this came to me the other day at work, no angst

Chapter 1

‘Thomas……………… a word ………..’ Randy’s nasal tones drifted down the corridor as Sue and Levi stepped out of the elevator.

Sue was obviously oblivious while Levi chose to ignore the annoying little man, he had long been fed up with people referring to her as ‘Thomas’, no-one called Lucy ‘Dotson’ so why should they degrade her?

She treated them with respect and it was only right that she should be shown that same respect. Levi was aware that people thought Sue owned him but he knew he was Sue’s owner……… it was just a matter of perspective……….

‘Thomas……… a word please…………..’ the whine was louder now, attracting the attention of other staff in the corridor who chuckled while Sue and Levi continued their journey towards the pen.

‘Miss Thomas…………. A WORD PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’

‘Finally’ Levi thought to himself, ‘a little respect’ he didn’t like the man’s tone but the voice drove him nuts anyway, reminded him of an annoying cat he once knew that yowled incessantly.

Levi jumped up and looked towards Randy.

Sue forced a smile, she tried to get along with everyone but Randy would try the patience of a saint and she was far from that, ‘Randy……… Hi, what can I do for you? If it’s about that report you asked for, it will be on your desk tomorrow morning………. and that is a week early……………’

‘No, no Thomas……….. it’s not about the report………I need a favour and if you are able to oblige then I will find someone else to do the reports…….. Hudson can do them……… it’s not like he has much else to do ……….. every time I see him he’s sitting at his desk playing with paperclips……….. I’m sending him a bill for those paperclips……….. I hate to think how much bureau money he’s wasted…………’

As Randy continued to prattle on Sue sighed loudly, ‘was there something you wanted Randy?’

‘Yes, yes there was……… as you may be aware my mother met someone a year ago………. moved with him to Los Angeles………. as I feared he was totally unsuitable for her……….. he has cleared her bank account and left her destitute…….. I tried to tell her but she chose to ignore me……. that’s mothers for you, they always think they know best……….. so now I have to take some leave at what is a most inconvenient time, leaving Wayne Morris in charge….. and he has yet to understand and follow my colour-coded filing system ……… to fly over there and deal with the situation…………’

‘So where do I come in then Randy?’

‘I need someone to look after my pets while I am away….. it will only be for 3 weeks……… at such short notice I am unable to ask any of my many friends and I know you are an animal lover Thomas………. If you are able to assist me I will ensure that you never have to fill out another report in your entire working career………. I will delegate them to Hudson………. as I said he has nothing better to do……..’

‘What animals do you have Randy…………?’ her blood was boiling, did this stupid little man have no idea how hard the team worked to keep the world safe?’


‘Well……. there’s ‘Fluffy’…….. and ‘Snoopy’………… and ‘Bumble’………. and a few others……… I need to go very soon………… here are my keys……. use the guest room………… I’ll leave very explicit instructions for you Thomas…………….’ Randy handed her the keys and a note with his address and headed off down the corridor.

interesting.....

VG

Yay! Another story from Cath!
Fabulous beginning! Love it!
His "many friends", huh?
Randy has pets?
Looking forward to more...

Well, he can't be all bad if he had pets! I wonder what kind they are? And why does she have to use his guestroom? And what is Levi going to think?

kav

Hmmm, interesting pet names coming from a guy like Randy! This looks like it will be a very interesting story Cath. And I think Sue should be able to throw some team parties at Randy's place while he's gone! Who knows what they could do...

Randy is certainly presumptuous, to say the least. I wonder what Jack is gonna think of this little agreement?

I'm glad we have another story from you Cath!!!

However, I am a little scared about finding out just what kind of pets Randy would have!!!

Joy

Sue has no qualms about Jack doing all the paper work?! Maybe they are spiders ...

One more to go, Cath!

Chapter 2

‘You’re doing what………?’ Luce asked in confusion.

‘Looking after Randy’s pets,’ Sue explained for what felt like the hundredth time, ‘he kind of railroaded me into it………….’

‘Sounds like the Randy we all know and loathe…………..’ Myles commented, taking the address off Sue, ‘mmmmmmm very select area, can’t understand how he can afford to live in such a place………’

‘Perhaps he’s a terrorist in his spare time’ Sue joked.

