.

He could feel something was wrong when he talked to her yesterday from work, the accent in her voice was more pronounced, she seemed more distant. He expected that reaction eventually from her, just not quite like that.

“I know you still love him. I hope you always will. He’s the father of your son”, standing in front of her, holding her chin up with his fingers so she could see in his eyes. “I know if he was to walk right through that door your would jump into his arms and walk right out with him without looking back.” He hated to hurt her, tears swelling in her eyes, but he had to …for both of them. “But he won’t, he will never come back, Michelle. He is up there, somewhere, looking down on you with love and passion, probably thinking … I wish I could beat the crap out of that guy who’s kissing my wife.”

She actually chuckled. “No, he wouldn’t”, she whispered.

“Then maybe he’s thinking …I wish her to be happy again”, wiping tears away from her eyes. “I wish she gives another man a chance to be as happy as I was while I was married to her.” She broke down in his arms. He held her a long time, stroking her back and her hair, realizing he would give up everything to be that man.

“Marc would”, she murmured. She knew he would want her to find a good man and be happy again. She lifted her head. Myles’ shirt was soaked. “I am sorry, Myles.”

“For what? Talking about Marc? Giving me a shower? You can do that anytime.” He looked into her red puffy eyes. He could see a small flicker in it. “As long as you don’t mean you’re sorry for not giving me a chance.”

“You really want a chance …with me?” He nodded earnestly. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, Myles.”

“Then show me”, tenderly answered Myles.

She then did the last thing Myles would have ever expected her to do… she kissed him.

* * *

The kiss was soft and gentle, their lips lightly touching yet sending shivers down their spine. Myles just held her, the salty taste teasing him but afraid to push further and scare her away. When she pulled back Michelle could see so much love and understanding in his eyes. It would be so easy to fall in love again, she recognized, and it would feel so good too. She sighed.

“You better buckle up, Myles”, she warned smiling “It will be a heck of a bumpy ride.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I won’t let you fall off the wagon”, he reassured her.

“You may want to push me off at on point.”

“I very much doubt it”, and as an afterthought. “And don’t even think of jumping off either, Michelle, I intend to hold on to you very tightly.” He gently stroked her cheek. “Would I be in trouble if I kiss you?”

“You will be if you don’t”, she teased.

If that wasn’t an invitation, thought Myles, nothing was. He leaned down and slowly captured her lips. It was tender, sweet … and full of promises.

* * *

Myles looked around. Table was set. Food was ready to be thrown in the oven. He couldn’t have done it without Michelle. At one point yesterday afternoon, she inquired about the party. Truth to be told he had completely forgotten about it. Once she stopped laughing at him she agreed to help him. There was that shop she knew was open on Sunday and had a wide selection of frozen, ready to cook meal. Stock up in his freezer was everything from appetizers to dessert. The doorbell rang. Jack and Sue were standing hand in hand, Levi at their side.

“There’s no middle ground with you Jack, either early or late. Come in.”

‘Either early or never’ rectified Jack in his mind. He went to pick up Sue early, thinking they could have some quiet time alone. Lucy was already gone when he arrived. Sue opened the door wearing her beautiful shiny midnight blue dress that perfectly shaped her body at the right place. What started as an already passionate kiss threatened to quickly turn into more as his hands moved along the dress and hers reached for his tie. They decided to leave while they still could.

Everyone else arrived shortly after. Tara and D had a bunch of games. The one people were most intrigued by was Tara’s ‘Disney guess’, where you had to guess which Disney’s character quoted a given sentence or expression. Unsurprisingly Tara and David were the best at the game.

On Myles’ big screen TV, the countdown was on …4,3,2,1. “Happy New Year.” Each couple gave their better half a promising kiss. D was standing in the doorway, his wife wrapped in his arms.

“Did Cupid spend the holiday in the bullpen on a shooting spree?” mischievously asked Donna as they were taking on the scene.

“More like on a rampage”, corrected D as he gave his wife a second kiss. Their kids and Olivier, who had given Tanya a very chaste kiss on the lips, were coming towards them.

“People will start kissing everybody now”, informed Tanya. “We will be in the kitchen.”

“But that’s the good part”, teased D, his wife and daughter frowning and his son gagging. “Olivier, help me out, man.”

“Can’t do”, one look at Tanya and Olivier knew he should keep his mouth shut.

“He’s a smart kid”, admired Donna. “You could learn a few things here, honey.”

If he could dig deep enough, D was scared that Donna might be right.

* * *

January 2nd came too fast for everyone. Time to go back to work while Garrett was still playing proud grandpa and Michelle and Myles were driving Olivier to the airport. Coach was picking him up in Helena; everything had been arranged and confirmed many times in the last twenty-four hours. Olivier had his blue luggage, his hockey bag, his sticks, his wallet, his passport and enough money. He promised to phone when he got there. As hard as she tried Michelle couldn’t keep the tears from falling as her son passed through security and waved good-bye.

When Myles dropped her off, she asked him if he would take her again at that little restaurant where they could dance. He would be his pleasure to pick her up after work.

* * *

Olivier finally made it early evening after one plane delayed and an almost missed connection. As promised Coach was there and it was with relief that they saw Olivier’s belonging coming on the turning carousel. Before leaving the airport he phoned his mom. The sun was coming down as they were crossing town. The hotel they were staying at was on the outskirt in the opposite direction of the airport. They were in a shopping area when Coach’s cell rang. He pulled over and picked up. His friendly face turned infuriated as he hung up.

“We need to make a small detour”, looking at Olivier.

“The Bees are in trouble again, aren’t they?” It was more a statement than a question and Coach knew better than to answer. Olivier’s eyes were burning with anger.

‘If only I had the guts to do something about the Bees’, thought Coach, not for the first time. ‘Good kids like Olivier are paying the price.’ And for the thousandth times, he regretted the earlier mistakes of his life. 'If only you knew, Olivier, you would lose any respect you have for me, and that I am not sure I could take it.'

They stopped at a cheap hotel. Olivier was more than happy to comply when Coach asked him to wait in the truck. Olivier knew that Coach would find the Bees in a room, with some girls and lots of drugs; the Bees being his teammates Billy, Bobby, Bert and Brewster. They usually sneaked out of the hotel to get a room in another one and get some entertainment going. They would be useless again for the game tomorrow, thought Olivier disgusted. What was taking Coach so long anyway?

With the two hours time difference Olivier was tired and he leaned in his seat. He was too slow to react when his door was yanked opened and a punk placed a gun on his temple.

“Move in the centre, Kid. Coach, you drive or the kid gets it.”

* * *

When Myles picked her up, Michelle was ready to put her coat on. He caught a glimpse of a stunning black dress, and her radiant smile illuminated her features.

“Let me guess”, pausing for more effect. “Olivier phoned.”

“Am I that obvious?”

“Only to me, Michelle”, teasing her. “I’m sure anyone else would think it is because of me you are glowing.” He was actually astonished to see her blush. “Maybe a bit of both then?” curiosity unlashed.

“That, Myles, is for me to know …and for you to find out”, pushing him out the door and locking behind her. “And yes, Olivier did phone. He’s in Helena and his coach was there. They were going to meet the rest of the team.”

“Will he call back tonight?” They were on their way to the restaurant.

“I am lucky if he phones twice a week. Twice in the same day …forget it. Let’s see. The tournament starts tomorrow with a late game. So by the time he’s done, it will be too late here. Then on Friday I believe he mentioned two games, late morning and early evening. If he plays the morning one, he will phone Friday afternoon. If he plays the evening one, it will depend how late they get back to their hotel.”

“So you might not hear from him till Saturday?”

“That …would be quite possible, yes. Any suggestion on how I could keep my mind busy till then? There is just so much work I can do at the office, you know”, flirting with him.

“Let’s see”, flirting back. “I could come up with a thing or two to keep you busy …without too much difficulty.” She was clearly enjoying herself tonight, even her eyes were smiling back at him. If that was her reaction every time her son phoned, he would start paying the kid to phone her more often. On the other hand, if he was partially responsible for it …

Myles wasn’t sure he noticed the table at which they were sitting, or the food they ordered, or if they ate it or not for that matter. He just remembered the music filing his ears and Michelle overwhelming his senses. They danced and danced. Her body against his, moving along the music …And danced … until they were told it was closing time which for a Wednesday night was 11pm.

He came inside to kiss her good night, it was as sensuous as dancing with her had been. He could feel the warmth of her skin through the sheer fabric of the dress, could feel her shiver under his touch. Her arms were wrapped around his back, inside his jacket, moving up and down his shirt. The kiss deepened, both giving and receiving. “I want you to stay”, she whispered. He gently took hold of her head.

“I can’t, it wouldn’t be right”, he forced himself to say, his senses screaming for her, seeing the same desire in her eyes that he knew was in his.

“Why?” barely above whispering.

“Because I want to make love to you, Michelle, having sex wouldn’t be enough”, he had never said that to a woman before, not sure he ever made the distinction, yet with her it was all the difference in the world. “I love you too much already for that”, he confessed softly.

“I wouldn’t ask if you hadn’t already found a place in my heart, Myles.” He was taking back by her admission. She smiled at his bewilderment. “From the moment we met, Myles, you tugged at my heart, you swayed me into opening it and you took it by storm. Didn’t I promise you a bumpy ride?”

“That, my little French lady, is not bumpy. The right word would be …”, kissing her lips, her cheek, her neck, tasting the delicate texture of her skin. Incredible, tremendous, exhilarating, overwhelming all those words came to his mind, yet didn’t convey half of what he was feeling right now.

Their lips devouring each other, their mind overpowered by passion and desire, they made it to her room leaving behind a trail of clothing.

* * *

They had taken the fastest route outside town, the traffic was light, and they were heading North according to the sunset. Coach was tensed, the punk was now aiming the gun at Olivier’s chest. Olivier wanted answers but the look on the punk made him rethink opening his mouth. Olivier had no doubt the Bees were the reason for his predicament. From day one, Olivier knew those four were trouble, Billy and Bobby, he had known a long time, but Bert and Brewster were new in town, Brewster’s dad being the new president of one of the oil company.

In September, Coach had selected his team, Olivier made the cut, so did the four Bees. Trouble started on their first road trip, two weeks after his dad’s funeral. Olivier needed time out from the others. Too much compassion was as bas as not enough, remembered Olivier. Coach gave him permission to leave the hotel and ran by himself for an hour before going to bed. On his way back, running around the corner, he caught the Bees going into a room on the first floor that wasn’t theirs. The curfew had been in effect for half and hour already, so Olivier knew they shouldn’t have been there. So he knocked on their door and one was stupid enough to open it. Olivier let himself him. At the funeral, he had been strong for his mom’s sake, she was so devastated. But when he saw the dope on the table and the girls half dressed, it unleashed everything that had been building up in the last two weeks. He took the drugs and dumped it all in the toilet while they gawked at him. Then took the girls clothes and threw it outside the room, scarring them away. He stood in front of the four players and punched the closest one squarely on the jaw, even though Bobby was 50 pounds heavier. The other three had backed away, but Olivier warned them. Were they ever to bring drugs or girls again on a road trip he was going to make sure it was the last time they ever played hockey. He would go directly to Hockey Alberta if he had too. He didn’t know about Bert and Brewster, but he knew Billy and Bobby believed him. Billy and Bobby had been on his team five years ago when Olivier, barely eleven, broke the dressing room code of silence and filed a complaint against their former coach. Olivier didn’t back down then, they knew he wouldn’t back down now. They went back to their room.

Except they didn’t stop, they just got more careful. They would check into a nearby motel instead. Olivier knew they were high on most of their following road trips but wasn’t able to catch them again until December, which is when he went to Coach. Coach suspected it but couldn’t prove it until Olivier gave him the details. Coach promised to take care of it.

When the four Bees missed a practice a couple days after the incident, Olivier waited till everyone was gone to go talk to Coach and see what was happening. It wasn’t very hard since he was always the last one out of the dressing room anyway, but that evening he took even more time than usual. Coach’s door was closed but he could hear an argument in progress. He knew one of the voices was Coach but not the other one until the man came out. By then Olivier had been able to make out of few words and sentences, and hidden behind a counter saw Brewster’s dad leave the rink, followed immediately by the slamming of Coach’s door. Olivier went home, not home home but his guardian’s home, Paul Anderson, his father’s best friend.

The next day the four Bees were back at practice and Coach acted like nothing happened. That got Olivier searching the Internet for any link with what he heard the previous night.

* * *

Olivier cross checked ‘Adam Henning’, ‘Oshawa’, ‘crime’, ‘I will expose you’, those were the words he heard. He took him a week but he figured he got the big picture. Fifteen years ago, in Oshawa, a child named Adam Henning and a police officer were killed during an attempted robbery that went horribly wrong. The two perpetrators were minors at the time and under the influence of drugs and their names were ban from publication, but Olivier found a picture of them taken outside the courthouse. One of the two young scared teenagers on the picture had coach’s eyes, and the same scar on his left cheek. How Brewster’s dad found out, Olivier didn’t know. But from Olivier’s point of view it looked like Brewster’s dad was blackmailing coach into keeping the Bees on the team. Olivier looked more closely into Coach’s life. At one point he kicked out the habit and started working as a counsellor at a shelter for teens victims of substance abused. He also involved himself in various associations giving his time to children. After that Olivier wasn’t sure anymore what he could do.

The Bees were behaving inappropriately, playing badly, giving hockey players a bad reputation, sapping the team’s moral, yet they were still on the team while four others guys more worthy had been cut. Mr Gans helped him accept he was stuck in a no-win situation, yet at this moment his frustration was building up again and the gun pointed at him didn’t help.

* * *

His mind went back six years ago, to his first ever ”AAA” team and Keith, his best ever coach. He was nine years old and a very inexperienced goalie having played only one year in the lower league. Wanting to know where he stood against the “good” goalies, he went to the “AAA” try out. He expected to be cut after the first round, but still tried hard, gave his best every practice and never complained. He was surprised when he made the last three and was taken to Edmonton for a tournament. Each goalie would get one game and based on the practices and their performance under fire their coach, Keith, would pick two of them. Olivier was the only one who lost his game, 1-0, was six inches shorter than the other two and about thirty pounds lighter. Yet to everyone astonishment Keith chose him. Not because he was more talented, but because Keith thought with his hard work and his good attitude Olivier could become better than the other two. And to Keith’s satisfaction, Olivier rose to the challenge. Keith encouraged Olivier to attend goalie school in the summer. Olivier’s instinct and his observation skills were good but he needed to improve his technique. And Olivier never forgot Keith for believing in him and giving him his first chance.

A year later, at ten years old, Olivier made “AAA” team again and met his worst ever coach Raoul. From September till the end of December, Raoul alternated the goalies each game, but Olivier became withdrawn and was slowly losing his passion for the game. His world came crashing down when he came back home after a tournament during the holidays. When his mother came to wish him goodnight the evening of their return he asked her to stay to talk. She snuggled in bed with him and held him while he spilled his heart out. She didn’t say a word, just listened as her tears matched the ones in her young son’s eyes.

In the dressing room Raoul kept screaming at them, humiliating them, using words even sailors didn’t use. He would take a kid’s stick and smash it on the wall of the room sending debris flying the kid’s way. Olivier wouldn’t take his helmet off unless Raoul was out of the room. Raoul would put a garbage can on the ice at their morning practice when no parents were around and made them skate hard for an hour without drinking until they gagged in it. When they were on a road trip, Raoul would make the bus stop at the liquor store, leave the starving kids inside while him and his assistant coaches would get their booze for the night. They were only fed properly if they played well, which hardly ever happened anymore. That last trip had been the worse. They played badly all weekend, nobody trying or caring for that matter anymore. The coaches had been drinking all night leaving the kids without supervision or curfew. Some of the players stayed up in the hallway shooting balls with their sticks. The hotel manager came to yell at the kids when he couldn’t find the coaches. Olivier was in his bed trying to find some sleeping, his roommate nowhere to be seeing till the wee hours. The next morning Raoul had a terrible hangover. He gave the kids one orange for breakfast. The kids were starving they had not eaten properly since lunch the previous day; the coaches had not bothered about dinner last night. After the first intermission, Raoul rushed in the dressing room after them, mad like heck. There was a girls team staying at the same hotel, Raoul started explicitly accusing the boys of doing things with the girls that Olivier didn’t even know you could do, supposedly explaining why the players were so tired and lacking energy. Raoul also told the kids that he had sent an older player in hospital for telling his parents what was said in the dressing room. Olivier didn’t believe it; a coach couldn’t have that kind of power, yet the threat was enough to keep most of them quiet. But not Olivier, not anymore. He had no shred of respect left for Raoul.

For four days Olivier didn’t sleep, trying to deal with the emotional abuse he had been forced to endure, slowly building a strong wall to protect himself. After much discussion Olivier decided he wanted to file a complaint at Minor Hockey. He gave his testimony to a tall guy who Olivier could see believed him. There had been lots of rumours going around their team but Olivier was the first to speak up. A few of his teammates wanted too as well but where prevented from doing so by their parents who were afraid to risk their ‘hockey career’. At the end it came down to Olivier’s word against Raoul’s, and Olivier hadn’t been able to give them enough to suspend Raoul. So Raoul stayed behind the bench while Olivier stayed on the bench, Raoul making almost sole use of the other goalie the rest of the season. But Olivier wouldn’t quit; he wouldn’t give Raoul that satisfaction. Olivier never went on a road trip again without his mom or dad, forcing Raoul to keep a lower profile. So Olivier watched all geared up on the bench while his team lost all their games. His only words of encouragement coming from the players of the other teams telling Olivier they were glad he didn’t play because they wouldn’t have won had Olivier been in front of the net. And his parents painfully watched as their son stared at the ice with longing in his heart and disillusion in his eyes. And to this day Michelle never forgave Raoul for taking her son’s childhood from him, because during those long four sleepless nights she spent by her son’s side, she saw her innocent little boy died being replaced by a young man too wise for his age. And though she was so very proud of him she just wished the price to pay had not been that high.

The next season Raoul coached again, and Olivier knew he would not be picked for the “AAA”. You didn’t break the dressing room code and get away with it. It didn’t matter to Olivier, there was no way he would accept to play for Raoul ever again. Olivier couldn’t respect a coach who didn’t respect his players. But Olivier went to the tryouts anyway, to prove to himself that on the ice he was still the best. And he proved it to anybody watching. Except Raoul didn’t pick him, relegating him to “AA”, and Olivier became Raoul’s downfall. The “AAA” team plummeted, half a dozen players quitting halfway through the season, as the “AA” team soared. That year Olivier rediscovered why he loved that game so much.

And from then on, every September, Olivier showed up at tryouts, with improved technique from summer training and unbending work ethics, proving to the coaching staff why they should choose him, and every September he made the “AAA” team.

And next year he had a chance of making Junior and that punk with a gun might ruin everything.

* * *

Their lovemaking was intense, tantalizing, yet, amazingly tender. When Myles took her as his, giving release to their passion, merging their body, he felt their heart touched. In that fleeting moment, he saw his future with her as clearly as if it was presented to him on a golden plate. Pure joy washed over him as he lost himself into her.

He rested on one elbow, a part of his body still resting over hers, his other hand caressing her damp skin. She was so lovely. She was gazing back with peaceful eyes.

“What is the word, Myles?” Confusion must have registered on his feature because she added, “If it is not bumpy?”

“To describe the range of emotion we are going through.” She nodded. Myles wasn’t lost for words very often but she had the effect on him. “An amazing ride would have been closer to the truth”, kissing her nose. “But I am sure the right word will come to me …eventually …as we keeping riding.” She smiled. “I could make out some of the sweet French word you were whispering to me, but not all of them.”

“You’ll have to get a dictionary”, blushing. “Some might be in there.”

“What about repeating them to me so I can check them out? Or are they reserved only for very special occasion?”

“Special occasion only”, her fingers playing in his hair. “In the morning I may say them again.” Myles stared at her, not quite sure if she was teasing him or not.

If he was to go to work barely an hour after making love to her, he would be floating just below the ceiling and they would need to tie a rope around him to get him down to his desk. Bobby would have a fieldtrip over this one. The image made him laugh.

“Myles?” He shared the thought with her. She laughed with him, that clear musical laugh he loved so much about her.

“I love you”, trying to pack in those three little words everything he felt for her, barely managing to scrap the surface of his feeling.

“I do too, Myles …maybe not quite as much as you yet …”, she whispered honestly. “But I can feel my love for you growing inside my heart.” And he could see the flame of young love burning steadily in her eyes.

“We will nurture it together, Michelle. It has already grown more than I hoped for, more than I had any rights to expect. I am not letting you go, Michelle …ever.”

He kissed a single tear away before turning on his back and pulling her to him, her head coming to rest on his shoulder. “Sweet dreams my love.”

“Bonne nuit, Myles.”

* * *

“Give me your wallet”, asked the punk after having scrutinized Olivier for the last half hour while the kid was deep in thought. Olivier pulled his wallet out, his passport falling with it. The punk took both. He looked at the picture in the passport, then at Olivier.

“Yah, bad picture, almost looks like me”, he opened the wallet. About $120, half in American and half in Canadian money. “Take the next exit, Coach. There’s a change of plan”, a sinister smile stretching on his face.

It was dark and they had been driving a deserted secondary road in the middle of the woods when punk told Coach to pull over and ordered them out.

“What are you going to do?” ask Olivier. “Killed us?”

“Don’t tempt me kid, because you would be the first one. Grab your stuff and take it out of the back of the truck. You reached your destination.”

“You can’t leave him here at night. Exposure will kill him”, argued Coach while Olivier had already taking his hockey bag, his pads and his sticks out to place them on the side of the road. He went back to the truck for his blue luggage.

“Then maybe I should do him a favour and speed things up”, Olivier turning at the last minute to see the gun going at him. His last thought before darkness entered his brain was for his dad. Would he be waiting for him on the other side?

* * *

Coach picked up Olivier from the ground and laid him down on his hockey bag to protect him from the cold.

“Good enough. In the truck”, ordered punk. “I still need you.”

“No!” yelled Coach. Punk walked to him. He pointed his gun at Olivier’s unconscious form. “Want me to finish him off?” Defeated, Coach when back to the truck. And they sped away.

“Where are we going?”

“Regina, we’ll cross the border at Willow Creek. Take I87. And follow the signs”, instructed punk.

* * *

Olivier stirred and fell beside his bag face down on the snow. That cleared some fog out of his mind. His head was throbbing. He pulled himself up and sat on his hockey bag. He rubbed the side of his head finding a bump the size of an egg just behind his left ear. It was so tender Olivier instantly pulled his fingers away. It didn’t feel wet so he assumed he wasn’t bleeding. If somebody could stop the drum practice in his head maybe he could think. He looked around his vision slowly focusing. It was dark, he was on the side of the road, sitting on his gear, there was snow on the ground and it was cold. It started shivering as he thought about it. His coat was opened; he zipped it and pulled a tuque and a pair of gloves out of his pockets. His bump didn’t appreciate and he winced as he pulled the tuque down, then came the gloves. His memory flashed images back at him as the events following his arrival in Helena came back. The punk knocked him out with his gun and they left him here. Now he was mad at Coach. He did a self-diagnostic, his head hurt but the stars were gone from his eyes and he didn’t feel like throwing up. Good, just as small concussion. He got one of those once a while, last one before being when … yah when that Debroso shot at his head while he was playing FBI goalie. His mom then came to his mind. He needed to phone her and let her know he was fine. She would be worry sick. He was seriously getting cold. ‘You need to get moving, Chip’, he pushed himself. He stood up. He didn’t feel dizzy or anything, actually he felt hungry, but nothing he could do about that. He looked in both direction, and sighed. He chose right for no particular reason. He picked up his gear, his luggage was missing. ‘One less thing to carry’, he didn’t have much in it anyway. Wrong, he did have Advil in it and he could have used two at the moment. ‘Great, just great’, he muttered. Then he thought about his wallet and his passport. ‘Should have stayed in DC’. With his bag on one shoulder, his pads on the next and his sticks in his left hands, he started walking. ‘Coach, you’re on your own, you’ll have to face your past because when I get back to Blacksand I will have a long story to tell’, swore Olivier.

* * *

Since he never wore his watch, Olivier didn’t know how long he walked before a pick-up truck stopped along side. An elderly man lowered the window.

“Are you lost, kid?” Olivier nodded. “Jump in. I will give you a ride.” So Olivier threw his gear in the back of the truck and sat in the passenger seat.

“Name’s Arthur. What’s yours?”

“Chip.”

“Chip, hey? I like it. What were you doing in the middle of nowhere by yourself? Did your car break down?”

“Nah …my ride decided to get rid of me.”

