Convincing her to come to his place proved relatively easy. He liked to think his charm won her over, but feared it was more her hesitation at talking about her night activities in a public place that prompted her to follow him up the stairs.

Only at her second slice of pizza did she break the comfortable silence.

“How much torture did you summit Lucy before she told you where I was?” her eyes shining mischievously. She wasn’t mad at him, he realised, but wondered how long it would last.

“She’s a loyal friend ... she didn’t cave in”, admitting his failed interrogating practice. Sue frowned at him in confusion. “I followed you.”

“You followed me?” staring incredulous at him. “Why?”

Good question, he thought. “Because I’m a special agent and you were mysterious.”

“Mysterious?” she repeated. “You sat in that small theatre for two hours without moving because I was mysterious?”

“No”, correcting her. “I followed you there because I was curious as to why you kept cancelling out pizza night, and I stayed because I was enthralled by you performance.” She lowered her eyes, feeling the heat rising to her face. “Sue”, gently lifting her chin, his thumb caressing her skin. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you that I perform in a school play?” not quite meeting his gaze. “I didn’t think you would be interested hearing about Snow White and the seven dwarves.”

“You thought wrong”, wondering where she got that impression. “And after what I just saw I’m fascinated”, smiling at her. “I want a ticket for each presentation. I’m not missing a single one”, he replied seriously, very tempted to kiss her gaping mouth. “So”, leaning back, letting his hand trail down her shoulder and her arm, “are you going to tell me how it all began?” his eyes twinkling mischievously at her.

“Amanda”, she whispered, her breath caught somewhere in her throat as her skin tingled from his light touch.

“I figured that much”, laughing. “How did she manage to drag you into this?”

“You really want to know?” He nodded vigorously. “Well”, remembering the event, “about two month ago Amanda told me she got the part of Happy in the play, and asked me if I could help her with her costume.” Slowly she relaxed on the couch. “The drama teacher was quite impressed with the result.” She twitched her nose. “Not sure how, but she convinced me to make the costume for the other six dwarves.”

“And you did a fabulous job”, he emphasized. “They are awfully cute.”

“I’m almost done, Jack”, sighing in relief. “I feel like I haven’t had any spare time since ... a while, I guess”, shrugging. “Except, it got worse last week when the drama teacher broke her arm. She was originally playing my role, but with her cast she couldn’t sign her lines. They tried to find a suitable replacement, but with such short notice ...” Jack raised his brow. “The first presentation is in three days”, she explained. “I was spending so much time on the set I knew the part, so ... they kept begging until I agreed. I have to learn to say no”, shaking her head.

“You couldn’t let them down, Sue”, he concurred. “Is that why you requested Friday off?”

“Yes. A few parents are supposed to finish building the set tomorrow. Then on Friday, some of us need to paint it so it’s ready ... and dry ... for opening night Saturday.”

“Could I come with you?” She stared at him in disbelief. “So you know, I’m very handy with a paintbrush, Ms Thomas. And before you mention work”, not wanting to give her a chance to argue. “If we solely concentrate on the dusty file tomorrow, we could very well have that case wrapped up by the end of the day”, his confidence showing. “So? ... Would you take me with you?”

Jack is really one of a kind! Nobody else is that perfect! Cloning should be legal!

I'm going to bed now, it should stop me from saying stupid things!

Thanks Marlene for the post!

Why do I have a feeling its not going to be that simple.... Oh! Because this is a Marlo story.

Loving this! More???

Ooo... J'apolgie.... Plus! Plus! S'il vous plait! (n'est-ce pas? )

This is going rather smoothly isn't it? Why does that have me worried? Maybe because Marlene is writing?

kav

Yay! Bring Jack along!

This is indeed going very smoothly ... will this actually be the first time there'd be no interuption?

Yes, Sue, bring Jack along!!

Marlo, this is all so wonderful and semi-fuzzy, and did I mention wonderful??

So, when will the other shoe drop?? I need to know because my couch is downstairs and I will need time to get to it to hide!!!

