Monday, May 7: The Bullpen

Sue: But Jack! You never told me you used to race cars as a hobby. Just makes me wonder what I’m going to learn about you next.

Jack: I know the feeling.

Sue: So, when are these time trials?

Jack: They run for two weekends before the big race. Myles, you’re the research guru around here. Could you fill everyone in on the details?

Myles (pointing to a diagram on the bulletin board): I’d be happy to. The fastest car on that first Saturday takes pole position. There are 32 spots left to fill. The last Sunday before the race is bump day so anybody can bump the 33rd car if they can qualify faster. The race itself is 500 miles or 200 laps. If it rains, as it most often does in Indianapolis, the race will be run the following day unless 120 laps have been completed before the rain begins. If that’s the case, the race will be over.

D: Jack will go in as Johnny Hanson, one of the rookie drivers. We’ve got a good sponsor for our car and they have spared no expense in getting it to run with the best of them. They’ve hired a crack pit crew so we should be ready for a practice run the end of this week. No one can guarantee the car will last 200 laps, but it should be competitive enough to stay in the race, barring any unfortunate mishaps. Jack will attempt to qualify this weekend so he has the remainder of the month before the race to do some undercover surveillance in the pit and garage areas. We’ve got to get a handle on these guys.

Sue: I can’t help but worry about the danger involved with Jack speeding around that oval at 200+ mph.

Tara: Yeah, and couple that with whoever it is that’s trying to sabotage the race and it gets even more worrisome.

Bobby: Not to worry, darlins’. All precautions will be taken. We won’t let Sparky put himself in harm’s way. And, just so you know, he’s a pretty fair driver. At one time, he could have been a vital part of the racing circuit.

D: Bobby, Myles I will be suited up to appear as part of the pit crew. Sue and Tara will monitor Jack’s car cam which will enable them to see everything he sees and more. There will be mini-cams stationed around the track to spot anyone doing anything foolish enough to stop the race.

Lucy: Why does someone want to sabotage the race? It doesn’t make sense.

Jack: Terrorists don’t have to make sense. They do what they do for who knows what reason other than to make a statement about their hatred for the free world.

Lucy: So, did FBI Intel determine who these people are?

Tara: No, except that they are definitely terrorists who have entered the United States illegally. It’s believed they plan to hit a major sporting event this year by detonating a dirty bomb. One thing Intel determined was that the terrorists are not your everyday garden variety. It appears they have been recruited by another country to disrupt a major sporting event where hundreds of thousands of people will be in attendance. And, considering this race will have close to a half million people attending, it’s an ideal opportunity for them to make their statement.

Myles: Do we have any idea of the terrorists’ nationality?

D: No, other than they’re not from the Middle East. It’s believed they’ve been recruited by Islamic fanatics and my gut feeling says they want someone who is going to “blend in” easily with the crowd. Given the terrorists’ recent history, they know that the authorities are highly skeptical of certain individuals. So, as an example, someone who is blonde-haired and blue-eyed might pass by relatively unnoticed.

Sue: So, when do we leave for Indy?

D: Jack will leave tomorrow so he can get there to prepare for his practice run on Friday before the first day of qualifying on Saturday. We’ll all follow on Wednesday. Okay everybody. Let’s call it a day and we’ll get a fresh start in the morning.

Off to a great start! I'm not a huge racing fan but this sounds interesting. I wonder who's messing with the cars?

nanajo you are brilliant! What a unique spin on a case (hahaha...get it, spin! ) and I have visions of Yannick as we've seen him in that racing show he's hosting...but I'm a bit worried about him spinning around that circuit. "Course it couldn't be Bobby with his Crash record! Can't wait to read more.

kav

Great start, nanajo! It sounds very exciting! And dangerous...


There is any river near Indianapolis? Sparky could become nostalgic...

Ornella

As a matter of fact, White River is nearby and runs the length of the city. Let's hope Jack aka Johnny doesn't spin out in the third turn and jump the wall!

Oooops!

Ornella

wow, i can't wait for more. This undercover assignment seems to fit him perfectly!!
Remains me of Yannick's Racing Host job.
UPDATE SOON!!

