This idea came to me out of the blue today. I wasn't planning on entering the challenge at this point, but it kept nibbling at my brain. WARNING: THIS IS MORE INTENSE THAN I USUALLY WRITE!!!!
Fasten your seatbelts everyone, this may be a bumpy ride.

The Scarlet Woman

Why am I over here? I’ll never find a john in this part of town. Security is too tight since 9/11. The guards will take one look at me and send me on my way, she thought as she pulled the fake leopard spotted coat tighter around her thin shoulders. The night air still had the bite of winter despite the warmth the March sun would bring in the morning. She shivered as a stiff breeze blew across the fishnet stockings and wafted up the much to short skirt that was the uniform of the streets. She knew she should be getting back to her spot on the corner of 14th and K Street. That was the place for the likes of her, not the opulence of the large white house behind the iron gates. She shivered again as the wind whipped her hair into a frenzy around her face.

She pushed the hair away from her eyes, staring briefly at the auburn tresses wrapped around her fingers. Like so many other things in her life, her hair had changed colors so many times she wasn’t sure she could remember its natural hue. She chuckled at the irony in her hair color. Her life had once been natural. She had a home, a good Christian family who loved her, yet after one tragic mistake, she turned her back on it; the first of many wrong turns that eventually led her to this life. The color of her life now was black; that’s what she saw when she closed her eyes when the revolving door of men laid her back on some cheap motel bed and did things to her that they would never do to their wives or girlfriends. She felt the wave of nausea wash over her. That’s why you never think about your life Maggie, she thought as she swallowed hard.

She gazed at the shadowed lawn of the White House and cleared her mind, thinking instead of the laughing voices of the hundreds of children that would fill the lawn in a few weeks as the Annual Easter Egg Roll was scheduled for Monday, April 9. She smiled as she could almost see the multitude of smiling faces running this way and that, the proud smiles on the parents faces as their children ran in the spring sunshine. She once had been a child with proudly smiling faces. How did my life turn out like this?

Stop it Maggie! Why did you come here? She knew the answer to that question, just like she knew the answer to the other questions in her life. She came here to punish herself with the dreams of what could have been. Her life turned out this way because she made one mistake that she was too proud and too scared to tell her parents about. So she ran, ran away from their loving arms, the warmth of their loving home and from the God she had once served as faithfully as she now served the pimp who held the strings of the pocketbook. She prostituted herself to keep Jacey and herself off the streets. As someone in her past once told her, that was all she was good for; a quick roll in the hay.

She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. It still amazed her that after all this time she still had tears to cry. She turned away from the White House, glowing under the lights that illuminated the exterior. Slowly, she trudged back towards her place in life, the corner of 14th and K Street.

As she walked along the sidewalk, the sound of accented voices caught her ears. She usually ignored the sounds of the street, but something in the timbre of the voices caught her attention. She stepped into the darken alleyway, her heartbeat quickening as the voices continued.

“So it is all set?” Although she couldn’t see the face, she knew the voice was that of a Middle Eastern man.

“It is. Joseph will be so proud that the plan is set.” She recognized that voice as female, although the accent was unexpected. It sounded decidedly British.

“Good. So now all we have to do is wait. Then we will send our message that even the children are not safe in this conflict.”

The cold sweat met the waistband of her skirt as the weight of the conversation she had overheard sank in. She held her breath as the voices stopped and the sound of feet on pavement met her ears. It was coming closer. She shrank back into the shadows as the tall figure passed by. The overcoat collar was pulled tight against the neck and a hat was pulled low on the head. She couldn’t even tell in the darkened street if it were a man or a woman. She eased out of the shadows and watched as the figure strode away. Her eyes caught on something floating to the ground like it had dropped from a hole in a pants pocket. She waited, not daring to breath until the figure disappeared around the corner. Then she traced the steps, picking up the fallen item. She turned if over and saw the name of a nearby flophouse written across the stained bit of paper.

I have got to notify the authorities, Maggie thought. The chuckled at the thought. Who was going to believe a prostitute when it came to matters of national security? She stuffed the bit of paper into her pocket and turn around to resume her route to her place in life, the corner of 14th and K Street.

As she pulled her jacket tighter against the March wind, her hand touched a crumbled piece of cardstock in the pocket. She pulled it out and smiled. Here was the one person in the world that just might believe her. She remembered the kind smile of the blonde haired woman with the golden retriever who had approached her in the park one day when she allowed her tightly reigned emotions to break free. She didn’t know why she poured her heart out to this kind stranger. Maybe she just needed the release of someone else knowing the burden of her soul. Maybe she saw something in the kind hazel eyes and tender smile that reminded her of home. For whatever reason, she unburdened her soul to the woman who would never hear the tremble in the sorrowful voice, but would not only read the words on her lips, but the tears in her heart. “I bet your family will forgive you. I know God will. All you have to do is ask.”

The memory of the tender words met the same stubborn resistance as they had when they were first uttered. Yeah, right, the woman of the streets rolled her eyes. She read the name on the crumpled business card; Sue Thomas, FBI. Maggie placed the card back in her pocket, doing something she hadn’t done in a very long time. She listened to the still, small voice that she had pushed away so many times in her life. Tomorrow, she would make the trek to the Hoover Building. If she still believed in God, she would have prayed that Sue Thomas would believe her. But since she didn’t believe anymore, she would just rely on her instincts. And her instincts were telling her that the blonde haired woman with the golden retriever would believe her.

