Somehow I don't think we are in DC any more, or even Kansas. We appear to have gone back in time to the Windy City. Hold on to your spats. It looks like a bumpy ride.

Uh oh! Not only have they traveled back in time, they have somehow been transported to Chicago! Well, I think. I don't know much about Al Capone; i.e. if he ever was in DC. But, I'm going to assume they are in Chicago; so, let me see, Capone is due back in two weeks... that woud be right after Valentine's Day...hmmm...I guess he's gone out of town for the massacre. Can't wait to see what Jack and Sue do next. Obviously they can't prevent the massacre.... This is very intriguing!

Lynn

Ohhh!!! they in Al Capone's time!!!

I can't help it but Eliot Ness and the Untouchables came into my mind

Looking forward for the next

Tere

Al Capone and Speakeasys...that makes me slight uneasy and maybe just a little queasy! I can't wait to see where you take this!

Kim

The secretary did say Mr. Capone was gone for a few weeks... That's a good thing, right???


Speakeasy? I had to look in the dictionary for a definition... Amazing what I learn in fanfic!

Janet this is wonderful! I'm anxious to read more.

Capone? Capone?? My tummy just flipped. And now it's making all kinds of rumbling noises... much the same way as when you're at the peak of a roller coaster and you're about to head

D
o
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w
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Hope Jack and Sue know their FBI history and they stay clear of that little garage!

Tina

Capone!!???
Oh dear!!! Doesn't sound good...
Josy

No, Janet slip streams are from Andromeda/

Honestly, I love this time period. I can see Sue dressed as a flapper in a speakeasy on a case. And Capone? Surely, they have to take an FBI history course at Quantico. Incredible descriptions. I feel like I'm there with them.

Wasn't the FBI created to deal with gangsters? I have to brush up on my Bureau history! And I don't know anything about al Capone so maybe I'll have to do some research at the library today in between reference questions! This is exciting, Janet!

kav

Of course they would have learned about Al Capone in Quantico! He was one of the greatest crime bosses in history who left absolutely NOTHING in his vault after he died!

You know as terrified as I am, I'm also very interested and eager to see what's going to happen. Pull me up a chair and someone pop the popcorn!

You know the only way Capone was ever caught by the FBI was through tax evasion!!

I also wonder what the feds of the late 20's going to think of Jack and Sue coming out of one of Capone's speakeasys!

This is brill jp!!

Sam

I'm sure Jack and Sue are aware of who Capone is - and have figured out the time they've landed in. I can't wait to see what they do about it.

A Speakeasy, huh? Maybe Jack needs a drink or two - just to loosen up (especially his lips) and tell Miss Thomas how he feels. Then he can show her!

Yes...I wholeheartedly agree.

Paula

Oh, oh, Al Capone, which I agree probably means they are now in Chicago!! And, does this mean they will be there for the massacre?? And, are they going to run into Eliot Ness?? And............sorry, Janet, I have this very irritating inquiring mind!! I'll sit here.....well, not quietly, because I'm jumping up and down.......and wait for your next post!!!

Joy

Sorry for the delay - ended up spending yesterday evening with my sister and nieces for a "girls night". Then my muse finally decided to start chattering and I had to rework some scenes. But I'm liking it better this way - I hope you do too!! Here's a long scene. . .


“We need to figure out who ‘Mr. Douglas’ is.”

Sue looked at Jack in surprise. “What? Shouldn’t we figure out where we are and how we got here?”

Pausing in mid-stride, Jack took in the view of the city from their vantage point on the sidewalk. A gleaming Model T rumbled past and he watched until it disappeared around a corner. With a small shake of his head, he exhaled a deep breath, his breath clouding in the cold air. “I think we both know where we’re at. As to how we got to Chicago – and how we could even possibly have traveled back in time…” He shrugged helplessly. “I can’t begin to guess.” He began walking again, waiting until she fell into step beside him before continuing to speak. “Rather than dwell on what we may never be able to figure out, I think it might be a good idea if we track down this Douglas guy and find out his connection to Capone. That might, at least, give us an idea of why we’re here or what we’re supposed to do next.”

