wow

what a strong post...and a terrifying post!

I think the spook factor just jumped SEVERAL meters. Wow! Can't wait to see where you are going with this.

This will probably insure that Sue's "brother" be around even more than he was planning.

Wow, Rerio, so many interesting dynamics!!!

True friendships...Ugly prejudices...Evil lurking

You are doing an absolutely brilliant job. The storyline is magnificient and so fitting. Am very saddened for Sue and D. that part of what makes them special is being targeted by hate.

I hope there is not lasting residue for them emotionally.

By the time Jack walked into the room, she was almost hysterical. There was just something so wrong, so intrinsically awful about what had happened. “I don’t know what happened; I couldn’t see…I couldn’t remember the words…I can’t….”

He gently took the cloth from her hands and helped her sit on the floor. “You did fine.” He looked over at D, his eyes concerned. “You okay?”

D nodded weakly. “I don’t know what happened, either.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Jack commanded softly. “Let’s just get you cleaned up and moved to the living room.”

“Give me a minute,” D whispered.

“No problem.” Jack let the two of them rest while he calmed Levi, who was standing in the doorway working himself into a frenzy. “Whatever it was that happened sure got Levi upset.”

D chuckled mirthlessly. “Me too, buddy. Okay, I think I’m ready to move, but maybe we could find a bed instead of the couch. I really want to lie down.”

Sue moved quickly, glad to have something to do. “I’ll go make up the bed in your room.”

“And I’ll help you get cleaned up,” Jack added.

When D was finally settled Jack said, “I hate to ask you this, but can we go over what you remember?”

D nodded tiredly. “Sure.”

For the next half-hour all of them discussed what they had seen and heard. The surveillance crew had taken pictures of the men as they entered the building, but they had only caught part of the conversation. “There was some sort of electrical interference right after D warned them off,” Jack said.

“That’s when I started having trouble reading their lips,” Sue replied.

Jack pursed his lips, considering. “Do you think they were speaking in a foreign language?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I didn’t recognize anything.” She told him about the strange quality of their eyes, blushing a bit at the craziness of it as she tried to explain. Still, it was what she had seen.

They both looked at D, who shook his head. “All I can remember after that point is how much my stomach hurt. Sorry, Jack.”

Jack patted his shoulder sympathetically. “Don’t worry about it; I’m just glad you’re okay. Look, let’s just leave it alone for now. Give the guys outside a chance to work on it while you two settle down. D, do you need a doctor?”

“No. I’m okay now; I’m just tired,” he replied.

“Okay. We’ll let you rest.” As Jack walked Sue back to the living room, he pulled a radio from his pocket. “SAM31, this is SAM36. You can turn everything off for now; I’ve got control of the situation in here.” When Bobby’s cheeky affirmative reply came back through the speaker, Jack grimaced and looked at Sue. “That man should have gone into comedy.”

She smiled, but it was forced. “That bad?”

He shrugged. “Bobby’s having fun, I guess. Doesn’t matter. Sound is off; they’re not listening anymore.” He opened his arms.

She stepped into his embrace, burying her head in his shoulder. Finding sheets for D’s bed had given her time to calm down somewhat, but she was still shaky. She stood in the strong warmth of his arms, taking the comfort he so readily offered. There were so many things she appreciated about him, and this was one of her favorites. He was so dependable, so…steady. She had never in her life been so happy to see him than when he walked into the bathroom a few minutes ago…

She shuddered involuntarily, and Jack’s arms tightened around her. In one fluid move, he lifted her up and carried her to the couch. When he sat down, holding her in his lap, she tried to protest. “Shh,” he whispered. “Just sit for a minute.” He kept stroking her back until she settled against him, snuggling into his warmth. They stayed there for a very long time, taking comfort from each other.

Finally he pulled away enough that she could see him talk. “I don’t like having you involved in this.”

She thought of the terror of the last couple of hours. “I’m not crazy about it, either, but it has to be done. I need to do this.” She thought of every unkind word, every teacher who would not repeat a question, every man who had decided she wasn’t worth the effort.

Jack must have seen something on her face, because he backed down. “We’ll have to tighten security.”

“After today, I don’t think I’ll argue with that.” She grinned wryly.

He studied her for a minute. “It’s always going to be difficult for me, isn’t it?”

She looked at him curiously. “What do you mean?”

“Loving you.”

She was sure she had read him wrong. Her eyes flew to meet his, and she saw the truth written there. “I love you, too,” she said.

He reached out to stroke her cheek with his finger. “That’s very nice, but it doesn’t help me keep you safe.”

Something about the strange events of the day had given her a confidence she wouldn’t normally have had. She reached up to give him a brief kiss. “Does that help?”

His eyes reflected his delight…and more than a little mischief. With a little boy’s pout on his face he said, “I’m not sure; I think you should try it again.”

She smacked his shoulder in mock indignation but kissed him again anyway. He pulled her close and deepened the pressure of his mouth upon hers. They took their time, exploring this precious gift they had found in each other.

Finally Sue ended the kiss. “It’s a good thing the blinds are closed,” she said. “Otherwise the ‘older brother’ storyline would take some work.”

