This will be a short one... just four chapters/posts. But I did it! Thanks to a certain someone who nagged (just a tad) for me to do this. If they don't know who they are, just goes to show how little they nagged. Enjoy!

A Time to Heal
~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One

The light caught him, turning red just as the car in front of him slow-poked it’s way through the intersection. Perfect, he thought. Drumming his fingers on the steering wheel and giving death stares to the traffic light did nothing to speed it up, so he finally sighed heavily and resigned himself to the fact that he was going to be late. Closing his eyes, he rubbed the tips of his fingers across them and applied pressure at the bridge of his nose, trying to ward off the threatening headache. There was a meeting at nine and he still had to prepare for it. There would still be time, but being late always put him in a mood that made concentration more… challenging.

The honk of a horn brought him abruptly back to the morning traffic jam and he gave a wave of apology through the rear view mirror as he made the turn down E Street, following the same route through the DC streets to the Hoover parking structure that he had for nearly 8 years. He parked on auto pilot and climbed numbly from the car; heading at a jog toward the bank of elevators. At least he had the ride up to himself; no jockeying for breathing space with a dozen other people. Alone with his thoughts, he tried focusing on the meeting and what he needed to accomplish, but a face filled his mind instead, along with years of memories. Some were bad, some were embarrassing, but the good ones outweighed those by far and all were precious to him. The ping of the elevator gave him a half a second’s notice that the doors were about to open and he thought he was ready when they did, intending to waste little time getting to his desk and pulling the files he’d need for the meeting. Instead, he found himself covering the distance by mechanics only, just managing to put one foot in front of the other until he stood just outside the bullpen. He could hear the pleasant morning hum of voices and he was unwilling to join the prevailing mood of the pen. It didn’t match his own, and he didn’t feel like attempting to fake it or explain it. As he hesitated, a brown blur shot out and came to a stop in front of him, depositing it’s rump on the cold tiles of the hallway and beating out a slow rhythm of welcome with the furry fan attached to the lower end.

“Hey buddy, they send you out to track me down?”

Levi gave a soulful sympathetic stare and accepted a morning rub behind his ears before rolling his eyes and head back over his shoulder toward the doorway he’d just come through.

“Uh-oh, I think she’s tracked you down.”

“Levi?” The voice lilted to him before he could see her. Rushing through, eyes searching for her near constant companion, Sue nearly barreled into them both.

“Oh! Morning Jack. I thought it must be you he heard, but when he didn’t come right back…”

Jack’s smile broke through for the first time that morning as he inclined his head toward Levi. “We were just saying Good Morning.”

“So I see,”, she turned her attention to Levi and wagged a finger in front of his nose, “but you know better than to just run out of a room without me.”

Duly chastised, the dog hung his head briefly before looking to Jack for help. Rubbing his forehead, Jack told him the truth, “Don’t worry, she’ll forgive you.”

Smiling, Sue turned back into the room and the day ahead, leaving a somewhat more subdued duo to follow her. Sitting back at her desk, she raised her head in time to see Bobby lift his chin in greeting to Jack, but the expected teasing over his late arrival never materialized. For his part, Jack returned the greeting with a raised hand that never made it past his waist, and then moved woodenly toward his desk, hanging his coat and seating himself slowly. His earlier smile had disappeared and his look mimicked those she seen him wear while in the middle of a difficult case.

To her knowledge though, the most taxing issue of the morning had been deciding which variety of donut to have with their morning coffee. No particularly stubborn case was on the agenda; even the paper work was caught up to a respectably small pile on each of their desks. He’d mentioned a meeting with several team leaders, but that was to review procedures, nothing to cause the look he still wore as he pulled files from the cabinet next to his desk. She continued to watch, and saw the exact moment when he gave up all pretense of working and let his mind drift completely to whatever preoccupied it. He sat with his chin propped on a thumb; his forefinger pressed against his closed mouth, and his eyes fixed on a point on his desk near his model car; never blinking, and seeing nothing.

Rising, she crossed to the coffee station, poured two cups and went to stand beside him. When he didn’t look up, she moved one cup into his line of vision and waited. His look of surprise told her she hadn’t been ignored; he simply hadn’t realized anyone was near.

“You looked like you could use a good cup… but I’m afraid this is all we’ve got.”

His lips curved upward weakly as he accepted the cup. “Sorry. Lost in thought.”

“I could tell. Care to share?”

He breathed deep and screwed up his mouth, “It’s nothing.” He mumbled and attempted another smile.

She considered pushing the issue, but the set of his jaw said he wasn’t ready to let her in just yet, so she nodded instead. “OK, but if you change your mind…”

“I know, thanks.” This time the smile was genuine, as if to convince her, and perhaps himself, that he really was OK, but it failed to come up to his standard. But she nodded again and returned the smile as she headed back to her desk.

~~o~~

By 1 o‘clock, the meeting was history and the stack of files Lucy had deposited in front of him shortly after he’d returned seemed to be growing instead of dwindling, despite the fact that he’d tackled them immediately and had even skipped lunch. Bobby had half-heartedly punched him in the arm and asked if he wanted to come with him, but he knew where their conversation would end up and he just wasn’t up to it. So he told him ‘no thanks’ and buried himself in the folders once more.

