AWH! Wonderful warm ! They make me want to !

I'm really loving this story Donna!!!!!

Okay, I'll admit that that post warmed me up a little. It's cold right now and I don't know why. -shivers- How about a few more to warm me up even better?

Jack that is so not nice!

kav

This post has a little fuzzy towards the end. Since I'll be getting into the pre-race and race technical stuff, I won't be in a fuzzacious mood. J/S fuzzies are my very, very favorite! Having said that, I'll leave the bulk of those fuzzies to others on this board who write them much better than me. So, here's a snippet and a half for tonight! Enjoy and thank you all for your nice comments!

The days passed quickly. All 33 spots had been filled and Jack, along with the other drivers, continued to practice and fine tune their race cars. The 500 Festival Parade had been a huge success, as always. Downtown streets were lined with mile after mile of bleachers to accommodate the thousands who would attend. Each of the 33 drivers rode in the parade in open convertibles of various makes and models. Various movie and television stars along with local personalities rode in vehicles interspersed with the drivers. Decorated floats abounded, the most beautiful being the float carrying the 500 Festival Queen. Her 33 princesses followed in two other floats. Bands and clowns were sprinkled throughout the parade to the delight of everyone.

Race Day Eve:

No suspicious activity had been spotted either in or around the Garibaldi garage or race car. The team knew now that the bomb would have to be planted on Race Day, but when and, for that matter, where?

Race Day 9:00 AM:

Last minute preparations were being made by all the teams. Jack prepared to suit up for the race. Agent Bentley along with D, Bobby and Myles had installed two mini 2-way radios in Jack’s helmet, one to talk to his pit crew and one to talk to the FBI. The radios were rigged so that Jack could talk between the two parties by tilting his head slightly to one side or the other. Sue and Tara would be running surveillance of the mini cams in Garibaldi’s car, as well as Jack’s radio communications, from an ambulance which the team had commandeered for their use. Gasoline Alley, the drive that served as a link between the garages and the pits, was bustling with activity. The team’s surveillance ambulance was stationed with other emergency vehicles at the medical center site located in a grassy area near pit row.

Sue waited for Jack to exit his dressing room.

Jack: Hi, sweetheart! What are you doing here? I thought you’d be with Tara at the surveillance ambulance.

Sue: I’m on my way there now. I just wanted to see you once more before the race and give you my lucky charm to put in your pocket.

Jack: A rabbit’s foot? I thought those were way outdated.

Sue: Yeah, this one’s been with me for a long time. I just never mentioned it to anyone before. One of my brothers gave it to me years ago. It’s always been with me. Even though prayers are what get me through rough times, I’ve always thought a fun lucky charm couldn’t hurt and, so far, it’s worked for me.

Jack: Thanks, honey. I’ll make sure you get it back in one piece.

Sue: I’ll hold you to that.

Sue grabbed Jack’s shoulders and looked squarely into his beautiful, brown eyes.

Sue: Please take care of you for me. And please, once this day is over, don’t ever take on another dangerous assignment like this one or I might have to “take you out” myself!

Jack chuckled deeply and threw his hands up in surrender. “Okay, I get the message. Now, let’s see if you get this one.” He lowered his head to hers and their mouths met in a smoldering kiss. She could feel the tension in his body as he molded his taut muscles to her soft, slim form. He was hugging her so tightly, she could scarcely breathe and she knew he was thinking about all the things that could happen during the race. He finally eased the kiss and slowly released her, rubbing her arms, and looked lovingly into her hazel eyes.

Jack: I’ll be careful. Now that I have you, I don’t want to lose you. It’ll be difficult for me to put “us” in the back of my mind until this day is over. But make no mistake, Sue. I love you and I plan to be around for a long time. You and I have a lot of catching up to do before we start planning our future together. And, there will be a future together. You can count on that!

you write fuzzies just great, more please

cath

Yup... I feel all melty...

I love how he's promising a future! And he'd better keep that promise or I'll come in there and knock his block off!

I enjoyed the part about Sue "taking Jack out." This time when she told him that, they followed it up with a kiss.

Please be careful, Jack...

