I love Lucy's excitement at Jack finally telling Sue how he feels!! How funny that she squealed so loud that the agents in the hall came running in!!!

Sue is cute trying to get Jack to unbend a little and not be quite so much a gentleman!! And, he finally did give in and WOW!!!

Joy

Long post warning - Thanks for staying with the story and your lovely comments - only a couple more posts to go!

The venue for the cookie competition judging was more usually a conference hall, but the Childrens’ Charity Foundation people had tried to decorate it with balloons and brightly coloured tablecloths, with boards of photographs and an explanation of the reasons for the fund-raising effort. The stage was entirely taken up with an extremely long table, which was divided into four sections, presumably one for each division in the competition. There was also a small bar in the corner, which was crowded and somewhat noisy, compared to the scattered groups around the rest of the hall, who were mostly chatting quietly among themselves

The room was about half full, and some of those present actually looked nervous and excited.

Actually, thought Jack, I probably look nervous – but that’s at the thought of being caught alone by Ms Rippendorf!

The whole team was here, the ladies attending as moral support, and as a shield should the elegantly-coiffed predator approach too closely. All the men had their tins and recipes, and had been asked to fill out a folded-card nameplate as they entered.

Their division was to be the third to be judged, and the judges were deliberating on the second, so with luck, they would all be able to escape in less than an hour’s time. Donna had come with them, as they had managed to get a sitter, and they planned to go out to dinner after the judging, to congratulate, commiserate, or both.

Donna was at the moment telling stories of some of the more… interesting cooking mishaps D and his friends had made in college, some of which had rivalled Jack’s creative efforts, and they were casually seated around one of the tables and laughing. The supervisor had given up trying to divert the conversation to a less embarrassing topic, knowing from long experience that he was doomed to failure, and had realised, during the tales of his youth, how much fun he had had with his friends back then – and how much he still loved his wife – even if she did tweak his nose now and then.

Jack, sitting next to Sue, and shaking his head at the end of the story, laughing with the rest, could hardly believe the way his life had changed over the course of less than a single week. I feel I am only just coming up for air. Sue and I are finally together… he felt himself smile at the thought, glancing sideways to look again at her as she leaned forward to watch their friends talking, the team took down a madman, and we made a new friend. And, of course, I finally learned how to bake!

The afternoon had been wonderful – he and Sue had shared a light lunch, talking mostly about May and how they could help her; Jack finally suggesting that they should ask the rest of the team for advice and ideas, and winning a tight hug when he reminded her that he had promised – and really wanted – to be part of any plans to support her. Then the baking session… he grinned as he noticed Sue still had a little flour in her hair.

The first batch of cookies had started well, but during the clearing-up phase of the operation, Sue had teasingly flicked a piece of flaked almond at him… and things had got a little… childish… after that, resulting in a floury dog, a great deal of extra cleaning… and a batch of somewhat overdone cookies. The second, replacement batch, however, looked perfect and tasted great, and he felt justifiably proud of himself.

He returned to the conversation, stretching out an accusing finger, pointing it towards his chuckling supervisor. “And you were one of the loudest in laughing at my baking attempts! At least I never fed anyone – never mind my girlfriend’s parents – a raw entrée!” D, hands wide, accepted culpability with a grin and a small bow.

Bobby looked slyly across the table. “Nah, Sparky, old mate – your disasters tend towards the ‘cremation’ end of the cooking scale!” Laughter rumbled around the table again.

There was an announcement from the stage, and the six finalists were named and applauded. There was significant movement near the stage, as the entrants in the second division began to stream away from the front of the room, some towards the bar, the majority making their leisurely way towards the exits, chatting, laughing, some sympathetic supporters of losing bakers with serious looks on their faces as they talked to the less successful.

“I thought I saw my favourite FBI agents!” Jack flinched as the familiar voice trilled in his ear. “And all as handsome as ever!” She was leaning over towards him, and he felt himself flush as the majority of his view was filled by an expanse of jewelled décolletage. Averting his eyes, he could see both D and Donna, lips twitching in an effort to control their mirth.

“We on the committee are so looking forward to seeing whether your… cookies are as delicious as you are.” She continued, fluttering her eyelashes and licking her lips coquettishly.

She suddenly moved round and leant forward even further, almost conspiratorially, wrapping her arms around both Bobby and Jack and squeezing their shoulders. “I’m afraid I have some bad news, fellas,” She murmured, leaning against the back of their shoulders, “The committee has decided that only two entrants from any given service should be allowed through to the final, so although, if it were up to me…” She giggled, and Jack tried to ease away from her perfumed presence. “I would have you all in the calendar, and on my wall, in a heartbeat…” She wriggled, and he could see the others, torn between amusement and embarrassment, lost for words and not sure how a rescue could be effected, staring at him.

He pulled away from her stranglehold as politely as he could, and leaned back. “We understand, Ms Rippendorf…” She interrupted him, cooing,

“Oh, my dear! No need to be so formal! It’s Eleanor to you, always...”

A slightly harried, and far less elaborately dressed, woman on the stage called loudly. “Eleanor! We need to gather the entrants for the next group – could you make the announcement?”

She started, an expression almost like a snarl crossing her face, and looked at the woman on the stage, now beckoning towards her. She then looked down, the snarl gentling into a simper as she looked at Jack.

“So sorry, boys, I’m afraid duty calls… I will see you up there when you deliver your… delicious offerings.” She stalked off, twitching her skirt straight, and a huge sigh of relief ran round the table.

Donna rolled her eyes and tucked her hand into her husbands. “I thought you were exaggerating, guys… That woman ought to be accompanied by the ‘Jaws’ theme music wherever she goes.” Tara and Lucy began laughing again.

Sue patted Jack’s shoulder. “Maybe you should have stuck to your original plan…” Myles cocked an interrogative eyebrow. “Used salt instead of sugar in the cookies.” She explained.

“I am not sure that even that would dissuade the lady from her relentless pursuit of our Agent Hudson.” He commented, “and you are probably going to have to use some heroic measures to avoid being…” he searched for an appropriate phrase.

“Slobbered over?” Suggested Bobby, dimples in evidence.

Myles nodded, measuringly “… when you deliver your entries.” He leaned back. “I wouldn’t look too smug if I were you, koala boy;” he continued. “She seemed to be eyeing you up too.”

The Australian hid his face in his hands. “Save me!”

The microphone boomed, Eleanor’s voice calling all the entrants in the third group, the community service workers, to the stage, and there was an eddy of movement in those gathered in the hall, as people began to make their way to the front.

Tara looked up, a sudden thought crossing her agile mind, and sparkling in her eyes.

“What if I took all the cookies up?” She asked. “She’s not likely to pay any attention to me – I could just pop them on the plates with the recipes and names, and none of you would have to run the gauntlet.”

“Tara, you are amazing!” Jack exclaimed. “I’ll bake you cookies for a month!”

