Only a two kleenex warning for the next few posts - I have already used

Great Post - cant say I like the angst - but it was well written - cant wait for the next post (well I can if I am going to need more kleenex - but I cant if you see what I mean)

it wasn't a two post

i'm on but it was beautifully written

cath

I am so proud of Levi.

I'm not sure it's good for me to crying this badly in my ill state!!! my mum came in to check on me!!! Kim, I can't tell you how powerful that was, I've got tears in my keyboard!! If my keyboard stops working, it's all your fault!!! That was so sad!!!

Jen

Wow that was a very sad, but poweful and emotional post

this was so sad levi you where so brave, i'm so very proud of you

Kim, I don't know what to say!! I am at work and catching up on stories during my breaks. I had to stop reading this three different times!! What powerful writing - the emotions and grief just jumps off the page and saddens me!!

I think the hardest part to get through, although it was the most beautiful, was Jack talking to Levi, telling him that he would take care of Sue and they would meet again!!!

There's nothing to worry about, Kim, you did a wonderful job!!!

Joy

This was a really tearfully sad post Kim!!

It was powerfully done, thank you.

Sam

Probably shouldn't have read that one at work That was so sad.

Thank you for the Jack and Sue to make us feel better!

Em

You did a remarkable job with that post. So well written and absolutely gut-wrenching!

All I can say is WOW! and
thanks,
Terie

This should be the last really, really sad post. I can't promise there won't be more angst, but hopefully not as many tears Three kleneex post warning

Myles arranged for a graveside service at a small pet cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. It was his way of dealing with the death of his friend. It was an honor to provide a special resting place for something that had made him feel so special. He blinked rapidly to stem the tide of tears that threatened to overflow as he remember the gentle hug Sue had given him when he told her of the arrangements. I must be getting soft in my old age, he grumbled to himself.

Sue sat between Lucy and Jack at the memorial service. She held tightly to Jack’s hand as she read the lips of her pastor as he conducted the memorial service. His words had brought comfort to her. She felt Jack relax beside her. She could sense that the pastor’s words had comforted him as well. She gazed at the large photograph of Levi that Tara and Bobby had erected beside the grave. Tara had written “Though a villain’s gun has taken away your presence from our daily lives, time will never erase our memories of you.” It was the perfect sentiment, she thought.

Deanne Bray sat silently praying while she waited for her portion of the service. She had left her version of Levi at home. She felt that it would be too much for Sue to see her service dog at the funeral. How will I ever make it through this, she mused. All I can think about is how I would take it if this had been Murphy. She blinked her eyes and shook her head Get a hold of yourself, Deanne. You are doing this for Sue. You know she would do the same thing for you. She felt a touch on her shoulder. She turned to see Tara sign, “It’s time.” Rising stiffly, she placed her arms in her crutches and slowly made her way to the podium.

“This poem is by an unknown author. It has offered comfort to many people over the years. It is my wish that it will offer comfort to you.” Clearing her voice, Deanne started to read...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty
of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill
and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your
special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absentfrom your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge, together.

Deanne wiped the tears from her eyes. “Some would say that animals don’t go to Heaven. I would have to disagree. I believe that there is a place where animals go, waiting for their human friends to join them. Once they are reunited, God flings open the doors of Heaven, allowing them all, human and animal to enter. It is this hope that I leave you with. Levi will be waiting for all of you to join him one day.” Deanne turned towards the grave as the team members joined her.

Myles stepped forward and place Levi’s bunny on the mound of earth. “So long, Wonder dog,” he whispered.

Bobby held Tara’s hand as he took his turn to wish Levi farewell. His lips trembled as he spoke, “See you soon, Mate.”

Tara stood silently gazing at the mound of earth. Finding her voice, she said, “Wait for us, buddy,”

D couldn’t speak. He knew the words he had prepared could never express the grief in his heart. Placing a kiss on his fingertips, he bent down and lowered those same fingers to the mound of earth.

Lucy stepped forward, squatting down next to the mound, she gently place her hand over the dirt. “If anyone up there asks, tell them you have my permission to jump on the couch.”

Jack held tightly to Sue’s hand. “I promise, buddy,” he whispered. “She will never leave my side. I promised you at the hospital. She and I will meet you at Rainbow Bridge. Wait for us. Wait for all of us. You are leaving a big family down here, buddy. Wait and we will all cross over together.”

