I have been around this board for years. I have enjoyed reading the brilliant stories here. I just had an urge to write this and so I thought I would give it a try. The man and his story are true. \I would love to have any critique as I am a very new writer. Its going to be very light and fun and a little outside of the normal spectrum of Sue Thomas but I hope you enjoy.
so have a cup of tea and relax
emilie

“I was a doctor in the Royal Navy during World War II; I remember when the first batches of penicilin showed up. It was this new wonder drug and incredibly hard to come by.”

Sue looked fondly at the man she had become to view as a very dear grandfather. Paul was one of the most spirited men she had ever met. Even yet at ninety three he still kept his house and did all his own cooking. He was to her the image of a perfect British gentleman. Her mother had met him and his wife while they were all vacationing in Switzerland. Sue had heard of Paul for as long as she could remember. Now for the first time she was actually getting to stay with him and enjoy the tranquility of England.

“Sue, do you know what? I was going to have a well planned out day here and you have disrupted it showing up here at my door unannounced” Paul said with a grin and a hug, “and I’m absolutly thrilled to see you. What has brought you to my side of the ocean?”

“I had some vacation time and wanted a chance to soak up the peace and beauty of your garden” said Sue giving him a hug. “I do hope I'm not late for tea.”

“Of course you aren’t my dear I think I even have some fresh flap-jack for you” Paul said turning and opening the garden gate. Walking down the path Sue looked around in amazement here it was just May and the whole back garden was in full bloom. There seemed to be flowers of every color and size. They walked along a narrow path to the house which was in the classic cottage style. In wonderful stone and brick. It had a calming simplicity about it. There was a small green house a few feet behind that one could see tomato plants growing in though the tomatos were still rather green. There was a small glass room built off of the back of the house. Inside the room one could sit and look back at the whole of the Garden. Off to the side was a small gate and behind the fence was a small vegetable garden already green and growing. The air carried the slightly damp clean earthy smell so common after spring rain.

“Sue would you like a bit of flap-jack?” asked Paul holding a tin out for her. She took one of the wonderfully sweet chewy oat bars and bit into it savory the taste of sugars found only in England. Turning to sit in one of the chairs Sue jumped as Paul tapped her shoulder.

“No we will not sit here, We are going to sit in the garden room” though his words were commanding Sue could tell his expression was not. She remembered from his visits that he always spoke in jest and teased but was absolutly a dear to her when her brothers had been difficult.

Emilie

Welcome to the Spring Romantic Mystery Challenge.

I hope you have better luck in finding the time to write your story than I seem to be having.

My dad was in the Navy during WW II and is 91 years old, so I am intrigued with the man's true story.

The description of the garden and cottage are wonderful. I have read a lot of Agatha Christie novels and love the English village/cottage/garden setting so prevelant in her books.

Looking forward to see where you go with Sue in this story.

Lynn

I'm definately interested in this and you're doign great right off the bat. I could picture the garden so clearly and I can't wait to see what happens. You've definately caught my attention.

great start, looking forward to more of this, the gardens really are beautiful over here right now

cath

This sounds great so far! Can't wait for more!

Em

PS - Great name

Emilie, welcome to the challenge!! I love your story so far - it looks like it is going to be very interesting!! You described the garden perfectly - I can almost smell the flowers!!!

Joy

What a very creative start. I am glad you took the plunge and entered your story.

Thank you all so much for your encouraging comments. I love Hampshire and was blessed enough to spend a month with Paul this spring. Now that I am home I miss it dreadfully. Im sorry if the story is a bit slow in starting but I hope to get things posted fairly quickly.
Emilie

“When a very poor old man came to the hospital with pneumonia it used to be we made him comfortable and helped with his pain but his end came fairly quickly and easily, after penicillin came; it meant we could make him well enough to send back out on the streets until he caught it again”

“Sue I don’t believe for one minute that you are here on holiday. I may be old but I'm not stupid” Paul had turned to her as they sat down and fixed Sue with a worried frown.