Now, his stomach was beginning to grumble and even the sight of Tara’s gummy bears was starting to pull at him. Standing, he stretched and grabbed his jacket, announcing that he would be back in thirty.

“Are you going for lunch?” Sue stood when he nodded yes. “ Mind if Levi and I tag along? He needs a walk and I’m starting to realize skipping lunch wasn’t that great of an idea.”

“Oh… sure.” He helped her on with her coat and waited while she clipped on Levi’s leash, then gestured for her to lead the way.

The air outside had turned damp and the clouds starting to roll in from the direction of Chesapeake Bay looked as if they could give them their first real snow fall of the season. Sue shivered and pulled her coat closer around her, wishing she’d thought to bring along a scarf. Instead, she pulled the collar of her coat up, effectively cutting off all communication with Jack since she couldn’t see him. Sighing, she lowered the collar and turned to see him laughing at her. “What’s so funny?”

‘You. Doing your turtle imitation?”

Scowling, she explained, “No. My neck’s cold, but I can’t see with my collar turned up.”

Sobering, he removed the short scarf he kept in his pocket and offered it to her. “It’s not much, but it might help.”

“Thanks” Her expression brightened and she greedily wrapped the black length of warmth around her neck and tucked the ends under her coat lapels before looking back at him. He was watching her actions with an elevated degree of curiosity, and when she smiled at him he returned it with his first full-fledged smile of the day, but then he looked as if he’d just remembered something and his face dropped. He turned and continued his way up the sidewalk without a word. Hurrying to catch up, Sue snagged his coat by the elbow and pulled back.

“Jack? You hear sirens or something? What‘s the rush?”

He didn’t answer; didn’t even acknowledge her, just kept walking. Hurt, but pushing it aside, she rushed forward again, tugging at the same elbow a bit more forcefully this time. “Jack!”

At last he stopped, his body language telling her his mood had darkened, and he hung his head. Staring at the ground and refusing to turn her way, she felt him pushing her away. But, when she placed a hand on his forearm, he turned and she saw his eyes glistening with tears. It was all she could do to stop herself from wrapping her arms around him right then, but he wasn’t ready for that.

“What’s wrong?” She asked him softly, half expecting him to turn and walk off. He didn’t though, but he didn’t say anything either.

He’d had his suspicions this was why she’d wanted to come with him. Lucy and Tara had gone out for lunch, but she’d hung back, saying she wanted to finish the report on which she’d been working. But he’d felt her eyes on him from time to time, and whenever he’d looked up, she had a ready smile waiting for him.

Now he could feel her curiosity and he searched for a way to let her know he was OK without going into what was really on his mind. “Sue, I know you want to help, but please, I’ll be fine.”

Unsure of what to say, she watched as he brushed away a tear brusquely with the heel of his hand and the cold air filled with his breath when he sighed heavily.

“I’m sure you can handle it on your own, but why would you even want to when you have friends that are ready and willing to help share the burden?”

He raised his head, tears still threatening and settled his gaze on the line of traffic waiting for the light to turn. Letting friends help share the burden. That’s what he and Bobby had tried to convince him of before…

Nodding slightly, he looked back to the person who’d become so much more than friend in the last few years. Her willingness to be there for him had shown through time and again, and those experiences had taught him that if he followed the impulse to bare his soul to her, the situation wouldn’t seem so hopeless. The impulse he felt at that moment was to hug her, and he let his sudden realization guide him into tugging her close with one arm. Releasing her, he pointed toward the deli on the corner, “Come on, let’s get some sandwiches and we’ll talk.”

She found a corner table where Levi had a little space to lay and waited for him to pay for the sandwiches, watching him as he smiled at the clerk handing him his change and looked around to see where she’d sat. She felt a great many emotions as he came to sit opposite her… guilty for prying into his life, genuine concern over what was making him feel so bad, and no small amount of elation that he was willing to talk it over with her.

He fumbled with the sandwiches for a time; unwrapping them and opening the bag of chips he’d bought for them to share, all the while keeping his eyes carefully away from hers. When he had nothing left to do except eat, he finally looked up, to see her with her eyes closed, silently saying grace over their food. It calmed him; helping him to remember just who he was talking to and that his feelings were safe with her. H e bowed his head and said his own quick thanks before taking a large bite as a last ditch effort at stalling. Sue might very well be the perfect ‘listener’, but this was still going to be hard.

His cheeks stuffed with turkey on rye, he looked at her again and found her watching him, a small grin on her face as she realized what he was doing. He swallowed with the aid of a swig of soda and tried to find a way to begin. Nothing really came to mind, so he went for the simple truth. “Wes died a year ago today.”

Of course all this frivolity is not my way of mourning Wes' death...it's my way of cheering because you're writing another story! I think Sue is the perfect choice for confiding in. Perhaps sharing memories might lead to something more positive

kav

great start and i'm sure even if it's short you could write a sequel

cath

Jack, I'm so proud of you for sharing your grief with Sue

Sheeeeee's Baaaaacccckkkk! ( ) Can you tell I'm excited????????

Three cheers for the bugger!

I would have bugged you, but I'm too nice for that. (Or is it that I've been too busy ....Nah - it's that I'm too nice. )

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the way you phrase things... the way you put your sentences together... the way you choose the perfect words that give me a perfect picture in my mind of what's going on while I read.

Have I told you that before?

