I love that Jack was going to stay with her... well - in the car! So sweet!

Nothing's going to happen to Sue because he left... right?

I love it Cindy!

Em

cute post

cath

I love protective Jack...it makes me smile.....

~laura michelle~

why do i have a feeling that he should have stayed...that he is going to kick himself later...ohoh i don't like it.

April 11 - 9:15 am

"Why isn't she picking up?" Jack muttered to himself as he hung up the phone. That was the third time he'd tried to call her and still no answer. Seeing Lucy pass by his desk on her way back from talking to Myles, he stopped her. "Lucy, Sue's not answering. When did she say she'd be here?"

The rotor checked her watch. "She was running late. She said she'd be here as soon as she could. I should have waited and come with her, but she told me to go on ahead." Lucy was beginning to worry. It wasn't that all of them hadn't been late to work at some point, much later than this in fact, but considering the threat against Sue, her absence was unsettling. "Did you try her blackberry? Maybe she's left home already," Lucy suggested.

"Just did." Jack shook his head. I knew I should have stayed and watched over her. If anything's happened to her....., he thought as he grabbed his jacket.

"Where are you going?" Tara asked as Jack hurried past her.

"I'm going to find Sue." He turned at the doorway to answer Lucy and found himself in a collision with the one person he wanted to see more than anything.

"Oof," they both let out a small groan as their bodies collided. Levi made a quick escape around them, avoiding a pile-up.

"Looks like you found her there Spark," Bobby said tongue in cheek. He had to admit he was relieved to see their analyst safe and sound too.

"Where have you been? I've been trying to call you," Jack challenged her when they managed to recover from their encounter.

"I know. I saw it, but I was almost here and I couldn't very well answer your call and drive at the same time, now could I?" Sue smiled, taking off her coat and draping it on the back of her chair. She had been in a rush all morning and she hated running late.

Jack was about to argue, admonish her for making him worry, but looking into her innocent eyes, he only felt a flood of relief. "I'm glad you're here," he said sincerely, receiving a radiant smile in response.

He turned and headed to his desk, shaking his head at letting his imagination get the better of him, but also vowing that he would avoid that situation again at all costs. The fear that something terrible had happened to Sue was something Jack never wanted to feel again.

April 11 - 11:34 am

"Sue, Jack. There's another one." Lucy led a man in his late 50s into the bullpen. "This is Lenny Hackford. He's a courier for ....."

"Uh, Jameson Parcel Service, ma'am," Lenny reminded her, removing his hat.

"Right. He just brought this envelope addressed to Sue," the rotor said, handing it to their team leader.

"It looks the same as the last one," Jack said, examing it. "Just her name in print." He looked from the envelope to the courier. "Mr. Hackford, can you describe the person who hired you to deliver this?"

"No sir. It was just there, dropped through the mail slot, when I got to work this morning. There was a slip of paper with it that said 'Hoover Building, D.C.', nothing more. And there was a $20 bill. It's unusual for us to have customers just drop stuff off like that, but since the twenty more than covered the cost of delivery, I brought it here. Did I do something wrong?" the older man asked, looking concerned.

Sue shook her head kindly. "No."

"No, Mr. Hackford, you did good." Jack handed him a card. "I want you to contact us immediately if you have any more deliveries like this."

The older man nodded, shook hands with Jack and left, escorted by Lucy.

Jack and Sue took the envelope back to her desk where the other agents were waiting.

D shook his head. "This guy's getting good. He used a different delivery service, didn't even show his face this time."

Myles nodded his head toward the envelope that now lay on Sue's desk and all eyes followed his gaze. Picking it up gingerly as if it could explode, Sue opened the flap and turned the envelope upside down, letting another newspaper clipping fall out.

"Looks like a picture of a plane crash," Bobby said, looking over the analyst's shoulder.

"It Could Have Been You." Jack read the words neatly printed across the top of the clipping. "Same pattern. We're not dealing with a practical joker here." He looked at the concerned faces around them, landing on Sue's fearful one, which she quickly tried to replace with a look of disinterest.

"But what do a plane crash and a murdered woman have to do with one another?" Tara was pensive.

That's what we have to find out. Tara, keep trying to locate information on these picures."

"I'm on it," she said heading back to her desk.

The team leader quickly handed out tasks to the rest of the team.

