wow, hope he got there in time

cath

Myles!!!

Joy

Get in there Harvard!

Or is he there already? Was that the sicko's blood she felt on her cheek?

Well, isn't that nice? I'm glad he doesn't beat her or anything, but a pimp, is a pimp, is a pimp. He's still making money by contributing to the destruction of another human being. Sorry, I'll be climbing down off my high horse now....

Tina

Maggie continued to struggle until she felt her arms pinned beneath the knees of the man. She twisted her upper body, trying to free herself from the human restraints holding her firm. Her breath was ragged in her chest as she gasped for air. The wicked smiled inched closer, she could smell the pungently sweet odor of curry that seemed to ooze from every pore of her attacker, adding to the nausea that threatened to overwhelm her. “Now you will die,” he whispered.

The glint of the needle slow descended towards her shoulder. She closed her eyes and turned away, waiting for the prick that never came. She heard the “Umph” as the breath left his body, his full weight resting on her. She watched as the syringe fell safely to the bed just beyond her head. With her arms pinned to her side, she couldn’t move. She turned her head, opening her eyes and waiting, wondering what just happened. She felt the weight shift as the attacker rolled off her body, freeing her. As she struggled to sit up, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, a warm hand pressing a stark white handkerchief to first her forehead above her right eye, and then to her tender lip. She looked up into the warm blue eyes of her savior. “Are you okay, Maggie?” the soft New England accent warmed her heart. She nodded before giving in to the emotions welling inside her. She sobbed and buried her head against his chest.

************
Myles heard the scuffling sounds coming from behind the closed door. He jiggled the knob, groaning as it refused to budge. He moved away, gauging the perfect spot for the well placed kick that sent the door swinging back, crashing against the wall. He moved inside, his hand gripping the butt of the gun, he took aim. But the attacker kept twisting Maggie into the line of fire. He frowned, starting to call out to the attacker, but the glint of the needle so close to the delicate skin caused him to bite back the words. He couldn’t jeopardize Maggie by spooking the attacker and causing the needle to plunge into the creamy skin. He waited, taking careful aim. Finally, he thought, squeezing the trigger. He felt the vibration in his hands as the gun fired and the attacker slumped to the bed on top of Maggie, the syringe falling safely to the bed just above her head.

Striding across the room, he flipped open his cell phone, speed dialing 911, then Bobby and finally, Jack. He gave the address quickly but clearly. He checked for a pulse as he rolled the assailant to the floor, smiling when he felt the racing pulse and seeing the rise and fall of the chest despite the red stain growing on the blue material of the shirt. He stepped gingerly around the warm body on the ground. His heart lurched at the sight of the trial of blood caking on Maggie’s face. He placed his hands on her shoulder, lowering himself to the mattress. He reached into his pants pocket and withdrew his perfectly launder handkerchief, pressing it to the flesh stained with blood and darkening with bruises. “Are you okay Maggie?” He watched as she nodded, her chin trembling as tears cascaded down her cheeks, mingling with the blood and the bruises. He was caught off guard when she leaned into him, burying her head against his clean white shirt.

Myles held her in his arms, awkwardly patting her back, unfamiliar with how to comfort a sobbing woman. “Shhh, Maggie. Everything is going to be fine.” He felt her ball his shirt into her fists, clinging to him while the sobs racked her body. There was more to the sobs than the relief of a spared life. It was as if the woman’s entire past, all the hurts and despair she had buried for years were finally released. He rocked her gently, holding her and praying that God will heal the broken soul in his arms.

More later
Kim

I'm so glad Myles was there to save Maggie and to comfort her.

Once again Kim, amazing. Or should I say, amazing grace. Myles was fantastic and it really touched me, how far Myles has come from when we first met him, by being loved and accepted right where he was. Now he was gentle and caring to a person who could be considered unlovable to some. I'm loving this story. God heard Maggie cry out for help and already had help there for her.

It's incredible to think that a soul so damaged can be made whole, but I believe that's what we'll be privileged to witness in this story. I'm so glad Myles could be the instrument God used to save Maggie's physical life. Great job Kim, I'm looking forward to more...

Tina

glad he was the answer to her panicked prayer

beautiful once again

cath

The song Amazing Grace is certainly going through my mind right now.