He grinned and placed a final, teasing kiss on her neck. “The storyline is going to take work anyway. Trust me…I don’t feel at all brotherly about you.”

“Jack!” she gasped, smiling. Ignoring his protests, she got to her feet. “For that I’m putting you to work. You can help me finish unpacking while D sleeps.”

He groaned. “Women! Tell them you love them, and you’re stuck doing chores the rest of your life.”

She shot him a disdainful look. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t see that.” She swept from the room, dragging a reluctant Jack behind her.

I really just loved this whole post, rerio! I particularly liked the following..



That part was just so tender and perfect--also loved the playfulness that followed Jack's confession of love. And you know that I'm a J/S nut, so I'm going to pretend that you wrote this particular scene just for me. Thank you!!!!! Let me tell you, it hit the spot---it was lovely; can I please have some more???

How nicely done and well written. Loved the interaction. Could tell you saw this scene and just followed the action. Could hear and see quite clearly. The banter was a nice touch, added to the depth - but then that is the way the relationship plays.

Gershwin

Loved the playfulness in this section...so Jack and Sue! The whole post was great, Rerio! Looking forward to what happens next!

I'm going to ditto Tina (especially the emphasized part)...as I am a J/S junkie.

Rerio, thank you for the warm fuzzies. It was a nice break before you again make the hair on my head stick straight out from fright!

/flip has fingers over eyes and in ears....bring on the scary stuff....flip is ready! (Just please follow it with more nice and long warm fuzzies... )

I'm going to start expecting Scully and Mulder to show up. This is very X-Files. I like it. I also loved the playfullness of Jack and Sue. I think scary and fuzzies are a good combo. I don't know what to expect next.

Oh, Rerio, you're making my heart swoon.

Loved Jack's confession to Sue, her surprise, and then her admission back. You are writing the two of them fabulously.

BUT I'm freaked out about those nasty characters charading as men. Please keep them somewhat contained...I have a fragile heart that scares easily...

this is so wonderful...warm fuzzies mixed in with hairy scary

Wow...I've missed a lot since the last time I read this...

Great job with the characters especially (eep, can't spell) with the evil "upper echelons" guys who came to visit Sue and D.

I'm speechless. This story is SO good! Please update soon.

JoM

I know you favor the M/T scenes but you are so good at the J/S scenes.

I am so glad that you throw in warm fuzzies every now and then to help shoo away the scaries; otherwise, I would be locked in my bedroom every night fearful to open the door.

Once again I will tell you that you are a wonderful writer. And this story just demonstrates your talent so well.

Absolutely beautiful, rerio. Honest and realistic, without being dry.

So many wonderful J/Sers around here! Heaven, for me! Thanks, rerio! The post was still slightly creepish...but I appreciate the fuzzies more so because of it!

Okay... *prepares self for the scarier stuff*

Monday

Tara was in the study, so engrossed in working on her laptop that she didn’t notice him. “Hi honey; I’m home,” he drawled sardonically.

She looked up, startled. “Hi Myles!” When she saw what he was holding, she smiled with delight. “Iris! For me?”

He handed the flowers to her with a flourish. “I saw them in the shop on the corner, and I…” wanted to get them for you. He cleared his throat. “I thought they would give the house a personal touch.

She smiled, touching the rich color of the petals with her fingertips. “They will; they’re beautiful. I’m going to go find a vase.”

Myles watched her leave and then looked around the room. She had finished unpacking this room during his absence. He smiled with private amusement. Why am I not surprised that the room with the computers would be her first priority? He moved over to the bookcase, taking note of the CDs that she had placed on a shelf. Almost without thought he began rearranging cases.

Tara walked back into the room with the flowers. “I think I’m going to–” she broke off as she saw him at the bookshelf. Quickly setting the flowers down on a table, she hurried to his side. “What are you doing?”

Too late, he remembered that this kind of meticulous behavior usually led to ridicule. Feeling a slight flush cover his cheeks, he said haughtily, “I’m alphabetizing the CDs.”

“They’re already alphabetized,” she replied.

He looked again at the shelf. “In what language does Vivaldi come before Tchaikovsky?”

“I’m not sure, although in German the letter ‘V’ is pronounced as an ‘F’ would be in English, so I suppose you could argue that it applies to the German alphabet, organized phonetically,” came the prompt reply.

He looked at her in confusion. “You organized the CDs using the German alphabet?”

An interested look spread across her face. “No, although that might be a neat idea sometime. These, however, are alphabetized within categories…Baroque, Classical, Opera, Romantic…”

“Ah.” A closer inspection of the collection revealed that she was correct. “Vivaldi as a Baroque composer comes before Tchaikovsky, who wrote during the Romantic period.”

“Exactly,” she said, pleased.

It was a good system. Tara stood there, not looking the least bit embarrassed over the thoroughness of her choice of filing methods. She also didn’t apologize or offer to change anything. He smiled at her. “I like it.”

She grinned back at him. “Then put those cases back.”

He moved with alacrity to return the cases to their original locations. “My apologies.”

