Oh, Kim . . . I'm still laughing. Of course I picked this quote for obvious reasons . . .

But this one was just so cute!! Levi definitely has a friend in Bunny. I think he definitely has tender feelings for her.

I'm glad you're enjoying writing this, because I'm certainly enjoying READING it! I have a feeling that this is one of those stories that will be revisited for many years to come!! Wonderful!!

Gotta love Levi!!!!!! Him and Bunny make a good team!!!

Oh Kim, I got to catch up on a few posts at once and I'm hysterically laughing. I could see every expression on Levi's face...and the way he thinks of his Bunny is so....endearing, sweet, heart melting! Myles could just never understand the chaos he caused that time Bunny 1 disappeared.

kav

Kim, this was an absolutely amazing post!!! And for obvious reasons!!


This made me laugh at first, just because of the context you used it in. It was just perfect! But, then I read it again and I got that image stuck in my head. I think I shall have sweet dreams today thanks to you!


And this was too cute! Bunny has a ticklish spot.

Lindsy

i .love this story, levi is just the best dog in the world.

awwwwwwww!
You write Levi so well.
Him and bunny, what a team!
Can't wait to see what Myles and Bobby turn
out to be....

THUD.

Tina

Kim, I love the versitility of your writing. This is so delightly light and fun. You handle humor every bit as well as you do the intense and emotional scenes.

Oh Levi you and Bunny are cracking me up
Lin

Kim, that was amazing!! I could see it happening right before me!! I love that Levi has been paying attention to how Jack handles take downs - it shows how much he respects him!! And, I love Bunny - I was chuckling when Levi accidentally tickled her!!!

Joy

Thanks for the wonderful replies, guys! You are the greatest. I hope to post again before the night is over, but it's getting a little stormy around here so, we'll see.

With his pen scratching furiously across the page, Bobby Manning looked like a high school senior in the middle of a chemistry final that either spelled “Graduation” or “Summer School.” The agent with the deep dimples was proving to be more complex than Levi first thought. Swishing his tail across the floor in a lulling rhythm, he squinted as he tried to pull the strongest canine trait from the swirling pool that comprised the Australian.

He first thought Jack Russell. After all, find a paper airplane – abandoned on the floor or floating on the upward drafts of air provided by the mechanical power of the air conditioning system – Bobby’s fingerprints were on every fold and crease. Want to fluster Myles? Sic Koala Boy on him. It was like watching Muhammad Ali and George Foreman spar. But there was something else flowing in the veins of the class clown.

Then, he thought dingo. Not only was that the native wild dog of Australia, it was the drongo of the canine world – and a little batty to boot. With the way Bobby treated the woman who so obviously thought he was the best thing since the Pooper Scooper, he had to be a little batty. Perhaps that was it; Dingbat: a whole new species constructed using all the worst parts of the canine and the rodent.

Levi didn’t realize a low, ominous growl was rumbling in his chest until he winced from Bunny’s elbow digging into his side. “Okay,” he humphed. “I’ll be quite.” Of course, the only way to do that was to change his train of thought. Closing his eyes, he fought to concentrate on the other aspects of the complicated human.

Fire flashing in green eyes as a smirk of superiority curled the lips of the African dignitary who hid behind diplomatic immunity. The disgust that rolled like fog across the Potomac when the doors of the cargo container was opened and the scared sobs of people forced from their homes just as they had been hundreds of years ago echoed through the team’s soul. Defeat that hope slowly dissipated as Jack assured him of friendship and help when a case embedded the hooks of an old addiction. Compassion that misted them with tears the day after Sue decided to stay in D.C. when he pulled her into a conference room. “You stayed because of Jack, didn’t you?” he’d whispered, refusing to give up until she gave in and confessed. “Don’t give up on him, Sue. Sparky loves you. He knows it. We know it. Just give him time and he’ll make sure you know it, too.”

Yep. There was more to the man than met the eyes. He was a clown, an encourager, a sinner, a friend, a…fighter. That’s it! Levi’s eyes flew open as his head lifted from between his paws. His tongue lolled out of his mouth as a happy pant followed the goofy grin. That’s exactly what Bobby was. A Boxer. The Tigger of the canine world. No wonder Tara was so attracted to him. Six down and one to…

Black pants past before his eyes. He followed them until they rested against the corner of Sue’s desk. Slowly, his eyes drifted up to find Jack’s dark eyes doing their best puppy dog imitation as he touched Sue’s arm. If his mistress couldn’t see the love that shimmered like a thousand stars bathing her every time the man looked at her, then she was as blind as the special agent was. “Hungry?” Jack signed.

