“I’m glad you called us, Jack,” Franklin shared. “It was about time we had a night out.” He grasped his wife, Carla’s, hand.

“Well, I’m glad you could make it,” Jack replied.

Sue nodded. “This place is great.” She looked around at the authentic Italian décor. “How’d you ever find it?”

Carla answered. “It’s been around since… well, forever, really. We had our first real date here, and ever since, it’s been our favorite.” She looked at Franklin, with smiling eyes.

“That’s exactly right, hon,” he affirmed. “Although her cooking is amazing, too. I’ve never had better.”

“I did burn my first home-cooked meal for him, though,” she giggled.

“Burned it? You annihilated it!” Franklin corrected, with a mischievous grin.

Carla rolled her eyes. “So I did, but I got better.”

“Oh, much.” They both laughed.

Sue smiled. “You’re both so nice, and fun; Frank, how’d you end up on such a miserable team?”

He made a face. “Vicky is very highly thought of, in the bureau. She may leave a layer of ice wherever she goes, but she’s good at her job. I came to the bureau, after she gained her golden status. They assigned me to her team, and with credentials like hers, I certainly couldn’t refuse the position.”

“What about Craig?”

Frank shrugged. “I really don’t know. He’s always been that way; something about his past must be troubling him. Whatever it is, it runs deep. Like Vicky, though, he’s good at his job, though unfortunately, his cynicism can get in the way of his skill. And their lack of initiative really makes the whole team suffer.”

Carla added on. “Neither of them encourage much ‘unnecessary’ interaction within the team, from what Frankie tells me. And with their clout, nobody really challenges them.”

Frank nodded. “It’s nothing like I thought it’d be. Right now, it’s just a job.”

“That’s really too bad,” Sue expressed. “The FBI’s really one of the most liberating things that has happened to me. It’s taught me to establish myself, and that I can achieve whatever I set my mind and heart to.”

“Well, you’re obviously good at what you do, otherwise you two wouldn’t be here,” Franklin commented. “You may not hear it from the others, but I really do appreciate you guys coming out here.”

“We’re glad to help,” Jack replied, as Sue nodded her agreement.

“That’s good, because you’ve definitely got a lot to deal with.”

“Well, we’re up for the challenge, right, Sue?”

She nodded.

Jack saw a waiter approaching with their delicious-looking Italian cuisine. “But right now, I’m up for some good food.”

Frank smiled. “Then you’re in the right place.”
*****

Franklin definitely sounds like a great guy working under lousy leadership---it's really too bad because it's no doubt stilting his career! Hopefully Jack and Sue are able to help....without anyone having to make a permanent move! Keep up the great work, Lizzy.

Surprise, Surprise! :hide:

*****
Jack tapped Sue on the arm. “So, you like dinner?”

She nodded. “It was good—better than I’ve had in a long time.”

“Same here.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to formulate his thoughts.

“Jack, about what happened on the plane… I…”

“Jack?” The voice got louder, as footsteps approached... rapidly clicking heels, to be exact. “Jack Hudson?”

With Jack’s attention so fixated on Sue, so anxious to hear what she had to say, it took a few calls for him to realize the beckoning voice was directed at him. He held up a finger to Sue, and she nodded, albeit a bit confused... and more than a bit disappointed. He turned, facing the woman who was so determined to steal his attention from his companion.

His eyes went wide, and he shook his head, as if to cast an illusion away from his eyes. But it was no illusion; she was really there, all dressed in flowing white.

“Allie?”

“Hey, Jack.”

“Allie, what the heck… you’re getting married?” He studied her appearance, an expression of deep confusion furrowing his brow. She was decked out completely, with a very low-cut, yet gorgeous, gown, a veil, even a bouquet in hand.

She nodded, smiling awkwardly. “The wedding’s in two weeks.”

“And you’re here, now? In San Francisco?”

Allie nodded, but her eyes were straying to his side. Sue had joined them, quietly, almost invisibly.

Jack turned to catch a glimpse of Sue, knowing if he looked any longer, he’d be in trouble… his thoughts, his attention, he would be lost. He turned back to Allie. “Uhh, you remember Sue Thomas?”

