Hmmmmm.. I don't really know what's going on yet, but I think it would be best to rest my brain from thinking too hard!! Fuzzies would do the job!

I've been reading like mad....all caught up....... Now..... what is it that you are up to???


Jill

it's not her boyfriend is it?

i think after all this confusion and clues we need fuzzies, lots of them, PLEASE?

cath

Alot of help she was - not.

Something's definately going on here. I hate being in a confuzzled state, I much prefer the fuzzy state. Are we close yet??

Karen

Marlene, I just caught up your last posts and I am hooked... the story is gripping, suspecnseful and full of fuzzies I am so glad Jack and Sue told each other about their real feelings and I can't wait to read more about their interesting and promising journey ... but now we have to know where Sophia is????


Restie

They silently walked to the car, each lost in their own thoughts. Once seated, Jack made the calls to Benoit and Bobby, both promising to call back as soon as they found something.

“I don’t know Sophia that well, but Miranda seems like the last person she would spend time with”, Jack commented as he drove away.

“Maybe Miranda was a different person back in DC”, Sue speculated. “I know I wouldn’t be staying in that apartment more than one night ... not sure I would be staying at all.”

“I was thinking along the same line”, he admitted. “Maybe it was too late for Sophia to find another accommodations that first night.”

“Do you really think the boyfriend may be involved?”

“Don’t know, but his clothes were among the dirty laundry on the floor”, wondering if she noticed it.

“I figured the boxers with skulls on them didn’t belong to the girl”, blushing slightly.

“Keen sense of observation, my dear. But in the future I would appreciate if you refrained from looking at other men’s underwear”, he teased her.

“Jack!” swatting him over the shoulder.

“Hey, I’m driving”, he scolded, the twinkling of his eyes contrasting with the poker face he kept. “Are you hungry?” She nodded.

They sat on the terrace, waiting for their meal, unsure of what they ended up ordering. She watched the people come and go, fascinated by the different culture, and he watched her, totally captivated by her. Strangely, here, in this foreign land, he could almost share her world. And to be honest she was more apt at communicating then he was. He always had the uttermost admiration for how much she achieved, but never before had he really understood the struggle. Not only was she truly amazing, but she loved him.

“... did hear of word of what I said, Jack?” her hand reaching across the table, her fingers brushing his cheek, his chin, skimming lightly over his lips. He caught her wrist, tenderly kissing each digit.

“No, I didn’t”, seeing no point in lying. “I was distracted by the beautiful woman sitting in front of me.”

“Which one?” glancing around, a devilish little smile on her lips.

“The one I will spend the night kissing wildly”, his eyes darkening as he intently gazed at her.

“And all along I thought I was the one you would be spending the night with”, she quipped, only to realise moments later, as a huge grin spread across his face, that she played right into his hand.

“Nice shade of red, my love, but keep that thought alive, we ...”

The server bringing their meal interrupted Jack’s teasing. He chuckled as she became fascinated with her food. He had the uncanny feeling, as she furtively glanced at him, that the sweet revenge her mind was planning would be a memory that would remain with him until his last breath.

Inspector Benoit’s call came at dessert. Sue was sensuously licking her spoon, the tip of her tongue lazily licking the creamy mixture as soft moaning of delight reached his ears. The trace of chocolate lingering on her upper lip was beckoning him to take an active role in its removal. He forced himself to divert his attention from Sue’s mouth to concentrate on Benoit’s report. Later he would indulge his craving ... and hers.

Deep frowns appeared on Jack’s forehead as he scribbled a number on the paper napkin.

“Oui, merci”, using the little bit of French he was learning on the side before he hung up.

“What did he find?” forgetting all about her dessert.

“The boyfriend, Michel Dutoit, has a record for fraud”, lowering his voice to a whisper, knowing she could read him just as well. “Credit card theft, check falsification, purse snatching ... to name only a few.”

“Nice character”, shaking her head.

“He has been on probation for the last six months. On Wednesday night he was meeting his parole officer in Nice where he reportedly spent the night.”

“Could Benoit confirm it?”

“He checked Miranda’s phone record. She did receive a call around 2am from a hostel in Nice where Dutoit was registered for the night.”

“So he wasn’t in Paris”, sighing in relief.

“Probably not”, he conceded. “But it gets better. Benoit found out Miranda made an overseas call a few hours after hooking up with Sophia”, turning the napkin her way. Sue immediately recognised the area code.

“She phoned DC?”

So, it looks this everything was thoroughtly prepared a long time ago in DC... but who is our "bad guy"?????

Perfect plot line, Marlene

I can't wait for more!!!


Restie

WOW great post looking ,
forward to more lin

great posts, can't wait for the fuzzies

cath

Marlo29, I can see you there!!! Please come back and post!!! I'm REALLY looking forward to some fuzzies!!!! You sure have wound up an amazing mystery!!