Only a few thousand times, you say? Well... it bears repeating

I would quote my favorite lines, but it would take up all of my allotted quotes and then some, I'm afraid.

I'm so glad you're posting a challenge story -- I've got my popcorn and soda in hand... and a box of tissues b/c with that last line there I think I may need 'em.

Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Oh Boy!


Kim

Tina!!!! I'm here, but I can't read yet. Student's due any sec-- oh shoot! she's here already. I'll be back!

~Siti~

great start Im so pleased jack told sue what was upsetting himmore soon please
Lin

I am so excited to see your story. It was a relief when Jack opened up to Sue about what was bothering him. You described his feelings so well.

I'm back!


Exactly what I wanted to say, so ditto.

Great post, Tina.

Okay, can't stay long, I'm in between lessons. But I'll be checking in for your next posts.

~Siti~

Yay!!! You started something!... and what an AMAZING start! I can't wait to read more!!!!!!

Em

Oh, wow... something new from you! I'm so excited!

I know that losing Wes was hard on both Jack and Bobby, and I'm glad that Sue is there for Jack... hopefulyl someone is there for Bobby too... *hint hint*

Tina, you've made my day!!! I agree with Carrie, the way you put your words together, I feel as if I'm watching an episode!!!

Jack, Sue is the perfect person to talk all this out with!! THEN, I think you should both give in to that urge to hug!!!

Joy

Joy...I'm surprised at you... why should they settle for just a hug?

Carrie, I'm starting little and working up!!!

Joy

If there are only 4 posts then they can't start too small.

Don't get your hopes up too far... this is just a smallish story, not enough time too get them tooooo carried away (get it Carrie? 'Carrie'd away? ) Consider this as an exercise to keep my writing skills warmed up for the fall story I have in the works. There, I've said it and everyone can officially start bugging me for that one. Plans call (and I should warn you my planning abilities leave a lot to be desired) for it to show up in WIP mid-Octoberish. Until then...



Sue’s hand shot out to cover his, her face full of concern. “Jack, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize. This must have been bothering you for awhile. Have you talked to Bobby?”

His laugh was completely without humor, filling the air with sarcasm. “You’d think so wouldn’t you? But we both forgot!” Anger contorted his face and he blinked back tears again. “If Jimmy from ballistics hadn’t ran into us as he came out of the memorial room the other day and said something, we’d have both been oblivious.”

Knowing he was beating himself up, she kept silent for a time, letting him calm down. When he lowered his head into his hand and closed his eyes, she said softly. “When my dad forgot my mother’s and his wedding anniversary one year, I can remember him telling her that he may have forgotten the date, but that he had never forgotten the day… or her.”

Watery eyes focused on her and she saw a sad smile lift his face. “Did it convince her?”

“Yes, because it was true. Daddy has always struggled with dates, but he keeps the reason why the date is important in his heart. My mother knew that.” She hesitated a second before continuing, “Wes knew you’d always remember him too. And I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t be at all concerned with you remembering the date of his death, but he’d be happy to know that you remembered all he taught you, and all the good times you had together.”

“I know that here…” he tapped his temple, “but…”

“But your heart is feeling guilty.”

His nod was slow and he let his eyes drift downward again. “That’s part of it.”

“What else?”

Wrapping up his mostly uneaten sandwich, he tossed it on the tray and sat back in his seat, mulling over how to tell her. “I’m… angry. Angry at him. It started a day or two after his death and every time I think of that night in the warehouse I just get more angry. He taught us so much about how to make the right decision, then he goes and makes the wrong one!” He looked around, fighting to make sense of his thoughts, “And then I do a 180 and start thinking maybe he was right, and if Bobby and I had just stayed away, he would have simply disappeared with the money and be living it up on some island right now.”

He ended with a shake of his head and his brows creased until they nearly met over his nose. Sue laid the remains of her sandwich on the tray along side his and cleared the trash from the table. Standing, she handed Levi’s leash to Jack. “Here, take him outside while I put this in the trash. We need to walk.”

He obeyed, taking the leash and telling Levi it was time to go. She found him leaning against the corner of the deli, watching Levi watch the door for her to come out. She took the leash and pointed toward the park a block up.

“We should get back.” He protested.

“The office will be there when we get back. Fifteen minutes in a park isn’t going to make a lot of difference.” She grabbed his hand and pulled. “Come on.”

Levi off leash was a thing to behold. He scurried from a clump of grass to a park bench, and then to a water fountain, giving each a thorough once over with his nose before moving on; his tail keeping time with some inner metronome. He stayed near them, but never once looked their way and Jack couldn’t help but wonder how he managed to keep them firmly in mind and yet be so completely devoted to his explorations.

“You’d think he’d lose track of where we are.”

Sue watched Levi darting from pillar to post and shrugged. “It’s part of his training. Just because you’re concentrating on one thing, doesn’t mean the other thing is completely forgotten. Of course I wouldn’t want to have to teach that to a dog.”

Grinning, he agreed with her and then gave her a sideways glance, “Was that supposed to be some sort of comment on my situation?”

She gave him a wide-eyed look, “Can be.. if it works. I was just talking about Levi. Why, what did you get from it?”

“Well, just because I have to go on with life… doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten Wes.”

Pulling an ‘impressed’ face, she tilted her head sideways, “Man, I’m good. I‘ll have to write that one down.”