She nodded. “It’s good to see you again, Sue.” She spoke a bit slower than she did with Jack, alone, but not enough to be too pronounced. “So, what brings you to S.F.? Business, or pleasure?” It was obvious that Allie was trying to contain herself, but she couldn’t help cringing slightly, as she finished the sentence.

“Business,” Sue explained.

Jack touched her shoulder lightly, giving her a moment to settle her gaze on his lips. “Actually, it’s a little of both, Allie,” he corrected, as Sue’s eyes narrowed, studying him intently.

“Oh. Well, I’m just about done here at the boutique. I was getting my gown fitted. The dressmaker’s going to throttle me for running out here like this, but he can just bite the bullet. It’s not like I’m cheating him out of his money,” she spoke, with a self-important smile. “Anyways, I was going to ask if you’d like to catch up over a cup of coffee, but if you’re busy…”

“No, we were just on our way in,” Sue rushed to answer. “If Jack’s up for it, he’s free.” She smiled as genuinely as she could force herself to fake.

“Well, I… Sue, really…” he stammered.

“It’s fine. I’d better get back, anyways. I’m kind of tired, and we’ve got a big day tomorrow.” She directed her attention at Jack. “I’ll meet you back at the apartment. It’s not far; I’ll walk.”

With that, she turned, and was gone.

Facing Allie, Jack tried to smile. “So, you know where the good coffee is here in San Francisco?”

She smiled brightly. “Of course. I’ve been here almost a month, and I’ve got the place down pat. Just give me a minute to change, and we’ll go. K?”

He nodded dumbly, hoping this night would end well. Allie’s appearance complicated things—a lot. He could only pray that God would direct it along the right path… because he was staring a red flag in the face, and he wasn’t sure which woman it stood in front of.
*****

Well, ACK! Jack needs to say bye-bye to Allie and go after Sue, who was just about to pull him into an important conversation. And Sue needs to fight for her man and not give up so easily!! Since you insist on bringing Allie into this, thank you for at least having her engaged to someone else! And now that you've got me all riled up right before bed, I hope that you plan to post some more soon so that I have something to read in the morning.

It´s pure torture. Why are you doing this? I like Jack so go away with Allie and rush Jack to Sue.
Btw,

Since Allie's going to get married to someone already, shouldn't this make Jack realise that he's free to woo Sue?? Come on, Jack!

Ahem, Lizzy dearest, that was not playing fair...and it's the day of the deadline and everything! Sometimes Sue is just too noble. And Jack's caught in the middle -- but if Sue thinks hard, she'll remember that Jack didn't even know Allie was getting married indicating that he has not kept in touch with her for a very long time! This is good news. As to the sleeping arrangements -- well, of course I know that Jack will be a gentleman...I just don't know where. I mean if Sue has the bed and Levi has the couch where is he going to sleep?

kav

this is NOT a problem jack and sue....allie is getting MARRIED and as far as i know, it's NOT with jack, so they are JUST friends. so jack go and get sue, say you love her, introduce her to Allie in a good way, then the problem is solved.

Sue you DID notice the gown right, she is going to marry someone else, you should be very happy

At least Allie is getting married. That is good.

Maybe allie will force Jack to voice his feelings to Sue...

I can help you with that red flag, Jack, my boy!! I wouldn't think this would be that hard for you to figure out!!! Have your polite cup of coffee, then leave!! You need to hear what Sue was going to say!!!

Joy

Make an excuse to get away from Allie and get back to Sue!!!!!!!

I have to say I didn't expect to see Allie there

Allie no trying to steal Jack away from Sue though

I didn't know we were playing Capture the Flag. Jack....ditch Allie and head for Sue!

Jill

now why did we have to bring HER into the mix!!!!!!

*Lizzy's not sure if it's safe to come out yet* :hide:

*****
“So, who’s the lucky guy?” Jack asked, gingerly taking a sip of his steaming cappuccino.

“Albert Cole,” she answered, her eyes heavily trained on him.

“Albie? From college?” His eyebrows shot up in surprise.

She nodded. “He tracked me down last year, and we sort of hit it off.”

