At least he can joke about it. I guess that's better than being terrified of it, still.



Yeah, I keep saying that too. You notice how that doesn't really work?

bobby, you may be a good catch but i doubt you want to be caught by a big cat

cath

It's his animal magnetism!!!!
kav

This is such an original idea! I'm looking forward to more.

Just wondering do you dream in English? My good friend who is bilingual English/Spanish said she used to dream that she was speaking Spanish fluently before she made the big jump to actually speaking it fluently. I'm in awe of your command of the English language.

Ornella

Very good mystery and such a unique idea.

I am glad Bobby felt he could confide in Tara. I hope there is more to this in the future?

And what about Myles and Lucy? Could Lucy be going to help him with his roses? And what about this ecologist group Jack and Sue are going to visit? I'm waiting patiently for your next post.

Lynn

Great post! I hope we get more soon!

Em

No, I don’t dream in English ( at least I don’t think so) but I think in English and this is getting awkward because when I speak I know how to say something in English but I can’t for the life of me remember the exact words in Italian, my own language!

I’m sorry for the irregular posts but this is a very difficult moment for my family and I have an awful lot of things to do, so I’ve been forced to put aside my writing. My brother has a problem with his spine and probably he has to be operated. We’re praying that surgery won’t be necessary because it would be very dangerous…
I hope against hopes that I’ll be able to complete this story before the deadline. However, I want to thank you for sticking with me in spite of my absence from my own story!



They had just exited the third industry when Tara stopped abruptly in the middle of the pavement.
- I can’t believe it! I forgot my purse. –

- Do you remember where you left it? –

- In the bathroom. – She answered after a couple of seconds. – I’ll go back and retrieve it.-

- I’ll wait in the car. – Bobby said nodding towards the vehicle parked at the other side of the road.

Tara nodded and then hurried inside. Bobby reached the car and, glancing up at the grey sky, he opened the boot and pulled out an umbrella. Then, he got into the car.
A couple of minutes later, he saw Tara at the entrance of the industry, her purse in her right hand. When she stepped outside the industry, she heard the rumble of a thunder and she hurried towards the car, knowing exactly what was about to happen. Sure enough, some moments later a heavy rain began to fall, immediately soaking her to the skin. Bobby hurried towards her with the umbrella and assisted her to the car.
- I can’t believe it! This is already the second time today that I have to change! – Tara exclaimed, clearly irritated. – I’m a mess!-

Bobby started to contradict her, finding her downright adorable, but upon seeing the dangerous glint in her eyes he decided not to.
- Why aren’t you soaked? – Tara asked suddenly, narrowing her eyes at the Australian.

- I had an umbrella. Didn’t you see it? – Bobby asked, perplexed. – The question is… why you don’t have an umbrella. – Bobby pointed out. – Haven’t you seen the black heavy clouds in the sky this morning? – He asked.

Tara shook her head.

- But I’ve seen the weather broadcast on TV and I consulted three websites before going to work! – She protested. – And they all said that today it would have been sunny!-

- Does it seem sunny to you? – Bobby asked, raising his left eyebrow and nodding towards the sky.

Tara observed the sky. There were clouds everywhere. She squeezed her eyes. There were… three layers of clouds! And the blue of the sky wasn’t visible anywhere.
- They said that it would be sunny today! How could they say something so clearly inexact? They have sophisticated and very expensive technology!-

- Yes. They have. But they can be wrong. Nature is unpredictable. But you could have a better relationship with it if you just trusted more your instinct and less the technology. This morning I saw the grey sky and smelled the rain, yes rain has a smell, and I knew that today I had to bring the umbrella. Do me a favour, luv. Tomorrow, don’t watch any weather forecast. Just open your window, observe the sky, smell the air, listen to the sounds around you, trust your instinct. I’m sure Nature won’t be able to surprise you again!-

I know Lucy doesn’t seem the kind of person who keeps polluting but litter is a sad reality and I had to make a choice. Jack and Myles seem too particular to do something which would bring disorder. Myles had his roses and Tara her technology. Bobby was the only one who could fill the part of the hunter. I thought that Sue and Jack, both coming from little towns of agricultural states, would have a certain respect for nature. So, the only one who could embody one of our worst habits was the poor Lucy.

Don’t ask me how but I managed to squeeze two posts tonight! Just think that here it’s 1:14 AM!


***

Myles and Lucy were walking towards the Hoover building when someone handed Lucy an advertising leaflet. After absent-mindedly glancing at it, she let it fall to the ground. The leaflet landed on the remains of a hot dog squashed on the pavement. A sudden gush of wind brought it back in the air and made it land on the front of Lucy’s shirt.
- Noooo! My new shirt! – Lucy shrieked, picking the sheet of paper with two fingers.

- If you want, we could pass by your apartment so that you can change. – Myles suggested, his heart swelling with joy at the look of gratitude on Lucy’s face.

- Thank you, Myles. – She replied, smiling, her eyes shining with sincere gratitude.