“Jack, that article on the desk… Capone’s desk…” Sue stopped talking and gave a short laugh. “I can’t believe this. We’re walking down a sidewalk in Chicago in 1929 and just left the office of Al Capone, one of the biggest crime bosses in the country.” She pulled Jack to a halt and he turned to face her. “Would you pinch me?” When his brows knit, she held his questioning gaze with one of her own. “Am I dreaming?”

A slow smile drifted across his lips. “Am I usually in your dreams?” As a blush bloomed in her cheeks, he winked and tipped his head in the direction they were headed. “C’mon, it’s getting cold out here. I think I have an idea.”

A few blocks later, they stood in front of an imposing building fronted in granite. “The library?”

“Well, for starters, it’s warmer than out here. But it’s also a great place to get information, and information is what we need right now.”

They started up the steps to the front door. “How did you know it was here?”

“The library? I spent a couple summers in Chicago interning for a law firm while I was in college. I spent a lot of time here researching cases and studying to stay ahead of the rest of the class.” He pulled open the door and, with a gentle hand to her back, ushered her through. “It’s almost brand new now – just opened two years ago. Look at the architecture.” They paused to appreciate the marble floors, the ornate wooden balustrades and the frescoed details of the high ceiling. “They tore it down just a few years ago; built a bigger, modern-looking library in its place. But it was still a grand old building the last time I was in it.”

Sue shrugged out of her coat and laid it over her arm. “We had a Carnegie Library in Youngstown when I was growing up. It almost felt like I was going back in time whenever we visited it, but it was special. My brother Paul once told me that it was so quiet in there that he figured it had to sound like the rest of the world does to me.”

Jack looked at her and listened thoughtfully as the silence settled around them. The thick stone walls and leaded glass blocked out the sounds from the street outside and the hushed depths of the interior seemed to swallow the smallest whisper. Slowly he began to nod, lifting his hand. I think he was right. Turning, he pointed in the direction of the reference room and they made their way across the marble floor, the silence marred only by the hollow sounds of their footsteps.

Jack enlisted the help of the reference librarian, who quickly fell prey to his charm and applied herself to the task of finding attorneys in the city with the last name of Douglas. While they waited, Sue whispered quietly that she wanted to find the latest editions of the Saturday Evening Post, and he watched while she stepped away to browse the racks nearby. It didn’t take her long to find what she sought and a table where she could read.

He shrugged out of his own coat and, leaning against the desk, watched Sue pore over the newspaper, her lower lip tucked between her teeth as her eyes flew over the page. She absently tucked her hair behind one ear and his fingers itched to travel the same path, tracing the delicate shell and then sliding into the golden strands that fell like heavy silk against her shoulder. Thoughts like that were intruding on his mind more and more with each day that had passed since her decision to remain in DC; and while they were welcome, he hadn’t yet figured out how to take that next step and put them into action without jeopardizing the friendship they had spent so long developing or their positions on the team. One thing he knew for certain: he would do whatever it took to protect her and take care of her, especially here in 1929 Chicago, though “how” was still a big question, since no one would have even heard about credit cards and he’d probably be accused of counterfeiting if he tried to use the cash in his wallet.

Like he’d said while they were walking to the library, he couldn’t even begin to explain how they got where they were. But for the moment, he was content to soak up the warmth of the building’s steam radiators and watch the expressions flit across Sue’s face as she read. He remembered reading about the Valentine’s Day massacre in law school. The case had never been solved conclusively, though everyone had been convinced Al Capone was the mastermind behind it all. It had been laid out and executed so well, it was very nearly the perfect crime. He couldn’t recall anyone involved in the case with the name “Douglas”, but he couldn’t be sure. With a degree in political science, Sue would no doubt have studied it too and he wondered how much she remembered of the details. They’d need to compare notes.

The sound of a throat being cleared behind him startled him from his musings. “I have a few possibilities here for you,” the reference librarian began, smiling up at him through her lashes. “You’re sure you don’t have the attorney’s full name?” When he shook his head apologetically, she shrugged it off. “That’s fine. Let me just write out the list for you; maybe you can help read them off for me?”

Jack stifled his smile at her ploy, but turned his attention to the book she’d found; and a little while later, he and Sue left the library to start their search at the office of one Adam L. Douglas, Esquire.