“Oh Paul, I really can’t talk to much about it but I was supposed to stay out of the way for a while. I preferred to come and visit you then to go somewhere in Montana for a week”

“Alright but let me warn you I’m going to put you to work. I am of a great age and need to be looked after.” Paul's demeanor was that of a man half his age. Though he said he needed looking after Sue knew that he could take care of himself. He had managed for the past 10 years since his wife died. He even made all his own bread each week. Kneading the dough and baking it fresh in the AGA. Paul’s kitchen was a lovely and warm place because of an ancient stove. It kept warm all the time and was originally fueled by coal. It had been switched to keep up with modern times to running on oil but still kept the kitchen nice and cozy all the time.

“That’s what I’m here for” replied Sue laughing “this house needs a good scrubbing.” One of the things that she loved so much about Paul was his humility he was not a man to be offended about anything. He valued honesty and appreciated having help.

“I am sorry you had to leave Levi behind, I would have loved to meet him” said Paul. “Although I suppose his would have dug in my garden and scared the neighbors rabbits so maybe its best this way”

“Shall we go on a walk?” asked Sued.

“Well I can’t walk as far as I used to. Wouldn’t you rather go visit Jane? Jane Austen of course” Paul laughed at the look on her face. “My son lives next door to the house where Jane grew up which makes us practically family”

Laughing Sue agreed that it sounded very interesting. Driving through the Hampshire country side to Jane’s Chawten house would certainly be an adventure. Though Paul was old Sue knew that he didn’t drive slowly the lanes were tiny often only one lane. As they carreened around the tight corners in Paul’s small car Sue enjoyed the glimpses of wide open fields and small cottages. Thankfully they got to Chawten in one piece and were early enough to take a look round “Jane’s house” as Paul referred to it. It was a huge red brick house. Not so much a classic brittish house, right next door as Paul had said was his sons house. It fit into Sue’s picture of classic brittish house; thatched roof and low profile the perfect house. Jane Austen’s house had been set up as a museum with artifacts like the table where Jane sat, often late into the night to write.

“Do you suppose that any of Jane’s characters were actually real people?” Sue asked one of the ladies as they were leaving.

“Now that question has been asked many a time but I don’t believe in particular that they were” the lady responded with a smile, “of course we can only hope to find a Mr. Darcy somewhere in the world”

Sue nodded thinking back to DC where her friends were working to clear her to return home. If only Jack had the boldness to declare his ardent love like Mr. Darcy did. That was of course assuming that Jack felt that way which was, Sue felt, absolutely ridiculous.

Very interesting!! So Sue is in some kind of danger, and the team has sent her away to protect her while they find the culprit!! A wonderful way, Crash, to weave Sue Thomas into your story of Paul!!!

Yes, Sue, I do believe you have your Mr. Darcy, if only Mr. Darcy would tell you so!!!

Joy

You write beautifully Crash, I can't wait to read some more!

Well, Sue does have a Mr. Darcy, though he may be too stubborn to admit it. Makes me wonder if after all the danger Sue's apparently gotten in is cleared away, that he might come and fetch her in person. Now, there's an idea!

You're off to a very strong start!

jack as mr darcy oh be still my quivering heart

cath

Great start and I love the setting...just wish Jack could be there too. I'm thoroughly jealous of the gardens already in bloom! And I'm intrigued by Paul. Can't wait for more.

kav

*Raising hand* I'll take a Mr. Darcy!

Em

Great start, Hampshire is a very pretty county.

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“Now Sue,” Paul began later that evening. “I do believe that you should be getting married. Do you have any applicants for the job yet?”

“No I don’t seem to at the moment. A few have come and gone like I mentioned in letters but none have been right” She replied looking down at her hands.

“What about this Jack fellow? I seem to recall his name coming up once or twice.” Paul’s look was gentle and undemanding. It was easy to see that he wasn’t simply curious as so many are but that he truly cared to help.

“It’s so complicated” Sue said with a sigh. “I think one moment that we’re getting somewhere and the next that it’s just not going to happen. Its so hard seeing him go off on a raid and not saying anything to him.”