She laughed. “I’ll accept the flowers as your plea for forgiveness.” Walking over to the table, she picked up the smoky gray vase that now held the elegant bouquet. She put the vase on the corner of her desk and smiled. “Now I can see them when I work. Thank you, Myles. I love them.”

He moved to stand beside her. “I’m glad.” He held her gaze for a long moment, somehow forgetting what he should say next. He was beginning to suspect that she comforted some part of his soul that was best left unexamined. She eventually broke the spell, and he fancied that her voice was just a slight bit breathless when she asked about his morning. He grimaced. “Collins and I shot a round of golf at the country club; I dropped the occasional hint to inform him of my narrow-minded tendencies. You?”

Tara wrinkled her nose. “Lunch with Mrs. Collins at an exclusive French restaurant downtown. I had no trouble getting into the subject with her; every other word out of her mouth was a criticism of some group she deemed to be inferior.”

Their cover indicated that they were an upper class couple who both worked from home. Tara supposedly wrote computer technical manuals; Myles worked in financial consultation on a contractual basis. Their histories had been altered to suggest connections to certain high-level hate groups. When Collins and his wife had visited yesterday evening to welcome them to the neighborhood they had been pleased at the opportunity to begin the case, but neither of them was comfortable with the situation.

Tara was studying him now. “Something happened with Collins, didn’t it?”

He looked away. “It’s nothing.”

“There is something; I can see it in your eyes.” Taking his hand, she pulled him over to sit on the couch. “Talk to me,” she demanded.

“I…some of the things Collins said…some of the things I said in return…” He gestured ineffectually with his free hand.

She considered that for a moment. “Did you mean the things you said?”

“No, of course not.” He meant to stop there, but a sudden burst of honesty compelled him to add, “The thing is…there have been times in my life when I’ve said those kinds of things…and I’ve meant them.”

Her next words were a long time in coming, and they burned him to his soul. “You were cruel to Sue when she joined our team.”

He could not look at her. If it had been anyone else, he would have left the room in a rush of wounded pride. Because it was her, he kept trying. “I know.”

She continued, relentless. “You’re still pretty hateful sometimes, but I don’t think you mean it anymore.”

“I don’t,” he said firmly. “I really don’t.”

“Then why say things like that?” she persisted.

The question honestly mystified him. “I…I don’t know.”

She sat beside him in silence for a long time; he was glad she didn’t let go of his hand. Finally she spoke. “I think that you had the kind of upbringing that encouraged bigotry.”

There was no arguing with that. “It’s no excuse,” he said stiffly.

“Of course not!” she replied. “There’s never a good enough excuse for that kind of behavior. But maybe it explains that you have to work harder at it than other people. And you are trying; I think this conversation alone is proof enough of that.”

Her trust…her faith in him…was overwhelming. “I’ll keep trying,” he promised. “Still, there was this moment with Collins this morning…when it became too easy.”

She squeezed his hand gently. “That happens with any cover, I think. I’m glad you told me; now I’ll know to watch out for you. I won’t let you go too far.”

Something in her eyes made him think he could be the kind of man he wanted to be. “Thank you,” he said gruffly.

“Anytime.” She made no move to release his hand, and he was glad. They sat together for a long time, listening to the silence of the afternoon.

Very nice insight rerio. I really liked this scene. It gives a lot of food for thought. Wonderful job!!

I really liked this part. I love the fact that they're both so anal about certain things, ie: alphabetizing the cds...but you also did a wonderful job showing Myles' feelings about the case. You're really delving deeply into his psyche this time around--I have a feeling it is only going to get better! Can't wait to see what Ms. Twisted will come up with next...

i really felt for Myles here, he is having such a hard time

and Tara helped him beautifully

Awh, I could picture this so clearly! If you'd asked me to do that a month ago, I wouldn't have been able to do it - so I need to thank Ami for educating me in the ways of M/T!!!

Enjoying how this case is making Myles confront parts of himself he doesn't like, that can only be a positive thing in the long run. And love how he's such a softie ... stopping to buy Tara flowers. Hmm, maybe I need Myles to come over here and talk to Mark .......!

But most of all I liked having a brief respite from those awful, scary men talking in tongues or whatever it was. Still get shivers thinking about them. Saying that, I think I'm just about calm enough to move on now, rerio, as long as you keep slotting in the fuzzies to keep the scaries from sending me over the edge!!!

Rerio, I loved that post.

Myles' vulnerability; Tara helping him see the true man inside as he is today. Bad habits die hard.

Also good tie-in to how Myles treated Sue in the beginning which is fitting to bring up here. Will be anxious to see if you have Myles approach her at any point.

Still concern about the affect this will all have on D and Sue.

Excellent.

Author's note: I have upped the rating on this story from PG-13 to PG-15 for disturbing content. Specifically, I'm writing about neo-Nazis, and some of the character's opinions are very harsh. In particular, the following scene is extremely strong. I apologize for not warning anyone earlier; I don't think I realized at the beginning how intense this story would be. If there is a way to write about prejudice and not be dark, I haven't found it. Forgive me; I'll promise to keep it as honest as I can and make it better as soon as possible. I hope it goes without saying that there are many views expressed in this story that are not my own.


