Hear No Evil - Chapter 37

The next morning, Sue and Jack were up before the Thomas’. They had grabbed a quick breakfast and were now on their way to meet Sue’s former speech teacher, Barbara Casey.

Sue couldn’t deny that she was apprehensive about seeing the woman that she had dubbed the “iron witch” when she was a girl. She had attended lessons four times a week after school and for a couple of hours on a Saturday. She’d hated her mother for making her go. At that age, she didn’t understand why she was being made to do something that she didn’t want to do. All she wanted to do was play with her brothers. Looking back, she now understood that she probably wouldn’t be where she was now if her mother hadn’t pushed her when she was younger.

She came back to reality when the car slowed and she looked up at the building that she had visited so regularly as a child. It hadn’t changed and still looked as dark and foreboding as she remembered. She took a deep breath and stepped out the car, waiting for Jack on the sidewalk. She watched him grab a file off the back seat, knowing that it contained the files on the four missing women.

When he joined her on the sidewalk and they walked up to the building. She smiled when she felt Jack’s hand move to the small of her back. It was a simple touch that he had done so many times, but now had so many other meanings.

As they entered, Sue immediately headed for the elevator and pushed the button for the third floor. Memories of the times she had been there flooded back and she began to feel like that little girl again. She felt Jack take her hand and squeeze it gently, letting her know that he was there and she wasn’t alone.

After a few seconds, the elevator stopped and they stepped out. Sue led Jack the short distance to Barbara Casey’s office and they knocked and waited. She saw Jack nod and he took the door handle and pushed the door open. She walked into the office closely followed by Jack.

As they walked in, Sue saw Ms Casey sat at her desk. Her reading glasses perched on the end of her nose as she flipped through some paperwork. Apart from a few more wrinkles and greying hair, the older woman hadn’t changed much since she’d last seen her. Hearing them come in, she stood and smiled at the both.

“You must be agents Hudson and Thomas. I’m Barbara Casey. What can I do for you?”

Sue and Jack sat in the two chairs that Ms Casey indicated. Looking across at Jack, she saw him nod, indicating for her to take the lead. Sue took a deep breath and spoke.

“Ms Casey, you probably don’t remember me but……”
“Of course I remember you dear, you are Carla and Paul’s little girl. Not so little now I see and working for the FBI. I always thought that out of all my students, you would be the one to make something of your life. I’m glad to see that I wasn’t wrong.”

Sue smiled up and her former teacher and instantly relaxed. She wasn’t as nasty as she remembered. Then again, she was only an eight year old girl back then and anyone who made her do something she didn’t like was nasty.

“What was it you wanted to see me about?” She asked.
“It’s about another of your students, Rosemary Prince. Do you remember her?” Jack said.
“Rosemary? I haven’t heard from her in over a year. She was my student at around the same time as Sue here. We kept in regular contact, used to talk several times a week and then the contact just stopped. Never knew why. I figured she had moved and lost my contact details. When I tried to ring her, the number had been disconnected. Is everything okay with her?” She asked and Jack sensed that her concern for her former student was genuine.
“Actually Ms Casey, she has gone missing. She is the fourth woman to go missing in the last few weeks. All of the women are from Ohio and all of them are oral deaf.” Sue explained.
“Oh my word. Do you have any leads?” She asked them.
“We have nothing at the moment, other than the connections between the women. We need you to look at the files of the other women, see if you knew them, maybe taught them when they were younger.”
“Of course, anything I can do to help.”

Jack smiled at her and handed her the files on the other women. Ms Casey sat back at her desk and opened the file, pushing her glasses further onto her nose. Sue watched as she flicked through the information and then took her glasses off and placed them on the desk, lowering her head into her hands.

“Ms Casey? Is everything okay?” Sue asked her.
“I’m not sure Sue. I knew all of these women. I taught all of them. What’s even stranger is that I taught them all at the same time as Rosemary and you.”

Both Jack and Sue watched as she walked over to her filing cabinet and pulled out five files and handed them to Jack. He read the names out loud.

“Claire Williams, Sophie Morgan, Maria Lopez, Rosemary Prince and Susan Thomas.”
“I taught all five girls at the same time on different days and at different times. I don’t know if any of them actually knew each other.”

Ms Casey looked at Sue who shook her head and turned to Jack.