It made me think of Star Racer too.

Great start! Looking forward to more!

Monday 5:00 pm:

Jack: You hungry?

Sue: Starved!

Jack: Pizza?

Sue: You buying?

Jack: I’m buying. How about we take it back to my place?

Sue: That sounds nice.

Jack: There’s still some dog food left from the last time you were over, so Levi won’t feel left out, although I’m sure he’ll want to sample our pizza too.

Sue: I’m certain he’ll appreciate the dog food and the pizza.

After dinner, they both settled on the sofa and began to talk of the trip to Indy.

Sue: Jack, I don’t feel comfortable with you driving that race car. What if something happens and you’re badly injured, or worse?

Jack: I guess that’s a chance I’ll have to take, but the cars are designed so well that even when they are badly damaged, the driver is well protected and 9 times out of 10 he or she comes through it okay and hey, I’m a pretty fair driver if I do say so myself.

Sue: I know, I just . . . .

Jack: Sue, you’re beginning to sound like me with your over-protectiveness.

Sue: I can’t help how I feel. I mean . . . .

Jack: What are you trying to say Sue?

Sue: I’m trying to say that I don’t want to lose you, for any reason, especially now that I . . .

Jack: Now that you what?

Summoning forth every ounce of courage she had, she said, “Now that I know you’ve become more to me than just a friend or training agent”. “Oh, I feel so stupid.”
“I’m not saying this right and it’s all coming out wrong”. “I think it’s time for Levi and me to go”.

Jack: No, don’t leave – not yet. And you’re not stupid! I have a feeling I know what you are trying to say, so I’ll say it for you. I think, or at lease hope, you’re as fond of me as I am of you. I know it’s way past time that I admitted it not only to myself, but especially to you. I’m tired of making excuses to be with you all the time.

With that, Jack pulled her into his arms and brushed a kiss across her cheek, then moved to her lips where he kissed her deeply. He released his hold on her and looked into her misty, hazel eyes, buoyed with the love and admiration he saw there.

Sue: I don’t know what to say. I wasn’t sure you felt the same.

Jack: When this case is over, you and I need to have a serious talk about our future together and where this is taking us. In the meantime, even though there’s a lot to focus on with this case, we’re going to see a lot more of each other.

Sue: I’d really like that. You have no idea how much I’ve dreamt of this
moment.

And with that, Sue wrapped her arms around him, gave him a hug, and then placed her hands on either side of his face, leaning in to kiss him fully with a passion she didn’t know she possessed.

Jack: I think we’d better stop while we’re ahead. But there should be no doubt in your mind about my feelings for you Ms. Thomas. Got that?

Sue: Yeah, I do.

Jack: C’mon. I’ll take you home. By the way, pack your bags because I’ll be picking you up in the morning. I’ve already discussed this with Garrett and informed D. You and I leave tomorrow for Indianapolis. I’ve got some friends who live near the track and they’ve offered their home while they are away on holiday. I’m sure they won’t mind if I bring a friend.

Sue: Where is everyone else staying?

Jack: Ted pulled some strings and was able to book rooms at the Westin Hotel in downtown for D, Myles, Bobby and Tara, which was a stroke of luck considering there’s not an available room or house to rent in downtown Indianapolis or the surrounding area during the month of May. The team will fly out Wednesday. Luce will stay in D.C and hold down the fort while we’re away.

Nanajo



What a great start! Dirty Bomb Terrorists!

Jack going 200 mph in a car: No one can guarantee the car will last 200 laps, but it should be competitive enough to stay in the race, barring any unfortunate mishaps.

Oh, I just found you posted again! No more turtle Jack.

Good for you Sue....for starting the conversation!

I love it! Can't wait for the talk! And they're going to stay together, unchaperoned, in a house?

Whoa! I have a feeling they are going to have to rein in their feelings or we'll be

alot!

Great start!

Lynn

You are doing fantastic job! I can't wait to see how things progress!

Kim

Nanajo - I'm headed to the track now to wait for Jack (and the teams) arrival! I don't live that close to the track, but he can stay here while they're in town. Sue and Levi too - of course! Ha ha! If they need a tour guide I'd be happy to volunteer!