- You’re welcome. –

Myles observed her while she started walking in front of him. He had always loved the way her hips swayed when she walked, her innate elegance and grace, her smile, her beautiful, tapering hands…
- Myles? Are you coming? – She asked, interrupting his musings.

**

Getting in the elevator of the Hoover building some time later, Lucy surprised herself by standing right beside Myles, their shoulders almost touching, even though the elevator was empty.
The day had passed smoothly and Myles had been attentive and funny. And she had truly enjoyed herself although they had spent the morning and part of the afternoon interviewing reluctant people. She knew that it was because of Myles’ company. And that thought scared her. She had loved him and he had betrayed her. Was she ready to risk again her heart with the same man? A thought struck her suddenly. He wasn’t the same man. No more. The self-centred, severe Myles Leland the Third had slowly but surely disappeared giving the attentive, relaxed Myles Leland the chance to surface.
Lucy relaxed and leaned lightly on his shoulder, feeling him stiffen and then relax, his hand timidly finding its way towards the small of her back.

Ooh! I sense something clicking, there!! Yay!!! Love is in the air!

I'm loving this story Ornella. As I've said before, it is such a different premise. Bobby's advice to Tara is so right on; now take it Tara! And Lucy/Myles? I sense a budding romance. Can't wait to see what happens next.

I'll be praying for your brother and your family Ornella. Keep us posted and let us know if he has to have surgery. We can all concentrate our prayers, even if it is during the middle of the night over here and keep him and the doctors surrounded with prayers.

Lynn

Thank you, Lynn. I still hope everything will be alright.

Ornella

sorry to hear about your brother, i'll be praying for him and your family

i feel romance in the air for lucy and myles

cath

I love Myles and Lucy!

Em

Hello Ornella!

I just found your story and I really love it. You put a touch of humour, a shade of love and a hint of mystery and your story is just amazing.
Oh, and Bobby advise to Tara is the moment I like the most : "Do me a favour, luv. Tomorrow, don’t watch any weather forecast. Just open your window, observe the sky, smell the air, listen to the sounds around you, trust your instinct."

Already waiting to read more.

O'seam

PS : Hope that your brother will be better soon

Ornella, sorry to hear about your brother. You have my thoughts and prayers.

This is such a great story!! I love the different slant on the subject!!!

Bobby is right about the weather - I never listen to the forecast, I just look outside!!!

I do believe Lucy and Myles are warming up to each other again!!!

Joy

Welcome O’seam!
I’m sick. I have some sort of flu. And I’m happy! This is the first day I can rest in two weeks! I’ll try to post again today.
Thanks for your prayers and your replies.



Jack and Sue entered the headquarters of the ecologist group and were welcomed by a smiling dark-haired woman.
- Good morning. Can I help you? – The woman asked, eyeing Jack appreciatively but discreetly.

- I’m Jack Hudson and this is Sue Thomas. FBI. – Jack showed his badge. - We’d like to talk with the leader of the group. –

- She’s in a meeting right now but she should be free in ten-fifteen minutes. – The woman answered, the smile gone and the posture rigid. – You can wait over there. – She added, pointing at a couch.

- Thank you, Miss? –

- Mrs. Richardson. – The woman supplied.

- Thank you, Mrs. Richardson. – Sue said, smiling. The woman managed a tentative smile in response.

***

- So, what did we do this time? – The leader of the group asked after the introductions.

- Nothing, yet. – Jack answered.

- What should that mean? – The woman asked in a slightly irritated voice.

- We have reasons to believe that Sunday there will be some sort of attack against an industry here in Virginia. The purpose of such a drastic action would be the salvation of the Earth.-

- And since we had already had some… frictions with the FBI you thought of us. – The woman commented, her attitude calm and collected but hey eyes flashing with anger. – I don’t know if I should feel honoured that we are in the forefront of the FBI’s mind or indignant at the fact that the FBI considers us so unprofessional. We took some… drastic actions in the past but we’ve never communicated our intentions to the authorities with the risk of being stopped. Why change our tactics now? –


***

- She had a point. – Sue commented after having left the building.

- Yeah, I know. - Jack acknowledged with a nod. – But she’s hiding something. –

- Maybe she’s really organizing this attack and someone of her group has contacted us without her knowledge to warn us. – Sue proposed.

- You’re probably right. You’re good, Thomas. Are you tying to steal my job from me? - Jack asked with a grin and a wink.

- Naah. Too much paperwork, too much boring meetings and too many responsibilities. Besides, I wouldn’t be able to deal with Bobby as effectively as you. –

- But you did a pretty good job in dealing with Myles… - Jack commented, pride and love evident in his eyes.

- He just needed someone ready to listen. – Sue said, shrugging self-consciously and lowering her gaze to the ground.

Jack tilted her head up with a finger and waited for her eyes to focus on his lips.
- He just needed you and your beautiful heart. Exactly like me. – He said, cupping her left cheek with his hand and leaning forward.

- Jack… we’re in public. – Sue protested feebly, her body betraying her and leaning towards Jack.