Joy

Very ingenious of Jack to invite himself to see Sue's play

Yeah. I loved her explanation - it's so true to character!!!

an almost fuzzy there!!!!!!!!!!

i'd like to think we will have more and then lots of fuzzies but i suspect we will travel the angst router first.

am i just too suspicious?

cath

Yeah Another story by Marlo. That's me all caught up. Isn't Jack just the sweetest?? Next thing you know he'll want to be in the play. Couldn't you just imagine him in a wee cute outfit??

Can't wait for more.

Karen

Hey, we all know the story of Snow White and there is a handsome prince in the story. Right?

Hey Karen! You might have an idea there! If Sue plays Snow White, Jack could play Prince Charming....

I am so happy, Marlene, that you started new story!!! I love this Jack/Sue plot... but one thought still stays in my mind who plays the prince????? I don't think Jack would love to see another man kisses Sue... unless the prince would be Jack

The case is also interesting and I can't wait to know more!!!

I look forward to more!!!!


Restie

ME-> You, guys, are TOO suspicious for your own good ... No one believes in smooth rides ... or fairytales????

+++++

Jack took the steps to her apartment two at a time, a smile spreading on his lips as he recalled the evening he discovered her secret. She stayed late, sharing with him funny anecdotes about the play and the cast. He choked on his pizza on more than one occasion. She was a terrific storyteller, bringing the people to life. He still wasn’t closer to understand why she wouldn’t share her new passion with the rest of the bullpen. But she made him promise not to tell, and he wasn’t going to break it ... not after the hug he was rewarded with before she left his place.

Like Jack predicted the answer to the case laid in that dusty file, and they closed it shortly after lunch the previous day. When D came in with news from London shortly after, Jack held his breath. Last thing he wanted was to fly overseas and miss the show. As it turned out, the British authorities broke the kidnapper ring after an anonymous tip led them to an abandoned store. The girl was found beaten but alive, and the captors were apprehended. Hanson and his team were fairly confident all the perpetrators were arrested.

Jack stropped in front of her door. Juggling the two coffees he held, he clumsily knocked. Levi immediately picked up the sound, his barking reaching Jack’s ears.

Seconds later, she opened and let him in.

“I thought you were handy with a paintbrush”, she teased, taking in his appearance. He was wearing an old pair of jeans, covered with samples of paint.

“Very funny”, grinning.

“You’re turning into a morning person, Jack”, she observed with a smile, after clipping Levi’s leash to his collar.

“The fairest woman of all makes a very good incentive”, flirting with her. “Nice shade of red, my queen”, bowing to her as he presented her a coffee.

“Jack! You ... you ...” unable to formulate a witty remark in response to his smug expression. “Thank you”, taking the paper cup. “Shall we go ... before I leave you behind”, she threatened playfully.

First time Jack tried to sign while holding his paintbrush resulted in blue polka dots all over the frame of the mirror ... and on the actor staring through its middle. When Jack further tried to apologize, the teenage boy playing the magic mirror fearfully ran away.

“Nice going”, laughed a female voice.

“You speak?” turning towards her. She was painting the front door of the dwarves’ cottage.

“Name is Sophia”, introducing herself. “I’m Delphi’s older sister ... Delphi plays Snow White”, she clarified.

“Jack Hudson”, nodding at her. “I’m with Sue.”

She glanced around to make sure no one was looking at them. “Sue is making a much better queen than Mrs Carlton, the drama teacher”, her voice conspiratorial.

Jack had caught sight of the broken arm lady, and though he never saw her act, he just couldn’t imagine her as the queen. On the other end Sue was just amazing in the role. He must have been beaming with pride because the teenage girl chuckled.

“Shouldn’t you be in school?” he inquired, changing the subject.

“No”, openly laughing. “I’m in College, and off for the summer. I just came to help”, ignoring his surprised expression. She was older than she looked, and was used to people mistaking her for her younger sister. “I came to school here for one semester to perfect my ASL, and Delphi did the same last term”, she explained.

After Jack was given the task of painting the side of the house yellow, they engaged in a verbal conversation. She was very chatty and funny. He learned her grandmother and aunt were deaf, and her mother taught all her children ASL at a young age so they could communicate with their relatives. Jack was impressed, and even more so when he learned she also spoke Dutch and French. When she told him she wanted to become an interpreter it suddenly made sense.

