As the description says, this is my sequel to "The Dating Game", which can be found in the Valentine's Challenge '07. Here is a quick synopsis of "The Dating Game":

The team gets the case of a serial killer who met his victims through an online dating service. Tara goes undercover, creating a profile for herself at the dating service and gets contacted by three of the same men that the victims were in contact with. During her undercover, she goes on a date with each of these guys, with the team as protection. Also, during the case, relationships spark between J/S, B/T, and M/L, who make dates for Valentine's Day. The story ends with these dates.

If you haven't read it and don't have time to do so right now, no worries, just keep in mind that at the end of it, Jack and Sue have begun a relationship, as have Bobby and Tara. Myles and Lucy are also testing out their newly found friendship.



I have no experience at mysteries, but an idea hit last night, so I thought I'd give this a try. (Don't you just hate it when an idea comes late at night and you know you should be sleeping, but you have to get things written down before you forget?) Haha.

On with the show................ :tv_horror:

--------------------------------

April 30th - 11:04 pm

"How could you let this happen?! You weren't supposed to let her out of your sight!" he screamed. The rage flashing in his dark eyes was enough to make the Bostonian flinch.

"I heard a gunshot outside. I went to investigate. Lucy was with her. I thought she'd be fine Jack." His voice was calm, but there was self-reproach in his eyes.

"Lucy's not an agent! You weren't supposed to leave her even for a second!" Jack yelled, getting up in Myles' face.

He soon felt a strong hand on his shoulder, there as a silent warning for him to reign in his anger before he made matters worse. His best friend's voice came low and steady, in a no-nonsense tone. "Jack, it wasn't his fault."

"It was my fault," the rotor said in a shaky voice as tears welled up in her eyes. "If I hadn't gone to the other room to answer the phone....there wasn't even anyone there." She shook her head in dazed disbelief.

"Lucy, it wasn't your fault. That phone call was meant to distract you, just like the gunshot was meant to distract Myles. This guy knew exactly what he was doing." The Aussie ran a hand over his face in an attempt to clear his head.

"We've traced the call to a pre-paid cellphone," Tara said joining the group. "There's no way to know who it belongs to," she finished quietly.

"We'll find her Spark. We'll bring Sue home." Bobby's voice broke through the strained silence. He wished he felt as sure as he sounded.

Jack just stared blankly, blind to the plush surroundings of the hotel room; a room that she had been in just over an hour ago. Sue. He slowly closed his eyes and raked his hand through his dark hair. "This can't be happening."

I think I just died and went straight to !!!

Cindy, thank you, thank you, thank you for a new story! And a mystery sequel no less! Yup, I'm positive I'm not on earth anymore!!



Wow... I'm... I'm... I'm just wowing over here. Don't mind me!

Another fantastic start, Cindy! I can't wait for more!

Cindy

Couldn't agree more with Tracy, especially since I just finished reading "The Dating Game" an hour ago....Look for my posted comment on your valentine challenge story. I loved it! When I saw you had posted a new story here I decided to run right over and read it. I am absolutely delighted it is a sequel to "The Dating Game." And to start off that way....ack! Something evil lurking out there!

Btw, congratulatins on hitting 26 a few weeks ago. A magic number, 26. Hope this is a magic year for you.

Lynn

Sounds good I guess, the idea...but and you are writing it on the eve of my bday your story's setting not the physical day today!

Thank you for the quick responses. They've made my day.

And Lynn, thanks for your wonderful comments on "The Dating Game".

I just wanted to let those who have read the first part already know that I made a slight change to it. I realized that what Tara said wasn't making sense (in my idea of what's happening in the story), so I just made a small adjustment.

Yup the pre-paid cellphone makes sense

Thankyou!

great start, i'm already hooked

cath

Oh wow! I think I'm going to already! I'm so excited to see you continuing Dating Game!!!

Em

what happened to sue? already a mystery I'll be happy to see solved!!! please continue I'm hooked!

to Jack! What did you do to Sue?!
However, like the others already said, I'm hooked! Wonderful beginning!
I'm so happy you're continuing "The dating game"!