He looked at her for a few long seconds and then stopped and turned to face her fully. “You are, you know. You’re very good at getting to the root of things. But you haven’t given me any words of wisdom about why I‘m so angry. You know, I was taught not to think ill of the dead, but I can’t help it.”

“Do you usually live you life according to old sayings?”

“No, but some of them are true.”

“Yes, but every situation has to be looked at individually. Wes behaved… irrationally during that case; after he’d taught you and Bobby by one set of rules, he discarded them and made a decision that ended his career and…” She broke off, not wanting to say the words.

“And his life.” He finished for her.

“You have every right to be upset with him, even if he’s not around so you can let him know about it.”

“Don’t think I wouldn’t too.” His words came out in a rush of emotion. He so wanted to be able to rail at the man who’d been not only his mentor, but almost like another father. If he had done anything so stupid, Wes wouldn’t have wasted a minute in laying into him.

“Why don’t you?”

The look he gave her had her grinning and holding up a hand to stop his thoughts. “No I haven’t lost it.”

“You’re sure?” He smiled as he said it, but one brow was still raised unnaturally high.

She turned and started walking again, pointing toward a bench just ahead then heading toward it and trusting he would follow. “I’m just thinking that it might do you good to get this all out of your system. Go off by yourself and tell Wes exactly how you feel. I know he can’t participate, but you knew him well… you ’d know how he’d respond.”

“What? Go out to the cemetery and rant and rave to his graveside?”

Smiling and shaking her head she assured him that a graveside scene wasn’t what she had in mind. “Anywhere would do. Just somewhere where no one would give you the look you just gave me if they saw you.”

“Sorry.”

No problem.

“ I’m not sure…”

“Neither am I. But you don’t seem the sort to send home to have a good cry. That’s what I’d tell Luce if she had a problem like this.”

Levi wandered back to them then, placing his head in Sue’s lap. “I think he’s sufficiently stretched now. Probably ready for a long nap by my desk. You ready to go back?”

“Come with me?”

“I was planning on it… I work there too you know.” She rose and clipped Levi’s leash back to his collar. A hand on her arm stopped her when she would have turned to leave.

“No, I mean go with me to… to have this talk with Wes.”

“Oh.” She cocked her head to the side and gave him a curious look. “Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable by yourself?”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m not gonna feel comfortable with this no matter who’s around. Besides, you wouldn’t listen.” He watched her reaction to his weak joke, relaxing when she laughed.

“No, that’s true enough. And I promise not to even watch.”

“Where would we go?”

I don’t know… out in the country maybe? There’s bound to be somewhere fairly close that would do.”

“You free tomorrow?”

“Ahhh, I’ve got a hair appointment in the morning, but after that I’m yours.”

Jack’s face lifted at her statement and he took a second to reign in his wayward thoughts. “Great. I’ll find a place and we’ll make an afternoon of it. I’ll buy you lunch.”

“It’s a date.” This time she realized her blunder and turned away quickly. “We should really be getting back…”

Already several paces ahead of him by the time she finished speaking, she kept her eyes straight ahead and refused to glance back to see what he’d made of her words. If she had, she would have seen a slow, thoughtful smile spread across his face and his expression lighten more than it had all day.

You are "warming up" splendidly. This sounded so much like J&S that I almost thought I heard them talking.

great conversatin and sue's right, she is good

hope talking to wes helps jack

cath

You captured both of them so perfectly. And Sue is right, Jack needs to have this talk with Wes. Maybe after he's done talking, Jack will find the answers in his heart.

I just love that he asked Sue to go with him.

The entire post was amazing, but this part just made me smile more than anything:



Leave it to Sue to brighten his day with one of the most well-meaning blunders. That's why they're so great together.

Tina, I love how you captured this scene so perfectly. I felt like I was watching them on screen in one of their famous "awkward" moments.

This is a very good warm up exercise. I'm sure you'll need another one before you start your story In mid October How will I ever wait that long?! For now, I'll bask in this one.Sue has always had the ability to know what to say to Jack when times were tough.

kav

This is wonderful, Tina.

Kim

I just love your wit. The scene was simply marvelous - in every way!

'Carrie'd away', huh? Well... then I'd have to say that I'm 'schmiten' at your way with words (that's a clever play on 'smitten'... in case you missed it )

And just for the record, I NEVER bug. I just pleasantly pester.



*great big happy sappy sigh* I love slow, thoughtful Jack-smiles.

(By the way -- if Jack wanted to 'carrie' me away, I'd be all his in a heartbeat. Of course, wouldn't want him to break his back, so maybe he'd better invest in a crane.)

that was wonderful how sue made him think and agree with her cant wait for the date at least it made him feel so much better wonder what he has in mind more soon please
Lin

This is winding up nicely...I look forward to the rest.

Posting early... off to band competition... wish us luck! (Sorry for any typos... hurrying!)




Her hair appointment had taken longer than she anticipated and Sue arrived back at the apartment to find Jack perched on the sofa, apparently talking to himself.

“Jack? Have you been waiting long? Who are you talking to?”

“There you are!” Lucy rounded the corner from the kitchen and waved to get Sue’s attention.

“Luce… you’re home! I thought you were going to the library and then to lunch.”