“Sort of?”

Allie laughed. “Alright, we definitely hit it off.”

“So, it’s Allie and Albie.” He paused a moment. “How come you didn’t tell me you were getting married?” Jack leaned back in his chair, distancing himself from the woman he thought he understood. “You weren’t going to invite me?”

She looked down into her coffee, then back up at him. Her eyes had darkened a bit, with tears or something else… it was impossible to tell. “Jack, we have a history. And frankly, I’ve never quite gotten over you.”

“Allie, you’re getting married.”

“I know that, Jack. I do care for Albert, really. But… I guess I felt that by going through with the marriage, and not telling you, it’d be a way for me to permanently step away from you—at least in a romantic sense.” She sighed. “I saw how you talked about Sue, when we were testing the waters again, and it bothered me. It made me realize we were in two different places. I thought I’d lost you for good, Jack.” She covered his hands with her own. “I guess part of me was hoping I’d run into you, that maybe it’d be a sign we were supposed to be together. Maybe, things have changed, and God’s brought you back to me. You can’t deny the possibility of it, Jack. It’s there.”
*****

Jack rounded the corner, coming to the front door of the apartment building. He searched the numbered buttons on the wall, finding his room. Pushing the button, he waited for a response.

There was nothing.

Again, he pressed it, and again, he waited.

Nothing.

Where is she?

Then, it hit him. Levi isn’t there. Sue wouldn’t have heard the buzzer. He slapped himself on the forehead and dug in his pocket for the keys Vicky had given them. He quickly let himself in, and headed up the stairs.


Rounding the corner, his room came into view… but the sight there made him break into a sheer run, almost terrified.
*****

Lizzy! That was not nice at all!!!! A terrified Jack is not a good thing!!!

Now......you do know the deadline, right???? And you are going to fix this, right???
And soon, right???? Thought so!!!

Jill

Ack! What's did he see???


And what happened with Allie???


And where's Sue???

All I can think of is the looming DEADLINE!!! Things don't look so good right now!!

What's got Jack running and almost terrified, Lizzy?!? And that Allie has a lot of nerve.

Sue was sitting against the door. Her eyes were shut, and she didn’t move at all. From the distance stretching between them, he couldn’t tell if she was breathing. He ran faster. If some city psycho has decided to hurt her, and worse, drop her off at home like a sack of garbage, I’ll track him down and kill him in the slowest, most painful way I know how.

He knew his errant thoughts were dramatic and rash, but he couldn’t help it. He’d never forgive himself if she had been hurt—especially while he was out with Allie. Of all people to run into… she’s kept me away from Sue for far too long, and as long as I live, I’ll never let it happen again.

He reached her side, and latched onto her shoulders, shaking her to consciousness. Upon waking, Sue’s eyes were wide, frightened.

“Jack, stop!” she yelled.

He backed away, startled by the panic in her voice. “Sue, are you alright?”

Her breathing began to slow, and she nodded. “I’m fine, Jack. I got locked out. There was only one set of keys, and I forgot you had them, so I didn’t have a way in.” She rubbed her arms, trying to calm herself further. “I guess I fell asleep.”

He tilted his head backwards, so it rested against the wall opposite her. After a recuperative moment, he brought his head forward, so he could see Sue. “I’m so sorry. Sue, I saw you there, and I didn’t know what to think. I wasn’t thinking. It hit me that you might have been hurt, and I jumped ahead without being reasonable.”

She smiled weakly. “It’s okay, Jack. You just scared me.”

He walked back over to her side of the corridor, reached down a helping hand. She took it, and stood to her feet. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Sue. I never want to do that to you.”

“Jack, it’s over now. It’s okay.” He went to put the key in the lock, as she spoke softly. “I didn’t mean to scare you either.”

He turned the key and pushed the door open, turning to her. “It’s alright. I’d rather be scared, than let something happen to you.”

After entering the apartment, Sue dropped her purse onto the sofa, and turned to face him. “How did it go with Allie?”
*****

Glad Sue's okay, but how did it go with Allie?