Oh, Wow, I'm so glad that Myles got to her before something bad happened. She got away with only a few cuts and bruises on the outside, yet I'm sure she was falling apart on the inside. I have the feeling that only Myles may be able to help the trapped little girl that still rests within her. Maybe he could even convince her to go see her family when this is all over... of course, this isn't going to be over for a while, right Kim? I mean, this is only the tip of the iceberg, isn't it?

I read fast and furiously to catch up and I can't say I'm sorry I missed that cliff hanger. I'm sure there'll be more for me to 'enjoy' as this story progresses! Great writing -- great action -- and Myles as the knight in shining armor?

kav

Wowowowow!

Way to go, Myles! Great save!


FGM (finally on spring break and off to grade a small mountain of papers)

I'm sure the fact that there was help there for Maggie when she thought there wasn't is going to go a long way toward healing her!! I'm proud of you, Myles!!!

Joy

Jack watched as Sue smoothed the napkin in her lap. He loved the way her fingers curled around the fork as she dipped it into the pasta dish in front of her. He loved the way her nose crinkled slightly as she opened her mouth. He loved the way her jaw moved as she slowly chewed. He loved the blush that crept along her cheeks when she realized he was watching her. Who are you kidding, Hudson, he thought. You everything about her. You love HER. Your heart is long gone, buddy boy. “So, what is your take on Maggie?”

“What do you mean, Jack?” He fought the urge to reach over and smooth the confused wrinkles on her brow.

“I mean as a person. I can’t help but think she is hiding something.” He saw her frown slightly. He hurried to explain. “I don’t mean about the case. I think she is hiding from her past or someone in her past, or…”

“She is running from her past?” Sue continued.

“Yeah. I get the feeling that she doesn’t want her past to know where she is for some reason.”

“I think she is carrying around a whole lot of guilt,” Sue sighed. “And I have a feeling it is guilt she has placed on herself, not guilt placed there by anyone else. I just wish we could help her Jack.”

Jack smiled at the look of concern on Sue’s face. He had seen it numerous times since the day she stormed into his office and stole his heart. It was the look of compassion and caring for humanity that was part of what made Sue…Sue. He had seen it with Howie and Dan and Jonathon and even…Tony. His mind spat out the last name as the anger at the dangerous agent threatened to flare again. He reached over and covered her delicate hand with his, watching her shiver at his touch and feeling the familiar warmth flood his soul. “I know. I want to help her too, Sue. And maybe we can.” Jack smiled at the memory of the look of determination on Myles’ face when he followed Maggie out of the conference room. “And if we can’t, maybe Myles can.”

Sue smiled. “Yeah, I kind of noticed that Myles seems…intrigued by the woman who has crossed his path.”

Jack grinned. “He’s not the only one intrigued by the woman who has crossed his path.” He watched as Sue smiled softly, ducking her head at the intensity of his gaze. He took his other hand and gently placed his fingers under her chin, drawing her gaze back to his face. “But the woman who intrigues me is blonde and sitting just across the table.”

“Jack…” Sue started to protest. Jack could see the mixture of hope and uncertainty in her hazel eyes. He knew the time had come to remove the uncertainty that lay between them. She needed to know how he felt and he needed to know the same from her.

“Sue, I think it’s time that we had a talk.”

He watched as she swallowed, the turmoil between hope and uncertainty sparking in her features. “Talk about what Jack? I thought we were talking.”

Jack chuckled at the saucy retort from the woman he loved. He squeezed her hand gently as his other hand tenderly traced along her cheek to her jaw. He laid his palm against the soft skin and gently cupped her cheek. “Sue, I think we seriously need to talk about…” He groaned in frustration as the annoying piece of technology jingled in his pocket. “Phone,” he sighed. He moved his hand from her cheek, fishing in his pocket for the blasted cell phone that seemed to interrupt at the most inopportune time. He kept his other hand wrapped tightly around hers as he answered. “Hudson.”

Sue watched as Jack’s eyes widened then narrowed. “Right. Got it. We’ll be right there,” she read on his lips.

He moved his hand from hers and she shivered at the absence of warmth she felt. “What’s wrong, Jack?”