***

I KNEW it had to have something to do with the St. Valentine's Day massacre!! And I love that period of history - I'd love to have seen that library.

Can't wait for the next part of the story!! Thanks for bringing something so different our way.



Regina

I'm hanging to every word, Janet!


The HOW is indeed a big question


Who's Douglas?

WOW!!



Tere

I love flirty Jack!!!!!!
My humble librarian's heart is in a flutter at the thought of Jack gracing a library -- any library -- and valuing it's importance. sniffle...perhaps he could pose for the next American Library Association's read poster. Very smart first step -- going to the very font of knowledge, the queen of the catalogue cards (remember back then they didn't have computers), she-who-hold-the-keys-to-the-world...all right I'm getting carried away..it's just that our faithful team rarely graces a public library so I'm overly excited.


Well, we really can't blame the librarian, can we? I mean she's not likely used to patrons of the Jackly caliber....and she's only human (yes, Librarian's are human despite the sordid blasphemies being expounded in Alcazar and the Evil Librarians )Sigh...if only Jack would walk into my library some time. Of course I would likely be so flustered that I would trip and fall and knock over a stack of books and an encyclopedia would land on his toe, likely breaking it only he would be too polite to say anything, and would try to hide his limp in a manly way...sigh, it's better I guess that he stays in Chicago. That librarian, while unable to resist flirting with Agent Hudson, at least as the fortitude to maintaim her librainly decorum....sorry, am I rambling? I've been known to do that when I find a library in a story.

I'll stop now. (stop cheering)

kav

Wow...interesting...
can't wait for more!
Josy

Amen, Amen, Amen.



Do you think my husband would mind if I hung it in my office - or my living room??

In a puddle at the mere thought,
Regina

Not being the one writing this wonderful tale, I gave absolutely no thought to the problems they would face out and about in 1929 Chicago other than CAPONE IS THERE. But money, a place to stay, clothes, food... Eeeep! Hopefully this Douglas fellow will be able to help out a little. Maybe they can give him some story about missing their train...


The question should be, what women who's seen you doesn't dream about you!! It would be interesting to know just how many dreams the man has appeared in... he should get royalties. But then he'd never have to work again, and we'd never see him, so... never mind!

Kav, at least they show up in libraries occasionally. They never, ever show up in the small design dept. of a manufacturing facility!! Except of course,in the aforementioned (day)dreams....

Tina

I can't say that normally I'm a big fan of 'time travel' stories, but this one is so well done I can't stop reading it!!

I can't wait to read more!! Well done!

- RSL

I'm with Tina2 - I hadn't even considered the fact that they don't have money, connections, a place to stay, etc...... I can't wait to see how you handle it. I'm sure hoping you find time-traveler Jack eager to pop out of his box!

I'm guessing it would be too simple to just say the money changed just by magic, wouldn't it? I mean they somehow got back in time didn't they? Anything could really be possible, unless they're really still stuck in that elevator shaft and they're both having the same concussion hallucination!

Believe me, working out the "how" on several of these points has kept me up nights!! Well, that and the looming deadline. I got more written last night, so here's a morning post for you. Thanks for your great comments!!


“The one we want is going to be the last one on the list, isn’t he?” Sue mused, sighing tiredly as she folded the paper again and slid it back in her purse. They had visited six offices already, gingerly tiptoeing around pointed questions from the attorneys’ secretaries to find that none of the gentlemen so far were the one they were seeking. Another six remained on the list and Jack was beginning to worry that they were on a wild goose chase. Night would be falling soon and he still hadn’t figured out where they would spend the night. Not to mention, he was famished and knew Sue had to be as well, though she would never complain.

He took her arm and steered her around a hole in the sidewalk. The neighborhood had become seedier over the past couple of blocks and he slipped his arm around her to keep her closer to his side. “I had thought about starting with the office closest to the warehouse on Clark Street, but decided instead to work our way to it so we wouldn’t have to backtrack. We’re pretty close to it now.”

“You remember where it happened?” Sue murmured in surprise.