Ornella

Great start...though it could have been on a more happier note...


~laura michelle~

Cindy, how could you? I'm glad you started a new story, but Sue is and that scars me. I hope Jack doesn't overreact any more than he already is, because his head is going to need to be clear to find Sue.

The search is now on!

Thanks for the comments!

-----------------------------------

(3 weeks earlier)
April 10 - 8:15 am

"What are you thinking Jack?" A small smile rested on Sue's lips as she fiddled with the necklace he had given her for Valentine's day, stroking the smooth surface of the cross that hung from it.

Jack set down his coffee cup, his hands remaining wrapped around the warm container as he watched the woman in front of him. "I was just thinking about how in love I am with this special woman who takes my breath away every time I look at her."

He smiled as he saw the blush creep into her cheeks. It was true. It had been almost two months since they had started courting and every day felt like the first.

Jack closed his eyes, smiling. The last two months had been the happiest of his life. On Valentine's day he had begun a relationship with Sue based on a strong friendship and respect that grew each day. Two weeks later, he had finally said those three little words she had waited so long to read on his lips. He too was thrilled when he heard her say them back, knowing from the look in her eyes that she meant them with her whole heart. Since that day they had not reserved those words for special occasions, choosing instead to make any occasion special by reminding each other of their love.

Jack thought back to February 21st. After a week of keeping their relationship hidden from the upper brass at the bureau while trying to find a way to stay together as a team, they were pleasantly surprised. What they expected to be complicated turned out to be quite simple. A miracle, no one had any doubt. That morning they were informed that the F.B.I.'s policy against inter-unit dating had been removed. It seemed that a couple in the L.A. branch had secretly eloped, leaving the bureau with a decision to make. Not wanting to break up a team that worked well together, they reviewed the usefullness of the policy and decided instead to replace it with regulations regarding public displays of affection on the job.

No one was more pleased by the change than Jack and Sue. Well, Bobby would argue with that, the change having cleared the way for his and Tara's new relationship as well. In the end, it meant that they would all remain together as the team and family they had become. That was something for which they were all thankful.

Jack nodded politely to the waitress who came to clear their breakfast dishes and leave the check before turning back to Sue. These little breakfasts out together had quickly become a tradition that both looked forward to when they closed their eyes at night, dreaming of seeing the other again in a few short hours.

"I love you Sue," Jack said crinkling his nose, seeking another opportunity to bring a blush to Sue's angelic face.

He was not disappointed, but even as the pink glow krept into her features, she didn't back away from his stare. Instead she reached across the table, placing her small hand over his slightly larger one and giving it a light squeeze. "I love you Jack."

The warmth of her touch was a sensation that still sent Jack's pulse racing. He knew the excitement would always remain fresh with Sue. Everything familiar was new again with her. He exhaled deeply, dreaming of the day she would be his forever.

* * * * *

Bobby ran his hand over the smoothness of his freshly shaved face. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he let out a sigh. He should be the happiest man alive. He and Tara were a couple and he loved the bubbly agent more than he could ever say. The bureau's no-dating policy was no longer an issue. Everything was perfect. If only, he thought. If only there wasn't still another obstacle in the road to happiness with Tara, one that only he was aware of.

Bobby slipped on his dress shirt, fumbling to do up the buttons while his mind wandered aimlessly, exhausted after another restless night's sleep. As he finished knotting his tie he wondered for the milliionth time what would happen when he finally told Tara about his gambling addiction. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her .... again. He regretted having done it in the past.

He closed his eyes remembering how stupid he had been that day, practically telling her that their kiss had been a mistake. And she had listened patiently while he made a fool of himself.

"I noticed all these things that I never noticed before and I realized that, um, well that maybe there could be something between us........If I hadn't also realized that I'm in love with Darcy." He could see the words, his words, cut into her like a knife through butter.

It had been over a year ago, but even now the memory pained him.