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


Tuesday, the following week

Sue took a bite of the Salmon Wellington elegantly prepared on the dish before her and sighed with satisfaction. “D, it’s wonderful!”

Cautiously tasting his creation, D’s eyes widened in surprise and pleasure. “I can’t believe I made that!”

She smiled up at her star pupil. “You did! All I did was supervise. I’m so proud of you!”

“I’m going to make this for Donna; she’ll be amazed,” he replied.

“I’ll watch the kids so that you can make a special date of it,” she offered. “You’ve earned it.” Despite his misgivings, D had spent the afternoon diligently following the instructions she had given him.

He smiled at her with appreciation. “I’d like that; thanks.”

As she enjoyed the rest of the meal, Sue thought of everything that had happened over the last week. She had submitted documentation to receive business permits and had spent the rest of her time preparing to open a “legitimate” business. There had been some threatening mail and a few harassing phone calls that D hadn’t wanted to tell her about, but at least their frightening visitors hadn’t returned.

Jack had brought news that Myles and Tara were slowly gaining the trust of Mr. and Mrs. Collins. They had been given literature to read and had participated in one small gathering at the Collins’ home; unfortunately Drake Mitchell had not made an appearance. When Sue thought of the kind of madness Myles and Tara were deliberately confronting, she couldn’t decide which side of the operation was the more difficult task. She and D were the victims of the discrimination, but at least they didn’t have to forfeit who they were.

Suddenly D rose to his feet, his face solemn. Sue turned to look at what had upset him, but in her heart she already knew. They were there, standing in the doorway. There were more of them this time, and they had covered their faces with white masks. Vacant eyes peered out from eyeholes, and the lower portion of each mask had been cut away so that their mouths were exposed. She knew instinctively that this had been done so that she wouldn’t miss whatever hatred they had come to deliver.

The masks didn’t really prevent identification, not to someone who had spent a lifetime seeing more than people expected. Sue was reasonably sure that the three people in the middle were the men from last week. She thought Mr. and Mrs. Collins were on the right, and Myles and Tara stood on the left. She looked closely at the people she thought were her friends, and shivered again at the overwhelming feeling that something was terribly wrong. Their eyes…

She realized D was speaking. “White hoods? What, you couldn’t come up with anything more original?” His face was full of bravado, but she could see the fear he was trying to control. She was afraid for him, too; he had been so sick the last time. Beneath the counter, she reached out to grasp his hand.

As he had done last week, Tall Man ignored D and spoke to Sue directly. “You’ve already been warned to leave; you’ve received numerous threats this week. How much further do you want this to go?”

“As far as it needs to,” Sue replied. “I’ve applied for business permits, and I’m not leaving.”

Mr. Collins moved forward and threw a package on the counter. “These permits? I’m afraid they were denied.”

Sue looked in horror at the paperwork in front of her. It was covered in some kind of reddish-brown substance…blood, if the smell was any indication…and obscenities had been scrawled across it. Despite her better judgment, she was suddenly furiously angry. “Who do you people think you are?” she demanded, her eyes flashing.

“We don’t have to tell you that,” Tara replied, her words so…detached…underneath her mask. “The point is, you haven’t been listening. Oh, wait! You can’t listen, because you can’t hear. You’re…defective.”

Sue stared at her in shock. She knew Tara was playing a role, but surely…

“Not just defective…depraved,” Myles added. “What happens at night between you two, anyway? And your ‘brother’ who visits all the time…do you invite him to play too?”

They’re not okay, Sue thought with desperation. I need them to not be okay. Their eyes…there was nothing of her friends’ souls in those horrible, empty eyes…

She felt D’s hand tighten around hers painfully. “That’s enough!”

“It is not enough,” Tall Man said expressionlessly. “It is only the beginning.” He moved toward them, and she knew…she knew that it was about to happen again. They would begin that terrible madness again, and this time they would not stop…

Then Jack was there, his face flushed with anger. “What’s going on in here?” He advanced threateningly on the group, and all Sue could think was that he must be careful…so very careful.

Tall Man looked at Jack and said something Sue couldn’t catch. Wincing, Jack stumbled back against the doorframe and clutched his stomach. “Jack!’ she cried. She tried to run to him, but D held her close to his side.

Lefty spoke sharply to Tall Man in that same incomprehensible language and then turned to address Sue. “We have delivered our final warning; do not fail to heed it.” Then they were gone, leaving friendship and trust shattered on the ground behind them.

I'll admit that it's hard to know what to say after reading something like this...nothing I can say will really do your writing justice. I admire you for being able to portray this story so honestly. Like I've said before, if anyone can do it, you can. Keep up the awesome work! Myles and Tara are going to have major demons to face after what went down in that scene...

Oh, wow, Rerio. That was intense - powerful. I am extremely concerned for Jack, Sue, and D - but even more so for Tara and Myles. I don't like one bit what Sue observed and I'll be waiting anxiously for your next post. I know the case won't be resolved so quickly - but I'm curious as to what Myles and Tara remember about their part in the action.