Oh.. and nice fuzzies

That was sooo

Em

You write fuzzies very nicely...more would be wonderful!!!

Thank you for the fuzzies -- my heart's racing as fast as that car Jack is driving!!!

kav

Point of Information: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is unparalleled for its rich history, drama and excitement. The Speedway plays host to three of the world’s largest sporting events – The Indianapolis 500, The United States Grand Prix and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard – truly making it the Racing Capital of the World.

Race Day 11:30 AM:

The 91st running of The Indianapolis 500 was about to begin. The stage was set. All was in readiness. In one-half hour the race would be underway.

All in attendance sang to the strains of Back Home Again in Indiana

Back home again, in Indiana;
And it seems that I can see;
The gleaming candlelight, still shining bright;
Through the sycamores for me.

The new-mown hay with all its fragrance;
Through the fields I used to roam;
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash;
Then I long for my Indiana home.

Then a half million people stood at attention, hands over their hearts, as the color guard presented the American Flag while the Star Spangled Banner was sung.

Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light;
What so proudly we hailed, at the twilight’s last gleaming;
Whose brought stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight;
Oer’ the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air;
Gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there.
Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave;
Oer’ the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

The Purdue University Marching Band led off the pre-race parade lap while thousands of balloons were released into the air. The United States Air Force fighter jets did a flyby as the crowd watched in awe.

12:00 Noon

Television coverage went off the air. Hoosiers not attending the race were relegated to listening to the radio. On behalf of the Hulman-George family, owners of the IMS, Mary Hulman George approached the microphone and shouted the age-old words said year after year by her mother, Mary Hulman -- “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!”

Thirty-three finely tuned race cars hummed loudly in unison as the crowd cheered and the radio announcer exclaimed “STAY TUNED FOR THE GREATEST SPECTACLE IN RACING!”

The pace car proceeded around the track, leading the pack of 33 race cars in eleven rows, three to a row. As it entered the short chute, the pace car began to accelerate until it reached a speed of 90 mph and then quickly decreased its speed at the fourth turn entering the straightaway, dropping down to pit row. The drivers continued around the track for another lap, still 33 cars in eleven rows, shifting and jockeying through the backstretch, swerving slightly from side to side, rubbing their tires for better traction. Momentum increased as they entered the third turn, through the short chute, into the fourth turn and down the straightaway. The green flag was dropped and the race was on!

All 33 cars remained in relatively stable order during the first lap of the race. As they entered the straightaway and took the first turn, Jack slowed his speed slightly to allow the Garibaldi driver to pass him so he could keep him in sight. The race continued to proceed safely. Drivers entered and exited their respective pit areas periodically to refuel. Each driver was expected to exit at each 100 miles to allow their pit crews to change all four tires.

At lap 75, a Garibaldi crew member was seen rolling a tire to one side and “inspecting” it. Another crew member was acting nervously. He had a small package in his hand which he looked at and then placed in his pocket. As Jack finished the lap, Sue radioed to him what they had seen. At that same moment, Tara heard the Garibaldi crew radio their driver that one of his tires looked bad and waved him in for a tire change. She passed this information on to Jack and the team.

D: Jack! Bobby and Myles have spotted the van Sue and Tara saw the other night at the Garibaldi garage. It looks like the same fella they described. He’s just sitting there. Bobby says the guy looks like he’s talking to someone, but there’s no one else in the car. I’ll bet he’s using a blue tooth fastened to his ear. He’s probably talking to the crew. I’ll keep an eye on that crew member with the package to see if he slips it into the new tire when they switch it out for the old one. That driver has no idea what’s about to happen to him!

Jack: Roger that, D. They don’t know we’re onto them, so tell Bobby and Myles to move in and take the guy NOW before he triggers the bomb with the cell phone. Tell them to radio me when they’ve got him and the phone. When the driver comes past me, I’ll tip the rear of his car with my front fender and see if I can get him to hit the wall. His speed won’t be at maximum yet, so he shouldn’t suffer any serious physical damage, but at least the car will be out of commission. Then, I can pull over and get to that tire. It’s a good bet they’ve planned to set it off using the cell phone, so I doubt it’s on a timer, but I’ll feel a lot better when it’s out of commission. Make sure Bobby knows what I’m doing. I’ll need to maintain radio contact with him so he can talk me through cutting the bomb wires. Say a prayer -- let’s hope this works!