"Jack, it's almost nooon. Why don't we start this after lunch?" Sue asked.

"Good idea." He slapped his hands together. "Bobby and Myles can go pick something up for us."

"But I thought we were all going to Gonnigans for lunch."

"We can get take out from Gonnigans. We'll eat here." To Jack the matter was settled.

"But Jack...." Sue protested.

Jack sent Bobby a look that the Australian picked up on right away. Giving Myles a tap on the shoulder, Bobby grabbed his jacket. He stopped at Sue's desk on his way out. "He's right. I'd say a nice lunch in the safety of the bullpen is just what the doctor ordered." He sent her a wink.

"It's what Agent Sparky ordered anyway." Sue rolled her eyes and gave up, knowing she wouldn't win this argument.

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

Hehe... Agent Sparky. That title is just so cute!

This is getting curiouser and curiouser. What do a plane crash and a murdered woman have to do with anything about Sue?

Your writing style is so smooth and flows so naturally. The dialog between them was so realisitic. Great job.

i love protective jack, somthing tells me he's gonna stick to her like glue now

cath

Cath, you say it like it were a bad thing

Hmmm I'm just so curious! I love the character's lines and everything. I just cannot believe how realistic they are!!

Thankyou for another fantastic post!

I am glad Jack is protecting her at all costs

I don't think Sue is going to get rid of Agent Sparky quite so easily today!! This is getting very scary!!!

Joy

Sticking to her like glue.... and not allowing space or time for the glue to dry will be very annoying for Sue...

Come on Sparky... everybody knows watched glue doesn't dry....





or is that just that a watched pot doesn't boil.... ?

Another promising read in the making, Cindy. So deliciously creepy, too. Reminds me of "Simon Says" and "The Sniper." Great!

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

April 11 - 3:30 pm

Bobby sat with a thud on the edge of Tara's desk. Letting out a groan, he rubbed a hand across his face.

"No luck?" Tara smiled up a him.

"None. You?"

"Not yet, but I've pretty much determined that these clippings are not from recent articles. If they are, they're from out of the country." Bobby nodded. "So," Tara said, scrunching up her nose at him. "Date tonight?"

"Ah, I wish I could luv, but Jack and I have plans," Bobby told her apologetically, remembering his promise to go shopping with his buddy.

Overhearing them, Jack shook his head. "Yeah, um, considering the situation," he said pointed discreetly to Sue, "maybe we should postpone."

"Jack, don't change your plans because of me. I told you, I don't need a babysitter," Sue was ready for his argument.

Tara cut the dark-haired agent off before he could speak. "No, Sue's right. Don't change your plans. In fact, I think a guy's night out is the perfect excuse for a girl's night out, or in," she corrected.

Jack smiled as he understood what Tara was saying. "Yeah, ok. A girl's night in sounds like a good idea. Thanks," he added in a whisper. He could relax knowing that Tara would be the agent protecting Sue that night.

Sue gave them a look that said she knew exactly what they were up to. But a girl's night doesn't sound so bad, she thought to herself.

"Actually Tara, isn't your apartment getting repainted?" Jack raised his eyebrows at her. Tara returned with a look of confusion. The team leader looked down, scratching behind his ear. "Didn't you need a place to stay for a while?" he tried again, cocking his head in Sue's direction.

"Huh? Oh! Oh yeah," Tara said turning from Jack to Sue. "Do you think you and Lucy would be able to put me up for a while?" She had finally caught on and was trying to make her request sound as sincere as possible.

Sue narrowed her eyes and looked from Bobby to Jack to Tara suspiciously. "What about Bobby's place?" She decided to play their game for a while.

"Oh, um, well...." Tara looked to Jack for help. Afterall, this was his idea.

"Uh, Sue. You know Crash's three-day law concerning guests. You wouldn't want to put Tara through that, now would you?" Jack appealed to Sue's kind spirit.

"Yeah, I don't think I could risk Bobby's idea of hospitality. And you know how his bachelor pad is....a mess. Who could live like that?" Tara pointed out.

"Hey!" The Australian looked offended for a moment before he caught on. "Oh, yeah. My place really isn't designed for the delicate type."

Sue took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Finally, she smiled and nodded. "Lucy, Levi and I would be happy to have you Tara."

"Great," the perky computer whiz smiled back.