I've been to the race numerous times and it's an amazing spectacle to see. Of course when I went the snake pit was still around and that in itself was another spectacle to behold.

Jack had better be careful while he's driving. I was there the year Gordon Smiley died during qualifications. We had seats in the 4th turn and it happened in the short shoot between 3 and 4 and I still remember the horror of watching the car just disintegrate and realizing he couldn't have survived the accident. After that accident is when they started redesigning the cars so they would break apart more on impact. I was also there the year they had the closest finish ever (I think the record still stands, but it may have been broken recently I can't remember).

Anyway, I can't wait to "watch" the team visit our lovely city. I look forward to the team uncovering the terrorist plot and saving "the greatest spectacle in racing".

Thanks for your kind replies.

I enjoyed your reminiscing about the race sue&jacktlf. It's changed somewhat since the fiasco with the IRL a few years back so I'm telling the story pretty much as I remember the race from years past. Yes, the infield was the fun place to be, but it did get a bit "out of hand" for awhile. I always liked sitting midway up in the stands on the third turn. You can see them coming into the second turn, down the backstretch as the cars jockey back and forth, rubbing their tires to get traction, into the third turn to the short shoot before they enter the fourth turn and head down the straightaway. I'd still go every year if my husband were a racing fan. It's "blacked out" here on TV so I listen to it on the radio. I still get chills and a tear in my eye when Jim Nabors sings Back Home Again in Indiana before the race begins. I think Patrick Dempsey is driving the pace car this year.

Donna, I'm excited to see a challenge story from you!! I love the twist of having Sue bring up the subject of "them"!! I can't wait to see where you are taking us with this!!!

Joy

Woohoo... I love it when a story gets right to the good stuff!!

Let's make sure Jack stays safe now!!!! No scary stuff

This is great so far!!!! I've never even watched racing... but I think if Jack were driving I wouldn't miss it!

Em

great start, i'm not much in to motor racing alhough i could be persuaded if jack were driving

cath

Tuesday:

Their plane arrived on time at Indianapolis International Airport at 1:00 PM where they picked up the rental car Jack had reserved and then drove to his friend’s home. Arriving at the home 30 minutes later, they were surprised and delighted to find it just as his friend had described. A two story brick Tudor located on a well manicured, landscaped acre of ground. While Jack unloaded the luggage, Sue took the key and entered into a beautiful foyer which looked out onto a living room, dining room, family room, conversation pit and wet bar. Each room was separated by columns instead of walls, giving an open space effect. Some of the rooms required a step or two down. The conversation pit was 4 steps down and included a fireplace. As she stepped down to the left at the end of the foyer, she entered into a huge kitchen and breakfast nook followed by a large utility room and half bath. As she turned around, the front door swung open and Jack entered with their luggage.

Jack: Wow, this place is awesome! I had no idea it was so spacious. And what a great neighborhood!

Sue: I could see you in a place like this with a wife, a couple of kids and a dog.
Levi seems to like it here (she said with a quirky grin).

Jack: Uh, yeah, maybe someday. (He tucked this bit of information in the back of his mind for future reference).

Sue thought to herself, “Jack looks so cute when he blushes”.

Jack: Uhhhh, let’s go check out the upstairs.

The master suite was two steps down and boasted a corner fireplace, a bath with a separate double vanity area and a huge walk-in closet.

Jack: Well, I think we should be able to manage here just fine.

Sue: But where do I sleep?

Jack: I thought you might like this room. I can use one of the other two bedrooms and there is a bath between them.

Sue: Oh, okay (breathing a sigh of relief).

Jack: I called ahead before we left D.C. and made reservations at the restaurant my friend recommended. After, dinner, I have a special surprise for you. How about we unpack, freshen up and then head downtown? We might as well relax and enjoy the rest of the day before the gang gets here tomorrow.

Sue: I’d like that.

