Marlo, surely you are going to send them to Paris!! Of course, I'm still waiting for a few bumps in the road!!!

Joy

Spending the evening driving across town with Sue was better than not seeing her at all, Jack reflected. Except, after this weekend, he realised he wanted more ... much more than the comfortable, safe relationship they shared.

The meeting with Delphi and her mom was short and to the point. Her mother recounted the conversation she had with her daughter. At first Lynn didn’t worry when Sophia didn’t call back immediately. She figured her daughter found the number she was looking for and hopped on the next train. Except, as the day dragged on, she realised her daughter should have arrived. It wasn’t like Sophia not to call to say she reached her destination, her mother insisted, and from what Jack knew of the young woman, he agreed. So late afternoon Lynn called overseas, certain that the person in charge would tell her she was overreacting and her daughter was safe and sound. Instead, Lynn was told by the secretary that Sophia never materialised. And now she wasn’t sure what to do.

Jack took note of the itinerary. He exchanged a glance with Sue when they learned Sophia had a connection in London. The authorities established that the kidnapper ring was working from the airport, stalking their victim as soon as they set foot in the terminal. Supposedly, they arrested everyone, but what if one or more of them were still on the loose and relocated their business across the English Channel? Hanson’s team would probably dismiss the possibility, but Jack wasn’t ready to rule it out just yet.

“You haven’t received any unusual phone calls today, have you?” Jack asked evenly.

“Aside from Sophia ... a telemarketing person about an hour later. I wish they were unusual”, her quiet laughter sounding off to Jack’s ears. Sophia’s mother was visibly worried. He wished he could reassure her, but in his line of work he saw too many tragedies.

“No one else? Any ransom demand?”

“You don’t think she was ...” placing her hands over her mouth.

“No, but we have to ask”, Sue said, gently placing her hand over Lynn’s forearm. “Sophia is a smart, resourceful young woman.”

“We’re not rich by any stretch of the imagination, agent Hudson”, she told them. “My husband works on an oil ring. He comes home every six weeks”, answering Jack’s unspoken question.

Jack took the list Sophia left with her mother. It included the phone numbers of her contacts and her personal information in case she lost her wallet. Tara would be able to track her credit card, Jack hoped.

Jack and Sue entered the bull as D and Myles detailed how they obtained the confession from their suspect.

“Case closed, Jack”, D announced. “And you missed all the excitement.”

“Sorry to burst your bubbles, but we have another case.” They listened as Jack and Sue shared their information.

Tara immediately checked for credit card activities.

“Nothing since she bought that train ticket”, not liking her findings. “How old is she?”

“Twenty”, Sue answered. “Very sweet girl.”

“Are you thinking London kidnapper, mate?”

“She does match the profile of the three previously abducted young women”, D observed. “It took a few days for those families to receive a ransom note. And despite Hanson’s assurance they dismantled the ring, some of the perpetrators may have slipped through the net.”

“It crossed my mind”, Jack admitted, “which is why I promised her mother we would investigate.”

“Don’t young people know they shouldn’t travel alone or talk to strangers in public places”, Myles mumbled. “How about the cell phone guy?”

“Found him”, Tara informed. “Pierre Laffont. I have an address in Lyon. His phone hasn’t shown any activities ever since, but I will track it.”

“Are we asking the French Police to investigate, mate ... or are we handling it ourselves?” grinning at the possibilities.

“I’m sure the local authorities wouldn’t give it the same priority than we do”, Myles remarked. “You and Sue should fly down there as soon as possible.”

“Before the trail gets cold”, Tara advised, not quite able to hide her smile.

“Let me book your tickets”, Myles offered, already typing on his computer. “And your hotel.” He would be damned if he let Jack miss his chance.

“Hold on. I agree Sue should go, she knows the girl, but wouldn’t Myles make a more suitable partner?” D questioned, missing the matchmaking effort. “Aren’t you fluent in French?” addressing the Harvard agent.

Myles caught the brief look of dismay on Jack’s face.

“I’m afraid my French is a little rusty”, carefully choosing his words. “And it seems I’m lacking proper insights into young women’s behaviour.”

“That'd be an understatement”, Bobby whispered to Tara.

“Besides, everyone speaks English”, Myles lied. “Jack and Sue will manage very well.”