“I could eat,” she smiled. He hated that smile. It lacked the self-confidence that they usually possessed. This thing had better work or… “What about you, buddy. Think you could eat if Jack’s buying?”

There was the confidence. It mingled with the low rumble of laughter from Jack’s chest as he squatted and rubbed Levi’s ears. “I’m buying,” he grinned. “What do you say, pal?”

He glanced at the stoic Bostonian still bent over his desk. It would take more than food to ready him for this bit of surveillance. But at least it would be a start. His tags jingled gaily as he stood up and wagged his tail. Food would add fuel to his gray matter. He’d all the gray matter he possessed to pull the canine from the human in the mixed bag that was Myles Leland, III. Trotting to the door, he waited, glancing over his shoulder as Jack smiled at Sue, placing his hand in the hollow of her back as he guided her towards the door. Who knew, maybe if they could get through lunch without interruption, he wouldn’t need to figure out what kind of dog lurked beneath the polished flesh of Einstein with a gun. Yeah, right, he rolled his eyes. But one could always hope.

More later
Kim

I love the way Levi is not only analyzing the team, but Jack's and Sue's every move, as well.

Side thought . . . I just noticed that when I type "Jack and Sue" in the possessive, I tend to type "Jack and Sue's," as if they are a unit . . . then I have to go back and correct it, grammatically, because, they are individuals, of course . . . But then, if Levi has HIS way, and if we have OUR way (which we usually do), they WILL be a unit!! Yay!

Bobby the boxer . . . works for me! Now on to Myles Leland III . . . that'll be a tough one.

So, Bobby is represented by the boxer. I have to say I am glad it wasn't the dingo.
I can see why Levi would be having a difficult time with Myles.

Bobby the boxer... that kind of fit him!
As for Myles, I can't wait to see which breed he'll be...

Boxer. I like it. (Though he's much better looking - no offense to boxers or those that love them, but Bobby doesn't have a short muzzle.) I was going toward Yellow Lab or perhaps Australian Shepherd, but I guess that would have been too obvious and besides, we already have a herding dog in our group!

Now Myles... yep, Levi's going to need all that grey matter heated up and humming like a finely tuned machine to figure him out. But first, could we hear a little about Jack and Sue's lunch?

Tina

This is so delightful and witty Kim. Levi rocks.

I think Boxer fits the sexy Bobby Manning..but i'm eith Levi...Myles has me a bit baffled.

Bobby is definately a boxer... of course... he's also a Dingbat too!

Lindsy

oh boy bobby as A boxer Yea could work
Lin

I can't wait to see what Myles is

Em

Bobby as a boxer - I can see that!! It fits perfectly!!!

I think Levi should go have lunch with Jack and Sue, then take a short nap before he will be ready to face categorizing Myles!!!

Joy

That's all I can do is my way through this because every line is

kav

You know I see Myles as either a yappy poodle or terrier!

Am I right Kim?

Sam

I was thinking poodle or terrier also for Myles.

We will discover what canine hides beneath Myles' stoic exterior. But first, how about going to lunch with our favorite couple...

Instead of loping alongside Sue as she and Jack strolled along the lunchtime D.C. sidewalk, Levi hung back a few steps. Oh, not far enough to impede his mistress’ steps or for his collar to be uncomfortable from the pull of the leash. But far enough to give him a different perspective.

It was true, when he relinquished his lead dog status a few months ago, he’d made a few sacrifices. For one thing, the scenery didn’t change much. He knew exactly how many times the thread passed through the holes to hold the button on the back of Sue’s favorite black slacks. He knew the left back pocket of Jack’s gray pants was missing a button – a problem Sue would quickly rectify if she knew. In fact, he was pretty sure Jack would enjoy ALL the benefits that came with admitting he loved the blonde haired woman by his side. Yes, not being the lead dog had its problems. But its advantages more than made up for them.

Since Sue had taken and then refused the New York offer two weeks before, there had been a slight shift in the scenery. One Levi would have missed if he were walking by their side. Although he still wasn’t sure who moved – maybe they both made the same microscopic motion – but there was less sunlight allowed to pass between them. Sometimes, the poor little sunbeams catapulted backwards as they bounced off hands brushing against one another – knuckle touching knuckle then hesitantly drifting apart. Their very joints knew what their minds continued to deny.

