The fuzzies were lulling me into a false sense of security. This is going to become my favourite traffic sign, I believe

kav

Jack is right Sue does need a new dog. I can't wait to meet Him/Her

Dianna

Hoping they have gone to find a new for Sue

hahah yeah i hope so....aren't these new smilies great so funny

I love Jack! He is so sweet!

Em

We have more faces now....whoa....anyways great post....I have a funny feeling about this but oh well.....

Thanks for all the wonderful comments, guys.
“Dogs With a Mission,” Jack grinned shyly. “It’s a service dog organization.” See her arched eyebrows, he hurried on. “Now Sue, you promised to hear me out. I know it has only been three months since Levi’s death. I also know how lost you sometimes feel without him. I don’t want you to feel lost anymore. I can never replace Levi, but let me give you back the piece of independence his death took away. It’s the least I can do.” Jack’s voice broke. It is the least I can do. It’s my fault he’s gone.

Sue watched as Jack struggled to keep his emotions in check. She knew he still felt guilty over Levi’s death. She did, too. Reaching over with her free hand, she gently wiped the moisture from his eyes. “I love you, Jack. I love the fact that you want to fix this.” She lowered her eyes, struggling to keep the tears at bay. “I just don’t know if I am ready for this.”

Jack gently lifted her chin until her eyes met his. He wiped away the tears with his thumb as he gazed into those hazel eyes. He wanted to take the loneliness he saw in those depths away. He gently caressed her cheek, “I know. I understand. The decision will be yours. But would it hurt to at least check it out?”

How could she refuse those brown eyes of his? How could she refuse the love with which he made the offer? “Okay,” she reluctantly agreed. She knew she would never be able to deny those pleading brown eyes anything.

Jack beamed as he opened his car door. She’s going to give it a chance, he thought as he hurried around to open her door. Helping her from the car, he tried to disguise the joy in his heart. He couldn’t, however, hide the spring in his step as he walked with her to the door.

Jack held her hand as they walked along the kennels. There were several dogs that, in his opinion, would be perfect for Sue. He refrained from commenting. This had to be her decision, not his. He was there for support only. As he watched her examine each animal with an expert eye, he was confident that she would make the right choice. He frowned slightly as Sue stopped at the last kennel. The dog on the other side of the gate would not have been his choice. The dog’s eyes did not hold the warmth of the others. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something horrific must have happened to her.

Sue gazed into the eyes of the golden retriever in the last kennel. She was small and quiet. She had not been bouncing at the gate like the others had done. She sat there, looking at Sue with vacant brown eyes. It was the same look Sue had seen in Levi’s eyes the first time she had met him. She crouched by they kennel, watching the dog’s eyes intently for a while. There, she thought after watching the dog for a few minutes. There it is, the flicker of hope I needed to see. Rising to stand beside Jack, Sue turned her attention to the director who had accompanied them on the tour. “Could I see the information on this dog?”

As they sat in the small office, Jack looked at Sue. “Are you sure she’s the one you want?”

“No, Jack,” Sue sighed. “I don’t know that I want any of them.” She knew she was lying. She did want that dog. There was something about that animal…”I just want to take a look at her information. Do you not think she would be a good choice?”

“I don’t know, Sue. She just doesn’t have the same warmth in her eyes that Levi had. I just don’t know…” his voice trailed off. This is not your decision, Jack, he reminded himself.

Sue took Jack’s hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “That’s because you didn’t see Levi the first time I did. He had that same look in his eyes. He had been badly abused. But, deep down, all he wanted was a chance to prove himself, to earn someone’s love and approval. I get the feeling that this dog is the same way.”

Jack smiled at Sue. She couldn’t fool him. He knew she had already made her decision. She was ready for another dog and she wanted this dog. Reading the file was merely a formality. Although this dog would not have been his choice, he knew Sue made decisions based on her heart. He just hoped her heart was right.