“Is that so? …Didn’t like your stories?” The old man was grinning with missing teeth.

“No Arthur …It was my singing they couldn’t stand”, couldn’t help Olivier who laughed for the first time today, releasing the tension away.

“Then you better keep your mouth shut if you don’t want me to do the same”, laughed the old man.

* * *

Arthur had a cooler with lots of food in it, and invited Chip to dig in. They were two hours away from the closest town and in this part of the mountains cell phone reception was sporadic at best. Arthur welcomed Chip to try lending him his cell, but there was no signal. It was past midnight, Chip leaned in his seat. There was only a dull pain left in his head. His stomach was full and he felt safe. Olivier closed his eyes. Sleep came immediately.

Arthur observed the kid. He looked a lot like his grandson Aaron, same blond hair, same eyes. More like what his grandson would have looked like, sadly reminding himself. Aaron would have been sixteen too. He was a brave little kid but cancer didn’t give him a chance. He kept a picture of his grandson in his wallet. In the rearview mirror he had seen Chip throw a duffel bag in when he picked him up, what he assumed were some walking sticks and something else. Arthur wondered what made him runaway. Was he trying to call home? Arthur didn’t want to frighten him so he didn’t ask any question, except how old he was, and Chip didn’t volunteer any information either. Later he would see if he could help him. For now sleep was good. He turned the heat slightly up so Chip would be comfortable. Arthur was on his way to Ephrata, located half way between Spokane and Seattle to see his son, Aaron’s dad. If he didn’t fall asleep he should be there mid-morning. He liked driving at night, reminded him of his time as a trucker.

* * *

It was around midnight when Coach’s cell rang. They were almost at the border. Punk put it on the speaker and aimed the gun at Coach.

“Yes”, Coach answered.

“Where are you, man? Did you get lost?” It was his assistant coach, Peter Ashton.

“Don’t worry for us, Pete.”

“Is Chip with you?” Punk nodded at Coach. “Yes”, he lied.

“OK, then. I’m going to bed. Don’t wake me up. See you tomorrow.”

“See you”, and Punk cut the phone.

“Smart move, Coach.”

They crossed the border without difficulties thanks to Chip’s passport and his resemblance to Punk.

They drove north, then took the Transcanadian highway east, speeding toward Regina. They were running out of gas. They exited in Moose Jaw, 70 km away from Regina. They were lucky to find an Esso station open at four in the morning. Punk put the gun under his coat aimed at Coach while the attendant filled up the truck glancing once at the passengers. They paid and Coach accelerated. But the parking lot was icy, and the attendant watched in horror as the small pick-up truck lost control and smashed into one of the gas pump. The attendant ducked as the explosion shattered all the windows. The truck caught in fire. The attendant could hear the passengers screaming. He called 911. He stared as the driver door opened and a man came rolling out. The attendant grabbed a blanket and smothered the flame before pulling the man to safety. The man was badly burned, he grabbed the attendant’s arm. His mouth moved. The attendant leaned closer. “Got to save Olivier, save Oliv…”, before dying. The attendant looked toward the truck. The screams had died. The truck was blazing. He made the sign of the cross. There was nothing that could be done for the other passenger, either. The attendant noticed a blue luggage that had been ejected from the truck when it hit. He would give it to the police.

* * *

Olivier was fast asleep when two hours later Arthur stopped in town to fill up for gas. He knew Chip wanted to make a phone call but he didn’t have the heart to wake him up, so he kept going. Around 3:30am Chip woke up. He looked outside. Still going up and down in the middle of the forest.

“Where are we?” looking at the time on the dashboard.

“Still in Montana. In a few miles we will cross the state line into Idaho.”

“When’s the next town?” Arthur obviously didn’t wake him up; there was no point at getting angry.

“Spokane, Washington state, three hours. Until then, only small villages where there won’t be anything open that early.” He could see Chip was disappointed. “But you may want to try the cell phone again, we are on higher ground here, just might get through.”

“Thanks”, and he dialed his mom’s home.

“Leland” automatically answered a sleepy voice. The phone just happened to be within reached.

The connection was bad but Olivier recognized Myles’ name and voice. Did he dial the wrong number? He couldn’t have, he didn’t know Myles’ number. By then Myles was awake and had realized he wasn’t in his house. Michelle stirred beside him. He had already answered, might as well. “Hello”, he repeated, hearing lots of static.

“Myles, is that you?” having recovered from the initial shock.

“Olivier?” pretty sure it was him.

“Is mom there?”

“Yes.” Was he supposed to lie and say ‘No’ your mom is not in her house in the middle of the night but I am?

“Myles.” He was losing the signal. “Just tell mom I’m fine, OK.”

“OK. Where are you?”

Myles was sure he heard ‘mountains’ before they were cut.

* * *

“Phone is dead again”, commented Chip. “That was a long distance by the way. I will repay you.”

“Don’t worry about it. You didn’t talk very long.” Glancing toward Chip. “That was nice to let your mom know you are fine.”

“She tends to worry about me.”

“She’s supposed to, that’s her job. She’s your mother. Where does she live?”

“DC.”

“And who’s Myles?”

Chip mused over that one. When he left they were friends. Were they dating? He thought about the time difference. It would have been 5:30am over there. What was Myles doing at his … He didn’t need to find that out. He turned to Arthur who was observing him.

“I guess you could say Myles is my mom’s new boyfriend”, staring at the road in front of him, doing a very good job at hiding the grin that wanted to spread on his face.

Arthur didn’t reply. Mom should have been the one answering the phone, not the boyfriend. From Chip’s reaction, he didn’t know mom was sleeping with Myles. What a rotten way to find out? Misreading Chip’s poker face.

* * *

Myles hung up the phone and looked at the clock, 5:30am.

“Who was it?” She was just waking up, and was cuddling against him.

“Michelle I am so sorry I answered”, looking at her. “I just forgot I wasn’t …”

“Hey”, placing her fingers on his lips. “It’s OK. So … who found you in my bed?”

There just wasn’t any easy way to tell her that. “Michelle, when were you planning of telling Olivier about us?”

“I don’t know, why?” not catching on until … “Myles, tell me it wasn’t Olivier.” He reluctantly nodded. “I guess that answered your question” taking a deep breath. “That is not quite exactly what I expected would happen when I wake up with you this morning. And why did you hang up? Why did he call?” crossing her arms over his chest and resting her head there. “It’s the middle of the night there, you know. What …”

“Stop”, he pleaded pulling her on top of him and wrapping his arms around her. “He phoned from a cell, there was lots of static. He just wanted to tell you he was fine. Then the signal broke.”

“Why? Did he seem upset or in trouble?”

“No, he was very calm. He was his usual self … well … except maybe when he realised he was talking to me. That might have surprised him … a little. As why he phoned I don’t know. Did he forget anything?”

Michelle thought it over. She would check his room tomorrow …later on today. Hopefully he would phone back and explained himself. That kid sometimes was plain weird. She sighed.

“Are you OK?”

“Yes, it’s called the joy of having children. Next time he calls I will tell him about us, Myles.” She looked at the clock. “Too late to go to sleep again, too early to get up. Any idea for the next forty five minutes?”

“Maybe. Tell me …what exactly did you expect would happen when you wake up with me this morning?” grinning at her.

“I thought you would bring me breakfast in bed, of course”, teasing him. “Or maybe some French lesson?”

“French lesson in the sweet words variety?” his hands moving down her back. “I think I will take that instead of coffee to wake up this morning, please.” She traced the contour of his mouth, smiling tenderly. “This weekend, Michelle, I will make breakfast in bed for you, I promise.” They could feel the passion rising as his lips captured hers.

* * *
“Are you on your way to your dad?” asked Arthur out of the blue after riding in silence for an hour.

“No, he died in September.”

“I am very sorry.”

“Not your fault. It’s nobody fault”, sighed Chip.

They rode some more in silence.

“Have you thought about what you will do when we arrive to Spokane?”

“No really”, pondering it over. “Phone my mom. Do what she tells me to do, I guess.” A thought crossed his mind. “Do they have an airport?”

“Yes.”

“Then she will probably fly me either back to DC or to Blacksand.”

“Blacksand? Never heard of it. Why would she send you there?”

“That’s where I live.”

“Why don’t you live with her?”

“It is complicated.” He thought about Blacksand, about all the reasons why he begged his parents to leave him behind, about how close he came of losing it all last night. Something else to think over. “It is very complicated.”

Once again Arthur left it at that and drove. The kid was smart, he would figure it out.

They had crossed into Washington State and were about fifteen minutes away. It was still dark and they were driving in a wooded area on a secondary road. Suddenly out of nowhere something big jumped on the middle of the road less than three feet in front of them. Arthur swiftly veered on the right, avoiding the thing, but icy shoulder sent the truck off the road into the ditch.

Olivier moaned. His head hurt again. He forced himself to open his eyes. Olivier recoiled in his seat, terror seizing him. His breathing became rapid and shallow as he kept pushing in desperation on his jammed door. Two big yellow eyes were staring back at him while Arthur’s blood was dripping from its mouth. It lifted its paw toward Olivier and Olivier screamed, a heart-gripping dreadful scream. His mind shut down as the paw extended toward him, and darkness claimed him

* * *

Thursday Jan 3 - Blacksand, Alberta – Early evening

Lt. Colonel Paul Anderson went through his pre-flight check. He was now waiting at the end of the runway ready for take-off.

“Good to go, Colonel. Good luck”, informed him the controller.

He pushed the engine forward and the F-18 soared in the sky. Only when he reached his cruising altitude and speed did he let himself think about why he was on his way to Washington DC. He would clear the paperwork for this unauthorised trip on his way back. He needed to go see her in person. He owed it to Marc. He couldn’t delegate it to anybody and it couldn’t be done over the phone. “God have mercy’, he prayed.

* * *

Getting up for a bathroom break, Lucy heard faint knocks on the door. As she approached, a key turned inside the luck and the door slowly opened. She grabbed the closest thing she can find and almost smashed the lamp on the intruder’s head.

“Jack!” - “Lucy”

“What are you doing up, it’s two in the morning?” demanded Jack taking his boots off and putting his coat in the closet.

Lucy just stared at him totally taken back. “I live here”, finding her voice. “What are YOU doing here at two in the morning?”

“Came to see, Sue”, heading toward her bedroom with a bag in his hand.

“Hold on, Jack”, grabbing his sleeve. “ What is going on? What’s in the bag?”

“My work clothes for tomorrow”, he answered straightforward.

“No, no, no. Kitchen now. We need to talk”, and she didn’t give him a choice pulling him in.

“Lucy, let go. I miss Sue. That’s it. I was in the bullpen for a total of ten minutes in the last two days. Five minutes both mornings just to learn Garrett wasn’t back yet, spending both days in interviews and both evenings writing reports on those interviews till the middle of the night because someone want them for breakfast reading. I haven’t kissed her since Tuesday. Last time I slept with her was Saturday night.”

“Jack! You two have a serious problem. What about doing something about it?”

“Not until we talk to Garrett, I promised Sue that much.”

“What happened to going home and going to sleep then?” Lucy could see the longing for Sue in his eyes.

“That is exactly where I am going” he replied before leaving the kitchen. He didn’t see Lucy rolled her eyes, a huge grin on her face.

He slowly opened Sue’s door. Levi lifted his head.

“Here, boy”, called Jack giving Levi a dog biscuit after the dog jumped off the bed. “Now, lie down, here. Good boy.”

He stripped down keeping only his boxer and slipped under the blankets. She stirred as he pulled her toward him. He held her tight looking her in the eyes as she focused on him. “Jack”, she whispered. It was too dark for her to read his lips but she knew why he came. “Missed you, too”, she told him as his lips descended on her. Sleep reclaimed her as her head came resting on his chest. Jack caressed her some more before meeting her in his dreams.

* * *

If there was something Myles liked even less than being awakened by the phone, it was being awakened by someone knocking at the door.

“Go back to sleep, I will get it”, finding his pants. She closed her eyes.

Myles walked to the front door. An air force officer dressed in flight suit was standing in front of him. Lt. Colonel if Myles remembered his rank correctly. Canadian Air Force, correcting himself. The officer stared uncomfortably at Myles.

“My name is Lt. Colonel Paul Anderson. Am I at the residence of Michelle Bergeron?” he inquired politely. “Because if I am not I am very sorry for disturbing you at this hour.”

The man was solemn as Myles let him in.

“Myles Leland. I am …a friend of Michelle.” If Anderson thought anything of it he didn’t let on. “I will get her, please make yourself comfortable.”

“She will need all the friends she has”, he simply said which stopped Myles dead in his track, sending chill down his spine.

“Anderson”, Myles towering over the officer, glaring at him. “It better not be about Olivier.”

Sadness washed over the officer and sent Myles’ world crashing down.

* * *

Michelle instantly knew when she saw Paul standing there. She had known Paul forever, could read him like a book. He had been Marc’s best friend and best man, and he was her son’s guardian in Blacksand. He had promised her he would look after him.

She recoiled when Paul approached her. She couldn’t go through that again, not with her son. Myles forced her in the living room, made her sit beside him and securely wrapped his arms around her. The more she pushed him away the tighter he held her. “Please, not Olivier”, she barely whispered, yet the sound of her breaking heart echoed through the house louder than thunder, and she just broke down in his arms, weeping inconsolably.

“I can come back later”, offered Paul.

“No”, said Myles. They needed to know, he needed to know, hating himself for answering that phone call. His mother should have been the one to talk to him last, not Myles. “Please, tell us what happened”, Michelle nodding against his shoulder.

Paul Anderson recalled what he was told of last night events. “Coach picked Olivier at the airport and for some unknown reason he drove with him to Moose Jaw. There was an accident at a gas station, their truck colliding with a gas pump. They… didn’t survive. I am so sorry, Michelle.” Paul wished he could hold her too, but who ever that Myles was he was doing a good job.

What struck Myles wasn’t what Paul said, but what he didn’t say. You didn’t collide with a gas pump and died. It came with an explosion and people got trapped in their vehicle and they …Oh no, please … not like that. But Myles had seen too many tragedies in his line of work and on Paul’s face he could see he was right. “When …when did it happen?”

“Early morning”, grateful Myles didn’t ask more details on the accident. Paul didn’t think he could have told Michelle about the fire.

Myles closed his eyes. Had Olivier phoned just before? Was he making love to his mother while her son was …Myles was standing on the brink of insanity. “What time exactly?”

“Around 4am. Police was on the scene at 4:10am”, watching Myles intensely as he lifted his head from Michelle’s hair and stared back at Paul.

“It is not possible. Olivier phoned here at 5:30am, he wanted to tell Michelle he was fine.”

“Local time, Regina’s time”, rectified Paul. “Which means …” Understanding came simultaneously to both men. Saskatchewan was the only province that never switched time. During the summer, it was two hours early, but during the winter only one hour earlier than DC. Myles knew about it because he spent some time in Regina at the RCMP training centre.

“It means 5am here”, finished Myles. Michelle stared at Myles, afraid to hope. “Who ever died in that truck wasn’t Olivier. It could not have been, Michelle”, kissing her, so relieved. “That might have been why he called, to let you know it wasn’t him.”

“Then where is my son, Myles?” still afraid.

“Why did they think it was Olivier in the truck?’ asked Myles his FBI training kicking in. He had obviously been right when he thought they burned alive or they would have been able to correctly identify the bodies.

“Here’s everything I know. Coach picked Olivier at the airport but they never made it to the hotel. Around midnight Peter Ashton, he’s the assistant coach, was worried so he phoned coach on his cell. Coach said he was with Olivier and everything was fine. At the gas station the attendant recalled seeing a young blond man sitting in the passenger side but he didn’t see his face clearly. Coach made it out of the …”, he looked at Michelle. Her sobbing had stopped and she was attentively listening. “Out of the burning truck.” Her eyes widened in horror. “Before he died, he told the attendant to save Olivier. Also Olivier’s blue luggage was found at the scene of the crime.”

“It wasn’t Olivier”, Myles reminded her, gently. “He phoned us. It wasn’t him.” Something else was gnawing at Myles’ mind.

“So you think that somehow Coach dropped him off somewhere?” asked Paul. “You realize that phone call is the only piece that doesn’t fit in the puzzle, don’t you?”

“Yes, Paul. I do. Yet, it is the only piece that is important. It proves that Olivier is alive. Maybe Coach dropped him in the moun…” Olivier mentioned mountains, Myles was almost certain of it, yet southern Saskatchewan was flat as a pancake. “I don’t believe Olivier was with him at all.” Turning to Michelle. “You told me Olivier was born at the Chicago airport because of some snowstorm in Toronto.” She nodded. Her plane had been rerouted to Chicago instead and Olivier couldn’t wait to come out. She had him at gate 17. “Does he have his U.S. citizenship?” Please, say yes, hoped Myles. She did. “Then this is a job for the FBI. I will get the team on it right now. Where ever he is, we will find him.” She desperately wanted to believe him. “Hold on to hope, Michelle, and hold on to me. He is somewhere out there.” You better not make a liar out of me, Olivier. Please, stay safe, prayed Myles.

“And how do you plan to involve the FBI, Myles?” inquired sceptically Paul.

“I don’t believe I introduced myself properly. Agent Myles Leland the third, FBI. I will need all the information I can get from you. Also at the moment I would need you to keep our involvement secret. Investigating out of the country is always tricky.”

“I will do everything if that means finding Olivier. Show me the hoops …I will jump through them, Agent Leland.”

‘I like that guy’, thought Myles.

* * *

Myles had been reluctant to leave Michelle home by herself, but she insisted she would be fine, someone needing to stay in case Olivier phoned. And Myles wanted Paul to come with him. Myles had contacted Dimitrius first and quickly explained. D would assemble the team and meet within the hour in the bullpen. D reached everyone, some with more difficulties than others. It took forever for Jack to answer his cell but D got through and asked him to pick up Sue. So nobody was surprised to see them arrive together. Lucy wasn’t involved in those meeting so she wasn’t called.

Jack was still trying to shake the sleep from his head when they arrived in the bullpen.

“Did you at least open you eyes to drive, mate?” looking at Jack. “Don’t tell me you spent the night on those reports again.” Jack just nodded; Bobby didn’t need to know Sue drove them.

“I went to bed at 2am and it’s 3:30am. You do the math”, Jack replied looking for coffee. But it was the best hour and a half he had this week as a smile crept along.

They were sitting in the conference room. Garrett came in, as Myles was about to introduce Paul to the team.

“Were you going to start without me, Leland?”

“Yes ... I mean no …Good to see you back and congratulations”, offered Myles as the others joined in.

“Thank you all. Now could someone tell me why we are involved in the disappearance of a Canadian boy? Which I learned, by the way, from your wife, Dimitrius, as I was phoning to let you know I was back.”

“He’s an American citizen”, explained Myles.

“And he’s the team’s goalie”, added Bobby. “He’s the reason with kicked DEA and Debroso’s butt.”

“I heard”, staring in Jack and Sue’s direction. “But we will discuss that later. So please Myles, fill us in.”

So Myles told him about the various phone calls that were made by Coach, Peter Ashton and Olivier. Tara would trace them down. He mentioned in details the accident, the fire and the death of Coach and an unidentified victim.

Paul Anderson then stepped in. After learning about the tragedy, the hockey team cancelled their participation in the tournament and were currently driving home. The only incident mentioned by Peter Ashton had been the missed curfew by four of the players on Wednesday night.

When Paul mentioned four players, it brought D back to the evening he drove Olivier home. So Dimitrius shared with the team Olivier’s dilemma.

“Olivier never said anything”, said Paul, clearly upset. “You think he was referring to those four hockey players?”

“Honestly I don’t know but since hockey is the biggest part of Olivier’s life, it would seem logical that the five people would be involved in hockey somehow.”

“So, let’s speculate here, if the four bad kids are the four crooks, who’s the good guy?” asked Bobby.

“The coach”, said Sue. “He’s the only one who has the power of doing something about the bad kids.”

“Sheila, you’re good. So what do we know about Coach?” Paul shrugged. “OK. I will be working on Coach. What do we know about the four kids?”

“I didn’t ask Peter who they were”, admitted Paul. “But that would be easy to find out. Could there be a connection between the four and Olivier’s disappearance?”

“It is just too convenient for not to be a connection”, stated Jack. “So how do we investigate that one? It seems to me the road leads us back to Blacksand.”

Paul and Myles exchanged a glance. “Paul and I discussed it on our way here. Paul doesn’t think the people of Blacksand would take kindly to FBI agents snooping around and questioning kids”

“Can’t blame the Canucks, wouldn’t want foreigners snooping around my backyard either”, said bluntly Bobby. “We could send someone undercover”, looking in Sue and Jack’s direction. “Paul, can you help us there?”

“I just happen to need a new weapon instructor, the hockey team needs a new coach and a guy under my command just moved in with his two deaf children who need a teacher”, declared Paul.

“What a coincidence? I know the perfect couple for you, mate”, grinning ear to ear, and Jack rolling his eyes.

“Any or all of the above, I can arrange”, continued Paul, having the distinct impression he was missing on some inside joke. “I can also arrange for housing. But there’s a catch. I need a two-months commitment.”

All eyes turned to Garrett. “You expect me to commit two of my agents for two months even if we find that kid tomorrow?”

“Yes, any other way would rise suspicion”, confirmed Myles. “I believe the clues to Olivier’s disappearance lay in his hockey team.” He took a deep breath. “We need to find him, Ted”, trying to keep desperation out of his voice. “I will go myself if I have too.”

“What are you not telling me, Myles? I heard about the hockey game and a kid you recruited. But who is he to you? The truth, please.”

“He is the son of the woman I love”, he answered without hesitation. “Which makes him … my son. And I will do everything to find him.”

“I see”, pondering the implication. “I will authorize it at two conditions. First, it will be a voluntary assignment. Second, if that case effects your judgement, you will step away from it, do I make myself clear, agent Leland?”

“Perfectly.”

“Ted, could Sue and I have a word with you in private please?” eyebrows rising everywhere.

“Anything to do with the rumours following the infamous game against DEA?” How come Garrett knew about it was everyone’s guess. “From your expressions I would say yes. I see a few options here for you. First, the rumours are total fabrication. Second, you were practising in anticipation of volunteering for this undercover assignment, giving me two months to find a loophole to keep you together. Or third, there is some truth to the rumours, forcing me to deal with you right now. I would be partial to number two if I were you.”

Jack and Sue looked at each other. “Number two.”

“Good. I believe I will go home now since everything seems to be under control.”

* * *

At the hospital, the teenager had been mistaken for the grandson of the man he was driving with. But that man had died in the crash and the teenager hadn’t. The man’s son had showed compassion at the hospital for the lost teenager and him and his wife had decided to take him in until he regained his memory instead of sending him to Social Service. Jim and Martha Mercer were nice. Long time ago they had a son named Aaron but he died of cancer. Aaron would have been his age, had he survived. The teenager needed to find himself a name.

* * *

Paul, Sue and Jack went through the details, she would need to leave Levi behind but Lucy would take care of him. They would fly in tomorrow, while Paul would be going back tonight after sleeping the rest of the day. Paul would be their liaison; nobody else would know they were FBI agents, not even Paul’s wife, Christine. They would keep their identity except for Sue who would become Hudson. Satisfied Paul left. Sue and Jack went home and packed. They would come back at the end of the day for a final update. Their plane was leaving at 5am.

Dimitrius spent the day searching hospitals, shelters, and morgues for any young man matching Olivier description, extending his search to all the mid and western States and the four western Provinces. So far nothing. He also tried to get a DNA testing done on the unidentified victim with Coach but there wasn’t anything left to do DNA testing on.

Bobby had been more successful. Coach’s name was Rinaldo Goula. At fifteen, Rinaldo and a twenty-two years old Gil Hanney tried to rob a convenient store in Oshawa, Ontario, both were high on drugs at that time. Hanney was armed with a gun, Rinaldo with a knife. A cop and a kid were shot. Hanney was serving a life sentence, but Rinaldo got sent into a rehab centre. At eighteen, he got a clean start. He had lived an exemplary life after that. So Coach was probably their bad guy turned good guy.

“Guys” said Tara, excited. “Found something. More than one thing, actually. Fifteen minutes after Olivier phoned his mom from the airport, Coach received a call on his cell from The Tropical Hotel, in Helena, which is a block away from where the hockey team was staying. And that phone call Olivier made to his mom at 5:30am came from a disposable phone who hasn’t shown any activity ever since. Couldn’t tell where it originated from though. But I flagged it, if someone uses it, it will trace it back.”

“Any chance you would have the phone number for that Tropical Hotel handy?”

“I thought you would never ask, D”, giving him a piece of paper.