“I did. At least I went to the Library, and I found the novel I’ve been looking for. But then I remembered that leftover rigatoni and figured I’d save money, have lunch and clean out the ‘fridge all at once. What are you two up to?” She looked from Sue to Jack, curious as to why they were going out on a Saturday and very curious as to why Sue hadn’t mentioned it to her.

“Well, umm, Jack needed a little help with a project and I said I’d go along.” Hoping she sounded believable and looked to Jack for back-up.

“Speaking of which, we should get going. Our appointment’s soon... wouldn’t want to miss it.” Jack grabbed his jacket from a nearby hook and opened the door, waving Sue and Levi through. They left Lucy staring at the closed door and muttering something about noses on their faces.

“Wes is taking appointments? And you looked at me like I was crazy when I suggested talking to him.”

“It’s all I could think of. And it sounded plausible with you’re ‘help with a project’ story.”

They reached his car and she handed Levi over to him so that he could let him into the back seat. “Well, I wasn’t expecting Lucy to be back so soon, and I didn’t think you wanted everyone to know…”

“You’re right, I didn’t.” He stopped her with a hand raised in truce. “Thanks, by the way, for coming with me.”

“Well, I suggested it, so I guess it’s only fair...”

“I’m still not sure how much good it’s going to do though.” He rested a hand against the roof of the car and ran the other over his face.

Seeing his uncertainty and distress, Sue slipped closer and grabbed the hand as it lowered and held it tightly. “Jack, if you don’t want to do this, don’t. It was just a suggestion. I’m an analyst, not a psychoanalyst. If you’re too uncomfortable…”

“No, I want to do it. Or, at least I want to get past this. Wes was too important in my life… I don’t want to spend the rest of my life mad at him.”

Nodding, she let his hand go and opened the car door, “Let’s go then.”

~~o~~

Driving out of the city, they headed into the Virginia countryside. The buildings grew fewer and fewer, and Sue relaxed amid the increasing rural expanses. It reminded her of home and she could imagine herself back there, riding through the Ohio countryside with Jack at her side. She rarely became home sick; her life in DC was full and she knew she was making a positive difference with the work she did. But seeing the countryside around her brought back times that were less hectic. She glanced at Jack; his face had relaxed and he seemed to be in another world. It must be the same for him, she supposed. His work was important to him, but he had told her enough of his years growing up that she knew his life before coming to DC held a special place in his heart.

By the time noon arrived, Sue stomach was growling and she was positive Jack must be able to hear it. She swallowed and shifted in her seat, trying to make her talkative innards quiet down. They’d passed through a small town, and when she saw a café with a hand painted sign hanging in front of it, she smiled in anticipation; only to have Jack drive past without even slowing down. He had told her they were going to a fishing spot that Wes had been fond of, so she had assumed they would stop for lunch before then, but that didn’t seem to be Jack’s plan.

Her curiosity was peaked even more when he slowed and turned into a drive just a few miles out of town. A small carved sign was mostly unreadable, but she deciphered the word ‘park’. The roughness of the land they’d been driving through gave way to more manicured grounds and she spotted picnic tables clustered under trees here and there. Jack topped a small hill and Wes’s ‘fishing spot’ came into view. A lake spread out before them, glistening in the winter sun. The bare trees allowed her to see more of it than would be possible in summer, but the lake was still large enough that it disappeared to the right behind the undulating landscape.

Following the road that roughly echoed the edge of the water, Jack finally brought the car to a stop at a small shelter house. He was out of the car before she could ask questions; coming around to her side and opening her door for her. She got out, giving him a curious look as she did. Just wait, was the only response to her silent question, so she did. He left her to extract Levi from the back seat, handing his leash to her before he went to the trunk where he set out a large hamper, several blankets, and two thermos. Closing the trunk, he piled the blankets on top of the hamper and held the thermos out to her with raised brows, asking her to carry them. Obliging, she tucked one under each arm and followed him with his armful of hamper to the shelter.

The door didn’t even have a lock, just a latch to keep it closed to the myriad of creatures that might decide to investigate the structure’s interior. Jack flipped the latch and lent a shoulder to the stubborn door, sending it flying open. At first glimpse of what lay beyond, Jack’s plan became clear. A small table and chairs filled one half of the room and a rough stone fire place dominated the opposite wall. Wood was stacked high next to it and matches rested on the small stone mantel.

Her smile was immediate and grew wider when he motioned her on into the room and opened the hamper’s hinged lid slightly and passed the woven basket beneath her nose. “I smell chicken… whose grandmother did you kidnap and force into cooking for you?”

He grinned and decided not to protest her lack of faith in his ability to produce anything that would smell half as good as the items packed neatly in the hamper. “Rudy’s.”

“Rudy? I don’t remember you talking abo…”

“No… not someone I know.. the restaurant. We went there once with the guys. I think it was D’s birthday maybe?”

“I remember. That’s where Bobby spilled his soup in Myles’ lap!”

Grimacing at the memory of Myles’ shock as the hot soup hit his legs, Jack pursed his lips and sucked in air as if to cool the burn. The man had walked like a geriatric FBI agent for nearly a week.

“Yeah… poor guy.”

“What else you got?” She peered over the edge of the basket. The top flipped shut, nearly catching her nose in it’s swift decent.

Nosy. He pulled the basket toward him.

No, hungry. She retorted and grinned.