When they were ready to leave, they locked the house securely and headed for downtown. They parked the car at Circle Centre Mall and since their dinner reservations weren’t until 7:00 PM, they had the rest of the afternoon to browse through Saks, Nordstrom’s and various quaint little shops inside the mall. Since Ruth’s Christ Steakhouse was just a couple of blocks away, they left the mall around 6:30 PM and strolled leisurely down Illinois Street to the restaurant. A cozy table for two was waiting for them.

After dinner, Jack escorted Sue outside. Gathering her in his arms, he nuzzled her nose and then kissed her fully on the mouth.

Sue: What was that for?

Jack: Just because I’m happy. Is that a good enough reason?

Sue: Well, sure. I guess so. You just surprised me. All of this is so sudden and still new to me.

Jack: I know, but I’m going to try and make up for a lot of lost time. I want to date you, woo you, court you, and all those old-fashioned things people in love do, just as if we had met for the first time.

Sue: Did you say in love?

Jack: Yes, I said “people in love”. Now, for the surprise! C’mon. Monument Circle is just three blocks away. Arriving at the Circle, Jack ushered her to a waiting white carriage pulled by a white horse.

Sue: Oh, Jack! This is lovely! How did you know about this?

Jack: My friend also mentioned this might be a nice way to see downtown at night.

True to form, Yellow Rose Carriage Tours had a beautiful yellow rose waiting at Sue’s seat. Since it was still a bit chilly at night this time of May, the driver had seen fit to include a blanket which Jack spread across both their laps. Then, he put his arm around Sue’s shoulder and drew her close to him while they rode around town taking in the sights.

After the carriage ride, the walked to their car. As they drove back to the house, Sue couldn’t help but feel love and admiration for the handsome agent seated next to her. He’d thought of everything to make the evening special. It overwhelmed her to think that he had planned this night for them alone and that he truly loved her.

beautiful

cath

Ornella

What a beautiful post!!!

Joy

Sigh -- I believe Jack's romantic gene is finally kicking in!

kav

Nice job Jack! A romantic carriage ride around the circle is just the ticket. I've never taken the yellow carriage ride, but I know a few people who have and they said it was great. I can't wait to read more about Jack wooing Sue in our fair city.

Wednesday dawned bright and sunny. The rest of the team was due to arrive by plane at 11:00 AM. Jack and Sue planned to meet them for lunch at the Westin at 1:00 PM.

Arriving at the hotel around 12:30, Jack parked in the underground garage and escorted Sue to the ground floor level to take the elevator which led across to the hotel. Arriving at the mezzanine level, they departed the elevator and proceeded to a lounging area in the lobby where they could sit and wait for the rest of the team to arrive. Both of them noticed a commotion at the front desk. A group of individuals who all seemed to be together were complaining about the hotel not having a reservation for their party of six. Trying to calm them down, the manager stated he had just received three cancellations and although not exactly the rooms they had requested, he would be happy to accommodate them. Things finally quieted down and the party of six appeared to be checking in, although Sue thought it odd that they carried no luggage with them, other than each had a small carry-on bag.

Sue thought to herself, “That’s certainly not enough clothing for an extended stay. They look like a team in their red jackets with the words “Garibaldi Racing” written in white script on the back”.

Her attention was drawn to the hotel’s entrance as the team arrived.

Jack: Reservations are for 1:00 and we’re starved.

Bobby: I’m feeling a bit peckish myself!

D: You go ahead and get seated. I’ll check us in.

D approached the reservation desk and gave the clerk his name.

D: What? How could you assign our rooms to someone else? We didn’t cancel!

Clerk: I’m sorry sir. There must be a misunderstanding.

D: You bet there is! Don’t you have anything available? And, by the way, who cancelled our rooms?

Clerk: No sir, there’s nothing available. Those were the last three rooms. All I know sir is that a gentleman claiming to be with your group, called and cancelled the reservations.

D: I’ll be back in a minute.

D entered the hotel restaurant and found the team seated at a table just inside the private dining room.

D (in a hushed voice): Does anyone have a clue why our reservations were cancelled?

Everyone looked shocked, but no one had an explanation.

D: There’s something strange going on here. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Jack: I agree D. Something doesn’t feel right. But, there’s nothing left to rent in town, so if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a phone call. We’ll sort this mystery out later.