“I didn’t know the first three girls. I only knew Rosemary from deaf club, not when I was a girl. In all the time I knew her, I never knew she attended the same teacher as I did.” Sue said, still surprised by Ms Casey’s revelation.
“Ms Casey, are there any other students that you taught at the same time as these five women?” Jack asked.
“Agent Hudson, teaching was my only means of income back then. I had many students and most of them were during the two years that I taught Sue and Rosemary. The other three only came to me for a few weeks. For some reason, they stopped coming and their parents found a new teacher. They never did explain why.”
“Okay, thank you for your time Ms Casey. If you think of anything else, please let me know.”

He placed the five files back on her desk and handed her his business card. Ms Casey smiled at him and then turned to Sue as she stood.

“Sue, I am so pleased to see that all those hours you spent with me were worthwhile. Your parents must be so proud of you. I know I am.”
“Thank you Ms Casey.”

With those words, Jack and Sue said their goodbyes and left Mrs Casey’s office. As the waited for the elevator, Jack looked at Sue. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking and was wondering how she felt after the meeting with the woman she hadn’t seen in almost 14 years, especially seeing as she appeared to be a link between all four of the missing woman.

They were back in the car less than five minutes later and Jack had to bite his tongue to stop himself asking her if she was okay for what must have been the hundredth time since they had been given the case. Instead, he just reached across and took her hand. When she looked at him, he smiled and squeezed her hand, accepting the smile she gave him in response as he pulled off into traffic.

Hear No Evil - Chapter 33

Four hours later, Jack and Sue were on their way to Ohio. Tara had called less than five minutes after they’d left the bullpen telling them that she had them booked on a flight leaving Dulles in ninety minutes time. They’d only had time to gather a couple of changes of clothes and the essentials before they’d left for the airport.   

Sue had spoken with her mother who had told her that as far as she knew Ms Casey still worked out of the same offices and she had all those years ago. Jack had booked them into a hotel a short walk from the office building but Mrs Thomas had insisted that they stay with them for the two nights that they would be there. Sue would be having her old room and Jack would have one of her brothers. They hadn’t even tried to argue with her. Sue had learnt long ago that when he mother had her mind set on something, there was no point trying to change it.   

The flight to Ohio was relatively short and Jack was pleased that Sue seemed to have coped with the various changes in pressure. He knew that flying hurt her ears and his first suggestion had been to drive but she had insisted on flying, saying that they needed the save all the time they could before another woman was taken. She said that her instincts were telling her that Rosemary would not be the last woman to be taken. 

Their flight landed a little after 8pm. When they’d made their way through the airport, t hey had decided to go for something to eat at a little restaurant that Sue frequented all the time when she lived at home. Once they’d eaten they would then make the short drive to the Thomas residence.  Jack threw their overnight bags into the trunk of their rental car and Sue directed him to the restaurant.  

As they entered the restaurant, they were immediately shown to a table near the back.  Jack took in the surroundings as he sat down. It was quite a small place, but it seemed quite popular with only a handful of tables being empty. There was a wide choice of food on the menu and the staff seemed pleasant. It was the type of place that he could imagine Sue coming too quite often. As Sue sat opposite him, he reached across the table and took her hands in his, looking into her eyes. Despite the smile she gave him, her eyes told him that she was worried and he knew she was trying her best to put on a brave face. He wasn’t sure if it was the case that was concerning her or seeing her mother again.   

Sue had told him that being the only girl of four children, she had always been a daddy’s girl. He knew that she had a difficult relationship with her mother and Jack had seen that when her parents had come to stay last Christmas.  Sue had repeatedly told her mother not to get involved, that she and Lucy had everything under control for the party they had planned, but her mother had gone ahead and taken over. Jack knew that her mother meant well and so did Sue, but Mrs Thomas was having trouble letting go of her only daughter and in believing that she was an independent, capable woman.  Smiling as he squeezed her hands, he spoke.  

“It will be alright you know?”

 “You don’t know my mother like I do Jack. Oh, I have no doubt that she means well but she can be so infuriating at times I just want to stand up and shake her.” Sue said as she gave him a small smile.

“She only acts the way she does because she cares.” Jack told her.

“I know that Jack but I am 28, she needs to let go and let me live my own life. If it was up to her I would still be living at home and would probably die a lonely old woman. I would never have met the team, or you. I don’t know what my life would have been like if I hadn’t met you.”