‘He’s a terrorist in his work time, that’s for certain‘, Jack mumbled, reflecting on the ear bashing Randy had given him the previous day for not filing his expense claim form on the correct day of the month. The fact that Jack had just spent 3 days in court giving evidence for a big kidnapping case appeared to be totally lost on the ‘little miscreant’.

‘I just can’t see Randy as a pet person…….. did he say what they were?’ Bobby asked.

Sue shook her head ‘just mentioned a few names so I’m guessing cats or rabbits……….’

‘Rabbits? Hope Levi knows the difference between a real rabbit and a stuffed one or Randy could come home to a massacre………..’ Jack rolled his eyes at the thought of what would happen to Sue if anything happened to Randy’s pets.

Levi barked, feeling desperately sorry for whatever poor creatures had the misfortune to be owned by Randy then ambled off to find his ‘bunny’ which he dropped at Jack’s feet begging him to throw it.

‘Well I’ll find out tonight what they are…….. how hard can it be to look after a few cats or rabbits?’

‘Well shout if you need a hand with anything, I have a cat and we had rabbits when I was a kid,’ Tara told her, ‘and at least they won’t need walking…….’

As Jack threw the bunny, Levi crashed into Ted who was just entering the pen to give them the good news that Randy was on leave.

As Sue blushed furiously she and Jack both signed ‘SORRY’.

‘That’s Ok Sue………. could have been a whole lot worse….. it might have been Bobby who crashed into me…….’

Ted left the office smiling about the memo which Randy had sent him about ‘Agent Hudson’s excessive and inappropriate use of paperclips’ which detailed how, on his return, he planned to recoup the bureaus’ losses for said paperclips.

Ted had sighed deeply when reading it, he knew all about Jack’s paperclip twiddling but if that was a vice it was a pretty harmless one, the cost of a few paperclips compared to the always excellent job he and the team did………. He often wondered what planet Pitts was on, it certainly wasn’t the same planet as the rest of the bureau

If it came down to it he’d buy the man a few boxes of paperclips, sometimes he considered firing Pitts but as yet he had no just reason, being a pompous idiot wasn’t justifiable grounds, unfortunately…………..

Leaving work that evening Sue packed her bags and headed for Randy’s house.

Myles was right, it was a very nice area, she guessed it was his moms’ house and he just lived there with her…….. or had done before she left for Los Angeles.

Unlocking the door she turned off the alarm before walking into the kitchen where Randy had informed her he would leave the instructions and almost threw up………….

We wish!!!! Can't he be fired for unnecessary piling of paper work on cute special Agents??? cath, this is brilliant!!!! Why does everything always happen when I'm not here??? Not complaining tho!!!! and this bit was so funny!!!!





Great post!!!

Jen

What is it that Sue has seen that make her almost ?

just caught up cath and its great
another story from you.
tell us what pets has he got wouldnt think
he was that way inclind to have pets, but whats making sue
sick come back soon lin

Somehow I don't see Randy having cats or rabbits... My bet would be on something more... let's say exotic

Think Sue could ask Jack to the rescue?

Helene

you never know, i do have an idea but i'm not sure i'll get it posted in time

cath

Don't worry, plenty of time, and if you can't finish it in time, we'll still read it in WIP!!!!!

can't wait for more Cath!!!

jen

What kind of pets does Randy have if they have almost made Sue sick???

Joy

Brilliant!

What kind of pets does Randy have??? I can only imagine him having a venus fly trap - vicious and should certainly not be allowed in public!

Great new story, yay

I'm anxious to find that out too, Ivory!

Funny post, Cath! Loved it!
If being a pompous idiot was justifiable grounds, Randy would have been gone a looooong time ago!

I think Myles might have gone too, I was trying to build the quote when Randy was going on a blind date but couldn't fit it in

Those of a sensitive nature may not wish to read on!!!!!!!!!!


Chapter 3

Reading the instructions she walked around the house her legs wobbling.

Taking a deep breath she picked up the phone.

Seeing his reply she spoke quietly, her voice wavering as her body trembled.

‘Jack…….? How are you with lizards…………?’