“Fair enough. Tell you what, I’ll get a fire started and then I’m going out by the lake for awhile; I think I’d like to go ahead and do what I came here to do. If you’ll get the food ready, we can eat as soon as I get back.”

The uncertain look on his face tugged at Sue’s heart and she reached for him, pulling him into a hug. She relinquished her hold, but kept her hand on his shoulder and gave him a smile of support. “I‘m here if you need me.”

“Never doubted it for a minute.” Warm brown eyes locked onto hers before flitting away, “Guess I better get that fire going…”

He moved efficiently, building the fire as she imagined he’s been taught as a boy. Once flames licked up the back of the blackened fireplace, he straightened and paused for a moment, watching the kindling catch and feed the larger logs. He turned to her and looked as if he wanted to say something, but must have changed his mind , pulling the stubborn door open once again and leaving without a word.

picnic sunds like fun

poor myles, i bet that soup hurt more than his legs

looking forward to the fuzzies when he's poured out his heart

cath

What a great setting for some wonderful healing for Jack and for their relationship to develop.

Amazing descriptions -- I felt I was right there. I hope Jack can find what he needs out there by the lake so he can come back start afresh with the most important need in his life...Sue.

kav

Listening to Sue weaving her magic around Jack is wonderful to watch, and you captured it perfectly!! I agree - I can hear every word and see every gesture!!!

What a beautiful place to pick for his talk with Wes!! Also, a place where Wes had visited and been happy!! I think this is one more situation to bring Jack and Sue closer together!!!

Joy

I may be wrong here, but if I were Jack I think the place would remind of two things I'm sure Wes taught him... #1 To fight for what is worth fighting, and #2 Not to waste time.

This idea of a picnic in front of a cozy fire makes me wonder if Wes gave him any advice about Sue before he died. Maybe something along the lines of: "there's no time like the present" and maybe Jack felt like the time has come?

Or maybe he just thought a quiet picnic between friends could be good after making his peace with Wes. Either way, I think it could be a win-win situation. As long as Sue is by/on his side, I think Jack is heading in the right direction...

Now, only if he would make a move...

Well.... band competition was not as successful as hoped... they made it to finals, but placed tenth out of ten that evening. Room for improvement to say the least. But, on a much happier note, my beloved Kentucky Wildcats (Yay!) beat in-state rivals, the Louisville Cardinals (boo-hiss) in football for the first time in four years, 40 - 34... made even sweeter by the fact that Louisville was ranked #9 coming into the game. Sweet.

Last post! Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed...

~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Four

The lake was flowing freely, no ice visible even around it’s edges, but Jack shivered as he neared the tall reeds growing there. The wind buffeted them, causing the slender blades to rustle and shake and Jack to pull his coat closer around him and bury his hands in the pockets. He felt for his scarf, but then remembered lending it to Sue and smiled. When she’d suggested this little exercise, he’d thought she’d gone Dr. Phil on him, but the more he thought about it, the more he thought it might help to ‘clear the air. Neither he or Bobby had been given the chance to talk with Wes about the choices he’s made in those last few days, and though he thought he understood the reasons, they didn’t sit well with him.

“You just had to protect us, didn’t you” He didn’t realize he’d said the words aloud. “Bobby and I could have handled not catching those guys, but you had to leave us clues and make sure we came to that warehouse.”

His nostrils flared at the memory of Wes shoving Bobby aside; the bullet missing one best friend and finding another instead. That day had been even harder on Bobby, knowing that Wes died saving his life, but Jack suspected the tears that flowed from the Australian the day of Wes’s funeral had helped to wash away the guilt and begin to help him deal with the loss… and begin to heal. He, however, had found it more difficult to express all the emotions bubbling below the surface and had rarely talked of his mentor and friend since his death. Sue had asked him a time or two how he was doing; he shrugged it off and told her he was fine, pushing back the hurt and anger. Over time, he’d managed to lock both away, never thinking of them unless he was forced, and certainly never dealing with them.

Then, when Jimmy had nearly plowed into them as he left the memorial room and made his casual comment that he didn‘t realize Wes had been dead nearly a year, every feeling he’d managed to tuck away had come flooding back. Bobby had noticed; had tried to say something to him, but he’d brushed him off. A sudden pang of guilt hit him in the gut as he remembered his response to Bobby’s concerns. “Drop it Bobby.” was all he’d ground out before he left his friend standing in the hallway. Apologizing to him would have to be his next stop in this little emotional odyssey; just because Bobby had managed to deal with the pain and he hadn’t, was no reason to jump down his throat.

“Why’d you do it?” He spoke aloud again to the wind whipping by his reddened cheeks . “All the things you taught us, all the times you read us the riot act for not thinking for ourselves… then you go and get yourself…” he paused before choking out the word, “…killed… ‘cause you can’t take even the thought of a desk job.”

He snorted a grin as he remembered a particularly rough arrest when Bobby had gotten a bit out of control with a suspect. Wes had spun him around as if he were a lightweight, “Are you trying to give them something to use against you? OPR can sit in their office knitting baby booties for all I care; as long as they’re not investigating us. You do your job and let the lawyers take care of teaching these idiots a lesson.”