After talking to three different persons D was told to call back in the evening for the night employees. He added Tropical Hotel to his To Do list for tonight.

Myles went back to Michelle’s house late in the morning. He found her lying on the bed, traces of tears still fresh on her face, fast asleep. He pulled a blanket over her before going to the living room where he rigged the phone line. Any phone call would be traced back. ‘Next time you call, Olivier, we will be ready’, thought Myles.

* * *

Jack was done packing. Someone knocked and Jack let Bobby in.

“Ready to go, mate?”

“As much as I will be.”

“Make sure you’re back for Easter. I have a job for you.”

“What are you planning on getting me into this time, Bobby?”

“I thought you could keep me company at the altar while Darcy walks down this aisle. Make sure I don’t change my mind.” Jack was grinning as much as he was himself.

“Bobby, it will be an honour.”

“It means a lot, Jack. I will miss you, mate. Two months. The bullpen won’t be the same without you and Sue. Want me to drive you two at the airport? I can borrow a van or a truck”, looking at the three duffel bags and the hockey bag that were taking space in the living room.

“We need to be at the airport at 3:30am, Bobby.”

“No problem.” He paused. “But you could actually make my life easier.”

“Name it.”

“It would be faster if I had only one stop to make, mate. Any chance the Mrs could be waiting here as well?” refraining from grinning this time. “I am dead serious, Jack.”

Jack realised it made sense. “Sue will be here. How about 2:45am?” Bobby nodded. “Thanks.”

Jack didn’t see Bobby’s smile as he left the apartment building.

* * *

D talked to five more employees before he finally found the man who talked to Coach. Yes, the man remembered exactly what happened. He gave him the name of another hotel. Another dozen employees later, D found the right man again and D could tell from the tone in his voice that he was pissed off. Donna found him minutes later. He knew he would end up in the doghouse for bring his work home, but this time he couldn’t help it. She wrapped her hands around him and kissed him softly. “Take all the time you need.” He caught her arm as she was leaving and gave her a puzzled look. “D, that case already hit home. The best you can do is find Olivier. But if you could spare a few minutes, there’s a heartbroken girl in her room. She could use some reassurance from her father.” Moments like that reminded him how strong their love was. He nodded and whispered, “Thank you.”

Jack was in Sue’s bedroom, staring with amusement when his cell rang. It was D.

“Jack, sorry to bother you late.” It was 10:00pm. “That phone call made from The Tropical Hotel.” Jack acknowledged. “Try to follow me here. There are two hotels, a block away from each other. The Tropical Hotel and The Tropicana motel. Originally the team booked at the Tropical, but somehow, ended up at the Tropicana instead, something to do with double booking. The clerk at the Tropical received a call from a third motel named Golden Palace who thought the team was staying there. So he relayed the message to Coach.”

“Because he had Coach’s cell number on file since the team was supposed to stay there”, finished Jack. “So far I follow.”

“Golden Palace had four unwanted guests and wanted Coach to pick them up.”

“The four players. So Coach stopped by the Golden Palace first with Olivier.”

“Correct, Jack. The manager saw Coach coming out of the truck and clearly remembered someone in the passenger seat. The manager got really mad when about fifteen minutes later he saw Coach leave with a man instead of the four players. He thinks the man was a dealer, medium height, light frame, early twenties and blond short hair. He had seen him before but not ever since. He said the man pushed the passenger in the middle and the three drove away.”

“That mystery man could be our ash victim. And those four players probably know who he is. What happened to them?”

“The manager found drugs in the room and kicked them out in the street. After that he doesn’t know and doesn’t care. Now Tanya also told me that Olivier knew some players were doing illegal stuff and he was trying to find a way of stopping them. Problem was one of them had a powerful rich dad. Which means …”

“Those four will be hard to intimidate. Got it. I will thread on thin ice.”

“I believe, Jack, that ice is frozen solid at that time of year in Blacksand. Have a nice trip.”

Sue was sitting on her bed defeated. There was no way she could fit everything she needed to take with her in three duffel bags. The amused smile returned on Jack’s lips. “It’s not funny”, she said.

“Want me to help you cut the unnecessary items?”

“Tell me about that phone call, first.” He did. “So you think Coach just dropped Chip somewhere before ending up at that gas station”, staring at her hockey bag. She could squeeze some clothes in there as well.

“But why did they find Chip’s luggage at the gas station?”

“Not his hockey bag, Jack. There is just so much he could carry. If he had a choice between leaving with his gears or his luggage, what would he choose?” They both knew the answer was his gears. But where did that lead them?

“You need to finish packing. There’s somewhere I need to take you at midnight.” He had mentioned Bobby’s plan and she saw the wisdom in it as well. It wasn’t like they would have time to misbehave anyway. “But first you need some encouragement”, and he pulled her up to him and found her lips. The kiss deepened, and the room faded around …

“Jack!”

Jack suddenly pulling away startled Sue. She looked at him then followed his gaze. Lucy was in the doorway.

“The plane won’t be waiting for you, guys. Could you stay focus more than five minutes?” leaving behind two astounded people. ‘I give them a week’, thought Lucy ‘before they cannot resist solving their little problem …nah …make it three days … at the most.’ She smiled. ‘I have to start looking for a new roommate.'

* * *

How she managed it? Jack will never know. He just knew her four bags were heavier than his as he went down the stairs. She had tears in her eyes when she left the apartment with him. Who she was going to miss the most, Lucy or Levi? He didn’t know, nor would he ever ask.

They stopped in front of the little church she goes every Sunday she can. The minister was waiting for them. “Sue, Jack, come in.” Sue looked at Jack, confused. “Jack didn’t explain, did he?” laughed the minister seeing her expression. “Jack asked me to give the two of you my blessings before your departure.”

Tears filled her eyes as Jack’s love filled her heart.

“Sue, I would very much like to have God’s blessing to be with you. I love you so much”, speaking softly from his heart.

“Yes … I would like that, too”, emotion chocking her. “Jack … when we get back … could we get married here?”

“Yes, my love”, he answered overjoyed, taking her in his arms, before he remembered where he stood. He turned toward the man of God. “Would you marry us on our return?”

“Of course, I will”, leading them to the altar. “We do have to make it official in front of mankind you know”, not quite teasing them, as they knelt down, holding hands, in front of God.

* * *

Myles made some calls to D and Bobby in the afternoon, but never went back to work. How long had he been musing? He didn’t know. In order to know, he would need to check his watch, and he didn’t feel like lifting his arm or turning his head in that direction. His mind kept going back to his short conversation with Olivier. Had he missed something? Olivier didn’t seem scared or panicky, annoyed maybe at the end. He never heard her and was startled when her arms wrapped around his chest from behind him. He pulled her around the big chair and she sat on his lap resting her head on his chest, secured in his arms, wearing only a long t-shirt.

“Were you thinking about Olivier?”

“Yes, his phone call. Wondering if I missed something. Wishing you answered it.”

“Why?” looking at him with a mix of love and pain in her eyes.

“It’s just …those long terrible minutes when we thought he was gone, I felt so guilty. Guilty of loving you while …”

“Shhh…” placing her fingers on his lips. “It wasn’t him, Myles.” She kissed him and he responded gently before she pulled away. “ I thought about it all morning, Myles. And for a while I felt guilty, too. Then I remembered if you had not been there and I had answered, I would never have paid attention at what time it was. Then Paul would have come and told me my son was gone. And nobody would have been here to help me. And I would be alone arrang…”

It was his turn to quiet her down. She made her point. “It’s OK, Michelle. I am not going anywhere. We will make it through.”

“Myles, you saw so many things in your job. Do …do you …really believe we will find him?”

“Yes I do Michelle. I do believe, I have to believe … because I wouldn’t be able to do that job if I didn’t.”

“Will you be able to tell me what is happening?”

“I am not supposed to, but I promise not to keep you in the dark.”

“Thank you.”

They stayed there in silent as the sun went down. Dinner was forgotten. As she was drifting to sleep he carried her to the bedroom. She woke up as he lied her down. He got undressed and joined her, taking her in his arms, wanting to making love to her, to erase the pain but unsure, until she whispered to him. A mixture of French and English words. She needed him, as much as he needed her, and gently, ever so gently he loved her.

She was asleep against him. He was stroking her hair, wondering what he did to deserve such an amazing woman. Myles’ mind drifted to her husband. He had not allowed himself to think about him when he was in her bedroom before. She didn’t keep any picture of him, he didn’t know what Marc looked like but imagined an older version of Olivier. Myles knew some people believed in the power of prayer. He had always been a pragmatic man, not much of a spiritual one. He knew Sue believed and suspected Michelle did to. The kind of strength she displayed couldn’t be explained any other way. He guessed that was enough for him. ‘Marc, if you’re up there, please, keep your son save until we find him.’

* * *

It has been four days since the accident and the teenager was frustrated. He still couldn’t remember anything. He was now known in the small town as Aaron Mercer, the identity the hospital had given him, the identity of Jim and Martha’s son, except everyone thought he was a distant relative. Jim and Martha never called him Aaron, they just couldn’t and the teenager didn’t expect them too either. Jim was off and he took the teenager to the rink. The local team needed a goalie and the coach was Charley, a good friend of Jim. As soon as he stepped on the ice, the teenager knew he was home. He stretched knowing what exercise to do to get to the right muscle. He stepped in front of the net and took shots after shots, cutting his angles, regaining his position, controlling rebounds, listening to Charley’s instructions. Charley was impressed, the kid knew what he was doing and Charley wanted him back for more. The teenager agreed. That night, dreams of past hockey games came back to him. He returned the next day two hours early and got his equipment on. He then stood in the stands and watched little kids practice. Jim was watching from a distance. When the coach started yelling at the little goalie because he kept falling, the teenager jumped on the ice and gave the coach a piece of his mind.

“If you’re so smart, he’s yours. Show him how to skate or get out of my rink.”

So the teenager did exactly what the coach didn’t expect and took the little goalie under his wing.

“What’s your name?” the teenager asked the sad little kid.

“Timmy.”

“OK, Timmy. Let’s see what we can do for you”, taking him aside at one end of the ice. And the teenager patiently started teaching the little kid how to skate with all that equipment on. “You did real good, Timmy, today.”

“Can you come back?” Timmy asked hopeful.

“Yes, I will.”

“What’s your name?”

“I will tell you next time, Timmy.” And Timmy left with a smile.

The teenager then went through his own practice, having the distinct feeling that his old life was very similar to what he experienced on the ice today. Charley had a proposition for him since his regular goalie was injured and couldn’t be back for a month. He wanted the teenager to come with the team to a tournament in Calgary, Alberta, ten days later. It would be a full day bus drive but it should be fun. The teenager said he would tell him tomorrow at the practice.

Jim found the teenager musing in his bedroom as he called him for dinner. The teenager was looking at a picture of Aaron. On it, Aaron was about six and feeding a chipmunk.

“Aaron loved chipmunk”, said Jim with misty eyes. “Very resourceful little creature, never stop working, never mutter a sound. A bit like you, boy.”

“Chipmunk, chip…” The teenager paused. “Chip, please, call me Chip.”

“Chip. Yah. Chip, suits you. So you want to go to that tournament, Chip?”

“Yah, I would like to. But don’t I need a passport or something to cross the border into Canada?”

“Charley and I talked about it. You could use Aaron birth certificate. Martha and I are fine with it. I can see your memory is being jogged at the rink. That trip will be good for you. It will bring back more.”

“Thank you, Jim.”

“You’re welcome, Chip.”

* * *

After four planes and a helicopter ride from Paul Anderson, the Hudson’s arrived in Blacksand around eight in the evening. Paul loaded their entire luggage in his SUV and drove them to their new home. They stopped in front of a two-storey bungalow with a garage. Paul helped them with their luggage and gave them two sets of keys, each including a key for the house and a key for the SUV parked in the garage.

“Christine did a small grocery for you and there are towels, sheets, blankets and pillows in the closet along with toiletry items in the bathroom.”

“Thanks to you and your wife” said Sue.

“You’re welcome. Tomorrow night we would like to enjoy your company for dinner. Christine is looking forward to meet you. And I took the liberty of inviting Carl and Ronda Shiver, the parents of the two children you will be teaching.”

“Jack and I will be there. At what time would you like us?”

“Around six, and until then the time is all yours. Jack, after dinner tomorrow I will review your work schedule and hockey practices.”

“Sounds perfect. Thanks for all the leg work you did, Paul.”

“Jack, I am not forgetting why I am doing it. Anything new?”

“No, but nothing bad either. We will find him.”

“Yah …I put my address and phone number on a piece of paper on the kitchen table. Phone anytime. Good night.

After Paul left, they toured the house. It was fully furnished. On the first floor, there was a kitchen with a table and four chairs, a living room with a couch, a reclining chair, two coffee tables and a gas fireplace, and at the back there was an office set up with a computer desk and a few chairs, and finally a full bathroom. Off the bathroom there were steep narrow stairs that went upstairs ending in front of a closet. On each side two bedrooms opened up, one with a single bed, a rocking chair and a dresser, the other with a queen size bed, two dressers, a night table and a fireplace.

* * *

“I could fall asleep just staring at that bed”, commented Jack, exhaustion creeping in. “What if you make the bed and I get those bags up?”

“You think you could give me a kiss before we do that?” moving closer to him.

“That Mrs Hudson, is something I will never refuse”, giving her an instant demonstration.

Sue found everything she needed in the closet at the top of the stairs. After the sheets she added three blankets. That should do, she thought, and there was the fireplace they could always turn on.

Jack left the two hockey bags in the living room, tomorrow he would take care of them, and was getting the last duffel bag up. He dropped it beside the others, two of which were already opened. He found Sue in the small bedroom.

“If I were you”, he said turning her to him. “I wouldn’t be wasting my time making that small bed.”

“I wasn’t planning to”, she murmured, blushing. “I was looking at the dresser.” Jack looked at the dresser, it was an ordinary white dresser, then looked back at her somewhat confused. “I may have to put some stuff in here as well.”

“Tomorrow we can unpack. And I will move it into our room if you need it”, which you probably will with all the clothes you brought, thought Jack amused. What was it with women and clothes anyway? “But right now there’s abed calling my name.”

“Really? I don’t hear it”, teased Sue. “Go get ready. I need to find a few things in the bag first.”

When Jack came out of the bathroom, Sue was standing by the door. He did a final check of the first floor, turning the thermostat down before going upstairs. He turned the fireplace on and lied in bed. He felt so good to rest his head on the pillow after hardly having any sleep in the past three days. He was fast asleep when, minutes later, Sue cuddled against him.

Twelve uninterrupted hours later, he woke up and took on his surroundings. It was warm and cosy in the bedroom. He smiled at the love of his life, asleep on his chest, wearing only her hockey jersey.

* * *

Sue opened her eyes and smiled back.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are in the morning?” before kissing her.

‘A few times in the last few weeks’, she remembered with happiness, while returning his kiss. He pulled her on top of him, his hands caressing her back under the jersey. Passion was rising inside them.

“Sue” he whispered, breaking the kiss, looking into her eyes, love, trust and desire looking back at him. “Sue, I…I need to know we are doing the right thing.” He wasn’t sure who he surprised the most, her or himself. “When I asked for God’s blessing I wanted to show you my commitment, to make it right to love you because I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist you once we were here alone.”

“But you wonder if this is enough?” understanding shining in her eyes. He nodded. “Jack, I always wanted it to be special. What you did that night was so very special. And what you are telling me this morning is even more precious. I have giving you my heart, Jack and I know I carry yours inside me. I like to believe that in God’s eyes it makes me your wife. And on our return, we will make it official.”

“Would you have married me then and there, had I asked?” regretting not having to.

“Yes”, she whispered. “And I …I almost suggested it”, smiling. “Please, Jack, no regrets, life is too short.”

“You are an amazing woman, have I ever mentioned that as well? And I love you so very much, too.” He kissed her so softly to begin with until the kiss took a life of its own, his hands resuming their exploration under the jersey. Sue’s expression turned to confusion as he abruptly stopped. “Someone’s at the door”, reluctantly getting up. He grabbed his pants before going down.

A young boy, all bundled up, was standing in front of the door, a shovel in his hand. “Want me to do your driveway for $5?” he asked optimistic.

Jack looked outside. It snowed a couple inches last night. “What your name?”

“Ritchie, sir.”

“Well, Ritchie, I will make a deal with you”, says Jack smiling. “If you clear the sidewalk and the stairs as well and do a good job, I will give you $10.”

“Deal”, and the boy went to work.

I could have given you $20 for not interrupting, thought Jack, shaking his head. He closed the door it was chilly outside, and it was chilly on the first floor. He cranked the heat up. It was a programmable thermostat; he would set it up so it went down at night and up before they got out of bed in the morning. With the fireplace in their room there was no point into wasting heat. He put that on his To Do list. And at the top of his To Do list, just under connecting blackberry, he added rigging the doorbell to warning lights inside the house.

“Who was it?’ Sue asked from the last step down.

“A young entrepreneur”, and explaining. “I think he’s related to Bobby”, which made her laugh. “So you know I would have done the driveway myself, but he was very convincing.”

“Right”, laughing harder. “Then maybe you can make coffee while I prepare breakfast instead.”

Coffee was good, breakfast was delicious and little Ritchie did a very good job.

They left the house at four o’clock wanting to drive around town, Jack needing to stop at a hardware store to pick some parts for his doorbell project. The blackberry was installed. The thermostat set. The hockey bags were taken downstairs in the basement, which prompted Jack to tell Sue he found the washer and dryer. All the duffel bags were emptied. The dresser from the little room wasn’t moved but it was full of clothes, Sue’s clothes.

The town wasn’t very big and after driving for an hour they practically knew their way around. The temperature had been dropping steadily all day, going from –20C (-5F) in the morning to –28C (-20F) by the time they made it to Paul. Their parked their grey SUV in the street, a green car already in the driveway. They hurried inside.

* * *

Christine Anderson was very nice and so funny, Sue liked her right away, she reminded her of Lucy. Carl and Ronda Shiver were a charming couple who were trying to make the best of a hard situation. Sue got to meet Travis 5 and Sophia 3 and fell in love with them right away. Travis ASL was good, but Sophia was just beginning to learn and the Shiver had been very distressed when they moved here that the children wouldn’t get the help they needed. They had a teacher but she moved over Christmas so they were grateful for Sue’s presence until a permanent one could be found.

As dinner was served a tall and lanky teenager appeared out of nowhere.

“Food”, explained Paul. “Gets him out of his room every time. This is my son, Ben.”

“Hi Ben. I’m Jack Hudson and my wife, Sue.”

“Hello, Ben, nice meeting you. You will have to look at me when you speak because I am deaf and I read lips”, he reminded her of Olivier, was Olivier’s best friend, and sadness stirred inside her.

“Cool”, he said looking at her and turning to Jack. “Are you my new coach?”

“Yes, that would be me. Any advice to give me?”

“Beside the team is cursed?”

“Ben”, warned his dad.

“Sorry, you will find out soon enough”, he said without enthusiasm.

Travis was ‘speaking’ animatedly with Sue and Sophia was trying to follow. Jack was impressed. His ASL was getting better, and while he could follow the little girl, he was lost when it came to Travis. Their parents were fluent as well. Travis was in kindergarten between 9am and 11am. Sue would go with him to school everyday. She would then spend an hour between 1pm and 2pm with Sophia every afternoon.

They were halfway through dinner when the doorbell rang. Paul stood up and came back followed by a kind man carrying a duffel bag.

“Sorry to intrude, Christine”, he apologized to the hostess. “But my helicopter ride got cancelled. I guess it wasn’t in God’s plan to send me home tonight.”

“You’re always welcome here, Father”, she replied. “Please, join us for dinner”, setting up a place at the table as she spoke.

“Yes, Father”, said Paul teasingly. “I’m sure God had a very good reason for keeping you here one more night …beside freezing you to death.” The kind man rolled his eyes. “Everyone, this is Father Ryan. Father”, going around the table. “ Capt Carl Shiver, one of my pilot, his wife Ronda, their two kids, Travis and little Sophia, our new weapon instructor Jack Hudson and his wife Sue.”

Conversation resumed, turning eventually to Jack’s work. His schedule would run from 8:30am to 2:30pm everyday, occasionally including a few hours during the weekend. His hockey team had ice practice scheduled on Monday from 3:30 to 5:30pm, and Thursday morning from 5:30 to 7:30am, and one weight training session on Wednesday between 3:30 and 5:30pm, a certified trainer would be there as well. Jack was looking forward to meet the players and start his new career.

The Shiver left early, bedtime already past for the children. Sue would meet Travis at school the next morning. Ben excused himself, he had homework to finish. The three men took their conversation into the den while Sue was more than happy to help Christine with the dishes, and to be given a chance to get to know her better.

Around 9:30, the Hudson returned home and Jack made sure he parked the SUV in the garage. He wanted the vehicle to start in the morning. They snuggled on the couch in front of the fireplace discussing their plan for tomorrow. Sue would keep the SUV, dropping Jack off and picking him up at the end of his day. She could then decide if she wanted to accompany him at the practice or not.

“They are all very nice people, but I could sense Ben’s disillusion”, said Sue sadly.

“Yes, you could hear it in his voice as well. His best friend is missing, it is hard. I have a feeling the team will be gloomy. The door”, standing up. Jack opened the door and let Paul and Father Ryan in.

“Hello, again, young lady”, said the kind voice of father Ryan, looking at her. “I heard my services were required.”

Sue gazed at Jack and a smile spread on her face like a butterfly opening his wing to the breeze before rising in the sky.

“Would you marry me here tonight?” asked Jack taking her hands into his, not missing the second chance that was giving to him.

“Yes, Jack. I would love to.”

In front of the fireplace with Paul as their witness, their destiny was united.

* * *

Father Ryan would pray for the safe return of the boy and would keep the identity of the two FBI agents between him and God. Jack and Sue thank them and they left, but not before one last remark Paul made. Jack turned to his new wife.

“What about we catch up where we left this morning Mrs Hudson?” taking her in his arms.

“One condition, Jack.” He frowned. “Promise me that if something rings you won’t answer”, she finished mischievously.

“Scout honour. Should the fire detector come on and the house burn down, I promise not to leave that bed until I loved every inch of you”, which got him a slap on the chest from his profusely blushing wife. “I will lock here and meet you upstairs”, he told her after one more kiss.

The only light in the bedroom came from the fireplace. The blankets were pulled down but the bed was empty. Jack saw Sue standing by the window staring outside. Jack admired her profile. Golden highlights were playing in her hair, her hockey jersey three sizes too big was loose on her shoulder and barely covering her thigh, leaving her long legs exposed. She had a peaceful almost angelic smile on her lips. He could tell she was aware of his presence. He came to her brushing a lock of her hair from her shoulder, kissing the soft skin at the base of her neck, sending shiver through her entire body.

“Look Jack! It’s so beautiful”, she whispered, mesmerized by the sight. He followed her gaze in the sky and gasped. He wrapped his arms around her waist, his cheek brushing her cheek as he watched Heaven’s best show of arts. The lights were dancing a very intricate and sensual dance, moving in the sky along an unheard music harmoniously changing shape and colour, from blue pastel to emerald sea to bright fuchsia to deep purple to any shade in between.

“They say”, moving sideways so she can read him. “That if you’re in the Arctic Circle in total silence, you can hear them sing.”

“I believe it, Jack, because I can hear them through my eyes”, looking at her new husband with eyes as dazzling as the northern lights. “I love you”, she whispered as their lips touched. He carried her to the bed, leaving his clothes behind as he joined her. He tenderly took her in his arms, kissing her gently, any sense of urgency gone. They let passion and desire wash over, their touch overwhelming their senses until their bodies merged and their soul touched.

* * *

She was resting over him, her breathing slowing down, gazing lovingly at him, his eyes reflecting the same emotions.

“I love you, too”, barely above a whisper knowing she would understand him.

“We are home, Jack.” She said and her eyes lost their focus for a while before coming back to him. “We are where we are supposed to be.” Confusion crossed his eyes. “Jack, I know we will find Olivier …just not how we think we will.”

“You realize you mystify me sometimes Mrs Hudson.”

“Only sometimes?” teasing him when a thought crossed her mind. “What did Paul tell you when he left?” which made Jack chuckled. “Share, please.”

“He said he didn’t recall Garrett mentioning marriage in any of the options he gave us”, which made her chuckled as well. “Any chance you can keep it from Lucy for the next two months?” She lowered her head on his chest, an enigmatic smile on her face, and closed her eyes.

“Didn’t think so either, my love”, kissing her hair before joining her.

* * *

When they left that morning it was so cold at –40 C or F, there was ice fog. For the first time Sue was grateful Levi wasn’t with her. The poor dog would be miserable.