- We’re very far from the office and no one knows us here. Here we can just be two people in love. No job, no interruptions, no stupid rules. –

Sue closed her eyes in anticipation and brought both her hands to his waist, ready to steady herself during the onslaught on her senses she knew would coming soon.
Jack observed her for a moment. She was so beautiful! And he had been a fool to let three years pass without telling her how she occupied every single one of his thoughts during the day and of his dreams during the night. But now she was his and he was hers. Well, he had been hers since the moment she had stormed in his office asking for a better job but he had found the courage to admit it to himself and then to her just a couple of months before.
He brushed his lips across hers for a brief moment before starting his assault on her mouth. He had just rested his lips on hers when his cell-phone started buzzing. He sighed dejectedly and gave her a quick peck on the mouth.
- Hudson. –

Hello Ornella!

Your story is full of genius. I can't help laughing when I read it. Really.
And by the way, if I might quote Sue reply : "Naah. Too much paperwork, too much boring meetings and too many responsibilities." Yeah, sometimes I also feel like this at the end of a working day...

Hope to read more tonight.

O'seam

PS : Sorry to hear about this flu. Hope you will recover quickly.

Aw, Ornella, I'm sorry to hear that you have the flu, but think of it this way, plenty of rest and relaxation, not to mention wonderful stories to read.

Second post of the day! I’m spoiling you! Maybe there will be a third instalment this evening (my evening not yours).
I'm not sorry for this flu, Linny. I mean, I could do without the headache that is keeping me company since tonight but thanks to this absolutely not serious flu I can rest today. And I had the time to write some more.



- So, we have nothing. – Jack commented after having listened to the account of his colleagues.

- Did you really expect to find the culprit so easily? – Myles asked, sceptically.

- No, not really. – Jack sighed. – But a man can hope! I just don’t want to do what we need to do. –

- And that would be? – Lucy asked, dreading the answer.

- Checking all the documents of all the suspected industries. – Jack answered.

The team groaned but followed him in one of the conference rooms.

- It will be a long night. – Sue commented, glancing at the mountain of boxes that occupied the room.


***

21st April

Tara yawned loudly, causing Myles’ lolling head to jerk up suddenly.
- Sorry. – She said blushing.

- Tara. Myles. It’s three AM. Go to sleep for a couple of hours. There are some cots in the other conference room. – Jack ordered, stifling a yawn. – And bring Sleeping Beauty with you. – Jack added, nodding towards the slouched figure of a snoring Bobby.

Once the three agents had left the room, Jack joined Sue on the couch. She was clearly having a hard time trying to keep her eyes open.
- Scoot over. – Jack ordered softly. Sue complied.

- Where’s everyone? – She asked, glancing around at the empty conference room.

- I sent Myles, Tara and Bobby to sleep for a couple of hours and Lucy is in the bullpen, catching up on some paperwork for Randy. Let me help you with this document. –

Sue nodded and leaned on Jack, her head on his shoulder. A couple of minutes later, the document in Sue’s hands slipped to the floor. Jack glanced at Sue. She was sound asleep. He decided to follow her in her slumber and rested his head on hers.

***

Lucy glanced at the clock on the wall of the bullpen with heavy eyes. Four AM.
- I need to sleep. – She mumbled, stifling a yawn, and then got up and reached the conference room to let Jack know that she was taking a couple of hours of highly deserved rest.

She entered quietly the conference room and opened her mouth to talk with Jack but closed it immediately upon seeing Jack and Sue’s sleeping forms. She exited the room with a smile on her tired face.

Although Lucy had been careful not to do any noise, Jack woke up at the click of the lock of the door. He raised his head from its position and winced at the crick in the neck but stayed still, not wanting to disturb the sleeping woman beside him. He observed her for several minutes and then, unable to resist anymore, he raised his right hand to free her face from the hair that was hiding it at his hungry gaze, his left hand intertwined with her right one in his lap. He gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head, inhaling her inebriating scent.

Sue raised her face, meeting Jack’s warm eyes.
- I’m sorry I awoke you. – He said in a husky voice.

- I’m not sorry. – Sue replied in a matching tone and then she kissed his chin.
Resting her hand on his firm chest, she proceeded to explore every inch of his handsome face with her lips, shuddering when she felt his hands running up and down her spine. He tugged at her hair to lead her mouth to his, enjoying her teasing ministrations but wanting more. He crushed his lips on hers and when she parted her lips on a sigh he deepened the kiss, revelling in her soft moans, their tongues dancing a now familiar dance. Some time later they broke the kiss, the need for some air too urgent. Not wanting to totally break the contact with her delectable skin, Jack proceeded to trail kisses along her jaw and the curve of her neck, paying particular attention to the hollow at the base of her neck.
A nearing buzz registered in his addled brain and he forced himself away from her.
- The children are awake, sweetheart. – He said when she opened her eyes, smiling at her look of confusion. Some moments later he saw her blushing deeply and hastily trying to straighten her clothes and tidy her hair and he knew that she had understood his playful message.

- Sweetheart, we don’t have time for another kiss, much to my disappointment. – He said seeing her lean towards him.

