And so begins Part 2. I was going to move further forward in time, but figured I could build more with this. And because it just isn't a Jack/Sue fanfic without something like this happening :).


Thursday were normally quiet days in the office unless there was a major case going. Sue normally enjoyed them; seeing the interactions between a bored Bobby and Myles, Bobby and Tara, looking over at Jack to catch him staring again...three months after starting dating and they were still sneaking glances at each other. They both enjoyed it more than they let on, but each had their suspicions.

This Thursday was different. Very different. Sue was flying down the road, faster than she had ever gone before, cursing when people didn't move over fast enough for her blue light. Sue whipped into the parking lot and parked, ignoring the "handicap only" signs. She ran into the ER and showed her badge to the receptionist. "Sue Thomas, FBI. Here for Jack Hudson." The receptionist nodded rapidly, having been told to expect a blond woman running in asking for Jack.

"The side room, 3A, over there. Go straight through the door, even if it's closed." Sue nodded her thanks and ran over to the room. When she entered, she saw Tara, Myles, and D, who was standing looking at her.

"How bad?" Sue said quietly. D looked at her hopelessly. "Sucking chest wound. Blew straight through his vest. Medics said chances were...slim." His voice broke. "I'm sorry Sue."

Sue nodded numbly, and walked over to a seat. She couldn't cry, couldn't get anything out. She could just sit and stare. Jack had just been given to her. Now, he was likely being taken away. Why, God? Why are you doing this?() It ran through her head, over and over. She didn't notice when Lucy brought in Levi, or when Lucy had put her arm around her shoulder. After so short a time when she had everything she wanted, it was gone. She finally came to herself and looked up to see a crucifix in the room. She stood, and with an angry glint in her eyes, she walked over and stood in front of it signing rapidly.

"What's she doing?" Tara whispered, tears on her cheeks.

"Yelling at God." Myles said. "Feel like doing it myself." His voice trailed off, and everyone was surprised to see tears in his eyes. Lucy tried to get her to sit back down, but Sue shrugged her off. Lucy tried again and Sue yelled at her to go away, so she sat down. Myles shook his head, rose, and walked to D.

"There's something wrong with Jack's vest. I know that it was a 1911, but even a .45 pistol doesn't have the ability to punch cleanly through our jackets going in, let alone exit as well. So what the hell went wrong?" He spoke quietly and quickly. "The material felt right, but didn't behave right. Do you remember the faulty vests from 4 years ago?"

D looked at him. "Yeah, three cops died before they pieced it together and traced it to a missed step in manufacturing." Myles nodded.

"They were our suppliers. Johnathan swore that they pulled all of them. Somehow, I think they missed one." D's eyes took on a dangerous light. "I'm going to have a little word with John. Tara, you still have a backup of the inventory updated weekly?"

"Yeah D." Tara said, looking at him with a confused look. "Why?"

"Hold onto it. Call me with any news of Jack."

D hurried out, and Myles sat down again, ignoring the probing looks from the other women. Bobby walked in, clothes changed from the raid. He had a harried look in his bloodshot eyes, worry lines carved deep into his face. "Anything?" They all shook their heads. He looked at Sue, still signing furiously at the crucifix.

"Yelling at God." Myles said sadly. Bobby nodded. "Did that myself when no one could hear me." Tara got up and hugged him close, whispering softly in his ear. Bobby clung to her as he finally let himself cry. Sobs racked his frame, tears pouring out for his best friend, for himself, and for Sue. After a few minutes, he pulled back. "Thanks, luv. Thanks for being there for me."

She stroked his cheek and said "Always, Bobby. I'm always here for you." They sat down, and silence filled the room again.

Twenty minutes later still found Sue signing at the crucifix. This time Myles stood up and began walking over to her. "Myles..." Lucy said in a warning tone. He ignored her and touched Sue's arm. She whirled and yelled "I will not sit down!"

Myles didn't flinch. "I wasn't telling you to sit down. I was offering you a hug." Before she could protest, he had wrapped his arms around her. She struggled for a second, then completely broke down. She shook with the force of the sobs and managed to get out, "The Lord...giveth...and the...Lord...taketh away..." She sobbed louder, and the next words were hardly understandable. "Blessed be...the Lord." She cried into his chest as he gently stroked her back as he had seen Jack do. It took quite some time, but when she had eventually composed herself (as much as she could), he let her go.

"Now, I know I'm not Jack, and that it doesn't make it all better, but you needed to let the tears out. Next, Job is not quite applicable here, Sue. The fact that he's not gone yet is a very good sign, as the hospital continues to work. Lastly, you also needed to know you are loved. You are like a little sister for myself, Bobby and D. Even with all of the flack that we, especially I, give you, don't forget that we would do anything for you. With that said, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, all of us are here until Jack is back on his feet again. Alright?"

Sue teared up again and nodded. Until Jack is back on his feet. We shall see. As with Job...even worst case...I will have to find a way to live my life for my friends and family, even if I don't marry. Jack is everything I want in a husband, and I won't take anyone else. God, please bring him back to me! Myles hugged her again, and led her back to her seat near Lucy. "I'm sorry for screaming at you, Luce." "Don't worry about it." Lucy said before hugging her.

They continued to wait their worried vigil, knowing that no news was good news in this case.