“This is a deaf production”, Sue teased as she approached the pair.

“Just keeping him out of trouble”, quipped Sophia. “He’s a menace when he’s silent.”

‘Not true’, he signed, golden droplets of paint hitting the freshly painted red door. The two women burst out laughing at his latest bungle.

“You need to keep his hands busy, Sue”, Sophia whispered wickedly, before walking away to get more red paint.

“What am I going to do with you, Jack?” staring intently at him.

“I’ll give you a few suggestions over dinner”, winking at her. “Now, stop distracting me, so I can finish painting.”

Marlo29 that was fantastic!!!!! Sooo funny. i'm sure Sue can think of soething to do with his hands, or if she's too speechless, Jack can be inventive!!!

Lovely post!

Jenny

I believe in fairytales and smooth rides ,but I have read some of your fics and am a little suspicous like the others!!

ya sue do what he says and just kiss him senseless right then and there!!!


can't wait for more marlo doing great!!

Marlo, I do know that in your stories everyone lives happily ever after at the end, but it's like following the yellow brick road before they get there!!! Not that I am complaining one bit!!!

Jack is VERY dangerous with a paintbrush!! I think it's a very good idea to find something else he can do with his hands!!!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it Sophia who went to London???

Joy

So, now I know Sue isn't Snow White... so Jack needn't to be worry Sue could be kissed by another man and now we know Jack and Sue met Sophia and why she will be in Europe...

btw you left us in very interesting moment, Marlene

MORE!!!!!!


Restie

The first post was of Sophia leaving for Europe ... then the story went back a week EARLIER. Sophia hasn't left yet.

I hope it does clarify things !!!

Marlene

This is terrific, Marlo! Jack and Sue are so sweet together...

that clarified my question which i asked earlier!!


but if she is there she can't get kidnapped cause they caught the guys that did it !! or did they !! so jack and sue know who sophie is!!


can't wait for more!!!

p.s.can't believe sue is the queen !!! sue playing the part of the evil queen snow white's step mother!!she should have played snow white and jack her prince!!

I think Jack is enjoying himself here and knowing something none of the other team members know about.

Now, dinner sounds interesting. What will Jack do with her??

Karen

hope we get to see what happens over dinner................... and what sue does to keep jacks hands occupied

cath

Don't get me wrong, Marlene, I love fairytales and smooth rides but I know you and your 'smooth ride' stories... and now that you reminded us that the story went back a week earlier I got even more suspicious!! But besides that, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed that you made Sue play the queen, instead of snowhite!

What an absolutely fabulous post...I love how Jack is flirting with Sue!!!!

Love Jack and the paintbrush..........very much like a little kid with a brush in his hand.....paint everywhere!!!

Now.....what is wrong with everyone? Marlene LOVES fairy tales, smooth rides and happy endings!!!!

Jill

I don't think keeping Jack occupied is such a hard thing to do, right ... If only he can focus on the painting instead of Sue ...

WOOT! Love Jack's flirting

Jill, hon, I think the sun and dust got to you!

I'll go with the fairy tales and happy endings, but the smooth rides? I don't think she even knows the meaning of smooth ride.

Marlene, this is great. I can so picture Jack trying to paint and sign. I love this foray into Sue's world, too.

thanks marlo just love fairy
storys, with love and happy endings
which happen to have jack and sue
in them lin

Ack -- I forgot about the week earlier thingy too... That was a bump, Marlene, and I'm sure there'll be many more before your happily ever after! Hey and I was thinking, once Jack and Sue get hitched and start having kids they can name they after the seven dwarves for sentimental purposes.

kav

Oh Kav..........don't give her ideas!!!!

Jill

Smooth rides I'm sure that your stories are always more than smooth rides marlene the story sure gets exciting wen you're behind the helm

Ohh yeah we went back to a week earlier!!! I forgot!

I just love this story! Bumpy rides to come and all!!