First Allie drops that little bomb about maybe this being a sign. Egads she's probably thinking it's even more of a sign since she saw him again in her wedding dress! Then you scare me (along with Jack) witless and next you go and have Sue ask about Allie when there could have been a nice tender gee I'm so glad you're safe cuddle!!!!!!

kav

Glad that was a false alarm---you sure do like to keep us guessing. I'm thankful that Jack is there with Sue instead of with Allie wherever she is...that's promising, right???

That helped but I don't feel any better about Allie!! Why does she have to go and think that it's a sign?! I think it's a sign that she saw him in her wedding dress.. the wedding dress she'll be in when she marries ANOTHER MAN!

It's a sign?? Boy, Allie is really grasping at straws, isn't she???

Well, obviously that didn't work, because Jack came back to Sue!! Of course, he almost scared her to death, not to mention giving himself a heart attack!! He really needs to chill out a little, so that they can both survive their relationship!!!

Okay, Jack, Sue has asked you how it went with Allie - just how did it go???

Joy

“Well, she’s decided not to get married.”

“But Jack, she was wearing her dress and everything,” Sue commented, surprised. She held her breath, waiting for his explanation. She was scared to find out why Allie had changed her mind, but at the same time, she had to know.

“We talked about it, and… she didn’t feel it was right, to get married when she couldn’t give her whole heart to him.” He sunk down into the recliner.

Sue waited a moment before speaking. “She still loves you.” She, too, sat, opting for the couch across from Jack.

He nodded, then looked up, suddenly. “Sue, it was one-sided. I told her there was no chance for us, and I made sure she understood it was the last time we’d ever discuss it.” He gave her a chance to say something, and when she didn’t, he continued. “I told her the truth. I told her I thought it was wrong to marry one man, while testing God, to see if He’d bring us together. I told her my feelings had changed long ago, and… I let her know that I could never love her… because I love someone else, and it isn’t ever going to change.” He chuckled a bit. “‘Course, I think she already knew that.”

Sue swallowed hard, feeling uncomfortable, seeing him looking at her so meaningfully. She hadn’t missed his shift to the present tense, almost as though his words were meant not only for Allie, but for her, now. She stood and walked to the window, fingering the Venetian blinds. “I didn’t know you were seeing anybody.”

Sue could sense him following her, and knowing she’d have to face him to see his words, she did. “I’m not, but I’d like to.”

Sue cleared her throat. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Jack smiled. “Actually, I’d like that.”

Sue nodded, trying to appear as unaffected as possible. “So, who is she?” she asked, nonchalantly.

“Well…” he hesitated.

Sue’s eyes went wide. “Jack, it is a woman, isn’t it?!”

He laughed heartily. “Yes, of course!” His eyes narrowed, playfully. “You know I’m not like that… or do you know something I don’t know?”

“No, of course not! It’s just you hesitated, and I…”

He stepped closer, touching her shoulder. She jumped. “You’re nervous. Sue, are you sure you’re alright?” He had to admit, he was beginning to enjoy making her squirm, anticipating what was to come. For at that moment in time, his transfer, his job, it all faded away, and the world existed only for them.

Sue nodded dumbly, unable to find a simple ‘yes’ in her jumbled mind.

He trailed a finger down her cheek, slowly, deliberately. She gasped. He could tell his intention towards her was not missed. Sue was too bright to miss it, even in her boggled state of mind. He smiled. “Sue…” he whispered, looking for the right words, realizing that he wouldn’t need any, to tell her what was on his heart.

He moved closer, holding her arm gently in place, so she couldn’t escape. He didn’t want her to miss a single moment of his ‘message.’
*****

Well, I'm glad that Allie isn't getting married after all, because that wouldn't be fair to the guy she's marrying! Especially glad that Jack set her straight, and I'm ecstatic that he's about to enlighten Sue as to his feelings for her! Ready when you are, Lizzy!

Somehow I think the message is going to come through loud and clear!

Jill

And that message would be....Lizzy, you're killing me here!!!!!


kav

*****
As his fingers moved from her cheek to her hair, Sue began to feel that she was in serious danger of melting into a slippery puddle on the floor. She fought for coherent thought, and when she found it, and what entered her mind was the last thing she wanted to consider.