“But you did meet me Sue and I am not going anywhere. You are stuck with me.” Jack said as he ran his thumb across her knuckles.

“I can think of worse things to be stuck with.”  

Jack finally saw a smile that lit up her face and he felt his heart do a flip flop. This was the woman he had fallen in love with. It was the first genuine smile that he’d seen on her lips since they’d been handed this case.  

“I take it you haven’t told your parents about us yet?” Jack asked her.

“No I haven’t, although somehow I don’t think my mom will mind. She took quite a shine to you when she met you at Christmas. She gave me the third degree about you and everything.” She said.

“Oh really, and why haven’t you mentioned this before now may I ask?” Jack said as he raised his eyebrows.

“Because, Mr Hudson, I didn’t want to over inflate that male ego of yours.”

“Sue, you wound me.” Jack said as he winked.

Jack was about to continue their conversation when he saw a man approaching their table from the side. He saw Sue follow his line of vision and felt her hands grip his tighter. She knows this man. He squeezed her hands and smiled, letting her know he was there if she needed him.

“Sue? Sue Thomas? It’s me, Rick Holloway, we were in the same math class in twelfth grade.” 

Sue tried to hide the grimace that crossed her face as Rick stood in front of their table. She remembered who he was, there was no way she could forget. He was one of the gang of people who had made her years in high school a nightmare. Whilst he had not made fun of her himself, he was part of the same crowd and did nothing to stop the others, which, in her eyes, made him as bad as they were.

 “I remember. Hi Rick. How are you?”  Sue said as she plastered a smile on her face.

“I’m good. You look great. Are you still living around here? He asked her.

“No, actually I live in D.C now. I am out here on business and visiting my parents.” She informed him.

“What is it you do in D.C?”

“I work for the FBI.” She said proudly.

“FBI? You work for the FBI?” He said, unable to hide the disbelief from his expression. “I didn’t realise that they recruited people who were……well, who are……oh you know what I mean.” He said as he smiled awkwardly. 

Sue nodded at Rick and glanced across at Jack. She had felt that the grip he had on her hands had tightened even more and could see the tension in his usually soft jaw line. She knew that he probably wanted to flatten the guy but she was pleased that he was restraining himself.

“So, who is this? Your partner?” Rick asked as he turned to Jack. 

Sue was about to answer when Jack jumped into the conversation. He didn’t release her hands and she knew that the smile on his face was as false as they came.

“Actually, I am Sue’s boyfriend. Jack Hudson.”

“I see. Well it was nice to meet you and to see you again Sue. Hope you have a nice stay.” 

With those words Rick returned to the table he had come from and immediately began talking to his friends. She picked up the occasional word and knew that he was telling them all about her. Turning to Jack, she felt him loosen his grip on her hands but the look his was giving the other man was one of pure contempt and he wasn’t trying to hide it.  

“Jack, you can relax now. If you don’t that vein in your temple is going to burst at any minute.” Sue said, trying to lighten the mood.

“I’m sorry Sue, but the way that guy spoke to you.”

“It’s okay Jack. I learnt long ago that they say what they say because they don’t understand. It doesn’t bother me anymore.” She said, hoping he believed her.

“It bothers me though. I don’t like to hear people say anything bad about you. Especially someone who doesn’t know what a kind, caring, beautiful woman you have grown into.”

Jack smiled at the blush that crept to her cheeks as she glanced at her former classmate.

“He is still watching us Jack. You just know that me being here is going to be all around town by morning.”

“Well let’s give them something to talk about shall we?”

Sue watched as Jack stood up from his seat and moved round to sit next to her. He took her hand in his and just looked at her. For a moment she started to get lost in those brown eyes.

“Jack, what are you...” She began but Jack’s finger to her lips stopped any further words. “Do you trust me?”

Sue nodded and within seconds Jack’s lips were pressed against hers. As always, they were soft and tender and applied just enough pressure to let he know exactly how he felt. She didn’t wait for him to ask and opened her mouth slightly, inviting him in. Her hands rested on his upper arms as she felt his at her waist, drawing small circles that she could feel through the material of her blouse.

She was unable to stop the small moan that left her lips when she felt Jack lightly suckle on her lower lip, his tongue soothed the area and he then did the same to her upper lip. His one hand left her waist and came up to cup her cheek before he let it slide the length of her body to rest on her thigh.