Marlo, I love it - D in agent mode and everyone else in matchmaker mode!!!

Joy

That was wonderful. Myles, way to take one for the team!!!!! Sue and Jack are going to Fra-ance, Sue and Jack are going to Fra-ance. Sorry, I love France and I loved speaking French, even though I'm still leaning. It's funny how in schools, they teach you how to say what your favourite subject is but not how to say I'd like a cheese sandwich and a bottle of water. Sorry, sidetracked for a minute. Ya know, France can be a very romantic place. Me thinks since Myles is booking the hotel, they might end up sharing a room!!! I'm going to stop rambling now. Sorry Marlo29! Great post!

More soon please!

Jenny

Is this the FBI or the MMM? (Masterful Match Matkers) I guess it could the the MMM branch of the FBI.

They really do make a good team!!

Now by all means, find Sophia, then maybe Jack and Sue can take advantage of where they are!!!

just loved the way they were all determined that jack and sue should go to paris.

hope someone takes D to one side and explains their plans before he steps in to scupper them

cath

Paris???? I thought the bad guys address was in Lyon.

Jenny

Love Matchmaker Myles!

Love the matchmaking. Marlo, you never cease to amaze me at the creative locations you have our couple declare their undying love for one another. Might be jumping the gun a little but I'm thinking that might happen .

well done myles now as yourdoing the bookings
use your matchmaking skills,and book them in
as mr and mrs hudson love the mystery marlo
lin

Myles, what are you doing to jack and Sue now? I'm sure that they'll be fine in France!

I guess the team's done waiting for Jack to act on his feelings - they're definitely taking things into their own hands. Awww... cute and sweet. Way to go Myles!

More, please!

Okay! Here I am, all caught up, again.

Ah, Paree... Been there, done that. Got the beret. However, I went avec ma mere. If I had a beau to go with instead, it would've probably been a little more... fun. N'est-ce pas?

Can't wait to see what you have in store for them, Marlo. Great job!

Wonderful team effort!
Great posts!

He should take advantage of the night flight to get some sleep, Jack thought, just like his beautiful neighbour was doing. Myles booked them first class on Air France, the only seats available on a three-hour notice. Jack knew Randy would have a fit when he saw the expenses report. He would worry about it later. Sue stirred and her head came to rest against his shoulder.

“Sweet dreams, my love”, he whispered to her ear, his breath tickling her skin. She shifted, cuddling closer. He leaned sideways, closing his eyes, his cheek touching her hair.

“Je pense qu’ils sont en lune de miel”, the petite flight attendant murmured to her colleague, her gaze on the couple.

“La fille est chanceuse”, the other attendant sighed dreamily, wishing she could be the lucky girl on her honeymoon.

A rental car was waiting for them at the airport. Myles had seen to everything, Jack silently thanking his colleague. He gave the map to Sue, trusting her to get them to Paris where they would stop by the police station to meet their French contact, an inspector Benoit. Myles already appraised the inspector of the situation. The man, in his early fifties, Jack guessed, offered to take the couple to the train station where the young woman disappeared.

“Verry beesy place”, gesturing at the hundreds of people around him.

Sue frowned at Jack.

“Very busy place, indeed”, Jack agreed, more for Sue’s benefit than for the inspector. “Is there a way to know if she boarded the train or changed her ticket a second time?”

“You ave a photo off de girl?”

“Yes, we have a picture of Sophia”, looking at Sue, who pulled it from her purse once she understood his meaning.

“Show it to de sellers at de counter”, inviting the couple to follow him behind the booths.

A male employee on his smoke break remembered the American girl from the previous night. She was a bit anxious because she missed her train, he told the inspector who translated for the agents. But he booked her on the next one, only to have her come to his booth again and reschedule for Saturday night instead. Not that she mentioned the reasons for her sudden change of plan, the employee confided. As far as he could tell the girl was alone, but then he wasn’t really paying attention either.

“Maircy”, Jack thanking him in his best French.

Benoit told the agents he ran the name Pierre Laffont in their database. He had no criminal record, not even a speeding ticket. According to his driver licence he was twenty-five and lived in Lyon, at the same address Tara gave them.

“Maybe de girl spent de time wit Pierre and forgot to call er moder”, Benoit remarked.