Jack gave her a self-depreciating smile. “Only because I took a walk one day to see ‘the scene of the crime’, so to speak. The warehouse is long gone, actually. But I probably wasn’t the only hotshot young law student who thought maybe he’d find a way to crack the case years after everyone and everything involved was long gone and buried. How much do you remember of the case?”

“Not as much as I’d hoped. I had forgotten about the newspaper story until I saw it on the desk. Reading it at the library helped some.”

“Yeah. That was a fiction piece that came out just before the massacre, right?” At her nod, he continued. “I remember it detailed a similar crime, but maybe you should refresh my memory.”

“Well, it was a serial piece focused on the situation between rival gangs. The last installment was the article we found in the office, and it detailed how members of one gang dressed up as policemen and went to the hideout of a rival gang, where they were inspecting an illegal beer shipment. When the ‘policemen’ showed up, the gang figured it was a typical bust; so when they were told to raise their hands and face the wall, they just expected to be frisked for weapons. Instead, the rival gang members opened fire and killed them all. Their fake police uniforms were also the perfect getaway; two put on trench coats to cover their uniforms and walked out first with their hands up, like they were being arrested, while the other two followed them out with guns drawn. They got in the car, which was also disguised to look like a police car, and drove away.”

“The only major difference between that story and what really happened was that in reality more people died.” Jack concluded and Sue sighed her agreement. “Suppose it’s coincidence?”

“Well, they say truth is stranger than fiction, but…” She shook her head. “You’ve always said you don’t believe in coincidences.”

“No,” he agreed quietly.

“Jack, do you think we can stop it from happening?”

They paused outside the door to the address for the next attorney on their list and Jack glanced up on and down the street before turning to face Sue. “As much as it goes against everything we’ve stood for, I don’t know if we can or should stop it, Sue.” He pressed on before she could respond. “First of all, we’re dealing with some very dangerous people in a situation where we have no authority or backup. I’m kind of making this up as I go, because if I stop and think about this too long, I’ll probably decide that I’ve lost my mind.”

He could see the protest die on her lips as he spoke and felt his heart sink, her disappointment obvious as she acquiesced with a resigned nod. “You haven’t lost your mind, Jack. At least, I don’t think you have… unless I have too.” She managed a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes before she glanced over at the door beside them. “Think this one might be the one we’re looking for?”

Jack tilted his head in a “could be” gesture and reached for the doorknob while placing his other hand at her back. “Let’s go find out.”

Inside the entryway sat a flight of stairs that would lead them to the second floor office. But before they could step across the threshold, he heard a voice behind them. “You ain’t gonna find nobody in there, mister.”

Jack whirled around, placing himself between Sue and the voice to find a young boy. His face smudged with grime and his clothes in sore need of washing, he was watching them warily, his weight balanced on the balls of his feet as though ready for flight at any moment. “Yer lookin’ for the lawyer man, right? He ain’t there.”

Jack glanced over his shoulder at Sue, relaxing slightly and allowing her to step from behind him. “Do you know him?” he asked.

A bony shoulder lifted in an indifferent shrug. “I know a lot of people.”

“I’m sure you do,” Sue murmured, her expression softening as she gazed at a boy who’d had to learn too early how to live a man’s life. She took a breath then paused before speaking. Jack caught her glance and gave her a barely perceptible nod. Her gentle approach would probably be the best with the boy. “My name is Sue. And this is Jack…”

“You sound different. Y’ain’t from around here, are ya?” The boy looked back and forth between Jack and Sue, and for a moment Jack thought he might run away without waiting for an answer.

“We, ah, just got into town today,” he acknowledged, shooting a quick look at Sue. He wasn’t sure if it would be a good idea for anyone to know Sue was deaf; and he had to admit, his own speech felt out of place, even though he’d grown up only a few hundred miles from Chicago.

Lifting his head, the boy cocked one ear to the wind, his eyes squinting as he listened intently. “Coppers,” he muttered, darting for a nearby alleyway.

Grabbing Sue’s hand, Jack instinctively followed, wondering in the back of his mind why his gut would tell him to follow a street urchin when he’d always found safety within the law. Joining the boy pressed into a recessed doorway near the back of the alley, Jack heard the car and siren scream past then fade into the distance. When all was silent again, he glanced out before stepping free and beckoning to Sue.