Jenny

You write the best cases Marlo, so many twists and turns and nothing quite makes sense when you first read it but it all falls into place later. Much like a real investigation I imagine.

As for these fuzzies everyone keeps talking about, well, I'd be willing to suffer through some of those.

I see they're turning up the flirting with each other a notch. Me likey.

So what's going on in DC and who was the call to??

Hmmmm, interesting.

Karen

Very interesting. I wonder who she called in DC?!

Can't wait for more!!!

Marlene, I've just been catching up wit my reading, do you know I only started readign this one yesterday, so I had to print it all off to read it all in one go, and I did it! Sorry I haven't kept up to date with reading I will try and promise to not let it happen again, but can I say, you creat a wonderful story, with copious amounts of intrigue, suspense, plot line, a little fuzz thrown in for good measure, and above all it keeps us all guessing.

Thankyou for such another great story!

A call in DC? I didn't see this one coming! I'm wondering what really happened in DC when Sophia and this girl knew each other!

ok i'm loving this but.......i am so lost....... and a call to DC huh ..... why did she do that??

maybe she called Sophia's mother??

Great story! I'm enjoying it very much!

Marlo, I got behind, but I've got up now!!

You definitely have me hooked - I have so many questions going through my head - I'll just have to keep reading and guessing as to where you're taking us!! Very interesting that it looks like a plot might have originated in D.C.!!

Well, we've had dinner AND dessert - I think it's time to move on to the fuzzies for the night!!!

Joy

“Manning”, answering his phone after lunch.

“Bobby, it’s Jack.”

“I’m putting you on speaker, mate”, pushing a button. “Tara was just about to phone you.”

“Hi Jack. I did a thorough check on your girl. She did go to the same college than Sophia for a year. Her student visa expired last August, which was when she went back home. No criminal offences or anything of the sort. I even talked a professor and a few students who remembered her. She was a sweet, innocent, quiet girl.”

Jack almost choked on the last words. This wasn’t the young woman they met. “You sure we’re talking about the same Miranda Marchand?” he couldn’t help but ask Tara.

“Yes, I matched her picture with the one from her French driver licence.”

Maybe Sue was right and she changed, Jack thought. That Michel Dutoit would have been a questionable influence. Which prompted Jack to fill his colleagues with the latest information.

“Let me run that number for you, Jack.”

Jack imagined Tara typing frantically, willing her screen to life.

“Is mademoiselle Marchand in custody?” Myles inquired.

“Benoit is on his way to her apartment as we speak. He will bring her in for questioning.”

“How did I miss that?” Tara’s intonation a notch or two higher than usual.

Jack felt no need to add his voice to the ones of his colleagues as he heard all of them call Tara’s name.

“Jack, you won’t believe it.” At this point he was pretty much a believer he was tempted to reply. “It’s a DC cell number, registered to Lynn Jamieson.”

“Sophia’s mother?” exchanging an incredulous look with Sue as her eyes widened after she read the name on his lips.

“I thought her mom didn’t receive any call?” Bobby’s remark matching the others. Tara shrugged. “Myles, want to go for a ride?”

“Coming”, grabbing his jacket. “Jack, need me to make any type of reservation for you before I leave with Bobby?” he offered.

“We can ... manage”, wondering if he imagined the faint hint of amusement in Myles’ baritone voice.

“If you say so”, meeting Lucy’s gaze who was beckoning him to her desk.

“Mate, as soon as we straighten this matter with Sophia’s mom we’ll call you.”

“Myles? What am I missing?” Lucy asked after Jack hung up, her eyes locked on Myles in a battle of will. “What did you do?”

“Nothing”, shaking his head. “Why do you have to be so suspicious?” She gave him a dubious look. Come to think of it he didn’t want her to answer that. “I simply provided my services as translator”, smirking at her.

“He booked one room instead of two”, Tara told her.

“On purpose?” a smile appearing on her face.

“An honest mistake”, he specified, Bobby and Tara’s grin contradicting his statement.

“Keep repeating it, mate. If you sound sincere enough Jack may forgive you.”

“Have you all failed to notice that Jack didn’t sound too upset, and certainly wasn’t in a mood to kill me?” Myles pointed out.

“Maybe because he sees not point in getting riled up while there’s still an ocean between his hands and your neck?” D quipped.

“Totally unappreciated”, he mumbled as he made his exit with Bobby.

I think Jack will appriciate your efforts...

Does Sophia's mother have something to do with her disappearance?

the plot thickens, does sophies mum have anything to do with
her disaperance. Hope jack can remember the french for one
lin

This girl definitely doesn't seem like a "nice, young lady" like the one Sophia met in college. And she made a phone call back to Mrs. Jameson's house....what on earth is going on? Once again Marlo, you amaze me with your plot twists!!!