‘Lizards……….? Dunno………… is that what Randy has then?’

Jack could see the guys gawping at him as they stopped in the middle of the game of pool.

‘Lizards…….. and snakes……and rats….………, and spiders…….. big ones……… and lots of them………….’

Jack swallowed, ‘Ok………. I’ll come over……. I’ll bring Bobby………. Should be a piece of cake for him coming from the Outback, wrestling crocs and kangaroos……. You need food?’

‘Hudson, when you see what I have to feed these creatures……. You’ll know food is the last thing on my mind……….’

As Jack filled them in they all piled into his car and headed for Randy’s house.

The third bedroom was filled with an assortment of cages, each containing a living creature.

A large freezer was behind the door, ‘what’s in there?’ Jack asked, almost afraid to look.

‘You really want to know?’

‘Probably not’ he answered.

‘Mice and rats………… in all different sizes……… I have to feed them to the snakes and spiders………..’

The guys retched as Sue continued, ‘and there are insects for the lizards…….. live ones……….all the instructions are there’ she passed them the written instructions Randy had left.

The instructions were very clear, including guidance for cleaning them out.

‘He can’t seriously expect you to put your hand in a plastic box containing a tarantula can he………….?’ Myles was incredulous at the thought; if Sue did this he’d eat his hat.

‘Myles, I don’t care if I have to write every report for every unit in the whole DC bureau……nor will I allow him to pass on my reports to Jack…..

The guys looked at her, jaws dropping, as she explained, ‘he told me that if I did this little favour he would pass all my reports to Jack………. I was about to tell him I would continue to write his stupid reports, since Jack had more than enough already but he didn’t bother to listen……….’

Jack was fuming, the idea of taking Randy down in a very bloody coup was extremely appealing right now, not only had he put Sue in a position where she had to feed these creatures but he’d tried to blackmail her into doing it.


‘…. I am not cleaning out any of these creatures…… I’ll grit my teeth and feed them because it isn’t their fault that Randy has gone away for 3 weeks and I have no intention of letting them starve to death………’ she continued gazing into Jack’s eyes.

‘Technically Randy can’t make you do anything extra at the bureau………… the way I see it you’re doing the guy a favour and it isn’t work-related……… if he makes life difficult I will speak to Ted, he can tell the annoying little jerk to pull his head in……..’ D placed a fatherly hand on Sue’s arm as he spoke, she had a wonderful heart and he knew she’d be worrying about them all till Randy returned.

‘Are you sure they’re all secure?’ Jack asked, terrified at the thought of Sue being bitten by something poisonous and having no means of calling for assistance.

‘Thanks Hudson…….. that’s one more thing for me to worry about…….’ Sue rolled her eyes at him and felt her knees wobble as he winked at her.

‘Sue……… I’m not saying you’re not capable of looking after all these……. these creatures……….although I have to say I wouldn’t want to…….. but I believe the Napoleonic paper pusher has outdone himself this time…… I feel it is incumbent on us as members of your team to assist you with this onerous task ………’

‘You mean you’re going to clean out all the cages, Harvard?’ Bobby slapped Myles on the back as he spoke, winking at Sue.

‘No, Koala Boy that isn’t what I meant……………. I am merely suggesting that we find someone who loves these loathsome creatures and would be happy to assist the fair Miss Thomas in her task, since I am assuming that none of us feel up to the task……………….’

The guys all shook their heads as Sue spoke up, ‘I appreciate the thought Myles but it does seem as though I am cheating in the job……….’

‘Thomas, you are not cheating, merely delegating an onerous task to someone better suited……… as Jack does when he asks you to make the coffee since your coffee tastes far better than the creosote he makes……..’ Myles grinned as Jack threw him a dirty look.

‘Thank you Myles, although I think I can cope with the rats……. I had hamsters when I was younger…… and rats are just bigger hamsters……. How he can have pet rats and feed dead ones to the snakes I have no idea……….’

‘I reckon that just about sums up Randy the ridiculous……….’ D commented, ‘I suggest that while we are here Sue makes coffee and we can peruse the phone book and Internet for a local reptile shop…… we can begin to make the calls tomorrow morning then we should have the problem solved before lunch.