Jack’s first day was uneventful. As an ex-sniper he knew weapons in and out. So teaching people how to use and care for them wasn’t a challenge. On the other hand, his first hockey practice was interesting.

First, Jack had lunch with Peter Ashton, the assistant coach. They went over the roster, Peter commenting on every player. Since Jack wasn’t supposed to know about any of them he had to be careful which question he asked. So Jack casually mentioned some problem his previous team encounter with drugs. Peter drummed his fingers. Jack insisted on knowing if it should be of concern here or not. Peter admitted that he knew of four players who were users and heard rumours of a few more. His personnel opinion was that kind of players shouldn’t belong on his team, but he wasn’t the coach, and the previous coach chose not to address the issue. The moral was low since their goalie’s disappearance. Olivier Bergeron was their best goalie and the players missed him. Peter described him as hard-working, quiet, well liked and respected guy.

Jack waited on the ice for the players. Tara would have found Eeyore in Winnie the pooh merrier than his entire team. Sadly Jack could see real talent but the players were depressed and disillusioned. It was such a contrast with the funny Chip that played with them in DC. Jack shook the thought. The only goalie left was simply going through the motion, and the players weren’t making any effort. But the worse were the four players Peter singled out. They showed total lack of respect and disregard for authority figures, and no empathy for the rest of the team. By the end of the practice Jack was ready to kick them out. From the stand, Sue got the same feeling than Jack.

Sue brought two hot chocolate in the living room and cuddled against Jack in front of the fireplace. She could tell he was musing.

“Want to share?” sipping her drink.

“How do I get their interest back, Sue? How do I get them to love the game again? It is more than Olivier not being there. It’s the whole atmosphere.”

“Change the air completely.”

A thought somewhat extreme crossed his mind. He wondered if that broke some personal privacy issue. Paul would know. Sue watched as Jack spoke with Paul. From the look on Jack’s face Paul was with him.

“Paul will contact the President of the association and call back.”

“I’m impressed but you may end up with the shortest career ever as a coach.”

“That’s a chance I am willing to take. Desperate time, desperate measure. Something else Peter mentioned, a tournament in Calgary in two weeks. I hope you will come with me.”

“Wouldn’t miss it. Just tell me Calgary is warmer than here.”

“I honestly don’t know, but I promise to keep you all toasty.”

“And how are you planning to do that?”

“Let’s see”, taking away her cup and put it on the table. “I can take you in my arms like that. Then move my hands over here.”

“Jack!”

“Then kiss you, so you stop shouting at me”, as he captured her lips.

There was a Jack-couch combination she just couldn’t resist.

* * *

Paul ended up phoning a couple hours later right after they went to bed. The association backed him up but with a warning to better finish what he started, no half measure. Paul put Jack in touch with the people in charge of the laboratory side of it. Jack hung up with a satisfied smile.

“You will make enemies, Jack.”

“Comes with the territory.” pulling her on his chest so she could read him easily. “Did you get a hold of Bobby or D today?”

“Yes, talked to D. Nothing new. Olivier just vanished. D thinks that maybe he’s trying to make it back on his own. But then he would have phoned again, wouldn’t he?”

“Weren’t you the one who told me last night we were going to find him?” She could tell he was offering words of comfort, not teasing her. “Sue, you see things I cannot. You have faith, make me believe. What am I missing?”

“I believe Olivier is alive. We would have found him by now if he wasn’t, wouldn’t we?” Jack agreed. In that job you tended to find dead people faster than live one. “And I think D is right, that Olivier is trying to make it back. But he is trapped somewhere. It just makes sense to me and from what I know of Olivier, it fits him.”

“So how do we find him?”

“That’s just it, Jack. I don’t think we can. He has to find us. The local authority won’t help. They have so many cases of reported missing kids that a teenager who phones home to say he’s fine is not at the top of their priority list. D said that Bobby was very frustrated over that one. And …Myles went to see Garrett and asked to be pulled off the case this afternoon.” Jack simply sighed. “According to D, he doesn’t leave Michelle’s side anymore.”

“She lost her husband and now her only child is missing, I cannot imagine what she is going through, nor do I ever want to.” He stroke Sue’s silky hair. “When we have children I am never letting them out of my sight”, knowing as he said it that there were things he wouldn’t be able to protect them from, that at one point he would need to let them grow up and fly on their own, just like Michelle did. She had been doing such a good job with Olivier, it wasn’t her fault, it was bad luck. But Jack would be damned if he didn’t try anyway.

* * *

Chip asked Martha to drive him to the rink later afternoon. He didn’t have a practice but little Timmy did and he had a promise to keep. He put his gears on and saw a relieved smile on Timmy’s face as soon as the little kid saw him.

“Ready to try again?” Timmy nodded eagerly. “First, I will show to stretch a bit so you don’t get hurt OK. Sit on the ice like me.”

“You said you would tell me your name?” as Timmy followed the teenager’s instruction.

“It’s Chip. My name is Chip. Now stand up …we have to work on the stand up part. On your knee first …” Once Timmy got faster at getting up and down they went back at skating forward and backward. Poor Timmy could hardly walk once Chip was done with him yet he had that huge grin on his face as he went into the dressing room.

Jim had been watching most of the practice. He went home after work and came here once Martha told him Chip was at the rink. “He will sleep well tonight”, commented Jim.

“He works very hard”, agreed Chip. “I will be ready in fifteen minutes, Jim.”

Chip took off his only jersey and put it in his bag. In his mind he kept seeing a jersey with Chip at the back. He shook it off, and finished getting undressed.

“When you took Timmy aside after he got yelled at the other day”, said Jim as they were driving home. “You impressed lots of people, Chip. Including myself.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” nodding in appreciation.

“Because you promised Timmy to come back, and you needed to find out if you kept your promise for yourself or for my benefit because I was proud of you.”

Chip thought that one over. “So I am a reliable guy?”

“I believe you are more than that, Chip, much more. The way you act with Timmy. It’s natural. It also shows strength of character. You either had a great influence to learn from or a bad one. Either way you chose to grow from that experience. I like to think Aaron would have done the same.”

“Do you think I ran away?”

“No, I don’t.”

“So how come nobody is looking for me?” He sighed. “Did my parents forget about me?”

“Parents never forget, Chip. Trust me, there isn’t a single day that goes by that they don’t think about their children.”

“I’m sorry, Jim”, seeing Jim’s misty eyes.

“It’s fine. As long as we remember him, he’s still alive in our heart. You know maybe your parents don’t know you’re missing. Maybe you were on a trip, or a camp, and you’re not supposed to be back yet. Tell me what you dreamed of last night.”

So Chip described a blond, redhead lady, a man with dark hair but no face, planes but not ordinary planes, more like fighter planes, more hockey stuff including a blue jersey with Chip on the back.

* * *

“First, I want to go through a few details with you, gentlemen” started Jack addressing his players before their weight training session at the gym. “I decided to make some changes on how that team is running. “Peter Ashton was also present but unaware of Jack’s intention. “Sergie, here, will remain your weight instructor but meet Hal”, pointing at a bulking dark man in the corner. “He will be in charge of the bottle station. When he calls your name you go with him, and he will call everybody’s name every Wednesday.”

“And what is the bottle station?” asked Seth, a defenseman.

“That is where you pee in a bottle so we can screen you for illegal drugs use”, explained Jack.

The players’ jaws dropped down and their eyes came out as round as saucer.

“You cannot make us”, defied Brewster.

“You’re right I cannot. But anybody leaving this building before being testing is automatically cut from my team.” The players were staring at each other. “The door is there, anybody wishing to do so is free to go.” Nobody moved. “Then Hal will call your name one at a time. Before we start, in case some of you are thinking about cheating, Hal stays with you till the process is completed.”

“He’s watching us pee!!!” exclaimed Todd, another defenseman.

“That’s my job”, informed them Hal. “And they pay me very well for doing it.”

“You won’t get away with it”, warned Brewster. “I am not doing it.”

“Fine, you’re cut. Go home. Now for the rest of you”, ignoring Brewster who was standing by the door. “Here’s what is going to happen if your test comes back positive. First offence, you get two choices, get help or get out. Second offence, get out. You all know how to count to two”, making eye contact with every player. “Good, because at two, you’re out. No exception. Any question?” The door slammed behind Brewster.

“Coach, what if …what if I don’t need to go?” asked a shy Mel, a forward.

“Hal is a very patient man. You don’t leave till you go. I suggest drinking.” In his peripheral vision, Jack could see Peter Ashton grinning.

That day the fifteen remaining players went home slightly flushed, leaving behind fifteen bottles that were sent directly to the lab.

* * *

As soon as the temperature began to climb, the snow started to fall and combined with the heavy wind, Jack could barely make out the houses across the street. Perfect condition for a quiet romantic evening in front of the fireplace, preferably upstairs, thought Jack, as he was cleaning the table. They had a nice dinner and talked about Sue’s young pupils. There was that longing in her eyes when she mentioned how wonderful and endearing the children were that made Jack’s heart miss a beat. It didn’t take much convincing from Jack for Sue to agree to his little proposal. However having Sue laughing so hard she was crying wasn’t exactly what Jack had in mind as he lied besides her caressing her delicate skin. On the other hand recalling how the drug testing session went wasn’t probably the smartest move he had ever made either. Keeping a straight face had been hard especially with Peter who could barely stop himself from laughing out loud. Jack still couldn’t believe he went through the entire speech without blinking. Not being able to resist anymore, he joined her laughter.

“I actually feel sorry for some of them, Jack”, she managed to convey as she calmed down.

“I was surprised only one walked out. I thought I would be losing half my team”, he admitted chuckling.

“But you didn’t, that should tell you something”, as she traced the lines on his chest slowly recreating the ambience, smiling sensuously.

“It tells me they will probably all show up at five tomorrow morning and I will have to leave you warm embrace for a hockey rink”, his senses heightened by her touch.

“Then let me show you what you will be missing, my dear hubby”, as she drew near him.

He loved that little daring side of his new wife.

* * *

On his way, Jack stopped by the hospital to pick up the report he was promised would be ready. Envelope in hand he went in the office he had at his disposal at the rink. He read the names and the results. Only one surprised him. He put his skates on and grabbed his stick and a bucket full of pucks before going on the ice. As predicted his fifteen players were there … at least in body, most of the mind having stayed under the blankets at home. This morning Jack was alone with them, Peter having to work. Jack got them to skate around a couple times before assembling them in a half circle around him.

“Now gentlemen, we will make a little experiment. I want all of you to forget which position you usually play”, explained Jack. The boys had that dubious look on their face, which made Jack smile. “Now imagine you’re playing a fun game on a pond somewhere. On this side of the ice”, pointing to his right. “I want all of you who would choose to play forward and on this other side all the one who would like defence.”

Shrugging the players moved around. Darren, the goalie, was standing alone in the middle.

First Jack looked at his defensemen. Seth, Todd, Ben and John were no surprise, but Bert and Rick were usually forward. And Bert was keeping his distance from Bobby and Billy.

“Team up by two”, Jack commanded them. Seth-Bert, Todd-Ben, John-Rick.

Turning to his forward, Mel, Dan Ron, Cain, Bobby, Billy and Mike.

“Who likes to play centre?” Only two, Mel and Mike. Interestingly enough one was a winger, the other a defenseman.

“Now, you six”, addressing his wingers. “Please line up by Mike or Mel.” Dan and Ron went by Mel, the other four by Mike.

“Cain Dave, Bobby, Billy. Team up by two, please.” Unsurprisingly it went Cain-Dave, Bobby-Billy.

Jack took the entire team in. “Perfect, you are looking at the new line up, gentlemen.”

The players stared at each other in total confusion. ‘They think I am crazy’, thought Jack with satisfaction.

“Now I want one forward line against one defence line on the ice. Mike, you belong to two lines. Darren, please take your position in front the net. Now gentlemen I expect the unexpected from you. I want you to come up with plays and moves as unorthodox as possible.”

So the practice began. As it progressed the boys relaxed and some smiles appeared as the boys found new ways to play. In one occasion, Mel approached the net with the puck suddenly leaving the puck by itself on the ice as Dan, coming right behind, shot it in the top corner. Darren never saw it coming. When the Duo John and Rick were on the ice they didn’t stop chatting mostly about girls as they were trying to gain control of the puck. They were so distracting to the other players they were actually quite successful in the endeavour.

Jack blew the whistle. “Good practice, gentlemen. Next one will be a fun game on Sunday afternoon at 2pm against family and friends. So bring mom, dad, brother, sister, girlfriend, grandma whoever you wish, just make sure they have full gear. I don’t want anybody to get hurt. As you leave I want each one of you to stop by my office this morning, no exception. Question?”

“Will you play, Coach?” asked Todd.

“Yes, so will my wife.”

“Coach, was you wife the cute blond chick in the stand on Monday?” Jack just stared at Seth. “Woman. I mean woman, Coach.” The players were chuckling.

“Yes, she was. Dressing room, now, gentlemen.” As they left, Jack shook his head, a huge grin spreading as he walked to his office.

Each boy diligently stopped by his office. Jack really only wanted to talk to four of them, but didn’t want to single them out. So he offered a word or two of encouragement to the other players. When Bobby, then Billy, then Bert, then Ron came in, he had a slightly different speech ready for them. They failed the drug test. Jack gave them a card with a counsellor name on it. They needed to take an appointment before tomorrow and report to that person as often as deemed necessary. That was their last chance.

* * *

It was Thursday night, and he had been able to convince Michelle to go out. She was the one who suggested the restaurant where they could dance. She hadn’t been eating all week, not that Myles didn’t try to force feed her a couple time, but she made an effort during the evening. For a little while there was even a faint smile on her lips as she moved along the music holding tighter to him as she never did before.

Myles carried her into her room wondering if the intimacy that came back on the dance floor would stay just a bit longer. The last four nights he just held her as she felt asleep tears in her eyes, not asking more than what she could offer. Tonight, the glimmer of hope and desire was piercing through the sadness of her eyes. Hope was all they had left and Myles gripped it for both of them, stronger than a week ago. He pulled her to him, caressing her, willing to respond, but waiting for her to initiate it first, …hoping she would …understanding if she didn’t … pleased when she did.

He lied on his back, her head resting on his shoulder, one hand stroking her hair, the other her back. He was getting pretty good at understanding the words she murmured to his ears yet again she had come up with a new one. He also came very close of whispering something, but refrained in time as the words were about to come out. Before he did he needed his permission. ‘Son, hurry back home’, he prayed. ‘You and I need to have a man to man conversation.’

* * *

All and all, Jack thought, as he was locking the guns away at the end of his work day, his team had a good practice that morning and the players seemed to have enjoyed it. They wouldn’t win a game but they would give the spectators a few laugh. Definitely better than gloomy. His mind went back to the four boys he seriously talked to.

Billy and Bobby were defiant, but not bold enough to walk out by themselves, so would they force Jack to throw them out? Jack estimated his chances at 50-50.

Bert, on the other hand, was a good kid hanging out with a bad crowd. If he could stay away from the bad influence he stood a chance. Jack hinted to the kid that he had proof of the little escapade at the Golden Palace on their trip to Montana. Bert said he only remembered his coach coming in and leaving with their dealer, a blond punk named Fonzo. Never looked outside until the manager kicked them out.

Now Ron. Ron was so mortified. He met that girl and they went to a party and she gave him something and he wanted to impress her and it was such a big mistake and if his father found out he would kill him and he dumped the girl and he would never touch that stuff again and Coach could make him pee in a bottle every day to prove it and he would go see that counsellor person this morning instead of going to class and he was so sorry … Jack had to stop him. Jack wouldn’t tell dad as long as he stayed clean. When Ron left his office, Jack was almost certain he wouldn’t be having any more problems with him.

Brewster’s dad barged on Jack as he was leaving. He was furious and very vocal. Nobody was going to throw his son out of the team. He was the best player and he was his son. Did Jack have any idea who he was? He was President of that oil company. He owned half Blacksand. A dumbbell American coach wasn’t going to rule here. He was going to make sure Jack wasn’t going to see another rink for the rest of his day if his son wasn’t back on the team now. Jack left the guy finish his lecture wondering if the shooters in the basement could also hear it. After some thought Jack figured they probably could. Brewster’s dad was out of breath and redder than when he came in.

“You done?” asked Jack very calmly. The man was glaring at Jack. “I take it you are. Good. Brewster was given a choice, he chose to walk out. His decision. His season is over. Have a good day”, and Jack walked away, leaving an outraged father behind.

Sue was waiting for him in the parking lot.

“You’re late” as he stepped in.

“I had an interesting visitor and I will tell you everything at home.” As she drove away, Jack was speculating on how long it would take for the hockey association to call him.

Jack wasn’t home an hour when the phone rang. The association was backing him. Jack hung up, relieved and satisfied. He won the first round. But he doubted the war was over.

* * *

Sue learned that TGIF was a ritual taken very seriously in Blacksand, every Friday night the guys were getting together for a few beers after work. It also corresponded with girls’ night out. She was invited for pizza at Christine Anderson. Ronda Shiver would be there with Travis and Sophia, and so would three or four more officers’ wives with their children. Sue knew military families were on the move constantly. But she never imagined that the bond they developed between each other in such a short time could be that strong. The wives came from everywhere in the country, one was even from Germany; spoke three different languages, though all knew English; had children of different ages; had unrelated work, if they were working outside their home; yet they all shared the same thing. They were married to men in uniforms. And they followed those men wherever they were sent. Sue had a great time and was reminded when she left that wives were taking turn hosting it. Next week was at Ronda’s, two weeks later at Sue’s.

Since Jack wasn’t back yet, Sue decided to give Lucy a call. She figured 10pm Lucy’s time wasn’t too late and maybe she could intrude on her and Jeff for a change. The computer was hooked up to the telephone, so she used it instead of her blackberry. That way she could at least speak to her. Her computer screen came to life. ‘Hello’.

“Luce, is that you?”

‘Sue? Yes, it’s me. How are you?’

“Good. Am I intruding on something?” mischievousness obvious in her voice.

‘No, Tara just left, we were watching a movie. The guys are working late on something. Nice try though. So what about you and Jack?’ Sue could just imagine Lucy’s expression when she asked that question.

“We’re doing fine, thank you. It’s very cold here.”

‘Is he keeping you warm? And you know what I mean. I couldn’t ask from the bullpen, though I was tempted once or twice.’

“Lucy!”

‘So what happened in the great battle between the willpower of the mind and the desire of the heart?’

“Nothing.”

‘Sue, that’s impossible. Willpower was losing the battle when you left. Are you still sleeping with him?’

“Luce!” pretending to be offended. “You know you can be awfully rude sometimes.”

‘Sue, I am your best friend. If you don’t share with me, who will you share with?’ Sue was laughing. ‘Stop laughing. Jack won you over, didn’t he?’

“Luce! It didn’t happen like that.”

There was a long pause before more words appeared on her screen. ‘So it did happen.’

“Luce! Before I tell you, promise you won’t tell before we find Olivier.”

‘What does Olivier have to do with it?’

“Lucy? Please, promise?”

‘OK. I promise.’

“Jack and I got married last weekend!”

‘What?’ And Sue told her about their private wedding. ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, you and Jack, oh my gosh, Sue I’m so happy, can’t believe it, so romantic, oh my gosh …’

“Lucy, stop”, laughing hard. “You’re sending my computer in overload.”

‘I’m just so happy for you two, that’s all. You were made for each other. Congratulations.’

“Thank you. We are very happy. That is why we don’t want Michelle and Myles to find out yet.”

‘I understand. I promise I won’t tell a soul, not even Jeff. I’m glad you told me.’

“You’re my best friend, Lucy. I had to tell someone.”

They chatted a while longer until a hand on her shoulder made her jumped. “I will call you again, Lucy. Jack just came home. Have a good weekend.”

‘Bye, Sue. And say hello to your hubby from me’, Jack read on the computer screen.

“Hubby like undercover hubby, or hubby-hubby?” teased Jack taking her in his arms. She bit her lower lip without answering. “I am truly impressed you could resist five days before telling her. I thought you would call her the next morning.”

“Ja …” But she was cut when her hubby gave her a proper greeting.

* * *

Sue found a little church where they went Sunday morning. They stopped at Tim Horton’s for lunch. Jack grabbed a second coffee to go. On their return, Jack took both hockey bags from the basement and searched his for a second jersey since Sue’s jersey was in the laundry basket. He pulled his blue one identical to Sue’s, but was surprised to find another blue one. He took it out and held it. Sue gasped as she saw the back of the jersey with the name Chip on it. That was the jersey Chip wore at the FBI games. Jack could only assume, since their bag were side by side at the time, that Chip put his in the wrong bag by mistake. Jack left it in the living room. His team didn’t need to be reminded they were missing their goalie. At the bottom, Jack found a red one and put it in Sue’s bag. They left for the rink.

The team had two dressing rooms at their disposal and it divided according to gender. Sue found herself with Mel’s mom, John’s sister, and Dave and Cain’s girlfriends. In addition to the team, four dads, two younger brothers, one of them in goalie gears, Peter and Jack were warming up on the ice when the girls joined them. Jack told them to have fun, and no contact, please, especially with the ladies and the younger brothers. Jack took Sue and John’s sister on his forward line, with two big dads as defensemen. And the game began. John’s sister, Amanda, was nineteen and also a hockey player. Sue and Amanda were not as strong but their skating skill outmatched some of the boys. And Jack couldn’t resist teasing his players every time Sue or Amanda skated around them with the puck without being caught. The players came up with more daring and audacious plays. John and Rick were inseparable as defensemen, didn’t stop chatting about girls, yet even Jack had a hard time passing them. Jack was taking mental notes on the chemistry between all the players. Some combinations were so much more natural then others yet for whatever reason were never developed. He had two practices left with those boys before leaving for Calgary on Thursday. Two practices to make those boys feel like a team. But Jack was getting there if the smile on their faces was any indication.

Brewster’s dad was waiting with his son in the lobby when everyone came out of the changing room.

“Mr Hudson”, calmly extending a hand that Jack had no choice but to shake. “I don’t think we have been introduced properly, Bob Barrington. My company sponsors your team, $10000 if I recall, a fifth of your operating budget. All the good people here will be able to tell you without it you wouldn’t have a team. Now there seems to be a personality conflict between you and my son. I talked to Brewster and he is willing to make an effort and be more compliant. So let’s forget that unfortunate incident at the gym and Brewster will be at practice tomorrow.”

Jack studied his players. Disillusion and resignation were creeping in on most of them. Bobby and Billy were sneering.

“The team is very grateful of your company’s support and I am sure your stockholders see it as a worthy contribution. Maybe I should mention that I used to be a corporate lawyer. Anyway. However I wonder what would happen if they were to learn that it was more like a pay off to buy your son a place on this team? I believe your position could be compromise, couldn’t it? Or at the best it could raise eyebrows especially if it leaked to the press. Those darned journalists sometimes, never know what can happen.”

“Are you threatening me, Mr Hudson?” fury building back up.

“My impression was that YOU were threatening to take back your contribution if I didn’t take your son back on this team. I am relieved to understand it isn’t the case”, keeping a straight face, thanks to years of interrogation practices. He had Barrington in a corner.

“Coach”, interrupted Seth. “We all had to do the drug test. Let Brewster do it now. If he passes he can come back”, smiling innocently.

“Yes, Coach. Let him pee”, agreed Rick. “But because he missed Wednesday he should not get a second chance. If he’s positive he’s out.” The boys were whispering between themselves. Sue was watching them.

“Please Coach, one exception”, pleaded Dan, most of the others nodding with a smile.

What on Earth is going on? thought Jack. Sue signed to Jack ‘party last night’. Jack shook his head. His players were setting up Brewster.

“Listen to your team, Hudson. They want my son back”, regaining composure. “He’s their best player.”

“Best player my @#$%&”, said Seth a bit too loud.

““Mr Seth. I will have a word with you on inappropriate use of language as soon as I am done here. So don’t go anywhere”, warned Jack. “Brewster”, going back to his immediate problem. “You chose to walk out, if I recall, because you didn’t want to be tested.”

“My son doesn’t do drug, Hudson. The players shouldn’t be subject to that humiliation.” Jack’s patience was running thin with Barrington.

“The players here seem to think there was a party last night, Brewster. Still they are willing to give you a chance.” Brewster’ eyes got wider. “So should I break my own rule and give you a test right now? Or would you care explaining to your dad why you don’t want to be part of this team anymore?”

Brewster was a smart and talented kid who was wasting everything, noted sadly Jack. And his dad was so caught up with his own importance to see it. Brewster needed help, help Jack couldn’t provide.

“That team sucks”, complained Brewster to his dad. “I don’t want to play with that bunch of losers anymore”, and for the second time he walked out.