I'm waiting anxiously - but with baited breath for what is to come.

Like Flip, I'm also extrememly concerned about Myles and Tara, and their involvement in this, can't help but wonder if perhaps they've been drugged or even something more sinister, as I'm at a loss to explain the power the 3 'goons' have.

Ami, I am so glad you are writing this - thank you!

Wow, rerio...such powerful writing. This line really stood out to me....



I'm sure that after this case, the team will have to work through so much to really be a TEAM once again. I'm just hoping that this doesn't damage their trust and friendship permanently....

bwaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAAAA!!!

Rerio, you said it was scary, but MY WORD!!!


AAAAAAAA


hand.....anyone?

OHhh my.. Great job!!

Thanks for sticking with me, guys. And thanks for the many of you who've listened as I struggled with writing this story...it's a pretty tough one. This next part might help a bit...

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

Neither of them spoke on the way back to the house. They were sitting in the back seat of the Collins’ car; it was impossible to discuss what had happened. It wasn’t impossible to feel…to tremble…to be horrified. As the minutes passed away, they each began to awaken from…wherever they had been. The memories remained. They could not look at each other; they could not look at themselves. They sat perfectly still, both continuing to struggle with the madness that crept through their minds.

When they reached the house they made some sort of polite reply to the other couple and left the car. They walked across the lawn almost mechanically; she waited patiently while he unlocked the front door. Entering the house, he methodically hung up his coat in the hall closet and headed into the study. She followed, unsure of her reasons but somehow knowing that she must not leave him alone.

He filled a glass with brandy and drank most of it in one burning swallow. With almost analytic detachment he hurled the glass into the fireplace and watched it shatter; she flinched as the sound penetrated the last bits of fog that covered her mind. “Myles, no,” she said with quiet intensity, hurrying to his side.

He turned on her, pulling his arm away when she would have reached for it. “No, what? Don’t drink? Don’t throw things? Don’t be the monster that I’ve become?”

“You’re not a monster,” she said firmly.

He gestured aimlessly with his hands, his face revealing sorrow as tears filled his eyes. “What did I do tonight? What did I…my God…what did I say to my friends?”

She felt her control slip away. “I was there, too!” she cried, concerned for him, concerned for herself…scared out of her mind. “It wasn’t just you. I said the most awful things…”

Myles shook his head in disgust. “I told them to cut away the masks so that Sue could see…I could have at least spared her. And D…I would never…” Broken, he could not continue.

She tried again to make reason of the unreasonable. “I…I can’t think. I need to sit down.” She sank to the floor where she was, wrapping her arms around her knees and staring at the shattered glass that lined the darkened fireplace.

The frightened pallor of her skin forced him away from his own concerns. She needed him. He sat down beside her and pulled her into his arms. “You’re shaking,” he said.

She nodded absently. “I don’t feel well; I have a headache. Myles…what did we do? What happened? It was like I was watching myself from…someplace else. I couldn’t stop, even though it felt like I was screaming. I still feel like I’m screaming…”

“I don’t know,” he said. “It was like that for me, too. I was horrified at what was happening, and yet I was powerless to make it stop.”

“What happened?” she asked again.

He shook his head, mystified. “I’m not…I’m not sure. I know that Collins came over and said he had a job for us. I know we agreed to go. After that it’s…blurry.”

She nodded, burrowing into the warmth of his arms to try and control the shaking. “I don’t remember going to Sue’s store. I remember what happened while we were there…I wish I didn’t.” She grimaced. “I need some aspirin.”

“Your headache?” he asked.

She nodded, her face tight with pain. “It really hurts.”

“I have a headache as well,” he said cautiously. He thought about it for a few seconds, wondering… “Tara, where is your headache?”

She looked at him, confused. “Here, on the left side. Why?”

He nodded as if she had confirmed something. “That’s where mine is too.”

“What are you thinking, Myles?” she asked.

He took a deep breath. “There have been studies that suggest that the left cerebral hemisphere is affected during hypnosis.”

She looked at him, afraid to hope. “You think we were…what? Hypnotized? Brainwashed?”

“I think we might have been…influenced…somehow, yes.” His face was solemn.

She wanted desperately to believe it, but she forced herself to consider everything. “It’s a pretty convenient excuse. What if that’s not it? What if we really are…”

He shook his head firmly. “No. The disorientation, the headaches…something else was acting tonight. I don’t know how, but I know we weren’t in control of what happened.” When she tried to argue, he placed his finger over her lips. “If it had just been me, perhaps. But not you. Never you.”

She looked at him, tears of relief in her eyes. “Not you either,” she said with conviction. It was his turn to protest, but she silenced him. “No.”

He studied her for a long moment before leaning down to place a tender kiss against the side of her mouth. “Thank you.”

She gazed up at him, their faces just inches apart. “I promised I wouldn’t let you fall,” she whispered.

He smiled uncertainly at her. “Looking after me is a big job.”

Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “Then I should get started. I’ll go get the aspirin.”