Drongo, Bobby berated himself under his breath although no one was around to hear him anyway. He hadn't really meant the words even as he said them, but as soon as they left his lips he knew the damage was done, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

It had been a confusing time. He did have certain feelings for Darcy although he knew now it wasn't love, not the kind that lasts anyway. Tara was still seeing Stanley at the time too. Things were complicated, but with patience and forgiveness on her part, they had gotten past all that.

Tara. Bobby smiled to himself whenever he thought of her. The memory of their Valentine's date was imprinted on his heart for safe-keeping. Any time things had gotten difficult in the past few weeks he had relied on that vivid memory to pull him through it. How right his arms felt around her as they danced in his living room that night, the sound of her voice as she instinctively hummed along to the songs, the floral scent of her perfume which consumed him, the sweet taste of her kiss, the look in her eyes that told him he had gained her trust.

That was the part haunting him now. He had gained her trust and the fear of losing that once she found out about his weakness made breathing difficult.

He'd considered not telling her, but just as quickly as the thought sprang to mind, he rejected it. He'd already waited longer than he should have, always coming up with some reason why it wasn't the right time to bring it up.

She had given him plenty of opportunities, wondering why he could never commit to a date on Sunday evenings before 8pm. Instead of telling her about his meetings he chose to make up one lame excuse after another.

No, he would have to tell her and the longer he waited, the harder it would be. You're going to have to roll the dice and risk the chance of losing her. He gave a disheartened chuckle at the irony of it all; gambling for Tara's love, he'd never had so much to lose.

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

That is just so.. wow.. I'm completely wowed. I don't think I can say any more

Wow pretty much sums up my reaction, too. It's a very good thing that Bobby wants to explain about his gambling addiction, though. You know, that episode is one of my favorites. That scene between him and Jack was very powerful and it showed that their friendship was based on trust of one another. I feel like his relationship with Tara is very much the same.

What an explosive start, Cindy!! I can't wait to see where you take us with this!!!

Joy

wow what a start..and why is everybody suddenly so keane on kidnapping sue.... you do know that you are giving poor jack the scare of a lifetime

Wow Cindy! Both couples are so I love it!!!

More please!

Em

All is well and legal! Gotta love that!

i'm sure tara will be understanding and supportive when he tells her

cath

Good story! Keep going!

come on Bobby... just tell her.

she loves you too, and i'm sure you'll weather the storm together.

Thanks for the comments!

-----------------------------------------

10:48 am

"Looking kind of tired there Crash." Jack joined a yawning Bobby at the coffee machine.

The Aussie waved the comment off. "Lack of sleep," he said stifling another yawn. "So, Sparky. Did you purchase that certain something for that certain someone yet?" The teasing glint was back in Bobby's eyes.

Jack quickly looked around to make sure no one was paying attention to their conversation. "Not yet," he answered in hushed tones, indicating for Bobby to do the same.

Catching the hint, Bobby turned back to face the coffee machine, half-whispering. "Just over three weeks Spark. Better get a move on."

"Yeah, I know. I'm going shopping for it tomorrow. I told Sue we were having a guy's night out. So, what do you say? Wanna join me? It'll be good practice .... you just might want to buy a 'certain something' one of these days." Jack lightly elbowed his friend on the side, teasing him.

"A guy's night out spent shopping? I don't know Jack. There's something about it that feels like a blow to my masculinity." Bobby shook his head in mock offence, before breaking into a grin. "Ah, alright."

Jack nodded his thanks before heading back to his desk. He paused by Sue's desk, getting her attention and receiving a smile. Just over three weeks until her birthday; one that he hoped would be the most memorable of both their lives.

He was about to say something to the analyst, but seeing Lucy approach, he decided to return to his desk and the growing pile of paperwork instead.

* * *

"For you Sue." Lucy set a white envelope on the analyst's desk with a smile.

"What's this?" Sue saw her name printed on the front.

"I'm not sure. Someone dropped it off for you downstairs. It was just sent up." Lucy shrugged and left to answer her ringing phone.

