Hear No Evil - Chapter 40

After scribbling a quick note for Sue’s parents, Jack and Sue left for the airport. Tara had sent Jack a message to let him know she had rearranged their flights and they were due to leave Ohio in a little over an hour’s time. They had packed their things and left the Thomas house, arriving back in the bullpen several hours later.

“Have we heard anything more Bobby?”Jack said as they walked in.
“It’s just been confirmed mate, the two women pulled out of the Potomac are Claire Williams and Sophie Morgan. It looks like our kidnapping has just escalated to a murder.” Bobby said as he ran his fingers through his hair.
“That’s not all Crash. All four of the women went to the same speech teacher in Ohio. They were all taught by Barbara Casey around the same time as Sue did. Ms Casey couldn’t say if the women knew each other back then, or if they did as adults.”

Sue caught the look that Bobby was giving her and knew what he was thinking. Like Jack, Bobby could be over-protective, as could all of the guys, but at that moment, she still didn’t believe she was in any danger. There was no indication she was at risk.

“I know what you are going to say Bobby but I am not going into a safe house. We still have no reason to believe that this person will come after me.” Bobby opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Sue’s hand. “No buts Bobby, I appreciate your concern but I am staying at home with Lucy. This person is not going to scare me out of my own home.”

Sue watched as Bobby turned to Jack, obviously looking f or his best friend to agree with him. Jack looked between them before speaking.

“Sue, I understand how you feel but it is not just a kidnapper we are dealing with now. Two of these women have been killed. You can’t deny that the connections between the women also connect you. There are too many coincidences here Sue and I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn’t act on my instincts. It’s not very often that I pull rank, but I’m going to now. Seeing as you won’t move into a safe house, then we shall have to bring the safe house to you. You a Lucy will be having a house guest so make your choice.”
“But Jack...”
“No buts Sue. Neither you nor Lucy is armed so if anyone did come after you, you would be a sitting duck. One of us is going to stay with you until this case is over or we know with 100% certainty that you aren’t at risk.”

Sue looked at Lucy who had the biggest grin on her face. She inwardly groaned at what she knew her friend was thinking. The obvious choice would be Jack and judging by the looks on the faces of the others, they all thought she would pick Jack too. Under normal circumstances, she would love having Jack stay at her for a few days, but seeing as this was for a case, and when she and Jack were alone all thoughts of work went out the window, she decided that Jack probably wasn’t the best option.

“Okay, fine, if I have to have someone babysit me, then I pick Tara.” Sue said as she smiled at the only female agent in the bullpen.
“Great. Okay, Tara, you can go home and pack a bag for a few nights. “Jack said to her as the petite agent grabbed her purse and left the bullpen. Jack turned to Sue, “You and I have to go and speak with the women’s parents, see if they can tell us why they took their daughter’s out of Ms Casey’s class.”

Nodding, Sue followed him out of the bullpen and waited with him for the elevator. It was a few moments before Jack spoke.

“I know you think I’m being over-protective Sue, but I can’t say that I’m not worried about you. There are too many coincidences in this case and I’ve been around long enough not to believe in coincidences. I’m not going to risk anything happening to you Sue.”
“It’s okay Jack, I know you’re only doing what you think needs to be done. Besides, it might be fun having another woman in the house. Although poor old Levi is going to feel greatly outnumbered.” Sue said as she smiled down at her faithful companion who just lay on the floor and covered his nose with his paws.

Both Jack and Sue laughed at the canine before stepping into the elevator.

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 31

They arrived back at the bullpen to a flurry of activity. Myles was having an animated conversation with someone on the phone. The amount of gesticulating he was doing with his free hand told Jack that whoever it was on the phone wasn’t in the Bostonian’s good books. Bobby was having what looked like a rather heated debate with someone who Jack didn’t recognise and Tara was busy running between her desk and the printer. Lucy was nowhere to be seen. As Sue was about to sit, Tara spotted them and came rushing over.

“Jack, Sue, I think we have a break in the case, we found a connection between the women apart from them all being deaf. They were all born and raised in Ohio!”