“Er… actually, Jack,” She said, standing and starting to collect tins and papers, “I’d rather one of those two did that…” She gestured to Myles and Bobby with the piled tins, her smile impish. “I’m a lot more likely to enjoy – or possibly even survive – the experience…”

Jack rolled his eyes as his friends laughed at her retort, and their blonde colleague slipped through the people gathered near the stage, trotted up the steps at the far side, and joined in with the three people already on stage, who were in the process of laying out their baking efforts. As they watched, she chatted to one of the other committee members on the other side of the table while unpacking each tin of biscuits, laying the recipes on the table next to the plates, and placing the name cards, facing the committee’s side of the table, at the bottom of the recipes as directed. She checked the name cards carefully as she laid them out, refolding one which seemed not to be standing up well, and skipped back down the room to join her team.

“A masterful job of misdirection, Agent Williams.” Her supervisor congratulated her as she returned. “Go to the top of the class.”

Tara curtsied demurely, then laughed. “The other committee member was really helpful, and hopefully Jack’s would-be lady-friend will be too busy to miss you – and the judging will start soon. She said that you could stay where you were – you only needed to be near the stage when the finalists are announced.”

There was a noticeable amount of relaxation from two of the agents present.

“While everyone’s here…” Sue started, “I could do with some ideas and help from you all, but particularly from you two.” She smiled at D and Donna, who both looked slightly startled.

“It’s about May… Luce and I were thinking about getting her something from us – the team, I mean, to… remind her that she isn’t alone, and maybe to see if there was anything else we could do… we couldn’t come up with any good ideas this morning, and wondered if you guys could.”

“And you wanted us for the keen insight we have on the teenage mind…” Demetrius smiled, looking at his wife. “What about…” and the eight of them, determined to solve this latest challenge, became engrossed in the discussion.



They were disturbed, twenty minutes or so later, by the announcement that the judging was complete, and calling all entrants to the front.

Complaining somewhat at the interruption, the four agents and their ‘protection detail’ wandered towards the stage, staying towards the rear of the gathered bakers and their supporters.

“These are in no particular order, gentlemen,” Eleanor was cooing down the microphone, “These are just the six cookies which most impressed us… and, of course…” She giggled, “the public will decide who of the finalists will be the stars of the calendar.” She looked around at the assembly, then caught sight of the FBI contingent and winked.

“With his exceptional triple chocolate cookies – Mike Griffin, of the DCPD!” There was a spatter of applause, some unflattering jokey comments, and a tall, auburn-haired man grinned, while enduring backslaps from his colleagues.

“With his deliciously different Anzac biscuits…” Bobby groaned as she continued – “Agent Robby Manning of the FBI! She beamed at them, and D clapped him on the shoulder, as the applause was directed at him.

“With his…” Under cover of the next announcement, Bobby turned to his friends. “She got my name wrong – doesn’t that invalidate it or something?” The third winner was obviously pleased about it, as there was a whoop from the far side of the group, as the applause began.

“Our fourth finalist, from the City Fire Department, with his wonderful butterscotch cookies…” Myles snorted, and muttered “I can’t help wondering if she’s going to run out of superlatives before she runs out of winners!” The applause started again, and a very large gentleman right at the front of the stage raised his clasped hands as a sign of victory.

“With his superb oatmeal and raisin cookies, please congratulate Daniel Laker, also of the DCPD!”
Another loud cheer, also peppered with insults, from the obviously quite sizeable police contingent.

“And our final finalist, and I have to admit, my personal favourite…” She paused, a huge smile spreading across her features, “with his fabulous white chocolate, apricot and macadamia nut soft cookies, is the fabulous Jack Hudson, from the FBI!”

Jack froze, then as the applause started, protested; “But those aren’t mine!”

Silence fell abruptly. “That’s Myles’ recipe…” He gestured to his team-mate. “Mine were the almond fudge crumble cookies – look on the recipe sheet!”

Two of the six judges picked up the recipes, and there was a huddle on the stage, Eleanor obviously arguing forcefully. Some of the crowd, which had begun to disperse, turned back, to watch this new development. An older committee member, one with some influence apparently, hushed the arguing, and made a low-voiced pronouncement, which Ms Rippendorf was obviously unhappy with. The older woman gestured firmly, and Eleanor, obviously reluctantly, picked up the microphone again.

“There… er… appears to have been a… mix up… with the name cards, so our last finalist is in fact… Myles Leland, also of the FBI.” Her voice quivered slightly. “I would like to congratulate all of our finalists, and our thanks go to everyone who has taken part.” Looking deflated, she went back towards the rest of the committee.

“A mix up…” Jack breathed. And then, as one, seven pairs of eyes fixed on one petite blonde FBI agent, who was radiating innocence as hard as she could.

Under that fierce regard, she maintained her composure for a long moment, before crumbling, giving a tiny shrug, and saying, ingenuously “…oops?”

Brilliant Tara, absolutely brilliant!!!!

I can't believe that this is coming to an end, you got to do another one Eclipsse I have loved this!!

Sam

Eclipsse, you definitely have Eleanor down pat!! I could picture her leaning on the guys' shoulders and simpering!! I love how nervous and fidgety Jack gets when she's around - you also brought out the fear he has of her actually catching him!!!

Tara, you are a tease!! Switching name tags - I love it!!!

Joy

radiating innocence as hard as she could!!!!
Oops is right. I love Tara...or should I say I love the way your write Tara? And the scary way you write Eleanor and the way you write Jack squirming and Donna's lineI guess I just love the way you write!

kav

2 great posts

loved the fuzzies between jack and sue

you wrote eleanor so well and tara is wonderful

cath

well done Tara and getting myles through aswell good girl

Gotta love, Tara ... but I still feel sorry for Bobby or is it Robby? He's not out of the wood yet.

As Tara might say... Oops! Post counting failure - there's more to go than I thought! Thank you for continuing to read, and your wonderful replies - you sure know how to make a gal feel appreciated!

“…Didn’t really plan it… It just occurred to me when I got up there…” Tara sipped her champagne appreciatively, then continued. “There was no way that she wasn’t going to pick whatever Jack had made, but all of the guys other than Bobby had put their names on the back of the recipes… It was a choice between Myles and D…” She turned to the Bostonian. “You’re not only the better baker – sorry, boss, but he is – but you don’t have kids… so you drew the short straw.”

The team were sitting around a large round table in their favourite bistro, and, in honour of the occasion, were splitting a bottle of champagne that Jack had bought. Of course, splitting it between eight made for very small amounts, but some of them had to drive home anyway.

“What, exactly, do the Gans offspring have to do with the competition?” Asked Myles.

“That calendar is going to be distributed city-wide,” Tara said, as if the reasoning should be obvious. “Which means that, if he was one of the winners, copies could very well go to Tanya and Davey’s schools…” She trailed off

Demetrius groaned, and Donna laughed. “You are a wonderful, wonderful person! Agent Williams, you have saved our children from high-school humiliation, and you, Supervisor Gans…” she poked him in the side, “owe her a raise!”