“Someone just attacked Maggie.” Sue’s breath caught in her throat. “But she’s okay. Myles is with her. But we need to go.”

Sue nodded and bent to reach for her purse and Levi’s leash. She felt his warm hand on her arm and she looked up over the table at the lopsided grin. “This conversation is far from over, Ms. Thomas.” The Hudson wink made her heart beat faster in her chest as she felt the flush of heat in her cheeks. It was a conversation she wanted desperately to hear again in the very near future.

More later
Kim

Why does that ALWAYS seem to happen?????

Now that's reassuring.

Because it DOES always happen!!!! There are times when I want to take every cell phone/blackberry (remember when that was a fruit?) within a ten mile radius of Jack and Sue and blow them all to smithereens!!

But, on the bright side, Jack's made a move... and Sue wants to know all about it!!

Tina

woohoo, he's finally opened his nouth and heart and this time i don't think he'll backtrack

cath

Well, at least he's made an attempt to take a step in the right direction, though of course, life has to intervene. -sigh- Oh, well, I'm holding him to that promise of the conversation being far from over.

Okay - he made a start! That's good. Darn cell phones! Doesn't he know he should turn it off when he's at lunch? Sigh -- I guess an FBI agent doesn't have that luxury!

kav

Yes, I have to agree, Jack has made a good start here and I don't think he is going to back down!! Hopefully, they can finish this conversation soon with no interruptions!!!

Didn't we have a "no interruption" rule somewhere?? We need to find it and dust it off and put it to good use!!!

Joy

Myles pleaded with Maggie to go with the paramedics to the hospital. He watched the stubborn set to her jaw and knew it was pointless. “Well at least let them check you out here.”

He smiled as she groaned, but relented. “Oh all right.”

He winced as the paramedic pressed the tender flesh surrounding the cuts and scrapes. He heard the “ssst” as the air whistled through her clenched teeth when the paramedic applied the antiseptic. He relaxed as he watched the paramedic apply the soothing ointment and place the clean, white bandages over the cuts. The paramedic turned with a smile, “She will be just fine, Agent Leland. The cuts aren’t that deep and don’t require stitches. She’ll be bruised and sore, but none the worse for wear.”

“See. I told you so,” Maggie frowned.

Myles ignored the irritating I-know-better-than-you tone that accompanied her words. “Thanks guys,” he nodded his thanks to the paramedics as they gathered their equipment and left the room. His eyes quickly swept the room making sure the crime scene unit didn’t miss anything. The syringe had been placed in a red safety container and was already on the way to the lab. Fingerprints were being processed. The attacker was in transit to GW with Bobby and Tara following the ambulance. Everything was progressing perfectly, except for…He gazed at Maggie as she paced the room like a caged tiger.

Movement at the door caught his attention. He nodded at Jack and Sue as they stepped under the crime scene tape and entered the room. He watched as Jack and Sue took the scene in, their eyes sizing up Maggie as she continued to pace the room.

Jack took Sue by the elbow and guided her towards Myles. He waited until she turned her eyes from Maggie to focus on him. “Come on. Let’s talk to Myles. Then let’s see if we can convince Maggie that she needs at least our protection if not our help.”

He smiled as Sue nodded. He ran a hand through his hair as he stopped by the other agent. “Care to fill us in, Myles.”

“Well, as you know, I followed Maggie…” Jack listened as Myles filled him in on every detail. For once, he was grateful for Myles’ meticulous attention to detail. He had a feeling they were going to need every shred of evidence they could muster to close this case before they ran out of time.

Maggie glanced at her watch. She gasped when she realized she was going to be late unless she left now. She looked around the room. This looks like it will take a while. And I don’t have a while to wait. I have got to get going. She inched towards the door, watching Myles in deep conversation with the other agents. He was so involved, he would never notice if… “Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” Maggie started at the bass voice then jumped backwards as she ran into a solid human mass in front of her.

“I…I…I was just leaving.” Maggie replied. She placed her hands on her hips and stared into the dark face of the officer standing in front of her. She needed to go and nothing was going to stand in her way.

“I don’t think so.” The officer scowled. “I don’t believe Agent Leland is ready for you to leave just yet.”