Jack immediately turned to Sue and saw the look that crossed her face. This was getting a little too close to home and too close to Sue. He knew that if all of the women lived in DC, were oral deaf and came from Ohio, then Sue could be at risk. As he looked at her he felt an overwhelming urge to do nothing put protect her. He knew that she would think he was being silly and they had no reason to suspect that whoever took the women would be after her too but the coincidences were a little too much for him to ignore. At that moment Bobby spotted Jack and Sue by Tara’s desk and strode over to them. 

“I take it Tara has told you what we have found.” Jack nodded. “So you know the situation that this puts us in. What do we do about Sue?” 

Jack knew that Sue was right by him and would be reading the conversation between him and Bobby.  

“Excuse me, I am standing right here you know.” Bobby looked at her, suitably chastised, “Nothing is going to be done about me at this stage. I appreciate your concern guys but we have no reason to suspect that this person is after me so until we do, there is no point worrying.” 

She deliberately looked at Bobby to make her point before looking back to Jack, recognising the look on his face.   

“I don’t need to be protected Jack.”

“Okay, but the first sign that this guy is after you we are putting you into a safe house.” He smiled when Sue nodded. “Good. Tara, this is a list of Rosemary White’s friends from back in Ohio. Her husband said she kept in touch with quite a few of her friends from back home. Seeing as we now have the Ohio connection, I think that we may find that someone on this list could be connected to the others in some way. Let me know as soon as you find anything.”

Tara took the list off Jack and immediately started working her magic.  He turned back to Sue and took her hand.

“Come with me, I wanna talk to you.”

Despite her initial resistance, Jack led Sue to a nearby conference room. After checking that it was empty, he led her inside and closed the door. As he turned the lock, he stood in front of her and pulled her to him into a warm embrace. He felt her relax against him as her arms wrapped around his back and he heard her sigh, her head resting on his shoulder.   

He loved just holding her like this. If he had his way, they would stay like this forever and he would never let her go. Unfortunately, he knew that this wasn’t possible as he slowly pulled her away from him, but kept her in the circle of his arms.

“I know I’ve asked this before, and you’re probably getting sick of me saying it, but are you sure you’re all right? I mean with this case?”

Jack watched her as she sighed, her hands moving to rest on his upper arms. He could tell that she was thinking as her fingers absently played with the material of his shirt. He had to wonder what she was thinking about. She began to chew on her bottom lip, a small gesture that she did often, but whenever he saw her do it, he wanted to kiss her and this time was no exception.  

“I would be lying if I said that the thought of me being next haven’t crossed my mind. All of these women appear to have done nothing wrong other than being deaf. I know that some people think that being deaf is a liability and that we shouldn’t be allowed into normal society, including me……” She stopped when Jack cut her off with a finger to her lips.

“Now you stop right there. Don’t you ever think that you are a liability to any one. Everyone in that bullpen is a changed person since you came onto the team. I have never seen Bobby being so considerate towards others and what you have done with Myles is nothing short of amazing.” Sue smiled at his comments. “As for me, you have affected me in so many ways that I can’t even begin to tell you how my life has changed. You have opened my eyes to a whole new world and I will always be thankful that you came into my life. If we even get the slightest hint that this person is in any way after you, I shall be the first one to do something about it. I am not going to do anything to risk losing you.”

Jack tightened his hold on her and watched as she smiled, her hands snaking round his back.

“Now this is one of the things I love about you. You always look out for me and try to protect me. But for your information Special Agent Hudson, this isn't one of my favourite cases, but I will be okay with it, I promise.”
“Good.” Jack said as he placed a kiss on her nose “Now, how about I take you and Levi out for dinner tonight? Chinese, Mexican or Italian?”

“Erm……Chinese tonight I think” Sue said.
“Chinese it is. Let’s get back before the guys come looking for us.” 

Placing a quick kiss to her lips, Jack released hid hold on her and took her hand as he unlocked the conference room door and they both headed back towards the bullpen.

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 16

It was seven in the evening and despite their best efforts, they had learnt nothing new since Garrett had handed them the case. Bobby, Myles and D had returned to the bullpen knowing nothing more than when they left and their frustration at the lack of progress was clear. The girls had struck out too and so far the only connection they had was that all the women were deaf and lived in Washington D.C.