Sue felt Jack wrap his arms around her waist as she took a moment to say goodbye. Looking up into Jack’s eyes, she felt at peace. Levi was gone, but Jack was there. She knew he always would be, thanks to Levi. “Thanks, buddy,” she whispered. “I love you.”

Watching from the hill above the cemetery, the golden retriever sighed. He knew she would be safe. He knew Jack would always be there to care for her. He knew the others would back the couple up, no matter what the risks. But still, he knew he needed to hang around for a while. Just to be on the safe side…

The poem is called Rainbow Bridge and I first read it in a Dear Abby column. It made me cry then and it has made me cry every time I read it. I can't help but think about an editorial cartoon from the Atlanta Journal I saw not too long after Lewis Grizzard, a nationally syndicated columnist and humorist from Georgia, died. He had a treasured black lab named Catfish. The cartoon pictured Rainbow Bridge off in the distance. In the foreground, it featured Lewis Grizzard and Catfish walking side by side towards the bridge. It was a lovely picture and a hopeful sentiment. We have all had treasured pets. It gives us hope that we will one day be reunited with them. Hope this didn't cause too much damage to people's keyboards (Sorry Jen.)
More later
Kim

I lost it right there and I'm at work in the college library!!!!! I've lost dogs in the past and this is agonizingly true to life.

kav

I lost it at the same place as Kav. We have lost a treasured dog in the past and I felt the pain in this post.
thanks,
Terie

This is gripping when you consider that most of us have experienced the loss of a pet, not to mention that Jesse (Levi) has passed away as well. I had forgotten about the poem Rainbow Bridge. Thanks for sharing it.

that was heartbreaking but the verse was wonderful,
as kav said we all have lost pets in the passed but realy they are
like babys lin

love the poem, sad but beautiful

cath

Beautiful moving post

Kim, this is beautifully written, heartwrenching to read!! I lost my beloved pet a few months ago and I can relate!! I love the Rainbow Bridge, using it here is perfect!!!

How wonderful that Levi is still keeping watch!!!

Joy

I should have learned after the last few posts! Don't read this story at work!

My golden died recently, and Ivory... I didn't know that Jesse (Levi) died. It made me more.

That was so beautifully written Kim. Great job!

Em

Kim!!

Sam

Very sad post. Glad to see they honored him in that special way.

Dianna

LIttleEm,

My condolences on the loss of your golden. Sorry you were caught unaware. It was posted on the news section of the board on August 20 , 2005, that Jesse had succumed to cancer. Here is the news brief.


Hi Everyone,

It's with my deepest sorrow to inform you all that we have lost our lovely & adorable Jesse who played "Levi" on "Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye" to Lymphoma cancer. He was only 10 years old, he had a very wonderful career working on several films & TV series. Jesse's 2 biggest were Animorphs & Sue Thomas:F.B.Eye. He was talented, amazing, wonderful and very loyal friend. He has touched all of our hearts and made us all love him. He has the knack of making all of us "smile". Jesse will be sadly forever be missed by us all, but we will have our memories of Jesse, remember, he always will live on "the big screen" forever!

Please extend your condolences to Jesse's owner, Bryan Renfro and also CJ, she has worked with Jesse & Bryan on the set of Sue Thomas:F.B.Eye.

Thank you for the Memories - Jesse/Levi 1995-2005

Thank you Ivory... What a beautiful note.

Em

Okay, the kleenex warnings are over...for now!

Chapter 4

Present day…

“Jack,” His mind floated back to the present as he heard her call his name. Looking down into her tear streaked face, he smiled slightly. “Okay now?” he asked. Seeing her nod, he released her from his arms. He moved two chairs from the conference table, turning them to face each other. Taking her by the hand, he sat her in one chair. Settling himself into the other one, he edging his chair closer until their knees touched. Taking her other hand, he gazed into those hazel eyes that invaded his thoughts, awake or asleep. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

Sue took a deep breath. She dropped her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Returning her eyes to his face she was continually amazed at the love she saw reflected there. “I saw him today.”

Jack was confused, “Saw who?”