Maggie matched his expression, standing toe to toe with the officer, despite the fact he towered over her by several inches. “Look here, buddy!” Maggie leaned forward and poked the toned chest with her forefinger for emphasis. “I don’t care what Agent Leland is ready for or is not ready for, I’m out of here!”

“Is there a problem here, Fred?” Maggie turned at the sound of Jack’s voice. She groaned as she found herself encircled by law enforcement. There was a mountain of a man in front of her and Myles, Jack and Sue behind her.

“Yes sir, Agent Hudson. It looks as if this lady here is ready to leave regardless.”

“Is that right, Maggie?” Jack asked.

Maggie turned on her heels and faced the agents. “Yes it is. And unless you are placing me under arrest for something, then I am out of here.”

“That wouldn’t be a good idea Maggie,” Myles replied.

She swallowed hard at the determination in those blue eyes. She glanced at Jack and Sue and saw the same determination in the brown eyes and hazel eyes. Well I can be just as determined. She set her jaw stubbornly. “Good idea or not, I’m going.”

Sue stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on her arm. “Maggie, you came to us wanting to help. Well, we need your help again. Only you can answer questions about what happened before Myles came in.”

Maggie watched as Jack stepped closer to Sue. She almost smiled as the dark eyed agent placed his hand at the small of the blonde’s back and leaned in close. She remembered being treated like that once upon a time. If only I had…she pushed the thought from her mind now was not the time. “Maggie, why are you in such a hurry to get out of here? I mean if someone had just tried to kill me I would be staying as close to law enforcement as I could.”

“I, uh, I have to be somewhere.” Maggie answered. She didn’t want to drag Jacey into this if she didn’t have to. Of course, the way things were looking, she was going to have to let the cat out of the bag sooner or later.

“Well, maybe one of us could go with you,” Sue offered.

“No! That’s not necessary.” Maggie hurriedly replied.

“Necessary or not, you are not leaving,” Myles snapped. “If I have to, I can arrest you for solicitation, prostitution and I’m sure I could come up with some others if I though about it.”

Maggie narrowed her eyes and clenched her teeth, “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Try me,” Myles said. She watched as the fire sizzled in his blue eyes. He was deadly serious and something told her not to push the issue.

She folded her arms over her chest as she considered all the options. “I need to go pick my daughter up from school.” If this were her former life, she would have felt the heat of a blush caress her cheeks as she watched Myles, Jack and Sue glance at one another before looking at her, eyebrows arched in question all over the place.

“And with all this going on, with the danger you are in, you didn’t think it was necessary to tell us…” Myles ended his stream of disbelief as Jack gave him a warning look and a barley perceptible shake of his head. Okay, okay. Myles answered silently. I get the point. Now is not the time or the place. Still, he had a hard time understanding this woman standing in front of him. He had held her in his arms as she sobbed only to watch the emotionless mask of the streets descend once more. It concerned him. And that concern, concern for someone in her line of work, scared him.

Myles glowered as Jack handed Maggie his cell phone. “Here, why don’t you call the school and tell them that Sue and I will pick your daughter up. Myles will take you back to the Bullpen. We’ll meet you there.”

“What’s your daughter’s name?” Sue asked.

“Jacey. Jacey Parker.” Maggie sighed.

Myles noticed how Maggie’s features soften as she said the name of her little girl. He wondered if Jacey was mirror image of the woman who intrigued him. Where did that come from? Myles frowned at the thought. He needed to keep perspective. His job was to protect the witness. That was all. He felt his hands tremble inside his pants pockets as he realized just how quickly it could go from just being his job to it being his lifetime project.

More later
Kim

Great post!

That is his job, but it would seem that that's not all Maggie his to him.

It took some doing, but it looks like they have convinced Maggie not to bolt.
It is wonderful to watch as Myles opens his heart to her.

Ooooh, there are just so many delicious possibilities for this storyline! Myles is already a goner, isn't he? And I'm sure the team will realize that Jacey is the key to getting Maggie to comply with their wishes.

Tina

i love myles hee, i think his heart is taken

cath

I'm praying that Jack and Sue get to Jacey in time...I mean they've been following Maggie so they know about her daughter and what better way to get to the mother than...

kav

Ooh, I don't like that idea, though I like the fact that I'm not the only one thinking that. Even if Maggie is in FBI protection, Jacey still isn't, which means she's a target.