Ah, isn't this the call that Sophia's mother didn't get because sophia's brother took her phone so that he could make some call about his work? The brother was eating or something and didn't hear the call and his friend answered and what with the noise and the bad connection and the fact that he is a teenage boy he didn't quite get the message and I am guessing he and the brother failed to pass it on to Sophia's mum.

Gee, that didn't sound nearly so confusing in my head. But I am pretty sure that is what's going on. Of course with Marlo you never know...

Yeah, what she said..... That's the way I remember it, too, Jellybean. Don't worry. You haven't completely lost your mind. "

I wonder what Jack and Sue will discover next.... Only one way to find out.... MARLO!!! "

ditto!

Sophia's mom knows Marchand?...

Miranda
Myles
Intruiging case!

Me thinks Jack is going to be happy about the rooms and might get Myles' coffee for him as a thank you!!!

Great post Marlo29!

Jenny

I really didn't expect this I think Lynn wasn't honest to them... but WHY????

I love Myles as a matchmaker in this story... maybe Myles' and Luce's matchmaker efforts could put them together

I can't wait for more!!!


Restie

And the plot thickens.

I think somehow Miles will be ok on this occasion. I sense love in the french air.

Karen

Lucy you have some serious competition...Myles is turning into quite a matchmaker it seems.

Yes, Jellybean, you're right - that would be the call that Sophia's mom never got!! Now, my question is, since the friend answered the phone and the connection was so bad, do we know if it was Sophia on the phone or Miranda???

Myles, I don't think you have to worry about Jack - I think he's capable of reserving ONE room on his own!!!

Joy

Wasn't that call to the ...guy...brother???can't remember....only 3 hours of sleep last night...and the other guy took it and Sophia didn't even know she talked to the wrong guy???

Jill

3 HOURS OF SLEEP!!!! That's harsh!!! I hope you get a good night's sleep tonight and feel all better tomorrow Jill!!!!

Marlo29, please post soon!

Jenny

I just caught back up and I love how you continue to develop the plot. I remember the call that her brother got. I think his name was Parker. I remember because that's my son's name, and I thought that sounded like something he'd do, too.

I think it was "crisis day" in my house today. ME ->

+++++

“Cosy Bed & Breakfast or large hotel?” asking her where she would prefer spending the night as they strolled along the busy street, enjoying the evening after their copious meal.

“I wouldn’t mind a nice relaxing bubble bath”, she whispered to his ear, her arm tucked underneath his.

“Then we’ll find a hotel with all the amenities”, he told her, studying her face. Satisfied with the answer she leaned against his shoulder, her gaze wandering around the landmarks. He kissed the top of her head, thinking she eluded his unspoken question.

“Bonsoir, madame et monsieur.”

“Good evening”, Jack replied, while Sue simply nodded, after assuming the employee at the front desk did indeed greet them.

“May I help you?” switching to English since the visitors used the language.

Jack wondered if the man heard his sigh of relief. It was the fifth hotel they were trying in the last hour and they were getting desperate.

“We don’t have a reservation”, he could finally explain clearly, though he still expected to be told they were fully booked

“No problem, monsieur. I have some availability. Will it be for one night only?”

“To begin with”, Jack answered, not knowing where their next clue would lead them.

“I have a room facing the cathedral, or one overlooking the gardens?” he offered.

“Which one has the nicest bathtub?” Sue enthusiastically asked.

“Neither, but I have another room that would be perfect for madame. It has a beautiful view of La Seine”, smiling at her. “Though it is slightly more expensive”, he warned.

Was the man flirting with Sue, Jack wondered. He came to reply but Sue beat him to it.

“Thank you very much. We will take it, won’t we ... honey?” smiling sweetly at Jack, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Jack arched his brow. Was he reading too much into her choice of words? Did she just agree to share a room with him again?

“If you could fill in the information, monsieur”, handing him a card, taking his silence for an acknowledgment.

“Sure”, expecting Sue to contradict him any moment now. He took the pen, but his hand froze in midair. He stared in disbelief at the rate writing in the corner of the card. Sue shrugged as she met his gaze. No wonder the hotel had availability. At that price no one could afford to stay here. He would be lucky if he got one room reimbursed, he might as well forget about two.

“We couldn’t afford two rooms”, she casually said in the elevator.

“Is that the only reason you’re staying with me?” wrapping her in his arms, taking advantage of the facts they were alone and didn’t need to come out until the 14th floor.

“Well, I ... I didn’t really want to be alone in a strange place”, blushing under his heated gaze, “since I don’t have Levi”, unable to control the quiver in her voice.