“Levi.” Seeing the shock in his eyes, she hurried on. “I know he’s dead, Jack, but I saw him. Just after you left the park this morning, I realized my necklace was not around my neck. I was frantic. I retraced every step we made this morning, scouring the ground to find it. When I couldn’t, I sat on our bench and started to cry. All I could think about was losing that beautiful engagement ring you have given me. I felt something touch my leg. Looking down, I saw Levi sitting there, his paw resting on my leg. Oh, Jack, he was wearing that lopsided grin he could get when he knew something. He turned and walked a few paces away then came back. You know, like he always did when he wanted me to follow him. So, I followed him to a small pile of leaves. I looked down, and there was my necklace, the cross and ring still attached.” She pulled her hand from Jack’s grip and reached into her pocket. Opening her hand and showed him the broken chain, the cross and the ring.

“Are you sure it was Levi?” Jack had heard stories like this his whole life, but his agent brain wouldn’t allow him to believe in ghosts. He had seen Sue’s face glow as she related the story. She had seen something, he just wasn’t sure what it was. “Morning sunlight has a way of playing tricks on people, you know.”

“Jack! I know what I saw. Are you saying you don’t believe me?” she quipped.

Jack saw the flash of anger in her eyes. “No, I believe you. I believe you saw something. I’m just not sure I believe it was Levi.” Seeing her brow furrow, he squeezed her hands. “Let’s just agree that you saw something, okay. We’ll worry about what later.”

“Okay,” she sighed. Opening her mouth to speak again, she quickly closed it. Don’t say anything Sue, she told herself. It will only set him off again. She bit her bottom lip, trying to stem the tide of tears that threatened to overflow again. She dropped her gaze to her lap. She hadn’t been completely honest with Jack about why she was upset. Seeing Levi was unnerving, to say the least. However, it had left her with a feeling of peace. It was the run-in with Steven Dermo that had driven her over the edge.

Steven was a Randy Pitts wannabe. He would have to move up several rungs on the human ladder to be on the same level with Randy, however. He was a small man with the nose of a rat and the eyes of a mole. He wore coke-bottle glasses that he continually pushed up his nose with his middle finger. He made Sue’s blood run cold every time he looked at her. He had this way of looking at her that made her feel as if he had seen her naked and would like to see her that way again. He had been steering clear of the bullpen since his latest run-in with Jack. The memory sent shivers up Sue’s spine.

That fateful day, Steven had made a nasty comment about all the memorials people were leaving outside the bullpen for Levi. “Such fuss over a stupid, mangy mutt,” he had grumbled. The recollection of the event still brought tears to Sue’s eyes. It had not been a week since Levi’s death. She had dissolved into tears while Jack lunged at the offending man, sending him sprawling to the floor. If it had not been for Bobby and Myles restraining arms, Sue was sure that Jack would have torn the man limb from limb. She had never seen that kind of anger in Jack before. As Steven had picked himself up off the floor, he sneered, “I’ll make you pay for this, Hudson.” The memory of his sneering lips sent chills up her spine.

Jack gently lifted her chin. Gazing into her face, he saw the unspoken fear. She wasn’t telling him everything. “Sue, remember the promise we made?” He couldn’t help but grin at the blush that spread across her face as she nodded. Busted, he thought. “Okay, then what are you not telling me?”

“It’s nothing Jack,” Sue responded. Seeing his arched brow, she blushed again. “I just had a run-in with Steven Dermo.” She felt Jack tense. “Now Jack, don’t be rash. It was nothing, really.”

Jack’s face burned with his restrained anger. “It wasn’t nothing if it upset you this much,” he fumed through gritted teeth. “What did he say? Where is he now?”

“He made a snide comment about what he would be able to do to me now that I didn’t have Levi to protect me. Then he headed towards the archive room.” Seeing Jack rising from his chair, Sue laid a gently hand on his arm. “Jack, don’t. Besides, what am I going to do about these?” she asked, showing him the broken chain, cross and ring.

Jack sat back down. The last thing Sue needed right now was to worry about his stupid actions. He needed to learn to think before he acted. He usually did, except when it came to Sue. Gathering the items in his hand, he laid them on the table. Grinning at his Sue, he reached into his pocket and withdrew a neatly wrapped package. He handed it to Sue, “I was going to give this to you tonight, as an engagement present. See if this solves your problem.”

Examining the box, Sue gave Jack a saucy look. “Well, Hudson, it’s obvious that you didn’t wrap this.”

“Thomas,” Jack feigned indignation. “You wound me with your doubt of my gift wrapping abilities.” He loved the glimmer that had returned to Sue’s eyes. “I think I will take it back.” She jerked it away just as his hand reached for the gift.