I've been worried about Jacey from the start!! These people would not be above taking a child and doing harm to get what they want!!!

I just love a determined team!! And, Myles, don't look now, but I think you are pretty far down the path of this being a lifetime project!!!

Joy

I too hope Jacey is safe.

And I love Myles being to protective of Maggie. Are we going to see something more with them?

Em

The figure watched from the alleyway across the street. The teeth clenched as the attacker was wheeled from the building on a gurney and was loaded into the back of the ambulance. The siren screamed as it pulled away from the diner and into afternoon traffic. It was followed closely by an unmarked car with red lights flashing. I wonder which agents were sent with Rasheed, the thought was fleeting. That was not where the focus was to be.

The figure groaned as two more agents exited the building and entered another vehicle. As much as I would love to follow those two, that is not where the focus lies either. Where they are going is unimportant at this time. The eyes brightened as the focus came into view. The prostitute and the agent hurried towards a waiting car. The smile was ominous as the cell phone was pulled from a pocket and flipped open. I’m sure I know what the orders will be, but I need to make sure. The fingers tapped against the cell phone cover as the ringing continued. Finally, there was an answer. “Joseph. They have Rasheed. The woman is still alive. Do we call things off?”

“No. The attack goes forward as planned. We will continue to operate as if the FBI is unaware of the plan. After all, the woman knows little.”

“And what about the woman?”

The figure smiled as the answer reached the waiting ear. “She dies. That is the price for interfering with our plans.” The cell phone was flipped closed and the figure emerged from the shadows. The feet propelling the body towards the Hoover Building had a spring to them. It was the answer that was wanted and a job that would be enjoyed to the fullest.

*************
Sue smiled at the freckle faced youngster sitting soberly in the principal’s office. Her eyes were a twinkling golden brown, just like Maggie’s. Sue fought the frown that threatened to wrinkle her forehead. Before her sat a young girl’s face, but the soul behind the eyes was much too grown up for one so young. It broke Sue’s heart to think of a little girl desperately trying to cling to childhood while having to deal in an adult’s world, especially the world her mother belonged to. She felt a gentle squeeze to her hand and she turned to gaze at the dark eyed agent by her side. She could see Jack’s thoughts were mirroring her own, the chocolate depths of his eyes filled with sympathy for their young charge. She released her gaze, but not the hand she held clasped in hers as she turned to face the youngster. “Jacey?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Sue smiled brightly. “My name is Sue Thomas. And this,” she smiled as she indicated the man by her side, “is Jack Hudson.”

“Has my momma been arrested again?”

The question caught Sue off guard. Of course, Sue, she thought. Even you can’t be naïve enough to think that Maggie hasn’t been arrested her pursuing her ‘line of work’. Still, she had a hard time imagining the woman who bustled into the Bullpen this morning as a prostitute. There was something different about Maggie and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. “No sweetheart. Your momma’s not been arrested.”

“Well, I just wondered. That’s the only reason she doesn’t pick me up from school. Usually when that happens, Mrs. Bunch, our next door neighbor picks me up.”

Sue felt gentle pressure on her hand. She turned and watched as Jack squatted down in front of the little girl, her hand still clasped tightly in his. “Jacey. Your momma’s not in trouble. In fact, she had been a big help to us today. Sue and I work for the FBI. Your momma’s down at our office helping us out a little more. She wanted us to come and pick you up for her. We’re going to take you to her. Is that okay?”

Jacey nodded. She stood up and Sue watched Jack do the same. She felt a warm stirring in her heart as she watched Jack extend his hand towards the little girl then curl his fingers around the small hand. She could almost see the kind, gentle agent holding their little girl’s small hand gently in his larger one. Where did that thought come from, Sue wondered. She drew her lower lip between her teeth and chewed gently. It was an image she would love to see one day, in the not so distant future. She glanced at Jack and dared to hope as he gave her a wink. “Let’s go then, girls,” he smiled.

Sue nodded and followed as he led them out of the office. She suddenly realized that she would follow that man no matter where the path led.

More later
Kim

What a diversity of feelings in that post! From fear for Maggie's life to wonderfully warm fuzzies at Jack interacting with Jaycey... keeping his hand clasped with Sue's... his "Let's go then, girls."... and finally Sue's thoughts about the future.