She knew that they were sitting in a public restaurant but at that moment in time, that was the farthest thing from her mind. She was too wrapped up in the kiss she was sharing with the man she loved. The kiss was over all too soon and Sue tried to maintain her composure, even though she found that increasingly difficult when Jack looked at her the way he was looking at her now.

“I think that should give old Ricky boy something to talk about.” Jack said as he brushed a stray strand of blond hair behind her ear, letting his knuckles brush across her cheek as he did so.

“I think you’re right.” Sue said when she had evened out her breathing. “Come on, let’s go. I’m not that hungry anymore, at least not for food anyway.”

She threw him a cheeky smile as he almost choked at her comment. She moved across, forcing Jack to move so that she could stand. Placing another quick kiss to his lips, she took his hand and led him from the restaurant. When they were outside, she glanced back and saw Rick watching them, open mouthed, still in shock at what he had seen.

Hear No Evil - Chapter 32

Sue smiled at Jack as he squeezed her hand and released it, letting her return to her desk. She kept her eyes on him as he approached Tara.

“Hey Tara. Anything on that list of friends yet?”

“Everyone is clean at the moment Jack. The first two, Simon Davies and Greg Chambers still live in Ohio and are married with kids, they both said that they haven’t heard anything from Rosemary in almost three months. Background checks came back clean. I haven’t been able to reach the next two on the list but their preliminary checks are clean too, their names are Sharon Michaels and Barbara Casey."

When Sue read Tara saying the last name, she fell down onto her seat. Jack spotted it almost immediately and he rushed to her side, kneeling in front of her.

“What is it Sue?” He asked her.

“Did you just say Barbara Casey?” Sue asked Tara as she nodded. “Jack, Barbara Casey was my speech teacher. If Rosemary went to see Ms Casey and the others were from Ohio, it’s possible they went to see her too. She was only one of two speech teachers in the immediate area.  She could be the link between all of the women Jack.  We need to speak with her.” Sue explained.

“I agree. I shall have a word with Garrett, see if will give us the go ahead to go out there. Somehow I don’t think a phone call will cut it, we need to see her and her reaction to our questions. I shall come out with you. If you know her, it will probably be best if you speak with her. I shall be there by your side if you need anything. We could even pay your parents a visit while we are out there.”

Sue managed a weak smile and Jack gently squeezed her hand before leaving the bullpen to speak with Garrett. Sue turned in her chair and stared into space. Whilst she would never admit this to anyone, especially Jack, she was beginning to get nervous. There were just too many coincidences connecting her to the missing women. If she was right and they had all attended the same speech teacher, she knew that Jack would insist she moved to a safe house until the person was caught.

Whilst his protective streak did annoy her at times, she knew that he was only looking out for her. She told herself that Jack would so the same thing if it was any of the team and she was probably right, but she knew that with her it went deeper than that. With her it was personal.  She knew Jack wouldn’t let anything happen to her, even if it meant him staying with her 24/7, gun in hand to fend of anyone who tried to hurt her. She was broken out of her thoughts when Jack returned and came straight to her desk.

“Garrett approved it.” He said as he nodded. “Tara, I need to you get us on the next available flight out to Ohio. We need to get going right now so can call me when you’ve got the flight details.”

Sue watched as Tara nodded and began working on the flights and Jack picked up her jacket and clipped on Levi’s leash. Grabbing her purse, Sue stood and left the bullpen with Jack.

Hear No Evil - Chapter 30

Leaving the car, they walked up the driveway to the White residence. Jack knocked the door and they waited. Within seconds the door was opened by a tall man with blond hair and deep blue eyes. He was holding who Sue assumed was his seven months old daughter in his arms and looked at Jack and Sue suspiciously.


“JAMES WHITE?” Sue signed as the man nodded. “I AM SUE THOMAS AND THIS IS JACK HUDSON. WE ARE WITH THE FBI. CAN WE ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR WIFE’S DISAPPEARANCE?”

They watched as he nodded his head and walked into the living area. Sue noted that the man understood ASL and wondered if he was deaf or had learnt ASL because of his wife. Sue followed him through to the living room as Jack closed the front door and joined them. They both sat on the couch when he indicated they could sit. He placed the tiny infant in her crib and came to sit opposite them.