“Oh no you don’t, Jack. I won’t let you be an Indian giver.” She tore the wrapping from the paper, but didn’t get the box open before his hands gripped her wrists, lightly. “Jack, let go,” she laughed.

He gave her a devilish grin, “Only if you kiss me first.” He leaned forward, closed his eyes and puckered his lips.

Sue chuckled. Leaning forward, she planted a loud kiss on the tip of his nose. Watching his eyes snap open, she sniggered at the look of disappointment in his eyes. “Well, you didn’t say where you wanted me to kiss you. Now, let me go.”

Releasing her from his grasp, he shook his finger at her playfully, “Just wait, Thomas. I’ll get you for that.”

Sue smiled brightly at him as her fingers lifted the top from the box. Lowering her eyes to it’s contents, the smile melted into a delighted gasp. “Oh, Jack, it’s beautiful.” She gently fingered the diamond cross pendent and chain that lay in the box.

Jack took the necklace from the box. Opening the clasp, he slid Sue’s engagement ring down the chain to rest beside the pendent. Rising from his chair, he walked around behind Sue. As she lifted her hair, Jack placed the necklace around her neck. Bending down, he started to trail soft kisses along the nape of her neck.

Feeling Jack’s warm lips and hot breath on her skin, Sue moaned. Leaning her head back, she sought his mouth with her own. Kissing him gently, she sighed as he deepened the kiss, running his tongue over her teeth. Feeling him moan as she opened her mouth to give him full access, her heart smiled. Gently pulling away from the kiss, she smiled, running her fingers along his jaw line. “Thank you, Jack. It’s beautiful.”

Jack leaned forward and place a light kiss on her lips. “I guess we need to get back before Lucy sends out a search party.” Hearing her groan, he smiled broadly. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. In less than 18 hours, we will no longer have to be discreet.” Reaching on the table, he picked up the broken chain and cross, placing it in his pocket. Seeing her puzzled look, he explained. “I am still going to get this fixed. I think it would be a nice keepsake to pass down to our daughter.”

Sue smiled as she rose from her seat. She gently placed her hands against Jack’s chest, “Jack, you are the most thoughtful man I have ever met.” Snaking her arms up his chest, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself into his embrace. She laid her cheek against his shoulder, standing there enjoying the feeling of security he gave her. She still missed Levi, but without his sacrifice, she wouldn’t be in the arms of this wonderful man.

**************

Steven Dermo was lurking outside the conference room. Seeing Jack and Sue step through the door and into the hallway, he eased himself around the corner, out of sight, but able to spy on the couple. He watched as Jack looked from one end of the hallway to the other. He saw Jack relax, obviously thinking the area was deserted. H sneered as Jack drew Sue into an intimate embrace, kissing her with much too much ardor for such a public place. So, Super Agent Hudson and Secret Weapon Thomas are an item. How perfect, he thought as an oily grin crossed his face. At that moment, a rancid plan began to form in his crooked little brain.

More later
Kim

Grrrrrrrr to this Dermo dude! He better watch his step!

Love that Levi is still around, helping Sue.

i thought you said we didn't need any more kleenex, reading about levi still being around had me



can ghost dogs bite evil people in the bum?

cath

A "rancid plan" is being formulated. I don't like the sound of that. This guy sounds ten times worse than Randy.

I agree, having Levi help Sue find her necklace and ring had me in tears again!!

Randy is just a misguided soul - this Dermo creep is just downright evil!!!

Joy

I am so glad that Levi is still around to protect and help Sue.
I don't like this Steve guy, Lets get rid of him

Dianna

ughh i so don't like that dermo guy,,, well actually like is to nice , i detest him

Lovely fuzzies

This Dermo guy is a little scary

Ditto!!

Sam

Not good! This Dermo jerk better not interfere with Jack and Sue' or

Em

Not too happy about this rancid plan business.
thanks,
Terie

That little creep is a rat....grrrrrrr.....nicely written though Kim....cant wait for more

Kim I was blubbing again!!! I'm not one of those people who cry easily at anything, but you have mastered this sadness. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR to that creep. Fantastic writing!

Jen

A/N Thanks for all the wonderful replies! They are truly appreciated.