As Sue clattered cupboard doors open looking for mugs and spoons Jack entered the kitchen.

‘Want some help, Sue………?’

‘I can’t find anything; this man has no system whatsoever……. Aaaaaaaarggggggghhhhhhh’ she slammed another drawer closed in frustration.

‘Relax……….. I’ll go find a store, buy all we need……..’

Looking over at the guys now busy with the computer and phone books Sue decided she’d walk Levi with Jack.

‘Guys, we’re going out for milk………. and coffee……… and sugar………..’ she shouted as she and Jack exited the house with Levi following closely behind.

As soon as they were clear of the house Jack stopped and pulled her in for a kiss, ‘I hadn’t planned on the guys coming with me………. but Myles was prattling on about you being a damsel in distress and needing more help than I could possibly give!!!!!’ he grinned as he spoke.

‘I knew you’d gone out for drink and pool and it would have looked a bit suss if you’d refused their offer to come over……… unless you planned on telling them you were an expert on reptiles………..do you think anyone suspects we’re dating?’

Jack shook his head, if anyone had any idea Bobby or Luce would have mentioned it, ‘clueless the lot of them…………’

Watching them leave Myles asked, ‘do you think they know we know they’re dating at last?’

Bobby and D shook their heads, ‘not a clue, not a clue…….though how Luce has managed to keep quiet this long is beyond me……..,’ Bobby chuckled, but then he and Tara were dating so the longer these secrets were kept the better for both couples.

D smiled to himself, they had no idea that he knew about Bobby and Tara as well as Lucy and Myles.

Jack and Sue had been dating for about 3 months, Bobby and Tara for 2 while Myles and Luce were fairly new to the dating game this time around, he’d noticed something had changed 3 weeks ago, observed closely and had his suspicions confirmed a couple of days later.

Since then he’d been talking to Ted about changing the no dating policy as an outdated policy. To cover his tracks he’d also spoken to him about a number of other policies and procedures he believed should be changed or thrown out.

EEEuuuwwwww GROSSsss I would be ill too. At least the team, especially Jack, is gonna rally to help her.

I agree with sue,I love all pets but im petrefieid
of mice rats reptiles of any kind; would feed but couldnt clean out
but Im realy glad they are all dating especially jack and sue loveing this
post cath cant wait for the next one lin

to feeding live things to other live things and to the mice and rats in the freezer. and to the shenanigans of the secretly dating couples.

kav

Okay, I tend to be of a sensitive nature, but decided to read on anyway!

I have to ditto Ivory's reply!

Love how they're secretly dating and they think nobody knows, but, of course D knows everything!

Great post, even if it did make me a little squeamish!

Glad they're all dating- and they don't know D knows!

Spiders?! Yeah - I'd be long gone! I couldn't even be in the same room - or house.
But I do love the dating couples!

Em

I knew they weren't ordinary pets...he should have prepared her better, no wonder he simply tossed her the keys and left...and also...considering the fact that I just chased a small mouse outside, managing to scare him from under the cabinet, I feel kinda gross...

Poor Sue!!!! Eeeww!!! can't stand mice, rats, anything creepy and/or crawly or lizards either!!!!! Love the secret dating!!!!! D has two kids, he has to know everything!!!!

Jen

Why am I not surprised at Randy's choice of pets?? Gross, gross, gross!!!

I'm glad the team has rallied around Sue to help her out!!!

I love the fact that everyone is dating and everyone thinks no one knows!!!

Joy

Love the whole supposed 'secret dating' thing

I like lizards and repltiles, although the feeding is definately nasty!!

Can't wait to see how this plays out

Chapter 4

Flashback

Two weeks after Sue had decided to remain in DC she and Jack were still dancing around each other, Myles was still beating himself up for interrupting them, but they had gone back to their non-dating dinners and walks in the park, sly glances at each other across the pen and dreams filled with marriage and children……….

Jack had been gazing at her that morning when her telephone light flashed and she’d received the news that Charlie was in the ER with a suspected heart attack.

Hearing the panic in her voice and noticing the tears in her eyes, he’d sprung into action, grabbing his coat and keys, ‘come on Sue…… I’ll take you’

Heading for the hospital he squeezed her hand knowing she wouldn’t be able to read his lips because of the tears pouring down her face.