"Could they have attended the same college or something like that?" Sue said as she sighed. 
"We've considered that, but they are all different ages so even if they did attend the same school, the chances of them knowing each other would have been slim." Myles answered as Sue nodded.
"The first thing that I checked was the schools they attended and they all went to different schools and colleges so their paths didn't cross that way. I am still running the checks on the parents, nothing so far apart from a few parking tickets." Tara said as she continued to work away at her keyboard.

The noise of Tara's keyboard was the only thing that could be heard as Jack looked around at his team. He hadn't seen them look so defeated in a long time. Checking his watch, he saw the time and stood. 

"Okay guys, I think that is enough for today. Everyone go home, get some rest and be back bright and early Monday morning. I think we all deserve at least one day off this weekend."

Jack watched as everyone began logging off their computers and grabbed jackets from hooks and chairs, obviously eager to get out. Turning to Sue, he watched as Lucy approached.

"Sue, you coming home or do you have other plans?"She said as she threw Jack a knowing smile.

He tried his hardest not to eavesdrop of their conversation until Sue stood and looked between them.

"I don't know Luce." Sue said before turning to him. "Am I going home Jack?" She asked with a smile on her face.

Jack smiled at her from his desk and nodded. Taking a few steps he came to stand beside her. He was well aware of Lucy standing the other side of Sue but that didn't stop him as he gently ran his fingers down her arm, smiling when he felt her shiver at his touch. He took her hand in his and squeezed gently.

"Yes you are. You have exactly ninety minutes to get home, showered and changed because I am taking you out for dinner tonight. That is if Levi doesn't mind me taking you away from him again?"

Keeping hold of her hand, Jack bent slightly to ruffle the retriever's head, chuckling when the canine barked his thanks at the attention. Straightening, his eyes met hers and he smiled. They got lost in the moment until he heard Lucy clear her throat, causing him to break contact and smiled.

"So, you up for dinner?" Jack asked, taking her other hand in his so she stood facing him.
"See you in ninety minutes." Sue said as she quickly placed a kiss on his cheek before turning and leaving the bullpen.

Hear No Evil - Chapter 15

After Lucy's call, Jack had woven in and out of DC traffic and they had walked into the bullpen ten minutes later to find everyone already there. Everyone looked up when they entered and Jack watched as his best friend grinned at them. He turned his eyes away and he inwardly groaned, recognising that look anywhere. Bobby knew and he had feeling he knew who had told him.

"So guys, how was the first date?" Bobby said as he clapped him on the back, confirming Jack's earlier thoughts.

Jack tucked his tongue in his cheek, trying his hardest to avoid looking at his friend who he knew was grinning widely. Instead, he turned to Sue and watched as looked at Lucy, an accusing look on her face. He grinned to when he saw Lucy shrug and walk over to her.

"You didn't expect me to know about you two and not tell anyone?" Lucy said as she came to stand next to Sue. "It would have been around the building in super quick time anyway. Everyone has been waiting for the day that you two finally came to your senses and admitted how you feel."

Jack looked between the two women and Sue's cheeks flooded with colour. He had to smile at how easily that happened to her. He began to wonder if simple words could make her blush like that, what colour would her cheeks go when they were alone together?

At that moment Garrett walked into the bullpen, grabbing everyone's attention. Knowing that their relationship was against bureau policy, Jack instinctively moved away from Sue and went to lean on his own desk. He felt bad doing it but Sue's smile and small nod told her that she understood. He nodded his head towards Garrett as he started to speak.

"I'm sorry to drag you all in here when you'd been given a few days off but a high profile case has come to our attention and it's been assigned to us at the request of the Director himself."
"The Director?" Jack queried.
"Yes Jack. He requested this team for reasons that will become clear." Garrett paused and looked at each member, knowing he had their full attention. "I trust you have all heard about the kidnappings that have occurred over the last two weeks."

Garrett paused as all the team nodded.

"It would be hard not to. They've been all over the news." Lucy said, as curious as the rest of the team.
"That's right Miss Dotson." He paused again. "The case has been given to us because all of the victims have something in common." Garrett said as he turned to face Sue. "All of the victims are oral deaf."

Garrett watched his team as they all looked at Sue, trying not to make it glaringly oblivious that they were doing so. Jack moved from his desk to sit beside her on hers, his hand covering Sue's, a move that didn't go unnoticed by anyone. Garrett cleared his throat before continuing.