“Jack,” she whispered, trying her hardest to ignore the fingers massaging her scalp, quickly ridding her of both tension and rationality, with perfect strokes. “Don’t do this.”

His fingers slowed, and stopped. He waited for Sue’s gaze to rest on him. Her eyes were clouded. “What?”

She reached up and removed his hand from inside of her hair. “I don’t want you to feel obligated—with what happened on the plane. Jack, please don’t pretend to want this.” He could hear a lump rising in her throat, and he longed to kiss it away.

He rested his hand on her shoulder, massaging it with perfect pressure. “Sue, you think I’m pretending?” He caressed her cheek with that same hand. “You think this is pretending?” He brushed his lips along her cheek, trailing it down from her temple to her chin, detouring to the corner of her mouth.

“Jack?” she breathed, the words dying on his hot skin, so close to her own.

“Shhh,” he answered. She felt the gentle command against her lips, and felt her knees go weak.

Jack caught her, as if he’d anticipated her fall. He lazily dragged his lips along the length of her mouth. He felt the returned pressure all the way down to his heart, to the core of his being. This was perfection.

Using both hands, he held her face steady as he kissed her, delving as deep as her heart would allow, to the depths of her soul. He felt her hands on his waist, burning to the bone, as they simply rested there, steadying her trembling body.

Moving his hands to her shoulders, he pressed his open mouth to her throat, imagining the lump he’d heard there dissolving. She tasted wonderful. He could never get enough.

This is what they both wanted, and there was no denying it. He had never felt so close to anyone, not only physically, but to be allowed such access—to her body and her soul… it was amazing. Her heart was his; he needed no words to know it.

And no words were given, for the moment was beyond them. No speech, no sentence, no punctuation could ever come close to describing the completion the two found in the moment. It was enough to give them the confidence to forget reality, to set transfers and separations, and all thoughts of them, aside, with their abandoned coherence, and to trust that what they felt and revealed that night would carry them through all storms.
*****

I'll just stay down here until the next post.

kav

The alarm clock’s buzz was brutal, that early morning. As Jack rose from his sleeping place, he felt a sharp pain shoot through his back. It hurts, but it’s worth it.

The night before, he and Sue… he could barely think of it, it was so shocking to his brain. What he’d longed for since he’d met her had finally happened, and it’d felt better than he could have ever comprehended. It made him feel that no stretch of distance, no transfer, nothing could jeopardize what he had with Sue. And judging by her response, she’d felt the same way.

He’d been fully prepared to sleep on the couch, but it didn’t end up that way. Sue was shy about it, but she’d made a good point. Levi wasn’t with them, so she wouldn’t have her ‘alarm clock.’ The only feasible solution was to have Jack sleep in the room with her. Sue had been ready to let him have the bed, but he’d protested long and hard. He ended up on the floor.

His aching back and neck protested the sleeping arrangements, but his heart didn’t. Standing, and stretching, he looked over at Sue, still sleeping on the bed. Her lips were curved into a mesmerizing, yet simple, smile, and he was sorely tempted to reset the alarm clock and climb into bed with her, if only just to sleep beside her.

But, thanks to Franklin, they had a plan to carry out, one that required rising at a very early hour. So, without resetting the alarm clock, he opted for the second half of his temptation. Pulling back the covers, he slipped into the bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her.

Why in the world does she have to be wearing shorts? he protested silently. Her smooth legs were so enticing, resting against his own. Deciding this wasn’t the safest route, as the idea of removing Sue’s loose sleepwear and pressing her into the bedsheets, ravishing her like… well, it was much too tempting. So, letting his standards defeat his weakness, he slipped back out from under the covers, and laid on top of the comforter, resuming his position beside Sue.

Stroking her hair, he pressed his lips to her cheek. He heard a throaty, morning groan escape her barely-parted lips. He kissed her, gently, languidly, lovingly.

Wrapping her arms around him, Sue let him pull her sleepy self into a sitting position. It was much too easy to let herself be kissed. Oh, it was so nice! She’d never been kissed like this before Jack. Never. It was so comforting, so arousing, so earth-shattering…

So distracting. She whimpered, as his lips moved from her mouth to her nose, dropping a light kiss there. When he pulled away, she studied him, having only one thing on her mind: this… this morning wake-up ritual, and how she never wanted it to end.