The director returned with the file. “Her name is Gracie,” she smiled. “She is eighteen months old. Her previous owner was a young deaf woman who was killed in an automobile accident a few months ago. It seems she pulled out in front of a large truck. Gracie had not alerted her to the blowing horn. I guess you noticed that Gracie is withdrawn. She hasn’t offered to play since she arrived. I’m not sure she will be able to connect to another human.”

“I would like to give her a try,” Sue whispered. She refused to look at Jack. She knew that he was smiling at her. She also knew that she had not fooled him one bit. She knew he had known all along that she would take the dog.

The director went to fetch Gracie after putting Jack and Sue in the training ring. Jack watched in amazement as Sue greeted the golden retriever. He watched as she bent to gently stroke the golden head. He heard her whispering to the dog, but could not make out what she was saying. He held his breath as Sue gave Gracie command after command, which Gracie followed with ease. He breathed out as he watched Gracie respond with great care and accuracy. She was a very competent hearing dog. The fact that the director had indicated that she might not be able to bond with Sue nagged at the back of his mind. Levi had been so loving and attentive to Sue. He wanted the new dog to be the same way. Then, he saw it. He saw an eagerness in the dog’s eyes as Sue brought her back to his side. He saw the desire to please. He also saw a small glimmer of devotion. He smiled at Sue as she handed Gracie’s leash to him. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Jack,” Sue smiled. She felt the glow of independence return to her eyes. “I’m sure.” She snuggled close to Jack as he pulled her into a loving embrace. Tilting her head, she placed a light kiss on his lips. “Thank you. Thank you for letting me make this decision. Thank you for loving me enough to want to offer this to me.”

Jack returned the kiss, hugging Sue tightly against him. “You’re welcome,” he murmured. He handed the director the check after he and Sue had filled out all the appropriate paper work. Taking her by the hand, he picked up Gracie’s leash and escorted his two girls back to the car. His heart felt lighter than it had in weeks.

Jack glanced at his watch as he pulled out of the parking lot. Noon, he smiled. That gave them two hours before they needed to be back at the Hoover Building. “How about we stop and pick up some doggie toys and take Gracie to the park. Maybe we can get her to play a little before we head back to work.” Seeing her nod in agreement, Jack headed for the closest pet store.

Gracie found her new humans interesting. She could tell they were together. She sensed that she belonged to the blonde woman but that she should also follow the commands of the dark haired man. They both seemed so kind. But then, so had her last owner. She had allowed Vickie to die. It had been her fault. She had been playing with a new chew toy instead of doing her job. She had vowed this would never happen again. I will protect this new woman, she told herself. But I will not get attached. I will do my job and that is all. Still, she felt a strange stirring in her heart as the couple tried gently to get her to romp and play in the park. They had even bought her new toys to play with. After Vickie’s death, she had vowed to never play again. Instead, she curled up quietly at Sue’s feet and waited to go back to the car.

Jack was astonished that Gracie refused to play. She was a gentle dog, but not the normal, playful, interrupting animal that Levi had been. He and Sue had tried to get Gracie to play for the last thirty minutes. When it became obvious that the dog wanted no part of the fun and games, Jack decided to turn his attention to some fun and games with Sue. He held her and kissed her passionately, bringing a blush to her lovely cheeks. He kept one eye on Gracie as he continued his assault on Sue’s lips there on the park bench. He half expected to be interrupted, but Gracie had remained quiet, lying next to Sue’s feet. This may not have been a bad decision after all, he mused as he tangled his fingers in Sue’s hair, drawing her back for another lengthy, passionate kiss.

I am really glad that Sue was willing to take a chance with Gracie.

Dianna

That was beautiful. Leave it to Sue to pick a dog like Gracie who has been through so much.

Jack's support is wonderful. What a man.

Gracie sounds like a sweet dog. I'm glad Jack and Sue decided to make her a part of their lives.