The words had been snarled out, and Wes had glared up at Bobby with his finger pushing into his stomach. He may have been a small man, but Wes could intimidate with the best of them. Bobby had tried to apologize, but Wes had just turned and left the room, waving a dismissing hand in the air and leaving them with no question that apologies were not what he wanted from them. There had been plenty of times when they’d disappointed him all over again, and received the same type of dressing down. Jack glared out over the water and bit his lip, wishing he could return the favor. But Wes was gone. No amount of talking to the elements or wishful thinking would bring him back.

His mind did an about-face and his thoughts went to the game of pool they‘d shared before things went south during their last case. Sue had bested Wes easily on pool table and had managed to impress him with the flick of a wrist. “I’m glad you were able to meet Sue. Pity you didn‘t get to know her better, you‘d definitely approve. She‘s the only reason I‘m out here talking to myself, uh… you, beside a lake in the dead of winter.”

And she didn’t have to shove a finger in my chest to get me to do it, he thought. “We should have let her talk to you that night. She’d have had you seeing the stupidity in what you were planning. And what’s more, you’d have enjoyed it.”

Grinning at the thought of his petite Sue going nose to nose with Wes, he felt the best he had in days. The anger seemed to ebb away, replaced with an acceptance that he’d done all he could to get his friend to see reason. He would never completely understand Wes’s actions, but at least he’d died the way he would have preferred… on the job, in the field, and protecting his own.

Funny. He had expected to come out here and shout at Wes at the top of his lungs, but he’d never felt less like shouting. The last few days had took their toll on his sleep, and he knew exhaustion probably played a part in the rather civil conversation he was having compared to the angry words he had wanted to let fly. But the woman who had led him to this point also influenced his demeanor.

Jack sighed and turned to look at the shelter house. She was waiting. Smoke rose from the stone chimney and if he tried hard, he thought he might be able to smell the chicken waiting to be devoured. ‘I better get back… she must be starving.’

He made his way up the hill and once again put his shoulder to the door. Sue sat on one of the wooden chairs; leaning forward to stir the ashes beginning to mount at the bottom of the fireplace. Her back to the door, she was unaware he’d returned. Levi had been snoozing in front of the flames, but finally opened lazy eyes and began a thump, thump, thump on the floor, alerting Sue to the fact she was no longer alone. She smiled up at him when he moved into the room, obviously curious as to how things had gone, but not voicing it. Lifting another log and placing it on the waning fire, Jack waited for it to flare up again before he pulled the other chair close to hers and sat. Her expectant expression brought a smile to his lips and he reached for her hand. “Thank you.”

Her brows rose. “For what? I didn’t do anything.”

“You do more than you’ll ever realize.” he replied cryptically and rose, pulling her up as well. “Let’s eat, I starving.”

Pulling back on his hand, she refused to take a step until she was satisfied that he was feeling better. “Did Wes listen?”

Smiling at the way she phrased the question, Jack heaved a sigh and gave an exaggerated shrug. “I suppose. I didn’t hear voices, if that’s what you’re asking…”

“Not exactly.”

“…. and I don’t know if all the anger I had is gone, but I feel better…”

“I’m glad.”

“…and I would never have come here… done this, if you hadn’t encouraged me. Thank you.”

“You’d have found a way…”

“Maybe, but you still helped, and I’m grateful.”

Her eyes lit with the knowledge that he was feeling more like himself, but the intensity in his gaze was a bit unnerving and she sought a way to lighten the conversation. “Then feed me. I almost tore into that chicken before you got back.”

Grinning, he gave a quick nod of agreement and stood to remove his coat and hang it over hers on the single peg by the door. When he turned back, she was spreading one of the blankets on the floor in front of the fireplace. He watched as she placed the hamper to one side and sat crossed-legged with her back to Levi who was becoming even more interested in the smells coming from the basket. Sue pointed a finger at the dog and grinned a warning before she looked up to find Jack’s eyes taking in every movement.

“I’d thought we’d eat down here in front of the fire. It’s warmer.”

He was caught in the look she gave him through lashes and bangs and a thought flitted through his brain that it was plenty warm in the intimate confines of the small shelter. Pulling himself from his trance, he sat in front of her, their knees almost touching. Sue removed plates, flatware and two foam cups from the hamper and placed them on the blanket next to the fire. Chicken, potato salad, a small relish tray and dip, and fresh rolls followed. They ate greedily and when Sue drained the last drop of coffee into Jack’s cup, she cleaned up quickly and pulled another blanket from the pile, folding it to use as a pillow. She placed the makeshift pillow at the far edge of the blanket and lay back, watching the flames. Her eyes fluttered closed, and Jack thought for a moment she might have dozed off, but then she was looking at him again, smiling serenely.

Conversation had lagged as they ate, and he found himself unwilling to break the silence. Instead, he reached for her hand and held it quietly, rubbing his thumb over the smooth skin on it’s back, their gazes locked. Her fingers moved under his, curling around and pulling him forward. Rolling to his knees, he stretched out beside her, holding her eyes with his as he moved. Propped on one elbow, he hovered above her and slowly brought his other hand up to cup her cheek. When he brushed a thumb across her lips, her breath came on a ragged sigh and he instinctively lowered his head, needing desperately to catch her breath as it escaped her body. His kiss was not unintentional, but it still sent a shock through him to feel the velvet softness of her lips move beneath his, asking him to really kiss her. Opening his mouth, he stroked his tongue against the seam of her lips and was immediately granted access to the sweet warmth. He tasted lightly at first, not wanting to push her too far, or scare her into retreating from the kiss. Slowly, he explored deeper, his tongue curling around hers and gently coaxing her to do the same. When she matched his passion stroke for stroke, he moved his hand to her side and slid it beneath her waist, raising her body to meld from stomach to knee against his. Sue arched, needing his touch as much as her next breath, tingling and aching in her desire for the man holding her at last. His hand massaged her lower back, moving in rhythmic, intoxicating circles until she went limp in his embrace, her arms locked around his neck and her soft moans singing in his ears. Breaking the kiss, Jack pulled back, but placed feather soft versions along her cheeks and on the tip of her nose until she raised unfocused eyes to his.