He had a lot of time for Charlie, they’d got off to a sticky start when Jack had kept Sue out of the loop and Levi ended up getting shot. Charlie hadn’t wasted any time telling Jack off but then everything was forgotten, Jack knew he was very much like Charlie……. told it like it was then it was forgotten.
As they’d spent the night in hospital with Levi and then gone roller skating their friendship had developed and grown.

Sitting in the waiting room while Charlie was admitted to a room, Jack asked about his family.

‘He and Thelma were never blessed with children…….. he told me once I was the daughter he never had………. and Troy was the son he’d never had…….. I think he sees you as a surrogate son too, Jack…….. so if anything happens to him we’re effectively his next of kin……….’

Jack held her tightly as the tears began to fall again, knowing Charlie had a special place in her heart, he was the first friend she had in DC…. was the first person in the city to see beyond her deafness, to accept her as she was….

Hearing a voice Jack looked up as Levi touched Sue’s leg to see a nurse approaching, ‘are you here for Mr. Adams?’

Nodding, Sue rose to her feet, ‘how is he?’

‘A mild heart attack….. he’ll be in for a few days, he’ll be put on medication then as long as he takes it easy he should be fine…………’

‘Can we see him?’ turning to Jack she smiled, ‘at least he isn’t trying to set the record for the youngest man to have a heart attack…………..’

Jack gave her a withering look and wagged a finger at her, following the nurse into Charlie’s’ room.

As he watched, Sue hugged Charlie tight, tears streaming down her face, ‘you Ok Charlie?’ she asked.

‘I’ll live……….. I thought it was indigestion…….. I didn’t do anything about it for a couple of days, then this morning I collapsed in front of a customer…….. Troy was out picking up a vehicle for me……….’ his breathing was shallow and he was obviously still in pain, his face pale.

Standing quietly in the corner Jacks’ mind was flooded with memories of his own heart attack, the pain he’d fought for so long, the sheer terror when he thought he was going to die, the strength he’d gained from Sue as she held his hand in the ambulance……… his sadness as she walked away leaving Allie at his bedside.
He knew he’d made a mess of things ………., wanted Sue to stay and Allie to leave but he was a bumbling idiot where Sue and his love for her was concerned, he always had been…….. and after the events of the last few weeks he was beginning to think nothing would ever change.

He’d been so close to admitting his feelings that morning when he thought she was leaving, then they’d been interrupted by Myles and he’d found out she wasn’t leaving.

He hadn’t known whether to be glad she was staying so they at least still had their friendship since he hadn’t blurted out his love or disappointed that he hadn’t been able to tell her, although that would have caused no end of problems now she was staying.
If she felt the same, one of them would have needed to change units and if she didn’t want to date then he would have left, probably left DC, his heart broken.

They were back to their non-dates but he knew it wasn’t enough for him any longer…. the night before she was due to finish work he’d been awake all night, trying to find the words to say, trying to find the courage to tell her what he should have told her years ago………. Instead he’d reverted back to his bumbling self.

Pulling himself together, he told Sue to stay with Charlie and he’d head back to the bureau. ‘I’ll come back later, lunchtime, bring you coffee and a sandwich……….. anything you need?’

Charlie asked him to collect some clothes and handed him the key, ‘let Troy know will you…… he wasn’t back ………’ Jack took the key and nodded, ‘see you later. Sue, take as long as you need’.

She’d nodded her thanks, tears still trickling down her face and he’d longed to be able to hold her and take away her pain…….. more than that he wanted to hold her in his arms and kiss her senseless, to tell her he loved her.

Amazing post!

that was a smashing post,especially with
jack thinking his feelings but only in his mind,
but at least hes got his act together now,lin

loved the flashback. And happy that Charlie will be all right -- but that seemed to be the perfect nudge Jack needed.

kav

Great post. I like how you wrote Charlie and his relationship with Sue and Jack.

Your decription of Charlie and his relationship with Jack is so in character, Cath!!

I do believe Jack will now talk to Sue!!

