Lynn quickly fixed a lunch for her two high school kids. One look at the clock told her they would be late again this morning, the water from the shower still running. She sighed, wondering why she even bothered getting them a bus pass. They hadn’t used the transit in ages. She had to admit one bus every hour wasn’t very convenient.

“Mom, do we get the car or are you driving us in your nightie?” her second daughter asked with a grin. “You know ... Sophia might call ... and you don’t really want to miss her, do you?” cuddling to her mother. “Pleeeeeeease”, she purred. Lynn shook her head, unable to hide her smile. “Thank you, mom. Love you”, kissing her mother’s cheek.

“No fighting with your brother over who’s driving back”, she warned her daughter.

“Of course not. I’m a perfect little angel”, smiling angelically as picked up her lunch and the keys. “Brad!!!” she yelled at the closed bathroom door. “Hurry up, or I’m leaving you behind.”

Lynn let a sigh of relief when the car finally left the driveway. She picked up her laptop and scrolled through her emails while eating breakfast. The one from her oldest daughter caught her immediate attention.

Hi!
I’m in London ... my plane is leaving in one hour. I will call you tonight!
Sophia

Lynn checked the time. Her daughter sent it at 6:13am. She would be landing in Paris very soon. After that Lynn knew her daughter still had a long way to go before she reached her destination, but she was resourceful and she spoke the language. All the train, subway and bus connections shouldn’t cause Sophia any problem, figured Lynn who decided, since she couldn’t drive anywhere, to spend the day potting in her flowerbeds.

The 10am collect call came as a surprise. Of course Lynn accepted the charges.

“Mom, it’s Sophia”, her daughter’s voice coming loud and clear. “My calling card doesn’t work and I missed the train.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m still in Paris. The plane was late. I rebooked the train in one hour but I need to let Antoine know my new arrival time. And I cannot find his phone number which I know I have somewhere with me”, Sophia said.

“Is it on the list you gave me?”

“Not sure”, she pondered. “I’m on a guy’s cell here. I will search some more and call you back.”

Oooo.... Sounds creepy already. Settled in with chocolate at the ready in anticipation for a wild ride. I really love your stories Marlo....

Next?

I'm worried that this story is posted under the title Ransom...
Can't wait for the next post!

Ohhh I'm so excited that I found this story!! But the title has me more than a little worried

Yes! You started it Marlène! Your first post made me laugh! Like a sense of déjà vu!

Can't wait to read more!

Oh what would a challenge be without a scary one from Marlo...I'm already getting nervous and it isn't even summer!!!

EEK! What an intro! This sounds like a roller coaster story in the making!

Marlo, title of your story + using a guy's cell phone = methinks trouble!!!

Joy

fantastic creepy,and scary,
cant wait for next post.
pleased you have started
another storie lin

Gee, that intro sounds vaguely familiar!!!! And just how is that front yard looking and if I send you a puppy would it last very long???

Okay.......back to reality....or is it fiction? Someone needs to catch a train! And I want to know if she makes it!

Jill

Front yard looks good!

Puppy? ... longer than Toto!!!



Fiction starts with the next post!



Took only six hours for her mother to find out !!!

Oh, a Marlene story! I'm buckled.

Wow. I've read ssome of your stories Marlo29, but this is soooo cool to be actually reading one in progress!!!!!!!

I have to say that you are brilliant.

Marlene, I just KNEW you would enter the Challenge! Your 'Maybe....' didn't fool me one bit!!

The intro combined with the title doesn't look good for the family!

wow a marlo stroy!!! i am ready marlene!!

can't feel but something is going to happen!!! when are we gonna see jack and sue !! i can't wait!!

can't wait for more!!

didn't fool anyone, Marlene...So, did I get that right, the first post came straight from life? They do say life is the best fiction...

Yes! I'm jumping up and down with joy with everybody else!

kav

Excitement is way overrated !!!!

+++++

ONE WEEK EARLIER

Myles watched Jack’s antics with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. And not for the first time, he mentally beat himself up for interrupting when Jack had finally gathered the courage to talk to Sue. They should have been dating by now, instead of still dancing clumsily around each other’s. But as soon as lover boy learned his fair maiden wasn’t leaving for New York, he retreated. Myles sighed before returning to his report.

“Luce, please?” almost begging.

Lucy felt sorry for the agent leaning across her desk, but she gave Sue her promise that she wouldn’t tell anyone. And as far as Lucy was concerned, Jack still belonged in the anyone category. She peeked over his shoulder at the almost empty bullpen. Myles was at his desk, seemingly absorbed in his paperwork. Tara and Bobby were still not back from wherever. D had been urgently called upstairs. And Sue was searching for a file in the archive room ... which brought her attention back to the man in front of him.

“Jack, why don’t you ask Sue yourself where she has been disappearing every evening this week?”

“Because it would be intruding”, he replied logically.