- Your shirt, Jack. It’s open. - She said, blushing even more and fumbling with the buttons of his shirt.

- How? When? – Jack’s look of bewilderment soon turned in one of undisguised passion. – We have to resume this discussion as soon as possible, darling. –

His lips widened in a sappy grin when he saw her nod shyly. Just a few moments later, the door of the room was unceremoniously opened by a determined Myles.

Why does everyone seem to write such wonderful fuzzies when they're sick and I usually write drivel? That was wonderful, Ornella. Definately worth melting over... so I think I will.


Well, I guess I can't argue with your logic, though flus are the worst, aren't they?

wonderful fuzzies

cath

Linny, I can honestly tell you that it must be the effect of the flu medication on my body and on my brain. It enhanced my imagination and gave me the right amount of recklessness that enabled me to right a scene with a when I’ve never been :kiss I have to thank all the authors of this forum for these fuzzies. Without them (you included, Linny) I would have just written: “Jack and Sue kissed.”

QUOTE

though flus are the worst, aren't they?

They're annoying. But, unfortunately, there are a lot of worse things than flu.
OK. This is the last post for today. My little holiday from my usually hectic life has already come to an end. I hope to post something tomorrow but I can’t make any promise.




- I think I know now enough about textile industries to be able to open my own industry. – Bobby said, rubbing tiredly his face.

- You have my support. We’ll miss you but I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to resign ourselves. – Myles commented sarcastically.

- I wasn’t talking to you, Harvard. – Bobby retorted.

- Myles! Bobby! If you want to continue this discussion, please go down to the crèche with the other children. – Jack’s voice was harsher than he intended but the lack of sleep was taking a toll on everyone in the room, him included.

- I’ve found something! – Lucy announced, waving a hand to draw Sue’s attention.

- What is it? – Jack asked, getting up and going behind the rotor to read above her shoulder.

- I found some discrepancies in the documentation of Mr. Moore’s industry. – She answered.

- Well, we found some discrepancies in the documentation of Mr. Simmons’ industry, too. But then we found out that it was just his deputy, Mr. Woolsey, stealing from him. – Myles pointed out.

- Yes. But this time it’s different. It’s the same thing every two weeks. These documents – Lucy explained, showing a pile of sheets – are the reports regarding the elimination of the toxic wastes in the special incinerator. And those – She continued, pointing at another pile of sheets – are the reports regarding the amount of toxic wastes resulting from the production processes. The wastes produced every two weeks come to three tons. The wastes eliminated amount to just two tons. –

- So, one ton of wastes vanishes in thin air every two weeks… - Myles commented.

- Exactly. – Lucy confirmed. – Till now six tons are absent. – Bobby whistled and she nodded gravely. – And I’ve found something else. Approximately five months ago, Mr. Moore authorized the construction of a second incinerator after having increased the production of the industry. But this second incinerator has never been built, even though Mr. Moore gave to his deputy the necessary money. –

- So we still have a deputy who is stealing from his boss. – Myles commented casually.

- And Mr. Moore doesn’t know anything? – Tara asked incredulous, ignoring Myles’ comment. – How is it possible? –

- That’s a good question. Let’s go ask him. – Jack said.


***

- I… I didn’t know… - Mr. Moore murmured, clearly shocked and dangerously pale.

- How is it possible that you don’t know about the missing incinerator, sir? – Bobby asked.

- I … - Mr. Moore cleared his throat. – I am the owner of that industry but I have delegated all my responsibilities to my deputy, Eric Pierce. I prefer spending time with my grandchildren. – The man said, glancing affectionately at two children playing quietly in a corner of the room of the big house.

- You must think highly of this man to entrust him with such a responsibility, sir. – Jack commented.

- He’s my son-in-law. –


***

- There must be some mistake. – Mr. Pierce commented after having glanced at the documents Jack and Bobby had showed him.

- The same mistake every two weeks? – Jack asked, sceptical.

- I don’t know. Maybe. – The man replied, glancing nervously between the two agents. – This is a big industry and I can’t be aware of everything happening in here. –

- And what about the missing incinerator? – Bobby pressed.

- I don’t know what you are talking about. – Pierce said, shifting in his chair.

- We’re talking about the second incinerator that your father-in-law financed and that has never been built. – Jack explained, watching with great interest the man in front of him growing pale.

- I told my father-in-law that it wasn’t necessary, that one incinerator would be enough. But he’s a stubborn man and gave me the money anyway. I didn’t build it. –

- But you took the money. – Bobby commented. The man nodded but didn’t elaborate. – And where is the money, then? –

- I, you know, I used it. This is an old industry that it’s always in need of little repairs. – The man answered, twisting his hands in his lap and glancing beyond the two agents towards the door.

- Mr. Pierce, your appointment with your dentist is in half an hour. – Miss Amery, his secretary announced from the door.

- Thank you, Joanna. – Pierce said with a relieved expression on his face.