“HOW COME THE FBI ARE INVOLVED IN MY WIFE’S DISAPPEARANCE?” James signed.
“WE BELIEVE THAT YOU WIFE’S DISAPPEARANCE IS CONNECTED THE THREE OTHER WOMEN WHO HAVE GONE MISSING OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS.”

Sue signed and spoke so that Jack understood what she was saying. Even though Jack’s ASL was improving, he still wasn’t to the level where he could understand everything she had said. She saw the surprised look on the husband’s face as he leaned forward.

“You can speak too? Rosemary could speak as well you know.” James said, his voice tinged with sadness.
“We know Mr White, so could all the other women who have gone missing. This is why we think your wife is connected to these women somehow.” Sue told him.
“Mr White, when was the last time that you saw your wife” Jack asked.
“It was Sunday lunchtime. She always insists on having a big family dinner on a Sunday. It was something that her parents did throughout her childhood, a family tradition that she liked to keep. We finished a little after 3pm and she said that she was going to see a friend and then on to deaf club. She should have been back a little after eight but she never came back.”

Sue glanced across at Jack as she saw James’ words and he shook his head slightly. She knew what Jack was telling her. They knew that Rosemary hadn’t attended deaf club on Sunday, but it was clear her husband thought she had. The shake of his head told her that he didn’t want her husband knowing this just yet.

“Do you know the name of the friend that she was going to see?” Jack asked.
“No, she never told me. She liked to keep her friends to herself. I think it was a friend from back home. I know she kept in touch with quite a few people from Ohio. I can give you list of the friends that I know of if you think that would help?”
“Yes it would, thank you Mr White.” Sue said as she smiled.

Sue watched as the older man nodded and stood, checking on the little girl that lay in her crib. When he was out of earshot, Sue turned to Jack.

“If he thought she was at deaf club and we know that she wasn’t, then where was she going each Sunday night?” Sue asked him.
“I don’t know Sue, there could be any number of explanations for why she would lie to her husband but I think I may know what the most likely one is. I think...” Jack started, but was stopped when James returned.
“Here you go.” He handed the paper to Jack before turning to pick up the little girl, “Emily is a little unsettled, I think she is missing her mother.” James said as he carefully placed her on his shoulder and began to rock her side to side.
“How long have you and Rosemary been together Mr White.”

Sue watched as the man smiled, sitting on the chair opposite them as he held his daughter close.

“It was a bit of a whirlwind. We met just over a year ago and got married within the month. Rosie fell pregnant with Emily almost immediately. It’s our first anniversary next week.”

Jack nodded his understanding and watched as the man tended to his daughter. Images of children that he and Sue could have flooded his mind. He fought a smile as he thought about what Sue would look like carrying their children. He had no doubt that she would be an excellent mother. He jumped when the little girl started to cry and stood. Almost immediately, Sue copied his movement.

“I think that is all we need to now Mr White. Thank you for your time.” Jack said as he placed his hand on the small of Sue’s back and steered her towards the door.

After letting themselves out, Sue and Jack sat in the car outside the White residence. Sue could tell by the way Jack was acting that he had picked up on something that she had missed and she was curious about what it was.

“What is it Jack?”
“I don’t know, but something doesn’t lie right with me Sue. Firstly, why would she lie to her husband about attending deaf club?” He asked.
“Because she didn’t want to tell him where she was really going?” She answered.
“And why do people usually lie about their whereabouts to the person they profess to love?”

As Sue looked at him, the realised that there were any number of reasons why a woman would lie to her husband about her whereabouts, but there was only one that she could think of.

“You don’t think? Rosemary wouldn’t do that Jack. I know her.”
“You used to know her Sue. You said it yourself; you haven’t heard anything from her in over a year. People change. I think that Rosemary may have been seeing someone else. I also think that baby Emily may not be James’ biological daughter.”

oOo

As they drove back to the Hoover building, Sue read Jack as he explained his reasons for thinking that Rosemary was being unfaithful. No matter how much she didn’t want to believe it, she had to admit that it was the most logical reason why a woman would lie to her husband about her whereabouts.

As Jack had explained, Sue shook her head. She had never been able to understand how anyone could betray the vows they made on their wedding day. As far as she was concerned, getting married was for life. In sickness and in health, till death do us part. She knew that in some cases, there were extenuating circumstances which sometimes forced people apart, but betraying vows in order to see someone else was something that she had never been able to fathom.