TBC

Due to being short staffed at work, I’ll be “out of commission” until the weekend. Thanks to everyone for hanging with me.

Donna

Donna, you start the race and leave??? Whoever made you short staffed this week owes you (us) big time! Looking forward to your return and what happens next

I await your return Donna

throw a sickie, you can't leave us hanging on that long i'm bebging and it's not pretty

cath

So you just leave us hanging like that? For SHAME!!!!

-shrugs-

Anyway, I think I can until you get back. But, once you do, you'd better not make us wait. I have the feeling that my strength might not hold out.

Awwww, pshaw. I didn't realize you were following the story that closely.

I'll just "cut to the chase" and say that my co-worker has left on a family medical emergency. She and I work for a very busy professor/surgeon who is also a division chief. If I were younger and in better physical health, it'd be "no big woo". Then I could handle my job and write at night instead of "sacking out" on the sofa" . Thank goodness I've been in this line of work for 40+ years, so some of the workload just comes naturally. I hope and pray everything goes okay for her and her family, and on a selfish note, I sure hope she's back in the office on Monday. In the meantime, I'll take each day as it comes.

You guys are the greatest!

Donna

Wow, I can sure tell that you are familiar with the 500. It sounds like Jack is going to have to try something dangerous in order to save that other driver.

Take care, Donna... don't stress... we'll be in here.

I feel terrible that you can't watch the Star Racer thing... even on the net! I can watch it but I probably won't 'cause I'm not into racing... too scary. I watched a little blurb on the net... Yannick seemed very excited.

Ok - I'm hanging in there

Can't wait for more when you can!

Em

Donna, this is really good and I am thoroughly enjoying it!! I love all the information you are giving us about the race, and the tension is building beautifully, leading us to the point where we will be holding our collective breaths until the team takes down the van driver and Jack gets to the bomb!!!

Sorry you are buried in work!! We'll be waiting here for your return!!!

Joy

As soon as Bobby and Myles had disarmed the van’s occupant along with the cell phone, Myles radioed Jack that he could proceed to stop the Garibaldi driver. As Jack planned, when the driver entered the straightaway after finishing a lap following the tire change, Jack sped up behind him just as the driver slowed through the first turn. Jack clipped the left rear of the car with his right front wheel and the driver’s car skidded, hit the wall, and slid to the other side of the track, ending up in the grass. At the same time, the force of hitting the driver sent Jack’s car careening out of control where his car did several 360’s before coming to a stop.

The yellow caution flag was displayed and all drivers slowed to minimum speed while the track was cleared of debris. Soon, the drivers were given the green flag and the race continued.

Jack’s car was smoking as he climbed out of the car in a daze from spinning out and bumping his head on the roll bar. He fell to the ground and Sue bolted from the ambulance, rushing to his side.

Jack: Don’t ever do that again! My car could go up in flames and explode!

Sue: I don’t care! You’re hurt! You might have a concussion!

Jack: I’m okay. I’m just dizzy from the spinout and I hit my head. Help me get to the other car so I can take a look at that tire, find the bomb and diffuse it!

Bobby: Jack! You alright mate?

Jack: I think so. Stay in radio contact with me. I’m almost to the Garibaldi car.

Arriving at the car, Jack went to work removing the tire. As was suspected, the package containing the bomb was tucked inside the tire. He noticed the bomb had a timer and was set to explode. Apparently the terrorists had left nothing to chance, arming the bomb with a timer in case the cell phone could not be activated.

Jack: Bobby! It’s on a timer! It’s set to go off in three minutes! Where are you now?

Bobby: I’ve got you in my sights – be there in about thirty seconds!

Jack: That’s good, because I think I’m going to pass out.

Sue: Jack! Jack! Somebody please help!