Smooth rides? Maybe I should look for a definition ... or maybe not

+++++

Jack’s hope of spending a quiet Friday evening with Sue came crashing down at the same time the roof of the cottage hit the stage. His only consolation came when he was totally exonerated for the mishap. A beam collapsed after it was insufficiently nailed the previous day. The rebuilding carried late into the night, stopping when people couldn’t distinguish which end of their hammer they were supposed to bang with. He barely remembered dropping Sue off, let alone driving back to his place.

Early Saturday morning Jack showed up alone at the school. If anyone was surprised to see him, no one commented. He didn’t see any of the actors who were told to sleep in, but caught sight of Sophia who threw him a clean paintbrush.

“No talking with your hands, Jack”, she instructed mischievously.

“What am I painting?” looking at the brown can of paint she placed by his side.

“The roof”, she answered before busying herself with another project. The roof, fighting the panic. He hated heights. He glanced around but everyone was otherwise occupied. He took a few steps back. The roof looked fine just like it was. “There’s a ladder in the corner”, yelled Sophia.

Great, just great, he thought. But he couldn’t let Sue down, could he? If he was lucky their children wouldn’t like to perform and he wouldn’t need to volunteer too often. He took a deep breath before walking towards the ladder.

‘No rest for the wicked’ came to his mind often during the weekend.

The countdown accentuated everyone’s frenzy. Finally Jack sat ... more like dropped ... in his seat and watched. They had done a superb job, and the standing ovation that followed was more than deserved. Most of the actors couldn’t hear the loud clapping, but Jack was certain they could feel the vibrations resonating in the theatre.

Sunday morning he surprised her by knocking on her door as she was leaving for church with Levi. It scared him to think she was right and he was turning into a morning person. But then, over the weekend, he did lots of things he would never have dreamed of doing for anyone else but her.

“What are you doing here?” pleasantly welcoming him, wondering if all the little signs he had been throwing her way those last few days meant more than friendship.

“Insuring my queen’s protection”, he replied ceremoniously. He was staring at her, and she couldn’t prevent her heartbeat from accelerating as she gazed into the depth of his brown eyes. “Would you allow me to be your escort this morning?” offering his arm.

“Will you remain as chivalrous when the play is over?” she probed curiously as she tucked her hand under his arm.

“You’ll see”, winking at her before leading her to his car.

More little kids were present on Sunday afternoon than during the night, and Jack enjoyed watching them as much as the play. They were giggling at the sight of the dwarves and were priceless when they tried to warn Snow White against eating the apple the cruel queen gave her. After the show, the cast agreed to a group dinner dashing Jack’s hope once more.

Poor jack. If he asked her out on a date, I think Sue would definitely say yes!!! That was lovely Marlo29!!!!! I loved the roof and Jack's chivalry!!

Absolutely fantastic!

Jenny

i'm sure he'd only need to ask and she would go on a date with him

a great post, amazing how the love of a woman helps him conquer his fear of heights

cath

Patience Jack I'm sure you'll get your alone time with Sue, not sure when though.

I love how he continues to flirt with her.

Karen

Well, I think I can call it love... when Jack overcame his terror of heights... it's definitely love maybe someone should tell Sue about it....

Jack, maybe after common dinner will be a goodnight kiss... just you and Sue...


Restie

Poor Jack! Hopefully he and Sue will get some alone time soon. hint hint

loved it now can we
have some alone time
and fuzzies soon please
lin

What's the word? Smitten. Jack, you're seeing a whole new side of Sue and I think you are smitten. I like it.

At least Jack is making a move forward. He may be having his hopes dashed around each corner, but I'm sure if he shared his 'hopes' with Sue, she'd do everything within her power to make sure they turned to reality!

Smitten!! Bigfan, that's THE perfect word!!! After all, who else would he climb up on a roof for???

Jack, you're doing fine - just turn up the heat a little on the flirting and you will be fine!!!

Joy

Jack; you got it bad ... hope you're gonna keep this flirting up

Patience is a virtue.........just remember that, Jack.

Jill

I know the cast isn't doing it on purpose!! I agree with flip. If Sue knew that he would rather have dinner with her, she could probably arrange it!

Just got a chance to read this! What a great story! Sue as the evil queen? Sue must be a great actress to pull that off!