Em

I honestly dont know what to think....Gracie will come around it will just take some time....

glad sue picked gracie

i suspect gracie will be neded to protect sue from oil slick man

cath

caught up loved the banter of the team still trying
there matchmaking skills but they need not bother anymore,
loved hoe jacks so loving and caring,pleased sue took gracie
they will master it soon cant wait for more lin

I am pleased that Sue found she could take Gracie to her her new service dog

I think Gracie is going to be as loyal and as loving as Levi.

Sam

Ditto. Gracie sounds adorable!

Jen

gracie needs to see how everybody is, after that she will play and losen up, i think it's going to be a lovely dog

I think Sue and Gracie will be perfect for one another - each hurting from the past - each needing to bond and move forward.

Thanks for the wonderful replies guys. It makes it fun to write when you know people are enjoying the story

Lucy slammed the folder down on her desk. If she didn’t know, deep down in the depths of her heart that Jack and Sue were meant to be together, she would have thought the Heavens were against the pairing. Of all times...of all days for a case like this to land in our laps, she brooded. She did have a glimmer of hope as Myles had not canceled the costume party outright. Instead, they had all agreed to wait and see how long it took to resolve this case. Slowly, the light began to dawn through her anger filled brain. Wait a minute. We don’t have to cancel Operation Couple United, just modify it. And I know where to start. Lucy grinned as she picked up the phone and dialed Jack’s cell phone.

*********************
Jack groaned as he pulled away from Sue’s luscious lips. “Phone” he signed as he saw the concerned, questioning look in her eyes. Reaching into his pants pocket, he withdrew the offensive object, flipping it open to silence its incessant ringing. “Hudson.”

Jack rolled his eyes as he heard the voice on the other end. “L-U-C-Y” he fingerspelled to Sue. He grinned when he heard Sue chuckle. He gazed into her eyes and knew, in that moment, that his Sue was back. The loneliness that had shadowed her eyes since Levi’s death was gone. Oh, he knew that there would be more tears in the days to come. There would be more tears for Levi and the other losses they would face. There would also be tears of joy like the ones he had brushed away when Gracie became hers. He would brush away tears on their wedding day and when she held their newborn children in her arms. But he would be there, with her, to brush them away. Gazing into those hazel eyes, he saw only joy and love. He knew the loneliness would never return. Somehow, he felt that giving her Gracie had shown her that he would never let her be lonely again. He would always be there, until the day they closed their eyes for the final time. He breathed a prayer heavenward, God, please, let Sue and I have a long life together. Let us leave this world wrapped in each others arms, having seen our children, our children’s children and maybe our children’s children’s children reach adulthood, with families of their own. Then, let us walk over the meadow to Levi together, hand-in-hand. Once we are all reunited, fling open the gates of heaven and welcome us home.

“Jack! Jack are you still there?” Jack blushed as he realized that he had not heard a word Lucy had said. “Sorry Luce. I didn’t hear that. The signal must be weak. Hold on a minute and let me move. Okay. Now repeat what you said,” he lied.

“Okay…Sure. No problem…Yeah, I’ll tell Sue.” Jack closed his phone with a grin. They are definitely planning something. He turned his attention back to Sue. Arching his eyebrows at her, he asked. “Are you having trouble with the cable in your apartment building?”

“No,” Sue responded. “Everything seemed fine when I left this morning. Why?”

Jack’s grin broadened further. Yep, definitely plotting something. “Lucy wanted to know if I could take you to pick up our costumes before we returned to work. Then, she wanted me to let you know that you would need to find somewhere else to change. The cable guy is at your apartment. It seems that the entire system needs to be rewired and the apartment is in shambles, especially your bedroom. She hinted that I might offer you the use of my apartment. Which, I have every intention of doing,” he said as he planted a light kiss on her lips.

Sue smiled as the light dawned on her. “So, do you think Lucy is trying to play matchmaker?”