“And asking me isn’t?” she growled.

“Luce, she cancelled out pizza night twice already. Is she ... is she seeing ... someone?” mumbling the last word.

‘Yes, she’s seeing someone ... YOU!’ Lucy was tempted to scream. A man with that much charm couldn’t be that clueless, could he? “Jack, it’s not what you think”, she finally conceded.

“Then what is the big secret?” holding her gaze.

“Jack, your eyes have no effect on me whatsoever”, shaking her head.

“Luce , you ...” He stopped when he heard footsteps, lifting his head as Sue came in.

“I found it, Jack”, Sue announced triumphantly, holding up a dusty file in her hand.

Unconsciously Jack matched her smile. Forgetting about Lucy, he moved to Sue’s desk.

“We could review that over Chinese if you want”, he offered after checking his watch. It was almost time to leave. A glint he couldn’t place crossed her eyes.

“Sorry, Jack”, lowering her gaze. “I have a previous commitment”, she murmured, wishing he could see her as more than a co-worker.

“No problem”, skilfully hiding his disappointment. “We can resume early tomorrow morning.” Jack’s sudden change of expression at D’s entrance saved her from answering. “Something wrong?”

“Why do folks think they can handle criminal matter better than professional?” shaking his head, his sober mood not escaping anyone.

“New case?” Jack inquired.

“Another young American woman was kidnapped in London four days ago”, D reported.

“Isn’t that the third kidnapping this month?” Sue pointed out.

“And we just learned about it?” Myles not quite believing it. “Please ... tell me the parents were not stupid enough to handle the ransom demand by themselves”, jumping to the only logically conclusion.

“Not only that”, sighing loudly. “They couldn’t raise all the money so ...”

“The parents didn’t try to rip off the kidnapper, did they?” D nodding at Jack’s assessment. “Was she found dead or alive?” the other two victims having been released without much trauma.

“She hasn’t been found yet”, D revealed. “The kidnappers increased their demand.”

“So daddy decided to call us”, Myles guessing right. “Are we on our way to London?”

“You and Jack are in stand by. Hanson’s team just left. London authorities are fully cooperating and are keeping us posted.”

Everyone nodded in understanding before returning to their tasks.

When Sue departed with Levi, Jack only hesitated a moment ... Time to brush up his tailing technique.

Loved Jack in stalker mode!!!!!

Who is Sue seeing and why is she avoiding Jack??????

Lovely post Marlo29!!!!

jack!! for God sakes!! man get a grip on yourself and ask the lady already !!


oh my is it sophie that was kidnapped but then she wouldn't have called!?!? please don't let anything happen to sophie!!


WHO is sue seeing ?!?!?is she seeing someone!??!


sue you love jack !! jack you love sue !! when you both love each other so much why don't you they each other!! its so simple and if you don't try then you will see if she rejects or accepts you!!

i think they both skiped a class in high school or in college!!


can't wait for more!!!


marlo doing great!!!

p.s.sorry i am blabbing been shopping for 4 hours just got home!!

Is Sue just making excuses or does she really have something to do?

Marlo 29, I can see you down there!!! Please post soon as it's only 20 minutes until the last ever episode of JAG!!!!!!

Jack is going to tail Sue?? Why doesn't he just ask her what she's doing?? Better yet, why doesn't he tell her how he feels???

I hope Sophie is okay!!!

Joy

woohoo...marlo and a new story yeahhhhhhh......i just got back from londen well i saw nothing suspicious, but hey i'm not un investigator

love it

When Jack realized she was more or less driving towards her apartment, he relaxed a bit. But his relief was short-lived. She came in and out of her place carrying a huge box. How it managed to fit on the backseat of her small car defied physics law, thought Jack. He watched as Levi jumped on the passenger seat, and Sue accelerated into the traffic.

He kept at least two cars between him and her at all time. After forty-five minutes Sue entered a very quiet residential neighbourhood. If Jack wasn’t mistaking, Amanda lived around here, and as he recalled, the teenage girl just happened to call Sue a lot in the last few weeks. His curiosity was unleashed. What were the two of them scheming? A smile spread on his lips, only to freeze as another thought crossed his mind. Sue wouldn’t be seeing Amanda’s dad ... would she?

His musing was abruptly interrupted when he saw her pull into a parking lot. To his surprise, many more cars were parked there. He gave the building a closer look, catching the billboard sign. Amanda’s school. And under the name of the school was a listing of upcoming events. His eyes grew bigger as a grin curled up the corners of his mouth. Sue couldn’t be involved in that ... could she?

Throwing caution to the wind, he parked across the street and walked to the school. The door was unlocked. Jack strolled through the hallway, his ears dictating the direction to take. The hullabaloo was getting louder. He approached open double doors. Discreetly he entered. Hidden by the relative darkness of the room he took a seat in a corner at the back. He had a perfect view. Making himself comfortable he waited, wondering how long it would be before he caught a glimpse of her.