"I have the files on all three of the missing women right here." He said as he held the files up to show them. "I have no doubt that you will all give 100% on this case as you do every case." Garrett paused for a moment and looked each of the team in the eye. "I don't need to tell you what needs to be done. I want this person found before another woman goes missing." Pausing again he handed the files to Jack. "Jack, do your magic." He said as he turned to Sue. "Thomas, can I have a word please."

Glancing at Jack as he squeezed her hand and smiled his encouragement, Sue moved from her desk and met Garrett in the hallway outside the bullpen.

"I think you know what I am going to say Sue. If you don't want to get involved with this case I will understand. It's close to home for you. No one will think any less of you for pulling out."

Sue smiled up at their supervisor, appreciating that he had thought of her wellbeing in this way.

"I appreciate you giving me the choice sir but I shall be fine. If all of the missing women were deaf, chances are their parents and friends might be too. While Lucy and Jack are improving day after day, I'm the only one fluent enough in ASL to communicate effectively."

She watched Garrett nodded and smiled.

"You have me there Thomas." He said as he paused. Against his better judgement, he nodded. "Okay, but only if you are sure? If you think it's getting too much for you, let me or Jack know. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir. Thank you."

Garrett turned and walked into his office, leaving Sue to return to the bullpen. As she entered, she saw Jack watching her, an unspoken question in his eyes. Sue recognised the look straightaway and nodded to him, smiling back when he smiled at her. She kept her eyes on him as Jack walked over to Tara and gave her the files on the three women, images of the kiss they'd shared less than an hour ago filling her mind. She felt the blush on her cheeks and forced herself to come back to the present as she watched Tara push a few buttons on her keyboard. Tara gave the files back to Jack and a picture of a young woman appeared on the big screen for everyone to see.

"The first woman is Claire Williams, 26 years old. She lives in D.C with her mom, dad and two brothers. She was last seen at college eating her lunch in the corner of the park opposite. Her friends have said that one minute she was there, the next minute she was gone. Metro checked the scene and said that there was no evidence of a struggle so she may have known who took her."

Tara pressed a few buttons on her keyboard and another image appeared, this time a woman of similar age came onto the screen.

"Girl number two is Sophie Morgan, 25 years old. She is an only child and lives in D.C with her dad. She moved to D.C a little over a year ago when her dad suffered a stroke. Mom died three years ago of a drug overdose. Police concluded that it was an accidental death and that suicide was not intended. Sophie went missing after leaving one of her friends at the local cinema to walk the five minutes to her house. She never made it back."

The last picture was of the latest girl to go missing.

"Our latest girl is Maria Lopez, 27 years old, lives with her mom, brother and sister in D.C. No dad on the scene, from what we can tell. It appears that he walked out when Maria's younger sister was born, two years later. Apparently, all three children are deaf or have hearing difficulties and dad couldn't cope with it. Maria went missing after swim class. Her brother was meant to pick her up but was late due to traffic. When he got there she was nowhere to be seen. A friend said that she saw her waiting by the front gates. One of her sneakers was found on a grass verge about five yards away. At present, it is the only piece of evidence we have."

As Jack finished, the screen went blank and he turned to the team, casting a quick glance in Sue's direction.

"Tara, I want you to begin doing background checks on the immediate families to see if there are any other connections apart from them being deaf. Bobby, I want you to go over the evidence that was collected at all of the scenes, see if there are any similarities there. Myles, D, I want you to visit each of the crime scenes again, see if anyone saw anything or heard anything that we don't already know about. Sometimes things can come back to people after a few days. Get any CCTV cameras that haven't already been checked, I'm willing to bet that the cinema had some and the complex where Maria swam. Lucy, can you gather a list of the girls' closest friends at school, in the neighbourhood where they live, anything like that."

When Jack finished speaking the whole bullpen came to life as everyone started their assigned tasks. Myles and D grabbed their coats and left the bullpen. Tara's fingers were already flying over the keyboard and Lucy already had the phone glued to her ear. Smiling as his team got to work, he looked across at Sue, who was staring into space.