“No,” Jack laughed. “I think the entire team is playing matchmaker. I have caught them all in conspiratory conversations all week. I have a feeling there is more to this costume party than meets the eye.” He encircled her waist with his arms, pulling her tightly against him. “So, soon to be Mrs. Hudson, how far do we let them play this out?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Sue responded. She grinned at Jack, mischief dancing in her eyes. “I think we should give them just enough rope to hang themselves.”

“I love you Sue Thomas,” Jack smiled. He kissed her lightly on the forehead before standing and pulling her to her feet. “Now, let’s go get those costumes and head back to the office.” Glancing at his watch, he began to whistle. Eleven hours to go.

More later
Kim!

How good that the pain has eased and Sue is fully able to enjoy her life again.
I liked Jack's prayer.

Kim I dont have to tell you that I am loving this story but I will....keep it going....

loved it sues back to very much her old self
the whole team plotting at matchmaking at least they
know and are willing to play along too it cant wait till
the next post kim lin

Cant wait to see what has been planned by the team and what Jack and Sue are going to do about it

Dianna

loved jack's prayer, it almost had me in tears it was so beautiful

looking forward to them winding theteam up

cath

Beautiful prayer Kim.

Can't wait to see what they do to the team!

Sam

Kim, I was gone for a few days and just got caught up!!!

This Steve guy is something else!! Is this whole case a ruse to kill Jack and take Sue?? Why do I get the feeling that Gracie is going to save the day???

What a loving and caring thing for Jack to do!! And, how like Sue to find the dog who needed her as well!! I think Gracie will become attached and start playing as she feels Sue and Jack's love for her!!!

What a great story - can't wait to see how the evening pans out!!!

Joy

I love that Jack and Sue are playing the rest of the team... And that they are completely clueless

Em

It's making me nervous that Jack is counting down. Somehow I feel like it's gonna be a countdown to something terrible instead of the dating rule being abolished.

Don't worry. The road is going to be bumpy. But, I promise Jack is counting down to something good!

Chapter 6

Myles paced up and down the corridor outside the bullpen. He was about to hand his house keys over to a complete stranger. Of course, it was one of Tara’s friends. Tara had vouched for her, but still, it was his house. He saw the young woman approach. At least she’s attractive, he mused. “Drew?” he asked as she approached. Seeing her nod, he smiled. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew his house keys. “I believe you are here for these.” Then he caught sight of them approaching from the left. He moved out of reflex, drawing the shocked young woman into his arms and kissing her boldly on the lips. He watched as Jack and Sue passed, noting the questioning looks he received. As they disappeared into the bullpen, he released Drew from his embrace. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “That’s the couple we are trying to surprise.”

“So I gathered,” Drew said breathlessly. You could kiss me any time for any reason, she thought. “It was just a reaction to a situation,” she smiled.

Myles blushed and nodded, “Exactly.” Seeing the expectant look on the young woman’s face, he rushed to explain. He didn’t want to hurt her, so he prayed for the right words. “It really was a reaction to a situation. You see, my heart belongs to someone.” She just doesn’t know it yet.

“I understand,” Drew sighed. She tried desperately to hide the disappointment in her eyes. “I hope she knows what a lucky lady she is.”

Myles smiled, “I’m sure she does.” Or she soon will. At that moment, he made a vow to himself. He was going to let Lucy Dotson know just how he felt about her.

Myles strolled into the bullpen. He grinned at his teammates, blushing as his gaze crossed Lucy. He glanced at Sue and Jack, dropping his head and avoiding eye contact. “Let’s get this show on the road,” he quipped. He spied Gracie lying on the floor near Sue’s desk. He did a mental double take. She looked so much like Levi. When he found his voice he asked, “New dog.”

“Yes,” Sue smiled. “Her name is Gracie.” Glancing at Jack, she gave him a small wink. “I’ll explain later, Myles. I think Jack wants to get things started.”

“Okay,” Jack walked to the whiteboard. “Anybody have any information on this case?” He watched as the team shook their heads. Something was not right about this case. He could feel it in the pit of his stomach. Something just didn’t add up. “Nothing at all?”