“Will you settle for undying gratitude?” D asked, plaintively, and another laugh ran round the table.

“I just wish you could have saved me.” Bobby grumbled, then brightened. “I want you on my team for the bake-off!” He stated firmly. Maybe by then you will have come up with a Rippendorf – repellent!”

This started an argument of who would bake with whom. Jack, who was reasonably sure that he would be surplus to requirements as a kitchen hand, caught Sue’s eye, and smiling, offered a silent toast – to them.

I caught up to the last two posts and they had me rolling on the floor with !

tara darling you are a genius!

More please!

Loving this! Every single word!
Absolutely no problem. The longer the better!!!
I laughed out loud at this


Ornella

Delightful, just delightful. You had me chuckling, laughing and sighing with ease during these last few posts.

Thank you again! Probably two more after this - but both longish. Sorry!

Jack walked back into the bullpen at around eleven a.m., and into the middle of a somewhat sombre-faced team, which certainly hadn’t been how he had left them.

The early part of the day had been – interesting, partly as the team were invited to a post- arrest breakfast party by a couple of the SWAT teams involved in the takedown. Treated to donuts and what was very possibly the worst coffee on the face of the planet, they – mostly – nevertheless enjoyed it, and several of the SWAT team members had spent time vying for the attention of Lucy, Sue and Tara.

Jack wasn’t sure, but he thought Bobby had been very unimpressed by their obvious interest in his fellow team members – or, more precisely, the interest shown to the short blonde part of the trio.

Sue had gently deflected some less-than-subtle enquiries about her status with her customary grace and tact, and then had made sure she stayed close to Jack, and when they had left after an hour or so, it had been with the warm satisfaction of an operation closed – with no casualties. The only concern any of them had voiced on their way back to the bullpen was about the continuing lingering flavour of the … coffee…on the palate, and how long it would take to go away.

“The question is… should we tell her?” Bobby was asking as he entered.

“Should we tell who what?” Jack asked, then, seeing the slight looks of confusion, frowned ruefully as he considered his words. “I think SWAT coffee needs to be reclassified as a health hazard!” He joined the group, making sure Sue could see him, and tried again. “What are we talking about?”

“We found May’s father.” Lucy said, quietly. “And the rest of her family.”

“That’s good news…” looking round at the team, and taking in their expressions “…isn’t it?” No-one answered the question, and he started to get concerned. “Something tells me I’m not going to like this.” He sighed.

“Probably not, Sparky.” Bobby said, soberly. Sue was upset, and visibly fighting for control, and Jack braced himself for whatever he was about to learn.

“Tara did a search through the databases and found his picture – and his real name – John Patrick Richard Barnett. He had a police record – he was a thief; specialising in jewellery, antiques, silver…”

“Which explains the connection to Durrant – who must have been his out-of-state fence.” Jack nodded.

“He is listed as having one dependent – Maryanna Elizabeth Barnett, who is fifteen...” Tara had taken over the explanation. “The wife, Elizabeth Lola, left them when the little girl was six… ran away with her boss and her last known address – which is eight years out of date – was somewhere in France. She hasn’t paid her federal taxes since she left the country. In the divorce papers, she gave up all parental rights to the child.”

Jack was shocked into speech. “She did what?”

“Severed all parental rights. It’s legal, but doesn’t happen that often as a voluntary decision.” Tara said, and continued. “When Maryanne – our May – was ten, her father was finally caught, and served three years for a series of jewel thefts. May was rehomed with her only relatives – her mother’s sister and her family, who were… less than pleased with the imposition. They tried several times to get Social Services to take her into care.”

Sue broke in, sadly. “Now we know why she feels the way she does. The only person who wanted her was her father, and, when he died…”

“Do we know why they changed their names?” Jack asked. Myles nodded.

“That’s the tragedy of the whole tale.” The Bostonian said, quietly, his usual sarcasm absent. “They were trying to escape from Social Services.” Before Jack could ask the question, he continued. “After her father was released, he was declared an unfit guardian, and May was either going to remain with her aunt or – more likely – put into the foster system. They were simply trying to stay together as a family.”

“And then he died and she was seriously injured in the crash… and she was completely alone.” Jack said.

Sue nodded. “She was sent back to the aunt after she got out of hospital, but only stayed eight months, then, as we know, she ran away and came here.” She bit her lip, and a multitude of emotions raced across her expressive face.

“We also know now why she’s not in any of the missing children databases… Maryanna Barnett was declared dead nine months ago.”



A quick dip by Tara into the police files showed that the very battered corpse of a young female was discovered, and provisionally identified as the missing girl about two weeks after May had told them she had left her aunt’s house after she was discharged from the hospital.

“I wonder why she didn’t tell us that they were relatives?” Jack asked.

Bobby snorted. “By the sounds of it, mate, they didn’t really act like they were, now did they?”

“She really doesn’t have anybody, does she?” Tara murmured.

Seeing that, Sue straightened, and Jack couldn’t help but smile at the fire in her eyes.
“She may not have any blood relatives who care, but she is not alone!” She said firmly. “I promised her I would be there for her and I will be! Maybe…”

“I’ll help, Sue – you know that.” Jack interjected, slipping his arm around her shoulders.

“I always wanted a little sister…” Bobby joined in, leaning towards Sue so she could read him clearly, and grinning.

“Ah, but would you really want to inflict him as a big brother on anyone?” Myles interjected. “I, on the other hand, would be happy to offer some time to the young lady, especially as she has shown interest in the marvels of the written language. It would be nice to be able to have the occasional conversation on an intellectual subject… I certainly have no prospects of that within this team.”

“I’m in!” Lucy added, closely followed by Tara’s “me too – if she won’t be upset at how bad my signing is!”

“Donna suggested inviting her to a barbecue at our place.” Demetrius’ voice came from behind them. “You could ask Amanda and her father, too.”

Lucy alerted Sue to D’s arrival, and he repeated what he had said, adding;

“You said that you wondered if Jack had encountered her for a reason, Sue;” Their supervisor continued. “Without her, thousands of people would have died, probably including some, maybe even all of us, as we were going to attend the bake-off gala as well, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude for what she has done.” He smiled. “But maybe, she was put in our path so that she could have a second chance – a new life, and it would be nice to play a part in that.”

Sue looked around her team – her friends – and could think of nothing to say which could properly express her gratitude. Instead, eyes sparkling with unshed tears and feeling Jack’s warmth at her side, she slowly signed her thanks.

poor may, her story is so sad

i hope they can help her find someone to live with

love the comments from myles, so typical

cath

Eclipsse, you have me in tears with this post!! Poor May!! I don't think the team should tell her any of this!! Maybe later, but not now!! It won't help her to know it!! I love how the team has taken on responsibility for May and is willing to help her have a normal life!!!

Joy

Beautiful post! Poor May... what a life.

Em

I love the way the team all came together -- the way they always do.

kav

Last post should have carried an angst warning - sorry! This one's better.