Paul sat back in his rocker. They were seated in front of the window in the kitchen. Paul had a needlework frame on his lap and was carefully working the yarns into the pattern. The warmth continued to radiate from the AGA and the ancient lamps sent a soft yellow light across the room. Standing tall in the corner was a beautiful old grandfather clock that kept a steady tick-tock as the minutes went passed.

“I think that you have to trust God in the insecurities of the job” Paul finally said after a pause. “I remember when I was young I asked my soon to be wife Enid which color I looked best in. She said Navy Blue so I joined up for the Royal Navy. We were both sad at the prospect of never seeing each other again when I left but I believe that constant prayer was what brought us through.” His eyes sparkled at the memory of his wife. Though it was clear he missed her, his joy in the world was undiminished as he lived life to the fullest.

“Paul did you ever have any close calls in the war?” Sue asked hoping not to stir up too many bad memories.

“I was just reading in an old diary the other day and it reminded me of a time during the war where I realized just how much we have to lean on God” said Paul getting up and going over to a large chest of drawers behind the table. “You see here?” He said holding an open diary out to Sue. “December 1941 to the farthest reaches of the sea he is with me. Just one year later I was in the Indian Ocean on a ship that was sunk only two of us survived the sinking. I was one of those people and as I floated on the sea with no sight of land in any direction that verse came back to me and I knew that God would take care of me”

“Wow those sorts of stories make me appreciate all the service men from both your country and also mine who have given so much for our freedoms.” Sue said watching Paul “Did Enid hear about the ship going down on the news or anything?”

“I think she did hear about it. I believe she spent a few weeks praying that I was somehow alright and look at me I’m still here to be difficult all these years later” Paul laughed and went to the stove “Would you like some Horlicks?”

“I would love some” Sue replied “My mother always gave it too me but I think the milk and malt makes me sleepy not to mention the jet lag is catching up so I think I’m about ready for bed.

At least he isn't pushing Sue in Jack's direction like everyone else seems to be doing, but there still is prospect in that question.

Emily

Just caught up with the last two posts. Of course Jack is ever bit as enchanting as Mr. Darcy! Somehow the word enchanting seems a perfect fit here! I don't think it has been used to describe Jack before.

Love how you incorporate Paul's faith into the story. Can't wait to hear Paul's tale!

Lynn

Gentle and touching post

I like the direction of the conversation. Hopefully Sue will be able to sort some things out on this trio.

kav

That was a lovely conversation. I think this trip will really be good for Sue.

I love this story sooo far!!! Welcome to the writing side of things...I warn you now once you start...you will be addicted for life!!!

Can't wait for more!

I have to Rosa. She summed up what I wanted to say in 4 simple words.

Em

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder!! Hopefully, this will happen with Jack and Sue!!!

I'm really hooked by Paul and can't wait to hear his story!!!

Joy

Sorry about the delay. Its been a bit of a crazy weekend. Thanks again for the encouragement.


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“Paul would it be a trouble for me to go into london today? Sue asked the next morning.

“I don’t think it would, though I must tell you that Im not as young as I once was and I can’t make the drive myself. If you would like I could drive you to the station and you could take a train in this morning” relied Paul. The day had dawned bright and clear an unusual thing for a British morning.

“That would be wonderful. I so want to see Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London” Sue said with a smile. It was such an amazing feeling to wake up and just decide to take a day trip to London.

“Well we better start off if you want to get the train this hour” Paul said standing up, “Ill do the breakfast dishes later” They walked out through the back garden to the garage and climed into the car. “Now you be careful alright? London is a nice city but you need to keep your eyes open. Can you come back on the 5pm train? That way I can pick you up before it gets too dark for me to drive.” Paul asked looking at Sue instead of the road.

“Paul! I would rather you watch the road instead of me if your driving.” Sue said grabbing the steering wheel. “But that isnt any problem I should have plenty of time to walk a bit on the Thames and then get a train back here.”

Paul left her at the station and drove home. Looking around the house he realized that she had left her funny little phone. Not being terribly dependant on a handy himself Paul didn’t trouble himself about it. Turning to the sink he worked to clean up the breakfast dishes.