“No, Mate.” Bobby replied. “I have even talked with some of the actors and staff members of the Haunted Trail. None of them had seen or heard anything.”

“I tried to track down information with the local authorities. They had no knowledge of the incidents. I’m not sure they were even reported.” Tara said.

“This is a very strange case. The local authorities have no knowledge. The people involved with the event have no knowledge. Is it just me, or do you guys have a very bad feeling about this?” Myles queried.

“No, Myles” Jack frowned. “My gut is telling me the same thing. How did this case come to the attention of the Director when the local authorities don’t even know about the disappearances?” He shrugged. “Still, we have to follow through on this since it did come from the Director. So, let’s make some plans.”

The planning session was short. Myles would go in as a staff member. Tara, Bobby, Jack and Sue would go in as couples while Lucy ran the surveillance from the van. “Okay, guys. Let’s move,” Jack said.

“Hey, Jack,” Lucy called from the door. “Would you mind taking Sue in your car? I have to head straight to the apartment after this is over to check on the cable guy.” Seeing Jack nod, she gave him a smile. Despite some minor modifications, Operation Couple United was going as planned.

“Hey, Luce, wait up a second,” Sue called. “Time for a minute alone with Lucy? I am going to make her squirm a little,” she signed to Jack, giving him a conspiratory wink. Seeing him grin and nod, she went after Lucy. “Lucy, what is all this about a cable problem at the apartment. When I left this morning everything was fine.” Sue watched as Lucy’s jaw dropped. She could see her friend’s mind working feverishly to come up with a plausible answer.

“It happened while you were out on your morning walk this morning. The cable in the apartment below us went out. The cable guy said it was a major problem and he would need to use our apartment to gain access to all the wiring. He called while you were out with Jack,” Lucy lied. Sue stifled a laugh as she saw Lucy glance heavenward.

“I see,” Sue sighed. “Maybe I should see if David could come pick me up, in case Jack has other plans for this evening.”

“David,” Lucy coughed. “I thought he was out of the picture.” The worried look that crossed Lucy’s face caused Sue to bit her lip to keep the chuckle from escaping. What I wouldn’t give for camera.

“Well, he is. For the moment. I can’t wait for Jack forever,” Sue quipped. Not that I have to. Just eight more weeks.

“Sue, don’t call David.” Sue could see the panic rising in Lucy’s eyes. “Give Jack tonight. I have a feeling he will finally make his move. If not, then I will call David.”

“Okay, Luce. But just one more night.” Sue turned and re-entered the bullpen. Then the rest of my life.

Jack watched as Sue re-entered the bullpen. He chuckled at the wicked grin on Sue’s face. She must have Lucy in a panic. Jack waited until the rest of the team had left the bullpen before crossing to Sue. He gathered her into his arms, kissing her gently. “I want you to stay in the surveillance van with Lucy.”

“But Jack, you just said…” Jack silenced her lips with his fingers. “I know what I said, but you are going to stay with Lucy.”

Sue pulled herself from his embrace. Walking away from him to gather her thoughts, she turned to face him. “No, Jack. I will not stay in the surveillance van. I am going out there with you.”

“No, Sue. You are going to do as I tell you this time.” Jack responded, his voice rising in volume.

Sue couldn’t hear the increased volume in Jack’s voice, but she did see his reddening face and the vein that popped out in his neck when he was angry. She knew she should probably back down, but her pride wouldn’t let her. After all, he had said he wanted to give her back her independence and here he was, trying to take it away again. “Jack, I am going out there with you and that’s final. You can’t tell me you want me to have a new dog to give me back my independence one minute and then use your authority to take that same independence back,” her voice matching his in volume. “Come on Gracie.” Sue marched out the bullpen.

Jack stood rooted to his spot for a split second before rushing after her. He knew she was right. Her independence was one of the things that he loved about her. If he caused her to lose that, then she wouldn’t be his Sue. Catching up to her, he placed his hand on her arm. Seeing her glare at him, he swallowed hard. Boy, she is ticked. “You still have to ride with me, you know. The rest of the team has already left.” He watched her nod and turn her head away. He followed her as she stormed to the garage.