“It would be surprising but not impossible”, Jack conceded. “Sue and I will pay a visit to Mr Laffont tonight”, he decided, not wanting to waste precious time. “How long of a drive?”

“About five ours by car, but only two if you take the train”, Benoit informed them. “I cannot go wit you now, but I’m available tomorrow. Call me if you run into trouble”, giving Jack his card.

“Thanks. We will keep you posted”, Jack assured him, before turning his attention to Sue. “How about a train ride?”

A romantic train ride across the French countryside looks promising to me... interruptions will probably be minimal (I hope!).

Everyone speaks English. Good one, Myles.

Planes, trains and automobiles..........stuff a good romance story is made of!

Jill

yet another great post;
hope they enjoy the
train ride, with no
interuptions please.
lin

Well, I think that was pretty good French for a guy who dosen't really speak the language!

a train ride and the flight attendents thought they were on honeymoon

can't wait for more

cath

That was great, I love how you wrote the French dialect!!!!

Jenny

Cute. Loved the response of the flight attendants. Honeymoon indeed.

Hope they catch Mr. Laffont at home. Let me guess. It ain't him....

I'd be excited about the romantic train ride if I wasn't so worried about Sophia.


kav

Woot! Going on a train ride!

All Aboard......

A train ride can be very romantic!!!

Joy

They needed to drive to a different station to catch the train to Lyon ... The next departure wasn’t for another two hours ... The train was so fast that the countryside would be blurry when they watched through the window ... They would require another vehicle once they arrived ... And she would rather spend the time alone with him in the car, she blurted out.

He knew her arguments for driving were good, but to be honest the last one won him over. He also longed for some quiet time with her.

He glanced in her direction while keeping an eye on the road. The map was open on her lap and she was directing him. She was biting her lips, trying to hide her smile. She was amazed he was following her directive to the letter. Once they exited the city, he saw her fold it and place it in the glove compartment.

She admired the scenery, excitedly pointing towards some picturesque discoveries. In more than one occasion her hand brushed his arm or his thigh. He wondered if she was aware of how much she affected him. When she leaned in her seat and her hand came to rest between them, barely inches away, he covered it with his. To his great pleasure she didn’t pull away. Growing bolder he intertwined his fingers with hers, his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand.

She kept gazing through the window, afraid to see too much into the seemingly innocent gesture. He knew she felt isolated, and she wondered if he felt the same. She couldn’t read anyone, and she had to leave Levi behind, but then he couldn’t understand anyone either.

“I don’t know which part of France Myles visited, but aside from inspector Benoit”, and that was a stretch because with his heavy accent she also had trouble reading the Frenchman, “we have failed to meet anyone speaking English”, she observed quietly.

He squeezed her hand to get her attention. He liked the flicker he saw shining in her eyes when she turned towards him.

“I think Myles confused France with England”, Jack quipped, making her laugh. “Listen, we won’t make it to Lyon until 8 or 9pm, if you spot a charming restaurant along the road we’ll stop for supper.”

“I’ll keep my eyes open then”, smiling. “I have to admit I’m kind of hungry. Just not sure if it’s for dinner or breakfast.”

“Once you have a full night you’ll adjust”, he assured her, hungry for something not on the menu ... just yet.

If been to france many times and english is not something that they are formiliar with, you can better talk dutch people they will understand you

a car ride through the french countryside will do for me

love the way he's taking things slowly, checking her reactions then moving things forward a little

a romaticish dinner would be very good......... and a twin room

cath

I'm finding a common theme through fanficland...Jack's always hungry and the meal order is always the same !!!

Jack's going to have to give Myles a big thank you when he returns.

Oh, and looking forward to finding out what happened to Sophia...don't want to forget about her...since she's the reason for the fanfic...!!!

The car was a good choice, and a romantic dinner will be nice!! Jack and Sue are both smart to not ruin the progress that they have made by rushing things!!

I certainly hope they are going to find Sophia in Lyon, or at least where she might have gone!!!

Joy

They stared at each other’s in utter confusion before Sue burst out laughing.

“It’s not funny”, shaking his head. D was right, Myles would have been a much better candidate. The menu contained no illustrations, and the words might as well been writing in Chinese for the good it did them.