“Ring, Ring”

Paul crossed the living room to answer the phone.
“Hullo, Dr Paul speaking”

“Yes hello Paul, my name is Jack Hudson. I’m Sues partner back at the FBI. Is she there right now? She isnt answering her phone.” Paul turned to the funny little phone that Sue had brought and realized it was indeed turned off.

“No young man Im sorry she has left for the day. Decided to go to London and do some proper sightseeing it seems she left her phone here.” Paul said apologeticly to Jack.

“Do you know when she will be getting home tonight?” Jack asked sounding more aggitated that he had at the beginning.

“Now relax Jack. I believe she’ll be returning around 6 this evening. Is there something wrong? Can I do anything?”

“No but please as soon as she returns call this number alright?” Jack gave Paul a contact number so that he could reach Lucy. “And please don’t think about this too much its nothing for you to worry about. With that he said his good byes and hung up the phone.

“Well I don’t know much about this busness but “Lord I don’t know what the problem is with Jack but I know you can help if He needs it.” With that he turned to finish the dishes.

Don't know what to make of that call...is it just Jack pining for Sue or has something happened that she needs to be made aware of?

kav

Yes, is this just Jack being overprotective, or is there something really wrong???

Joy

wonder what that was about?

cath

I would love to think that it's just Jack being overprotective, but somehow I don't think so. Maybe they need her back in DC, though I'm still not sure of the reason she'd suddenly decided to need to take a trip to England in the first place. I hope she's not in some sort of trouble that the team can't help her out of.

Why is Jack calling?

Em

I wonder why Jack needs to get hold of Sue so urgently?

I hope your not right Linny, but I'm thinking along the same lines as you. This story is about somethng that happened to Paul, so Sue will have to stay in England. You're really hooking me in Emily. Great suspense!

I love the way you have Paul saying a little whisper prayer there at the end.

Lynn

Sorry about the short post today




Back in D.C.

“Lucy, get me and Bobby tickets on the next flight direct to London. I want to be there as soon as possible.” Jack looked around the room at his team. They had worked with incredible dedication to find the man after Sue. He couldn’t figure out what it was that Tony wanted. He had taken to following Sue around about 2 months earlier. There didn’t seem to be any explanation for it. He started mailing photos of Sue in her house, walking Levi, grocery shopping and others to the bureu. They had begun to try and contact him but it had proved nearly impossible to find him.

A week earlier Tony had snatched Sue from her appartment in the dead of night. He had drugged her and taken her to the bullpen leaving her tied to her chair with a note “Next time its for real” At that point D had told Sue she was off for a vacation, being ever stubborn she had taken her vacation and headed to London.

“Ive got you two tickets leaving in two hours you should let there at about 2 am london time” Lucy said looking at Jack with concern. “Is something wrong? Why are you going over there?”

“Tonys left the country on a flight to London. We just got a call from customs saying he slipped through and London wasn’t looking for him so hes there and free. Sue is in London today sighseeing and I want to be on hand if nessasary.” Jack stood up and turned to Bobby “Come on lets get packed. Tara if you could keep running the database checks on Tony see if you can come up with any reason for this besides his attraction to Sue. Myles you just need to keep everything running around here”

Emily

Now we know why Sue is in England.

And Tony too! This is not good! I have a feeling we're going to soon be confronting the

I wonder why Sue didn't confide in Paul? Maybe she will when she finds out Tony is in London. If Tony doesn't get to her before Jack and Bobby. Please keep her safe until they get there!

This is a great story!

Lynn

I love this story!! I hope Jack and Bobby get there before Tony can get anywhere near Sue!!!

Joy

but at least jack and bobby will be there
cath

Oh wow. Oh no!

Whoa -- Tony is so not the man I wanted to see Sue sightseeing with!

kav

Not good! Not good at all! Tony? Oh, I hope Sue stays safe until Bobby and Jack get there.

Tony's chasing Sue?!?!?! I hope Jack gets to her in time! Hurry Jack!

Em

Hello!