Reaching out with his hand, he stopped her before she could leave. “Tara…”

She knew what he was asking. As if she had done so a million times before, she kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her and returned the kiss, giving her…everything. Somewhere in the midst of that terrible, horrific evening…something was finally right.

Oh my, Rerio...I really understand what you were saying last night. The second post did help, very much. Yes, this story has a lot of darkness, but it is realistic and accurate when you consider the evil to which prejudice has led some people. And yet, you have the talent to write this, to delve into that darkness and give us a glimpse of what must be overcome.

I know this is a difficult journey for you...we're holding your hand through it. Carry on, my friend...

Ok - yes that helped. I knew Tara and Myles had to be under some kind of mind control because they would never attack Sue and D the way they did tonight. Now I just hope they can figure out what exactly did happen to them and guard against it happening again.

Rerio you are doing an incredible job with this story. I'll be checking back often for updates......and trying (probably unsuccessfully) not to bug you about it.

rerio, that was a really good, and most definitely needed, post! I guess writing that kind of bigotry and hatred must really take it out of you, yet you always do such a great job of communicating the effect it has on people.

Nice to move a step closer to finding some answers, nice to see Myles and Tara move one step closer too!!!

wow rerio...that was.......unnerving, but somehoe settleing...disturbing, but yet calming.


How does one even try to describe your talent?

Wow, rerio!! You are doing a fantastic jb! I know how hard it can be to write about a sensitive subject such as prejudice, and even doing something awful that you don't want to do. You're doing a fine job of writing it, and I am enjoying your story immensely. It tugs at myheartstrings, warms my heart, and keeps me completely engrossed in the story. And the most touching part is, while I may not be threatening African Americans or subjecting myself to the same things Myles, Tara, D, and Sue are, it reflects my own life at times. It can be so easy to say you won't do one thing, then for some reason or another you do it, and it makes you feel horrible. So, hopefully Myles and Tara can find a shelter from the awful storm they're caught in, and D and Sue will find a refuge as well. Keep up the beautiful writing!!

Wednesday Evening

As Sue got ready for bed she thought about the fallout from the previous night. Jack had recovered from the attack, but he’d been furious with Myles and Tara. “I don’t know what they were thinking. I know they’re undercover, but that was inexcusable. When this case is over they’ll face disciplinary action.”

Sue had shaken her head firmly. “No. They weren’t acting like themselves; there was something wrong with them.”

He hadn’t been convinced. “Sue…”

“She’s right,” D had said. “They were too expressionless, too…vacant. Besides, Myles wouldn’t speak about me like that, no matter what the reason.

“I didn’t see anyone putting the words in his mouth,” Jack had replied, exasperated.

“But someone was, all the same,” Sue had insisted. “You didn’t have time to see, Jack; we did.”

He’d calmed down somewhat but had remained skeptical. He’d stayed with them last night, sleeping on the couch to help provide extra protection. In the morning he’d arranged a meeting with Myles and Tara, away from their home. When he’d returned, his anger had been replaced with deep concern. He’d told Sue and D about the hypnosis theory, but none of them had been sure how it could have worked. Admitting that he didn’t know enough about the field, Jack had passed on the information to the scientists at the Bureau. “Myles and Tara are extremely upset; they said to tell you they’re both very sorry for what happened.”

“They don’t need to apologize,” Sue said resolutely.

D agreed with her. “It wasn’t them; they couldn’t help it.” And that had been the last they’d spoken of it.

Sue slipped into bed, thinking with comfort that Jack was sleeping right outside on the couch. He had refused to leave again tonight, claiming that as her “brother” he would be expected to stay close right now. He’d kissed her goodnight…Sue closed her eyes, remembering the sweet taste of his lips against hers. He was always so gentle with her…

She stayed awake for awhile, thinking about the case. There was something unusual about what had happened that applied only to her, and she wasn’t sure that anyone else had noticed. She wanted to think about it awhile longer before she said anything. Finally she drifted into a light sleep.

She awoke to find someone standing by her bed, wearing one of those horrible white masks. A hand was pressed firmly over her mouth, and the light from the bathroom glinted off a long, deadly knife that was held above her.

AAAACCKKKK!!!!!!!!!! Oh, no! I KNEW I shouldn't have opening this thread at night! NOW I'm going to have nightmares!

AAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geez, rerio!!! Just when things seem to be calming down, and our agents seemed to be coming to an understanding, a chance for them to get farther in the investigation, BAM!! I'm hit by the light from the bathroom glinting off a long, deadly knife that was held above her.

My worst thought is that Myles or Tara's been hyptonized again and one of them has come to... to hurt Sue, and/or the rest of them. Perhaps they can find some way to bring Myles and Tara out of their state, if that is indeed the case. OF COURSE, it is possible that the wheels in my head are turning way too fast and my grip on reality is gradually slipping away....

Rerio? Oh, Rerio? RERIO!!

Get back in here and fix this post - right now young lady. You can't mean to leave it there all night and into tomorrow......That would be beyond cruel.....that'd be, well, pffffttttt! Can't think of the word right now. Just get back in here and post, please?????