Bobby arrived just in time to see his best mate keel over in the grass. He grabbed the bomb from Jack’s hand, quickly located the connecting wires leading to the detonator and cut the wires in proper order effectively dismantling the bomb with thirty seconds to spare.

Bobby: All clear!

The paramedics arrived on the scene, lifted Jack onto a stretcher and took him to a waiting ambulance that would take him to the track hospital. Sue rode with him in the ambulance, holding his hand tightly, an arm resting on his shoulder.

Arriving at the track hospital, the doctors examined his injuries and none were found to be life-threatening. He did sustain a mild concussion, but no other physical harm. The doctor told Sue that once Jack awoke, he should lie still for an hour or so and then try to sit up slowly and get his bearings. He suggested that to be safe, Jack be taken to Methodist Hospital for overnight observation.

After what seemed like an eternity to Sue, but only fifteen minutes later, Jack regained consciousness. He opened his eyes to see her looking down at him with a loving smile. She hadn’t let go of his hand the entire time. Sue wiped Jack’s face and forehead with a warm, damp cloth provided by the nurse.

Jack: The bomb, what about the bomb?

Sue: Bobby arrived just as you passed out and managed to dismantle it.

Jack: And the guy in the van?

Sue: D and Myles have him. They’re at the track’s police headquarters now, questioning him.

Jack: Is the Garibaldi driver okay?

Sue: Yeah, he was surprised to hear what had been planned for his car and none too happy about what could have happened to him. Oh, by the way, Tara’s packing up our equipment from the surveillance ambulance and she’ll catch a ride with Bobby, but none of the team has left the Speedway yet. They’re waiting to hear how you’re doing.

Jack started to get up, but Sue pushed him back down.

Jack: But, I . . .

Sue: What? The doctor said you need to lie still for awhile, and then try to sit up slowly. They’re going to take you to the hospital for overnight observation.

Jack: I’m not going to the hospital. I’ll be fine. I need to get out of here.

Sue: You may think so, but you need complete rest and total quiet at least tonight and you won’t get that back at the house with all of us there.

Jack: Will you stay with me?

Sue: You know I will. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be than with you. The doctor said you’d need to be awakened every couple of hours during the night and I kind of like the idea of me waking you rather than a nurse. Of course, since I can’t hear an alarm clock every couple of hours, I might have to lay with you. I know that way I won’t stay asleep because I’ll be thinking about us and our future together. And, if I do fall asleep, I’m sure one of the nurses will be checking in on you.

She leaned down and pressed her lips to his and he drank in her sweetness, covering her mouth with his.

Bobby: Well, look who’s awake! The doc says you’re going to be right as rain and from the looks of you two, Jack’s sensory nerves are still intact!

Jack broke the kiss and motioned for Sue to look at the doorway. She saw Bobby, Tara, D and Myles and a warm pink blush tinged her face.

D: Well, this was quite a case and quite a day! The locals are arranging for transport of the Garibaldi crew and the van’s occupant to D.C. for further interrogation. The rest of us are headed back to the house to pack. Our flight leaves tonight and we’ll be back at the bullpen tomorrow morning. We’ll clean up the house before we leave so all you two have to do is pack up your things and board a flight tomorrow or Tuesday, whenever the doctor says you can leave.

Sue: I’ll stay with him tonight at the hospital just to make sure he behaves himself, er, uh, I mean, that he does what he’s supposed to do, uh, I mean . . . oh, you know what I mean?

Bobby: Yeah sheila. We all know what you mean!

Sue blushed and Jack grinned, shaking his head.

woohoo, they got the bomb

glad bobby got to him before jack passed out

loved the fuzzies

cath

Phew! -lets out the breath she was holding-

I'm glad Bobby got to the bomb in time and was able to dismantle it. They saved a lot of people today, including Jack and the Girabaldi driver. They should feel lucky.

Jack had me scared there for a few minutes. That was a relief when he opened his eyes. It sounded so like Sue not to think about her own danger as she raced to his side.

At first I was like not Jack and then when he opened his eyes I was !

Donna you know how to keep me on my toes girl!

Pheew! I can breath again! Jack almost gave an heart attack! But now the case is closed, Jack is fine and he and Sue have the house all for themselves!