Wonderful story Émilie. Just caught up it and I read it in a straight. The plot of your story is interresting and I like the way you write the characters. Paul seems to be very kind person.

I'm already waiting for your new post.

O'seam (relaxed and sipping a cup of tea)

I've been enjoying your story Crash, curious as to why Sue was in London. I guess we know why now Hurry Jack and Bobby. Sue watch out for Tony

Tony is stalking Sue.....the RAT

Bobby, Jack time to hall bum to England

“Looking at her map Sue turned out of the train station and started off towards the Thames. The sky had clouded up a little since she left Paul’s but it was still a beautiful day. Wishing she had Levi in tow Sue looked carefully around her it was difficult enough not to be able to hear cars coming but to have them on the wrong side of the road was also very unhelpful. As the Thames came into sight the view was spectacular. She could see Big Ben and the Parliament buildings across the river on her left and looking down river she could see the Tower Bridge. “I think it’s a perfect day for a trip to London” Sue said to no one in particular. Reaching into her purse she looked for her blackberry with the intent of messaging Lucy a photo.

Unknown to Sue, she was indeed not alone. The man watched her from the shadows. He could see she was digging her in purse for something. When her search proved in vain she sighed and reached into her backpack and pulled out a camera. The figure ducked back into the shadows wanting to avoid being seen if she started turning around in her search of perfect photos.

“Oh I wish the team were here to see this” Sue thought to herself as she continued walking up to a bridge hoping to get a good view from the top she walked to the middle and stopped. Framing the photo was so hard with such a broad landscape in front of her. With out warning someone shoved against her sending her lurching forward. Grabbing the railing she was able to regain her balance in time to save her camera. Whirling around she looked down the bridge however who ever had shoved her was long lost in the crowd.

“Are you alright miss?” An elderly woman asked, “I saw that man run you over its a shame these days how thoughtless people can be.”

“I think I’m alright but thank you for asking” Sue replied looking at the woman. She was a petite woman Sue guessed she was in her eighties but she looked healthy and strong. Like Sue she had a camera in her hand. Though unlike Sue it was an older film camera. Her hair was longer that most elderly ladies and it was tied back out of her face. She wore jean capris and walking tennies. Her blouse was nicely tailored and pressed. She was slender and looked as if for all her years she still could walk as far as she wanted to.

“I’m Ruth” She said extending a wrinkled hand in a firm handshake.

“Sue” Sue said smiling at her “I’m just here visiting for a day. I’ve been staying with friends in Hampshire.”

“And your alone?” Ruth looked a little shocked. “London is no place for a young girl to be alone. There are too many unpleasant people in this world.”

“That’s why I’m here and not at home. I work for the FBI and sometimes its best just to get out of the country.” Sue said realizing to late that maybe she shouldn’t be quite so open with a total stranger.

“Now dear that’s an even better reason not to be wandering alone around London” Ruth said frowning even harder. “Now I know I’m an old lady but how would you like a British tour guide for London? I would be happy to show you the sights and then you have someone to watch your back.”

Sue smiled at Ruth “I wouldn’t mind a bit of company if your sure it isn’t a trouble. However I have to say it might get a bit difficult for you because I’m deaf.”

“Now I don’t see as how that’s giving us any problems. I knew another girl once who was deaf. I am assuming your reading my lips so I’ll just make sure and look at you does that work” Ruth grinned at Sue. It was clear that she was excited about showing off her country and Sue was more that happy to have a friend.

“That sounds wonderful” Sue replied handing the map to Ruth, “Alright tour guide tell me where to go”

Well, evidently Tony made his first attempt!! I hope Ruth is really who she says she is!!!

Joy

i like the name ruth, it's my daughters name so i hope she's nice and not related to jessica in any way

cath

Great just great!!! Tony the Rat is nearby. I sure hope Ruth is a nice person!

I like the description of Ruth. I think she and Paul might need to meet. I feel that they would have a good comaraderie and that might even spark love between them. I think it would be cute, anyway.