He glanced down to see a hint of respect in the young boy’s eyes. “Runnin’ from the coppers too are ya? What’s your beef, mister?”

Jack rolled his shoulders and pursed his lips, thinking fast. “Let’s just say I’m looking for a fresh start.” He lifted his gaze to Sue’s and gave her a quick wink. “And that doesn’t entail getting acquainted with the local police force anytime soon.”

Sue’s brow lifted and he knew she’d read more than one meaning into his words. He responded with nothing more than a slow smile.

Visibly impressed, the boy relaxed his stance. “Ev’rbody calls me Ralph… I know a way into lawyer man’s office. C’mon…”

Stepping once again into the unknown, Jack and Sue followed.

***

Very subtle, Jack On the other hand, you picked a heck of a place for that "fresh start"


I'd say they got the right lawyer... Will they find money in a drawer?

Interesting....

Tere

Maybe the lawyer's office will provide shelter for the night since its occupant seems to be gone. Is it too much to hope for a couch........(I'll leave the other thing to hope for to Tina. )

Janet, this is just wonderful!! I don't know how you do it!! There's so much to think about when you step out of our time into a totally different "world" so to speak!! Like the money situation - I didn't even think of that!!!

One thing that comes to mind - has Jack thought about all those reasons he has had for not making a move forward with Sue doesn't apply here in the time they find themselves in???

Joy

P5-66 - Oh, so much I loved about this post. This is going to be a long comment; but, unlike Kav's, not nearly as funny. What an ingenious way to meld the two time periods together Janet! I love it! I'm absolutely Now, how did they know this was the one they need to zero in on?

Oh Linny...."concussion hallucination!"

I love it! But, you're right, of course, about the money....check your wallet Jack! The little amount of cash you probably carry around will go a long, long, long, long, long way in 1929! You could get a room in THE most swankiest hotel!!!!!!! And then think of all the lovely things that could happen!!!!!

Ok, this one is so long, I'm gonna post it now.

Lynn

P5-77 - Oh, they didn't, he was #7 on a list of 12. Great information about the massacre, Janet. I wasn't aware there had been a serial story which the masterminds of the massacre imitated. Or was that just something you made up? I can understand that part of Sue wanting to prevent the massacre and Jack not wanting to put Sue in any danger, but I could feel Jack's "heart sink" with her disappointment. Now, the question is, by making all these inquiries, will they be inexplicibly drawn into it anyway? Ah, only Janet knows!

And now they are about to break into an attorney's office at the lead of this boy who could be a lookout for the attorney and the "other" side! Gee, Janet, what a place to leave us hanging for a day! Anything could happen! Oh, my thoughts hadn't even drifted in this direction. That's been a problem all my life....my mystery-leave-em-hanging-with-danger-lurking-nearby side always being my first thought instead of my romantic-how-can-Jack-use-this-to-declare-his-undying-love-and-give-us-some-fuzzies-to-leave-us-in-a-puddle-of-mush side! Oh, will I never learn that its in times of danger when turtle Jack usually makes his move? Hint, Hint, Janet!

Lynn

Well good grief, am I being unreasonable to want them to have good hygiene? I think not.

And while we're wishing, could you make it a large, but not too large couch? So there's enough room for both..., but only if they snuggle. And the floor's all dirty and Sue won't want Jack sleeping down there... and they'll just have to snuggle. And make sure the heat doesn't work so good... so in order to keep warm they'll have to snuggle. And maybe there's a broken spring on Sue's side of the couch and Jack will find it necessary to let her sleep partially on him... snuggling even closer.

Just a few snuggle suggestions. Feel free to use any (or all) of them

Tina

Al Capone!!!! I love gangster stories!!!!

Em

So . . . Tina, are you leaving it up to your trained minions to ask for a shower scene? You have only to ask, oh mighty leader of good hygiene . . . .


Seriously, Janet, I love this story - especially the wink after the line about a "fresh start!"!!



Regina

Okay jp as one of Tina2 loyal followers - any chance of a shower scene??

Sam

Janet, this is so good!!!! I hadn't thought about all of the logistics involved in something like this. Wow! I can't wait to see how you are going to work them all out and keep Jack and Sue safe. (You will do that, won't you?)