She knew that, when she took those vows, she would be committing herself to that one person for the rest of her life. She knew that the person who would be standing opposite her on that day would be Jack. There was no way it was going to be anyone else. He was her friend, her soul mate, the one she was meant to be with. She would never love anyone the way she loved Jack and it was a love that filled her entire being. Life without him just didn’t bear thinking about.

Forcing herself back to the present, she read him as he also explained that the timeline with regards to the baby didn’t quite fit. James had said that he and Rosemary met a little over a year ago and they married within the month, and that Rosemary had fallen pregnant almost immediately. That would mean that they had been together 13 months. Their little girl was six months old and the gestation period in humans is nine months. Doing the maths, Rosemary would have been almost two months pregnant when she met and married James. The only question they had to answer was did Rosemary know she was pregnant when she married James and did James know that Emily wasn’t his biological daughter?

Hear No Evil - Chapter 29

“I knew her as Rosemary Prince, her maiden name.” Sue explained. “She used to attend deaf club every week without fail then one day a little over a year ago, she just stopped coming. I never did find out why. I just assumed that she had moved back home to be closer to her parents. Her dad had been really ill and her mother was having difficulty coping. Her dad is deaf and her mom hearing. I never knew that she was seeing someone and she never mentioned anything about a baby, or getting married.”
“Where was home for Rosemary Sue?”

Jack watched her as she smiled up at him and he couldn’t help but wonder what he had said to make her smile.

“Jackson, Ohio.”

Jack had to chuckle and understood the reason for her smile. He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze, surprised when her hand went up to cover his. Even though they were now together, it was still the little things like that which took him by surprise and he was sure he would never get used to it.

“One other thing. Tara, you said that Rosemary was on her way back from deaf club?” Tara nodded. “I don’t think that can be correct. The deaf club I go to is the only one in a twenty mile radius. Rosemary couldn’t……can’t drive, at least she couldn’t when I knew her, so unless she was hitchhiking, she couldn’t have been at deaf club last night.”

Smiling at her, Jack turned to Tara as she worked at her computer.

“Sue’s right Jack, the only deaf club apart from the one Sue goes to, it 35 miles from here.”

Sue watched as Jack nodded as moved too his desk. Turning, she looked at her computer screen. She hadn’t seen or heard from Rosemary for over twelve months, which at the time she thought was strange as they had been quite close at deaf club. As time went on, she thought less and less of it. She started to let her thoughts get away from her until she saw Lucy standing next to her.

“You okay?” Lucy asked.
“I’m fine Luce.” Sue said as Lucy pulled up a chair next to her.
“Good. Now you can tell me to keep my nose out but I was just wondering what Garrett wanted to see you for.”

Sue had to chuckle at her friend. She was surprised it had taken her so long to ask about the meeting she and Jack had just had with Garrett. She knew it must have been eating at her. Glancing at Jack to see him on his cell, she turned back to Lucy and sighed.

“He knows about me and Jack. Someone sent him an e-mail saying that they had seen us out on our date Saturday and asked him to “deal” with the situation.” Lucy said making quotation marks in the air.
“Did he say who sent it?”Lucy asked
“No, but whoever it is made it clear that he doesn’t agree with us breaking bureau policy.”
“I can’t believe that someone would be so underhand and send an e-mail like that. You leave it to me Sue, I shall find out who it was and give them a piece of my mind.”

Before Sue could protest Lucy was back in front of her computer and on the phone. She knew that her best friend meant well and once she put her mind to something, she didn’t stop until she got the result she was after. She had no doubt that Lucy would find out who had sent that e-mail.

oOo

Whilst the rest of the team continued researching the four women’s backgrounds and the originator of a certain e-mail, Jack and Sue had left the bullpen and were on their way to see Rosemary White’s husband, James.

Telling her that there was no point taking two cars, they had taken Jack’s. However, that wasn’t the real reason why he’d suggested it. He was concerned about her and how she was handling the case. He’d asked her several times how she was doing and each time she said she was fine, but now that she knew the latest victim, his concern had increased.

“Are you okay?” Jack asked as he glanced at her.
“I’m okay with the case but something is bothering me.” Sue answered as she turned to him, “I can’t stop thinking about who sent Garrett that e-mail. It is clear that whoever it was doesn’t agree with us seeing each other. If we put one foot wrong it could mean one or both of us moving to a new team which is the last thing that I want. Everyone on the team is like a second family to me and I wouldn’t want to lose that, or you.”