The "figure" recognized Jack and Sue... makes me shiver and wonder who it was. I know there was talk about it being Jessica, but isn't she in prison? But I guess anything could have happened. But then whoever it is, they're headed for the Hoover Building and I can't think she could just waltz in after what she's done...

Now that I've managed to completely confuse myself, I'll just sit back and wait for YOU to tell the story!

Tina

Oh, oh, this is not good!! I'm wondering too, if this is Jessica, how she managed to get herself out of prison!! And, surely she can't just march into the Hoover Building!!!

I would have gotten all teary-eyed watching Jack with Jacey!! I like that Sue is thinking that a future with Jack may be possible!!!

Joy

wow, so much in tha post, they're still following maggie, the plan goes ahead, jacey thinks her mom's been arrested and sue is thinking of a future with jack

cath

I bet she's a saucy little minx just like her momma. Myles already is intrigued by Maggie, but I have the feeling that Jacey just might blow him away as well.

This figure is giving me the shivers. I agree with the others about it being Jessica... she's the only one who fitst he description... but how DID she get out of prison?

Oh - Jack is cute!

Em

Okay -- that's a heart meltingly to-die-for Jack! But I'm wondering at this:Maybe it's not Jessica -- wouldn't she be worried about being seen? And what's with the Hoover Building...like maybe she works there or something? This is one good mystery, kim

kav

Myles allowed a small smile to cross his lips as he watched Maggie and Jacey together. The little girl was the image of her mother with the same golden brown eyes. But Jacey’s hair was a soft chestnut brown. He found himself wondering if that was Maggie’s natural hair color. Maggie, what is your history, he wondered. Maybe one day, when the case was over and she was safe, he would ask. Right now, keeping Maggie and the little spitfire sitting beside her was the most important thing. He slipped from the conference room, his eyes never leaving the mother who tenderly talked to her daughter about the school day. Maggie was an enigma. Myles found himself wanting to unravel the mystery that was Maggie. He closed the conference room door. He turned to the guard and stoicly ordered. “Don’t let her leave.”

“Yes sir, Agent Leland.”

Myles nodded. He headed down the hall to the Bullpen. He forced his mind back into agent mode as he stepped across the threshold, gazing at his team members. He hoped desperately that they had a plan of attack.

Jack sat at his desk, drumming his fingers together as he leaned back in his chair. He tried to piece together the clues they had. He had a dreadful knot in his stomach; a feeling that time was running out. He glanced up and nodded as Myles entered the Bullpen. “Maggie and Jacey okay?”

“They are,” Myles replied.

Jack couldn’t help but notice the tight lines around the agent’s mouth. He smiled as he realized that Myles might have more than a vested interest in keeping Maggie safe. He turned his attention to the rest of the team. He stomach churned as he asked Tara the question he was dreading. “Have you heard anything form MI-6?”

“Not yet, Jack,” Tara replied. She shrugged her shoulders. “It seems like they are under some kind of alert. I haven’t been able to talk with anyone. I’ll keep trying.” He watched her eyes soften in sympathy. “Sorry, Jack.”

Jack sighed, the knot in his stomach tightening. “So what do we know?”

“Well mate,” Bobby replied. “The lab results on the syringe from the attack are back in. It seems like it contained a highly concentrated resistant strain of E. coli.”

“Of what?” Sue asked.

Jack turned to see the brow crinkle in concentration as Sue fought to follow the conversation. She handles this so well, he thought. What I wouldn’t give to make her life easier. He smiled as he realized he could. All it would take was a little more effort on his part, but the rewards would be plentiful. He waved his hand to get her attention. “E-C-O-L-I,” he fingerspelled. His heart thundered in his chest as his efforts were rewarded with a shy smile and a twinkle in those hazel eyes. “It’s a bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract. But too much can make you really sick. Children seem to be most susceptible to it. It can be deadly.”

“And this strain is,” Bobby continued. Jack smiled with pride as his best friend remembered to wait until Sue was focused back on his lips. “Just a small amount could kill an elephant. It seems to be resistant to most antibiotics and pesticides. It’s a strong little bugger. All it takes is for someone to brush against something with this on it and it is immediately transferred.”