Can't wait for more!

Wow! You story is totally captivating and interesting. So many details...I just love it!!
Love that line:

Really Jack???
Josy

Honestly, if the floor's as dirty as Tina says they are going to need a shower! (It's not my fault -- I've been brainwashed!) And any good time traveller knows it's against the rules to change history -- cause, well -- you'll change history and who knows what could happen to your future -- like maybe there isn't any? Ouch -- deep thoughts hurt my brain.

kav

Oh boy, this is such a delicious story I can't wait for more!

Kim

They are in uncharted territory here, for sure. They will have to keep their wits about them. As far as hygiene, couches and showers go, I will leave those matters in your capable hands.

I agree that hygiene is important, but we'll have to see about shower scenes. . .


They were surprised to see that the office included an attached living space. It was cramped, but clearly had been used by the lawyer Douglas – William T. Douglas, Esquire, according to their list from the library.

Ralph’s lock-picking skills had rivaled Bobby’s and Jack had worried about getting caught breaking into the office. But they were dealing in a situation where many of the normal rules simply didn’t apply. They would just have to tread carefully. As soon as Ralph had shown them how to get in, he slipped away as silently as he had arrived. Cautious of a trap, Jack made a quick check of the suite and found that it hadn’t been occupied for several days – longer, if the layer of dust on the desk was any indication.

They had entered by way of a back set of stairs directly into the private portion of the suite. The door to the office lay behind an armoire set on a pair of hinges. It had been left partially pulled away from the wall, revealing the door; otherwise, they might have missed it. On the office side of the door they found a bookshelf providing concealment in much the same manner. It was an ingenious design that offered the occupant an easy means to escape if it were needed.

Sue quickly applied herself to searching the outer reception area while Jack systematically searched through Douglas’ desk. It didn’t take long for Jack to realize why there was no secretary occupying the outer office, nor for him to find the secret compartment located under a false bottom in one of the desk drawers. Lifting the small stack of files free, he sat down to read.

“He followed Capone to Florida and won’t be back until Capone returns to Chicago,” Jack informed Sue when she made her way back into the office. At his comment she walked over to perch on the edge of the desk facing him as he leaned back in the chair.

“What about his secretary?”

“I don’t think he’s even aware that she resigned.” He leaned forward to pluck an unsealed envelope from the stack and hand it to her. “It’s dated three days after his departure for Florida. She moved to Cleveland.”

Sue scanned the letter and then refolded it and slipped it back in the envelope. “So, what do we do now?”

“Well…”


(more later. . .)

I know there wasn't anything really humorous about this line, but I couldn't help but laugh when I read it, thinking at the past several comments . . .



I'm thinking if there is an attached living space, that means a bedroom and BATHROOM?? ha!!!!




Can't wait to see where Jack's well-timed "Well . . ." takes us!!

Regina

Well now, if that wasn't the most delicious, possibility laden "Well..." I've ever read!!

Tina (who's keeping a low profile before the water department hunts her down for excess water usage wishing)

Should I be thinking deep thoughts about Cleveland? Because I am. I'm also relieved that Jack and Sue have found some place safe to stay...for obvious reasons...and even more obvious reasons.

kav

Do I remember seeing you comment about Tina's trained minions??????

It's so funny how we have our rules for going back in time

I was coming up with different scenario's for Jack and Sue to get money to eat, sleep, etc. I had thought maybe Jack could sell his watch ....BUT...then I realized that the modern watch would be invented way before it's time...yes, pun intended and we sure couldn't have that.

Oh, and you can't change history and not have the VDM because then you won't have a story to write about

I'm so glad you came up with this great plan having a nice little nest available for them to sleep and not have to pay. Let's hope there is food available. Of course I'm afraid the guy will come home while they're sleeping Ok, my mind is out of control. I'll wait for you to post your story.

I'm loving this story. It's fun, it's scary and I'm looking forward to more

It's amazing the reaches we all go to to coax the writer into a shower scene. I'll admit it, I do want one (what sane person wouldnt?), but I'm running low on creative juices. How 'bout I just ask you flat out?

Please can we have a shower scene?!?!?

Paula

Cleveland Rocks!