Ornella

Monday morning dawned overcast and gray, but the weather forecaster had predicted sunny skies later in the day. Sue awoke with a yawn and stretched her body. She had held Jack throughout the night and was still in the same position she had gone to sleep in, her body nestled full length to the back of his. Propping herself up on one elbow with her head resting in her hand, she studied the handsome features of the man lying beside her, still asleep with a peaceful smile on his face. The curly dark brown hair, those eyelashes that most women would die for, his cute nose with that little freckle on one side, those earlobes that you just wanted to nibble on, the strong set of his jaw, and that mouth – oh, that mouth. Leaning over, she brushed his lips gently with hers. His eyes fluttered open and as he became aware that she was lying next to him, he smiled, and then turned to face her. He reached out to caress her face, running his fingers through her hair, then pulled her to him and kissed her hungrily. Sue drew back and looked at him, wanting more, but knowing that facing each other was too tempting if they were to continue.

Sue: How are you feeling this morning?

Jack: Pretty good. Even better since I woke up and found you next to me. I’d feel even better if I could go on kissing you. But, I know what you’re thinking – and you’d be right, as always.

Just then, a nurse came into the room and told them that Jack had been cleared to leave the hospital and that his discharge papers were waiting to be signed. When the nurse left, Sue went to the ladies room while Jack dressed and prepared to leave. They had breakfast in the hospital coffee shop and talked about making their plane reservations back to D.C. Jack excused himself and made a phone call to the airlines.

Jack: There’s a flight out tonight that still has two first-class seats left. We might as well go back in style!

Sue: That works out perfectly. Before we go back to the house to pack, do you feel like making a stop at the mall? I remember seeing something at the Thomas Kinkade store that I’d like to buy as a thank you to Dan and his family for letting us stay in their home.

Jack: Sure, what did you have in mind?

Sue: Well, I know they like Thomas Kinkade’s work because there are several of his prints throughout the house. I was thinking they might enjoy the family Bible I saw at his shop. It was fairly large, one that you would sit on a pedestal, and Thomas Kinkade prints were displayed throughout. I was fascinated by it and thought at the time that it would make a lovely thank you gift.

Jack: Sounds like a great idea. Let’s get a cab. Bobby drove our rental car back to the airport when they left this morning.

Arriving at the mall, they took a few minutes to browse, and then stopped to purchase the Bible. They took a break for a latte at Starbuck’s, seating themselves on one of the sofas in the lounge area. Neither of them had much to say, both seemingly deep in thought. Jack finally spoke. From out of nowhere he said, “Sue, will you marry me”?

Sue: I . . . I don’t know what to say. Well, I mean I know what to say. Yes, I’ll marry you. You’ve just taken me by surprise. This is so sudden. What would we do about working together at the Bureau?

Jack: Hang the Bureau. I don’t care how they react to us being together. They might make an exception for us, but if they don’t, I’ll transfer.

Sue: Or I could.

Jack: Either way, we’ll make it work. I’m not going to be apart from you any longer. I’ve put us off long enough. I didn’t know if you felt the same and was afraid to let you know my feelings. Then, there was the question of us both working for the Bureau and the rule about no fraternization between unit members. But I’m tired of hiding my feelings for you. When I woke up next to you this morning, I knew I wanted to wake up next to you for the rest of my life.

Sue: I feel the same way Jack.

He leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips.

Jack: You know. We’ve got the rest of the afternoon before we go back to the house to get our things and the plane doesn’t leave until 9:20 this evening. There’s one more store I’d like to visit before we leave.

Grabbing her hand, he pulled her up off the sofa and put his arms around her waist.

Jack: There’s a Reis-Nichols jewelry store just around the corner. Feel like picking out your engagement ring?

Sue: Oh Jack! Could we?

Jack: I was hoping you’d say that.

As they entered the jewelry store, they were greeted by a friendly saleslady who offered to show them their line of engagement rings. Sue immediately chose a white diamond solitaire set in a white gold band with a matching, interlocking wedding band. Jack purchased the rings and immediately turned to place the engagement ring on her left ring finger as they stood at the counter.