Arriving back at the table, Jack said, “I just spoke with my friend Dan whose house Sue and I are staying at while in Indy. Dan’s an ex-cop and when I told him briefly what had happened with the rooms, he agreed that it didn’t sound quite kosher. Anyway, he and his wife Donna said you would all be welcome to stay at their house.

Sue: But, Jack, where will we all sleep?

Jack: It’ll be fine. You and Tara can have the master suite. The other bedrooms each have two twin beds, so Myles and D can have one room and Crash and I’ll take the other. If you think about it, this works out better. We’ll have the privacy we need to hash out our findings each day without fear of eavesdroppers. So, what say we enjoy lunch and then you guys follow us to the house?”

it really good
i'm hooked and ready for the adventure
what a start can't wait to read more

Awe...


But then...

Hmm... yup... something definately isn't kosher, here.

I just caught this story and it's great! Oh, I hope everything goes okay, during the race and I hope they catch whoever's behind all of this!

The team all in the same house??? This is going to be FUN!!!

Em

This is getting better and better!

Kim

Well, very mysterious!!!

Joy

something is very wrong here

cath

Not good...

I'm happy that our guys are together but this means that Jack and Sue won't have any privacy in that awesome house!

Ornella

Nanajo

Two wonderful posts to catch up on. The first one has me

just like everyone else. I think you have written yourself into this story as Jack's "friend".

What a great way to tell a story. You bring the city alive with detail for those of us who have never been there.

Actually I was there one time when my parents and my kids and I all went to visit my brother and family. He was stationed at the army base there, Fort Benjamin seems to ring a bell, but I could be wrong...they lived in so many places. I lived west of Chicago in a little town called Bartlett, IL and went down for a weekend; but, my aunt was killed in an auto accident in KS the same day we arrived in Indianapolis, so we had to leave almost immediately to go to the funeral. That was in 1971 and I'm sure a lot has changed since then.

Post Two: My sentiments exactly Ornella: but this means that Jack and Sue won't have any privacy in that awesome house!
I knew something was up when Sue spotted the team in red with very little luggage.

I'm wondering when is Sue going to make the connection?

This is going to be an exciting story Nanajo! Will be anxiously awaiting the next post.

Lynn

Well...I can say it sounds okay to me!!!!!

I am waiting for the next one!

I am waiting for more

So far so good!

Thanks!

coltsfan!

Arriving back at the house, the team unloaded their luggage. While the girls familiarized themselves with the kitchen and put the coffee on, Jack shared with the others what he and Sue had seen at the hotel. Sue and Tara entered the living room as Jack was finishing his recap of the story.

Sue: It seems a coincidence that they just happened to be checking into the hotel after the rooms were cancelled.

D: We need to locate their garage as soon as we get to the track. Jack, we’ll meet with your crew and fill them in on what part the rest of us will play in this. They’ll probably want you to run a few practice laps. Let’s just hope you can get through this unscathed, as there is no backup car if something happens to this one.

Saturday morning at the track:

The team introduced themselves to the crew, explaining the role each of them would play during the race. Badges were given to everyone to allow access to the garage and pit areas. While the others were busy with the car, Sue and Tara visited the garages.

Sue: Tara, wait a minute. There’s the team we told you about. There are only four of them working on the car. See the other two? They’ve gone around the back of the garage and are talking to a Middle Eastern looking man. It looks like he’s giving them a package from the back of his van. He keeps looking around to see if anyone is watching.

Tara: Yeah, and whatever it is, they seem to be acting very secretively. Let’s go tell the guys.

In the meantime, Jack suited up for his practice run. The car was wheeled into the pit area and Jack seated himself inside the race car. The engine was fired and he moved onto the track. Gathering speed, he rounded the first turn, approached the second, and headed down the backstretch. He deftly negotiated the third turn into the short chute, then took the fourth turn and gunned it down the straightaway. Giving his crew a nod that he was ready, he sped down through the first turn and began to push the car to its limit. He finished the lap at 218.2 mph. Pulling into the pits, he got out of the car, removed his helmet, and high five’s were exchanged all around.