Joy

jack talk to sue?

wouldn't bank on it just yet.................................

cath

Cath, what do ya mean 'wouldn't bank on that just yet' ??????? Great post, lots of emotions!!!!

Jen

So why don't you Jack, what's stopping you! Don't you think that's what she's been waiting for all these years...I mean your prepared to have your secret rendezvous, lunch dates, evening dates, in between dates, you'll rescue her from whatever pitfall she puts herself in, and you'll do just about anything for her, and you still don't have the gumption to tell her whats in your heart.....your a lost cause Jack, sometimes I wonder if giving you a knock to the noggin will help!

Cath, sorry I've just got around to reading this one, and all I'll say is eeeewwwwww Pitts and his reptilies, don't tell me the lizard and the tarantula's look like him?

Eh! What gives Cath....what have you got in store for us?

At least we know he eventually talks to her since they are dating in "real time". You are going to give us that scene sometime, right Cath?

Em

Cuaght up. I'm sufficiently grossed out by Randy's pets. I love how all the couples think their secrets are still secret but D knows. Gotta love D. And I really liked that flashback scene. Well done Cath!

i'm feeling generous so here goes

Chapter 5

Sitting beside Charlie who was asleep, Sue had her head bowed in prayer until Levi touched her leg gently with his paw.

‘Did you want something Charlie? Are you in pain?’

‘Just wondering when you were going to tell Jack you were in love with him? He deserves to know you feel the same about him as he feels for you……….’

Sue blushed furiously, ‘he doesn’t……. as far as he’s concerned I am a friend, a co-worker…… nothing more.’

‘Sue…. , I knew the first time I saw you and Jack together that he had feelings for you….. not love but definitely more than friendship…. I watched you together in the hospital that night and you felt something for him too……. Since then I’ve watched things develop and grow between you….. I don’t know when it changed into something deeper but I know you love him and he loves you……. He’s the reason you didn’t go to New York isn’t he?’

‘Jack was one of many reasons why I didn’t go to New York……….. you were a reason why I didn’t go….. as was Troy…… and Amanda……………. and…….’

‘Sue…….. you’re in a hole, stop digging…….. I may be old and my sight isn’t 20/20 but I’m not totally blind and nor am I senile……… are you in love with Jack……….?’

‘I ……. Errrrrrrrr………. Ummmmmm………. I…………‘

‘Sue, I’ve just had a heart attack and I could go to meet my Maker at any time…….. just answer the question……… are you in love with Jack?’

‘Yes………..’ her voice was barely a whisper; she’d finally admitted to someone other than herself that she loved him.

‘So, what are you going to do about it then Sue?’

‘What can I do, Charlie? He doesn’t see me as anything more than a friend…….he dates smart, sophisticated, attractive women, not someone like me……..,plain, deaf……….’

‘Sue……… you may be deaf but you are not plain, you are beautiful on the inside and the outside……. and Jack sees that beauty…if I were a good few years younger I would have snapped you up myself….. I agree Jack has dated sophisticated women in the past, but when was the last date he had? Every time I meet up with him he talks about you…. never mentions another woman because he feels exactly the same…….. he’s crazy about you…….. talk to the guy, make an old man happy………….’

Her only answer was to mumble and Charlie let out an exasperated sigh, he’d have to move on to plan B swiftly followed by plan C or he’d be pushing up the daisies before they talked to each other.

I love Charlie!!!

Joy

I hope plan a wasn't his heart attack!
kav

Methinks charlie has a plan to get Jack and Sue to admit their feelings! Love the way you're writing their relationships Cath.

Great post

This sounds so like Charlie. Listen to him, Sue, he is a man who was blessed with a wonderful marriage. He knows what he is talking about.

Charlie's playin' matchmaker!

Two amazing posts, Cath! Sorry I didn't get a chance to respond sooner.
I just love Charlie!

Chapter 6

Just before lunch Charlie suggested she walked Levi, ‘I could have a snooze and he will miss his lunchtime walk in the park………’

Thinking nothing of it and seeing the sense in the idea, Sue picked up his lead and headed out.

Lying back on his pillows, Charlie wondered if he had the strength to bang their heads together if plan A didn’t work…….. if all else failed he could ask Troy to perform the deed. Some people could be so stubborn and these two took it to the nth degree.