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

Hi Cindy! I'm so happy you're writing a challenge story! You've quickly become a "must read" for me... and this story is only serving to remind me of just why that is. Great story line, you write all the characters so well (especially Jack and Sue), and last but never least... you're a quick poster! (Hey, it never hurts!) I can tell this is going to be an interesting trip...

Tina

Wow Jack will do anything to make sure Sue is safe

Does this mean Jack will be painting Tara's place later to keep himself out of trouble.I mean if sue ever goes over there she will notice. LOL use it to your advantage there Tara

great how sue knew exactly what they were up to

cute post

cath

Well, it goes to show you, they are capable of protecting the country, yet they aren't that swift when it comes to catching on. Hehe. I just loved the conversation. It seemed so real. You honestly do write the characters so well. I feel like I'm watching the show.

I hope the girls' night in and the boys' night out are as uneventful as they're supposed to be.

hehe I love that. I could just see Jack tilting his head and rubbing a hand behind his ear.. hehe

Darn. There I go again

You know...

Treenie makes a good point.



If Tara is going to be staying at Sue's to do Jack a 'favor'...

the least he could do is the painting.... LOL



especially since I think Bobby would be willing to adjust his 3 day rule for guests.... I mean... wasn't that a rule regarding family type guests?

And then, is it safe to say that Mum and Pop must be out of their luck and on the lawn after three days? Or is the rule safely shelved in cases of Mum's cooking?

HMMM, Mr. Manning... which is it? **hands on hips, glaring at the Bobby in my mind's eye.**

Haha, thanks. You're all so funny.

QUOTE

kmt123 Posted Today, 12:30 AM
last but never least... you're a quick poster! (Hey, it never hurts!) I can tell this is going to be an interesting trip...
Tina

I hope I can live up to that Tina. My muse has gone on indefinite strike, so please forgive me if the next few posts are rather weak.

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

April 11 - 6:50 pm

"What do you think of that one?" Jack asked, pointing to the glass case.

"It's nice. But the question is, what will Sue think? You're not putting the ring on my finger." Bobby gave his friend a cheeky grin.

Jack rolled his eyes and continued browsing the contents of the case. This was the third jewelry store they'd stopped at and Jack still hadn't found the ring that was perfect for Sue.

The elderly lady behind the counter watched patiently as Jack painstakingly looked over each choice.

He couldn't wait to propose to the love of his life. He'd never been more sure of anything. He wanted Sue Thomas by his side, day and night, through good and bad for the rest of their lives.

It was all set. He would propose on May 4th, her 32nd birthday. He'd rented a hot air balloon ride for the day and he would propose at 1,500 feet in the air. Jack wanted to make it a memorable moment for Sue and the best way he could think to do that was to face his fear of heights and show Sue that he could do anything with her by his side.

They were moving fast, he knew. They would have been dating for less than three months, but that was officially. Unofficially, he had been courting Sue since day one, although neither one would have admitted it.

"That's it!" Jack yelled, pointing out a 1/3 carat diamond solitaire set in a 14K white gold band. It was simple and beautiful; it was perfect.

"Good choice Sparky. I think Sue will love it. It just might be enough for her to say yes to your ugly mug." Bobby elbowed his buddy good-naturedly.

Pointing out the ring to the lady behind the counter, Jack smiled and announced, "This is the one."

"A beautiful choice, young man. My, you are going to make some woman a very lucky lady, aren't you?" She made no effort to hide her admiration of Jack's handsome features. Turning to Bobby, she looked equally pleased. "And what about you, young man?"

"I'm just here for emotional support," the tall Australian chuckled, giving her a wink which, combined with the accent, thoroughly flustered the poor woman.

With nimble movements, she removed the chosen ring from the display, taking it to the back to be boxed.

Jack turned to his friend. "So Crash. Are you sure you don't see anything shiny you'd like to put on Tara's finger soon?" He gave the Aussie a smirk.

"One thing at a time, Spark," Bobby responded, giving the jewelery a quick scan. Maybe I should get Tara a gift, he thought, eyeing a pair of silver hoop earrings with small heart charms dangling from them.

* * *

The store was just being closed up for the night by the time the guys left the jeweler's with their treasures, smiling as if they'd just solved the case of the decade.