The figure in the shadows watched as the filthy street trollop walked away, the bit of paper shoved into her pocket. I doubt anyone would believe the likes of her. But just in case… The figure moved from shadow to shadow, following the auburn haired woman.

More later
Kim

Wow, you have caught my attention for sure with this start to your new story. This scarlet woman is right to trust that name printed on the business card for sure.


I couldn't help but be reminded of two prominent arch villians here, Joseph Vanderwylen (a.k.a. Dessa) and Jessica.

Oh gosh - that's a good point.

I'm hooked and ready for the adventure that you'll be treating us to!

Seat belt is fastened and in place. Tums on desk and ready for take off. This really looks to be a good one. I'm glad you started it Kim.

This should be really good...can't wait for the ride Kim Popcorn ready and waiting:)

Ria

wow, what a start, can't wait to read more

cath

Cant Wait For More

~Dark Angelus~

Kim, don't you just love it when these little bouts of inspiration come your way? I can tell this will be intense, but I actually think you should write more intense things. You're very good at it.

This first post intrigues me. I really think Maggie needs to listen to that little voice in her head and go to Sue, but she needs to be careful. With the life sh's lead, she should know to be careful and to trust as few people as possilbe, especially when she holds such information.

Joseph can only be who we all know and despise. That's really low though, to attack the Easter Egg Hunt at the White House, yet I suppose it would be effective.

Oh, I hope Maggie stays safe....

Yikes! You've grabbed my attention too! You've done a wonderful characterization of Maggie, I'm already drawn towards her. There were two people talking in the shadows and when only one left the alley before her, I though, uh-oh. Looks like I was right. First post and I'm already wondering if Maggie will make contact with Sue...or if she's not going to survive the night and only the contents of her coat pocket will make it to Sue.

kav

Kim, you have me hooked, and I'm strapped in and ready for the ride!!!

I too think those two mystery people must be our despised villains of the past!! This must be one of them following Maggie!! I hope she makes it to Sue!!!

You did capture Maggie perfectly!! You described her so well I'd know her if I saw her!!!

Can't wait to see where you are going to take us!!!

Joy

Those are the same people I was thinking of. This is a great start to your story!!!!!!

Maggie kissed the tussled brown hair before bustling a yawning Jacey out the door for school. “Now you behave to day.”

“Aw, Momma. You know I always behave.”

Maggie could hear the mischief in the young voice. She rolled her eyes, smiling at the peals of laughter echoing from her freckled face daughter. “Yeah, right. Now get outta here, missy.” She swatted Jacey’s backside and opened the door for the youngster.

“Love you momma,” Jacey called as Maggie watched her turn and wave before dashing down the hallway of the apartment building they called home.

“Love you too, sweetheart,” Maggie yelled. She heard her own Southern drawl echo down the stairwell, bouncing around before arriving back at her ears. My brother would be proud, Maggie chuckled.

A memory of two jean-clad children running across the grassy pasture on a warm summer’s day tickled her mind. She could see him still, his mocking words making her drag a lung full of air in before releasing it hard into the clear blue summer sky. “Mickey is a booger-brain!”

She allowed the memory to play a little longer before she slammed the door on the happiness of her childhood and walked back into the reality of her life. She could see his twinkling brown eyes with the golden flecks and the look of awe on his face as he ran back to her across the green grass and pulled her into a brotherly embrace. “Way to go, huggabear!” She could still hear his enthusiastic voice as he lavished his praise on his baby sister.

Yeah, And what do you think you would see reflected in his eyes or hear in his voice if he knew what a mess you have made of your life. “Shut up!” Maggie yelled at the inner voice. Of course it was right. It always was. She watched the same golden brown eyes blur with tears of disappointment as the baritone voice that now belonged to the little boy in the memory sadly asked, “Huggabear, what have you done.”

Maggie gritted her teeth, as she closed her eyes and roughly wiped away the tears on her cheeks. When she re-opened her eyes, the green pasture in her memory had faded into the drab little apartment she called home. It wasn’t a bad place, not the kind of place that someone like her deserved. But it was exactly the kind of place Jacey deserved. It was in a safe building, in a safe neighborhood. She had made sure of that. That was why she not only worked the street for her pimp, but also worked in his diner. She would take her breaks when he brought in a “customer” more interested in the dessert she could offer than in anything she could serve from the menu. She did it for Jacey.

Maggie sighed as she moved around the apartment, cleaning up the scattered toys that littered the living room floor. She picked up an abandoned Barbie doll and unconsciously smoothed the blonde hair. The toys of childhood, she mused sadly, wondering where her dreams from her childhood had gone. She closed her eyes, willing the depression that at times seemed ready to overwhelm her away. When she opened them again, her gaze landed on the framed photo of the little girl that had only minutes ago walked out to face the day.

She moved to the shelf and picked up the frame, smiling at the twinkling golden brown eyes and freckled face that stared back from the picture. She pulled the photo to her chest, hugging it tightly as a fresh wave of tears threatened to breach the dam of the eyelids. She might have made the mistake that brought the birth of her daughter eight years ago, but Jacey was no mistake. Jacey was the one bright spot in her otherwise dismal existence.

The striking of the hall clock caught Maggie’s attention. She glanced at her watch and sighed. You don’t have time to reminisce, Maggie, she told herself. It had been a long night and she knew she needed to get a move on if she wanted to get to the Hoover Building and back in time for a nap before her shift at the diner started. She replaced the photograph and trudged to her bedroom.