“I don’t suppose we could pause in our tour for a bit of lunch?” Sue asked. Ruth for her age had nearly run Sue ragged the had toured the area around Big Ben and Parliament then they had walked to Buckingham Palace and done the Queens Gallery of art and the Royal Mews. Sue was exhausted.

“I think your right it is about time. Why don’t we walk back to the Thames we can pick up a decent salad at a shop and eat along the river?” Ruth suggested, happily trotting off back in the direction they had come. They found a sandwich shop and picked up their lunch. The selection of potato chips or crisps as the Brits said was amazing. They had every flavor imaginable. Sue finally decided on a bag of Shrimp flavored ones and went to check out.

“Sue you said you worked for the FBI you said?” Ruth asked before taking a large bite of sandwich. “How did you get into that?”

“I started out as just a finger print analyzer. Basically they higher people who have some sort of disability and stick us into menial jobs so they have good diversity in their employees. I didn’t like it so I went to complain…” Sue finished telling Ruth about how she had met Jack.

“You know I met my husband Will rather like you met Jack” You see I was a nurse for the army back in the day when women weren’t to be part of combat. However I managed to get out in the field. I worked dressing wounds and such as soon as the soldiers was brought back to base. I also worked on the prisoners who were brought back to camp. You here some interesting things from men who are in terrible pain. I thought that my intelligence could be of use but the head doctor never listened to me as I was “Just a woman” Ruth shook her head. “Men really underestimated us in those days. Well one day I heard a prisoner rambling in his sleep about a raid that was supposed to take place and decided to tell the Sergeant. So I went storming into his tent and gave him a stern lecture on women’s rights, handed him the papers with the information written on it and walked out.”

“Yeah sounds like something I would have done” Sue said with a rye smile.

“Indeed and later that day Sergeant William Sterling came and found me. Seems he had talked to his superiors and got permission to use me. From then on I spend all my time caring for the POWs and taking notes to Will.” Ruth smiled at Sue “And somewhere along the line we decided to get married and had 50 years together. He died last year from cancer but we enjoyed the time we were given.”

The two women stood up and threw their lunch trash into the rubbish bins on the sidewalk. As they started off down the river walk a figure stepped out of a doorway and followed after them.

“Well shall we head on down the river towards St. Paul’s cathedral? Ruth asked turning to Sue. The man turned his back to them as Ruth turned so that she wouldn’t see his face.

“I would love to where is it? Sue asked excitedly. Being in London was such an amazing adventure.

“Do you see that small bridge up there? It’s the very modern one made of terribly thin metal rods.” Ruth said pointing up the river some distance. “That’s the Millennium bridge and on this side just up the alley from it St Paul’s.” Ruth continued walking without waiting for a response. Sue hurrying in her footsteps. All of the sudden Ruth stopped again turning she looked at Sue. The man who had been behind them before was still there busily tying his shoe laces. Sue looked at Ruth confused and started to turn.

Grabbing Sue by the hand Ruth continued to walk “When the bridge was first opened they called it the wimbly wobbly bridge because it swayed so much in the breezes down the river. Of course now they have fixed it and it’s perfectly safe” she said in a louder voice than necessary. “I need to step into the Ladies room if that’s ok?” Ruth said practically dragging Sue into a Portable bathroom set into a alley.

“What are you doing?” Sue asked feeling a little confused. Ruth had just started acting so strangely. Ruth grabbed her by the arm and put her finger to her lips.

“We are being followed I think.” Ruth said as in a whisper. She knew that Sue could read her lips and tried to say everything without making any sound. “There is a dark haired man who has been hanging behind us since lunch.” Sue looked at her in alarm.

“Do you have a cell phone?” Sue asked hoping to have Ruth call her team.

“No I don’t it’s just too much of a bother.” Ruth replied apologetically. Sue felt a strange sadness wash over her. If only she wasn’t so far away from the team. At the same time she noticed that Ruth was leaning back against the wall near the sink.

“I feel terribly sleepy” Ruth said sliding to the ground. Rushing over Sue tried to stand her up only to feel herself fading into a peaceful and relaxed state. Sliding to the floor next to Ruth she rested her head against the wall foggily wondering why they had stopping in the first place.