D grinned at his team as they continued to plot and plan the evening’s activities. If only they knew. It seems Jack and Sue are not the clueless ones anymore. “I think you guys have a handle on this. Let me know what I need to do.” He turned and exited the bullpen, chuckling to himself. He had already done more that Lucy or anyone else on the team to get those two together. He had to hand it to Jack and Sue. They had kept their promise of discretion even in the face of tragedy. He wouldn’t miss this evening’s activities for anything, although he already knew the outcome.

Entering his office, he reached for the phone. I can’t wait to see the look on the team members faces when they realize Jack and Sue have not only been seeing each other, but they are planning a Christmas wedding, he ruminated. “Hey, Donna. I need you to pick up our costumes for Myles’ party tonight…No, they haven’t figured it out…Yeah, it will be a blast…No, I have one more special project I am working on. I’ll tell you about it when I get home. Love you, sweetheart.” Hanging up the phone, he focused his attention on the folder lying on his desk.

****************
"Okay, even though I still say this isn’t going to work,” Lucy sighed, “let’s go over the plan one more time.”

“Right,” Tara said, pulling up the check list on her computer screen. “Okay, Lucy, go over the first phase of the plan.”

“Okay. “ Lucy handed out copies of the plan to the other team members. “I have arranged to receive a phone call about the cable being out in our building. Since Sue and I are acting building managers, I will volunteer to meet the repair man at our apartment, leaving Sue stranded. You guys are to make yourself scarce so that Jack has no choice but to offer to take our stranded maiden home. Then, once they are out of the bull pen, Bobby, you are to call me. I will then call Sue’s blackberry and inform her that I forgot to pick up her costume. It is at the same costume shop where Jack will be picking up his. I will tell her she needs to find somewhere else to get ready as the cable guy is having to rewire the entire apartment and it is an absolute mess. When Sue tells Jack, he, being the knight in shining armor that he is, will offer her use of his apartment.”

“Right,” Bobby interjected. “Then I, watching from across the street, will call Jack and tell him that the guys from the Bureau garage will be coming to get his car for routine maintenance. However, being his best friend, I have arranged for an alternate mode of transportation for he and the lovely Ms. Thomas. The limo will arrive promptly at 8:00 this evening. It will transport our lovely couple to a romantic corner of our nation’s Capital for a lovely, private dinner. It will then transport them to the lovely Leland home, where the Halloween party will commence.” He leisurely placed his feet on his desk and reclined in his chair. He placed his hands behind his head and grinned. From this vantage point, he could gaze at Tara without Myles noticing. He didn’t have to worry about Lucy. He knew she was so intent on the Jack and Sue relationship that he and Tara were safe, for the moment at least.

“Only if I get a chance to get home and decorate,” Myles whined. “Otherwise, the evening will be sent preparing for the party instead of enjoying the party.”

“That has already been arranged, Harvard,” Tara quipped. “I took the liberty of having a friend of mine and her staff take over the preparations for the party. Just have your keys ready at 2:00 this afternoon. She will be dropping by to pick them up. She will also be playing the role of the fortuneteller in Operation Couple United, this evening. I have given her all of the special effects I made for the crystal ball. She and her staff will be installing those as well.” When she looked at Bobby, he gave her a dimpled smile. She was relieved she had been seated. If not, she would have wound up in a heap on the floor. Those dimples…

“Okay, my turn.” Myles replied with an air of superiority. “I will ask you guys to set up some surveillance in an empty upstairs room. The reason: I want catch the little hoodlums who have been toilet papering my yard. They always strike sometime around midnight. Jack and Sue will take the first watch, which will start at 10:00 pm. I will make my way up to the room, locking it from the outside. Finding themselves alone for the next few hours, they will be forced to talk. Hopefully with the thoughts placed in their minds by our illustrious fortune teller, it will be their relationship they will discuss. By the bewitching hour of Midnight, they should be well on their way to being a couple.”

“If I know Sparky,” Bobby chuckled, “he won’t be doing much talking. He has a way of letting his actions speak louder than words, if you get my drift.” He winked at Tara, causing a pink tinge to bloom on her cheeks.

Tara cleared her throat. “Okay people, it looks like Operation Couple United is a go. Now, let’s all raise our coffee mugs in a toast to a successful mission.”

“What mission?” Jack asked. An amused smile played across his lips as he watched the team members sheepishly lowered their coffee mugs.

“We were just…”Lucy started.

“Helping Myles plan Operation TP,” Tara quickly added.

“Yeah, Mate. Seems like some little nippers are constantly toilet papering Myles’ yard. This year, we have offered to help him out.” Bobby explained.