Then there was the whole pinkie incident a few days ago. Somehow, during their lunchtime stroll, Jack’s pinky had entwined with Sue’s. Or maybe Sue’s entwined with Jack’s. Not that it really matters, Levi sighed, his eyes rolling heavenward in exasperation at the mere memory of the latest blown opportunity. Anyway, their pinkies touched and then curled around each other like two earthworms in the heat of the moment. It really was a miracle that one or both pinkies hand not snapped like a matchstick with the force Sue and Jack had jerked them apart when they encountered Howie. But even then, the pads hesitated to break contact. He supposed the heat of unrequited love that spread downward from their scarlet cheeks finally melted the glue-like bond.

In fact, right now, their fingers were testing the waters. All it would take would be a gentle bump against Sue’s leg and Jack, being the accommodating gentleman he was, would clutch her hand to keep her from tumbling to the sidewalk. Who knew, perhaps that one touch might light the fire that would sent the truth bubbling up and out of their tight lips. But if he delivered the bump, he’d miss the whole exchange. Of course, it would be a sacrifice made willingly if it meant he didn’t have to analyze Myles. Now if I just…

“Hey Levi!” Brumbley greeted. The poor little Bassett Hound puppy tripped over his ears in his exuberance.

Levi tried not to chuckle. And when he found himself failing, he covered with a wheezy cough. “Hey, Brumbley.”

“Watcha doin’ back here, huh? You mad at Miss Sue and Mr. Jack?”

Levi smiled, his head shaking partly in answer and partly in amusement. “No. Just doing a little surveillance.”

“Can I help? Huh? Huh? Can I? Plea…”

His short legs got all tangled with his long ears. Quick leash work by Stella, Brumbley’s owner and Levi’s favorite waitress, saved the pup from taking a header into the concrete. “Careful there, Brum,” she chuckled fondly.

“Thanks, Stel,” he panted before his attention jumped back to Levi. “So can I help? Huh?”

Levi chuckled. That little one was so eager to please, especially when it came to helping Jack and Sue. Brumbley reminded him of Howie – in more ways than one. Where either of them went, disaster was sure to follow. “Well, pal…” A slow grin spread his lips wide. Disaster – of the minor kind – just might be what this situation needed. “I think you might be perfect for this after all.” Levi moved closer, keeping one eye on his favorite couple and one on the little klutz. “Now you have to do exactly what I tell you to. Understand?”

More later
Kim

I absolutely LOVED that! How sweet . . . pinky-holding, knuckle-brushing, little light between them . . . It sounds like Levi's come up with the perfect plan to not only cause a "bump" between Jack and Sue, but to observe it, as well! I just wish you hadn't ended the post there! I wanted to keep reading! Looking forward to more!!

This story is such fun. I wonder what Levi has in mind for Brumbley to do.

OK, I'm a goner!! One mention of Basset Hounds and I'm a mushy puddle - and Brumbly has me taking a trip down memory lane to when I had an adorable Bassett puppy tripping all over her ears. Such soft, velvety ears... And you've captured that 'oh gosh, what can I do to please you' personality to a "T"!!

Go Brumbley! Do your part to bring Miss Sue and Mr. Jack together!!

And the whole bit about them walking so close that sunlight couldn't squeeze through, and the pinky incident??!!! Priceless!!!!

Now, can we hear more about Brumbley!! Can we please? Can we??

Tina

Loved that!

Em

I can see the resemblance!
Can you please give us some more pinky accident or more... involving Brumbley and/or Levi???

I'm just saying ditto to everyone!! The pinkies, the sunlight not being able to squeeze in, the knuckle brushing, Brumbley, Levi plotting, it's all just simply wonderful!!! **sigh**

Joy

Brumley is sooo cute!!!!! What's the plan Levi???

Just the mention of a bassett hound and I knew where you were headed! After all, no one could blame Brumbly if they thought he did it by accident! Levi (Kim), you're a genius!

Lindsy

Brumley’s whole little body, from the white tip of his tail to the end of his coal black nose shook. He was so excited about helping, Levi was sure a rather large puddle would mark the starting spot. “Okay, Levi. Now?”

He dropped his head slightly, narrowing his eyes until only their hands were in focus. Together. Apart. Together. Apart. Why did humans have to sway when they walked? Together. “Get ready,” he whispered. His eyebrows shot skyward like a covey of quail flushed out of the bushes by a speckled bird dog. “Now!” he barked.