“I forgot to ask if I could do that. I hope you’re not mad.”

“N-o-o-o-o… but I may go mad if you don’t do it again.”

“You sure? There’s no going back from here.”

“I don’t want to go backwards, I’ve been there already. If it’s all the same to you, I‘d like to move forward, as long as you’re there too.”

“For as long as you’ll have me.”

Smiling up at him, eyes teasing as they admired the face she‘d come to love so long ago. “Forever’s a long time… could be quite a trip.”

“True, but if today’s journey is any indication, I think I’m going to really like traveling.”

They talked, of everything and nothing, of the future and all it could hold, of work and how they would handle any censure they might encounter. Finally, Jack brought all talk to an end and found other ways to occupy their time, telling her in ways that required no words how grateful he was that she’d decided to protest her lowly fingerprinting job three and a half years ago.

Reflecting on the days events as he lay in bed that night, he supposed he owed Wes a debt of gratitude yet again. He was unable to count the times the man had come to his aid over the years, and this time, he’d managed to bring about what Jack had been secretly dreaming of for a very long time. As he lay there, all anger for the mentor that had left his life so abruptly dissipated into the night air. Sue was his, and he had Wes to thank.

I think lots of realization came in that short sentence.

Beautiful, Tina... on every level!!!

beautiful ending, i'm glad he found peace and Sue

cath

That was wonderful!

Kim

So beautiful Tina. That truly is a great way to have Jack cope with Wes' deaths and 'getting Sue' at the same time. It all falls in place.

Can't wait for that mid-Novemberish.. I mean Mid-Octoberish story!!

Great story!
thanks so much,
Terie

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! (Did I mention it was wonderful????) You did so much in 4 posts - Wow!!!!! Girl, you went from beginner to one of my favorites in one story! Can't wait for...October, did you say????



Congratulations to your Wildcats. Alas, my beloved Razorbacks didn't quite make the comeback I thought they were going to. (And don't look, but I think our teams meet - reeaaallly soon.)

Wow how about that Flip and Tina.. Sounds like a board derby.. eheh or something like that! hehe

Fantastic, Tina!!!!!!! I loved every bit of that and I can't wait until you start your new story!!!!!

Em

Tina, you did it again!! You said something that needed to be said in the series!! And, Jack got THE girl while it was being said!!!

Truly brilliant!! I can't wait until you start your next!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy

I'm sorry it took me so long to get over here and read this beautiful story, Tina. Now, everyone has already said it all, but I'll take a stab and put in my

Chapters 1 & 2 - You've captured the essence of Jack and Sue perfectly. As others have said, these scenes could have been played out on the show. Jack's emotion, scattered with a lot of compassion from Sue as well as a little bit of wisdom and humor were so in character. I, too, can shut my eyes and visualize these scenes taking place.

Chapter 3 - The drive in the countryside was just the thing to relax both of them, not to mention the beautiful park and cabin setting. I'm glad Jack wants to go have his talk with Wes first. That is exacty how I picture Jack would react...once he's decided on a course of action, he goes for it. Now, if only he would decide on a course of action for him and Sue.

Oh, and I'm glad Sue hugged him. That has to have reinforced his decision to have this little talk. Great observaton Marlene.

Lynn

Chapter 4 - Oh, that was everything and more that I wanted it to be, Tina. I'm in 7th heaven and

It ended perfectly, Jack's anger for Wes now replaced with the beautiful memory of declaring his love for Sue.

Now, you did say we could start bugging you for the WIP story, right? Consider this your first official "bugging"! Will it be a sequel to this story? You could just give us a little hint, right? Call it "advertising"! You could give us a little "clip" each week leading up to the launch...you know, like a promo for a new TV show; or, better yet, like a "burma shave" sign on the highway!

Just four more weeks! Yay!!! Hunky dory! To take a peek, At Tina's new story! BS on RFF

Lynn

PS. You'll have to excuse me...I think my mind just deserted me!

I'm amazed at your ability to pull together an incredibly riveting short story full of drama and laughter and passion and emotion! amazing! I loved Jack's conversation with Wes and how just facing his feelings helped ease them. He'd buried it all for far too long. And that tender, passionate, very, very seen at the end? Well that makes me want to read it all over again and savor every word in anticipation of what's to come.

kav

Tina, I've finally managed to sneak in for some reading time. I must say you're amazing at creating vivid imagery and palpable emotions with the beautiful phrases you use.

This has been a wonderful piece, and I loved it from beginning to the end! Thank you for sharing it with us.

I don't know why, but reading about how Jack remebers Wes, made me watch the eppie once again...and I decided it's one of my fav eppies...