“It’s all your fault, Hudson”, blamed Barrington as he followed his son.

Jack turned to Sue. ‘Not your fault’, she signed. ‘I know’, he signed back.

“Good riddance, if you ask me”, commented Rick who quickly added after Jack stared at him. “See you tomorrow Coach. That was fun.”

“Mr Seth, my office, please. The rest of you I will see tomorrow.” He signed to Sue before going to his office with Seth.

“What did you tell your wife, Coach?”

“That I won’t be long with you.”

“OK, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. Are we done?”

Jack sat on the corner of his desk and looked at Seth. The kid was witty. He liked him.

“No, we’re not. Listen Seth. If someone came in and heard you, what do you think that person first reaction would be? That Seth is such a bad mouth …or player on that team is such a bad mouth?”

“Probably player on that team”, seeing the point.

“Every time one of you do or say something inappropriate, it reflects on all of you.”

“I understand, Coach. That was why we didn’t want Brewster back either. So am I suspended or something?”

“I want you to share that conversation with your teammates, Seth and make sure they get the message.”

“You want me to tell them to watch their language?” exclaimed Seth, taking back, shaking his head. “Please, can you suspend me instead?”

“Nice try, Seth.”

“Fine”, mumbled Seth. “But they will never listen to me.”

But I believe they will, thought Jack, smiling kindly.

“Coach, how come you knew about the party last night?”

“My wife told me. Remember, Seth, she can hear you whisper.”

“Yah, she’s good. Quite a babe you have … I mean, Mrs H is quite something, Coach.” Jack raised his eyebrows, smiling. She was quite something all right.

“Can I go now?” Jack nodded and Seth took off immediately.

Sue came in the doorway. “Ready to come home …Coach?”

* * *

“Myles! What are you doing here?” exclaimed Bobby. “Little French Canadian lady kicked you out.” Myles glared at him. “Seriously, mate, should you be with her?”

Myles sat at his desk. “Since it’s Monday morning she decided to go to work. See if it will get her mind off."

“So you decided to do the same”, jumped in D. “Not a bad idea, you know. And … I have work for you.”

“Anything new on Olivier?” D shook his head, sorry for Myles.

“Not totally true, mate. The Mounties owe us one for solving their gas station blow up case.”

“You identified the victim?” inquired Myles.

“Yah, Louis Fugiano aka Fonzo. Small time dealer from Helena. Rap sheet as long as my arm, mostly for possession and distribution. No violent crime. We sent a picture of Fonzo to the Mounties. The gas attendant claimed it was the passenger in the truck. Apparently now there’s some suspicion as if it was really an accident or if the truck hit the pump on purpose. Anyway, we may never know.”

“Did they check that Fonzo’s place in case Olivier was locked up in there?”

“Yes, Myles. Dead end”, D hated dead end.

“How’s your daughter?”

D sighed. Olivier was touching lots of life in this office. “She’s been better, not doubt there. I had a phone call from her principal on Friday because she got into a fight.” The other thought he almost looked proud of her. “Some girl said something about dumb jerk hockey player. Well, I guess you could say Tanya didn’t totally agree with her.” Yah, the others concluded, D was definitely proud of his daughter.

* * *

The absence of Bobby and Billy at Monday practice didn’t surprise Jack, especially since he received a call at lunch from the counsellor saying the two missed their appointment. Maybe they had a good excuse, he told himself. He would see if they showed up Wednesday. In contrast Ron and Bert were very willing participants and the counsellor was optimistic.

Wednesday came, still no sign of the two players. But the ones that were at weight training didn’t raise a fuss about the bottles this time. At Jack’s request, the lab would phone him tonight around nine.

They packed their bags that evening since their charter bus was leaving at 9am tomorrow morning. Sue placed Chip’s jersey in her bag for good luck. She knew Jack was anxious to learn if any more of his players would test positive. He was also distracted over losing Bobby and Billy. She joined him on the couch.

“Jack, don’t beat yourself up”, she pleaded as she cuddled against him.

“I thought they would give it a chance, Sue. Out of four I lost three.”

“Or you could look at it the opposite way. Four were lost and you were able to find one. It seems to me that Ben, Paul’s son, has decided to take Bert under his wing, to get Bert out of the influence of Brewster, Bobby and Billy.”

“I noticed that, too. I’m slightly changing my lines. Tomorrow I will pair Bert with Ben, and Todd with Seth.”

“You’re keeping John and Rick together? They are driving the other players crazy with their chatters. Not that I hear them mind you”, stealing a kiss from him.

“Well, I’m hoping they will drive the other team crazy. And I’m keeping Ron and Dan with Mel as centre, but I’m thinking about using Cain as centre with Dave and Mike as wingers. From what you saw on Sunday and Monday”, Sue had stayed to watch the practice on Monday. “Cain or Mike as centre? Cain is better, but Mike really likes it. I guess I could alternate after each face-off”, mused Jack.

“From what I can see Jack, you already figured it out. You are doing a great job, I hope you realize that.”

“Do you think I will be able to remain objective when it comes to our own children?” with intense brown eyes.

“I believe you will”, she answered with an enigmatic smile. “And I cannot wait to find out.” As his mind tried to decipher her playful expression, the phone rang.

“Hudson … Yes … Thank you for the rush … I appreciate …Good night.” And looking at his wife. “All my guys passed their drug test with flying colour. Calgary …here we come. Ready to bed, Mrs H?”

“I will race you upstairs.”

* * *

At 6am on Wednesday morning Chip was on the charter bus to Calgary, so were the teammates he was getting to know better. Also on the trip, beside their coach Charley, were five dads, including Jim, two moms and three younger siblings. Chip was grateful and relieved when Jim told him he was taking the rest of the week off to go with him. Jim and Charley were the only one who knew Chip wasn’t Aaron Mercer. On paper their trip was ten and a half hours long, but that didn’t include the time spent at the border or the food stops. So Charley’s estimation was about fourteen hours. The first hour and a half everyone tried to sleep some more. They all had pillows with them. After that the bus came alive, the boys ate the breakfast they brought with them and the chatter began. Charley put a movie on and the boys either watched it, played cards, read, listened to music or talked. At 10:30am they arrived at the border. It took one hour before everyone was sorted out, but the bus finally resumed its trip and Jim, Charley and Chip breathed a sigh of relief. At noon they stopped for lunch in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Charley gave them plenty of time for stretch their legs. At 1pm they hopped back on the bus. They had two hours of compulsory homework / silent time. One of the guys was stuck on his math equation. He went around the bus for help and ended up beside Chip who agreed to look at it. Chip couldn’t understand how come math made sense yet he couldn’t remember his own name. Nevertheless he patiently explained the equation to his teammate triggering the image of a dark girl with beautiful brown eyes in his mind. Another piece of the puzzle, thought Chip, alone once more. If only I could put it together. He took the book he had set aside and resumed reading ‘Lord of the rings’.

Somewhere along that stretch of road they crossed into Alberta and gained one more hour. They arrived at Fort MacLeod at 5:15pm local time. They had a sit down dinner at a ‘Boston Pizza’. And hour later they were back on the road for Calgary. They arrived at their hotel on the South side just past 8pm. The boys were sleeping four by room, while parents had to come up with their own private arrangement. Jim and Charley shared a room. Chip was with three of his defensemen including the one he helped with math. As he watched the illuminated city at night, Chip had the ambiguous impression he had been here before.

Their first game was at 1pm tomorrow at the Glenmore arena; about twenty minutes drive from their hotel on the southwest side of the city.

* * *

Thursday morning after the practice, Jack came back home to pick up his wife, their luggage and two pillows. He stopped at Tim Horton’s for two coffees, which made Sue laughed. Since he discovered that restaurant, his coffee consumption had increased dramatically. By the time they made it back to the rink, the boys were coming out of the shower and the bus was waiting.

At nine o’clock the bus left with the thirteen players, Jack, Sue, Peter Ashton, Christine Anderson, Todd’s mom and little sister, and the dads of Ron, Cain, Mike and Mel. The players all went at the back of the bus as the adults took the front seats. After their breakfast the boys had to go through the two hours compulsory homework / silent time. Halfway through, Seth roamed the bus in search of chemistry help. His last stop was the coaches. Peter shook his head. Jack regretfully did the same.

“Mrs H, what about you?”

“Biology and physics I could have helped, but chemistry has never been my strong suit. Sorry Seth. Who helps you usually?”

“Chip. Our other goalie. You know the one …” His voice trailed off.

“If you want to talk about Chip, I can listen”, offered Sue.

“Nobody’s telling us anything, Mrs H. They think because we’re young we wouldn’t get it. And people whispered about Chip in our back. And there was that rumour he … he was in a car crashed. And our other coach died. Do you know what happened to Chip?”

Sue and Jack exchanged a glance. Sue signed ‘Tell him something, please’. Seth looked at the exchange, confused. By then other players had approached.

“Is he …”

“No, Seth. The authority doesn’t believe he’s dead”, explained Jack.

“Then what happened to him?” Now all the players were around Jack.

“Coach”, interrupted the driver. “I would rather have you stand up, and the boys sitting, than the opposite.”

“Gentlemen, please sit”, Jack commanded as he stood up. The boys obeyed. “I know Chip is a teammate so I will tell you what I can. You will have to trust me if there are questions I cannot answer. OK?” Thirteen nodded. Sue offered her hand and he took it. “Your former coach picked up Chip at the airport in Helena. Somehow between the airport and your hotel, they met an unsavoury character. Chip was dropped off somewhere while your coach and that person drove back to Canada where their truck crashed, killing both of them.”

“So Chip wasn’t in the truck. You’re sure, Coach?” asked Ron hopeful.

“Positive. After the crash, Chip phoned his mom to tell her he was fine.”

“So where is he, Coach?” asked Seth.

“That Seth, we don’t know. The authority believes he is stuck somewhere trying to come home.”

“Is the RCMP looking for him?” inquired Ben.

“There are very capable people looking for him as we speak.”

“Do you believe they will find him, Coach?” asked Seth.

“Yes, Seth. I do believe it will happen. When … I don’t know.” Jack could feel Sue squeezing his hand. “I hope it will be soon because I was told his mom is missing him terribly.”

“We miss him too, Coach”, said Seth speaking for all of them. “You would like him, you know. He is smart and he never swears. He’s the only one Brewster was afraid of.”

“Sounds like a great guy”, replied Jack.

“Yah. Thanks for telling us, Coach.”

“Yes, Coach. At least we know there are people who still care.”

“Gentlemen, there are more people who care and search for Chip than you can imagine. Trust me. They will find him.”

The boys went back to their seat. The two mothers had tears in their eyes and Peter and the fathers were nodding.

At noon they arrived in Cold Lake for lunch. Jack gave them a chance to walk around. They left at 1pm, driving southwest on the highway to Edmonton. The boys had an action movie with Bruce Willis. Sue rested her head against Jack and caught up with her reading. Jack was chatting with the bus driver. The temperature was warming up as they were heading south. They stopped in Fort Saskatchewan just east of Edmonton around 4pm for snacks. Sue couldn’t believe how nice it was out, from the –25 in Blacksand to about –5C here. The avoided Edmonton, skimming it on the East and then went directly south to Calgary. Another action movie later and they were almost there. They arrived in town around 7:30pm and went directly to a ‘Boston Pizza’ for dinner. After that they made their way to the west side of the city to their hotel.

* * *

The night was warm at +5C in Calgary, when Chip went for a walk with Jim. There was hardly any snow left. They played good this afternoon, winning 4-3 in a tight game. Chip was telling Jim when he entered the Glenmore arena, he knew exactly where the dressing rooms were. He was almost certain he had been here before. They walked back, Chip needed to sleep. Two games were waiting for him tomorrow, one in the morning, one in late afternoon.

The night was warm at +5C in Calgary, when Jack and Sue went for a walk. There was hardly any snow left. They walked arms around each other’s waist. Peter was supervising the team at the hotel. The curfew was on and the boys were all in their room.

“See Jack, Levi would love it here.”

“And me who was thinking of extending that contract in Blacksand”, not quite teasing her. She looked at him intensely. “What if Garrett cannot work things out?”

“You would leave the bureau, Jack?”

“If I have to choose between you and the bureau, there wouldn’t be any doubt in my mind. You are the most important thing in my life, Sue”, kissing her tenderly. “Want to go back?”

“Yes. And …I would follow you anywhere. Just promise me something.” He gazed at her curiously. “That if we ever move permanently to somewhere cold, you're the one who takes Levi for his walk.”

Jack laughed. “What about indoor plumbing for Levi, instead?” She laughed with him.

Jack knocked on Peter’s door. He was watching TV. “I just checked all the rooms, Jack. Everybody is in bed. See you for breakfast.”

“Good night, Peter.” They had two games tomorrow, one in the morning, one in late afternoon.

Sue was in bed with her hockey jersey when he came back to the room. She promised to wait for him while he went for a quick shower. He smelled like ocean breeze when he took her in his arms after pulling the jersey on top of her head. His body was warm from the hot shower, and hers wasn’t far behind. He gently caressed her skin rediscovering her every time, she responded to every touch with equal passion. No women ever touched him as deeply or completely as his wife did. He could get entirely lost in her scent, in her arms, the taste of her lips, her skin until he couldn’t wait anymore as her fingers were digging into his back. His lips found hers again as his body melted with hers.

Jack stoked her back as she rested on his chest, their body still intertwined, damp from love. “I love you”, he said lifting her head so she could see him.

“Love you too, Jack”, smiling lovingly back at him.

“Remember what you told me last night?”

“When exactly, last night, Jack?” teasing him. “Before … during … after?”

“You know you can be wicked when you want to, my love.”

“I don’t recall you complaining last night, Jack … or tonight.” He kissed her passionately again. He just couldn’t get enough of her. He leaned back on the pillow, smiling blissfully. “What do you want me to remember, Jack?”

“When you said you couldn’t wait to find out what kind of father I would make.” She had that glimmer in her eyes again. “I don’t know if we are moving too fast or not, but I would love a child with you, Sue.”

She smiled as a single tear fell on his chest. “Jack, I would love you to make me a baby.”

* * *

Sue watched appreciatively as Jack stripped from the jeans and sweatshirt he was wearing for breakfast.

“My love”, seeing the glee in her eyes and not being able to resist teasing her. “We do not have time for what you are thinking at this moment.” She blushed. “But we can try squeezing a baby- break somewhere in this afternoon.”

“Jack! Keep going there and you won’t make it on that bus”, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him. He seemed to ponder the offer. “Jack! Get dress!”

Jack put his dress pants on quickly before answering the knock on the door.

“Coach, you wouldn’t happen to have another tie, would you? I can’t find me.”

Jack signed to Sue ‘Do I have two ties?’ She checked in his bag and brought two to the door.

“Hi Mrs H.”

“Hi Dave.” She placed both ties against the boy and handed him the black and blue. “That one looks better on you.”

“Thanks, Mrs H, Coach”, as he returned to his room.

“You realize that was my favourite tie”, as he finished getting dress and tie the other one around his neck.

“You still look very handsome to me, Jack”, kissing him before they met with all the handsome boys, all dressed up with a tie, in the lobby.

The bus unloaded them at the back door of the arena. The boys went directly to the dressing rooms where Jack and Peter, also with shirt and tie, followed them with the team jersey bag and two cases of water bottle.

Since they had an hour and a half to kill before the game, the bus driver kindly offer the group of parents to drive them to the nearest Tim Horton’s. By the time they were back, Sue got to know everybody in that little group and she had a hot coffee for Jack. The warm-up was over and the zamboni machine was on the ice. Jack was by the ice. He came to his wife and signed ‘Thank you’ when he saw the coffee.

“Wish me good luck.” She did with a kiss.

* * *

Chip was sitting quietly in the dressing room. The bus had dropped them off once again in front of the Glenmore arena before going to park somewhere at the back. Chip slept well, the team had breakfast together and his teammates were very friendly to him. Chip knew it had a lot to do with their 4-3 victory yesterday. He had received twice as many shots, yet allowed only three goals. He knew he kept his team in the game and when Charley game him the pin of player of the game, it proved it. Yet, as Chip was waiting for Charley to hand him his team jersey, he couldn’t help wondering if that was a fluke yesterday. Could he pull that kind of performance every time? He took a deep breath. Charley was standing in front of him with the #1 teal and black team jersey. Chip put it on. He closed his eyes and focused his mind clearing any other thoughts away. He was ready.

Jack chose Seth as captain, Mike and Todd as his assistant, the three boys would be the coach’s voice with the referee The first period went back and forth until two minutes before intermission, Ben got a penalty. So Seth and Todd were sent to the referee, who just happened to be a woman, to disagree with the call. The other player had the puck when Ben went after him, it shouldn’t have been a penalty. Next thing Jack knew, Seth was sitting in the penalty box with Ben and Todd was coming back to the bench a huge grin on his face. His only comment being that Seth deserved it and Coach should ask him himself. With five players against three on the ice the other team scored less than thirty seconds later. When they returned in the dressing room, they were trailing 3-1.

“OK, Mr Seth. What exactly did you tell the referee to end up with a penalty?” Todd and Ben were doing a poor job at hiding their laughter.

“Nothing Coach. I swear. I was very polite, very calm, didn’t use any word on the ban list … she doesn’t like me.” How could that boy keep a straight face when two of his teammates were folded in half laughing? It had to be good, thought Jack.

“Out with it Mr Seth. And it is NOT a suggestion.”

“Well, Coach. I went to her and said – You know, gorgeous, according to the rulebook my friend Ben here didn’t deserve a penalty – That’s it, Coach. I guess she didn’t like me quoting the rulebook.” Jack was astounded, he just shook his head. By now all the players were laughing and Peter was biting his lips not to follow suit.

“Mr Seth, why on earth did you call her gorgeous?”

“You think that’s why she was mad?” Jack raised his eyebrows. “But Coach, you should see her up close. She’s a real knockout. Not that you would look since you have Mrs H and she’s also a real knocko…”

“Seth!”

“Yes, Sir. Yes, Coach, Sir. I guess I will call her Madam referee from now on.”

“Peter with me”, said Jack leaving the room. Once outside both men stared at each other before laughing as hard as the boys.

* * *

Sue was sitting with the rest of the parents watching the action. The boys looked sharp in their black and gold jersey with their last name on the back. They were playing a red team that was roughly equal to them. They lost 6-4 but they were laughing on the bus when they went for lunch before driving to their hotel.

Chip was on his way to another tremendous performance leading 3-1 when with ten minutes left he got a slap shot on the head that got deflected over the net. He stumbled on the ice. Charley was beside him but Chip couldn’t make out what he was saying, trying to push away the horrible vision of a gun pointed to his head amidst dancing stars. The stars faded away but the image of the gun stayed with him the rest of the game. They lost 4-3. They went back to their hotel for the afternoon. Chip was surfing through the TV channel when he stopped on Radio-Canada and realized he could understand everything. Where did he learn French? He turned the TV off and decided a nap before the next game wouldn’t be a bad idea. He needed to get that gun out of his mind.

As they were driving back to Crowchild arena on the northwest side of town, they could make out the Rocky Mountains in the distance, the snowy tops standing high in the cloudless blue sky. Jack’s team was back on the ice against a blue team. The chemistry between the boys was developing nicely. Darren didn’t let bad goal in but, like Peter pointed out to Jack later on, he wasn’t a miracle worker like Chip was. Chip could steal goal from the other team, Jack had seen it first hand yet couldn’t acknowledge it to Peter. They tied that game 4-4.

Chip’s game was almost one sided, the puck being in his zone most of the game but the boys managed to pull a 3-3 tie.

Early Saturday morning, Chip’s bus pulled once again at Glenmore arena. His night had been plagued with nightmares of guns and drugs. He was happy to be back on the ice. Though he wasn’t as sharp as he wished he was he could keep his team ahead and they won 4-2. He went to nap in the afternoon despite the gorgeous weather at +15C. Most of his teammates went to the Chinook Mall to catch a movie. They had a late game in the evening.

Early Saturday morning, Jack’s team had its third game, which they lost 4-3, luck wasn’t on their side, they missed two open nets and the referee called a goal against them that never crossed Darren’s line. Their next one was early afternoon. So Jack and Sue went to Subway to get submarine sandwiches to the boys for lunch. There wasn’t enough time between the two games to get the boys in and out of gears. They placed the order from the arena and the bus driver took them to pick it up. Sue couldn’t believe how nice it was. She had no coat, and there were people in t-shirt and short in the middle of January. The bus driver explained it was the Chinook. The Chinook was a warm westerly wind blowing from the Mountains and it could bring up the temperature by 30 degrees in a day. Summer break during the winter, the driver called it. But not to worry it didn’t usually last long, from the +15C right now, they should be back to -15C in a couple days. And it didn’t make it as far north as Blacksand.

The fourth game against a green team was the charm. They won 5-4 but it came at a price. With 17 seconds left in the game, Darren got injured when a player crashed into his net pushing the goalie inside. He stood there moaning, since the team didn’t have a substitute, as the last seconds counted down. The bus drove the team back to the hotel before the driver took Peter and Darren to the hospital. Jack and Sue took the remaining boys to a restaurant across the street and they rented a couple movies in different rooms for the boys to watch in the evening.

Chip’s last game was a shut out, 2-0. They finished the round robin in second place with a total of 7 points. Tomorrow, at 7am, they were playing the first place team for the gold.

* * *

After checking the boys’ rooms between 10 and 10:30pm, Jack returned to find Sue, sitting in bed, half asleep in front of the TV. Peter and Darren were still not back from emergency and Jack needed to talk to them. He sat beside her and she wrapped her arms around him resting her head on his chest. She was asleep almost immediately. It was another hour before Peter knocked on their door. Jack met him in the hallway. Darren was back in his room with a dislocated shoulder and a sprained wrist. He was out for probably the rest of the season. Jack shook his head. Tomorrow he would ask for a volunteer to take Darren’s place. Peter agreed, nothing else they could do tonight.

As Jack was drifting to sleep, his phone rang. There was a problem with the zamboni machine and wasn’t going to be fixed till Monday morning. Their fifth game that was scheduled at 8am tomorrow was rescheduled at 10:30am instead at a different arena. Jack took the address. He called Peter, then phoned the front desk to cancel the wake-up calls in the boys’ rooms. They could sleep in Sunday.

* * *

Jack had a meeting on the bus with the boys before leaving the hotel. Darren was there, his arm in a splint. Seth volunteered to keep the net. He was roughly the same size than Darren so the equipment should fit. They drove across the city to the substitute arena. They parked beside another Charter bus with ‘Washington Express’ written on it. The boys grabbed their gears and walked into Glenmore arena around 9:30am for the first time. There were two ice surfaces. On the first one, a blue team was facing a red team at the beginning of the third period. The same blue and red teams, Jack’s team played during that tournament. Jack’s team was playing after those guys. On the second ice surface, a game had just ended with a score of 2-1. Jack’s boys saw the last few players of a teal and black team exited the ice for the dressing room #2. Jack sent his boys in dressing room #4.

* * *

Jack’s bus driver took the parents to Tim Horton’s for coffee. As Jack’s team was still in their dressing room, Chip’s team was leaving the arena. They won the gold 2-1 and Chip was chosen as MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the Glenmore tournament. The Washington Express pulled out of the parking lot and drove south. Inside the players were celebrating.

Jack’s team stepped on the ice as the parents got back with their coffee. Seth looked very nervous in the net and from the beginning the game went one sided and stayed one sided. That white team was one calibre higher and their players were just all over the place. Poor Seth didn’t stand a chance. After one period they were losing 5-0. At intermission, in the dressing room, Seth was begging Jack to pull him out but Jack had no other volunteer so poor Seth had to stay.

Sue went strolling inside the arena. She was wearing Chip’s jersey under a light jacket. She put it on this morning hoping it would bring luck to the team. She guessed it didn’t quite worked.

Very little kids were practising on the other ice surface. Sue watched them and smiled. Dreamingly, her hand stroked her tummy. She had a feeling their baby would get a pair of skates before a pair of shoes. She went by the concession. At a table, a man was printing pictures. She looked at the picture. He asked her which tournament she was with.

“I am not sure but we were at another arena the past three days. Our team is playing right now.”

“Then you are with the Crowchild Tournament. Those pictures are from the Glenmore tournament that was held here. It just finished. A team from the States won. They had a terrific goalie. That boy stopped almost everything, was named MVP of the tournament.” He searched through the pictures. “I took that one while he was playing. Look at that save”, he said showing her a picture. She gaped. “Yah, look great, doesn’t he?” Sue took the picture.

“May I borrow it? I will be right back”, and before he could answered she rushed to the dressing room. “Jack!!!”