Jack sighed and smiled, reaching over to take her hand. He’d been thinking the same thing since their meeting with Garrett. The rule about inter-office dating had been in place for as long as he could remember

“I know how you feel Sue. I wouldn’t want to break up the team either. But at the same time, I don’t want to be without you in my life.”
“I feel the same Jack, I still can’t quite believe that eighteen months ago I was in Ohio living with my parents and now I’m working for the FBI, I have great friends and I have you. I never dreamed that I would meet someone like you and become so attracted to you so quickly. Having you feel the same way about me scares me a little. Most men aren’t interested when they find out I am deaf.” Sue said as she gave him a half smile.
“That doesn't matter to me Sue. It never has. It’s part of what makes you who you are, what makes you so unique and what makes you who you are.”

Jack glanced at her as he tried to keep an eye on the road. He could tell that she was second guessing her feelings, and his feelings for her. He guessed that she hadn’t had many relationships in the past and he knew that she must have been hurt when people wrote her off because of her deafness. He waited for her response.

“I know that it doesn't bother you at the moment, but maybe it will if we keep seeing each other romantically. You could get bored with watching television with closed captions, or having to get my attention whenever you want to speak with me. I don’t want my deafness to drive a wedge between us, or for it to be the cause of any resentment.

Jack sighed as he realised his thoughts had been correct. It was just like Sue to worry about other people. Instead of thinking about her own happiness, she was worried about how their relationship would affect him. He stopped the car when they arrived at their destination, unbuckled his seatbelt and turned in his seat to look at her.

“Sue, I promise you that you will never lose me as a friend and I will never resent you for anything. You have changed my life so much since you barged into the bullpen all those months ago. Seeing you and Levi intrigued me, I had to find you, to see you again. Let me put it to you another way. Have you ever seen me eat lunch in the cafeteria apart from the day I had lunch with you?”

As she looked at him, she smiled. He was correct. She hadn’t seen him in the cafeteria again since that day. The thought that he’d sought her out had crossed her mind but dismissed the thought almost immediately. When she had seen him standing there, asking if he could sit with her, she had been overcome by how handsome he actually was. Of course, she had noticed it in the bullpen earlier that day but when he sat opposite her she saw it all too clearly. Her attraction to him had been instantaneous and she remembered that she hadn’t said much during their first lunch meeting, part of her still in awe at the handsome man that sat opposite her. She had seen the other women in the cafeteria looking her way, eying up the man she sat with. To this day she didn’t understand why he had chosen to sit with her when there were so many other women sitting alone who would obviously welcome his attention.

Jack sat looking at her, he could see that she was thinking and a smile crossed her face. He guessed that she was remembering their first lunch. He had found out from personnel that she was new to the bureau. He had assumed that she wouldn’t have known the immediate area so would spend her first lunch on the premises. His thoughts had proven correct when he walked into the cafeteria and saw her sitting at a table near the window, Levi sat at her feet. She was beautiful, there was no denying it. One of the most beautiful women he had seen. He’d been struck by her beauty when he first saw her but the way the light from the window highlighted her blond hair only served to make her look even more stunning.

As he’d approached her table, he was well aware of the glances he was receiving from the other women who were seated alone or some in pairs. But at that moment, he only had eyes for the blonde sitting with her dog. When he had discovered that she was deaf, he was intrigued all the more. Sitting across from her, her beauty was evident and it almost took his breath away that he could become attracted to someone so quickly. Almost at the same time, they came back to reality and smiled at each other.

“Come one, we have a job to do.”

Hear No Evil - Chapter 27

Thirty minutes later, Sue and Lucy walked into the bullpen. As soon as she entered, Sue’s eyes were drawn to Jack’s desk and she tried to hide her disappointment that he wasn’t there. She unclipped Levi’s leash and sat down at her desk as her faithful friend he dashed off in search of his bunny. As she switched on her computer, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Smiling, she turned, hoping to see Jack but was greeted by the smiling face of his best friend.

“Jack is in with Garrett. He asked to see you too as soon as you came in.” Bobby explained.
“Did he say why?” She asked curiously.
“No, but he grabbed Jack as soon as he walked in ten minutes ago. He didn’t even have chance to take off his jacket.”