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

April 11 - 9:15 pm

"That was so beautiful." Tara wiped away stray tears with a tissue. Sue and Lucy, who sat on the adjacent couch, did the same. Girls night was turning out to be better than they imagined. They were never able to enjoy a good chick flick with the guys.

"Why can't real life be like that? The dashing prince rescues the princess and they live happily ever after. That simple." Lucy stretched out her muscles, which were tight from sitting on the couch for a couple of hours.

"Jack is like a dashing prince." Sue giggled happily.

Lucy rolled her eyes, smiling, while Tara tossed a pillow at Sue. They had all waited so long for the couple to wise up and declare their love for each other and now that it had happened they enjoyed teasing them about their public displays of affection.

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

The ring - imagine a white gold band

A beautiful ring, Cindy! I think I woud just plain die if Jack asked to put that on my finger



So Bobby!!



You have GOT to be kidding me!



hehe well, now, let me just say that that wink, smile, and accent could just about fluster everyone!

Now I'm melty for both of them

I can't wait for the engagement!! I love the idea of how he's going to ask her!

Well, now....

Lucky for Sparky.... Girls night in is turning into a whopping success!

I think your muse is doing a fine job... I mean he/she got Jack to buy a ring... not bad in my estimation. And a very nice ring it is. Nice, simple, and elegant - just like Sue. Now, nothing's going to happen to her before he gets a chance to propose is it? You wouldn't do a thing like that to us... I mean them, would you? You aren't going to be one of those authors who likes to torture her readers, are you!!??? Whaddya' mean I need to calm down!??

ooops.... my need for fuzzies sometimes controls me... my apologies....

Tina

Can I have the ring instead?

ugly mug indeed bobby..................

i'm sure jack will soon become a fan of chick flicks when he watches them with Sue

cath

I love Jack talking Tara into staying at Sue's!! I don't think Sue was fooled for a minute!!!

The ring is perfect!! So Sue!!!

Now, Cindy, please keep Sue safe so she can keep that date on May 4th with her charming prince!!!

Joy

Thanks for the laugh. I can't promise that there won't be a little bit of angst, but in the end.....well....

everyone! I'm glad you like the ring. I like simple rings myself.

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

April 14th - 2:45 pm

"That's the fifth one," Jack said as he taped up the clipping. The team gathered around the whiteboard where the clippings were displayed in sequential order. "Five days, five threats, no apparent connection."

Each day the envelopes were delivered by courier. The pattern had been established. The envelopes were dropped off with payment at the delivery service while it was closed. No one saw the sender and the same service was never used twice. Each clipping was a picture of some tragic event, captioned with the words "It Could Have Been You."

Bobby strode over to the first picture, pointing at it. "Number one, a murdered shiela. Number two, a plane crash. Number three, a tank explosion. Number four, a drive-by shooting. And now a building collapse, number five." The Australian shook his head.

"What do all of these things have in common?" Myles scanned each one in order.

"That the $64,000 dollar question," D answered him.

"What does he mean by "It Could Have Been You?" Myles asked, almost to himself.

"Can we be sure it's a 'he'?" Lucy looked to Jack for an answer.

"We can be fairly certain. This sort of thing is rarely done by a woman and seeing as how the intended target, Sue, is a woman, it's even more likely that the suspect is a man." Jack threw his hands up and walked back to the clippings. "It almost sounds like he's taking responsibility for these events. Or suggesting that Sue was nearby when they happened? But that doesn't make sense."

"Very little of this makes sense." Myles shook his head.

"I've got something." Tara hurried over from her desk. "It's not much, but using the text on the other side of some of the pictures.....which belonged to other articles, I was able to locate the newspapers they came from, some of them anyway," she rambled.

"And?" Jack waved his hand for her to continue.

"Well, the first photo, the woman who was killed....that came from the L.A. Times. Anne Brown, she was killed last year by her ex-husband, George Brown....I checked, he's still in prison. The third picture, the tank explosion was from the San Francisco Press. It was declared an accident; a faulty valve. Number five, today's, the building collapse was also declared an accident. That picture came from the Houston Herald."

"So, one murder, two accidents," D thought out loud. "The plane crash was likely another accident and the drive-by...well...."

Jack raked a hand through his hair. "I just don't get it." He shook his head in confusion.