She frowned at the collection of clothing hanging in the closet. Each item reflecting their owners place in life; the corner of 14th and K Street. She groaned as she rifled through the micromini skirts and skimpy t-shirts. There has to be something in here. Finally, she pulled the longest black skirt she had from the closet, sighing as it still only covered her to mid-thigh. She followed this with a respectable looking red blouse, finishing up the ensemble with the only normal stockings she possessed and her lowest high heeled shoes. She wasn’t happy with the results, but it would have to do.

Maggie frowned in the mirror as she applied the dullest shade of lipstick she had. It was still an exuberant red, but at least it was more subdued than the others lining the bathroom sink. As she stared at the painted up face in the mirror, she knew the make-up was more subdued than she usually wore. But still, like the blouse and the nearly-too-short skirt and the high heeled shoes, it was the uniform of the streets; so different from the way she had worn her clothing and make-up once upon a time. Like the bottle dyed auburn tresses she swept back into a dignified pony-tail, she no longer knew what natural make-up was. Years on the corner of 14th and K Street had robbed her of the ability to apply blush, eye shadow and lipstick in a natural amount.

She groaned before turning from the mirror and leaving the bathroom. It’ll have to do, she thought as she turned off the bathroom light. She crossed the apartment, grabbing her purse and keys from the table in the foyer before leaving the apartment, locking the door behind her. She headed down the stairs to the street, beginning her trek towards the Hoover Building and the blonde haired woman whose business card she carried crumpled in her hand.

The figure watched the auburn-haired hooker exit the apartment building and start up the sidewalk. In the light of day, it was harder to hide in the shadows. Yet somehow, the figure did just that, blending in with the shadows of the people rushing up the sidewalk to begin a new day, following the woman who could destroy the well laid plans.

More later
Kim

wow can't wait for more...i already am on the edge of my seat...waiting for more

At least she survived the night! And you very carefully don't mention whether Maggie's stalker is a male or a female! And now that person knows she has a precious little girl and...and...and...ack!

kav

you portray the reality of life for a hooker so tenderly

hope you keep her and her daughter safe

cath

Hi Kim! Just catching up to this one and I must say you've got the makings of a real mystery brewing! The possibilities are "multitudinous" (Yes, sometimes I make up my own words... the others are all over used...) Feeling so much sympathy toward Maggie, even though I don't agree with some of the decisions she's made. Maybe this will be a turning point for her... we all know how Sue can be a positive influence. (Just look at what she's done for Myles!)

Tina

Thank you for the wonderful replies. They are truly appreciated. Let me assauge your fears just slightly. There will be no character deaths in this story. Now I'm not saying that some may not come out battered and bloody, but everyone will still be breathing at the end!

“You can’t be serious,” Bobby rolled his eyes. “You’re attending a gala for a bunch of dyed Easter eggs?”

“For your information, Koala Boy,” Myles retorted. Sue chuckled as the stoic Bostonian placed his hands on his hips for emphasis. “They aren’t just dyed Easter eggs. They are exceptional works of art. Much like the eggs designed by Faberge. Each year the American Egg Board sponsors artists that decorate eggs to represent each of the fifty states. They are exquisite.”

“Yeah. And I bet you look exquisite doing the Chicken Dance in a tux, Mate,” Bobby quipped. “I figure that’s one of the required dances at a gala for a bunch of eggs.”

Sue’s laughter joined with the rest as a flustered Myles threw his hands in the air. “I give up.”

Sue’s gaze drifted around the room, once again feeling grateful that she had refused the job in New York. Life without this goofy bunch of friends just wouldn’t be the same. Her gaze settled on the main reason she stayed, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of the intensity in those deep brown eyes that Jack no longer tried to mask. She met his gaze and held it, she too was no longer trying to hide the depths of her feelings reflected in her eyes. She stared at him, transfixed by the mixture of emotions that swirled in the chocolate depths.

Their relationship had evolved in the months since the New York offer. Jack was more attentive. As if that was any more possible, Sue thought. He no longer held his hand at the small of her back as they exited a room or walked Levi in the park. He now possessively took her hand in his, interlacing their fingers tightly together. The met for dinner after work almost every night. They would spend Saturdays together, enjoying the sites Washington had to offer. Jack had even started arriving at her door on Sunday mornings to escorted her to church. She smiled at the tender way he would wrap his arm around her shoulder as his eyes stayed fixed on the pastor. His fingers would unconsciously trace invisible patterns on her arm, her skin burning at the contact.

As for her part, Sue had become bolder, no longer trying to hide her true feelings behind well placed zings. She had even taken to kissing him lightly on the cheek at the end of their dates, relishing the feeling of his arms around her waist as he hugged her close. The look in his eyes, the tender touches, they all told Sue that Jack shared her feelings. They told her that Jack Hudson was in love with her. And yet, he had not uttered those words she so longed to see on his lips. Until he did, until she knew for sure that she was not reading her own dreams and desires into his actions, she wouldn’t completely trust her heart to him.

“Lunch with me today?” Jack signed.

Sue could feel the heat rise in her cheeks, just like it did every time he lavished attention on her. She nodded slightly before tearing her eyes away from the man who was the reason behind each beat of her heart. She sighed and drew her lower lip between her teeth, chewing gently as she forced herself to concentrate on the spreadsheet spilling across the computer screen in front of her.