* * *

Jack’s team was coming out of the dressing room as Jack heard her yell.

“I think she’s mad at you, Coach”, commented Seth. “She doesn’t want you to put me back on the ice.”

“Peter, take the team back, I will be there shortly”, as he moved towards Sue’s voice.

Sue was running, holding a picture. The goaltender had his helmet on, so you couldn’t really see his face, and he was wearing a black and teal jersey, but the rest of the equipment was identical to Chip. And the way he made that save was just like Chip’s style.

“They had a tournament here, Jack, and that goalie won. He’s with a team from the States that just left. He looks like Chip, doesn’t he?”

“Way too much. Where did you get that?”

She led him to the photograph. The photograph had a program with all the teams and the players. That team was the ‘Ephrata Grizzlies’ from Washington States. According to that program they had only one goalie, Aaron Mercer.

“Yah, that’s him”, said the photograph pointing to the name. “Mercer #1, but everyone called him Chip.”

Sue and Jack exchanged a glance. Jack thanked the man, took the program and led Sue outside. He pulled his cell out.

“D, it’s Jack. We may have a lead on Olivier. I need Tara to check for a kid named Aaron Mercer with a hockey team named the ‘Ephrata Grizzlies’ from Washington States. I also need to know how that team came here and how it is going back … Yes, I am in Calgary. Make it fast, please.”

Sue was staring at their bus. “Remember when we arrived this morning, Jack. We parked beside a bus.”

It came back to Jack. “Washington Express. You know it doesn’t make sense. Why would Chip be with them?”

“I don’t know, Jack. It is plain weird. Let’s get back, your team is waiting.”

When Jack got back behind the bench the score was 7-1, half way through.

* * *

His phone rang during second intermission while he was trying to give his team a Pep Talk. They were badly losing 12-2. He excused himself and took it outside the room.

“Jack, we found something”, Tara sounded excited. “Aaron Mercer born on September 23, 1988.”

“Tara, that is not good. That kid is for real.”

“Was, Jack. I found a death certificate for Aaron. He died seven years go. But it gets better, the day after Olivier disappeared, Aaron was hospitalised at the Spokane General Hospital, victim of a car crash with his grandfather.”

“But if he died …”

“Jack, I phoned the hospital. The grandfather died at the scene, and the hospital assumed the boy was his grandson. He was picked up by his supposedly parents.”

“”Why would Olivier go with them?”

“I am trying … hold on, Jack. I have a doctor on the other line.” Jack waited a few minutes. “Jack? Still there?”

“Yes, Tara.”

“The boy in the crash had total memory lost.” Jack was analysing the implication. Poor Olivier. “Jack, if that boy is Olivier …”

“He doesn’t know he is Olivier”, finished Jack. How were they going to make him come with them? He would figure something out, he needed to get to him first. Tara was speaking.

“… trying to contact someone with the team.”

“Tara, check a bus line named ‘Washington Express’. We’re almost sure the team charted that bus. Someone’s bound to know its itinerary. Sue and I will rent a car and go after them. Keep me posted.”

Jack went back in the dressing room to tell Peter he was in charge for the next little while. The bus driver dropped Sue and Jack at the closest car rental agency. They got a big SUV, that was the only vehicle available a Sunday afternoon. They looked at the map. The next two hours was easy, they would drive south on highway 2 to Fort MacLeod. After that it was anybody’s guess which route they would take and where they would cross the border.

Jack’s cell rang as he was ready to depart.

“Jack, we have you on speaker, right now”, explained D. “If the bus driver follows his plan he will drive south to Fort MacLeod, then veer West into British Columbia and crossed the border directly north of Spokane. Bobby is working with the border patrol and the RCMP to stop the bus before it comes back to the States. We would rather not deal with extradition at the moment.”

“Agree, it would be easier if we get to Olivier while still in Canada. OK, we’re heading south. They left about an hour and a half ago. But they will have to stop at one point and we will catch up to them. Please, send the itinerary on Sue’s blackberry. Do we know the motive of Aaron’s parents for taking Olivier? Did they see an opportunity to replace their son?”

“Working on that, mate.”

Jack explained to Sue as they left Calgary behind. The road was flat and they could see miles ahead.

And hour later, Peter phoned. They had lost 17-3 and finished fifth in the round robin. They had a final game to play against the team who finished in sixth place. It was scheduled for 8pm tonight. Peter was taking the boys at a sport store.

Once in Fort MacLeod, Jack contacted the bullpen. There wasn’t any activity reported at the border crossing south of Fort MacLeod. So they turned on highway 3 west.

The team had stopped for lunch in Fort MacLeod. They were now in the Rocky Mountains. Chip was watching the scenery quietly while the rest of the team somewhat settled down. It was the first time that team ever won a tournament so Charley gave them some leeway. But when the players saw how preoccupied Chip was they left him alone. There were so many more pieces in his mind, but Chip still couldn’t put it together. He sighed and closed his eyes. He didn’t know how long he dozed but a siren woke him up. There were three RCMP patrol cars surrounding the bus.

“Hudson.”

“Jack, it’s D.” The signal was poor, and there was lots of static. “…found bus …highway 3 …Jack got…”

“D, you’re breaking up”, then he was gone. “Sue, try your blackberry. I think he told me they found the bus.”

Sue smiled. The text was clear on her blackberry. She checked the map. The bus was stopped twenty minutes ahead of them.

* * *

Jack and Sue approached the RCMP officer who seemed to be in charge.

“Are you the FBI agents?” Jack showed his badge. “I was told to assist you. That bus is full of frustrated American people. They are all yours. We’ll be in stand by.”

Jack stepped on the bus, Sue waiting outside with the RCMP officer. Jack sighted Olivier right away. A man in his fifties, sitting on the second row, stood up.

“I am Charley Jones, coach of this team. What is going on?”

“FBI, Mr Jones”, showing his badge once more. “I have question concerning you goaltender over there.” And Charley Jones turned two shades whiter. “Step outside, sir”, commanded Jack in response to the man’s reaction.

“It’s not Charley’s fault”, another man about the same age stood up. “It was my idea.”

“And you are?”

“Jim Mercer.”

“Please, step outside as well, Mr Mercer”, recognizing the name.

Jack turned towards Olivier. The teenager was intensely staring at him, but Jack could tell there wasn’t any recollection of him in those eyes. “Young goalie? Chip, isn’t it?” He nodded. “Please, join us outside, too.”

Chip went to Jim and Charley’s side as soon as he exited the bus. Sue and the RCMP officer were waiting for Jack to handle the situation. Jim however took it on himself to clear the misunderstanding. They knew they were wrong using false paper to bring Chip in the country but the team badly needed a goalie and … it went on till Jack and Sue got the entire picture of Chip’s life.

“You read lips”, Chip said out of the blue. Sue nodded. “Have we met before? Do you know me?”

Jack and Sue exchanged a glance. From what Jack had gathered, and he would have someone investigate it further, there seemed to have been no malicious intent from the Mercer’s. Now they knew about Chip’s last two and a half weeks, they needed to tell him about the first sixteen years.

“You didn’t arrest us for the false paper, did you?” asked Jim as he realised why the two FBI agents were really here. “You’ve been looking for Chip. All that time, there was people looking for you, Chip.” He tapped the boy’s shoulder, a smile on his face. “You are going home, boy”, but Chip wasn’t enthusiastic. He was still confused and now he was scared of what he was going to find out.

* * *

“I am Sue Hud … You know me as Sue Thomas, Chip. I am deaf and read lips. We played hockey together at a FBI game.” Chip’s eyes popped out of his head.

“Let’s just say your mother has connection with the FBI”, said Jack.

“Does she have blond-red hair with green eyes?”

“Yes, that would be her. Very pretty woman.” Chip smiled, that was his mom he was seeing. “We need to take you back with us, Chip.”

“Where?”

“Northern Alberta. You’re a Canadian boy.” Chip moved closer to Jim.

“It is OK, Chip. They will take care of you. I can tell they are good people”, and turning to the agents. “We call him Chip, but what’s his real name?” surprised Chip had not asked himself yet.

“Chip”, he was gazing at Sue. “You are Olivier Bergeron but your friends and teammates call you Chip.” Chip was astounded. Remembering what she was wearing, Sue took off her jacket and the jersey. She handed it to Chip, showing him the back. “That belongs to you. You put it in Jack’s bag after the game.” That was the jersey he kept seeing with Chip at the back.

Jim passed an arm around his shoulder. “Your memory was coming back after all. I bet they call you Chip for the same reason I did. You have to go. Grab your bags and hop with them.” Chip went back to gather his belongings. “Am I under arrest?” once Chip was back on the bus.

“There will be an investigation, Mr Mercer. I wouldn’t disappear if I were you. But from what I have seen, you only tried to help him. You are free to go.”

“Thank you. And please, take good care of him. He is a great kid”, with tears in his eyes.

“We know”, said Sue. “And be reassured he is going back to a very loving family.”

Chip hugged Jim before leaving and asked him if he wouldn’t mind telling Martha and Timmy he would miss them a lot.

* * *

Jack pulled the RCMP officer aside and asked him to relay a message to their DC office since neither his phone, nor Sue’s blackberry got signals over here. The officer agreed and wished them good luck, advising them to use caution, there was a freezing rain warning issued for the Edmonton-Calgary regions this evening. ‘Freezing rain. Just great’, thought Jack as he returned to the SUV, ‘Couldn’t that country stick with snow during the winter?’

Sue was sitting at the back with Olivier. They were not sure how much to tell Olivier, were cautious as not to overload his mind so they decided to let him ask the questions instead. But so far Olivier had remained silent. Sue could feel he was observing her through half closed eyes. His blue training jersey was on his lap. Jack kept glance through the rearview mirror.

In the bullpen, Bobby’s phone rang.

“Special agent Manning …yes we’ll do …Thanks for all your help.” Bobby laughed. “Yah, guess we’re even.” Bobby was grinning when he turned to Tara and D. “They have, Chip.”

If the building had not been empty, everybody would have heard them cheering.

“Jack will phone as soon as they have a signal. Chip still has no memory, though. Who phones Michelle and Myles?” ready to volunteer.

“Hold on till Jack phones”, suggested D. “His mom will want to talk to him and right now she cannot. I would very much not have to tell her Chip can’t remember her. You two did good, you can go home.”

“Not a chance, mate. I’m staying. Anyway, I need to contact the border patrol. That bus is allowed to come home.”

“Not going anywhere, either. Want me to order Chinese or pizza?” They voted Chinese.

* * *

“What is my mom’s name?” asked suddenly Olivier.

“Michelle”, answered Sue.

“And my dad?”

“Marc.”

“I see a man in uniform but no face. Can you described him for me?”

“He was an officer in the Air Force, fighter pilot”, she provided softly. “I never met him.”

“That explained the planes I dreamed of”, revisiting the images. “You said was. What does he do now?” Sue was looking at him with gentle eyes and Chip could see the sadness lying underneath. And he understood why he couldn’t see his dad’s face. “His plane crashed, didn’t it?” She nodded. “When?”

“This September”, and she placed an arm around his shoulders and let him grief a second time for his lost father.

“How come the FBI got involved in my disappearance?” eventually asked Olivier.

“A friend of your mom is an agent”, simply stated Sue.

“What kind of friend?” he asked casually.

The kind that spent the night, thought Jack, but didn’t say. Myles’ depiction of Michelle’s conversation with her son had left no doubts in anybody’s mind in the bullpen that he was with her that fateful early morning. And from what Bobby let on, after their departure for Blacksand, Myles basically moved in with her. Jack wasn’t going to explain to Chip how fast Myles’ relationship with his mom was evolving only four months after his dad’s death. Jack, don’t even think anything about it, he admonished himself. Since he had a taste of Sue, she had become his own addiction. He couldn’t get enough of her and was ready to sacrifice everything for her. Wasn’t he the one who barged into her apartment in the middle of the night because he couldn’t sleep without her? A month ago he wasn’t even dating her, yet he was now married to her, making a child with her. ‘Well, Myles’, he reflected. ‘Welcome into the blissfully wonderful yet totally insane world of love.’

Sue could see a grin developing on Jack’s face as she watched him through the mirror wondering what kind of answer she should give Olivier. Then that shadow in front of the car. “Watch out”, she yelled. Olivier screamed as Jack suddenly veered left, managing to avoid at the last second the crossing elk.

“Everyone’s OK?” as he stopped on the side of the road.

Sue was shaking but otherwise unharmed. Olivier was staring ahead with haunted eyes, his breathing spasmodic, his body uncontrollably shaking.

“It’s Ok, Olivier”, taking his hand and rubbing it between hers. “It was only a big deer.”

“A cougar”, he barely whispered, the animal staring back at him with its yellow eyes, blood dripping from its mouth …its paw lifted to strike. Olivier lifted his own arm to protect himself trapped into his own mind. But the blow he expected never came. Instead he could hear Sue and Jack’s voice, calling him back. What were they doing here? He was with Arthur. Arthur picked him up on the road after Coach left him half dead. But Arthur was dead beside him, the cougar was eating his flesh and the beast was going to kill him too. Olivier felt like his head was going to explode. So many images, and names, and places rushing back.

Sue had Olivier wrapped into her arms, calling him back gently. Jack had moved on the back seat, holding both of them, sharing his wife’s concerns. Olivier was struggling against an invisible foe. Slowly the battle subsided until Olivier was left pale and motionless into the agents’ grip.

* * *

The first thing Sue and Jack noticed when Olivier lifted his head was the spark in his eyes.

“You can let me go now. I didn’t escape a cougar to be smothered to death by two FBI agents”, he said mischievously. Colours were coming back to his face as he smiled to them. They let go of him.

“What happened Olivier?” asked gently Sue.

“Coach was at the airport to …” It took a good half and hour for Chip to recall everything.

“How do you feel, Olivier?”

“I have a headache and I am hungry, but otherwise fine. Can I phone my mom?”

“Sorry, No signal”, pulling his cell out. “Keep it and try later.”

“Jack, the Mercer’s took good care of me. Will they be in trouble?”

“I don’t think so. I will take care of it, OK?” Olivier nodded. “We are about forty-five minutes from Fort McLeod, we could stop there and grab something to eat.” Olivier nodded again.

“Where are we going?”

“Can I drive and tell you what you missed at the same time? We need to be back in Calgary for eight o’clock”, and looking at his watch. “And we could just make it.”

So Jack explained how they searched for him, how they found his former coach, how Jack and Sue ended up undercover in Blacksand, how his team was playing tonight, how Darren got injured.

“Seth, in the net, this morning? I wished I saw it. Do you want me in there tonight, Jack?”

“I thought you would never ask, Chip.”

* * *

Next time Olivier turned on the phone he had a strong signal.

“Jack, I am calling, mom. What time is it in DC?”

“Just before seven o’clock.”

“Good. I shouldn’t interrupt anything, right?” Jack and Sue exchanged a glance. “Is mom still seeing Myles?”

“You know about Myles and your mom?”

“Of course”, said Olivier matter of fact. “I mean, I kind of wasn’t sure until I phoned that morning at five.” Jack and Sue exchanged a confused look this time. “Myles was there”, he added.

“We didn’t know that you knew Myles was there.”

“Hard to miss, he answered. He’s the one I talked too. Jack, I don’t think he was picking her up for work at that time, you know”, grinning.

Jack shook his head, thinking back. Myles said Olivier phoned his mom that morning and related the message, he never mentioned who actually answered. No wonder he felt so agitated, he had been the last one to talk to Olivier. But obviously Olivier took it well.

“Go ahead and phone, Olivier”, suggested Jack.

He nervously dialed her number.

“Leland.”

A smile crept on Olivier’s lips. “You know, man, you need to work on your greetings when you’re in mom’s house.”

“Olivier? Olivier!!! Is that you? Let me get your …Where are you first? Are you …”

“I’m with Jack and Sue. We are … somewhere I guess.”

Jack and Sue were grinning.

“Somewhere with Jack and Sue. That’s good”, muttered Myles on the phone. He heard Myles yell Michelle. Then there was the sound of running water becoming nearer. And he heard Myles say Michelle again. Finally the water was turned off and a musical voice greeted him.

“Allô maman. C’est Olivier.”

“Olivier! Olivier!!!” She was screaming, and he could hear Myles laughing.

“Maman, calme-toi. Je suis correct. Je suis avec Jack et Sue.”

“Où étais-tu, Olivier? J’étais tellement inquiète.”

“C’est une longue histoire, maman. J’avais perdu la mémoire, mais tout est revenu maintenant. Je joue une partie avec Blacksand à Calgary ce soir. Je peux te rappeler après, vers une heure du matin.” He could tell his mom was crying now. “Maman?”

“Olivier, she is fine. Just a bit overwhelmed”, explained Myles who took the phone from Michelle as he was holding her at the same time.

“I noticed”, replied Olivier with an unsteady voice as well. “Myles, I told mom I would phone her back after my game with Blacksand tonight. Can you make sure she doesn’t jump on a plane or something? I told her I lost my memory but it’s back now and I’m fine.” Jack was trying to get Olivier’s attention. “Hold on, Myles. I think Jack wants to talk to you. You’ll look after mom, right.” Myles agreed with pleasure.

“Myles, can you call Bobby or D and tell them I have everything under control. I will send a full report tomorrow sometimes.”

“Thank you, Jack.” Myles’ voice was breaking too

“You welcome. I will make sure he phones after the game.”

Olivier leaned back on his seat and closed his eyes, a contented smile spreading. His mother had been in the shower when Myles gave her the phone. He had asked Myles to look after her. Come to think of it, he would rather not know how Myles was going to do it.

* * *

They were making good time to Calgary. At 7pm, they were about forty minutes away from the city when it began to drizzle. The traffic slowed down as it changed into freezing rain.

Olivier understood he couldn’t blow Jack and Sue identity. Jack told him to keep his story as true as possible, that his bus was stopped by the RCMP, that two FBI agents showed up, and finally that Sue and Jack showed up. Just made it sound like Sue and Jack were different persons than the two FBI agents. Jack would take care of explaining how he got the call to go pick up Olivier. And that his memory came back when they almost hit an elk.

Good thing I never mentioned Sue and Jack by name in my emails or my chatroom, thought Olivier. He was happy to know they were staying in Blacksand till beginning of March. Jack was a good guy, he had already cleaned up the team. Olivier couldn’t wait to see what his teammates had to say about Jack.

After they stopped for food, Sue sat in the front with Jack. Olivier could see Jack holding her hand until the road began to be slippery, which is when he decided having both hands on the wheel was a smart idea. Olivier wondered if they had to get married for real in order to go undercover.

* * *

Michelle had been in the shower when Olivier phoned. And when she started crying Myles had wrapped his arms around her wet body. His clothes must have acted as a towel because she was now completely dry while he was totally soaked.

She removed one garment at a time until the only thing left clinging to his body was herself. Myles was pleasantly surprised to discover they could fit in that small shower together. He had to admit they were doing their best to take as little room as possible. The water was caressing the parts of their body they were missing. They didn’t know how long they stayed in there, just that love felt amazing. And by the time the water was cold and they came out, Myles couldn’t help but think that cold showers were highly overrated.

* * *

They arrived at the arena as the players were stepping on the ice. Jack found their dressing room and looked to see if he had Chip’s team jersey in the jersey bag. The last one was his. It said ‘Bergeron’ on the back and he was #1. He gave it to Chip and told him to hurry. Whoever Peter chose for goalie would need help soon. Chip had asked Jack not to tell the players he was coming. Jack had agreed before making his way behind the bench. He was there in time to see the other team scored their first goal.

“Jack, nice to have you back. Is everything all right? The team was worried”, said Peter and on cue the players on the bench turned towards him.

“Gentlemen, I had a good reason for leaving. But everything is fine now. I will explain after the game, OK?”

The boys nodded and returned their attention to the game for the other team’s second goal.

“Is it Seth back in the net?”

“Yes, Jack. Nobody else wanted to. He’s taking one for the team”, explained Peter.

Hurry up, thought Jack.

Eight minutes into the game and they were already losing 5-0. The referee blew the whistle for icing. All the players moved back into Seth’s zone. Jack called for a time-out as he heard the door of the dressing room. He called back the players that were on the ice to the bench including Seth. They all gathered around Jack, unaware of the gasping from the bleachers. The parents and Sue had seen Olivier at the door.

“Gentlemen, what we just did was the warm-up. Now let’s play the game. Seth, get back into the dressing room and put your regular equipment on, I need you at defence. Gentlemen. Be daring and imaginative. And above all, have fun.”

“But Coach, who will replace me?”

“That tall guy over there, Seth.”

All the players turned around. Chip was standing tall, a bit overwhelmed as the players cheered and jumped on him. The whistle blew twice.

“Chip, Mel, Dan, Ron, John, Rick on the ice. NOW! The rest of you, please take your position on the bench and be ready to rotate.”

Jack looked at his boys. The smiles on their face would be enough to melt the entire ice. Peter stood beside him. “I would call that a good reason to leave, Jack”, he whispered.

“Somehow Peter, I thought you would approve.”

A transformed team was playing on the ice. They skated harder and faster. Their passes were more precise. Their play was more clever and daring. Their unity and chemistry on the ice had never been that coordinated before. And Chip was doing his job, his shut the door. By the end of the first period the score was 5-2.

Jack didn’t need to give a Pep Talk to his boys at the first intermission. They were already high enough. Darren had come from the bleachers where he was watching with the parents to the dressing room to be with the team. Jack told him if he was wearing his helmet he could stay on the bench.

Second period brought more of the same. Once the players fully realised Chip the miracle worker was back, they tried even more vigorously. The score was 5-4 when they came on the ice for the last period. After taking a rebound from Chip, Seth made a perfect pass to Cain whose shot hit the cross bar before it ricocheted inside the net. 5-5. Three minutes left in the game and the best scorer of the other team had a break away. From the tip of his pad, Chip deflected enough that it skimmed the outside of the post.

Mel was going down with the puck, Dan right behind him. And Jack saw with pride the boys executing perfectly the play they tried a week ago. Mel left the puck on the ice, skating aside as Dan coming from behind took the shot and scored. The bell rang. The game was over. When all the players jumped on the ice and buried their goalie alive, uninformed spectators would think they won the Stanley cup. As it stood, even the parents wanted to jump on the ice. Jack and Peter lined up with their players to shake hands with the opposite team under the applause of a very small but overly enthusiastic crowd. Christine and Sue were crying in each other’s arms.

Lucy and Jeff were on their way back from dinner when Jeff remembered he had some paperwork to pick up at the bureau. In the parking lot, Lucy recognised Bobby and D’s vehicles. As Jeff stopped by his office she dropped by the bullpen just as the phone rang.

“Mate, you’re on speaker”, announced Bobby, expecting Jack’s voice.

“Bobby?”

“Myles! Sorry we …we …”

“Well, I almost forgot about you”, interrupted Myles. “I’m sure you heard Olivier was fine.”

“Did you talk to him?” wanted to know Tara.

“Yes, we didn’t get the entire story yet, just know Olivier lost his memory for a while, but it came back. He plays tonight and will phone later. Jack had a game to coach I guess that’s why he asked me to relay a message to you. Anyway, Jack said everything was fine and that he will send a full report tomorrow. Well, we’re off celebrating, so good night”, and he hung up.

“That cheerful Myles is almost as scary as the old Myles”, commented Bobby. “And what did he mean by he almost forgot us?”

“Who cares?” exclaimed Lucy who was jumping up and down. “I got it right, right? Jack found Chip? Tell me, pleaaaaase?” as if the grins on her friends’ face weren’t enough.

“Safe and sound, sheila.”

“And with his memory back, from the sound of it”, finished Tara.

Lucy hugged Tara before suddenly pulling away and staring at all of them. She had kept her promise to Sue, she didn’t know how she did it, but she didn’t tell a soul. And now Olivier was fine and Myles and Michelle were happy. She was starting to glow.

“OK Luce. What is it you are not telling us?” teased Bobby, leaning back in his chair, his feet on his desk.

“Sue and Jack got married two weeks ago!” she exclaimed.

The bullpen was silent until the crashing sound of Bobby’s chair stirred everyone up and one more reason to celebrate was added to the list.

***

The evening was wonderful. They found that nice intimate café. After hardly eating for weeks, Myles was astonished when Michelle ordered a second dessert, which she kindly shared with him. She was mesmerizing tonight. And the love and trust that had grown between them amidst the pain of the last few weeks were shining through her eyes, free of the worries and tears, stronger than it was before. They came home and he didn’t stop kissing her until she surrendered.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Michelle”, he told her as she was lying in his arm.

“Myles”, she was looking very seriously into his eyes. “You know I could never give you a child to carry your name.”