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

Don't worry he isnt the only one I like the simplicity of the ring for Sue, but my ideal ring is more over the top than that!

Cindy

I'm just now getting back to your story after working on mine and reading all the Valentine stories so I could vote tonight. But, I'm tired and need to get some zzzzs; so, I promise I'll catch up tomorrow. Just wanted to let you know I hadn't forgot about this story. Will be anxious to see what has happened to Sue and read all the comments everyone has been making.

Lynn

i'm guessing it was some sort of lead but, like jack, i don't get it

cath

This just keeps getting curiouser and curiouser. I have no other way to put it. What is the connection between everything and what does Sue have to do with it?

I'm battling my mind to try to figure out what's going on....

I'm just as confused as they are! Cindy, what is the connection??

I simply LOVE this story!!

More

Cindy, you really have a case going here!! I haven't a clue, but having fun reading all the same!!!

Linny, your Star Wars smilie has me mesmerized!!!

Joy

What's the connection????

This is getting really spooky Cindy! I can't wait for more!

Em

Maybe its not the name of the person or the place.. Maybe its the date of the articles? Or the person who wrote them!

Thanks for your replies. Let's take a little break from the tension, shall we? I think our wonderful team members need a little time out for some dates.

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

April 14th - 5 pm

"Ready Sue?" Tara and Lucy approached her desk with their purses in hand, ready to go.

"Yeah." The analyst nodded and grabbed her things.

"You guys had better get going too if you want to be ready in time to pick us up at 7," Tara reminded the guys.

It was the two month anniversary for the couples, so Jack happily volunteered to be Sue's protection for the evening, leaving Tara available to spend the evening with Bobby. Myles and Lucy, although not officially a couple, decided to celebrate the two month anniversary of their renewed friendship with a night out.

"We'll be there with bells on, luv," Bobby winked at Tara, knowing it made her melt.

"That would be a cute look on you, Koala boy," she countered, tongue-in-cheek, earning herself a cheeky grin from the Australian.

Laughing, the women left the bullpen accompanied by Levi.

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

April 14th - 6:58 pm

"Why do we put ourselves through this?" Tara sighed as she worked the curling iron through her hair. Lucy smiled at her as she stepped into a new pair of black high-heeled shoes she had bought on their last shopping trip.

At Levi's nudge, Sue knew there was a knock at the door. Looking through the peephole she saw the three handsome agents chatting with each other on the other side of the wooden barrier. Sue turned back to her friends with a smile before opening the door. "This is why we put ourselves through all that."

The door was opened to the three well-dressed men who eagerly entered the apartment.

Bobby let out a whistle as he spotted the women, particularly Tara, who was radiant in her black knee-length dress. She had quickly finished getting ready and was looking forward to their evening.

Seeing something tied around Bobby's right wrist, she laughed. He shook his arm in the air, sending the sound of jingling throughout the room. Bells. "I told you," he winked.

"Well, if jingle-boy is done, we've got somewhere to be," Myles said walking over to Lucy. "You look great," he whispered in her ear causing her to blush. "Ready?"

Lucy nodded and picked up her handbag from the coffee table. Waving their goodbye to the two remaining couples, they made their exit.

"Well, if you're ready, we should get going too luv." Bobby handed Tara her wrap. With a hand on the small of her back, he led her out of the apartment, leaving Jack and Sue alone.

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

Jack and Sue's Date - Evening

"I'm sorry we can't go out Sue." Jack winced. They had been looking forward to their dinner date at Antonio's but because of the circumstances, Jack felt it was best to stay in where he could easily protect her.

"We can go out Jack," she insisted.

"No. I won't risk that." He knew they might be leading up to an argument, but there was no changing his mind. He would not put Sue in a position where her safety would be at risk. They didn't know who was after her or if and when he would strike and Jack wasn't about to take any chances.

Sue could see the worry in Jack's eyes and decided against pressing the issue. She and Jack were together and that was all that mattered. She nodded her agreement and he gave her a smile expressing relief and thankfulness that she hadn't battled with him over his decision. "I brought Chinese," he said with a lopsided grin as he held up a bag from Wong Foos.

"Great."