****************
“I wanna see Sue Thomas,” Maggie demanded. She ignored the sneer the security guard gave her as his eyes traveled the length and breadth of her meagerly clad body. Those kinds of look were easy to ignore. She had eight years of experience with those looks and she was now immune to the unspoken disgust those gazes held. Those kinds of looks at first use to send a rush of tears to her eyes and the reddening heat of a blush to her cheeks. But the streets had hardened her to such emotions. Now, those gazes caused her stubborn pride to surface with a vengeance. She threw her shoulders back and stood proudly glaring at the uniformed man behind the desk.

“I’m afraid that isn’t possible,” he said. The words were polite, but Maggie could hear the smugness of a man who was looking at someone beneath his station in life. “I don’t think she would be interested in anything you would have to offer.”

“No, but I bet you are,” she spat. “Why don’t you just buzz up there and see.” She saw the man squint at her, hesitating to give in to her request. “Buzz her or I’ll give your description and name to my colleagues and the next time you are in our neighborhood, we won’t feel obliged to service your needs.”

“Miss, I doubt seriously I would ever be in your neighborhood.” Maggie noted that he was no longer trying to hid the disgust in his voice.

“Yeah right. Now are you gonna buzz her or am I gonna have to do this the old fashioned way.” She almost chuckled at the confused look that crinkled the already age-lined forehead of the graying security guard. “Go over to the stairwell and yell.”

More later
Kim

I can just see that....

**closes eyes**

Levi... the only one in the bullpen who can hear a voice coming from the stairwell, frantically pawing at Sue, trying to alert her to the sound... but unable to explain where she needs to go to find the person....



Great start.... I'm intrigued.... and I agree... the two people that pop into mind are Joseph... and Jessica... so who's the third? If the british voice was Jessica... and she's talking about Joseph... who did they team up with?

The dialogue between Bobby and Myles is "them" to a T. Gala for a bunch of dyed Easter Eggs....

And I'm glad to see Sue and Jack's relationship had advanced somewhat, but still in it's early stages so we get to see it develop! Anticipation is half the fun!!

Tina

tell her jack

at least she's got to the bureau without being killed

loving this

cath

Of course you wouldn't make it easy for Maggie to become instrumental in saving the day, would you? I'm blushing for her and at the guard's judgement. Hopefully he comes to his senses and calls Sue -- but then I'm wondering if he does, will it interrupt Jack's plans for lunch? I'm shameless, I know, but romance should come over saving the world, shouldn't it?

kav

Kim, I'm sooo glad to know no one is going to die!! I had terrible thoughts running through my mind as Jacey skipped out of the apartment, and Maggie headed downtown!!!

So, Jack is moving slowly ahead - still a little too slowly from what I can tell!! Jack, there is another speed other than "neutral"!!!

I can just see Maggie trying to get past this guard!! I don't know why, but Howie jumped into my head - he would have had a hard time getting past the guards too the first time he showed up!!!

Joy

That's great to know!

This is such an interesting story Kim. Can't wait for more!

Just a short post tonight. Thanks for reading, guys!

Maggie swallowed the butterflies that threatened to fly out of her throat the next time she opened her mouth. Throwing her shoulders back in a prideful stance, she drew the mask of street-hardened prostitute back over her features and boldly strode across the threshold in to the Bullpen. She met the staring eyes with a stubborn jut of her chin and an icy coldness in her gaze. She felt her tightly reined emotions almost break as she noticed Sue rising from her desk and coming towards her. The smile that reached the hazel eyes was warm and sincere. There was nothing fake about this woman. I bet that is even her natural hair color, Maggie thought.

“Hello, Maggie. How are you doing?” Sue’s voice was sweet nectar to the ears use to the curses and vulgar language of 14th and K Street.

Maggie fought against the urge to drop her head in the presence of such gracious treatment. Losing eye contact, at least in her mind, was a form of submission. And she submitted to no one. Plus, she remembered that Sue Thomas was deaf. She forced herself to keep her head high and her gaze intently plastered to the hazel eyes that held unconditional acceptance. “I’m fine, Ms. Thomas.”

“It’s Sue.” Maggie took the outstretch hand, surprised by the strength in the grip as they shook hands. “Let me introduce the rest of the team.” Maggie followed the petite hand as it moved from team member to team member. “This is Lucy Dotson, our rotor. And this is Tara Williams, our computer guru. Over there is Myles Leland. Next to him is Bobby Manning. And this, this is our team leader, Jack Hudson.”

The tender caress that Sue’s voice had when she introduced Jack was not lost on Maggie. She almost smiled as she watched the blush rise in Sue’s face as she smiled at the brown-eyed agent who was devouring the blonde with his eyes. Maggie acknowledged each one with a simple nod of her head. She took not of the suspicion in most of the team member’s faces. She looked again at Myles Leland and noticed that his face held something different. It was a look of…intrigue was the only word Maggie could come up with to describe the twinkle in the blue eyes. Her gaze lingered on Jack Hudson. Although his gaze was not as accepting as that of Sue Thomas, there was a softness about him. Unlike the others, she knew he wasn’t judging her by her state of dress or her obvious occupation. He was taking it all in, withholding judgment until he heard her out. She had seen the same look in her father’s eyes when he met an undesirable. She pushed the memory from her mind before it overwhelmed her and sent her screaming from the room. She gave him a slight smile and soften her gaze, silently thanking him for his open mind.

“So what can we do for you, Maggie?” Sue’s voice snapped her back to the reason for her visit.

“You can’t do nothin’ for me. But I might be able to do somethin’ for you.” Maggie smiled as all eyes focused on her. She knew she had their attention.

More later
Kim

And Maggie has our attention as well. Maggie seems to be a good judge of character.

Great description. I'm sure she'll find that's true of the whole team.