Nearly three weeks later, Jack was lying on a picnic blanket in the bright sunshine, Levi lying over his feet, and feeling that all was definitely right with the world. The whole team was here, although, at the moment, the rest of them were busy baking over in the vast ovens one of the charity sponsors had provided, and Donna and the kids were exploring the park and the stalls before joining them.

Each finalist had been allowed up to three helpers – Bobby had selected Tara and Sue, or as he described them – the ‘Rippendorf repellers’, and, with a twinkle in his eye, had given them permission to do anything they could think of to protect him should Eleanor appear on the horizon. Tara had suggested they recruit Tanya, Davey and May, supply them with water balloons, and just wait – and had even brought the ammunition. Jack rather suspected that a spectacular water fight was going to ensue sometime later today… Well – it’s not like we can take them home!

Myles had asked for Lucy, D and May, explaining that this would give the youngster a definite excuse to come – and that she couldn’t possibly be more of a liability than Jack was in the kitchen.

Jack had volunteered to help – and had been roundly turned down by both groups – which was why he was all the way over in this part of the park, looking after Levi and the picnic – and quite content with the situation.

Feeling wonderfully lazy, he stretched, then turned his head as something moved nearby. Looking up, he saw May, who waved at him before sitting neatly on the blanket. Levi looked up, and heaving himself to his feet, padded over to her for a scratch.

Finished? He signed.

She nodded. They’re in the post-baking insults stage, now.

He grinned, and sat up. Any good ones?

She shrugged, smiling. I missed a lot of it – Bobby uses too many ….

He didn’t know the sign she used, and at his confused look, she finger-spelled - colloquialisms

He laughed out loud, and wagged an accusing finger at her. You talking to Myles too much! She giggled, and buried her hands in Levi’s ruff again, just enjoying the sunshine.



Lucy had appointed herself the co-ordinator of the ‘May team’ – and had been pelted with scrunched up paper when she suggested the name – on the same Monday as they had discovered the truth of her past, and had revealed that she had a plan – but she needed everyone’s help…

Sue had gone to spend the afternoon with the youngster to pack up her remaining belongings in her old apartment and transfer them to her room at the centre. When Sue, Jack and Levi had visited the previous afternoon, they had been a little dismayed, because although the room was a good size and pleasantly decorated and furnished, it looked empty and barren with no pictures or personal items, and did not feel particularly welcoming. May would have to remain at the centre for a minimum of a month, and, most probably would be there a lot longer, as fosterers who were fluent in ASL were few and far between, and they had been discussing what they could do when Jack dropped her back at the apartment. Lucy heard them, and formulated her scheme...

Packing up May’s things, Sue had a chance to ask about her change of name. May was upset that the team had discovered her secret, but relieved when she realised that no-one was angry with her. The change in her first name was simply the way her father had shortened Maryanna – he had called her May, or Mayflower, since she was very small.

Sue also discovered that Durrant had been the one they were going to when the accident had occurred. Dad said we had to collect something important from him – but I don’t know what it was. She signed.

Sue told her about the documents they had found, and May asked shyly if she could have a copy of one of the photographs, as she had none.

Packing up her clothes and few precious keepsakes didn’t take much time, and they had gone for a quick lunch before returning to the centre.

Sue had intercepted one or two curious glances as they ran up the steps. The supervisor grinned broadly, and waved, and she briefly wondered why they were getting more than the unsmiling nod the woman had bestowed on them as they left. May’s room was on the second floor, and with Levi as pathfinder, Sue opened the door - and stopped dead. May, unprepared for the sudden halt, ran into her, then, curious, peered around her and gasped in shock.

The room had been transformed. There was a bright rug on the floor, a new desk lamp, a large white bookcase which seemed slightly off-centre, with a stack of books on the middle shelf; a patchwork quilt on the bed which Sue recognised as Lucy’s, upon which reclined a huge soft toy – a life size retriever wearing a collar and name tag. There were balloons in the corner, tied to another soft toy – this one a teddy, and a cake in the centre of the desk, which had also been improved by the addition of some pretty stationery and some fluffy pink and yellow pens.

Sue looked around, and felt her eyes fill with tears. May had dropped the holdall she was carrying, and was just staring around, before turning to look at the label on the door, as if to check that she was in the right room.

Her hands shaking, May signed did you…how? Then started crying. It’s beautiful!

Sue shook her head. Not me… but I know who… as the first of her smiling team-mates peered round the door.



Jack was one of the last to get inside, but the look on May’s face left him in no doubt that they had done the right thing. She had been completely speechless for a while, just wandering around gently touching each of the new things, tears trickling down her cheeks, before turning and looking at the team gathered by the door, and asked Sue to translate.

“She says she can’t believe you have done something like this for her.” Sue said, her voice choked with emotion. “She doesn’t deserve it, and can’t think of the words to thank you enough.” The decorating team responded with signed ‘your welcomes’, waves and smiles; “… and neither can I”, she added. “Where did it all come from?”

“It was originally Lucy’s idea,” D started, but we added some touches…” and they settled down to a room-warming party with May, her face marked with tears but now wreathed with smiles, eagerly asking questions as Bobby and Tara passed round slices of cake.



Since then, Sue and Jack saw her at least once a week, and, although she had had some emotional fallout from the traumatic events of the case, and undoubtedly would continue to have for some time, she seemed well on the way to moving on to her new life.

In the time since the conclusion of the case, she had thankfully started to put on some weight, and no longer looked as if she would blow away at the first strong sneeze. She was still very shy and withdrawn with others, especially those near her own age, but she was improving, and seemed to be happy and content when she met up with the members of the team, and was already making plans for the future.

He returned from his musings when she tapped him gently on the shoulder, and he looked up to see the baking teams wandering towards them, Bobby and Myles still arguing about baking technique, Sue and Lucy with their heads together about something, and Tara carefully carrying a huge tray of piled waterbombs, and with a slightly thoughtful expression on her face.

why do i think jack is going to be wearing a waterbomb soon?

lovely post, i think jack and sue would be ideal parents but it's too soon, they need time together

cath

The baking was finished, the teasing had already started, and the two FBI finalists and their support teams were making their way slowly to where Jack and Levi were guarding the picnic lunch. May had been sent on ahead once the cookies had come out of the ovens, and the great trays of biscuits had been sent off to the huge central tent.

Tara, seeing Bobby’s looks at the water-bombs, and Myles, had decided to remove them from his reach, and picking up the unwieldy tray, had set off before anything could occur. Besides, she decided she wanted a little time away from her friends – to think.

Tara Williams was a baffled woman. Not in general – just in one particular area of her life. Although I’m not complaining! She thought happily to herself.

Since the end of the Weatherall case, something wonderful had happened. She had gained a secret admirer.

Someone had started sending her tiny gifts, lovely notes – and they’d been arriving on her desk every single day. Sometimes in the morning, sometimes at other times – but there was always something.