“Looks like we might have the agent they are planning to use for the attack,” Myles replied. “All we need is the how, the where and the who.”

“Right,” Jack sighed. He ran his fingers through his hair. “Any ideas on those questions?” The silence that met his ears gave him his answer. “Okay. Then what about the flophouse.”

“All we got from the manager was that a man of Middle Eastern decent was occupying one of the rooms. He wouldn’t let us in and we didn’t have a search warrant, so…” Tara’s voice trailed of.

“We have a guard on the apartment,” Bobby continued. “Tara and I were just heading over there with a picture of the attacker. If the manager ID’s him then…”

“We have grounds for a search warrant,” Jack continued. “Okay guys, go to it.” He watched as Bobby grabbed his suit coat from the back of the chair. He smiled as the Australian offered Tara his arm. As they exited the bullpen, he prayed that they would find something that gave them another clue. Maybe even a tie to Dessa. That has to be the Joseph they were referring to.

“Okay,” Jack clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “What about Maggie and Jacey.”

He saw Lucy and Sue exchange a look. He watched as Sue drew her bottom lips between her teeth and began to chew. He knew she was forming the right words to say in her mind. She gazed at him, only to lower her eyes before she began to speak. “Lucy and I have an idea about that, Jack.”

****************
The figure watched as the security guard exited the booth in the parking garage. A smile crossed the lips. Some things never change. The figure slipped under the automatic arm and slid into the shadows of the garage. I can wait. Patience is a necessity in my line of work. Otherwise, I would never had gotten as close to Joseph as I have. The ability to blend into the shadows was another necessity. It was that ability that allowed the figure to observe the conversation between Leila and Rasheed then follow the prostitute last night. Joseph trusts no one. No one but me, pride swelling the heart at the thought. I can make people trust so easily.

A frown wrinkled the brow as the faces of Jack and Sue crossed the memory. Except those two. One I made trust easily. The other, never trusted. Now that they are…close, they may be even harder to fool. The thought was quickly pushed from the mind. The agents were not the focus. The plan and the tramp that stood in the way were the focus. The figure boldly crossed the parking deck. There was no need to fear. The credentials in the pocket were valid. As long as the path of an agent familiar with the past was not crossed, then everything would be fine.

More later
Kim

This is turning into one serious case. I have an idea that Sue and Lucy are about to have house guests.

Kim,

Great story........really tense......can't wait for more.

Me thinks you're correct Ivory.


Sorry to quote the whole thing, but I couldn't discern what was really important... I get the feeling all of it was! Do we know this is a woman? Or is Leila the woman with the british accent? If that's the case... could this be... GULP... Tony? Euuuuewww! I've only seen bits and pieces of that episode and don't have recorded ( what I wouldn't give to have it on DVD), so I'm not sure if would even matter if he crossed paths with an agent "familiar with the past".

First rate mystery Kim!!
Tina

no sure jack is gong to be too happy about maggie and jacey staying with sue and luce, unless he's there to protect them

who is this figure?????????????

cath

They're on an alert? That doesn't sound good. I'm still sticking to my previous suspicions, though and this just adds more to the flame.



This doesn't help much, either, though.

This is great Kim! I can't wait to see what happens!

Em

Thank you for the wonderful comments. You guys are wonderful to take the time to read this little mystery. thanks for hanging in there with me.


“Is everything okay, Momma?”

Maggie raised her eyes to gaze into the sweet face of her daughter. She winced slightly as she met the wide, golden brown eyes. They were much too solemn for one so young. She reached over and tenderly brushed the chestnut bangs away from those wonderful eyes. “Everything is fine, Baby. Why?”

“Because your forehead’s all wrinkled up like this…” Maggie smiled then laughed at the contorted face Jacey presented her. It was the first genuine laugh to escape her throat in days.

“Everything’s fine, sweetie. I was just thinking.”

“’Bout what?”

Maggie gazed into the innocence that bathed her little one’s face. “I was thinking…wishing really, that we could leave. I want to get back to the place that I belong.”

“Where’s that, Momma?”