Wow this is great! I can't wait to read what happens next.

i'm sure she'll find acceptance from all the team

cath

Kim, you are doing absolutely wonderful with this and I'm glad I didn't have a lot to catch up on or I would have been really lost.

I love Maggie's character and the fact that Myles finds her intriguing is... well... intriguing. Am I sensing something there or am I just imagining it?

I hope she can help the team without getting herself into any trouble... I don't like the fact that she's being followed.

Maggie managed to pretty much sum up all the members of our favorite team, didn't she?? I'm sure she's had to figure out a person's character fairly quickly on the street!! She immediately saw the connection between Jack and Sue!! You also captured Jack and his willingness to believe in Sue and her contacts!!

I had to chuckle when Maggie told herself that she was sure that Sue's hair color was her natural color!!!

I can't wait for the team to hear what Maggie has to say!!!

Joy

Maggie sat in the conference room, feeling very much the part of a caged animal at the zoo with all eyes focused on her. She shifted uneasily in the chair, fighting the growing agitation and desire to run. Come on, Maggie. Get a grip. Remember the kids. “There were two of them,” she heard an unfamiliar voice say, her eyes widening in surprise when she realized the tight southern drawl was hers. “The male had a Middle Eastern accent, but the woman’s accent was British.”

She paused, waiting for a response. “Did you actually see these people?” Jack asked quietly. She turned to stare at the dark-eyed agent as he reclined casually in his chair. Again she noticed the sparks that flew between the agent and the blonde sitting to his left.

“No. I, uh, I stepped into the alley as I heard them approach. I stayed in the shadows until I was sure they had passed.”

“And just where was this alley?” The Australian leaned forward, placing his arms on the table as he intertwined the fingers of his hands. Maggie swallowed at the piercing look he sent her way.

“Just off Pennsylvania Avenue. About a block from the White House.” Maggie could feel the agitation rising in her stomach. Maybe she was the one judging herself because of her occupation, but she had the distinct impression that she was under a microscope here. She didn’t like that feeling. Not one bit.

“And what were you doing there?” Tara asked politely.

Maggie could feel the agents in the room unconsciously shift forward in their chairs, pressing in on her. The fight or flight instinct kicked in. Since there was no way to flee and no chance at a fair fight, she did what she always did. Maggie let her mouth do the fighting. “Paying a call on the President!” she spat. “What do you think I was doing over there? Even us working girls get coffee breaks. Is it against the law to spend it taking in the sights of the city?” There was no way she was going to admit that standing in the glow of opulence was her self-imposed punishment for the path she had allowed her life to take. “And what’s with all these questions? I came over here to do what I thought any good citizen would do when they heard something they thought might be a threat to the nation. And regardless of what else I might be, I am a good citizen, even paying taxes on my earnings. But if y’all are a gonna keep on asking these silly questions, I think I’ll just be on my way.”

Maggie started to stand, but her progress was halted by a gentle hand on her arm. She turned to meet the warm, welcoming hazel eyes of the woman whose card had brought her here. “It’s just protocol, Maggie. We’d ask the President himself these same kind of questions.”

“Sue’s right, Maggie,” Jack chimed in. She noticed how he placed his hand on Sue’s arm as he leaned forward, a warm glow in his brown eyes. She heard some coughs and snorts from the others in the room. She turned squinting eyes towards the others, ready to spew forth more venom if the need arose. But all eyes were focused on the couple beside her. Obviously everyone around them knew Jack and Sue were smitten with each other. Except maybe Jack and Sue, Maggie thought. She refocused her attention on Jack, relaxing a little as he continued to speak. “We need as much information as we can get in case we need to obtain search warrants and such,” he explained.

“But if it will make you feel better,” Myles interjected. Maggie turned to look at the blue-eyed agent. The intrigued look from earlier had been replaced with something else. Kindness, pity, something that Maggie couldn’t quite put her finger on. Nor was she ready to put her finger on it. “We can wait until you finish your story before we ask any more questions.” There was a quiet edge to his voice that made the other agents sit back in their seats.

Maggie nodded her thanks and began her tale. She related how she had heard the two discussing what sounded like a plan. The male indicated that everything was all set. The female had mentioned that Joseph would be proud. “Then the man said, ‘Good. So now all we have to do is wait. Then we will send our message that even the children are not safe in this conflict.’ That’s when I slid further into the shadows and waited.” Maggie pulled the rumpled stain bit of paper from her pocket. She placed it on the table and slid it towards Jack. “When I heard them start to move away, I moved to watch them walk away. I guess they split up because I only saw one figure head up the street. This fell out of his pocket. When the coast was clear, I went over and picked it up.”

Jack took the paper in his hands. She couldn’t help but notice the furrowed brow as he glanced up from the stained paper. “And you’re sure you heard the name, Joseph?”

“Yes,” Maggie replied. She had a sharp retort poised on her tongue but swallowed it at the last minute. She could feel the weight of the seriousness of the situation fill the room. She watched as Jack raised his eyebrows, glancing knowingly at the other agents in the room. There was a small smile on his face that matched the smile on Sue’s when their eyes met, almost as if they were re-living a wonderful shared memory.

Jack cleared his throat as he passed the bit of paper to Lucy. “Are you sure you weren’t followed?”

“I…I don’t think so.” Maggie’s mouth went dry. She was usually so careful on the streets. Suddenly, she had a sense of doom descend on her. Was I followed? Was I so lost in my pity party that I didn’t notice? The face of her precious Jacey flitted through her mind.

Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears that she almost didn’t hear Jack tell her to stay put for a minute. “We’ll be right back, Maggie. You just sit tight.”

She nodded mutely. Waiting until the last agent exited the room and the door clicked closed, she laid her head on the table, fighting to regain control of the fear that ripped through her body. If she still believed in God, she would have prayed that everything would be alright. But since she didn’t she hoped that the fates would smile on her this one time in her life and keep her Jacey safe. What have you gotten yourself into, Maggie?

More later
Kim

Don't worry Maggie, the team will keep you and your daughter safe... if you trust them and do what they ask.

Sounds like Maggie had issues doing what other people think is best for her. Hope she can understand that she's among fair minded people who want to help.

This is getting scary-good Kim... somethin' tells me we should start pulling out the couches and start popping the corn...

Tina

I think that Maggie is slowly beginning to realize that the team is not judging her. It is interesting that she picked up quickly on the chemistry between Jack and Sue.

Poor Maggie, thinking she can't be forgiven. But she's in the right place with the team to get some help. This is scary that she was followed and I'm nervous about Jacey. Can't wait for more Kim.

I'm afraid to think that they might take Jacey from Maggie just to shut her up.

Kim, Tina is right, this is scary-good!

i know it's not in line with the story so far but i'm hoping she comes to a place of forgiveness during her journey, both giving and receiving

cath

I just caught up Kim - and this is Awesome!! You are doing a great job with the mystery... and I love the little Jack and Sue insites

I can't wait for more!!

Em

“Well, Sparky. What do you think?” Bobby asked as he followed the team into the Bullpen.

Jack turned to face his best friend. He took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before he answered. He knew that prostitutes could come running with some far-fetched tale when their pimps roughed them up once too often. But he didn’t think that was the case with Maggie. There was an integrity burning behind those stone cold golden brown eyes that the streets had not been able to erase. He smiled. Usually it was Sue who was able to see the strength and integrity in the undesirable. She had an uncanny ability to see the good in every one, even the lowlife gutter scum of the world. It was one of the many things he loved about her. A quick smile crossed his lips as he chanced a glimpse at the woman who stole his heart the day she stormed into his office. He loved her. Saying those words, believing those words, relishing those words no longer scared him. I need to have a serious chat with one Sue Thomas in the not so distant future, he thought. The rules be damned. The only thing that would stop him from being with Sue was if she didn’t return his feelings. He refocused his thoughts, folding his arms across his chest as he stared, unblinking into Bobby’s grinning face. “I believe her, Crash.”

“Hey, that’s my line, Sparky,” Sue said. Jack chuckled as she moved to stand beside him. Crossing her arms over her chest, he felt her gently nudge him. “No fair stealing my lines.”

“I believe her, too.” Tara said. “I mean, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but she isn’t like most ladies of the evening I’ve met before.”

“And how many ladies of the evening are you acquainted with, luv?” Bobby interrupted.

Jack chuckled at the blush that rose in Tara’s cheeks. “You know what I mean, Bobby Manning. I mean there is an honesty in her voice. Almost like…”

“A rose needing to be pruned.” Jack turned towards the Harvard educated Myles Leland the third. There was a far away look in his eyes as he spoke. Jack quickly looked around the Bullpen, noting that he wasn’t the only one surprised by the remark. “In order for a rose to bloom and grow to its full beauty, it has to be pruned. Sometimes, you can prune it back so far you think you have destroyed it, wondering if it well ever bud and blossom into the perfect, beautiful specimen. But roses are tougher than they look. The pruned bush comes back to life under the gentle ministrations of a master gardener. The roses a deeper shade of red; velvety soft to the touch once you get past the thorns.”

Jack cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, well. Lucy, what about you? What do you think?”

“I’m with you guys,” Lucy shrugged.

“Then it’s unanimous,” Bobby bellowed. Jack raised a skeptical brow in his direction. “What? I believe her, mate.”

Jack clapped his hands together. “Okay team. Looks like we have a new case. D’s in a meeting this morning, so I’ll bring him up to speed later. Lucy, track down the flophouse on that piece of paper.”

“Right Jack.” Lucy moved to her desk and started the search.

"Tara, see if you can run down any chatter on Dessa or any of his known lieutenants. Then check with MI6…” Jack stopped, hoping Tara would take the silent hint. He didn’t want to say the name out loud. Just thinking about her left a bad taste in his mouth.

“Already on it, Boss.” The clicking of the computer keys was music to his ears.

“Myles, Bobby, Sue. Let’s go see if we can talk our Maggie into some protection.” Jack felt the adrenaline kick in. He looked at Sue and sent her a quick wink. Sure, there was a new case, but he didn’t intend for it to stop the progress he was making with Sue. “Let’s snap it up, people. I have a lunch date I intend to keep.”

More later
Kim

Good Job Kim!

I believe this might qualify not only as a Spring Challange, but as a Cyber Season 4 Episode as well... very true to the show and the characters.

Maggie better listen to Jack, Sue and Bobby... her life and that of her daughter could (and probably will) depend upon it!

Don't suppose that lunch date could be with one lovely blond analyst now, could it? Hummm....?

Please do continue... soon!

Tina

“No! I can take care of myself. I don’t need protecting,” Maggie replied. Sue could see the stubborn set to her jaw as she shook her head, denying any need for help.