Standing, he took a few steps until he stood in front of her, seeing the sad look that marred her normally worry free face. Crouching in front of her, he took her hand. She looked up at him and smiled. He could see the worry in her blue eyes and her smile didn't quite light up her face like it usually did.

"You going be okay with this?" He asked her in a hushed voice as he took her other hand in his.
"I'd be lying if I said that it didn't bother me." Sue said with a sigh, "I'll be fine though. Thank you for worrying."
"Hey, it's my job to worry now. That is, if you don't mind?" Jack said as he smiled.
"I don't mind Jack. In fact, it's actually kind of nice knowing that you worry about me."

Jack held her gaze, getting lost in those deep blue eyes. Finally forcing his eyes away from hers, he looked down at their joined hands, his thumb brushing across her knuckles. Turning her hand over, he drew small circles on her palm, smiling when her fingers closed over his and she smiled. At any other time he would have pulled away, not wanting anyone to notice their brief moment, but now it didn't seem to matter. He didn't care who saw them together.

Lifting his eyes to look at her, he noticed Lucy watching them. Meeting her gaze, he saw her smile at him and look away quickly. She had been their strongest supporter from day one and had been trying to get them together since she'd joined the team. She'd pulled him up many times for not admitting how he felt about her. At those times, he hadn't been ready to admit how he felt to himself, at least not how deep those feelings ran.

He remembered back to Bobby's birthday party during their first case. He had felt so bad when Rhonda had turned up when he and Sue were talking outside his apartment. As they'd been talking, he'd felt those familiar feelings and he knew that Sue was a woman he wanted to get to know better. He also knew he couldn't do that with another woman in his life so he had finished with Rhonda the following week.

Apart from his mother and his sister, Sue had been only woman who held a place in his heart from the moment he'd bought her onto the team. He knew she was special. Seeing her come into the bullpen on her first day and leave, closely followed by Levi had intrigued him. Her unique abilities were what made him notice her, what made him want her in his team and ultimately in his life.

Giving her one last smile, he squeezed her hands and returned to his desk, dreading the amount of e-mails that he knew would be waiting for him.

Hear No Evil - Chapter 1

“Okay Sparky, that’s enough for today. I am taking you out for a few beers and several rounds of pool.”

Jack looked up at his best friend and teammate and gave him a weak smile. Sighing, he moved back from his computer and loosened his tie. He had to admit that it had been a long few days. The team had finished their investigation into international terrorist Arif Dessa, a case which had involved him and Sue going undercover, as a married couple no less. The whole team had spent the day completing the paperwork and they had all double checked and triple checked each other’s reports. Even though Dessa had vanished into the ether, they wanted to make sure that there were no discrepancies that could compromise their case against his four accomplices that they had dubbed “the four freshmen.”

Checking his watch, he saw that it was almost nine and he and Bobby were the only ones left in the bullpen. He couldn’t quite believe how late it had gotten. Myles had finished his report in super fast time so that he could get in some well-deserved rest over the weekend. He had vanished from the bullpen a little after five. D had done the same thing so that he could go home and spend a weekend with Donna and the kids, something that he hadn’t done in a long time because of work. As for Sue, Tara and Lucy, they had decided that a nice relaxing evening at the local spa was in order, not to mention quality time to catch up on the gossip that they had missed whilst Sue was undercover. Returning to his computer screen, Jack looked up, seeing his friend hovering by his desk.

“Five more minutes Crash, I’m almost done. I don’t want to give Garrett any excuse to drag me in over the weekend. I don’t intend to see this place again until Monday morning.”

Jack watched as his friend narrowed his eyes before responding.

“Okay, five more minutes but I’m timing.” He said as he tapped on his watch before returning to his desk to pack up for the evening.

Jack laughed at his friend and continued to type the last of his report. Trying to remember what he was in the middle of typing before Bobby distracted him.

True to form, five minutes later, Bobby strode over to him car keys in hand and jacket over his arm. Before Bobby could say anything, Jack hit the print and save button and the printer sprung to life as it produced the pages of Jack’s report. He collected all of the pages off the printer and placed them in a folder before rushing out of the bullpen to leave his report on Garrett’s desk. Returning, he grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair and checking that he had turned off his computer, he followed Bobby out of the bullpen.