The notes were handwritten, calligraphed, had been sealed with a little squiggle that Lucy insisted was a stylised rose, and were – lovely. Not specifically romantic, but sweet. Short, funny poems, jokes, quaint sayings… some of them referring to a gift, some of them on their own. The gifts were eclectic, but every one of them had been – just perfect. And every one of them had made her smile.

It was obviously someone in the Bureau, and Tara had harboured suspicions that their overly-romantic rotor was mixed up in it… at least to begin with. At the end of the first week, she had confronted her… and found out that Lucy was completely baffled… totally innocent of any involvement… and overjoyed at this new development in her friend’s life. Quickly bringing Sue into the investigative team, the three of them had launched a determined operation to discover who the mystery man was… with absolutely no success whatsoever.For an agent of her calibre, it was a little embarrassing, actually.

They had narrowed it down – probably – to one of the SWAT team members from the celebration party, as they were the only ‘new blood’ on the scene, but having selected the three most likely prospects, adroit individual questioning over a friendly cup of coffee had revealed that either none of them was her admirer – or one of them had the best poker-face in history.

Stifling a giggle, she cast her mind back over the last three weeks. Little gifts…. One of them had been a life-size silk sunflower, with the message ‘I hope seeing this brings a little sunshine into your life each day, because seeing you brings sunshine into mine.’ She had taken it home, and it now had a spot all its own in the corner of her bedroom – and it made her smile every time she saw it. All her male team-mates had asked about it, but she just deflected the questions, laughed… and hugged her secret admirer’s existence to herself.

On another day there had been a wonderful little tin, with fantastically detailed, beautifully painted relief scenes of tropical animals, plants and birds covering the top and sides, filled with delicious sweets. That one hadn’t had a note, but she had decided it was so gorgeous that it was the proper place to keep the rest of the letters.

Every time she thought of them she smiled, and although she really wanted to know who he was… she was reluctant to force the issue.

Halfway through the second week Lucy had suggested rigging a surveillance camera setup in the bullpen to catch him in the act, but Tara had squashed the idea. Whoever he was, this was such a wonderfully romantic way of letting her know he was interested… and surely, he would introduce himself properly in time. In the meantime… this is exactly what I wanted. Romance… evidence that someone is thinking about me fondly… Bobby was right – you really never do know what is coming up, and what is happening now is more wonderful than I would have ever dreamed of. Now, the only thing that would be more perfect would be that it was Bobby that was doing this.

Sue had suggested that it could be Bobby, or even Myles, in their first ‘case’ meeting, but neither Lucy or Tara herself thought it was likely – after all – why start this now? They’d had years if they wanted to show any interest… and they hadn’t. Well, all right, one of them hadn’t, Tara had thought to herself at the time, but that thing with Bobby after the concert – He said in the park the next day he just thought of me as a friend… so it won’t be him either – unfortunately!

Tara had decided to respond at the beginning of this week, leaving a funny haiku message in a little envelope on her desk, copying the identifying squiggle onto the front, along with a fridge magnet with ‘Thinking of you’ on it.

The envelope had disappeared by the next morning, and she had felt warm and happy as another message from him appeared after lunch. The strange thing was, he seemed to guess, really accurately, the sort of things she would like, and she just hoped that her responses were as much to his taste. I need to think of a way to find out more about him, she thought, and began to plan…

She was so glad this had happened now – she had been worried that when – eventually – Sue and Jack got together, she would be jealous; not of Sue – she had never thought of Jack as a potential love interest – but of the fact that they had found each other, when she was still alone. Now… she felt her face heat slightly, and smiled, she too was being wooed. Then a thought struck her. I just hope, whoever he is, he doesn’t wait as long as Jack did!

Jack watched, with a certain degree of apprehension, as Tara came within bombing distance. I don’t think I’ve done anything to annoy her lately, but you never know…

She seemed – happier, lately. Since the end of the Weatherall case, in fact, and all the ladies in the team seemed to be going into a huddle periodically about… something. Something to do with their bubbly computer expert. All his attempts of to discover what was going on had been greeted with an imperturbable conspiracy of silence, and he had resigned himself to remaining in the dark until Sue told him what he needed to know.

Whatever it was, she seemed cheerful about it… I wonder if I should ask Crash? He and Tara are pretty close friends – she might be talking to him…

His tension at her approach was released when she carefully lowered the tray to the floor, a fair distance away from the blanket, groaned slightly, then grinned as she continued towards him.

“I was a little worried, there, Tara…” he started.

“If you’d been asleep, you would have been fair game.” She admitted. “But I suppose we should try not to get the blanket too wet. I actually moved them ‘cause Bobby was plotting something…”

Levi saw Sue, and stretching, trotted towards her, tail waving.

“No sign of the lovely Eleanor?” asked Tara, sweetly.

Jack grimaced. “No. I suspect she is over in the big tent, or at least around the baking area… which is why we…” he stressed the word, “are all the way over here.”

He got to his feet, stretching, and made his way towards Sue, watching her glorious smile light her face as she and Lucy chatted.

Levi – get Sue,” he called, and the retriever pawed at her leg. She looked up, smiling, then her focus shifted, and she caught her breath. “Jack…”

…as two water balloons hit him squarely in the back.

He whirled, to see a grinning Tara and May, who was looking guilty but stifling giggles, with more ammunition in their hands.

“Too tempting a target, Hudson!” Tara called, tauntingly, and we’ve got all the… aaargh!”

Demetrius, unnoticed, had slipped up behind her to the stack of filled balloons, and while she was gloating, dropped one squarely on the top of her head.



Order was eventually restored, once the missiles had run out, and a significantly soggier team collapsed, still laughing, around the picnic blanket.

Donna appeared about five minutes later, roundly scolding them for behaving like preschoolers rather than responsible adults… then laughed, and scolded them again for starting without her.

Jack, sitting with his arm comfortably around Sue, took a deep breath of contentment as the others started to lay the food and drink out.

Life really doesn’t get any better than this, does it? Sitting here with my friends and the woman that I love, in the sunshine… I can’t believe how lucky I am.

He thought back through the wonder of his developing relationship with Sue, smiling and tightening his hug, feeling her snuggle closer to him.

Remembering… that first kiss – and all the others since… That moment in the park, in the evening after May’s party, when she turned to him and told him…



They were walking Levi, and Sue had been quiet, obviously thinking. He felt… complete, as he watched the retriever busily investigating the bushes, his arm around her shoulders. Suddenly she stopped, putting her hand on his chest.

“Thank you, Jack.”

He had smiled. “Your welcome. But what are you thanking me for?”

Her face was serious, her eyes vulnerable. “For today. For the last three and a half years. For everything.”

He kissed her forehead, tenderly. “Today was mostly Lucy’s idea – I can’t take the credit for that; and for the rest - I should be thanking you, sweetheart…” She flushed again, and looked down.

He caught her chin, and gently raised her eyes to his.

“I… I love you, Jack Hudson.” She said, the words an articulated whisper. “I think I always have…” He felt as if the world had stopped, he could hear no traffic sounds, no city noises, no voice except hers.