The drive was painfully quiet. Here he was, his heart’s desire within reach in just a few hours and he was blowing it. He needed to apologize. He needed to let her know why he had reacted the way he had. He reached over and took her hand. He smiled when she didn’t pull away. Pulling the car over a few blocks from their destination, he turned to face Sue.

“I’m sorry, Sue. You’re right. I can’t offer you independence with one hand then take it away with the other. Your independence is one of the things that makes you, you. It’s just that…” He dropped his head to his chest and took in a deep breath. When he raised it, he felt the tears stinging his eyes. “Sue, please. I can’t lose you, too. Please.”

Sue scooted across the seat to Jack and pulled him into her embrace. This time, she was the one who offered him comfort while he cried. She knew the memories of losing Levi in a similar operation were playing in Jack’s mind. The wounds were still fresh. She felt his arms clinging tightly to her waist, like a drowning man would cling to a life preserver. She ran her fingers gently through his hair, offering him comfort with her touch. She felt the shaking in his shoulders subside and felt him lift his head from her shoulder. Sitting back slightly so she could better see his face, she took her hand and gently wiped the tears away.

“Jack, I need to do this,” she whispered. “Trust me Jack. I am not going anywhere. Besides, I’ll have Gracie if I were to get into trouble,” she smiled.

“But Sue, you’ve only had Gracie for five hours. She’s not Levi, remember.” He knew the argument was over and she had won, but he had to make one final effort.

“I know she’s not Levi, Jack. But we will be just fine. I have a feeling. Things are going to be okay. You’ll see.” She took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently and offering him a brilliant smile.

Jack smiled back. She was one obstinate woman. “Okay,” he sighed. “But I want you holding my hand the entire time.” Seeing the gleam in Sue’s eyes, he quipped, “After all, for once I am going to get to hold my fiancée’s hand in front of the team without raising their suspicions. I can’t pass that up.” He pulled the car back onto the street, glancing at the clock on the dash. Eight more hours.

More later
Kim

Hmmm this is getting most interesting....keep it up Kim.

this is great but why is jack counting the hours;
is he getting married before the 10 weeks that sue thinks.
this is one mystery but loving it lin

Sue you messed with Lucy's mind soooo bad

Dianna

it's the oil slick isn't it?

loved sue winding luce up, sooooooooo funny

glad they talked and cried together, so tender

cath

This seemed so real I could almost feel the car shift into park when he pulled over to talk with her. It was so moving when Jack broke down.

It was fun to watch Sue making Lucy squirm.

We all want to know what why Jack is counting down hours.

I agree!

Sam

this isn't a case...it's a trap, isn't it.....ohh please be carefull

I'm so nervous

We need more!

Em

stupid chairs at library have wheels so i can't . it is rather interesting that mr slick sees Jack and Sue and then all of the sudden i think i need to go find him.... and tell him to leave them alone! so they can some more....

Woow, caught up again...Fantastic.

kav

Poor Jack - it's hard to see Sue go out there in a dangerous situation!!!

Even though I have a feeling Gracie is going to shine tonight, I'm going under the bed until they catch Steve!!!

Joy

Thank you for all the wonderful comments. Mr. Oil Slick is about to slide onto the scene.