***


The desk clerk, a tall blond man with piercing blue eyes, saw them to the main entrance. When the two men reached their car, they noticed an envelope on the windshield. Bobby took it and opened it.
- Darkness hides the bad deeds. – The Australian read. – What does it mean? –

- Maybe that the dumping of the toxic wastes in the ocean happens during the night. Probably something will happen tonight. – Jack supposed. – We need SOG to watch the industry tonight. And we need some rest. –

Ornella, this is such a treasure of a story. You've managed to combine humour, passion, mystery in a wonderfully easy to read blend. I'm amazed that Enlgish isn't your native tongue. You are amazing! I hope everything in your life gets sorted out...that you recover from your flu and your brother's health improves.

kav

I've finally caught up and Ornella, I must say, this story is amazing! Your characters are right on, the case is intriguing, the fuzzies are beautiful and I am constantly astounded by how well you write in English!

I can't wait to read more of your story!

some son in law

cath

I think everyone on this site can take that as a wonderful comment, Ornella. PLus, sometimes you just have to embrace that recklessness. It's how you keep both your readers and yourself on the edge.

Now, to your post! I think Pierce is lying. He was fidgeting in his chair and he probably wouldn't have been doing that if he were innocent. It kind of reminds me of an episode of "Murder, She Wrote" that I was watching one night when I couldn't sleep and it was the only thing on.

I can't remember the scene exactly, but say you put two different men in two interrogation rooms and you watch them closely. One is guilty and one is innocent. You let them stew over some things for a few hours and when you check upon them again, the one who was truly innocent fell asleep. Why? Because he wasn't the one who'd done it, and therefore you can conclude that he was innocent, which meant the other was most likely the guilty party.

Uhh Linny! Very interesting analysis. I didn't know that sleepless nights could be so educational...

Oh, and Ornella your story is just wonderful.
You describe so well the characters (and by the way, Myles and Bobby antic in this scene is just hilarious)... After reading each of your posts I'm just eagerly waiting for the next one. (sigh)

Can't wait to read more of your story.

O'seam

This is so great!!!! I can't wait to see how all this comes together!

Em

It was meant to be a compliment.
This is the second-last post. I can’t believe it! I finished this story before the deadline!
Thank you for your replies.


After having gone to their houses to take a shower and change, the team gathered in their favourite deli and then returned to the bullpen.
- Try and get some sleep, people. We have to be ready and wide awake when SOG will call us. – Jack ordered, leading the tired group to a room set up with six cots.

***


22nd April, Earth Day


At 3:00 AM Jack’s cell-phone rang, awaking the whole team, Sue having been roused from her peaceful slumber by a sleepy Levi.
- They’re moving. – Jack said after having ended the call.

***


Nearly an hour later the eyes of the six members of the team were glued to the stretch of beach in front of them. In the darkness they could barely distinguish four figures unloading a van.
- I counted eight drums. – Jack whispered.

- Same here, mate. – Bobby confirmed.

- Why don’t we stop them now? – Lucy asked. – We’d catch them red-handed! –

- True. – Jack confirmed. – But then we wouldn’t know where they’re dumping the wastes. If we are patient, we’ll catch them red-handed and we’ll have the exact location of the illegal dump. –

- Oh. Ok, then. I’ll be patient. –


***


They waited patiently for another hour, waiting for the four men on the beach to load the drums on a motorboat and set sail.
The moment the boat left the shore, the team hurried towards two small motorboats on the beach, not far from the point where the criminals had sailed from a few minutes before. The team divided. Myles, Lucy and Bobby took one motorboat and Tara, Sue and Jack took the other one.
Bobby and Jack kept their boats at a safe distance from the one of the criminals, mentally thanking the clouds that were obscuring the moon and hiding them from indiscreet eyes.


***


Half an hour later the criminals finally stopped. And so did the team. Bobby took pictures of the four men dumping a drum in the ocean while Tara took their exact position and Jack watched with a hint of worry the sky getting clearer. Dawn would arrive soon.
Sue watched one of the criminals raising his head, sweeping the horizon and then freezing.
- They saw us. – She said urgently.

As to confirm her suspicions, the silence of the early morning was broken by the roar of the criminals’ motorboat.
Jack and Bobby dashed in their pursuit, the prows of their boats pointing to the sky in response to the intense and sudden stress imposed to the engines. The other passengers of the two boats clung to the sides of the crafts for dear life.

Soon the two boats full of FBI agents were gaining ground and the criminals, being in dire straits, grabbed their weapons from the bottom of their boat and started firing at the team.

Bobby groaned when a bullet grazed his left shoulder and tacked the boat with force, causing Myles and Lucy to stumble upon each other.
- Stay down! – He shouted unnecessarily.

Jack had done the exact same thing the moment he had heard the first volley of bullets, throwing himself upon Sue when she failed to crouch down on the bottom of the motorboat. A second volley of bullets reached the two boats, hitting their outboard engines.

- Damn it! - Bobby burst out when his boat stopped. – You ok down there? – He asked then, smiling at the tangled heap of limbs that were his colleagues.

- We’re fine. – Myles answered a little breathlessly.

- Good. Sparky! You ok there? – He hollered to the other motionless boat a few feet away while dialling the coastguard.