“Sue…” He couldn’t get any words out past the lump in his throat, and the streetlamps suddenly spangled into a thousand points of light. He couldn’t talk – but he didn’t need his voice to communicate, and he slowly signed I-L-Y.

Her glorious eyes filled with tears, but her smile was like the sun coming up, and his heart turned over as their lips met once more.



Jack was nudged out of his memories by an elbow in the side, and turned to see the same woman laughingly asking what he was grinning about.

He laughed. “I’ll tell you later…” and her lips curved in a smile

They had all contributed to the picnic, and over the leisurely meal, they chatted. Tanya and Davey had arrived, inhaled as much food as they could in about three minutes flat, then asked if they could go back to the stalls. Donna, rolling her eyes, decided to go with them, but waved her husband back down when he offered to go with them.

“I’m a lot less easy to wangle money out of than you are – for the sake of the family finances – you stay here!”

As she left, Jack noticed May was staring over the park, which was scattered with picnicking families, groups playing games, couples… with a solemn look on her face.

He touched her shoulder. OK you?

She nodded. Myles and Tara leant towards her, concerned, and she shook her head, asking Sue to be her voice once again.

“She says that, seeing all these people here, happy, and thinking what might have happened if Jack had been a better cook…” There were grins from all sides.
“… if he hadn’t been near that alley; it makes her realise how fragile life is – and that this has made her realise what she wants to do.” May paused, and looked round the team.
“She’s decided that she wants to learn to lip read, become a good enough interpreter to maybe even work for the Bureau some day – though not in the field!” The teen shook her head decisively. “Once was enough for one lifetime.”

“A noble goal,” Myles said, “but first – college! You are not wasting that brain of yours!”

When Sue had translated, May laughed, then sat upright facing him and snapped off a perfect salute, signing Sir! Yes, sir!

In the distance, feedback squeal warned them that an announcement was about to be made. A female voice, echoey but almost pleasant from this far away, warned them that the twelve winners of the contest were about to be announced.

“They’re announcing the winners.” Jack told Sue, quickly.

“I’m pretty sure I’m safe…” Bobby said. “No chocolate is a pretty good bet – if you want to lose.”

“Shhh, Bobby,” said Tara. “We have to hear…”

Sue sat back and waited for their expressions to tell her if either of them had been successful. There was a long pause, then arm-waving and cheering, Myles flushing with pleasure.

Jack turned to her, saying “Bobby didn’t make the final twelve… but Myles… got the highest vote of the day. He’s the cookie hunk of the year!

Demetrius reached out to pick up the cup of fruit juice in front of him.

“I’d like to propose a toast…”

All of them collected their cups and plastic glasses.

“To the noble art of baking and to the champion of the day…” Myles ducked his head in pleased embarrassment.
“To old friends…” He looked round his team. “And to new ones…” he raised his glass to May, who blushed scarlet.
“To new love…” Jack felt his own face burn “And to old marriages…” D grinned widely
“To peace and happiness for all.”

This is it! Final post. And with over an hour to go to the deadline! Thank you all so, so much for reading, your support and wonderful, kind comments over the last months. I really couldn't have done it without you!

Epilogue – Bullpen, August

Lucy - bounced – there was no other word for it – into the bullpen just before lunch, carrying a large cardboard envelope. “Hey everyone! I have in my hand a… special delivery for one Agent Myles Leland! Brought by courier from the Childrens’ Charity Foundation offices.” She spun round in the middle of the room. “Who wants to see the pin-up boy?”

An immaculately suited arm appeared from behind her, neatly slipping the package out of her grasp. “I’ll take that, thank you. It is, after all, addressed to me.”

“The competition was a team effort, buddy-boy,” commented Bobby, snatching the contested item out of the Bostonian’s hand and presenting it back to the rotor.

The team, with the notable exception of Myles, crowded round Lucy, who pulled open the envelope and began to flip through the pages.
“Have you already seen this, Myles?” D asked “because…”

Lucy gasped, and there were sounds of hastily contained mirth from the others. She had found Myles… or at least that was what it said on the label beneath the cookie recipe, because it certainly wasn’t obvious from the picture.

The bare-chested man was leaning against a tree branch, apparently taking surveillance photographs… with a camera which covered all of the head except the perfectly coiffed hair and tip of one ear.

“It sort of looks like Myles…” Lucy said “but…”

Bobby leant over Tara to get a closer look, his lips twitching. “Wasn’t wearing a gun harness over bare skin uncomfortable, mate? Looks like it could really chafe…?” Losing control of his expression, he turned and leant on Tara’s desk, shoulders shaking.

“Ah, nice camera…” came a choked comment from Tara. “Good, ah, lens.” She seemed to be having a little trouble breathing, and had both hands over her mouth

Sue was also struggling. “Your hair looks great! Really… um… great. Very …professional. ” She bit her lip, and also seemed to be having difficulty restraining an outburst of mirth.

Jack couldn’t contain himself any longer, and burst into gales of laughter, which startled Levi into barking. “Myles..!” he got out between breaths. “What happened? What did you do…?”

“Actually” Demetrius’ voice broke through the hysteria. “That’s…it’s my fault.”

The whole team turned in astonishment, Lucy directing Sue towards him as she realised she wasn’t aware of the comment.

“Yours?!” chorused Bobby and Tara together. Jack, trying to control his laughter and choking as a result, waved at D to continue.

“Yes, well… ah… I went to the director when the orders came down for us to take part in the contest, and, well, pointed out that it wasn’t a good idea. The… ah… ‘Grand Prize’ calendar shoot in particular. I reminded him that with the work we do, having team members faces stuck on office walls would risk both investigations and lives.” He paused.

“I had hoped that that argument would get us out of the thing altogether, but obviously Jack’s, ah, admirer has a long reach, because we were still tapped to take part. I did, however, get him to agree to some conditions should one or more of us get selected for the final twelve.”

“Which were?” Lucy asked, breathlessly.

“That the photographs could not show Ja… I mean… our faces, or anything else that would make us identifiable. We do, after all, have jobs to do. I had hoped that that would… lessen Ms Rippendorf’s enthusiasm for our participation, but I guess not… so…” He gestured at the calendar Lucy was still clutching.

They all stared at the printed page in something approaching awe.

“I have to say that I think you are all being rather childish.” Miles drawled. I consider our esteemed supervisors idea to have been a rather good one, actually.” He straightened his tie. “Unfortunately, the supposed ‘artist’ who was running the shoot chose to ignore all of my – very reasonable – suggestions and… look at the result! The composition is simplistic, there is poor choice of filters, and the aperture settings…” He snorted. “The man was an amateur with delusions of adequacy.”

Leaning back against his desk, he continued. “I did, however, manage to get both him and the charity committee to agree to my demands on one key point, however, even if I had to be quite… firm about it. In the end, they saw it my way, of course.”

“Key point..? What…?”