Brumbley took off like a rubber-tipped arrow out of a child’s plastic bow. Somehow, despite too long ears and too short legs, he succeeded in scampering forward, tugging Stella along for the ride. Levi was sure the pup’s enthusiasm had driven the instructions from his brain. That is if he heard them in the first place, Levi huffed. But then, at the last second, the baby hound veered to his right, his hindquarters striking Sue just above the ankle. Bull’s eye!

Levi danced as Sue swayed towards Jack, his hand gripping hers as he shifted to accommodate her unbalanced state. Like a boat rocked precariously by a passing whale, they slowly righted themselves as Brumbley pulled a squealing Stella down the street. He held his breath as Sue, her cheeks slowly infusing with scarlet, turned to Jack. Chocolate eyes swimming with caring twinkled at her. “Sorry about that,” she mumbled, quickly dropping her gaze.

She shivered as Jack’s free hand touched her chin, gently forcing it upward until her gaze met his. Like the slow building of a wave at sea, a lopsided grin rippled across his lips. “No problem. I’m just glad I was here to be of service.”

“My knight in shining armor,” she giggled.

“And I always will be, Sue. If you’ll let me.”

If Levi were able to control time, he would have made the world around them stop. But he couldn’t. So he did the next best thing. He held his breath and prayed. Slowly, Jack lifted the dainty hand he still held in his gentle grip. His eyes never relinquished their hold on Sue’s as his head and hand worked in tandem to bring her knuckles to his lips. Just another inch or two. Now just a quarter. And…

“Jack! Sue!”

Jack jerked away as Stella and a repentant Brumbley came into view. Sue’s sigh whistled in Levi’s ears as she reluctantly followed the movement of Jack’s head. “Hey Stella,” Jack greeted.

“I’m so sorry about that,” Stella sighed. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“Not at all,” Sue smiled.

“Good.” Her gaze drifted to the pup sitting at her feet, his eyes drooping and sad. Levi thought he saw a tiny tear on the end of Brumbley’s nose. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him lately.”

“Dog Days,” Jack chuckled. Sue and Stella both offered wrinkled foreheads and arched eyebrows in response. “You know. The heat of summer causing man and beast to go a little…” He circled his index finger near his temple.

“Well that would explain a lot,” Stella chuckled. “But I do want to apologize. And so does Brumbley.”

“Sorry, Miss Sue. Sorry, Mr. Jack,” Brumbley whimpered. His eyes drifted to Levi. “Sorry Levi.”

Levi glanced at the analyst and the agent, their hands still comfortably joined. His tongue lolled out of his mouth in a happy grin. “Don’t worry about it Brumbley. You did just fine.” That was one pup who had earned his day. Now if it the joined hands could only loosen lips, his worries would be over.

More later
Kim

I'm not going to pretend I didn't notice this part! And teh fact that Jack was the one who said it. Seems to me like he's feeling the effects of this special time of year.

Lindsy

Way to go Brumbley!! I knew I liked Bassetts for a good reason!

Lots of progress happening, but I gotta wonder... is Stella kin to Myles?

Tina

Levi has such profound thoughts and I'm glad you are letting us be party to them!

kav

Brumley did very well, especially for such a young pup. Your descriptons were great.

Way to go Brumley!!!! May not be perfect, but its a start!

oohhh, another few seconds and we would have been there!! But Brumbley did good, real good!! I think he's earned a dog biscuit!!!

Joy

Jack’s dark eyes twinkled as they peered over the edge at the table. “What’s gotten into the Wonder Dog?”

Humph, Levi snorted, averting his gaze. I’ll tell you what’s wrong with me. Humans. More specifically, humans who have horrible timing and feel compelled to interrupt even if their tails aren’t on fire. And I’ve just about had enough of it. He closed his eyes, hoping for a refreshing nap before he had to tackle Myles. Besides, Jack and Sue were not going to admit anything over turkey club sandwiches and chips. Nope, that boat had sailed – at least for today. He opened one eye and cut it towards the two sitting across from one another at their favorite table in the quiet back corner of Stella’s deli. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to keep one ear tuned.

“I don’t know,” Sue chuckled. “He’s been acting strange for two weeks. Maybe it is Dog Days.”

“Or maybe he still shook up over the whole prospect of moving to New York.”