It took Jack a moment to realise he was staring at her. This was a side of Sue he had never imagined, and it left him astounded.

Hmmm... What is Sue up to now? Sounds mysterious to me.

Jack, you need to get a clue, mister.

As for the case, I hope they find the missing teen soon.

Is Sue in a play?

Why did it take Jack a moment to realize it was Sue he was staring at? How is she dressed? Or was he so lost in thought she walked right up to him without him knowing?

Ohhh I'm soo curious!! I really want to know what's going on. It seems really interesting!!!

Very interesting ... and scary

Hope they're able to find the girl and the gang behind it ...

Also I wanna know what Sue's upto ... I, too, am thinking she's in a play ... but we never know for sure untill you post again

Intrigued and haven't got a clue already...this must be a Marlo story!

kav

maybe she is een a teacher for the childeren on amanda's school and they are organising a play and sue is with them ...... or not wel i don't know i lett you decide marlo

I'm dying to know what Sue is doing.

Thank goodness Jack is finally doing something, even if Sue may not appreciate him "stalking" her.

More, please!


gracie

once again great story loving every
line lin

As always, a real attention grabber Can't wait for more!

I'm clueless as well, although Sue and a play could be a possibility!!!

Joy

maybe she's the front end of a horse and they're gonna need someone for the back end!!!!!!!!!!!!

cath

who knows? when marlo's writing a story there are so many twists and turns that it'll make your head spin and keep you at the edge of your seats!

Jack watched, mesmerized by her presence on scene. That she was a woman of many talents he knew, but acting was above and beyond his imagination. The silent words were graciously spoken from her hands. Though he knew the play well, the performers gave him the chance to see it under a completely different light, the eerie silence adding to the atmosphere.

Between scenes, Sue was dashing on and off the set to make alteration to the costumes on the side. No wonder she had been busy every evening if tonight was any indication. Pride swelled inside him.

He recognised Amanda and Ben when the dwarves marched on from the quarry. If his memory served him right, with her huge smile, Amanda played Happy. As where from Ben’s expression, Jack guessed he portrayed either Dopey or Bashful. Later on, when they lined up by their cot Jack had his answer. Ben made a wonderful Bashful, Snow White’s kiss utterly flustering him.

Snow White had just bitten in the poisonous apple when Sue lifted her head, her gaze wandering at the back of the theatre. Did someone notice his presence and inform her? For an instant their eyes met. He smiled at her. From the distance he saw her faint response, her eyelashes waving at him, before she resumed her role.

Finally the director of the play called it a night. Jack searched the stage. The dwarves were throwing their costumes onto the box Sue brought in, but there was no sign of the woman he followed here. A hand over his shoulder startled him.

“I didn’t think it was possible to sneak up on you, Jack”, she apologized softly, not quite believing he spent his evening watching the rehearsal.

‘I was distracted by the show’, he signed, doubting there was enough illumination for her to read his lips.

“We could talk in the hallway”, she offered, retreating.

“Or we could talk over pizza”, he replied moments later. “None of us had anything to eat tonight ... unless they fed you backstage?” She shook her head, chuckling. “Pizza?”

“Give me a few minutes to carry everything into my car”, accepting the invitation.

“Why don’t I help you?” his hand finding the small of her back as they walked side by side.

Aha! And she doesn't seem upset or embarrassed that he's there...but why didn't she want to tell him before hand?
kav

well she hasn't shouted at him for following her and she's going for pizza with him so that's a good sign

cath

we all knew it.....wait....ok you all knew it...i didn't i guessed wrong hihihi'
well maybe sue is going to ask jack what he was doing there, and then maybe jack can finally say what really is on his mind

See; we were right ...

Yeah Kav...what was Sue afraid of? Why didn't she tell Jack what she was up to every night?

Pizza? I'm in

Me likes pizza. Marlo29, I can see you down there. Ecrire plus sil vous plait.

I think that's right. What's up with Sue???????

Maybe Sue didn't think he would be interested in knowing about or watching the play!!

She is chuckling about pizza AGAIN!! She must not be too angry with him!!!

Joy

That was fantastic!! I'm so excited to follow them through this first step! You have me wanting more and more!

I'm thinking the same Suesfan! Sue probably thought he wouldn't be interested in the show. She must be happy to see him there. I know I would!

Oh, Jack, Jack, Jack. Don't you ever eat anything besides pizza? Or is that your comfort food? Geez....

I'm liking this part of the story!!!

It's the kidnappings in France that have me concerned!

Snow White, eh? Not the Wizzard????

How come Jack and Sue never go to Subway??

You'll never guess where we've eaten at a lot lately!!!

Jill

I agree that she probably thought he wouldn't be interested in the play. I hope this pizza dinner is a turning point.

I'm worried about the kidnappers too, Jill.