Chapter 2

Hoover Building

Washington, D.C.

August 27

"Good morning, everyone," Lucy said as she walked into the Bullpen.

"Hey Luce. Has there been any word about Sue's Dad?" Bobby asked.

Lucy's face grew solemn. "Yes, I talked to Sue last night. It could have been worse, I guess. Both he and the other driver will make full recoveries. Mr. Thomas had a punctured lung and some internal bleeding, and the doctors had to remove his spleen. He also broke both of his legs and fractured several bones in his left hand. He's stable now, but he has a lot of rehabilitation ahead of him."

"How did it happen?" D asked.

"The other driver was an RN who had just finished working a double shift at the hospital. She was so tired that she didn't even notice the red light until she was halfway through the intersection. If the timing had been just the slightest bit different, she would have hit his car door head on. As it was, most of the damage was to the front of the car."

"Perhaps we should send flowers to the hospital?" Myles suggested. When everyone looked at him in amazement, he raised an eyebrow. "It is an appropriate method of demonstrating concern for a coworker, is it not?" he asked haughtily.

Tara's brilliant smile hit him full force and unexpectedly caused his heartbeat to speed up just a notch. "It's not only appropriate; it's very sweet."

They looked at each other for a moment, and the group was astonished to notice that Myles' cheeks were just the slightest bit flushed. He cleared his throat. "Well, in any case it will close this topic of discussion so we can move on to the business of the day. Here's my contribution." Tara's eyes widened as Myles placed a rather large amount of money on her desk.

"Good idea, Mate," Bobby said. "Count me in."

As the others reached for their wallets, Tara continued to look at Myles as if really seeing something for the first time. Eventually she took a deep breath and refocused on her computer. "Lucy, if you can tell me the name of the hospital, I'll make the arrangements."

Myles left the room in a hurry, mumbling something about an errand.

"What was that all about?" Bobby whispered to Jack.

Jack shuddered. "Crash, buddy...I don't think I want to know."

~~~~ST~~~~

~~~~ST~~~~

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Washington, D.C.

August 31

David's face was the first thing Sue saw as she exited through security at the airport. She was exhausted, and seeing his familiar face was like being wrapped in a comfortable quilt. "David!"

"Sue." He pulled her into a tight hug before moving away so that she could see his face. "How's your dad?"

"He's going to be okay. He's at Haven Wellness Center for now. He'll get some physical therapy and have a chance to regain his strength before he goes home. Thanks for picking me up. Lucy was going to cancel her date, but I threatened to kick her out of the apartment."

David laughed. "Like you would ever really do that!"

"No, but what she doesn't know can only help me." Sue grinned evilly.

David gave her another quick hug. "Well, I don't mind. I was glad for the chance to see you. Do you want to go out to eat?"

Sue shook her head, feeling the fatigue pull at her bones. "I'd love to visit with you, but I'm really tired. How about we pick up something on the way to my place?"

~~~~ST~~~~

Dotson/Thomas Apartment

Washington, D.C.

Later that evening

Over dinner back at the apartment David asked, "So Lucy had a date tonight?"

"Yes, a first date." Sue smiled. "She met him at the dry cleaners."

"Wow. Well, at least he's well-dressed," David joked.

Sue nodded, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You have no idea. He's a marine, stationed at the Pentagon."

"That's impressive. I hope Lucy is having a good time," David said.

"Me, too."

They finished dinner as they caught up on news from both sides. As they were cleaning up, Sue asked, "David, before I left for Ohio...you wanted to talk to me. What was it about?"

David hesitated, and then shook his head. "Don't worry about that now; you have a lot going on in your life. It wasn't that important."

Sue looked at the tension in his body and knew he wasn't telling the truth. What he needed to say was very important to him. She felt a twinge of anxiety. "David, please don't do that. I'll just worry about it anyway. What's wrong?"

He stood very still for a moment, as if trying to decide something. Finally he gave a slight nod and said, "Okay, come and sit on the couch with me." After they were seated, he took her hand and turned to face her. "Sue, you know I've been really busy with work lately. It seems like I'm always out of town for a conference or out somewhere consulting with a client. The winter season is coming up, and it will be busier than you think for landscaping. People like having something really special designed for the holidays." He paused.

Sue prompted him, suspecting that he hadn't quite gotten to the point. "I know we're both busy at work, but we can still make time to see each other."

David looked down at their joined hands and then glanced back up so that Sue could see his face. "I'm not sure that will work." Taking a deep breath, he continued, "Sue, I want to ask you something, and I need you to give me an honest answer."

Sue nodded, her heart already clenching. Now she was almost positive what was coming next. "What is it?"

David's eyes were serious and very troubled. "If I told you that I care very deeply for you and am ready to make an exclusive commitment to you, could you answer the same way?" Seeing her stricken expression, he reminded her, "The truth."

Sue shook her head as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "No, David. I can't tell you that."

David sighed. "That's what I was afraid of, and I won't pretend it doesn't hurt. I'm at the point where I really need to believe that you could commit your whole heart to me. I think I have some idea of why you can't do that, but it doesn't change the situation. I think," here he paused as his own eyes filled with tears. "I think that we each have to find our forever, and I don't think that we're going to find it in each other."

Sue hated seeing the look on his face; it tore at her heart. "I'm so sorry, David. I really care about you."

"I know; it's okay," he said, pulling her into a fierce hug. After a long moment, he leaned back. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too," Sue said. "You'll be in my prayers."

"And you'll be in mine," David responded. He stood, and Sue walked him to the door. He gazed down at the face that he knew would forever be in his dreams.

"You are so beautiful in every way." He kissed her one last time. "Goodbye, Sue. 'Bye Levi; Nikita will miss you." Then he was gone.

Sue leaned against the door, crying. "He's such a good man, and I hurt him. What am I supposed to do now?"