“Look at the whole page, Agent Hudson.”
Jack took the calendar from Lucy, and stared at it. After a moment, he looked up and smiled slowly, his eyes warm.

“Myles, ol’ buddy…” Jack paused, “You have your moments…”
“You’re welcome.” Myles inclined his head back, then sauntered to his desk and sat down. “It seemed somewhat appropriate.”

Lucy grabbed the calendar from Jack and she, Sue, Tara and Bobby crowded round and looked at it in confusion.

Bobby saw it first, and grinned. “Good on ya, mate. We’ll have to order an extra copy.”
Myles just shrugged. “As you wish. I do however, feel that this team owes me at least one lunch – or a steak dinner - each.”

There was an eruption of voices – Jack and Bobby laughingly arguing about the ‘meal currency’ appropriate for Myles’ travails – Tara making suggestions for alternatives, and Lucy and Sue laughing on the sidelines, before Sue, trying to calm the situation, suggested that they go for lunch.



Escaping from the great food debate, and crossing the bullpen to Sue – his Sue, and delighting in the brilliant smile on her face as she waited for him, Jack felt an irrepressible surge of pure happiness flow through him.

In the time since they had admitted their feelings for each other, they had spent as much of their free time together as possible, and he had never been in a relationship which felt so completely right.

She was as strong willed… as stubborn… as ever, and they still had… discussions… about her tendency to run into trouble; he quirked a smile at the thought, and she raised her eyebrows at him as if she could tell what he was thinking, but they still worked brilliantly as a team, despite their new, closer bond.

Helping her into her coat, he considered their relationship. I never wanted a meek maiden; I wanted a partner, who I could share both tragedy and triumph with; someone who would be strong in a crisis, who would fight back-to-back with me if needed; who would stand up to me when I’m being an idiot, and support me completely when I deserve it. She’s all those things, and more; compassionate, caring, loving, beautiful – she’s everything I had ever dreamed of, and so much more than I deserve.

Pausing slightly to drop a light kiss on her cheek, he escorted her to the door. Another magical thing about their new relationship was that their friends took it so much in their stride. There was no awkwardness, and even outside the close friendships of the team, the rest of those they worked with seemed to be completely unconcerned, as if they had all assumed that they had actually been a couple for years.

His mind jumped to the tiny silk-and-velvet box hidden in his dresser at home. He had found the ring, only a few days after they officially started dating, in a tiny little store away from the main shopping areas of the city, but, like Sue herself, it was perfect. Three diamonds, the central one larger than its flanking stones, the setting simple and elegant.

He knew, with absolute certainty, that she was the one, that he couldn’t think of anyone else ever being his wife, but… he just needed to wait for the perfect moment. He smiled. Although, thinking about it, the worst-possible moment has worked pretty well for us so far!

He also knew, whatever the future held, that now they would face it together.



D, shaking his head as he listened to the happy banter and gentle mockery firing round the room, collected the reports he had promised to deliver to the assistant director’s office, and tried to slip away quietly. There was a general outcry when he suggested, having been stopped at the door by Lucy, that they might want to go to eat without their supervisor present, and he was persuaded – with little difficulty, if truth be told – to join them after his meeting.

Having delivered the reports, hearing the meeting was cancelled, and asked to pass on congratulations to his unit on the successful conclusion of their most recent investigation, D ducked back into the bullpen to collect his coat. His eye was caught by the calendar still lying on Tara’s desk. Looking at down at the image, he smiled to himself as he heard his teams’ exuberant teasing and shouts of laughter echoing down the corridors.

“Jack was right, Myles. You really do have your moments, don’t you?” he said softly, before turning and heading for the elevator.

Behind him, the desk lamp softly illuminated the glossy page, showing Myles Leland the third, master cookie baker and Hunk of the Month – for May.

I just love it !!!!

Wonderful story! Congratulations !!!!

That was fantastic! I loved every minute of it!

Congratulations on finishing it before the deadline!!!!

that was a fab ending to a great story

cath

What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

But we didn't find out who Tara's secret admirer is...did we? Or is it because I was catching up and cause it's way past my bedtime! Wonderful way of wrapping the story up. This was a phenomonal read -- solid case, lots of mystery, heartstopping angst and fuzzies, fuzzies, fuzzies. I love what the team did for may's room and how they've kept her as part of their extended family. Amazing job all round and so hope you will post more stories in the future (very near future)

kav

I went back to check in case I had missed it, but Kav is right, you have to write another story now for sure!! We still don't know who Tara's secret admirer is!!!

Eclipsse, Kudos to you!! This is the most amazing story!! The case was awesome!! The fuzzies were breathtaking!! May is a character that I would like to read more about!! And, we need to be there when Jack gives Sue that ring!!!

Thanks for sharing your incredible talent with us!! I can't wait until you do again!!!

Joy

Wow, catching up with this story certainly has been a challenge, but I've enjoyed every moment I've spent reading this. I would have responded earlier, but every time I caught up, ten moe posts were added and I only got behind even more. I suppose that's what I get for disappearing a week before the challenge ends.

Even so, this story was absolutely wonderful. You wrote the team so perfectly that I felt like I was watching the show.

And I love how Myles ended up being 'Hunk of the Month' for May. It's just a wonderful conclusion.

Superb job!

Fabulous story your an excellent writer and Myles choosing may very sweet

Hunk of the Month, Myles.... I love it!!

Wonderful story - I loved every bit of it!

Em

Kav, Suesfan... in the original plan for the story, I was going to complete Tara's romance at the bake off, but... the main plotline stole all the remaining writing time, making faces at my lovely plan as it ran away... *sigh* - does anyone have any suggestions for disciplining unruly storylines? Should I stop their chocolate allowance or something?

Anyway... I decided to let Tara's secret admirer keep his anonymity for now, and hopefully write the story from her POV at a later date... though I have to say that there are one or two teeny things that Tara hasn't considered which would give her a clue...

I have also just had a plot idea for a completely new long story... and a couple of little ones...

Aargh! Why didn't any of you tell me that writing was addictive!

Help!

There is not one of us here that is going to complain about your becoming addicted to writing!! I can't wait for Tara's POV and story!! And, another long story will be wonderful!! You're an incredible writer and you now have a following!! No pressure, you understand, but you have been put on my list of authors that cause withdrawal symptoms when there are no current stories available!!!

Joy

Wonderful, wonderful story! I've just spent HOURS reading this, since I fell out at page 5 a long time ago.......and boy was catching up SWEET!!!
The storyline...the characters...and the ending...all were PERFECT!!!

Congratulations on a job WELL DONE

Jill

Congratulations! :adulation smilie:Awesome story and perfect ending! I hope there'll be a sequel soon.

Oh, by the way, writing is addictive!

Ornella

I did it, I did it, I got caught up! Yea me!

Eclipsse this story has been absolutely wonderful. An adventure that most certainly fulfilled the recipe for danger. But along with the nail biting case, you gave us so much more with all the fuzzies, relationships and tender moving moments. Just to mention a few. I could go on and on but I have many stories to catch up on so I just want to say

I look forward to reading more of your stories!