“But you already did, except I got to skip the diapers and the midnight feedings. The name is not important. I don’t think I would have been very good at it anyway. I am not that comfortable around young children. But Marc … Marc did a good job as a father, just look at Olivier. And I know you were happy with him, that makes him a good husband in my book. I would never dream of replacing him. I would like to carry on where he was forced to step out.” Tears of joy were glistening in her eyes. “Now the next part is conditional.”

“Conditional?”

“Yes. If Olivier approves, I would very much like to become your second husband. Would you marry me, Michelle?”

“Yes”, emotions choking her. “Myles, in my heart you are not behind Marc, you are beside him.”

“That sounds like the perfect place to be, Michelle. I love you.”

“I love you too”, as their lips touched and their future met.

When the phoned rang, Myles came very close to pick it up.

“You can answer, Myles. You will insult his intelligence if you don’t. He knows you’re here”, smiling mischievously at him.

So picking up the phone, using his deepest voice possible, Myles answered. “Michelle’s residence. How may I direct your call at this late hour of the night?”

Myles wasn’t sure who was laughing the loudest, his future wife or his future son.

***

Olivier stopped laughing before his mom.

“So, what do you think of that greetings? Better?”

“Noooooo! Myles, do you know what time it is in DC?” grinning widely.

“Yes, and you’re really cutting in my sleep, Olivier.” Myles couldn’t see Olivier shaking his head, nor all his teammates surrounding him.

“Man, if you are where I think you are, you better think of doing something about it”, teased Olivier.

“Like what?”

“Well, let’s see … like marrying my mom!” Olivier’s jaw dropped as he heard Myles asked his mom to marry him.

“She said yes for the second time. Oh, did I forget to mention I asked her earlier?” Myles heard cheering as Olivier yelled his mom was getting married. He gave the phone to Michelle and lay against his pillow as Michelle began a long French conversation with Olivier. He could pick up words here and there but he knew Michelle would tell him the rest in time.

Eventually Seth came and sat on the seat in front of Jack and Sue.

“Coach, Chip’s mom is getting married to a FBI agent. Can you believe it?”

Jack and Sue exchanged a knowing glance.

“I am sure they will be very happy”, volunteered Jack, really believing it. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, waiting for Chip. Once he’s done talking to his mom, he will explain my chemistry. I need that assignment finished by tomorrow. Did you know he played hockey with real FBI agents when he was in DC?”

“And you know that how?” inquired Jack, wondering if his undercover story would hold.

“Oh, Ben, Chip and I are on MSN Messenger all the time, you know, chat room. Chip told us he was training with that FBI guy his mom was dating.”

“What else did he say?”

“He played hockey with them. Oh, a good one! One day he went to the gym with those two other FBI guys, one was Crash, the other was … Spunky, no …Spiky …Sparky. Yah, Crash and Sparky, and Chip was so sore the next day but he didn’t tell anybody because the two FBI guys were like …totally dead.”

“Really”, said Jack as Chip chose that moment to bring back his phone. “So Crash and Sparky gave you a run for your money, after all”, teased Jack.

“That would be open to interpretation”, said Chip without committing himself.

“Seth, what else did Chip say about Sparky”, asked Sue, smiling mischievously.

“Time for your chemistry, Seth”, said Chip pulling him down but Seth resisted.

“Chip, stop. Which one was secretly in love with the cute blond babe? That was Sparky, right?”

Jack wasn’t sure who blushed the most, Sue or Chip … or maybe himself.

“Homework sounds like a good idea, gentlemen”, suggested Jack.

Seth obeyed, but before he turned around Olivier added. “Coach, Sparky should marry that girl.”

“Sparky already did”, whispered Sue for Chip’s ears only, moving her hand just so he could get a glimpse of the ring on her finger. “Two weeks ago.”

Chip nodded, thinking that answered his question.

***

It didn’t take long for Jack to remember he was in a moving bus when he woke up. It wasn’t dark anymore but with the drifting snow you couldn’t see anything. His watch said 7am. His body was aching all over. Sue was still asleep against him. He looked around, careful not to wake her up. Nobody else seemed awake and there wasn’t any noise from the back where the boys were. Jack turned his attention to Bill, the bus driver, two seats in front of him.

“Where are we, Bill?”

“Just passed Cold Lake. At best, three more hours, but the snowstorm is getting worse. I will have to slow down very soon.”

Jack had stayed awake till 3am to keep Bill company, but after that Bill was left on his own.

“You must be tired, Bill.”

“I am getting there. That young fellow came to talk to me after you dozed off.” Jack looked on the seat in front and saw Seth lying across it. A smile spread on his face. “That boy knows enough stories to keep an entire fleet awake all night. He just dropped half and hour ago.”

“And when did we get that gorgeous weather change?” They had freezing rain leaving Calgary but it came to a stop just south of Edmonton. Jack could remember flurries later on but not snow.”

“About an hour ago.” Bill took Jack’s phone from the dash. “Fully recharged, Jack.”

“Thanks.”

First Jack phoned at work to let them know he wasn’t going to be there before lunch. He also had that report to send to DC. He figured, since he was stuck on that bus doing nothing, that he could do it right now.

“Manning.”

“Bobby, it’s Jack. I’m…”

“That was quite a bombshell, mate. What possess you of not telling us?” Jack’s mind went from foggy to utterly confused.

“Bobby? What on earth …”

“Am I talking about?” finished Bobby for him. “Your marriage to the lovely Ms Thomas.”

Myles lifted his head. Tara, Lucy and D were all grinning. “Jack is married? Like in married married?”

“Yah, the real thing, not the undercover thing, two weeks ago, Myles. Can you imagine?” replied Bobby to Myles, yet saying it on the phone as well. “And we had to learn it from Lucy last night. How come I didn’t know?”

Was Bobby talking to him or Myles, thought Jack as he considered hanging up.

“Jack, mate, how could you keep it secret?”

“Bobby, it …it was a spur of the mo …” Jack could hear laughing very clearly. If Bobby put him on speaker that guy was dead next time he saw him. “Cut the speaker, Bobby.”

“The bullpen is empty, Jack. Only the five of us”, replied D. “We heard it was a very private affair. Any chance you and Sue will give us a repeat?”

“Honestly, D, we were planning on having a …” He was going to say a real wedding, but it had been a real wedding. “A second ceremony for family and friends, once back.”

“Mate, what about a double wedding then?”

“That’s a wonderful idea!” Lucy exclaimed.

“You, guys, are best friends. That would be so cute”, said Tara

“Very smart financially too. Cut the expenses in half”, commented Myles.

“Seriously, mate. I will talk to Darcy about it. You talk to Sue. OK?” Jack promised he would think about it.

“Are you sending us that report, Jack?” interrupted D.

“I am still on the bus”, the storm was getting worse and Bill had slowed down. “And won’t be home till late morning. Which is why I was calling.”

“You mean, mate, there was a reason to your call. And I thought you just woke up in your wife’s arms this morning thinking how much you miss us.”

“Bobby, when I wake up in my wife’s arm, I am not thinking about you”, thought Jack of saying, only to realize he said it out loud when he heard the team laughing hard. Jack didn’t realise either that Sue was awake and watching him through half closed eyelids. “And trust me, right now, I am not missing you. Couldn’t you use Myles as a target for a while? He is also getting married.”

Jack heard exclamation from everyone. Apparently Myles had not shared the good news … until now.

“What is going on here?” Jack recognized Garrett’s voice.

“Myles is getting married”, announced Tara “And Jack and Sue are …”

“On the phone”, cut D. “Jack is on speaker.”

“Jack, you and Thomas, good job.”

“Thank you, Sir. I was going to go through the report over the phone right now.”

“Then go ahead. Myles already gave us a part of the story. We are looking forward for the rest. And we will see you back in mid-March.”

Once Jack hung up after recounting yesterday’s events, Sue moved her hand inside Jack’s jacket. “Tell me, Mr Hudson”, she whispered to his ears. “What is it, exactly, that you think when you wake up in your wife’s arm in the morning?”

“My lovely wife”, he murmured so low only her could read it. “That is mine to know and yours to find out. Though I will give you a hint as soon as we get home.” He stole a brief kiss. “In the meantime, I would keep that hand of yours where I can see it. I believe I saw somewhere it was totally inappropriate for a coach to make out with his wife on a bus.”

***

The next three weeks flew by quickly. Jack’s team had two regular games scheduled every weekend. The Saturday morning following Calgary, they drove nine hours to Grande Prairie where they lost both games. Then Cold Lake came and they won both games.

Chip had successfully convinced his mom of not flying back right away to see him. With his hockey and his schooling, he was so busy he didn’t have time for anything else. Michelle agreed to postpone her visit if he was calling her every night. Chip hadn’t missed a night yet, and every night Myles answered with a new greeting. He became a running joke between the two men in Michelle’s life.

Third weekend, they went to Fort McMurray, another eight hours away, and came home with a win and a lost. The first four teams of their league made it to playoff. Jack’s team finished third and was going to play Fort McMurray, the second place team. On the way back on the bus, Jack had a meeting with his team. He went through the good things they did and the things they needed to improve during the next few practices. Then he gave them a three hours study time, exams were coming. Jack was sitting with Sue in the second row seat. It had become their regular seating. Sue hadn’t missed a single game, a single trip. As usual Seth came to sit in front of them, except Chip wasn’t with him.

“Mrs H, would you, please, read proof my English essay?” asked Seth, hopeful.

“What happened to Chip?” she inquired.

“Oh, he is still catching up with everything he missed so I try not to bother him if I can find someone else to help me. Would you?”

Sue took the five pages essay. She made the corrections and handed him the first page back. He started writing his good copy. Sue was leaning against Jack as he was reading over her shoulder. It was a good essay. The boy had a way with words.

Bobby chose that time to phone Jack. They had decided to have a double wedding over Easter. Bobby approached the minister of the little church Jack took Sue for their blessing. He agreed to the ceremony. They were now discussing the reception and the guests. Sue had just given Seth his last page when Jack hung up. Jack went through the latest development with Sue.

“Aren’t you already married?” enquired Seth, his head popping up.

“Were you eavesdropping, Seth?”

“No, but you are not very quiet, Coach. I won’t tell”, swore Seth.

“Sue and I had a very small wedding. Now we decided to have a second one with our friends and family present.”

“So you are having a second one because they are pissed off you didn’t invite them the first time?” Jack and Sue burst laughing.

“That’s a way to look at it”, admitted Jack. “But, no, they are not mad, it’s …it’s …” turning to Sue for help.

“Jack and I were supposed to go on a trip and just before we left, we decided it would be more appropriate if we were married. So we had a secret wedding”, tried to explain Sue.

“I see. I wished my mom thought about it too, before she went on that trip with my dad.” Jack and Sue were confused. “See, my dad took my mom for a weekend somewhere, got her pregnant, then ran away like a chicken when she told him about me. I mean I wasn’t born yet, but you get the picture.”

Jack and Sue were stunned by the frankness of the boy.

“We’re sorry, Seth.”

“It’s OK, Mrs H. My mom and I are doing great. He was a jerk, I am better off without him.”

“We are sorry for him, Seth.”

“Why, Coach?”

“Because he never got to know what a great son he has”, answered Jack. “He is the one who missed out.”

Seth pondered that one a moment before a smile appeared on his feature. “Thank you, Coach”, expressed Seth. “I think what you and Mrs H are doing is nice. Hope your friends and family appreciate it. And if I ever get a girl in trouble like that, I won’t run away like my dad. I promise you”, before turning back to his essay.

***

They ended up on the road to Fort McMurray in the middle of another storm again. This was semi-final for the league. They played two games and it was the total point for both games. Jack was really impressed by his boys. They tried hard and played the way they practiced during that week. They won both. The players were celebrating on the bus. They were going to finals.

Jack was on the phone with Grande Prairie during the way back. They also won both their games. Jack recalled they were in fact undefeated so far this season. The final was a best of five. And Jack had to decide if he preferred playing the first three over there and the last two in Blacksand if necessary. Or the first two in Grande Prairie, the following two in Blacksand and the last one in Grande Prairie again if necessary.

Sue could tell Jack was preoccupied after the call but since she was reading she had no idea what the problem was. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him but not before he checked to make sure none of his boys were close by.

“Can you hear me out? I need to make sense of it.” She nodded. He gave her the choices. “Now, home advantage is a big thing. The boys hardly played in Blacksand since Christmas. Sleeping in their own bed and having lots of fans in the stands would give them a small edge. So if I take the first three over there, we have a chance of coming back once we play home. The problem is if we lose the first three games, the season is over. On the other hand, playing two over there, assure us of at least one home game, if not two. But if we manage to tie the series 2-2 and the last game is in Grande Prairie, well, we won’t be the favourite … Not that we are the favourite to win anyway, since Grande Prairie has remained undefeated all season.”

“Jack, what are the chances that we could win one game out of three in Grande Prairie? Isn’t it what it comes down to?”

He sighed. “Let’s see.” He checked again to make sure no boys were around and the front seat was still empty. “Their forwards are faster and more powerful. Their defensemen are bigger and stronger than Bobby. Our boys are having a hard time going around them. If we can get fifteen shots on their goalie, it is a good game. But they have no trouble shooting in average sixty shots on ours. Our goaltending is by far superior to theirs, no question, but as amazing as Chip is, no goalie can stop sixty shots in a game. And even if he could, we still need to score in order to win.”

She looked at him expectantly. “And?”

“Our chances to win one?” He pondered it. “I did see some weakness on their side as well, if I can find a way of taking advantage of them … we could have a chance to win one. Yah, I believe we could win one … maybe.”

“When do you need to decide?”

“Within the next hour. And no, I have no way of reaching Peter.” It would have been nice to be able to run that one over with his assistant coach, but Peter was away on a course till Wednesday. He kissed the top of her head and leaned on in his seat without letting go of his wife. He glanced at the movie from time to time. Who brought Indiana Jones? He had no clue, but it was appropriate entertainment. Should he gamble on winning in Grande Prairie? Or should he go for a guaranteed home game?

***

As he got his schedule worked out, Jack was able to go home for lunch most days and spent some quality time with his wife. A new teacher was hired and Sue was slowly assuring the transition with the children, so her availability was increasing, something Jack didn’t mind at all. Myles got a hold of them at lunch on Wednesday.

“Hudson”, Jack answered, kicking himself for not disconnecting the phone.

“Myles here. Are you busy?”

You could say that, thought Jack. “I’m on lunch break”, he answered instead. He pressed his fingers on Sue’s lips, as she was about to laugh out loud. “What’s up, Myles?”

“Michelle and I will fly to Grande Prairie for Friday night game. Olivier doesn’t know, so if you could keep it secret. Michelle doesn’t want to miss the finals. Could you book us a room at the same hotel you guys are staying?”

“No problem, Myles. Want me to get someone to pick you up at the airport?”

“No, we’ll take a cab to the arena. That’s fine. Second, Garrett would like to talk to you. I will transfer you.”

“Thanks, Myles. Have a nice trip and we’ll see you Friday.”

Shortly after the bullpen heard they were married, Jack had told Garrett himself. Somehow Jack was sure it didn’t surprise him at all. But, it did make it harder for Garrett to protect them. He could keep them together for another six months but that was the best he could do. After that the rule would apply and one of them would be reassigned. On their return they would need to discuss which one and where at. In the meantime, Jack had asked for a week extension in order to finish the hockey season with his team and Garrett allowed them to stay in Blacksand on personal leave till the end of March. Their wedding was scheduled for the first weekend of April.

***

Jack was standing by the ice when Myles and Michelle arrived at the arena. The two men were happy to see each other, and Michelle hugged Jack for finding her son. Sue arrived shortly after with the rest of the parents and Jack’s Tim Horton’s coffee. He kissed her before going back in the dressing room. The zamboni machine was almost done and the game would start soon. Michelle thanked Sue as well, and they all sit together, Myles, Michelle, Sue, Paul Anderson and Mike’s dad.

Chip went on the ice followed by his teammates. He skated sideways in front of his net to make the ice less slippery. Then he looked in the stand to see where the cheering section was. Michelle and Myles could make out the huge grin through the wire cage of his helmet. They smiled back at him. The game began and Olivier was focusing intensely on the game. The first five minutes, Grande Prairie managed eleven shots on Chip without success, before Ben could finally clear the puck in the other zone. At the end of the first period, the shots were 23 to 6 and the score was tied at 0-0.

At intermission, Sue and Michelle went for a walk and Mike’s dad for a smoke outside.

“I heard the news, Myles. Congratulations”, offered Paul as they were left alone in the stand.

“Thanks”, waiting for Paul to divulge more as the man seemed thoughtful.

“Has Michelle ever mentioned that Marc and I went way back to flight school.”

“I believe she did. Best man if I recall well.”

A smile appeared on the man’s face as recollection of happier time occurred. “I … I was the one who introduced Michelle to Marc. Almost dated her myself. Regretted it until I met my wife.”

“Is there a point, Paul?”

“Marc and I made a deal. If one was to go down, the other would look after his wife. Made me promise to keep her away from those darned fighter pilots. Never mentioned FBI agents though.”

“Do you …disapprove?”

“No … I don’t … Marc wouldn’t either.” He paused and looked straight at Myles. “I kept my promise to Marc. I am happy to let you take over.” And he was genuinely happy.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. The … the wives don’t know about the deal, we like to keep it that way.” Myles nodded. “Let me buy you a coffee, Myles.”

The beginning of the second period saw one goal for each team, but Grande Prairie took opportunity of two power plays to add two more. 3-1. Again in the third, each team saw the bottom of the net. The game ended 4-2. Jack was very pleased by his team’s performance.

“Gentlemen”, after the game in the dressing room. “Listen. You did great today. No team has come up within four points of Grande Prairie this season. And we came within two. We tied the first and third period. We lost it in the second when we had those two penalties back to back. Tomorrow we’ll do better. We know we can stay with them. I want the temper in check. I don’t care what they call your mother or girlfriend OK. No retaliation unless you can justify it. And I mean it. We can beat those guys and we will do it tomorrow afternoon. Tonight we were just trying to scare them a little bit.”

The boys started yelling, and smiled appeared.

“Now gentlemen, hit those showers so we can go for dinner because I am starving”, ordered Jack before leaving the dressing room with Peter.

“You really think we have a chance, Jack?”

“Yes, Peter. We have three games this weekend. I intend to win at least one and go back to play home.”

***

The second game was as exciting as the first. Jack’s players stayed disciplined and Grande Prairie was the one that ended up with more penalties. The game finished 3-2. It was Grande Prairie first loss. Jack had accomplished what he wanted. There would be a fourth game at home. After dinner Saturday evening Jack ordered movies in a few rooms and the players relaxed. Myles and Michelle had come to chat in Jack and Sue’s room when Chip knocked on the door. He wanted permission to go outside for a run. He needed to unwind after the fifty-two shots he received. The weather was just below freezing, flurries were falling and no wind. It was a nice evening.

“Do you have a running partner?” asked Jack.

“No”, and turning towards Myles. “But I thought maybe you would come with me.”

“Give me five minutes to change”, as Myles stood up and went to his room.

They ran in silence for the first fifteen minutes. Myles figured Olivier would open up when he was ready.

“I missed mom more than I thought I did”, admitted Olivier as they were waiting at an intersection. “When I saw you last night in the stand I was very happy you both came to see me.”

“We could tell, Olivier. And your mom knows too. You kissed her in the lobby last night after you came out of the dressing room. She told me you never kiss her in public usually.”

“She’s right”, he was laughing. “Myles, since I got back I thought about lots of things”, he continued seriously as they were running slow paced. “But mostly of what I sacrificed for my hockey. I thought my parents would be around forever, you know. That once my hockey career was over I could just pick up where I left. Did Jack tell you two scouts approached him last night after my game?”

“Yes. One was scouting for a Junior team in British Columbia, the other for a Junior team back east?”

“One from BC, the other from Ontario. They saw me play in Calgary as Aaron Mercer and liked it. They are back this weekend for a second look. Jack and Peter think one will sign me in before Sunday.”

“You have the talent, Olivier and you work hard. You deserve a chance.”

“See, I stayed in Blacksand so I could finish high school there. I’m in grade 11, and I will probably end up finishing it somewhere else anyway. “

“Olivier, please, don’t start regretting your last two years. Your parents didn’t.”

“I know and I am not. It just … there is no point into staying … there isn’t that much time left I can spend … mom told me she moved in with you …”

“Olivier”, Myles stopped Olivier on the sidewalk. “Hold on.” He looked at the boy, and there was so much of Michelle in that boy. “Would you like to move back with us until you start with that Junior team? Finish school in DC? You know there will always be a room in our house with your name on it.” Olivier nodded. Myles hugged the boy and the boy hugged him back. “Do you have any idea how happy that will make your mother, Olivier?”

“But Myles, you and mom are getting married, don’t you want some time alone?” he finally asked after he regained his composure.

“First we already had some time alone. Second I hope to be able to convince you to spend some evenings at her certain Ms Gans’ house”, Olivier blushed slightly; he had been chatting online with her since he got back. “And if at one point I decide to invite your mother for a weekend getaway and I don’t’ mention your name …”

“I will stay home”, answered Olivier with a smile. “And have a party.”

“Come to think of it”, replied Myles unsure. “Forget the getaway weekend, son. We’ll send you for a movie instead.” And tapping him on the back. “Your curfew is probably over. Let’s get back before Jack decides to bench you tomorrow.”

And for the first time since his return, Olivier felt, running along side his future stepdad, that he was finally home.

They first stopped by Jack’s room to let him know they were back, then Olivier said good night to his mom. Once Myles was sure the boy was back with his teammates, he went back to the room he shared with Michelle. She was waiting for him at the window, staring at the falling snow. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her.

“You’re in a good mood”, she noticed. “And very salty. You had a good run.”

“Excellent run. I could tell you everything in the shower. And I can guarantee that you will love it.”

“What will I love? The shower or what you will tell me?”

“Both.”

***

The excitement of yesterday’s game carried on the ice on Sunday morning. Mel scored the first goal of the game. Grande Prairie only tied in the second period. At the second intermission, Jack reminded his players that the game wasn’t over. They had twenty minutes left and Grande Prairie would easily come back if they started losing their discipline and their focus. But as he was saying that Jack realized he also had a hard time keeping his exhilaration in check. Whatever happened in the third, thought Jack with pride as his players went back on the ice, they over exceeded his expectations.

No matter how hard Jack’s boys tried they couldn’t get to the bottom of the net. However, at the other end, Olivier, the miracle maker, was frustrating Grande Prairie over and over again. The score remained 1-1 and they went in overtime. Within a few minutes, Grande Prairie had a breakaway. The shot got deflected on the shaft of Chip’s stick just above his blocker. Ben got it and passed it to Seth who was out of position near the centre line. He went down with Mike, and as he thought about passing to Mike, he decided for the shot instead. Grande Prairie goaltender slashed his stick on the post as Seth lifted his arms in the air. Jack’s bench emptied in a record time and Olivier ended up on the ice with twelve players on top of him. Jack turned towards the stands. Sue met his gaze, smiling. They were all very proud. Jack and Peter joined their players on the ice.

As Jack predicted, Olivier was offered a contract with an Ontario Junior team for the next season. The details would be worked out within the next few weeks. It suited the family just fine. DC-Toronto was easy commute and Michelle and Myles would be able to see their son more regularly once he left home in August.

Jack had an easy practice for the boys on Monday, dealing mostly about strategy. Game four was Saturday night and Grande Prairie, their back against the wall, would be back with vengeance.

Jack replaced their Wednesday night weight training with an outside run instead. The weather was nice, temperature was just above freezing. He figured it would get his boys to relax. Myles accompanied them. Poor Myles always had someone along side asking questions. It was the first time they were around an FBI agents and the boys were just thrilled that he would run with them. Of course, Jack and Olivier had that smirk on their face during the entire time.

“So, Myles, liked it?” asked Jack as the boys were in line for their bottle session with Hal.

“You have some interesting characters on that team, Jack. But I can understand their enthusiasm. I mean, to run with a REAL FBI agent, come on. How often does that happen?” Jack just rolled his eyes. “Actually I’m surprise your cover is still intact since they know about Sparky and Crash.”

“Olivier has been good at keeping the other part of their identity to himself”, admired Jack.

“Yah, well. Anyway, now your players know how they got their nickname.”

“Myles!” exclaimed Jack. “Tell me you didn’t.”

“You know that Seth, he can be a very convincing boy. And he was happy to know Sparky married his secret love”, couldn’t resist adding Myles with a smile. “You know Jack, if I was you, I would consider telling them who I am before leaving, or at least a part of the truth.”

“Sue told me the same thing.”

“You make a lovely couple.”