Not wanting to disturb Jack’s culinary attempt, Sue leisurely paced the living room. She had been to his place before but never had the opportunity to just observe. She was unaware of Jack’s gaze on her as she looked at the pictures lining up on the bookcase. She assumed the elderly couple were his parents. She smiled. Jack looked like his dad, but he had his mother’s smile. The next one was of a little boy, maybe five or six. She held the picture. He was leaning on a hockey stick so he wouldn’t fall on the ice. She almost dropped it when his hands came to rest over her shoulders.

“Sorry, Sue”, apologising after she turned around. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I shouldn’t be snooping”, putting the picture back on the shelf.

“My first ever hockey game”, smiling at the memory. “My mother would probably tell you I spent more time on my knees and bum than on my skate.”

“You were so cute, Jack”, admiring the little boy.

“And I’m not anymore?” raising his brow, amused.

She blushed profusely as she realised what she just said. “I mean you’re ...” stopping before she dug herself even deep.

“Keep going”, delicately brushing her cheek with the back of his fingers. The timer of the oven beeped, making him turn his head towards the kitchen.

“Is dinner ready?” she inquired quietly. He nodded, his attention solely on her. “Is it safer to eat than the apple I served Delphi?”

“Should be”, chortling. “Though I could take that as an insult.”

“More like an observation, Jack”, smiling at him. Boldly she ran her hand along his bristled chin before heading towards the kitchen, leaving him grinning.

Dinner was nice and animated. The last performance had been the previous night in front of a packed crowd. He suggested she took part of yesterday off in order to rest for the upcoming evening, but she refused, chasing leads with him instead. Not that he complained. He preferred her company to any other agents. And today had been just as hectic, the blackmailing case now including a judge and a state politician. That she accepted to have dinner tonight was amazing, and that she let him cook was plain daring, he was forced to admit. And if her expression was any indication, he outdid himself. Even Levi agreed, jumping on the morsels Jack was feeding him under the table.

He banned her from the kitchen when she tried to help with the cleaning.

“You put your feet up and relax”, he insisted. “It will only take me a few minutes and I will join you.”

He never expected her to take his words so literally, doubted she even did on purpose. But when he entered the living room he found her asleep on his couch. He knew she was tired, and so was he. Those last five days had been long and exhausting.

“Now what am I going to do with you?” smiling as he sat beside her. He gently ran his fingers into her hair. “Not exactly the evening I had in mind, Ms Thomas”, he murmured. She looked so peaceful, he thought, his touch growing in intensity. She unconsciously stirred in response, moving closer to him. “This ... on the other hand”, wrapping her in his arms, “shows potential”. He comfortably settled her against him, her head resting against his chest. “I will take you home soon”, he murmured in her hair, his best intentions quickly dissipating.

Levi’s barking pierced through the haze of his mind. He grumbled. Why was his dream so vivid? Even Levi’s licking seemed real. He came to get up, only to realise he was pinned down. He woke up instantly. Levi was moaning by the couch, desperate for his early morning walk.

“Coming, boy”, he assured the faithful dog, grinning at the woman fast asleep in his arms. He marvelled at the wonderful feeling of waking up with her. During the night, they must have shifted, because she was now lying on top of him, her hands gripping the side of his shirt. He could feel the slow rhythmic rising of her chest against him. He gently rolled over until she rested on the couch by herself. Picking up the afghan on the nearby chair, he covered her with it. “I will be back”, he promised, softly kissing her forehead.

At a semiconscious level, she wondered why she was suddenly cold. She pulled on the blanket. The texture felt different, unsure how that tiny detail entered her foggy brain. She tried to recapture her dream. She could almost smell his scent and feel his touch, sighing as awareness raced through her. She opened her eyes and gaped. Panic receded quickly as she took in the familiar surroundings. She was in Jack’s apartment. She must have fallen asleep while waiting for him, remembering the previous night. The first rays of dawn were sneaking through the window. She approached it and looked outside. She had view on a park. In the distance she made up Jack’s silhouette and Levi, uncertain which one she recognised first. The least she could do was make him breakfast for taking her dog for a run. Then she would go home ... and if she were lucky would dodge Lucy’s questioning. Very unlikely, she thought, as she busied herself in the forbidden kitchen.