Sue slowly turned the envelope over in her hands. It's very light. I wonder what it could be, she thought as she pulled the flap open.

* * *

"Manning! Leland!" Randy Pitts' nasal voice pierced the silence as he entered the bullpen. "You two are late with the month-end reports for March .... again."

"Again?" Myles stood up to tower above the smaller man. "You make it sound like a frequent occurrence. Now I would wager that the last time we were late with our month-end reports for March was...what? An entire year ago."

Jack tried to hide his laugh as Myles got the office services manager worked up.

"Now Randy," D said coming around from his desk to pat the small man on the back. "Don't let Myles get the better of you."

"The better?" the Bostonian retorted wryly. "You mean there's worse?" He gave Randy a tight smile and headed back to his desk.

"Aw Randy, the reason we're always late is because we know how conscientious you are when it comes to these things and we want to get the reports just right. For you!" he added affectionately with a grin.

The befuddled man just threw his hands up in frustration. "Thomas," he said walking over to the analyst's desk. "Your reports are late too. I've come to expect that from Laurel and Hardy over there, but you Miss Thomas, I'm surprised at. I hope your relationship with Agent Hudson hasn't blinded you to your work." He looked at the woman who seemed oblivious to his presence there, staring at something on her desk. "MissThomas?" Randy waved his hand in the air, still unable to get Sue's attention. Shaking his head in disbelief at the distraction of this ragtag team, he walked out of the bullpen, calling over his shoulder. "Have those reports on my desk by 5 pm."

* * *

"Sue?" Jack walked over to her desk where she still sat looking at something. Touching her on the arm, she looked up. "You ok?" he signed.

She nodded slowly.

Jack followed her gaze back down to her desk where the now empty envelope sat next to a picture.

"What's that?" Jack asked, noticing that it was a clipping from a newspaper. Inspecting it closer he could see that it was a picture of a murdered woman with a handwritten caption: "It Could Have Been You."

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

hehe I just totally melted and I don't know why



*ahem* SAY WHAT?? Okay, this is wonderful! I mean, you're writing the mystery just perfectly! Another perfectly realistic from every character!!

So, Jack is going to buy a certain someone something special?? I know it's guy's night out, but I'd like to go along too to help find that something special!!!

You have Randy and Myles right in character!! I can see this happening!! I felt dread creep into my heart though when Randy couldn't get Sue's attention!!!

Oh, oh, this isn't good!!!

Joy

Okay, that's definately a big eek! moment! Not good. Not good at all.

Not cool!

wow, i can't wait to find out what happens.
UPDATE SOON.

Cindy!!!!

I need more NOW!!!

Em

This made me


This made me


And this made me

Wonderful job, Cindy!

Ornella

yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cath

hmmmmm I don't really care for the mail Sue's getting these days....



and Geez... Sparky.... shopping is supposed to be a girl thing.... Bobby's ok with that... his reaction is priceless.... good one, Cindy!

Incredible start and riveting story. Keep up the great work. I can't wait to read more.

SCARY.....


~laura michelle~

Thanks for the comments!

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11:01 am

"Sue, where did this come from?" The concern on Jack's face brought the rest of the team to see what was going on. Jack stood back so each of the agents could take a look.

"I'll call down to see who brought it in," Lucy said as she walked to her desk. The rest of the team continued to mull over the picture.

"Does this mean anything to you? Do you know this woman?" Bobby leaned in for a closer look.

"No. At least I don't think so." Sue shook her head. She had no idea what this was about. Why would anyone threaten her?

"Was there anything else with it?" D asked, looking over her desktop for a clue.

"No, just that."

"It's strange that someone would send a clipping of just the photograph. There must have been an article that went with it." Tara tapped a fuzzy pencil against her hand, pondering this.

Lucy returned with a slip of paper. "The envelope was delivered by a Luke Anderson. Young kid. He's a courier for FedEx."

"I guess we'll have to talk to this Luke Anderson then." Jack was all business.