Jack: If we can maintain that speed, we’ll be able to qualify this afternoon. Let’s go over the car once more and then after lunch, we’ll attempt a qualifying run.

When the car was wheeled back to the garage, Tara motioned for the others so she and Sue could tell them about the man at the van and the package.

Myles: That’s it. It has to be the bomb.

Bobby: Intel says the Garibaldi driver is legit. He apparently has no idea what’s about to go down. The crew doesn’t check out though. They all have rather vague backgrounds and are using aliases. But, the one common denominator is they are all European and recently entered the country illegally.

Myles: I think it’s time we install some video/audio equipment in their garage and car. If they are going to detonate the bomb on race day, it’ll either be planted in the car or in their garage.

D: My guess is they’ll detonate it by remote control from somewhere, possibly the van that Sue and Tara saw.

After lunch, it was back to the track for Jack’s qualifying attempt. His crew was filling him with as much information as possible to qualify at top speed. Suited up, seated and belted into the race car, the engine was again fired on all cylinders and Jack was given the go ahead. After a couple of practice laps, he signaled his readiness for a qualifying run. The green flag was dropped and he entered the first turn. The car handled very well and as he finished his qualifying lap coming down the straightaway, he was clocked at 222.3 mph which put him at #9 in a field of 33.

The Garibaldi driver followed with a qualifying speed of 221.2 placing him at #10.

This is exciting.

Sue spots the bomb team right away. If they think the bomb is in the car, can't they look for it and replace it with a look-a-like similar to what they did with the container of, was it uranium, in The Mentor? That's going to make me very nervous to think the bomb is out there just waiting to be detonated.

The car with the bomb is going to be neck and neck with Jack's car? Oh, bad vibes there too!

I love the racing language you use. It makes the story come alive. I wish I knew more.

All of them living in the same house should also make for some very interesting plot development.

Lynn

Donna, you have me totally hooked with this story!! I could just see Jack driving the race car!! And, Sue and Tara found out about the other team and possibly the bomb very quickly!!!

I can't wait for more!!!

Joy

go team

cath

Sigh! I'm over the vision of Jack at the wheel of a racing car! And this case sounds

kav

The wasy you wrote that paragraph describing the qualifying lap that Jack ran made me feel like I was in the stands watching. The team is already on alert. What will happen next?

I don't know whether to or . I'm glad Jack qualified for the race. It just shows that he does have the skills to probably even win it, but what I don't like is the fact that Sue and Tara have already discovered the bomb and the fact that the driver carrying it is right behind Jack.

For now, I think I'll just .

222.3 mph Holy Crap!! Do those cars really go that fast??? I wouldn't think there'd be much left of ya if a crash happened at that speed

Yes, some have run 225.0+ mph in practice already this year.

There seemed to be more crashes years ago when the speeds were slower and the cars weren't quite so "sophisticated". Nowadays, it seems the cars are better designed aerodynamically and there's rarely a serious crash or fatality. Even in the event of a spin-out, the driver sits way down in the car and the seating area is snug, so the driver is not jostled around. It's hard to describe. You'd have to see the car to know what I'm talking about. I can't explain it, but there's no room for the driver to be knocked around. For instance, the race car can hit the wall and be badly damaged, but the driver walks away unharmed.

Great post, Nanajo! I'm still worried, though...

Ornella

I'm with you, Kav!!!

Em

Woohoo! Go Jack!! Great descriptive writing of the racing Nanajo! oh, and of Jack of course

Myles and D remained at the track while the others left for dinner. Plans were to meet later at the house. D and Myles had decided to stay and eat pizza with Jack’s crew. After dinner, the crew decided to call it a day and waved goodbye to the two men. Both agents left the garage area and headed for their car to await the local FBI agent’s arrival. D had contacted the Indianapolis FBI office earlier to request assistance. Ted Garrett had initially contacted the office early on when the case began, asking for their help in the procurement and installation of surveillance equipment.

Shortly after dark, a black SUV pulled up alongside their car and the man inside introduced himself as FBI Agent Bentley. He motion for them to get in and then pointed to the equipment in the back of the vehicle.