“Time to get up, sleepyhead,” he told her with a grin.

“Ugh.” She looked over at the clock. “5:00? No, I can’t. I’ve been rendered incapable of moving from this spot.”

Jack laughed, kissing her lightly, then pulling away again. “You seem to have forgotten our plan.”

Sue shook her head. “Somehow, it doesn’t seem quite so important, now.” She nuzzled his neck indulgently.

He tapped her nose, and she looked up. “Work before pleasure, dear, work before pleasure. It’s my mom’s advice, and you don’t mess with momma.”

“Too bad for her. She most not be aware of early morning affection”

Reluctantly, he led off the bed, and reluctantly she followed. “Oh, she is. She’s just a mom.”
*****

That's a five swoon salute and you earned every bruise on my...ahem....
kav

What a lovely way to wake up. Plan???? What plan would that be????

Jaws dropped and feet stopped, as the team entered the office, once-nicknamed ‘The Stable’. A big banner hung from the ceiling, saying ‘The Corral.’ But that wasn’t the biggest surprise. It was as though the walls had evaporated into thin air. The room seemed so bare! Looking from side to side, there were only desks, no cubicles, no walls, only… space.

“Hey guys,” Jack greeted, from behind the group. The team turned to face him.

“Is this some kind of joke?”

“You have no right to…”

“I know you’re just trying to help, but…”

“I like it.”

“Quiet!” Jack yelled. Silence descended upon the group. “Cindy, thank you for your approval. Now, for the rest of you, this restructuring has been approved by every person you’d go running to, to have it changed. So, you’re just going to have to live with it.”

“There is a perfectly good reason for this,” Sue added, from where she stood beside Jack. “It’s like we were telling you all yesterday. Interaction both outside of, and within, the workplace is vital to a team’s success. Getting to know each other is key, when it comes to effective field work. If you can’t get to know each other, you can’t keep each other safe. If that’s the case, how can you possibly protect America?”

“Speaking of togetherness, where’s Franklin? If we have to suffer through this lecture, he should be here enduring it, as well,” Craig questioned.

“I’m right here.” Craig turned around, finding Frank standing right behind him.

Jack chuckled. “Now, obviously there’s a problem if a highly-trained FBI agent doesn’t notice the person he’s looking for right behind him. Just imagine if it was a terrorist or a murderer. Craig, you’d be in trouble.”

The group, all except for Craig, laughed.

“You’ll find that this arrangement will work much better for you, when it comes to casework,” Sue explained. “If you’re looking for another member of the team, they’ll be right there. You won’t have to go running through cubicles to find him.”

“Plus, you’ll have your own meeting place. You won’t have to get lost looking for conference rooms you never use, anyways,” Jack interjected.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Cindy contributed in her quiet, accepted way.

“Good. Because now that you’ve been effectively shocked, we’ve got another surprise for you.”

Sue picked up where he left off. “You’ve got the day off.”

“But you’ve already got plans,” Jack was quick to add.

Franklin smiled. “You’re finally going to find out how old my kids are.”
*****

Sounds like a much-needed change for this group! Hope they spend their day off wisely...

This is amazing.. I'm just going to contently wait for the next post!

Wow. I decided not to post until I had caught up. Here are my responses, in order
and to you, LIzzy

“You know, Frank, this wasn’t that bad of an idea,” Eddie told his coworkers, warmly slapping him on the back. “And your wife is an excellent cook.”

“Thanks, Ed. Why don’t you go tell Carla that. You know how women like to get compliments.”

“Already did, champ. That’s why she’s beaming over there.” He pointed in the direction of Frank’s wife, and indeed, she was grinning, as she flipped another burger. He glanced past the barbeque to the pool. “You know, I think I’m going to go for a dip. Care to join me?”

“Nah,” Frank answered. “I think I’m going to go ahead and get another burger.”

“Suit yourself.”