Nodding as Bobby returned to his desk, Sue placed her purse in her desk drawer and left the bullpen. Allsorts of things were running through her mind. What could be so important that Garrett wanted them as soon as they arrived? She knew it was probably something to do with the case, but if that was it, why weren’t the rest of the team here? Reaching Garrett’s office, she knocked on the door, smiling when Jack opened it and stepped aside for her to enter.

“You wanted to see me sir?” Sue said
“Yes Thomas, please take a seat.”

Sue took one of the two seats opposite Garrett’s desk as Jack took the other. Knowing their relationship was against the rules, Sue resisted the urge to look at him, knowing that the images of her dreams would return and she wouldn’t be able to hide the blush that she knew would fill her cheeks.

“Thomas, what I have to say concerns both you and Agent Hudson. I haven’t said anything to Jack as of yet because I thought it only fair that you were both here at the same time.”

She couldn’t stop herself as she looked to Jack for answers. She was getting worried about the reason they’d been called in here and she could tell by the look on Jack’s face that he was too.

“A little over an hour ago I received an e-mail from someone in this building. I am not at liberty to reveal the name at this time as I do not feel that it is relevant. I have asked you both in here to either confirm or deny the content of this e-mail and I would appreciate your honesty.”

Both Jack and Sue took the pieces of paper that Garrett handed to each of them and started to read:

Mr Garrett

As I am sure you are aware, there are rules within the bureau that prohibit inter unit dating. I feel that you should be made aware that two of the agents under your supervision have been seen out and about enjoying what can only be described as a date. The two agents concerned are Jack Hudson and Sue Thomas.

I thought that it best that I bring this matter to your attention so that you can deal with Hudson and Thomas in line with standard bureau policy. I trust you will take the appropriate action in this matter

Thank You

Sue and Jack looked at each other and then at Garrett, who was watching them both intently.

“I’m not going to deny that I haven’t seen the chemistry you two share. Personally would like nothing more than to see you two explore your feelings but as the e-mail says, it is against bureau policy for two agents in the same unit to date. Now, I trust from your silence that the e-mail is correct and you two are now dating?”

Sue turned from Garrett and looked at Jack. There was an unspoken question in his eyes and Sue knew what it was. Smiling at him, she nodded as Jack turned back to their supervisor

“Yes we are Ted.” Jack confirmed.
“I see. Can I ask how long this has been going on for?” Garrett said.
“We’ve only been dating for a couple of days, but, whilst I can’t speak for Miss Thomas, I’ve had feelings for her since the day she joined the team. It’s only been recently that I’ve had the courage to admit it, to myself and to her.”

Sue smiled at Jack’s admission and turned to Garrett.

“I feel the same way sir. And I would like to mention that, Jack and I have had feelings for one another for almost two years and it has never affected our working relationship or the way that the team performs. I’m sure that the fact we are now dating won’t change the way we work as a team, or as partners.”

“I’m counting on that Sue. Since I received the e-mail, I’ve checked into this rule and it does say that two “agents” can’t date. Thomas, as you’re not an agent, I can’t enforce the rule. However, if I find that your work or that of the team does begin to suffer I will have no hesitation in reassigning one of you to another team. Is that clear?” Garrett said.
“Yes sir.” Jack answered.
“Okay. I trust you will both be discreet when you are at work?”
“We will sir.” Sue replied.
“Good. Now I am assuming that the others on the team know?” Both Jack and Sue nodded. “Okay, well I am prepared to keep it within the unit for the time being as long as you two don’t push the limits on this. Don’t make me regret trusting you.”

Both Jack and Sue stood and turned to leave when Tara opened the door.

“Excuse me for interrupting but we have another victim.”

Glancing at Garrett who just nodded, Jack hurried after Tara with Sue close behind him. Within minutes they were all gathered together in the bullpen and Tara had provided them with the details on the latest kidnap victim.

The woman’s name is Rosemary White, thirty three years old, married just under a year, one young daughter, only six months old. Apparently, she was on her way back from deaf club when she vanished. No one has seen her since last night.”

Sue stood up from her position on Tara’s desk and walked up the screen. After a few seconds, her hand went up her to her mouth and she gasped. Lucy and Jack were immediately by her side.

“Sue, what it is? What’s wrong?” Jack asked.
“I know her. She used to attend the same deaf club that I go to.”