* * * * *

Jack and Sue enjoyed their dinner and each other's company, making their way to the couch for a movie. Because of the occasion, Jack had conceded to it being Sue's choice. He suppressed a groan when he saw she had chosen a romantic comedy. Oh well, he wouldn't be paying much attention to the movie anyway, not with the beautiful woman next to him, making him blind to everything else.

Sue smiled at him as she settled herself on the couch, cuddled up against Jack's chest, with his arms wapped around her. Perfect, she thought as she snuggled closer. They had agreed that they wouldn't be exchanging gifts, but wrapped in Jack's warm embrace, Sue couldn't think of a single other thing she wanted. Well, to be rid of her stalker, of course, but for the time being, everything was perfect.

Levi pawed at Jack's leg after trudging over from his place next to the chair. He groaned softly, looking up at Jack with his pleading brown eyes.

"Oh, I know buddy. It's your anniversary with Maddie too, isn't it? I'm sorry pal. She just couldn't visit tonight. Maybe we'll set up a playdate for the weekend," Jack comprimised with the wonderdog.

Sue laughed when she looked up to see Jack carrying on a conversation with Levi, who sniffed and went to curl up on the chair. She didn't have the heart to tell him to get off.

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

Myles and Lucy's Date - Evening

"Aren't they just wonderful?" Lucy asked breathlessly, completely enthralled by the symphony the orchestra was playing.

Myles nodded, smiling. Lucy was one of the few people Myles could share his upperclass tastes with, while at the same time being down to earth. He had never found anyone else who could accept his balance of coming from a well-to-do background and working to prove to himself that he is more than just his family's money.

Lucy was one of the few people who could see beyond his aloof persona to the real Myles that he was and more importantly, the Myles that he wanted to be. He wanted to be so much more for her.

Ever since their Valentine's date he had been working to right the wrongs of the past, to be the friend Lucy deserved. A part of his heart hoped for more than friendship, but he was determined to take things as slowly as need be, to build their friendship, to earn back her trust, and if it was God's will, to have a second chance at love with the beautiful woman who sat next to him.

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

Note: For those who haven't read "The Dating Game", Maddie is the dog of Jack's friend, whom Jack borrowed to be Levi's Valentine date.

Aww poor Levi

I love everyone!! I simply cannot wait for more on their dates! I love how Myles is trying to make everything perfect for Lucy and I love how Bobby came with bells on! So cute!

I am glad you incorporated everyone minus Maddie of course <---that is for Levi!

I love it Cindy!!! I'm glad you decided everyone needed a little break!

Em

i'm glad sue didn't argue too much with jack, although i'd be more than happy with chinese, a film and his arms around me

like how myles is working to put things right

cath

How witty but truly Myles-ish! Made me laugh out, Cindy. Liked how you described Myles' being able to share his upper-class tastes with Lucy, yet she can see his down-to-earth side too. Very believable that Myles would feel the need to prove his worth as an FBI agent apart from his family's money. And . . . I can see Lucy being the type of lady who really could have a genuine appreciation for the finer points of life. I don't think I've seen anyone else bring this idea to light before. Very original and realistic thinking (writing). Another great post.

Fuzzies in the end... sounds like a condition I could live with. Is it anything like money coming out the wazoo??

I don't get it either... can I rake my hand through his hair?!

And I like your way of thinking... time off for dates with great looking, considerate guys. By the way, can you arrange my life for me? "Course, you'd have to come up with a great looking considerate guy, but don't let that stop you!

Tina

Tina

Thanks again everyone. I can always count on you for kind comments and many laughs.

Tina, I would love to be able to do that, but if I knew how I would have found myself one of those by now too.

Well, here's Bobby and Tara's date. I figured I might as well post them all the same day, since they all happen the same evening.

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

Bobby and Tara's Date - Evening

"I love this place." Tara looked around fondly at the small restaurant they had recently begun frequenting. There were murals on all of the walls depicting scenery from different countries. You could travel the world in this one small buildling. It was a fun place that fit both Bobby and Tara's personalities well.

They had become fast friends with the owner, Vincenzo, and his wife, Anna, both Italian immigrants. In honour of their special night, Vincenzo had reserved the couple a cozy table for two in front of the backdrop of his beloved Italy.

Tara and Bobby laughed as the excited man set two plates of pasta in front of them and proudly told them to "Mangia, mangia!" before hurrying off to take care of his next customers.