- Are you ok? – Jack asked worriedly to Tara and Sue, afraid of having harmed them in his attempt to protect them.

- I’m fine. – Tara answered.

- I’m fine. – Sue echoed, shifting to a sitting position when Jack’s body lifted from hers. – Are you ok? – She asked when she noticed him wincing and rotating his right shoulder experimentally.

- Yeah. I’m fine. – He said, wincing again when he felt his lower back for any injury.

- Let me see. – Sue ordered. Jack complied, turning around. – They hit you! – Sue exclaimed in a worried, high-pitched voice when she saw the bloodstained shirt.

- No. They didn’t hit me. These are just splinters of the boat. – He assured her, facing her. – Next time, we’ll leave the wooden boat to Bobby. – He quipped, winking.

- We let them escape. – Tara complained ruefully, her eyes fixed on the ever smaller form of the criminals’ motorboat.

- We’ll catch them, eventually. – Jack commented, following her gaze.

Soon the whole team was watching with fallen faces the little black stain in the horizon. But the disappointment was quickly replaced by incredulity and then wonder when they saw a solitary wave forming in the otherwise flat expanse of water and sweeping away with striking precision the faraway boat. The wind brought them the calls for help of the four former passengers of the destroyed boat.
- I…- Jack swallowed. – I think you were right, Sue.

So intense!

Wrong? Wrong about catching them eventually or wrong about thinking he wasn't hit by their bullets????


Also, poor Bobby....being grazed by a bullet!

Ornella, I've been away and then have had company, so I am just now catching up on your story!! You are doing an awesome job of keeping our favorite characters "in character" and weaving a very compelling mystery!! I find I'm on the edge of my seat and holding my breath!!!

Jack and Sue are adorable, trying to be discreet and keeping their budding romance from the rest of the team!! I don't think it's going to be long though before everyone catches on!!!

So a wave has caught the criminals!! How appropriate!! Are they going to survive or be taken by the sea?? Where is the Coast Guard?? Both Bobby and Jack need medical help!! And, just what was Jack wrong about???

Ornella, I'm loving this story!!!

Joy

Wait... so what was Jack wrong about?

But, haha to those idiots who were dumping! Mother Nature caught up with them eventually and she isn't going to be very nice to them, now.

Yeah, I wonder too : what was Jack wrong about???

Ahhh... I will just wait and see what will happen next.

O'seam

woohoo, so the wave got them

what was he wrong about? he was shot wasn't he?

cath

I noticed that Jack's last sentence threw you into confusion so I re-read the story and ... I agree with you. I made a little mistake. Blame my flu medication. :shrugging: But I have corrected the last post.
I hope it'll be clearer now.
I also added the date to the previous post. I forgot it. It's again fault of the flu medication, I swear!

Ornella

Ack! And that was supposed to make me feel better?

Yeah sure, blame it on the flu medication... uh-huh....

Hi!

Just re-read the post.
So if I sum up (just to be sure I'm right), Jack has really been hit by the bullets and that's what Sue was right about, isn't it? So, that means that both Jack and Bobby are injured...

Uh, it's the end of the working day, and my head begins to pin a little... Just hope I didn't misunderstood the issue of the chapter.

O'seam

Sue's right about what???????

Em

I would never hurt Jack or Bobby seriously! I’m hurt! Ok, you’re right. I did hurt Jack seriously in my first fanfic. Don’t you think he has already suffered enough? You’re heartless! However, Jack hasn’t been hit. His injuries are only superficial, like Bobby’s, and due to the splinters from the boat.
So, you still don’t know what Jack is talking about, do you? Shame on you, girls! (I hope there aren’t any guys here! In that case, sorry!) Have you already forgotten? Well, I have to stress one thing: Sue knew exactly what Jack was talking about!
Is my story so forgettable?
However, since I’m a very very very… generous woman, I’ll post here the discussion Jack was referring to.



In a more serious tone, this is the last post of this story. I had fun writing it and I hope you had fun reading it! This forum has helped me through many difficult periods of my life and it keeps helping me. Thank you.




After Jack and Bobby had been patched up by the paramedics and the coastguard had rescued the four criminals, the six colleagues returned to DC and went home to catch on some hours of sleep. They had organized a picnic in the park with D’s family at 12:00. It was already 07:00.
Everyone went straight to bed. Everyone except for Myles. Entering his house, he strode purposefully towards the little room where he kept his gardening tools and grabbed all the bottles of pesticide he could find. Going to his kitchen, he dumped them in the garbage bin and then went to bed.


***


Tara woke up and dragged herself out of the bed. Going through her daily routine like is she was on autopilot, she realized what she was doing only when she heard the soft voices coming form the TV. Widening her eyes, she turned off the device and dropped the remote on the couch as if it had scolded her. She watched her hands and then the remote with reproachful eyes. Then, she went to the window and opened it. Inhaling deeply and studying the sky and her surroundings, she returned to her room with a smile on her face.
- What a gorgeous day! – She shouted to the empty apartment.