Agent Bentley: Hopefully, we can get this up and running before Monday. Security will really tighten down after Sunday’s qualifications. We can install the equipment in Garibaldi’s garage and race car as soon as we’re sure everyone has left for the day.

Myles: Unfortunately, Bobby Manning, our “lock pick guru” isn’t here.

Agent Bentley: Not to worry. I’m a certified lock expert so it should be fairly easy to get in the main gate and the Garibaldi garage.

Under cover of darkness they approached the gate and the lock proved to be easily jimmied. The Garibaldi garage was to the left, three spaces down. The agent quickly got to the task of picking the lock and was successful in a couple of minutes with little difficulty. All three men set about positioning the micro cams, one each placed inside and outside the car in inconspicuous places and one each in two of the garage’s corners, well hidden by the ceiling tiles.

Agent Bentley: Well fellas, that should do it. Now all we have to do is watch and wait and see if anything happens before the race.

About the same time the agents were installing the equipment, Jack and Bobby had parked the car downtown and escorted Sue and Tara to Palomino’s for dinner. Following a sumptuous meal, they decided to stroll around town on a self guided tour. As they came upon the intersection at Michigan Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Bobby let out a woo-hoo!

Bobby: “It’s their FBI building”, he said as he pointed to the northeast corner of the intersection. “It looks exactly like ours. I wonder if any of the other States used the same design?”

Tara (in a sad voice): I think the FBI building in Oklahoma City was the same design before the disaster.

Since the weather was nice and the evening still young, they decided to walk down Michigan Avenue west to White River Canal. Sue had seen an advertisement in the local paper describing the canal walk. As they approached, a beautifully landscaped, tree-lit walkway appeared and couples were cruising along the canal in paddle boats.

Tara: That looks like fun. Let’s each rent one!

Jack: Oh, you mean you and Sue rent one and Bobby and I rent one?

Tara: Very funny Jack. How about it Sue? Do you want to rent a boat and race the guys down the canal?

Sue: Well, I don’t think they’ll let us race, but the guys could talk business while you and I paddle along and enjoy the sites.

Jack: Uhhh, I think not. Let’s rethink the couples arrangement.

The girls couldn’t help but giggle as both Jack and Bobby grinned sheepishly.

Both couples got settled in their boats and went off down the canal. Bobby and Tara were acting like a couple of kids, splashing each other from the sides of the boat. Jack and Sue’s boat seemed to be slowing down and when Sue looked over at him, she figured out why. She was doing all the paddling.

Jack: I wondered how long it would take you to realize I wasn’t paddling.

Sue: Hey, no fair! That’s cheating!

Jack: No, it’s my way of slowing down the boat. Let’s hang back awhile. I want to be alone with you.

As the boat slowed, he leaned over and pulled her to him.

Jack: What say we just lay back and let the boat drift along on its own, while we check out the stars.

Sue: But I can’t see the stars if I’m looking at you.

Jack: I think we can create our own stars, like this.

What began as a slow, tender kiss soon became more intense and heated. Both of them began to explore each other with their hands. Jack finally released her, trying to gain some control of the situation. He knew they were moving too fast in their new relationship and he was surprised at Sue’s eager reaction to his lovemaking. She wasn’t quite as shy as he had imagined.

Sue: Well, Hudson. That was quite a show of stars, or, should I say fireworks.

Jack: Yeah, it was pretty spectacular alright. We could have charged admission. Maybe we should catch up to Bobby and Tara, although they seem to have found their own “fireworks display”.

Lightening the mood, Jack said, “let’s paddle up behind their boat and bump them”!

Sue: Okay, spoilsport. Personally, I’d go for another fireworks display of our own.

Jack: Normally I’d suggest we continue this conversation back at the house, but with our added houseguests, it’ll have to wait ‘til we get back to D.C. But, let’s not forget where we left off.

Sue: Don't worry, I won't forget.

Well, I'm glad to see it was easy to plant the cameras!! Let's hope something happens that they can catch!!!

Our two couples look like they are having a good time!! Fireworks indeed!!!

Joy

nice fuzzies

cath