Sue could see the blaze of protectiveness in his eyes. "Jack," she looked up at him, getting over her initial shock. "It's probably just some kind of practical joke. We shouldn't waste bureau time on it. We've got plenty of other cases to work on."

"A joke is supposed to be funny. That is not funny." Bobby looked from Sue to Jack, gauging what his best friend was going to do next.

"I'll say. It seems pretty creepy to me." Lucy folded her arms across her body, hugging herself to control the shiver that went through her.

"Ok, Myles and D, go talk to the courier. See what you can get." Jack began assigning jobs. "Tara try to find out about the picture; what newspaper it came from, who this woman is. Lucy, get the clipping and the envelope down to the lab. Ask them to pull up anything they can; prints, DNA, anything. Bobby, Sue and I will go through our open and recently closed cases looking for someone who may be holding a grudge."

Jack nodded signaling everyone to get to work.

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

3:05pm

Shortly after 3 o'clock, Myles and D returned to find everyone still hard at work. Jack quickly called the team together for a progress update.

"What did you find out?" he asked turning to D and Myles first.

"The courier said that a man in his early 20's to mid-30's came into the store this morning, handed him the envelope and told him to deliver it to the Hoover building," D stated.

"Early 20's to mid-30's? That's as specific as he could be?" Bobby shook his head.

"Hey, you didn't talk to this kid. The fact that he managed to get himself dressed this morning is quite an accompishment," Myles retorted.

"Did the customer sign for the service?" Jack asked.

"Yes," Myles looked down to the notes in his hand. "A Mr. John Doe."

"John Doe?"

The Bostonian shrugged. "He gave the kid twenty bucks to deliver an envelope. There weren't a lot of questions asked after that."

Jack nodded. "What about a description?

D sighed. "Other than age, the kid said this guy was medium build, wore a ball cap, very non-descript." The father figure of the team shook his head. "This kid couldn't pick him out of a lineup if everyone else was his own relatives."

"So much for that," Jack threw his hands up. "Lucy, what did you get from the lab?"

The rotor shook her head, unable to offer much. "They lifted prints off the envelope, but nothing that matches anyone in our database. "This guy doesn't have a record."

"Great. So other than the fact that he's making death threats to an F.B.I. employee, this guy is Dudley Do-Right," Myles said dryly.

Jack rubbed his hand over his forehead. "Tara?"

"Nothing yet. There's not much to go on. No names, no article. It could have come from any newspaper. It's going to take more time."

"Bobby, Sue and I have a long list of people we've put away who might want revenge, but nothing sticks out. And most of them are still in prison." Jack sat down heavily on the side of his desk.

"There's not much to go on here Jack." Bobby said what everyone else was thinking.

The dark haired agent let out a deep breath. "Look, we're all tired. We skipped lunch. Let's call it a day and come back at it tomorrow with fresh eyes. Maybe it was a practical joke." Jack shrugged. He wasn't convinced, but they weren't getting anywhere. "Sue I'll be your protection tonight."

The analyst smiled at him with loving eyes. "Jack, I don't need protection, but you're welcome to come to dinner tonight if you'd like."

He nodded, knowing he would be prepared and willing to give up his life to save hers if it came down to it.

"But," Sue added, "I can't go home yet. I still have to finish my month-end reports." She rolled her eyes. "I'm almost finished though."

"The reports," grumbled Bobby and Myles, heading back to their desks. They had been out of sight and out of mind. The agents grudgingly settled down to start them. The less they saw of Randy Pitts, the better.

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

I am trying to see if I can lend a hand to the team and so far, I have got nothing. Sorry Jack!

Another wonderful post! I just fell head of heels in love with Jack and Bobby again



Yup, see that's where I over Bobby



And that would be where I went all over Jack

Cindy, thankyou for another perfect and detailed post!!

This case is very intriguing!! I hope they make some progress before anything happens!!!

Jack as protection - works for me!!!