A few moments later, Franklin heard a loud splash, and startled screams. He chuckled. Splashing girls in the pool. It never really does get old. His kids did it, and he had to admit, he never tired of warring with his wife in the pool… especially when it involved making up, afterwards.

Then, it hit him. The screams weren’t stopping. Startled cries became frightened ones, and he quickly whirled around to face the pool.

“Franklin, do something!” Amanda yelled, from the deep end of the pool. She was struggling to hold Eddie up, while treading water.

He rushed to the edge of the pool, joined by the rest of the team, except Cindy, who was already in the water.

Together, they pulled Eddie up out of the water, and Amanda’s arms. The women climbed out of the pool, kneeling at the fallen agent’s side.

“What happened?” Jack demanded, in a careful tone.

“He was going to jump in and slipped; he hit his head on the side, before falling in,” Cindy explained.

Jack checked for a pulse. He quickly began chest compressions, and when the timing was right, Sue breathed air into his lungs.

And yet, Eddie would not begin breathing.
*****

Please don't leave it here too long, Lizzy!

Well, lucky for you, Tina, I've got a deadline so I can't leave any of these posts too long. lol

*****
The team waited anxiously for news, as to Eddie’s condition. Each one was lost in their own thoughts, and their accustomed independence was obvious. Some sat, others stood, but they all were on their own. And yet, there was a bond to be felt, there, that only tragic circumstances can provide. Their pain was not only individual; it was collective.

The only two who broke that mold were Jack and Sue. In the corner, they sat together, holding hands and waiting. They shared quiet conversation, but mostly shared the silence.

The minutes tickled by, and eventually a doctor appeared, looking for them. Already aware that they all had family status, what with their work situation, he shared the news with them all.

“Eduardo’s going to be fine. He’ll have a nasty bump on his head for a while, but we were able to drain the water from his lungs, and he’s now breathing normally.”

Awkward, but heartfelt, hugs were shared, a new and appropriate way the team was discovering, to share not only work, but their lives.

“Can we go see him?” Amanda asked with bated breath. The doctor nodded, and Amanda led the way to his bedroom. It was obvious that she had been affected most by the accident, perhaps because she’d been the first to see him fall, or maybe something more.
They peeked into the room, and Eddie smiled at them. “Hey, guys.”

“Hey,” Amanda answered. A few other hellos were shared, but words weren’t necessary to express their relief. It was written on each one of their faces, even Vicky’s.

Just outside the room, Jack and Sue stood. They knew how important it was for the team to spend time with Eddie, as the team that they were. They were just discovering how to really function as a unit, and this was one of the first times they could do so, outside of the office.

It was unfortunate that Eddie was hurt, but, thankfully, his spirit was not broken. His attitude was bright, and he was welcoming his team not only as coworkers, but as friends. Sometimes, to bring a group together, it takes more than successes. Sometimes, less than fortunate circumstances are what bring us together the most.

All in all, the entire team could agree that despite Eddie’s accident, it was a good thing that Franklin and his family had hosted a BBQ for the group. A day off had never been better spent.
*****

This definitely will bring the team together, so the plan worked, just not in quite the way that Jack and Sue would have expected! I'm definitely glad you have a deadline and can't leave us hanging tonight, Lizzy.

What a great idea! Glad he's ok!!

The morning was a lazy one. Each moment together made it harder and harder for Sue and Jack to focus on the reality that work awaited them. Even in the parking garage. As soon as they’d left the car, eager arms wrapped around each other. Hungry lips explored, and tender words were spoken.

Leaning against the car, their amorous adventure continued with intense fervor. Without the worries of a bristly team on their hands, they could fully enjoy each other’s company, and zeal… which may have been far too distracting, for the minutes ticked by much too quickly, and these two were unaware of being officially late… and of the hidden eyes trained on them, watching their every move.
*****

“Cindy,” Amanda whispered. “Cindy, come look at this.”

The brunette curiously crossed the hall, to meet their rotor where she stood, peeking through the slightly-open doorway to the parking garage.

The girls shared a surprised look. “So you didn’t know they were together, either?” Amanda asked.

Cindy shook her head, continuing to watch the pair in the parking garage. “I was wondering why they were so late, considering their lectures on work ethic.”