Because you all asked so nicely...



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

She had only a moment to be terrified. Whoever he was, he hadn’t planned very well; he’d forgotten about Levi. The golden retriever jumped up from where he’d been sleeping on the floor and flung himself at the attacker. Sue’s concern turned to protecting her dog; she didn’t want Levi to get hurt. Somehow during the struggle Sue’s mouth was freed; she began to scream for Jack, putting every ounce of breath she had into her cries. She fought the assailant and felt the knife slice her arm in repayment.

Jack and D burst into the room and threw the man to the floor, securing him with overpowering force. As soon as it was over, Jack turned on the overhead light. “Are you okay?” he asked anxiously. She nodded at him, eyes wide as she held her arm. Blood dripped through her fingertips and stained the bed, but she was safe. Jack was here.

Well, dang! Who was it????? Arghhhh! I'm gonna have to go find a stinkin' blood pressure pill.

I guess I should thank you that Sue is at least safe - for now.

/flip exits mumbling under her breath.....

Wow, an otherwise unbearably short post has just been made bearable through gorgeous writing! While small, it shows a sheer desperation, and a strong connection. Sue felt so lost without Jack, and once he was at her side, she was confident enough to even feel safe. That was definitely a powerful post!!

Also, I'm still nervous that the man there was Myles... *teeth chatter in anticipation of the worst* However, I'm glad to know that they weren't overtaken by a larger group of hooded 'wackos', and that the others were ok. It wouldn't have been a good sign if Sue's cries were left unanswered! So, at least I feel more confident about that.

Ah, thank you, Rerio...I can sleep now. Jack is with Sue and the attacker (whomever he may be) has been subdued. I can wait until tomorrow to find out more... :whistle:

Oh my... i think your story is going to have to come with one of those warnings that they have on roller coaster rides (you know the ones that say if you have a heart condition, etc, etc get on the ride at your own risk sort of thing)

Otherwise, great job scaring the living daylights out of us. I think the reason why I find this so scary (and disturbing) is because stuff like this does in parts of the world.

Please post soon!

JoM

Wednesday Evening

They moved into the study after dinner, with silent accord reclaiming their favorite room from the horror of the previous night. Myles lifted an eyebrow when he noticed the book Tara selected from the shelf. “Gaudy Night?” he asked.

She gave him an apologetic smile. “I’m not up for A Tale of Two Cities tonight; I’ve had my fill of mob violence for now.”

“True,” he agreed. “Although, I would have said Sayers does an excellent job of portraying emotional unrest between Harriet and Lord Peter.”

She grinned. “In any case, the title’s appropriate.”

“ ‘What a night; what a gaudy night!’ ” he quoted.

“Exactly.”

He studied her for a moment. “Well, you shouldn’t have to face the perils of Oxford alone.” He held out his hand. “May I read to you?”

Her surprise gave way to pleasure. She placed her hand in his. “I’d like that.”

He gathered her close to press a gentle kiss against her hair. “I think I’ll start a fire first.” He pulled back to look at her, the question in his eyes.

She nodded, understanding what he didn’t voice. “That would be nice.” Reclaim.

Sometime during the day he had cleaned the glass from the fireplace. Now she watched as he knelt on the hearth, the wiry muscles of his back rippling beneath his shirt as he worked. Soon a healthy fire was blazing, filling the room with a warmth that had been terribly absent last night.

Finally they were settled on the couch, relaxing in the comfort from the fire and from each other. She was leaning against him, resting her head against his chest as he read to her of the independent Harriet Vane who struggled with her past and her attraction to the eccentric aristocrat Peter Wimsey. They were…wounded…lonely…but had found completion in each other, if they could only accept it. Thoughts tumbled around in Tara’s head as she listened to the lovely baritone of Myles’ voice, no longer sure if she was thinking about the novel or about reality.

He read until they were both tired and then suggested that it was time to sleep. As they had the previous evening, they shared the master bedroom. It had been completely innocent; they had simply found that they couldn’t bear to be alone. The slightest unexpected thing set them both on edge. Touch had been important too; they had spent the day gently touching each other’s hands, arms…sharing light kisses. It worried her a bit when she thought of it. Myles seemed to sense her concern. When they were finally lying next to each other in bed, he pulled her into his arms. “Something wrong?”

She sighed. “I don’t know. How do we know we’re not just…responding to last night?”

“Taking comfort where it can be found?” he asked.

“I don’t like that description.” She wrinkled her nose. “It makes it seem…less important than it feels.”

He was silent for a long time. When he spoke, his voice reflected his nervousness. “Would it help if I told you that I was attracted to you before last night?”

She smiled and snuggled closer to him. “I’m glad it wasn’t just me,” she admitted softly. His arm tightened around her in surprise, and when he kissed her again it was a deeper, more passionate kiss than they had previously shared. Finally she pulled away. “It’s still early, though.”

He understood her silent request, easing her into a more comfortable position against him and stroking her back until the tension relaxed. “We have time.”

“We’ll have to see about work,” she worried.