Hearing the shadow of tears in Jack’s voice, Levi opened his eyes. This was going to take more than his ears. If what he was hoping would happen was going to happen, he needed to see it. Hearing was good, but seeing was proof. Not wanting to distract them, he slowly swung his head until their hands came into view just above the edge of the table. Easing his head a little higher, he saw the sad desire in Jack’s dark eyes and the sequestered hope in Sue’s lighter one. Not daring to breath, he waited.

“I know I am.”

“Jack,” Sue whispered. “I’m not going.”

“I know.” His smile was hardly more than a gentle wave along his lips. “But that doesn’t mean that Levi’s not still shook up about it. Sometimes, it takes a while to get over a shock like that. I know it will for me.” Fingertips that had stretched to barely touch hers lifted, inching forward until they covered her knuckles, his palm resting half on her fingers and half on the table. “It’s hard to think I almost lost you to a city.”

“Jack, I’m not going anywhere.”

“I know.” Joy was beginning to creep into the timbre of his voice. “And just to make sure, I want to finish what I started to say two weeks ago.”

“It isn’t necessary.”

“Yes it is.”

Levi didn’t think Jack’s eyes could get any darker, but at that moment a clouded midnight sky was a lighter hue. Slowly his eyes drifted to his Sue. Her hazel one’s shimmered with the same unshed tears of hope that had been there that day at the hospital after Jack’s heart attack. They shone with ready love and acceptance, just like they did when he took her hand, his thumb running softly back and forth across her knuckles. But then she who should not be named showed up. Interruption number one, he thought while stifling the groan that might break the spell.

“Sue, what I really wanted to say that day in the hall was…”

“I thought I’d find you here.”

ARRRRGH! Not again! Way to go Myles, Levi groaned. At least the New Englander had the decency to flush and clear his throat, obviously embarrassed at having interrupted yet again.

“Uh, sorry about this, but, umm, D says there’s a problem with the paperwork on the Blevins case. He needs us back pronto.”

Jack’s slid from Sue’s the moment once again missed. “We’ll be right there, Myles.” Jack frowned as he reached into his back pocket for his wallet. “But why did you come all the way down here. I’ve got a cell phone, you know.”

The black piece of technology was flipped on the table with a slight smirk from the messenger. “But it only works if you don’t leave it on your desk.”

Levi rolled his eyes. Humans. He’d never understand them. Dogs didn’t need technology to communicate. And they could tell at a glance when a couple wanted to be left alone to discuss life-changing events, like puppies and the like. But not humans. As he waited for Sue to gather her things and Jack to pay, he watched the Bostonian bustling down the sidewalk. I wonder if I could fake getting the wrong medication again today. One well placed stream…Nah. I’d never get out of the doghouse if I did that. Still, it might be worth it.

More later
Kim

Yes, Levi, it just might . . .

But, on the positive side, at least there is HOPE!!

Levi's perception of the whole scene was just so doggone hillarious, but Myles would have to interrupt AGAIN.

Levi is so cute! I think he's right too many interruptions.

I dunno -- I think taking a chunk out of Myles' leg might be the answer. I You had me really going there...I thought that the moment had finally arrived and we were about to hear Jack's declaration. Sigh. I love Myles, I really do, but right now I'd bite him if he was close enough.

kav

Grrr... Myles must be honed into these kinds of moments. It's like he's got malfunctioning radar. While OTHERS would be inclined to not interrupt, he just steps up right in the middle of it and ruins another perfect moment!

You know, if he wasn't a crucial character, I'd bash him over the head and tie him up in a closet in a cabin out in the middle of nowhere! And there would be no one for him to interrupt ever again!

Humph!

Lindsy

Why does Myles have to be embarrassed AFTER he interrupts - couldn't he stop just inside the door and watch them for a moment?? Then he would see he needs to wait and give them time to finish their conversation!! I could bite him too right now!!!

On the up side, twice Jack has tried to tell her this!! It's obvious that what he has to say will be life changing!! There is hope in that for Sue, isn't there???

Joy

Myles... prepare to be fanfic food, 'cause I'm ready to chomp down on a arm or a leg too!! For someone who prides himself on his manners, you stink at using them sometimes. Is there a "Myles-free" zone somewhere in DC??

Tina

I think Levi needs to leave a few well-placed markings around Myles' desk, just enough to let him know how much he is appreciated. Maybe, if we're lucky, Myles will even take off his shoes at work, long enough for Levi to leave him a special gift inside one shoe.