“Yes. Since you all will be in attendance at my costume party this evening, I thought I could coerce you into helping me do a little surveillance work.” Myles grinned.

“Okaaay,” Jack sighed. They are definitely up to something. My gut tells me they are plotting to set Sue and me up. Well, let’s just see if we can beat them to the punch, he mused.

“Jack, where is Sue?” Lucy asked. She frowned as Jack merely shrugged his shoulders. He needs a good swift kick in the backside. Maybe that will jumpstart his motivation. “I thought you went after her.”

“I did, but I saw her slip into the ladies room.” Jack mentally crossed his fingers. It wasn’t really a lie, she had one foot in the doorway when he caught up to her.

“Then why…” Lucy was interrupted by a her ringing phone. Holding up one finger to indicate to Jack she had not finished this conversation, she answered. Frowning, she placed the call on hold. Looks like this conversation will have to wait. “Jack, you have a call on line 2.”

“Hudson.” A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he listened. He glanced at his watch. “That would be great!...yeah, we should be able to make it by then…No, I haven’t mentioned it…That’s right, three months ago, today…I don’t know, but I hope so…Thanks again.”

He was just hanging up the phone when Sue reappeared in the bullpen. He noticed her eyes were red-rimmed, but the sparkle was back. He knew he had put that sparkle back in those hazel eyes. He intended on keeping it there. If she ever lost that sparkle again, he would do all in his power to help her find it. He watched, transfixed as she crossed the room to her desk. Waiting until she had settled into her seat and glanced his way, he gave her a wink and a small smile. He grinned broadly as she returned his smile. He sighed as she fingered the necklace through her sweater. Glancing at this watch, he thought, 14 hours to go.

Lucy moved to position herself in Sue’s peripheral vision before she gently reached out to touch the deaf woman’s shoulder. She and the rest of the team learned the hard way that some modification was needed in the way Sue was approached. Lucy had become so accustomed to Levi alerting Sue to her presence, she had forgotten Sue couldn’t hear her approaching. The first time she tried to get Sue’s attention, she was met with fear filled eyes as Sue leapt from her chair. The fear she had seen in those eyes still haunted her dreams. She knew Sue was strong, but without Levi…The memories of losing Levi and the days following the memorial service brought a lump to Lucy’s throat. Her eyes misted slightly. It was three months ago, today.

“Sue,” Lucy said once Sue had focused on her. “Are you okay?” She watched as Sue nodded slowly. “I’m so sorry. I have been so wrapped up in helping Myles with tonight’s costume party, I completely forgot. As much as I miss Levi, I can only imagine how hard these last three months have been on you. I’m so sorry I didn’t remember.” Lucy blinked furiously to stop the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. The red-rimmed eyes told her that Sue’s tears had just recently subsided. She did not wish to be the cause of another round.

Sue looked into the eyes of her best friend. The compassion and sorrow she noted there almost sent her over the emotional edge again. Swallowing the lump that formed in her throat, she gently replied. “That’s okay, Lucy. Life moves on. I do miss Levi every day. But even I have found myself missing him a little less each day. It’s just today…” Her voice trailed off as she remembered this morning’s encounter in the park. Feeling Lucy’s hand on hers, she refocused on her friend. “I’ll be fine, Lucy. Don’t worry.” Sue gave her friend a small smile.

*****************
He sneered as he placed the last page into the manilla file folder. Pushing his coke bottle glasses up his nose with his middle finger for the fiftieth time that day, he chuckled at his good fortune. Randy Pitts may have the recognition, but I have the position. Working in the Director’s office certainly has it’s perks. He checked the local news website for the time of sunset. He would set the time for sunset. He would need as much light as possible. He didn’t see well in the dark. Sunset would offer the perfect balance of light and shadow. He smiled an oily smile at the pictures of the two agents he had circled in the directory. One would soon be dead and the other would soon be his. His plan was perfect.


More Later
Kim

Why are you doing that?! Oh well the plan sounds totally ridiculous....keep it up

Ok what else is Jack planning for today?
The team is going to be very suprised that Jack and Sue have been dating for several months. I can't wait to see how you cover that and the engagement.

Dianna

can't wait to see the faces when they realise jack and sue are dating and engaged

could the oily one go slick off somewhere?

The end of the post was rather sinister.

Loved Lucy's military schedule

ditto!!