Joy

i love protective jack

cath

Protective Jack is the best, there's no doubt about it.

Cindy I've just caught up, and oh my god please tell me that hasn't happened to Sue!!

And 'overprotective' Jack is just dreamy!!

Sam loving every minute of this!

You have a great mystery underway here. You have to love Sir Jack and his care for the fair maiden.

Me too!

The case is intriguing... Can't wait for more!

Ornella

ALL I CAN SAY IS UPDATE.

very nice....

Got to love Jack's protective side... right?

Thanks for all the comments.

------------------------------------------------

April 10th 11:58 pm

"Good movie," Jack said.

"Mmm hmm." Sue raised herself up from where she was cuddling against Jack's chest. They had curled up on the couch where she had almost fallen asleep in the comfort of his arms. She now found herself stifling a yawn. It had been a long evening, despite the wonderful company. Jack had waited for her to finish her reports and driven her home from work. They'd had supper and they were finishing up their second movie of the night. Lucy had gone to bed an hour ago and it was getting late.

"Jack, I'm getting pretty sleepy. I think we should call it a night if we want to stay awake at work tomorrow." She gave him a tired smile.

Jack spread his hands out in front of him. "Of course. Go ahead and get some sleep. I'll just make myself comfortable here." He smiled as he gave an exaggerated stretch.

"Jack! You are going home to your own bed. I do not need a babysitter." Sue raised her finger to stop his argument. "Now out you go," she said, handing him his jacket and gently pushing him towards the door. He was in the hall when she added, "And Jack...."

"Yeah?"

"I love you. Goodnight." She gave him a beaming smile.

"Goodnight. I love you too," he laughed, leaning in to give her a goodnight kiss. He brought a hand up to gently cup Sue's face, lightly brushing her lips with his, then pulling back slightly before deepening the kiss. When they broke apart, he saw Sue run the tip of tongue over her kiss-swollen lips and smiled with satisfaction.

"Now I want you to lock the door as soon as it's closed. I want to hear it lock." He pointed his finger like he was scolding a child.

Sue nodded, closing the door and immediately turning the lock shut. She watched Jack through the peep hole. He smiled when he heard the door lock, but he continued to stand there, as if he didn't know what to do next. "Goodnight Jack," Sue called through the door.

Jack suddenly looked embarrassed. "Goodnight," she saw him say before he turned to walk away.

Sue shook her head, laughing to herself. She hated to kick Jack out, but if she hadn't he would set up permanent residency there in order to protect her. Not that she'd mind. She was hopelessly in love with Special Agent Jack Hudson. Just thinking about it brought a blush to her face as she walked to the window.

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

Jack started his car, scanning the parking lot. He drove around the lot a couple of times before he saw an empty space that provided him a good view of both the entrance to the building and Sue and Lucy's apartment. Backing into the space, he parked and shut off the engine. Sue may have sent him home, but he had no intention of going anywhere.

Jack was so focused on surveilling the entrance that he jumped when his cellphone started to ring. Seeing that it was a new text message, he opened it. 'Goodnight Jack', he read, groaning that he'd been found out. So much for being a crack surveillance expert. Looking up to Sue's window, he saw her waving her Blackberry. Nodding to himself, he sent her a message back, 'Goodnight.' He started the car and took off towards home, deciding it would be best to leave while he was still in her good graces.

Sue headed to her bedroom laughing. "Jack's crazy, isn't he buddy?" she said to the golden retriever.

Crazy in love, thought Levi as he wagged his tail and followed Sue to her room.

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

Sue's not the only one who's crazy in love with "SPECIAL AGENT JACKSON SAMUEL HUDSON." Ohh man that felt good to say

Another perfect scene. I loved that he was going to stay all night. That is just so Jack

I love how Sue knows him so well. She knew that he wouldn't go straight home unless she made sure he was really gone, which is another great example of how great they are for one another.

Yup, both are hopelessly in love with one another. -sighs-

That was cute!! Jack has definitely met his match!!!

Joy

Awww he is so sweet