***


Myles woke up and left his bed feeling strangely refreshed. After having sipped his coffee while reading the newspaper, he took a quick shower and dressed. Then he exited his house and went to check on his roses, ready to pay his last respects to them. Nearing the bushes, he heard a distinct buzz coming from them. He quickly reached his plants and observed, astonished, a swarm of bugs eating the aphids without damaging the roses.
- What? How? – He asked to the air, a befuddled look on his aristocratic face.

- You stopped using the pesticides, I see. – Webber said, straightening from his crouched position besides his newly planted apple tree.

- What? How? – Myles repeated, his expression unchanged.

- Are you feeling alright, Leland? – Webber asked, worried that the man would faint on his roses. When Myles didn’t give any answer but kept watching him, Webber cleared his throat uncomfortably. – I’m glad you decided to stop using the pesticides. They were keeping these cute, hungry bugs away. I was worried that soon my roses would have been attacked too by those nasty aphids. –


***


Sue let go of Jack’s hand when she saw the rest of the team approaching them but Jack took her other hand and placed it where the other was: in his lap, intertwined with his. Their friends didn’t seem to notice. In fact, they seemed preoccupied by… each other. Sue observed them with unconcealed interest while they sit in front of them. She noticed how Lucy’s and Myles’s shoulders and arms and knees! touched intimately. And no one could miss the shy glances that Tara and Bobby were exchanging. The noisy arrival of D and his family brought the three couples to the here and now, forcing them to scatter rather abruptly, much to D’s amusement.
After lunch, Bobby went away, saying that he had to take something from his car and that he would return soon. Tara followed him. Lucy busied herself picking up the remains and the garbage resulting from their lunch. Myles accompanied her to the garbage bin. D and Donna laid down, closing their eyes and enjoying the warm afternoon, Donna’s head resting on D’s shoulder and their hands intertwined on her abdomen. Sue and Jack spent the time talking and laughing at Levi’s antics, both laying on their stomachs so as not to worsen Jack’s injuries.
Suddenly a big black dog appeared in front of Jack’s eyes, startling him. When the dog sit down, he noticed that there was something hanging from its collar.
- It’s for me, buddy? – Jack asked, glancing around. – Where’s your owner? – He asked then while taking the object. The dog stayed still, enduring stoically Levi’s inspection.
It was a little envelope addressed to agent Jack Hudson. Jack opened it and showed its contents to Sue. It was the picture of a two-years-old kid. The face of the kid seemed familiar to both Jack and Sue but they didn’t know why. What puzzled them even more was that in the lower part of the picture there was something written.
- Thank you – Sue read, her voice almost a whisper.

At that moment, Jack heard a loud whistle and the black dog scampered away. Following the beast with their eyes, Jack and Sue met the faces of the owners of the dog. They were a young couple with a kid. Squeezing his eyes, Jack recognized the kid of the picture. The mother of the kid waved towards them and Sue waved tentatively in return, studying her face. She had already seen that warm smile and those long, dark hair…Then suddenly it hit her.
- Mrs. Richardson! – Sue nearly shouted, startling Jack.

- And he is the desk clerk at Mr. Moore’s industry. – Jack added, turning his head towards Sue but still watching the jovial, blond man that was making swirl his son in the air.

- So they were our anonymous informants…- Sue commented, turning her gaze to Jack.

- Apparently. – Jack confirmed, resting his eyes on Sue’s, loosing himself in them.

A couple of minutes later, Bobby and Tara returned, a black gun case hanging from Bobby’s bent arm.
- What’s in there? – Lucy asked, her voice cold.

- A rifle? – Bobby suggested, slowly opening the zip of the case.

- What are your intentions, Manning? – Myles asked, getting up and approaching the tall Australian.

The eyes of the whole team rested on the Aussie, waiting for his next move.
- Well, I’m a hunter so… - He said shrugging. – I think I’ll go hunting. – He added, swiftly and deftly extracting a water gun from the case. Pointing it at the Bostonian’s face, he pulled the trigger.

Amidst the squeals and the laughter, Jack dragged Sue away from the confusion, hiding behind a small hedge.
- What are you going to do, Jack? – Sue asked, her breath quickening in anticipation.

- Kiss you, naturally. -

excellent story

i think we just assume the worst with jack and blood!!

cath

An amazing ending to an amazing story!!!!


Not at all, but I think we tend to think of the worst case scenerio first, lol. What can I say...we worry about Jack.

I'm glad you pointed out what he was really talking about...that was great!

I love how you worked the title/theme into every part of your story....what a great job!

That was absolutely fantastic! Your stories continue to amaze me!

Kim

Excellent use of earth day and the team in your story. Good job tying it all together!

I loved reading this story. You did a wonderful job of bringing the team to a harmnoious understanding. The ending was priceless...with Bobby and the watergun and the last line

kav

Ornella, this was wonderful, and I admit, I kind of forgot about that part that you refreshed us on. -hangs head in shame-


You know, I half-expected to say something along the lines of: "Be vewy vewy quiet. I'm hunting wabbits. Heehehehe!" before squirting someone in the face.