He allowed himself one final kiss on her brow. “They’ll have to figure something out, because you’re the one that I want.”

She raised on one elbow above him, mock indignation etched on her features. “Oh, really? Just like that?”

He stroked a finger down her cheek. “Just like that. Problem?”

She looked at him with amused disgust. “I almost wish I could think of something, just to wipe that terribly smug look off your face. But…no problem.”

He smiled at her. “Then go to sleep.”

She snorted and smacked his shoulder with her hand but eventually settled down against him. They both settled into a peaceful, hopeful sleep.

It was interrupted a few hours later when the phone rang.

aaaarrrrrtggggggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!

you-you-you....you...cookie!!! GRRR...leaving us there like that....GRR!!

Amazing writing Rerio - just amazing.

Rousing from sleep, Myles took just a moment to look bemusedly at the owner of the tousled blond hair and lovely eyes that had occupied his dreams. Wonder, beauty of my desire… He reached out to gently stroke her face before answering the phone. What he heard upset him enough that Tara noticed. She sat up beside him, concern in her eyes.

“It’s Bobby. Sue was attacked tonight,” he whispered. When her eyes widened in alarm, he continued. “She’s okay; Jack says it’s just a scratch. He wants us to be careful.”

She nodded. As Myles continued the conversation, Tara rose from the bed and headed into the kitchen, intent on getting a drink of water. A light flashing across the living room window caught her attention. She hurried to the window and cautiously peered outside; what she saw caused her heartbeat to race.

Hurrying back into the bedroom, she quickly began to change clothes. Myles had just finished talking to Bobby. “What is it?” he asked.

“I just saw Drake Mitchell pull up in the Collins’ driveway and go inside,” she said urgently.

His face alive with excitement, he began to dress as well. “This could be it,” he said. “Once he leaves, we’ll follow him.”

“I just wish we had some way to hear what was being said inside the Collins’ house right now,” Tara lamented.

Myles slipped on his shoes and grabbed his cell phone. “It’s okay. If we can catch him and his faction, that will be all the break we need.”

Tara nodded and followed him into the living room. Together they sat in the darkened house, watching from the window. After about half an hour, Mitchell exited the house with Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Myles and Tara gave the group a brief head start and then hurried out to the car. Tara drove while Myles called Bobby on his cell phone, informing him of the latest action in the case. After a few minutes he disconnected. “We’re supposed to follow them and contact the team when we reach our destination.”

“Got it,” Tara said crisply, all of her attention focused on the car ahead of her. She trailed them at a distance, doing her best to keep them in sight. Myles was quiet, knowing that the best thing he could do for her now was to stay out of her way. Forty-five minutes later they pulled up outside a warehouse and watched the group in front of them go inside. “Time to call for backup,” Tara said quietly.

Myles was looking at his phone with dismay. “I would, but I don’t have any coverage.”

She glanced at him with shock. “You’re kidding.”

He shook his head. “How come Mulder and Scully never had this problem?” he asked with frustration.

She grinned. “I used to think that if they could get coverage in Antarctica, I wanted to be on their plan.” She thought for a minute and then said, “I saw a gas station on the last block; you can probably find a phone there.”

He frowned. “I don’t like leaving you.”

“We don’t have a choice,” she argued reasonably. “This isn’t the kind of neighborhood where women walk alone at night. I’ll be safer and call less attention if I stay in the car.”

He sighed. “You will stay in the car.”

“Of course. But if they leave before you come back, I’ll follow them.” When he tried to protest she added, “You can leave your cell phone. If I have to trail them, maybe I’ll get coverage so I can call.”

He studied her for a long moment before placing the cell phone on the dashboard. “I’ll only be gone a few minutes.”

“I’ll be here,” she promised. She turned off the interior lights in the car so he could get out inconspicuously. After he was gone she sat in the oppressive darkness, trying not to be frightened. It was difficult; the previous night had been so…terrible. Who were these people? What had they done to her and Myles? She shivered, feeling the night filter into her soul…

She didn’t know where he had come from; she would have sworn that she should have seen him approach. He was there all the same, his expressionless eyes staring at her through the car window. With remote precision, she opened the door and got out. She followed him into the warehouse, ignoring the screaming that grew louder in her mind with each step. It was time.

WG shudders



i do have one complaint to take up with randy...

RANDY: let them get satallite phones. and thats NOT a please. :whistle:

Wow, Rerio, I'm glad this is a "short story." I don't know if I could handle this in "long form."

The depth of emotions you are pulling out of me is amazing. Angry, hurt, fear, concern...I still am very concerned about Sue and D and the aftermath of all of this. Though a case, this has to effect them personally...the potential fallout on the team. I do love the fact that Sue and D thought the best of Myles and Tara and knew they were not themselves.

Keep it coming, I'm looking forward to a "happy ever after" ending. PLEASE!!!

Yeek! I probably shouldn't have read this right now...but I just couldn't resist your fabulous writing!!!

But, ack, hypnotism??? That is most definitely creepyish!!!

You're giving me the willies...which is exactly what I would expect from a Halloween story!!!