The innocent question tore at Maggie’s heart. She fought to control the tremor she felt in her chin. She blinked furiously to keep the tears at bay. Her little girl was so innocent, so filled with wide eyed wonder and genuine goodness. She swallowed hard, not able to tell Jacey the truth; that she belonged on the corner of 14th and K Street. She took the small hand in hers, gently rubbing her thumb across the knuckles. She forced a smile to her lips. “At home with you.”

The brilliant smile that greeted the response warmed Maggie’s heart, touching the scarred soul. Maggie realized that there was a glimmer of truth in her response. Maybe, just maybe it was a first step into a brighter tomorrow.

************
“No.” Jack replied after hearing Sue and Lucy’s plan. “It’s too dangerous.”

“But Jack,” Lucy protested.

“I said no, Luce. We’ll get them into a safe house or a hotel.”

“But that could take hours to arrange.” Jack watched as the rotor folded her arms across her chest.

Jack drew in a breath then breathed out a low growl. It was a good plan. It was a perfect plan. But he had no intention of placing Sue in that kind of jeopardy. Maggie had been attacked once already. His instincts told him it would not be the last attempt. Now she and Lucy wanted to offer their apartment as a refuge. Not only that, Lucy wanted to drag Alice into it by having Jacey stay with her at the retirement village.

“I have to admit, it’s a good plan Jack.” Jack glared at Myles as the response left the Bostonian’s lips. “I really don’t think that whoever is behind this knows about Jacey. They had all day to try to get to her at school and nothing was attempted. I think separating them is the only way to keep Jacey safe. I think Maggie would agree to our protection if she felt sure that Jacey was safe.”

“He’s right, Jack.” Jack sighed as he turned to face the blonde-haired beauty that held his heart. Her hazel eyes were soft, almost pleading with him to see this from her point of view. She hadn’t said much, letting Lucy lay out the plan, but her eyes spoke volumes. “Grams’ retirement village is guarded better than Fort Knox. Lucy will stay with them and maybe Tara or Bobby or Myles could stay as well.”

“I would volunteer to stay,” Myles conceded. “Maybe the four of us could rotate between the two places.”

“No!,” Jack retorted quickly. “Ah, I mean,…That won’t be necessary. IF I agree to this, then I will stay at Sue’s.” Jack felt the hidden smiles behind the eyes of his co-workers. He cleared his throat, “After all, Maggie’s safety is ultimately my responsibility as team leader. Besides, I haven’t said ‘Yes’ yet.”

He felt a soft hand on his arm and turned to gaze into Sue’s smiling face. She was radiant, taking his breath away with a soft smile and a gentle gaze. He watched as she leaned closer, whispering words meant only for him. “I wouldn’t mind if you stayed with me. It might give us a chance to finish the conversation you started at lunch.”

Jack grinned. That is definitely not a bad idea, he conceded. It might give me a chance to finish the conversation and start a few non-verbal ones as well. I’m sure Maggie can be discreet. His brow furrowed at the thought. Of course she can, Hudson. Discretion is an integral part of her occupation. He waggled his eyebrows at Sue, delighting at the slow spread of pink across her cheeks. “Well Ms. Thomas, you have just succeeded in convincing me. The side benefits alone will make this assignment one of the most enjoyable in recent memory.” He winked and his heart soared as Sue smiled gently. He saw her roll her eyes, but the gentle smile stayed firmly planted on her lips. It was a small sign that gave him hope. “Now let’s go see if we can persuade Maggie.”

More later
Kim

Now we will have to wait and see what Maggie will think about this plan.

I hope Maggie agrees. It seems like a well thought-out plan.

Well, I don't know if Sue and Lucy's apartment is better than a safe house, but the whole 'Jack and Sue having a chance to talk' thing has me heaving great big sighs...

And Grams will be good for Jacey. Not that Maggie's doing a bad job with raising her, but if a little girl has to worry that her mama's been arrested if she late picking her up from school, then a little grandmotherly love could definitely help the situation.

Tina

I honestly don't think she will enjoy the idea, seeing as though she is in danger and they are asking her to be separated from the only person who knows the real her. I have the feeling that she won't want to be separated from Jacey. Perhaps, Myles could convince her, though. I'm sure he could find a way to two to convince her....

a definate possibility of fuzzies here, hope she agrees to the plan

cath

Sounds like a good plan to me

Em