“Keep going, my love”, his hands sensually caressing her back. “Why else?”

“Hum ...” twitching her nose as she tried to come up with another logical explanation, his hands making it very hard to think clearly. “That’s it ... and being the gentleman you are, you will let me have the bed by the window and take the other one”, taking advantage of his stunned expression to wiggle free.

“Not so fast”, catching her. “You ...” She frowned in confusion as he took a step aside, facing the doors which opened to let an elderly couple in. 'Discussion not over', he mouthed for her. She smiled innocently at him before nodding towards the elderly couple who greeted them.

They walked the length of the 14th floor. A golden plate hung by the door located at the end of the hallway. On it the words SUITE NAPOLEON were written in capital letters. Jack slid the card in the magnetic lock and opened the door onto a luxurious suite.

Sue gasped in surprise. He lifted her chin, gently brushing her bottom lip with his thumb.

“You can sleep by the window, my love”, he gladly conceded, grinning mischievously.

Yay! You posted again!
Love Sue speaking for Jack...
She agreed to sharing the room...before she knew how much it would cost...right?

I love sue taking the lead
hope she does it more often, realy love
post lin

Why do I get the feeling from what Jack said that there is only one bed in the room???

Joy

Ahhhhhhhhh......... I have a feeling there's a reason Jack is letting Sue sleep by the window. Is it because the tv is on the other side??? Or maybe the couch is by the window while the bed is across the room? I don't think so.... He wouldn't do something like that to her, would he?

Great post, Marlo. So, the next one should be so full of fuzzies that we all need fans, right???

In my corner of the world it's been 40C (105F) under the sun for the past two days ... Okie, I don't know if I'll survive writing my next few posts without a fan

Hey! We've actually cooled off to the lower 90's for the last couple of days around here. Still got the air conditioners and ceiling fans going though. Would that help some?

Can't wait for more!

Wonder if Jack's thinking if that the huge dent in his credit card was worth it for Sue!!! Which the obvious answer if yes!!!

105??? I won't complain about the heat here at all!!!

Have some chocolate ice-cream and keep writing!!!

Jill

Today we're only expected to be 23C ( sorry I'm English, i have no idea what that is in farenheit!!)

That was a great post Marlo29!!!

Jenny

Marlene, we need to know more about this Napoleon Suite... why is Jack so happy and self-assured now???

Restie

Don't worry Jack, I'm sure it will be money well spent.

Karen

Jill, I will follow your advice and go to the store for chocolate ice cream right now !!!

+++++

She blushed as she realised she set herself up. Not that she had been less than truthful with Jack. She truly felt more comfortable, more secured with him in the same room. But she would be lying to herself if she said she didn’t like waking up in his arms. This morning had been a dream come true. It had been tremendously amazing and wonderfully dangerous at the same time.

She unconsciously licked her lips, encountering his thumb. He was staring intently at her, gauging her reaction. She felt his other hand encircling her waist, pulling her to him. She offered no resistance, the heat from his body seeping through her cotton blouse.

“Do you want me to get another room?” he murmured, guessing her plan to tease him before sending him to sleep in the other bed backfired on her. Not that he didn’t deserve the treatment, his grin only widening as he recalled the long drive back and forth and how he kept his mind ... and his hands busy.

“No”, she countered daringly.

“Are you going to torture me all night?” arching his brow, his eyes twinkling merrily. A smile spread across her face, the possibility only occurring to her as he mentioned it. “Sue, that would be cruel”, his heartbeat accelerating as very enjoyable images raced through his mind.

“Really?” smirking. “Jack”, her hand sensuously roaming over his shirt. “If I ask ... would you come and wash my back?” biting her lips as his eyes widened at her suggestion.

“Why don’t I run the water for you?” sweeping her off her feet and carrying her to the bathroom before she argued. He stopped in the doorway. She slid down alongside his body, her gaze following his. Butterflies soared in her belly as his eyes darkened, darting from the tub to her alluring curves.

“Don’t even think about it”, she warned him.

“But the bath has obviously been made for two”, his remark only accentuating the flush on her face.

“Out”, pushing him the way he came.

“Just yell when you require my services to wash ...” The door closing on him, hiding his laughter.

If they could only find Sophia, he wouldn’t mind spending a few extra days here with Sue, the dent to his credit card a very small price to pay for the pleasure of her company. His eyes surveyed the suite, seeing the little details he missed when he first came in ... the chocolate over the pillows ... the satin bedspread over satin sheets ... the bottle of champagne in the ice bucket on the small table ... He took the hotel guide and flipped through it until he found the description of the rooms. Not that he could read much, but he knew a few terms and ‘lune de miel’ under the description of the Napoleon suite was one of them.