Wonderful story. I'm so glad you decided to share this with us.

Hi Ornella!

First of all, I want to apology about this little bit part that had gone clear out of my mind and that gave you such hard time. So thanks for refreshing us, it's now crystal-clear.

Now, about your story : congratulations!!!
Your story is just wonderful and I really enjoyed reading it from the beginning to the end eagerly waiting each new post.
So right now, I just can't believe it's still come to an end.

And at last but not at least, as I said before, your writting is amazing. You gather all together humour, love, mystery...

Now I'm just waiting for reading more from you.

O'seam

Ornella

I'm sorry I didn't keep up with these last six posts. Now that I am catching up, I find it is the end already, and that makes me very sad!

5/23 Post #1 - Oh, you are a tease, giving us that short, wonderful, fluffy moment between Jack and Sue; and then, as seems to happen around here a lot, the phone interrupts...hmmm, I think I've even used that myself once or twice!

5/23 Post #2 - I loved this line: And bring Sleep Beauty with you. – Jack added, nodding towards the slouched figure of a snoring Bobby. I can just picture Bobby in my mind.

Oh, Sue and Jack on the couch...I love it. You did a great job on that love scene...you did us proud!

And that Myles...and his interruptions! Right in keeping with the storyline of the show! 5/23 - Post #3 - Oh, Wow! His son-in-law! What a shock! Now, let me finish reading. Well, at least, now they are getting somewhere. Hooray for SOG! They get to do the dirty work of sitting around watching while the team gets to do the grunt work; i.e. going thru all the documents. I have to ditto Kav: this is such a treasure of a story. You've managed to combine humour, passion, mystery in a wonderfully easy to read blend. I'm amazed that Enlgish isn't your native tongue. You are amazing;

and, Cindy, too:. I must say, this story is amazing! Your characters are right on, the case is intriguing, the fuzzies are beautiful and I am constantly astounded by how well you write in English!

5/24 - Post #1 - Ha! Since I didn't read your post until after you had edited it, I got confused on all the comments! I couldn't figure out what they were referencing and reread the last part of your post several times. That was last night at about 1a and I was very tired, so I just quit. When I picked up again this morning, I was still confused until I went back to the email notice of your post, looked at the ending and saw your original line. Then, I had to laugh....at my own confusion! A great way to start this Sunday morning!

5/25 Posts (#1 and #2) - That was a lovely story Ornella. I loved every bit of it. You do a wonderful job in writing all the aspects of the show.

And what a wonderful underlying message about our earth. It was a delightful way to remind those of us who tend to take our world for granted sometimes to be ever vigilant about our habits. I saw a woman at Wal-mart the other day, as I was driving out of the parking lot, liter just like Lucy did. She got in her big, gas guzzling SUV, and just before backing out of the parking space, opened her door and threw a tall paper drink cup out onto the ground. I immediately thought of your story and was furious with her. I wanted to run over there, pull her out of the car and shake her! The nice Wal-mart employee, who was rounding up the shopping carts, went over and picked up the cup, which her tire had smashed as she backed out. So, that made me feel a little better. But, because of your story I was more aware of the liter.

You know, that was one thing I noticed about the country of Poland when I went on a mission trip there last year. I did not see one speck of liter in the whole country, not even in the large city of Warsaw. And, what was the first thing I saw when we landed at Dullas outside Washington DC, on the drive to my sister's home? The side of the road was strewn with liter!! Made me sick at my stomach and very ashamed of our culture. What ever happened to those good old values my parents taught my siblings and I of picking up after ourselves? And why have the majority of those of us who are vigilant about preserving nature become so blase about it? Your story is definitely a reminder that we do have to be ever watchful and should take a more pro-active stance in preserving our planet for our children, and not just once a year on earth day, too.

Once again, I am just in awe of your command of the English language. I wish I could learn Spanish a fourth as well as you know English so I could communicate with the people of Mexico when I go with our church on the annual mission trips there.

And, I loved the ending, when you used the title. Thanks for such an unusual, thought provoking, yet delightful read.

Lynn

Ornella, I hated to see your story end!! What a wonderful job you have done!! Lots of mystery, love, romance, action, and a very loud message about taking care of our planet!! I loved the ending - very good use of your title!!!

Very well done!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy

Ornella, I got the chance to catch up on your story and I must say, I am impressed! The passion between the characters were so real and the mystery was so interesting!

There are so many parts I would quote but that would take up the whole page

You did a fantastic job!!!

Wow. This story was so original, I LOVED IT! You're writing style is amazing; I love the way you put words together, Ornella. I would have never guessed that English is not your first language.



There were so many fantastic lines in your story, but this one was by far my favourite. I'm against hunting and Jack summed up my thoughts on the subject perfectly. Granted I've never had any sniper training.

I loved how each member of the team represented a different facet on how we pollute.

Oh, and the leopard scene. I was practically the entire time; I was so scared. I loved how you wrote Bobby's fear in that scene.

Like I said before, WOW!

Jaynie