Hearing the door open he opened his eyes and saw Jack walk in, ‘excellent, right on time………’ he thought, just as he knew he would be.

‘Hi Jack……….’

‘Charlie…………’ Jack tried to hide his disappointment that Sue wasn’t there.

‘She’s taken Levi for a walk……. She won’t be long………’

‘Who?’ Jack bumbled, hoping Charlie didn’t think he was only here to see Sue.

‘Sue………. the love of your life……………’

Jack nodded then realised what Charlie had said, ‘pardon?’

‘I told you the love of your life has gone to walk her dog and she will be back soon………… but in the meantime I want to talk to you……….’

‘Charlie…. I don’t know what you think is going on but there is nothing between us……….. we’re friends, good friends………’ Jack could feel himself going red and knew he was bumbling badly.

‘That, Jack is my point………. there is nothing going on between you and there should be……… it’s what you both want………. I saw something between you at the hospital the night you and Levi were shot….. it wasn’t love but there was definitely something more than friendship in your eyes, and Sue’s ……… I don’t know when you fell in love with each other but I do know it’s mutual…….. you were the reason she didn’t take the job in New York……… I don’t know if Sue has ever told you that I see her as the daughter I never had, Thelma and I weren’t blessed with children……. If I were to have a daughter, you are just the man I’d want as a son-in-law…… but you need to talk to her Jack, she loves you but doesn’t believe you want to be with her…… because she’s deaf, she doesn’t believe she matches up to your previous girlfriends…………Luce told me a while ago she’s been trying to get you two together since Sue arrived at the bureau………… so since her subtle hints haven’t worked I’m trying the more direct method……………. ‘

‘She loves me?’ Jack was incredulous and excited at the same time, ‘are you sure?’

Charlie rolled his eyes in frustration, looked like he’d be calling on the ‘Troy Meyers’ Headbanging Services’ before too much longer.

‘Jack……… I thought you worked for a crack surveillance unit…….. I assume that means you use observational skills at some point during the day……. If you can’t see what is in front of your face then this country is in big trouble………’

‘Charlie….. I want to believe you, you have no idea how much I want this to be true……….’

‘It is…….. I may be old but I’m not blind and I’m not senile………. talk to her……… I’d like to see you married before I move on to meet my Maker………’

Jack nodded as he heard the door open and turned around to see Sue and Levi enter.

‘Hi………..’ he was suddenly speechless and shy, feeling like a gawky teenager trying to pluck up the courage to ask out the most popular girl in the school. To cover his shyness he bent to ruffle Levi’s ears.

‘Hope you’ve bought lunch and coffee there Hudson or I might just have to take you out………..’ Sue wondered if he could hear her voice wobbling because it felt very wobbly to her.

Charlie looked heavenwards and raised his eyes in exasperation, what was it with these two?

Finishing lunch Jack rose to his feet, ‘I need to head back…….. ring me if you need anything, Charlie………... Sue………. do you want me to pick you up tonight since I drove you over?’

She nodded, ‘thanks………..’

‘Ok, I’ll come over tonight, visit for a while then take you home, see you later buddy………. Charlie, Sue……..’

With that he headed out, wondering how he could bring up the subject of dating with Sue. Even if it was true and they did start to date they had to get round the archaic rule.

Driving back to the pen he had a thousand memories flashing through his mind, the day she joined the unit and that spontaneous hug outside the court, watching her walk away at Bobby’s party, watching her walk away from his hospital bed, watching her date David, Scott and have more than a passing interest in Tony, the anguish he felt when she was missing and he thought she was dead…………..

Was Charlie serious about Luce trying to fix them up? He remembered her comment in the elevator about ‘2 people being right for each other’, his ‘chance encounter’ in the park, as well as a variety of comments from the team about the undercover marriage and the ‘Hudson/Thomas dating agency………...

No it couldn’t be true, Luce was thrilled when Sue went out with Scott and later David, encouraged her to think romantically about Kyle Devlin……even Tony till she found out he was married with children……..

Women………….., he didn’t understand them and he guessed he probably never would but he did know one thing, he loved Sue and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and if Charlie was correct then he had to do something about it.