“You know, Jack”, nodding towards their neighbours’ table, “what they’re eating looks delicious.”

“And how do you suggest we let the server know that’s what we want?”

“You observe and let me do the talking”, confidently smiling to him. “I’m good with my hands.”

His eyes darkened at the double meaning. He let his unspoken reply hang between them, reaching for those hands instead. She watched, mesmerized, as he brought her hands to his lips, softly brushing her skin. She shivered involuntarily, wondering if he knew how much he affected her.

“Time to work your magic”, he whispered after one last kiss, the server approaching their table.

Jack grinned as the waiter responded to her sign language with large gestures of his own. Twenty minutes later they were rewarded with an excellent meal and two glasses of white wine.

“I’m impressed, Mrs Thomas”, and he genuinely was. “From now on you’re in charge of the conversation.”

“Beginner’s luck”, she chuckled, enjoying his company. This was truly a charming little restaurant. She would have used the word romantic if they had been dating, but they were not ... were they?

Marlo, that was really cute, and I like Sue using her hands to get their point across!!

Are you and Jack dating, Sue?? I would say yes, you have been for a long time!!!

Joy

Sue, i hate to be the one to break it to you, (what am I saying i love stuff like this!) but you and Jack have been dating for a lloooonnnggg time now! In fact, you're practically married! Lovely posts Marlo29!!!!!

Jenny

I think they are already dateing;
hope they are married by the time,
they return home, what a romantic honeymoon;
in paris lin

Marlo29, I can see you down there. I'm confused. Are they in Paris or Lyon??? Ah well, I'll just sit here and put on puppy dog eyes in the hope that Marlo29 might post.

A girl can hope, can't she??

Jenny

Right now, Jack and Sue are driving from Paris to Lyon to go see the cell phone guy Sophia met in Paris the previous day.

It's raining and I have a quiet day today, so I will be writing!!!

Marlene

I'm loving this. I found myself reading the french dialect with a french accent.

The romantic possibilities are endless here. Can't wait for more.

Karen

Still worried about Sophia thought -- and not sure about the cell phone guy.

kav

The sun was still high in the sky when they reached Lyon in a record time. Jack wondered if speeding was a National pastime or something solely reserved to Thursday nights.

While searching for suitable accommodations they ended up in Pierre Laffont’s neighbourhood. They agreed it was too late for an interrogation. But when they saw a young man matching Laffont’s description on the lawn busy polishing his bike and the Bed and Breakfast across the street, they couldn’t pass the opportunity. They parked in the street.

“Excuse me”, Jack interrupted. “You speak English?” thinking he should invest in a dictionary. If the young man spoke English he would ask about Sophia until he got answers he liked. If Pierre didn’t speak English, he would inquire about the B&B in order not to spook the young man and wait for Benoit’s assistance.

The young man stood up and came to greet them on the sidewalk.

“You loss?” studying the couple. He understood some English.

“Is it a good place to stay?” Sue inquired as she pointed across the street, having caught what the young man said.

“Oui”, smiling warmly. “Maman Rita run good place ... cook well ... clean room”, using his limited vocabulary. “American? Visiting town?” inadvertently giving Jack the perfect opening.

“Looking for this young woman”, showing him Sophia’s picture. Flash of recognition lit up in the young man’s eyes. “You know her?”

“Say name Sophia ... Trouble?” He seemed concerned, Sue noticed.

“No, we just want to talk to her”, she reassured. “Do you know where she is?”

“Meet at Paris ... yesterday ... at train ... lunch togeter”, he tried explaining.

“After lunch ... next ... where did she go?” Jack keeping it simple.

“Train”, shrugging before giving the picture back. “Cute ... funny girl.”

“She borrowed your cell, didn’t she?” Pierre frowned at Jack. “Phone? Sophia used your phone?”

“Oui”, smiling at the recollection. She paid him 10 Euro for his cell. “Phone maman ... and guy”, scratching his head. “Name ... Anton ... Antoine ... oui, Antoine”, proud he remembered since it seemed important, not that he could understand why the couple exchanged an astounded look. “Antoine bad?”

“Sophia made two calls?” showing two fingers to emphasize his point.

“Oui”, pulling his cell from his jeans pocket since the Americans didn’t seem to believe him. He flipped it open and retrieved the outgoing history. “Two”, showing them the numbers Sophia dialled.