Sue watched as Jack ran a hand through his dark hair, exasperation written on his features. Sue couldn’t help but smile at the wayward strands of hair that stuck up every which way. She fought the urge to reach over and smooth them down, trailing her fingers down the back of his head as her fingers continued to play with the hair at the base of his skull. She could almost feel the silkiness of the strands against her fingertips. She forced herself to focus on the situation at hand and not the fantasies years in the making. “Maggie. These are dangerous people we are dealing with here,” Jack reasoned.

“I don’t need nor do I want your protection. That’s all a girl in my line of work needs; a babysitter with a badge. You will only cut into my right to free enterprise if you keep sniffin’ at my heels.” Maggie countered.

Sue saw pleading brown eyes turn towards her. She could see Jack silently asking her to step in and try to make Maggie understand. She felt a surge of pride at the knowledge that Jack needed her, relied on her as much as she relied on him. Now if we could just talk to each other about how we really feel, she thought. She blinked the thought from her mind and focused on the auburn haired woman sitting at the end of the table. She could see the fierce independence of someone who had had to rely on herself alone for years. But she could also sense the fear and vulnerability that Maggie’s stony exterior couldn’t quite hide. “Maggie,” Sue said softly. She scooted her chair closer to the woman, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “You have provided us with some valuable information. We want to provide you with something valuable in return, protection for your life.”

Maggie stiffened under the gentle touch that could so easily send her emotions spilling from her lips. She clenched her teeth, fighting the urge to break down, relent to the kindness she had been shown by all of them. She couldn’t afford to lose control. When she lost control, she tended to reveal too much of the truth; truth about the scared girl who had run away from home, who still cried herself to sleep when the waves of homesickness washed over her. Jacey had grandparents out there that she had never met and would probably never meet. Despite the aching in her heart that yelled for her to go home, return to her roots, her family, her God, Maggie couldn’t give in. She couldn’t bear the disappointment in John and Katherine’s eyes. She couldn’t bear the sadness in Mickey’s voice when he realized just how bad his little sister had messed up. She gazed into the kind eyes of the team members sitting around the conference table, sincerity oozing from each set of eyes. She swallowed the tears that threatened to choke her. “My life is nothing to value,” she whispered. She stood from her seat and walked towards the door. “Like I said. I don’t need protection. Now if you will excuse me, I have a day job to get to.”

Myles watched the auburn haired woman walk away. He no longer saw the almost too short skirt, the high heeled shoes or the dyed hair. Whether she knew it or not, Maggie had offered a glimpse into her heart. He saw a lost soul, yearning to belong. A soul like his own. A soul worth saving. Sue had helped him begin to save his. Maybe it was time he tried to help save someone else. Maybe we can save each other, he thought.

He rose from his seat, giving Jack a curt nod. “She may not think her life is of value, but I do. She is getting protection whether she wants it or not.” He strode out of the conference room following the auburn hair so out of place in the Hoover Building.

“Who was that masked man?” Bobby asked. In all the years he had been on the same team with Myles Leland the third, he had never witnessed anything like this from the stoic Bostonian.

“I think it was Myles,” Jack whispered.

Bobby exchanged a surprised look with his best friend. “What has gotten into him?”

“Compassion,” Sue whispered.

Bobby gaped at the blonde haired analyst. There was a look of understanding and certainty in those smiling hazel eyes. Whatever had gotten into Myles, Bobby felt certain that Sue Thomas was a strong influence.

More later
Kim

It would seem Myles is simply going to "pay it forward" (An EXCELLENT movie, btw). Sue has helped him evolve into a gentler, kinder soul... and now it's his turn to influence someone else. And of course, he'll have the team to back him up.

Love the way this story is evolving as well Kim. Great job!

Tina

This was beautiful....and Myles, of all people, to be the one to take action was great!

a beautiful picture of God who has undoubtedly toucched myles in a way he probably doesn't yet know

cath

You know, Myles is right. Maggie is a lost soul who needs to be helped. She believes she's done a bad thing and that her family doesn't deserve to know her anymore, but if her family still loves her as much as it once did, forgiveness might be in the cards. What she'd done is done and she can't change that, but maybe--with some help-- she can change herself.

Kim, I just caught up and I want you to know I'm loving this!! It's already filled with mystery and scariness!! And, the Jack and Sue moments are fun and so in character!!!

I love the way the team rallied around Maggie once they heard her story!! Sue has taught them well to see that little seed of integrity everyone has!! Myles, especially, is so in character for this time in the series, when he had started to mellow because of Sue's ministrations!! His comparison of Maggie to a rose that needs pruning is soooo Myles!!!

I can't wait to see where you lead us next!!!

Joy

This next post is INTENSE.

Myles watched the diner windows from across the street. He had Maggie’s pattern down, knowing which tables were hers. He folded his newspaper and placed it under his arm. Walking casually across the street when the light changed, he slipped into the diner and slid into a booth outside of Maggie’s serving area. He smiled. It would difficult for Maggie to see him, but he could see every movement of the red-headed spitfire.

The bell on the door jingled, heralding the arrival of another lunch time customer. He glanced up, doing a double take as the man slid onto one of the stools at the nearly deserted lunch counter. Although all Myles could tell of the character was he was dark haired and probably of Middle Eastern descent. Myles felt the hairs on his neck stand at attention as his eyes caught the stone cold blackness of the customer’s dark eyes. Every fiber of his body was on edge. Something’s not right here, he thought as the customer caught the attention of a graying middle aged man behind the counter.