Hi Eclipsse

Well, I'm finally able to find some time to catch up reading your story. Sorry I've been away so long...definitely my loss! It's been a bear of a summer, activity wise, with lots going on. I got so far behind I just never had enough time, at one time, to get caught up.

Now, I won't bore you with comments after each post like I usually do when catching up on a story, seeing as how I'm so far behind. Just know that I'll probably have a comment or two to make along the way. Off to read over the next few of days.

Lynn

(Mon)

7/26 Post - My heart did flip flops at Jack’s action here. Such a tender action, I can picture him doing this just like he did with Sue at the end of the pilot episode. That was one of my favorite scenes in the show and you’ve just recreated that warm, fuzzy feeling. Thanks.

Now, Myles shopping for girls clothes? That would have been hilarious!

7/27 Post #1 – This is a most riveting story Eclipsse. I’m almost glad I can read and not have to wait; I said almost.

7/29 Post #1 – D’s character shines here. I love it when men are this gentle.

7/30 Post – PM – Again, this is a fantastic story Eclipsse, spellbinding….just like the show. Now, why do I think Sue is going to volunteer to be May’s guardian. Been thinking that for the last couple of posts and thought I would finally voice it and see if I’m right And I can’t wait for her to hook May up with Amanda!

7/31 Post – AM – Drats! The dreaded interruption again! From an unknown rotor! So, close….! (I really did write that before reading Cath’s response!

8/1 Posts – Why do I get a funny feeling about this face-recognition artist? Eclipsse…how do you write all these details and keep up with it all. We’re beginning to get a picture of sweet May…what a tragic life she has had the past two years. I suppose you will get around to telling us about her mother? This is wonderfully written Eclipsse! Have I said that before?

8/2 Post – What happened? Was it b/c May saw Myles? Well, at least May recognized that Myles wasn’t really Mister Larry! What a read…another excellent post! This could be played out on the show.

8/3 Post – AM – At last, an opportunity for some Jack and Sue fuzzies. I was going to turn out the lights and head for bed…can hardly keep my eyes open. But, I can’t leave it here.

8/3 Post – Later AM – I loved the barking fridge magnet! Just the kind of scene that would fit perfectly on the show.

I’m shaking my head, Eclipsse, marveling at how you have our favorite characters being….our favorite characters!!!!!! And leave it to Kav to put thoughts in Levi’s head….Lassie locked in the fridge, indeed! Oh, I’d love to have that magnet! Do you suppose I could get one online? Maybe I’ll google it!

8/4 Post – AM – roflol again at Myles and the rotweiler’s antics! Uh, Oh, I don’t like the sound of this…..what is in the garage? I think I know….

8/4 Post – PM – Oh, you do realize you tortured us with this post….Jack, you should not wait…I mean, Sue said it herself….and I have to quote: You must be trying to stay within the guidelines of the show…and you are doing an excellent job, Eclipsse!

Ok, it’s after midnight and I’m going to stop here. I’m too tired to connect the phone line to get online and post this…so, I’ll do it in the morning. This story is amazing!

(Tues) Well, it is almost noon and the first I've gotten online today, so here is where I am. I hope to finish reading tonight and post before I travel home from dad's tomorrw (10-11 hr drive.) If not, it will be Thur before I can finish!

Lynn

PS. I know I said I wasn't going to comment after each post...but, I'm hopeless. I love to comment; just can't help myself!

Finally able to get back to reading S. Loved the monopoly game between Jack, Sue, May and Jerome. Sue falling out of bed into Jack’s arms….

Nice tie in with the "royal wedding bonnet" clue. At least it’s more than they had the night before. Tara is sooooo smart; such a simple solution to the key code. Yes, I’m wondering too what Durrant is doing with May and her father’s identification. And, yes, agree with Oreo and Cath…my stories have all ended up longer than intended…

Way to go Sue, finding those letters. Now, I’ve a feeling the next 24 hours are going to be tense! Also loved Myles’ stumbling compliment to Sue. So like Myles. Now, lots of culling thru the paperwork, finding out about this Aaron Young and now Durrant is awake! Wow! They finally put the pieces together. Oh, no! They can’t pull May’s protection! They can’t! They just can’t! Good for you Sue and thank you Lucy for volunteering to go stay with her! Oh, so many highs and lows, finding the ex-senator is involved but they can’t do anything about it and then Myles and Bobby showing up with Durrant’s finger pointing. And Myles’ humor…exactly like him…Eclipsse. You are doing a supurb job here of keeping us on the edge of our seat. And now he has to take May with him. Uh Oh! I can smell it….Sue is going to volunteer to go in May’s stead, isn’t she? Oh, I just know it….I can’t believe I guessed it!

Let me finish reading this post and see if I’m right…I know I am! I can feel it in my bones! Jack…that kiss on the forehead…not enough! Me too, Eclipsse!

I know Sue is going to offer to stand in for May…Like I said, I can just feel it! Well, I’m wrong again. But, I understand what Sue meant. She would understand b/c that is what she would do, if she were in May’s place. I’m melting at Jack’s revelation of his feelings to Sue. This, I think, is one of the most plausible ways it would have happened on the show. You simply astound me, Eclipsse!

Off to read some more, hopefully to the end!

Lynn

So the recipe bake-off is the target event! Wow! I didn’t see that one coming! Spellbinding take down. So heroic of May to throw herself at the Senator to protect Myles. I agree with Penchant, Eclipsse….you have to have been a writer on the show….Excellent action, narrative, characterizatons, everything about this is so like the show…only much better b/c we’re privy to so much more via their thoughts!

Sheer perfection, Jack and Sue’s talk. I can’t say it any better than Joy: Lucy and Sue…perfect too! The long awaited kiss….

The competition….exquisite…Tara switiching the name tags was sheer genius and had me

Sweet May, her life has been so sad. I’m glad they are not going to tell her about her family right now. Maybe later, when she is older and more secure in the love of her new family. And, I knew May would be introduced to Amanda! It was in the cards! So sweet of our team to pull together like that and give May’s room that homey touch! And, a lifesize golden?

Eclipsse, this is a fantastic tale you have woven here, just like the TV show. Oh, I envy you to be able to write like this! Ditto what Kav, Joy and Jill said. You have a perfect balance of all the qualities of a great writer…humor, angst, weaving the crime into the daily lives of the team, and, of course, lots and lots of fuzzies! I am hopelessly addicted to Eclipsse stories!

Can’t wait for your sequel to this when we get Tara’s POV about her secret admirer. And another long story. Is that “The Other Guys”? Or do you have another one besides that one in the works?

Lynn

Sorry I am so late to read this story. I am still catching up on ones I am behind. This was excellent and I can see why it won awards in the contest. I look forward to more from you.
thanks,
Terie

loved! lol.

That was just amazing. A wonderful and beautiful story.



Hope ~