I've just discovered this great marlo story and I am really enjoying this new adventure. I love the slow steady progress between Jack and Sue. And I think I'm enjoying even more as finally Jack and Sue are coming to see me (I'm french, studying in Paris).
And instead of a dictionnary, I wouldn't mind being Jack's interpreter
Looking forward to reading some more, and discovering about this mysterious Antoine...

And the mystery deepens.... Yep. Typical Marlo story.

Great job!

Great mystery cant wait for more posts
Typical marlo story love it lin

Is this good or bad? I guess Pierre isn't our suspect...he seemed genuinely nice.

kav

Pierre was very helpful - I don't think he has anything to do with Sophia's disappearance, especially since he readily gave them the numbers she called!!!

Joy

As they crossed the street, Jack dialled the bullpen, hoping he would catch one of them before they left for the evening.

“Special agent Leland.”

“Logging overtime again?” Jack teased, glad he bought a disposable cell at the train station.

“Hold on, Jack”, switching him on speaker. “Tara and Bobby are still here and will want to hear you.”

“Hi, mate. How’s Paris?”

“Sue and I are in Lyon”, Jack corrected, Sue watching his side of the conversation. “We found Pierre Laffont. We don’t believe he’s involved in her disappearance.”

“It would have been too easy and convenient”, Myles observed.

“Sophia made two phone calls from his cell. The one to her mother and a second one fifteen minutes later. Pierre thought she was calling Antoine.”

“Mate, isn’t Antoine the guy from camp who was supposed to pick her up?”

“Didn’t Sophia’s mother call the camp to inquire about her daughter?” Myles recalled. “And no one knew where Sophia was?”

“That’s what I want Tara to tell me”, giving her the second phone number. “Call me back as soon as you trace it”, also adding his new cell number to the ever growing list. “Sue and I will be spending the night here.”

“Won’t take me long”, Tara assured before he hung up.

Jack placed his hand on the small of Sue’s back and led her inside the establishment. A friendly looking matron welcomed them.

“Bienvenus chez Maman Rita. Avez-vous une réservation?”

“Do you speak English?” Jack politely inquired, after exchanging a glance with Sue.

“Non, je ...” She stopped when she heard Jack’s cell.

“Sorry”, holding his hand up. “Hudson”, hoping it was Myles.

“Jack, the second number Sophia dialled was a cell registered to Antoine Cantin, the same Antoine working at the camp.”

“Thanks Tara. We’ll head there first thing in the morning. Is Myles still in?”

“Yes, Jack”, the baritone voice answered.

“We’re trying to get rooms at a Bed and Breakfast. Could you talk to the owner, please?”

“My pleasure”, ignoring the amused expressions on Bobby and Tara’s faces.

Jack approached the matron and offered his cell.

“Monsieur, je ne comprends pas”, totally confused as why he wanted her to take it, but since he seemed to insist she obeyed. “Oui, allô.”

“Bonsoir madame”, remembering it was evening in France. “Comment allez-vous?” thinking small talks had their purpose and courtesy always went a long way.

“Bien, monsieur”, she answered pleasantly. “Que puis-je faire pour votre ami?” She assumed the man she was talking to was of friend of the couple standing in front of her. “Est-ce qu’il a une réservation?”

“Malheureusement, non. Mais auriez-vous quand même une chambre de disponible pour la nuit?”

“Bien sûr. Ce sera 60 Euro. Et le petit déjeuner est servi entre sept et neuf heures.”

“C’est parfait, madame. Je vous remercie beaucoup.”

“Bienvenu, monsieur”, returning the cell to Jack.

“So?” Jack asked Myles.

“60 Euro for the night. Breakfast is between 7 and 9am. Don’t sleep in. Good night”, and Myles cut the communication before Jack could ask any more questions.

I realy love Myles I think,
jack and sue have just been
set up, please keep up the good work
lin

Love how Myles had to talk to the lady for them.
He did ask for only ONE room, didn't he? But Jack and Sue don't know that...

Antoine is part of the kidnappers???

I don't know French, but I do know Myles, and I'm sure that Jack and Sue have one room!!!

Joy

I used a translator to get the gist of what they were saying...I'm quite sure "une chambre" means "one room"...