Jack: The only time this comes off your finger is the day we marry when I can place the wedding band on your finger and then your engagement ring. Okay?

Sue: That’s a deal! I love you so much!

Jack: Me too you.

Exiting the store, they hailed a cab and headed to the house. Their bags packed, they called for a cab to the airport and it arrived at the house some twenty minutes later.

Their plane took off at the appointed time and both of them laid back in their seats as it ascended into the air. The lights of the city had just appeared as darkness came late in Indy this time of year. It was a calm, clear night and the stars shone brightly. But not as brightly as the stars in their eyes or, for that matter, the ring on her finger.

FIN

Thanks to all for reading my story and your welcome comments. Sorry it isn’t long, but if you know me, you know I like to “cut to the chase”.

Peace!

beautiful, i loved it

a sequel would be equally wonderful

cath

Aw, that was wonderful. I'm so happy that Jack proposed. I tws a wonderful ending to a wonderful story.

Nanajo,
That was a lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Jack suddenly racing from zero to sixty and asking her to marry him fits this story and this case. By the way, I like Thomas Kincade's work, too.

Beautiful story!

I was thinking the same thing.

Ornella

That was absolutely wonderful!

Kim

Well, dang, I caught up and you snuck in 'the end' on me. I liked the glimpse into car racing -- a really unique setting for our team. And Jack's proposal at the end... Perfect.

kav

Loved the story nanajo! Thanks for sharing the world of racing from one who obviously knows what she's talking about and bringing our team through it all safely. Well of course with the exception of Jack's bump on the head, which was necessary for Jack and Sue to wake up in each other's arms knowing what they wanted for the rest of there lives. I could definitely see a sequel to this.

Donna

Geez, I didn't realize I was 6 posts behind and the story is now over. It went so quickly! I loved it. I agree with Ivory, your knowledge of all the detail surrounding not only the race itself, but the City of Indianapolis, even the communication equipment that Myles, D and Bentley installed was marvelous. Yes, it went quickly, but was a welcome change to all the stories that leave us hanging post after post (mine included.)

Hmmm...maybe that was because I ended up behind so I didn't have to hang but just a few seconds.

The fuzzies were just fine and had butterflies swimming around in my stomach.

And the proposal and purchase of the rings at the end, a perfect ending. Great job and I'm with the others, a sequel would be wonderful! With your attention to details I think you should do a followup wedding story!

Thanks again for taking the time to give us a great story.

Lynn

Just caught up on your beautiful story! It had it all....an interesting case, lots of excitement, and Jack and Sue engaged!!!! Can't get better than that!

Way to go!

Great story! I enjoyed every bit of it!!!

Em

Nanajo,

what a fun story! One of the things I love about the fanfics, is the interesting tidbits of life that all the different fans bring to it. I've never been a racing fan, but through your eyes I can see why people are. It must make for some wild and crazy times in Indy.

Thanks for sharing your time and talent with us.

p.s. Loved the fuzzies, you write them just Fine!!

Yay!! Happy ending!!

I like to "cut to the chase" as well!

Great story, Nanajo... loved it!

Awesome story Donna! Loved every moment of it....I have to admit...a sequel would be nice!

Wonderful, wonderful story, Donna!! Only 30 seconds to spare on the bomb!! You had my heart in my throat there for a minute, between the bomb and Jack being hurt!! I loved the fact that Jack was hurt just enough to need Sue with him, but not hurt enough to not enjoy it!!!

I love the ending, the engagement and the rings - perfect!!!

Thanks for sharing with us!!!

Joy

Donna sorry I'm late to the race but what a race it was! Congrats on a wonderful story with a unique spring event!

Thanks to all of you for your kind comments. Your positive words of encouragement are very helpful and humbling to one who is new to the writing genre as well as to those of you who are accomplished authors.

Donna

I just came upon this story and i totally fell in love with it! I hope that you decide to do a sequal...because this is the best story i've read in a long time! keep up the fabulous work!

The details into the racing world were very insightful. You know, I had no problem imagining Jack into the driver seat, should that scare me?

Great story!

Marlene