As they ate, Tara couldn't help but notice that Bobby was rather somber, lost in his own thoughts. She ventured to break through to wherever he had gone in his mind. "Is there something wrong?" she asked with a tilt of her head.

"Huh? Oh, nah. Nothing wrong," he said with more conviction than he felt and gave her a dimpled smiled. Drongo, he thought to himself as he decided that this was not the right time to bring up what he knew he had to tell her.

She accepted his answer with a smile and a nod. His smile hadn't reached his eyes; it didn't escape her notice. Something was wrong, she could feel it, but decided to wait for him to tell her rather than pushing him.

"I've, uh, got something for you," Bobby said, setting the small gift-wrapped box on the table.

"Bobby," Tara admonished him. "We said no gifts."

He cleared his throat. "Yeah, I know, but I went shopping with Jack and this just seemed right for you."

"You went shopping with Jack?" She gave him a skeptical look, knowing how he felt about shopping.

Bobby laughed; this time the smile reached his eyes. "Long story. Open it." He pushed the box toward her.

She took it in her hands, quickly freeing the box from its wrapping. "They're beautiful Bobby." Tara's eyes glimmered as she lifted the silver earrings out of the box. "I love them."

"Ah, Roberto buy this gift for beautiful signora, no?" Vincenzo said in his heavy Italian accent as he brought them more wine. "I think he deserve a kiss, no?" he teased Tara, making a kissing gesture to get his point across.

"Ah, Vincenzo, you are one brilliant man." Bobby patted the older man on the back and turned back to his date with a cheeky grin.

Tara laughed. "He deserves a kiss, yes," she answered, leaning across the table and laying a tender kiss on the Australian's lips. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Anytime luv."

"Ah, that's nice." Vincenzo grinned happily.

* * * * *

"Do you feel up for a walk, luv? There's something I need to talk to you about," Bobby said as they entered the park across from the restaurant.

Tara nodded, thankful that he was finally going to get whatever was bothering him off his chest. Threading her fingers through his, she leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked.

"Tara, you know how much I love you, don't you?" Bobby stopped walking and turned to her. Even with the pale lamplight, she could see the pain in his eyes and her breath caught in her throat.

"Of course," she whispered.

"And you know that the last thing I ever want to do is hurt you." He swallowed the lump forming in his throat as she silently nodded. "Well luv, there's something I haven't told you about myself. It's not something I'm proud of and I should have told you sooner." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I have a gambling addiction. It's, um, it's why I'm always busy Sunday evenings; I attend meetings for it." He watched as her eyes went wide and began to glisten with unshed tears. He closed his eyes as she turned and took a few steps away, staring out into the night.

"Tara, it was a long time ago. I was free from it for over nine years. Then a couple of years ago, with the Marino case, I started slipping again, but I've been going to meetings ever since and I swear I haven't gambled since then. I'm sorry for not telling you." He closed his eyes again, letting a single tear escape down his cheek. He'd blown it. He could feel the moment he'd been dreading closing in, suffocating him.

Tara nodded, still facing away from Bobby, trying to control her thoughts. Things were starting to fall into place for her as she silently listened. Taking a deep breath, she turned around to face the broken man. "Do they ever let you bring anyone to these meetings?"

Bobby's furrowed brow showed surprise and confusion. He nodded slightly. "First Sunday of every month, we're allowed to bring a supporter."

Tara nodded. "I'd like to go with you then."

"What?"

"I love you Bobby Manning and I'd like to go with you. If that's okay with you," she added, giving him a small smile.

"Ok?" he cried, closing the distance between them. "Oh Tara, I love you so much." He wrapped her in a tight embrace, still in disbelief at being so blessed with this wonderful and supportive woman. "Does this mean we're okay?"

Tara placed a soft kiss on his lips. "As long as we're together, we'll always be okay Koala boy."

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

Cindy, love all the dates!! And especially love the way Tara reacted to Bobby's confession!! I knew she would stand by him!!!

Joy

Yes Vincenzo, you are a brilliant man!




I could just hear his pain



That was just so Tara.. So beautiful



Awww Cindy, you have me in almost tears.

And yes, Koala Boy, you're fine. You did the right thing!!

for another post!!

WOW...that was the perfect answer Tara...


~laura michelle~

So sweet...the whole post

beautiful and she loves him so she's going to want to support him

cath