“Same goes for you and Michelle. She brought the best out of you, Myles. When are you tying the knot? Want to do it with Bobby and I?”

“No, thanks. Though you could probably use some help keeping Bobby at the altar”, said Myles, not teasing really.

“Please, don’t tell me he’s having cold feet?”

“Make it frozen feet … so is Darcy. But Tara, Lucy and D are working on them. Anyway, Michelle and I just want a small private affair. At first we thought the summer would be great, but now, with Olivier coming back to live with us next week, I’m thinking sooner rather than later…” He paused as some boys stopped to say good night. “Call me old fashioned, Jack, but in Olivier’s eyes, I would rather be his mom’s husband than his mom’s lover.”

“Have you met Father Ryan?” Myles shook his head, the name didn’t mean anything “He’s a friend of Paul. Father Ryan married us at our home on a cold Sunday night when we arrived.” Jack looked at his friend. “I believe he is coming this weekend. Would probably be thrilled to marry another FBI agent”, a mischievous smile on his lips.

Myles shook his head, smiling. Then the idea entered his mind and …

“Myles, can you drop me at the rink, please?” Jack and Myles just stared at him. There wasn’t any practice tonight. “The little goalies I coach”, explained Olivier. “I just learned their game was rescheduled tonight. And it’s their last one. I cannot miss it. They play against each other.”

“Then let’s go, son. See you, Jack.”

“Bye Coach”, as he left, Olivier filled Myles on the little guys. Myles would stay and watch as well.


Friday night didn’t see Jack going out with the guys for a beer, nor did it see Sue going for her girls’ night out. Together they were invited for a very special dinner at the Anderson’s. Myles, Michelle, Olivier and Father Ryan were present as well. But before dinner, Father Ryan had another ceremony to perform. It was with great pleasure he pronounced Myles and Michelle as husband and wife. And now he could proudly boast to anyone he married an FBI agent.

Saturday night came and Grande Prairie totally hammered Blacksand down. Jack had been afraid the boys would be over confident and he was right. They lost 5-1. His boys were left in the dust, managing only 9 shots while Chip was stormed by more than seventy. The atmosphere in the dressing room was gloomy after the game when Jack came in with a smile.

“OK, gentlemen. Tell me what we did right tonight?”

“Nothing”, came Seth’s answer.

“Well, not totally true. You could all remember how to skate and hold a stick.”

“Very funny, Coach”, replied Todd, not amused. “Keep that up and I’ll pee in my pants.”

“Want a bottle?” asked Seth, corny. Despite themselves, the boys laughed.

“Gentlemen, calm down, please.” They did. “Then tell me what we did wrong. And don’t say, everything. I want specifics.”

And the boys went through the list of everything they did wrong. And after each incident, Jack asked them what they should have done instead.

“Now, gentlemen”, an hour later. “I believe we just went through our game plan for tomorrow. Any questions? No, then shower. Curfew is at eleven. And I will phone your home to check.”

Jack waited with Sue for the last boy to leave before going home. That night he was lying in bed, staring at the dancing flames of the fireplace. Sleep that usually came easy after love, eluded him tonight. He caressed her skin, she stirred in his arms. He buried his face in her hair. She smelled so good. He made love extra gently to her the last couple days. He knew it wasn’t supposed to make a difference, yet, ever since she told him, he felt over protective, over cautious. And he liked the feeling. Was he that nervous about the game tomorrow that he was losing sleep over it? Or was there something more as their assignment was coming to an end?

***

The game was scheduled at 10am. It was 8:30am when Myles dropped off Olivier. He came in the empty arena. Michelle was still sleeping and Sue would pick her up later. Myles had two coffees with him knowing the taste Jack developed for Tim Horton’s. He had to admit their coffee wasn’t bad at all. He had no doubt Sue would bring him another one as she came in, just before kissing him and letting him go to the dressing room. Myles had noticed the ritual, just as he noticed a few other things.

Myles saw Jack sitting by himself in the top row of the stand. He went up to him, offered him the other coffee.

“Thanks.” He took a sip, his gaze on the ice. “In four hours, Myles, it will be over. One way or another. My team will try, won’t go down without a fight. Maybe it will be enough, maybe it won’t. Either way, it is out of my control now … either way I am so proud of them.” Jack paused for another sip. “And in two days, Sue and I will be on that plane flying back to DC. And all of it will become a memory.”

“You are thinking of staying, aren’t you?” asked Myles quietly. Jack’s silence spoke volume.

***

How Myles was able to pinpoint in a few seconds, what took Jack half the night to figure out, escaped Jack.

“I spent the night wondering about it, Myles”, confided Jack. “Even woke Sue up at 2am to discuss it with her.”

“You’re a courageous man, Jack. Michelle would probably kick me out of the bedroom, if not the house.”

“Well”, laughed Jack. “She did tell me to wait till 6am next time I have a life crisis.”

“Smart woman.” Myles looked at Jack. “Tell me, is your new job giving you the same satisfaction as being an agent does?”

“No”, admitted Jack. “It doesn’t. But there’s something to be said about going home every night for dinner, not being worried about being shot or blown up in pieces and about seeing our children grow up.”

“I can see the appeal of playing it safe”, conceded Myles. “Funny though how life can twist everything. Take Marc for example, Michelle’s husband. He flew F-18 all the time, went to the Middle East, got shot at and came back without a scratch. She was never sure when he left in the morning if it was the last time she would kiss him. He came to DC on a desk job, couldn’t get any safer. Yet she was looking forward to their transfer, because Marc was missing flying so much. The man she married was a pilot, without his wings he wasn’t the man she married. And she had eighteen happy years with him. But your right, one day, he didn’t come home, but it wasn’t because of his job.” Jack was staring at him. “Jack, Sue fell in love with special agent Jack Hudson, that is the man she married. If you try to be someone else, even if it is for all the right reasons, eventually you will lose her. She chose you willingly, with all the joy and all the pain, you cannot protect her from that, Jack, it’s called life.”

Jack sighed. “Do you realize you repeated almost word for word what Sue told me last night?”

“I wish I could take credit for that”, sighed Myles as well. “But that was the speech Michelle gave me when I considered leaving the bureau.” Jack looked at him in disbelief. “Well, Marc had a dangerous job, so I thought maybe she deserved some peace of mind. She told me that she would be dating the plumber instead of me if she wanted a quiet life.” Both men laughed.

“She is an amazing woman, Myles.”

“That would be an understatement, Jack. So were you musing or reminiscing about it?”

“Just wishing I could be that safe man, Myles, knowing that is not who Jack Hudson is.” Jack smiled. “You should have seen the northern lights the night we got married. The sky was so vividly alive. And all those long cold winter nights spent in front the fireplace. The long uncomfortable bus ride with Sue sleeping on my shoulder. And the time spent at the rink with my team. Those are remarkable young men, Myles. Some, like Chip, are really young adult while others are taking their sweet time getting there, yet I can get a glimpse of the men they will become. They challenged me more than I could have imagined and they taught me so much in the last two months. I will greatly miss them.”

“Then maybe it is time for you to have a child of your own, Jack.” An enigmatic expression passed over Jack. Myles raised an eyebrow. “Jack, are you and Sue giving a new meaning to …MADE IN CANADA?”

Sue and Michelle chose that moment to arrive.

“Enjoy the game, Myles”, and he left. He met Sue halfway, took his coffee, kissed her and went to the dressing room.

***

There were over one hundred and fifty people watching the game. When the boys stepped on the ice, the crowd roared. Sue could fell the vibration in the air. Blacksand were first on the scoreboard again in mid first period, but Grande Prairie tied with eighteen seconds left in the period. The second period saw an electrifying performance by Olivier and a great play by Dave and Cain that gave Blacksand their second goal.

The boys were focused and determined when they came out for the third period. And Grande Prairie was infuriated. They had thirty-six shots so far and only one goal. The game got physical, the players were roughing it. Every time the boys came back to the bench, Jack and Peter would remind them not to retaliate. Grande Prairie took two penalties at the same time. Blacksand didn’t miss the opportunity and scored during the power play. After another save from Olivier, a Grande Prairie player slashed him. Seth who just happened to be on the ice two feet away, jumped that player immediately, no player touched a goalie without retribution. Seth was kicked out of the game for dropping his gloves. Only Blacksand got a penalty, the referee having missed the slashing.

The crowd was in uproar. Blacksand would play the last two minutes of the game with a man short. The discipline started to erode despite Jack and Peter’s best effort. With fifty-one seconds left, Grande Prairie scored on the third rebound. Jack called for a time-out. He got his boys to the bench. Less than a minute to play, he told them to play defensive, to just shoot the puck deep in the other zone every time. And stay discipline, don’t take the bait, keep a cool head. Despite the goal, they remained short handed because of Seth’s match penalty. Grande Prairie was able to take two more shots on Chip but Chip made the saves. With four seconds left, Ben cleared his zone and the buzzer echoed in the arena. The crowd and the players went wild.

***

The league trophy was presented to the team captain who just happened to be Seth that game. And the league representative happened to be the beautiful grown up daughter of the league President. As Seth advanced towards her, a grin on his face, Jack and Peter held their breath. She gave him the trophy.

“Thank you, Madame”, replied very politely Seth, which left Jack and Peter deadpan.

The players skated around the ice each taking turn holding the sought after trophy before making it to the dressing room where Peter had a bottle of ginger ale he emptied in the huge trophy cup. Jack was glad it wasn’t his hockey equipment that was getting soaked with it. He gave them celebration time but asked to speak to them before they hit the shower. He then went to meet the parents and warned them it might be a while before those guys were ready to leave the building. They all congratulated him on a well done job. Dan’s dad offered to host a victory celebration at his house at the end of the afternoon. A few parents left with him to help as where the remaining would drive the players. The players could take their time, the parents didn’t mind, they were reliving the game in the lobby. Jack found Sue with the Leland’s and the Anderson’s. They also reiterated congratulations to the coaching staff.

“Thank you. If you don’t mind I will be stealing my wife for a while”, and he led Sue to the dressing room. “I would like you to be there when I tell them.” She nodded. He knocked on the door and opened it just wide enough so they could hear him. “Are you gentlemen all decent enough for a lady to come in?”

“Mrs H has seen boxer shorts before, hasn’t she?” replied Seth. And Jack could just imagine the smile on his face. He repeated Seth’s remark for Sue who smiled too.

They came in and the room fell silent. The coach’s wife never came in the dressing room and the boys knew something was up. Peter offered to leave but Jack invited him to stay.

“You’re coming to tell us you’re leaving, aren’t you Coach?” said Mike, after raising his hand. The boys had learned to do so when Sue was with them. They would get her attention first, and then spoke in turn. “We heard the rumour.”

“Yes, the rumour is true but I am here to tell you why we came in the first place”, the boys looked at him confused.

“Before Jack says anything, I … We are very proud of what you achieved, not just today, but the entire time we were with you. You are great guys and you make a terrific team.”

“Thanks Mrs H”, she could see a few boys replying and lots of smile.

“So why not stay, Coach?” asked Dan. “Most of us will still be here next year. You’re one of the best coach we’ve ever had.”

“Because gentlemen, I have a job to go back to. A job I love very much.” Jack’s hand found Sue’s and he held tight. “It wasn’t an accident that we came here right after Olivier and your former coach disappeared. Remember when I told you on the bus there was lots of people looking for Olivier.” The team nodded. “Well, Sue and I were among them. We came here …”

“Are you with the police?” Todd lifting his hand.

Sue and Jack glanced at each other. He could feel her squeezing his hand.

“No, we work with Olivier’s stepdad. He asked us to help him find his son. We are FBI agents.” There were gasps. “And now we need to go back to DC before my boss decides to fire us.”

“But Coach”, said Rick. “You found Chip a while ago, how come you didn’t go back then? Your job was done.” The other players were agreeing with him, it didn’t make sense.

“No, my job wasn’t completely done. Your hockey season wasn’t over yet, gentlemen.”

“And they let you stay. For us. WOW!” exclaimed John.

“Are you supposed to tell us all that, Coach?” asked seriously Ben. “I mean, isn’t it supposed to be secret or something?”

Sue and Jack exchanged a look. “You are right. Nobody was supposed to know about FBI agents being here”, admitted Jack. “But …” he looked at those young men with pride and he could tell they trusted him. “I believe you deserve to know the truth. I owe you that much for trusting me.” And Jack knew he needed to leave soon before he lost his composure.

“Coach, I think I speak for everybody when I say your secret is safe with us”, declared Seth as all the other players nodded in agreement.

“And with me”, offered Peter. “It was an honour, Jack.”

“Thank you. Now hit those showers, we have a victory party to go to at Dan’s house this afternoon.”

More yelling from the boys as they came to leave.

“Coach, wait”, yelled Seth louder and the room became silent again. “You said you work with Olivier’s dad. Are you Crash or Sparky or just another FBI guy?”

Jack hesitated, slightly embarrassed.

“Which one, Coach?” Seth’s face lighting up, the other listening attentively.

“My friend Bobby is Crash, which makes me …”

“Sparky Coach. WOW!” exclaimed Seth. “Did you really drive your car in the river?” now the boys and Peter were laughing and Sue was giggling.

“That was a long time ago, gentlemen. Not one of my finest accomplishment.”

“I guess not”, said Seth enjoying himself. “Coach, does that make Mrs H your secret …”

“Seth! We won’t go there.” But the boys were laughing even harder now. How did he lose control of his team in less than five minutes? He shook his head. “We’ll see you later, gentlemen.” And with one last look around he left with his wife.

They exited through the back door. He needed some time alone with her. She drove; he just sat and stared at her, the last two months coming back in slow motion. Once they got home, he would welcome an afternoon nap after his sleepless night.

They made it their home in Blacksand, he recognized as he lay beside her. He rested his head on her chest, his hand caressing her flat tummy. She was playing in his hair. He married her in this house, made love to her the first time in this room and their first child was conceived somewhere around here. One day they would need to come back, even if it was only for a short visit. He kissed her tummy, imagining the tiny baby inside her and the little bump that would surely appear soon.

His mind wandered back. He had come home from the run with Myles and the boys later than usual for a Wednesday night. She was waiting for him with a peculiar expression. Thinking he was somehow in trouble, though he couldn’t remember forgetting anything, he turned on the Hudson’s charm. It must not have been serious he recalled thinking because she melted right away. Her chin was resting on his chest when she whispered they were going to have a baby. He remembered reassuring her that, yes, they were going to. He chuckled at the memory. He thought she meant with all the attempts they would eventually be successful. But she just gazed at him lovingly, shaking her head while the most radiant smile spread from her lips to her eyes. And he finally understood. At that moment, their tiny baby crawled into his heart. She made him even happier than he thought he could be.

He must have slept because Sue was stirring him to get up. And from her sleepy eyes, she did too. He looked at the clock, it was past four o’clock. They had a party to attend. And if they were late, he was sure Seth would notice. And explaining it to Seth might prove even more challenging than explaining it to Bobby. And not for the first time, Jack wondered if Bobby didn’t meet Seth’s mother seventeen years ago.

The party was a success and a wonderful way for Sue and Jack to say their farewell to everyone. As they were walking to their SUV, a voice made Jack stop, turning Sue with him. Bert was coming towards them.

“Coach, before you leave, I just want to say thank you for giving a chance. I will stay clean. And I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”

“I am holding you to that promise Bert”, Jack looking at the boy with misty eyes, placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “You have a bright future in front of you, thank you for giving it a chance.”

***

EASTER, TWO YEARS LATER (Part 1)

MANNING’S RESIDENCE

With Darcy sleeping in his arms, Bobby couldn’t believe they just had another argument. How he managed to end up in the doghouse more often than Jack, D and Myles combined totally escaped him. But then, Darcy was more stubborn than their three wives together. Not that he would ever admit that out loud, especially not in front of Darcy. That woman drove him crazy, yet he couldn’t live without her.

Jack was at his side in that little church, packed with their families and friends, when their bride walked down towards them. He wished he could have been as peaceful as Jack instead of feeling the urge of running away. But Jack’s calm kept him standing there. And when Darcy approached him, scared like a little bird, and extended her hand, he took it without hesitation. They would ride the storms together. And boy they did ever ride.

Now it seemed their life was not as tumultuous and the idea of a child entered their mind. They offered to babysit Canuck while its parents were away in January. They figured if they survived a fifteen-month old toddler for a week, they were ready for parenthood. Not only did they survive but they enjoyed it so much, they started working on the project right then. And now three months later, Darcy was finally late. Over two weeks late. But now she didn’t want to go to the doctor because she was afraid to be told she was not pregnant. Bobby shook his head. If his wife could start making sense, maybe he could start understanding her. He decided to back off and not force her to the doctor tomorrow. He knew Darcy would keep their baby safe and sound and would go to the doctor eventually. He could wait a while before knowing officially, couldn’t he? He loved his wife very much, and she loved him in return. So why was she driving him crazy???

***

EASTER, TWO YEARS LATER (Part 2)

HUDSON’S RESIDENCE

Jack was rocking his son. His cries subsided. He was now sucking his thumb but his little body was still shaking from sobbing. He stopped fighting his dad and rested against his dad’s chest while Jack rubbed his back. He had a bad cold and an ear infection. Jack stayed up the last two nights with their son, making sure Sue got the sleep she needed. She had another one to take care of, one he couldn’t help her with, yet. His son’s brown eyes were closing. Jack kissed the little head full of brown hair. Everybody said he looked just like him but Jack could see so much of Sue in their son.

“Yes, Mitch, you’re just as adorable as your mommy.” His full name was Mitchell Thomas Hudson, but almost everybody called him Mitch. Except, of course, uncle Myles who called him Mitchell and uncle Bobby … Jack chuckled.

Bobby was at his side in that little church, packed with their families and friends, when their bride walked down towards them. He could feel Bobby panicking and tried to stay calm for both their sake. She was so lovely as she made her way to him, one hand holding a small bouquet while the other rested on her belly. It was still their little secret. Jack knew Myles suspected it but the man didn’t tell anybody … maybe Michelle. Jack was sure Sue could feel the vibrations of his heart beating wildly. The first time, he married her for all the right reasons, and now, he had one more reason to marry her again, to marry them again. He had taken her hand again and promised her, promised them, once more, his life.

The following week they went to see Garrett in his office to announce him that once their six months was up, Sue would go in maternity leave instead. Garrett admitted it was a very ingenious way of avoiding a transfer. Garrett could keep her as an occasional consultant after that. It worked for all of them. Only then, did they tell the others they were expecting their first child mid-October. The next day, when they came in, there were maple leafs all over Jack’s desk and a gift box on Sue’s desk, from uncle Bobby. In the box, was a white baby sleeper with ‘MADE IN CANADA’ embroidered in red on the left side. Sue blushed the same colour than the bright letters, but she loved the little sleeper. That day, Bobby nicknamed their unborn child Canuck. Jack wondered what Mitch would think of it when he was old enough to understand.

Slowly Jack laid his son down his crib and placed a blanket on top of him. Levi took his place underneath the crib. It didn’t take long to train Levi to be Mitch’s voice. From the moment they brought their son home, Levi didn’t leave his side.

Jack returned to his wife. She moved closer to him, not quite awake, and he wrapped her in his arms. One hand caressed her belly. He could feel it rounded up already although she was only three months. Jack smiled.

Beginning of January, while Bobby and Darcy took care of Mitch, they went to The World Junior Hockey Cup with Myles and Michelle where Olivier was the starting goalie for the Canada team. Edmonton, Alberta, hosted the event, making it convenient for lots of former players from Blacksand to attend. Jack and Sue couldn’t resist the invitation. They got to see Seth, Ben, Bert, Rick, John, Mike and Todd. They had not forgotten Jack or Mrs H. Some were still playing hockey, some were not, but they all turned into very nice young man.

And from the timing of their trip, Jack was almost certain Sue was carrying another little canuck. Jack closed his eyes; it felt good to be home.

***

EASTER, TWO YEARS LATER (Part 3)

LELAND’S RESIDENCE

Myles was gazing tenderly at his wife who was leaning against him, using him as a pillow in the middle of the night. Nothing had prepared him for the joy he was sharing with his family, and there were times like this one where he felt totally overwhelmed.

He still remembered coming home early with a dozen roses for Michelle’s birthday and finding her on their bed silently crying. What was it with women and birthdays anyway? Michelle was turning thirty-nine, not forty, and not that it made any difference to him. It took him about five seconds to switch his thoughts from birthdays to Olivier. But then he just talked to Olivier an hour ago. He was coming for the weekend to surprise his mom for her birthday. What can happen to an eighteen years old in one hour in the middle of the afternoon?

She must have heard him because she lifted her head, and to confuse him even more than he was, she smiled at him. A small shy smile, but still a smile, before more tears fell down her cheeks. He didn’t remember what he did with the flowers, just that he gently took her in his arms. Somewhere between all the incoherent words and sentences that she murmured, half in French, half in English, Myles learned that despite being told she would most likely never have children again after she lost her baby girl, her and Marc kept trying for six years, and now she was so scared, what if she couldn’t do it? She didn’t want to feel that pain again. She couldn’t lose another baby. And Myles just held her, not comprehending what she was telling him, until the only logical explanation that was left to him, was the less probable one. He remembered looking her in the eyes and asking her if she was carrying a child. Slowly she nodded, the small shy smile back amidst the tears. His child. And he promised to take care of them.

After reviewing Michelle’s history, the specialist told them her chances of carrying a child to term were about 75% despite her previous miscarriage at six months, it was her odds of conceiving that were less than 2% because of the complications. The doctor followed her closely. And when she asked to go to Edmonton to see Olivier play at The World Junior Hockey Cup, he agreed to let her go. So Myles and eight-month pregnant Michelle flew over there with Sue and Jack. Canada made it to final against Sweden and Canada was leading 3-1 after two periods, Olivier was holding his own.

Beginning of the third period was when the contractions and the pain started, and Myles took his wife to the hospital. An emergency C-section was done and a little redhead infant was placed into her father’s arms while more surgery was performed on her mother. She looked so much like her mom, yet she had his eyes. And when she wrapped her little fingers around his and squeezed, she stole her father’s heart. His little girl was over seven pounds and healthy and Myles was the one who gave his baby girl her first bottle.

He almost lost Michelle that night. The surgery that saved her life also prevented any more pregnancy.

Myles kissed his wife’s neck. She smiled at him. He stroked the hand of his little girl as she was nursing on her mother’s breast. She was his most precious gift, along with her mother and brother. They named her ‘Mira’, short for ‘miracle’.

EASTER, TWO YEARS LATER (Part 4)

SHERATON VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA

Almost midnight on the West Coast, which mean 3am DC time. He stopped calling home in the middle of the night after his mother got pregnant. He knew she needed her sleep and he was sure that his little sister was now doing a great job at keeping their parents awake.

His mother was sleeping after her surgery and Myles was sitting by her bed, holding his little sister, when Olivier came to the hospital for the first time. Myles handed her to him. Olivier wasn’t sure how to hold her, but Myles led him through it. She was all wrinkled with a mane of red hair. And she was gorgeous. Myles reassured him both mother and daughter would be fine and he believed him. He stayed all night with Myles. Myles told Olivier about the surgery, and then asked for a summary of the third period. Olivier gladly gave it to him. They won the gold 4-2.

The tournament his team was playing in Vancouver finished today. He was seriously thinking of stopping by DC on his way back to Toronto tomorrow. He was told this afternoon that his chances of being drafted in the NHL for the next season were excellent. A few teams had him on their prospects list. It had been his dream for so long, yet now that it was within reach, he wondered about it. He had also applied in the Air Force for flight training and in the RCMP. Just before he left for that tournament he got positive answers from both. He was stuck with three choices. Anyone who said he was lucky was not in his shoes. Life would be so much simpler if he had received only one good answer. He needed to make sense of his future life, which is why he wanted to go home for a visit. Myles would listen to him, without pressuring him into anything. Funny, because Olivier knew his first dad would have pushed him towards the Air Force. Well, if he couldn’t stop by DC, he would phone his second dad as soon as he made it to Toronto.

He turned his laptop on and sent a quick e-mail to Tanya. She remained his first love and their friendship survived their break-up. She was seeing a new guy and she knew he was seriously seeing a new girl. He thought about calling his girlfriend in Ontario even if it was late. He had not seen her in two weeks and he missed her. If he had to guess he would say she was the right one. But he needed to find his path before he dragged a girl along it with him. He picked up the phone before deciding against it. His girlfriend’s mom, her name was Jill, was very understanding, yet, he wasn’t sure how much Jill would approve of Olivier phoning her daughter at 3am. Tomorrow he would phone her from the airport, now an e-mail would have to suffice.

FIN



You can find this story, and all of Marlo29's other stories here in her archive page. Comments are always welcome!