Sam

The plans for the party sound fun, and Jack and Sue appear to be doing great. They should have such fun with the team as they reveal their engagement. Just one thing...this crazed Dermo creep sounds scary.

This party sounds awesome! But this creepy guy... I don't like what he's planning

Em

Cath, I loved this idea. Unfortunately, this is one oil slick that will take a while to disperse.

Chapter 5

D entered the bullpen. “Listen up, guys. We have a new case.” He frowned as the team groaned. “Hey, I know you all had plans for this evening, but this can’t wait. It came directly from the Director’s office. It seems that young women have been disappearing from the waiting area of a Haunted Trail in Arlington. They turn up a few minutes later, dazed but unharmed. Each one has been with a male companion. Neither the victims nor the companions have been able to provide many details. The other strange thing is that it occurs just prior to or at sunset. The Director thinks that it would be a good idea for the team to go undercover as couples. The rest of the information is in here.” He handed the folder to Jack before turning to leave the bullpen. “If you guys are on your toes, you just might be able to wrap this up and still make the evening festivities.”

Jack flipped open the file as the team gathered around. He took a deep breath, smelling the scent of her perfume. He glanced to his right and saw Sue standing a breath away from his shoulder. He swallowed the desire to take her in his arms and kiss her. Turning back to the folder in his hand, he shivered slightly as he felt her breath against his neck. He knew she had moved closer to read the file over his shoulder. Clearing his throat, “There’s not much to go on. Just a vague description of the events surrounding the incidents. It seems that each one of these incidents occurred just before sunset.” Raising his eyes from the folder, he directed his question to Tara, “Any chance you could find out what time sunset is this evening.”

Tara nodded, quickly taking her seat behind her computer screen. She allowed her fingers to fly over the keyboard, her mind racing faster than her fingers could go. “5:09 p.m.,” she grinned.

Bobby smiled at the tousled hair behind the computer screen. No one was faster on a computer than his Tara. His Tara, the thought warmed his heart. Glancing around the room, he breathed a sigh of relief. No one had noticed.

“Okay. Then let’s see if we can dig up more information on this case.” Jack ran his fingers through his hair. Her nearness was slowly driving him insane. “If any of you guys have any contacts in the Arlington area, call them. Let’s meet back
here at 2:00. We need to be at the Haunted Trail by 4:00. Let’s move people.”

Jack felt her move away. Turning to his right, he gently grabbed her elbow. “Sue, would you like to grab some lunch?” He smiled as she blushed and nodded. He laid the folder on the desk and walked with her out of the bullpen.

He felt the lump grow in his throat as he stopped by the coat rack. He took her jacket and handed it to her. He then reached for his. Pulling it on, he turned, out of habit, to grab Levi’s leash. Swallowing hard, he quickly lowered his hand, hoping Sue had not seen his mistake.

**************
Going through the drive-thru of a fast-food restaurant, Jack eased the car back out into traffic. “I hope you don’t mind eating on the way.”

“No, I don’t mind,” Sue smiled. Jack was up to something, she could tell. She knew that he had been distracted since she had returned to the bullpen. At first, she had thought their encounter in the conference room was the culprit. Then, D had rushed in with the new case. But it was more than that. “So, where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” he said. Sue noticed the mischievous grin. He is definitely up to something. Sighing, she settled back against her seat, trying to concentrate on eating the hamburger in her hand.

Fifteen minutes later, he pulled into a parking space at their destination. He could hear the barks of the dogs in the kennels out back. He took another sip of soda to wet his suddenly dry mouth. Setting the cup back in the cup holder, he gazed at Sue. He was taking a big chance here. Reaching out, he took her hand in his trembling one. He composed his thoughts as Sue turned her gaze to focus on him. “Sue, before you say anything, I need to explain…”

“Okay, Jack.” Sue gave him a baffled look. “But where are we?”


More later
Kim

That was a fantastic post, but what was that last paragraph?!??!!? I'm going to fend this evil person off with my Aren't these new smilies the BEST?!?!?!

Jen

i wondered after the last post if he was thinking of a new dog, now i'm more convinced but probably wrong

is the oil slick to blame for all this or is he using it?

cath

So Jack is thinking of getting another service dog for Sue.

As Cath said is the 'oil slick' going to use the disappearances as way to do something to Sue and Jack?

Sam

Stopping at the kennel could be a wonderful idea. I wonder how Sue will react?

I am apprehensive about this case.