Amanda laughed quietly. “Well, at least their lectures are working. Our team’s definitely changed overnight.”

Cindy nodded. “So, you think they’ve been hiding this all along?”

“It’s possible, but I think it’s pretty recent, considering how bad they’ve got it. The novelty will wear off enough that they won’t be going at it that hard.”

Cindy blushed, imagining the embarrassment they’d feel, if the two had been within earshot.

“No wonder they’re so effective,” Amanda unabashedly went on. “You know what, if East Coasters can do it, I don’t see why we can’t.”

She left Cindy’s side, with a mission in mind. “Amanda!” she yelled after her, shutting the garage door, as she did. She jogged up to her friend, trying to keep up with her brisk pace. “You’re not just going to find some random guy to make out with, right?”

“Nope.” She smiled, determinedly. “I’m going to make one fall in love with me. I’ve waited long enough for him; I might as well make the move.”

She walked even faster. “Hey, wait up!” Cindy called out.

But it was too late. Much like Lucy, when Amanda was on a mission, there was no stopping her. She was out of earshot, by the time Cindy had thought of what to say.
*****

Does she have a man in mind? Or is she going for a random guy?

By the time Cindy reached the corral, Amanda was already at work. She had a mug of hot coffee in hand, and was offering it to Eddie.

Eddie?

Cindy had always thought herself to be a pretty observant person, but she was quickly finding her observation skills were strongest at the computer... and waning, in real life. The surprises just kept coming today—first Jack and Sue, next Amanda and Eddie… she was half expecting to turn and see Vicky and Craig all over each other in some office chair, rolling all over the place, in her fervor.

She shook her head. Cindy, you’ve been reading too many fanfictions. Get your head out of the clouds and wake up! The world is passing you by, and when you do stop to think, you’ve got it all wrong!

Her thoughts were interrupted by the crash of porcelain against linoleum. She glanced over at Eddie and Amanda. They were too wrapped up in their flirty conversation to notice the commotion. Turning, she found the source of the clatter. LeRoy Cummings and Vicky were both bent over, picking up broken pieces of her once intact coffee mug. That man sure has a knack for knocking over her coffee!

With the pieces in hand, they both stood, threw the broken mug away, and proceeded to apologize profusely. Both of them are apologizing?! I thought she hated LeRoy! A moment later, Jack and Sue entered the bullpen, openly holding hands. It was then and there that Cindy decided Cupid must have taken a wrong turn on his way to Valentine’s Day, and ended up here. It’s either that, or the SF branch of the FBI was taking Jack and Sue’s example to the extreme.

Well, no matter what’s causing it, it’s providing wonderful entertainment!
*****

The roar of an airplane taking off echoed in Jack’s ear, as he and Sue turned to say goodbye to Vicky.

The noise died away. “I never thought I’d be saying this, but I’m glad you two came out. I don’t know how you did it, or how you pulled it off so quickly, but you’ve completely changed my team. So, thank you for that,” Vicky told them.

Jack held out his hand, and they shook hands. She held her hand out to Sue, but Sue ignored it and enveloped her in a full hug. Vicky awkwardly returned it, like a teenager just beginning to feel comfortable in her own skin.

“We’re glad we came, Vicky,” Jack honestly replied.

Sue nodded, agreeing with him. “I am, too.”

“Well, Jack, maybe I’ll ask the powers that be to have you work with another team, once you get back out here. You’ve given us the change we need, so I think you could move on, if it works out.”

“Maybe, I will.”

“Okay then, I’d better get going. Your plane leaves soon, and they won’t be letting me through security. I’d hate to hold you up.” She blushed a bit. “Besides, I have to be somewhere in an hour.”

Sue winked at her. “Just remember what I said; less is more. Besides, LeRoy seems to like the simple things in life, so don’t come on too strong.”

Vicky nodded.

“Wait, this is mousy, coffee-spilling LeRoy?” Jack asked.

“He’s not all that mousy,” Vicky defended. “He’s actually a pretty nice guy.”

“Well, go have fun, then. We’ll be in touch,” Jack prodded nicely.

And with a wave, Vicky was gone.
*****