What I wouldn’t give for Thomas’ skills about now, he thought as he tried to catch bits and pieces of the conversation. He saw the man behind the counter smile and nod, extending his hand to the customer. After shaking the customer’s hand, the graying man motioned for Maggie. He watched Maggie nod and follow the man to the kitchen. Myles shifted closer to the edge of the booth, waiting for the next move.

*********
“What?!” Maggie exclaimed. She couldn’t believe her ears.

“That’s what I said, Magpie. $100,000.00. That’s what he offered.”

“For me?! For ten minutes?! What have I got to do?”

Maggie watched Jimmy shrug. He was a kind, considerate man, for a pimp anyway. “He didn’t say. But it can’t be much, it bein’ only ten minutes and all.”

Maggie felt her stomach lurch. Something wasn’t right. She hesitated, wanting to refuse. “Magpie, just think. I’ll give you half. That’s 50,000 smackers. You might just be able to take that little vacation you are always complainin’ about needing.” She almost chuckled at the devilish wink he sent her way.

But something didn’t feel right. Every instinct she had told her to refuse. Then Jacey’s face flew across the picture in her mind. $50,000.00 would give her a break from her place in life, the corner of 14th and K Street, for a while. She could take Jacey on a real vacation. Take it, Maggie, her brain screamed. Take it for Jacey. “Okay,” she said.

She almost laughed at the greedy way Jimmy rubbed his hands together. He might make money off her back, but he could be generous. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a single key. “Here you go, Magpie. I’ll just go seal the deal and bring the gentleman back.”

Maggie nodded. She shivered slightly as she made her way along the narrow hallway to the grubby little back room reserved and furnished for just such a mid-day encounter. She hated what her life had become, but she absolutely loathed the time she spent in this back alley rat’s nest. She placed a hand over her thundering heart as she heard the lock click. The squeaking door caused her muscles to tense as she pushed it open and stepped inside. Switching on the light, she sighed. Some things never change, she thought. But $50,000 was $50,000. She hurried across the slippery floor as quickly as she could. She felt her heels slide precariously as she neared the bathroom. She slowed her pace, regaining her footing before stepping across the threshold. She flipped on the light and closed the door. Time to find my happy place, she smirked as she layered her lips with the ruby red stain that matched her soul.

************
Myles saw the graying man return, motioning for the customer to follow. He slid from his seat in the booth and casually followed, avoiding the mass entrance of diners that came with the noon hour. He slipped unseen into the kitchen and watched through the swinging door as the man led the customer down the narrow hallway. He couldn’t follow until the man came back, but he could wait and watch. He noted the door the pair stopped in front of, sliding into the shadows beside the refrigerator when the man turned to retrace his steps to the kitchen. He held his breath until the man passed by, exiting the kitchen for the bustling dining area. His hand caught the door as it swung back, following its motion into the narrow hallway. He eased down the hallway, his hand on the butt of his gun in the holster under his Armani jacket. He stood outside the door, pushing the nauseating image of what might be going on behind that closed door away. This is a soul worth saving, he thought as he held his breath, listening for the slightest sound.

***********
“What’s your pleasure, darlin’?” Maggie drawled. She sashayed towards the customer, swaying her hips for effect. She stopped within arms length, reaching out to playfully unbutton a few buttons of the blue chambray shirt he wore. She stared into his stony face, no emotion visible in the face or the dark eyes. “Whatever it is, you’d better make it quick. You only paid for ten minutes after all.”

“It will not take more.”

Maggie shivered. She didn’t know if it was the Middle Eastern accent or the sneer that crossed his face that caused her heart to thunder in a panic. She backed away a step, dropping her hand to her side, but ready to react if necessary. Every instinct she had learned growing up with an older bother who thought it his responsibility to make sure his little sister could defend herself brewing just under the surface of a calm exterior. “Well, what are you waiting for, Big Boy?” she whispered the challenge.

Maggie felt her arms caught in an iron grip as he pushed her towards the wobbly double bed in the corner. She didn’t like the icy stare in his eyes as he focused on her face, and only her face. She stopped her progress, resisting the customer’s force. “What do you want?” she asked, forcing her voice to remain sultry and seductive.

“Your life.”

She saw the wicked gleam in his eye as he drew back his hand and slapped her across the face, the force knocking her to the bed behind her. She tasted the salty warmth as the blood trickled from the cut on her lip. She struggled to regain her balance as the man lunged at her. Curses echoed in her ears just before she heard the “Ooof” a well placed knee in the customer’s midsection brought. She tumbled across the bed, landing on her feet on the other side. Slipping on the slick floor, she skidded around the end of the bed as she made for the door.

Her head snapped back as he grabbed for her. She felt herself being catapulted backwards towards the bed. She landed on her back, the man straddling her, the glimmer of a needle catching her eye. “Now, you will die.” His laughter echoed through the room as she watched the needle and syringe dip closer.

“Not without a fight, I don’t,” Maggie spat. She twisted and turned, kneeing and gouging with all her might. She felt a warm trickle of fluid flow down her cheek, clouding her vision. Her brain took over her muscle control as her heart pounded in her chest. In the middle of it all, her soul cried out to the one person who could save her. Despite the fact her brain tried to deny the existence and her heart was locked tight against it, her soul remembered the well taught lessons of childhood. Dear God, please…And in the middle of chaos, a pinprick of light penetrated the stone wall surrounding the heart of a prodigal child.

More later
Kim

Oh, please tell me that Myles got there in time. Please?

Myles has to save her! I can't imagine the guilt he'd feel if he didn't get there on time, so he just has to save her!

WOW, HURRY MYLES!

Kim! What is taking Myles so long????

Em