Chapter 7

He watched from the tree line, hidden by the growing shadows that accompanied the approaching sunset. He pushed his glasses up his nose with his middle finger for the hundredth time since he had been waiting. Where are they? He had seen the Australian and the computer geek, but his intended victims were no where in sight. He scanned the crowd once more. Come on! Come one! It’s getting late. His oily grin returned to his face as his eyes focused on the couple now standing in the crowd. Her blond hair was glowing in the late afternoon sun. Soon, Sue dear. Soon. He allowed a lecherous thought to enter his mind as he watched the dark haired agent lean down a gently place a kiss on her lips. Soon it would be his lips touching hers, once the agent was dead. His plan was working perfectly. Now all he needed to do was wait for the right moment…

Jack held her hand tightly in his. He looked down into those hazel eyes. He saw trust and confidence radiating back at him. He only hoped he could keep her safe. Bending down, he scratched Gracie behind the ears. He still expected to be greeted by a playful wiggle like Levi use to give him. He sighed when he was greeted by cool brown eyes instead. “Take care of Sue, Gracie.” Jack frowned as he was jostled from behind, losing his grip on Sue’s hand. Turning, he searched for her gorgeous face. Not seeing her beside him, the panic rose. “Bobby, Myles. Sue’s gone. Get over here now!”

He had taken the opportunity to spirit Sue away when Agent Hudson had been jostled. Placing a hand over her mouth and a gun to her back, he dragged her away from the crowd. She was his, now. The excitement building in his mind caused him to not notice the golden retriever following them into the woods.

Gracie followed behind Sue and the smelly man who had taken her. Jack had told her to take care of Sue and she was going to do just that. Sue was kind and loving, just like Vickie. Gracie would not lose Sue like she had lost Vickie. She would wait for the right time to make her move.

Gracie watched as Steven Dermo turned to face his captured prize. She began a low, warning growl as she saw him bind Sue’s hands, tying her to a nearby tree. The evil smile that crossed his face as he turned to speak to Sue the hair at the nape of Gracie’s neck bristle. “Now, I will take care of Agent Hudson. Then I can have you all to myself.” Hearing him threaten Jack like that, Gracie’s growl became more vicious as she bared her teeth. As he pulled the revolver from his pocket, Gracie’s muscles tensed. She moved closer to him as he turned away from his captive, starting towards the tree line again. She heard Sue say, “Gracie. Get Jack.” She had been trained to follow every command her owner gave her. For the first time in her life, she ignored the command, holding her ground.

“You’ll never get away with this, Dermo.” Sue hoped her voice was not as shaky as she felt. She watched him turn and face her again. The lecherous look in his eyes and the wicked grin on his lips caused a shiver to course down her spine. “What makes you say that?” she saw him say.

“Jack is a lot smarter than you seem to give him credit for,” Sue replied. “He will find me and deal with you. If he doesn’t then Bobby or Myles will.”

“What if you are wrong, my dear.” She couldn’t here the venom in his voice, but she could see the evil glint in his eyes. “I’m not wrong. But if I am, I would rather be dead than be with you.”

“As you wish,” Steven said. Gracie started to move as she saw him raise the revolver, pointing it at Sue’s chest. Her legs were already in motion when she heard his voice in her ear. “Gracie! Do what Sue said…Get Jack. I’ll take care of this mongrel.

As Dermo squeezed the trigger, his arm was deflected upward by a golden paw. He looked down in horror as his leg was bitten viciously by a golden haired dog. Turning, he reached for the gun that had fallen from his grasp. Instead of the gun, he found himself face to muzzle with a growling dog. Every turn he made, those snarling teeth met him. He had never seen a dog move so fast.

More later
Kim

Gracie didnt do anything really, no I am glad she did ....but I never did like Mr. Oil Slick.....

Kim, this is brilliant!! Levi now knows that Gracie will take care of Sue!! But he also knew she needed a little help on this one!! Go, Levi!!! Go, Gracie!!!

Joy

go doggies

cath

Go get him Gracie and Levi!!!

Sam

That was great. Both Levi and Gracie saved Sue. What is Jack going to see when he arrives?

that was fantastic go levi go boy ,gracie go get
jack levi will protect sue while you go loved it kim hurry back,
with more please lin

Go Levi! And Gracie... Go get Jack!

Em

Right, I've decided that I can't go to school anymore because soo much happens when I'm gone!!

Fantastic posts Kim, I adore this story!!!

Jen

Great post, I know Gracie won't let Sue down