Title : Where The Sea Meets The Sky
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV – and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you.
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw; jtbwriter; beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4 and carol for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
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FBI HEADQUARTERS
J EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC
1400 HOURS LOCAL – WEDNESDAY
Sue turned the pages of the report over as she read the details of the suspected drug-trafficking taking place in at least three schools in the District of Columbia Education Division. The job of the FBI on this occasion was to find out who was selling the drugs, who were the main buyers, and who in the school was the contact.
"How is it going?" Jack asked, running his chair over to the other side of Sue's desk and sitting down opposite her.
"We could go visit the three schools we have definite queries on. Something from those may lead to others."
"How do we get in? If we turn up as FBI, we may as well throw the investigation before we start."
"I was thinking we could come in as counsellors. It would be feasible for me to be working with you as a liaison for hearing-impaired students."
"Good idea. I like it," Jack grinned, and then changed the subject, as there was no-one within hearing distance of them. "What time are you through at Mac's tonight?"
"I'm not sure, but I don't think it will be too late. Mattie's on a school night, after all, and we're all working tomorrow."
"I thought Harm and Mattie had a deal about weeknights?"
"No problem. We're getting together at Harm's, so Mattie's just across the hall. As Harm's away, Sarah thought it would be good to spend time with Mattie. I think it's as much for her as well, though. She's missing Harm."
"Why? Where is he?" Jack sat back in his chair, looking puzzled. Sue grinned.
"You look like you're missing your playpal, Jack. Harm had to go out to the Gulf. Sarah didn't say much on the telephone. I'll ask her tonight."
"When you see Mac, tell her I said 'hi'."
"Of course," Sue nodded, smiling as she continued. "Back to your question, I would imagine we'll be done before midnight."
"Want a ride home?"
"Your place or mine?" Sue signed.
"Mine." Jack signed back.
"Yes, please," said Sue, her smile widening.
HARM'S APARTMENT
NORTH OF UNION STATION
2030 HOURS LOCAL – WEDNESDAY
The debris of 'animal' food littered the dining table, and bottles of ginger, cola, and orange sat opened and empty in the center. Mac and Sue sat on the sofa, Harriet sat on the nearby chair, and both Mattie and Jennifer sat on oversized cushions they had dragged over from their own apartment. The film they had rented – Miss Congeniality - sat in the DVD player, ready to roll, and fresh glasses of soda sat waiting for the five of them, along with an extra large bowl of popcorn. Sue had laughed out loud at the choice of movie. It was one of her favorites, given that it was about a female FBI agent given a makeover to enter a beauty pageant. (It was incidental that the two main characters fell for each other as well!) The other four promised they wouldn't compare her to Sandra Bullock's character; at least, not much! With an agreed nod all round, Mac started the DVD player and they settled down to watch the film.
Just after 2215, with the film finished and the debris cleared from the table, Mac shooed Mattie and Jennifer back to their apartment with sleepy hugs all round and a promise to drop in for breakfast in the morning from Mac to the girls.
Once the younger generation had left the apartment, Mac, Sue and Harriet settled in with a coffee for a more personal chat. Bud had rung already to say he was on his way over, and Harriet had more than enough time to finish her coffee. Looking at Sue, Harriet offered her a ride home.
"Oh, Harriet, thank you, but no. Rosslynn is in the opposite direction. I'll take a cab shortly. I use a friend's service (well, it was sort of true – Jack was a friend, and he'd offered his services as a chauffeur!) so I'll be okay, really." Sue politely declined Harriet's offer.
"No problem. There'll be another time, I hope."
"I'm sure. I've really enjoyed this evening. Mattie and Jen are such good company, and you two… I feel as though I've known you both forever."
"That's a good thing," Harriet spoke up, grinning.
"How come?" Mac just had to ask, and Harriet caught the question and worked it.
"Well, this way, Sue feels close enough to us to tell how well she's got to know Jack recently!"
"Harriet!" Sue protested loudly, but couldn't hide the blush on her cheeks.
"Sue, you have to know by now that Harriet is the romantic at JAG. You've only got to hand someone a cup of coffee the right way and you're practically married!" Mac spoke up, and Harriet sat back, laughing loudly.
"I do not do that, Mac… well, at least not as often!"
"You're trying with Jack and I though, aren't you?" Sue asked, and Harriet had the grace to look guilty, but only for a fleeting second, and then she reared up and pointed a finger at Mac. "This is your fault, you know, Colonel? If it wasn't for trying to get you and Harm together for years, I wouldn't be so well tuned to romance."
"You were born a matchmaker, Harriet; it's in your blood," Mac retorted.
"Harriet, you have a distinct advantage over Sarah and I. You're married. We aren't," Sue pointed out
"Not yet, anyway," muttered Harriet under her breath, but Sue caught what she had said by reading her lips and grinned.
Mac spoke up then. "Sue, you mentioned a secret earlier today. Care to share now? Considering it's just the three of us, and Harriet would soon find out anyway… ?"
Sue was just about to speak when the doorbell rang, and she exhaled heavily. "Saved by the bell – again!" she said, grinning at Harriet. "I believe your ride is here, Mrs Roberts."
"Not fair, Sue. Oh, well, you can tell me later," Harriet feigned a pout at missing the rest of the gossip, but quickly replaced it with her usual sunny smile as she kissed and hugged both Mac and Sue and went to open the door. Bud stood in the doorway, grinning at the three women in front of him.
"Did the girls have as much fun as the boys did this evening?" he asked, referring to his night in with his two sons.
"Oh, honey, I'm sure your night was much more fun! Burpee Bear (not the same since the CIA's surgical intervention!) and another repeat of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'! Did you guys have popcorn too?" Harriet asked conversationally, and both Sue and Mac laughed at Bud's pained expression.
"Time to go, Harriet. Ma'am, Sue, goodnight."
"Goodnight Bud, Harriet. See you tomorrow." Mac held the door as Harriet walked through and then both she and Sue waved as the couple walked across the corridor to the elevator. Closing the door after Bud and Harriet had gone, Mac turned back to Sue.
"Another coffee before you go? I can call a cab for you after."
"I'll take another coffee, but I have a ride booked already, thanks."
"You do?" Mac asked over her shoulder as she walked to the kitchen, and then she stopped and turned round to face Sue. "You do!" she repeated, smiling. "Jack!" she added, and Sue nodded.
"He offered me a ride home. I've just got to give him a call when I'm ready to go. I'll have time for a coffee while he gets here."
"Oh, tell me more, Miss Thomas!" This is a new development?" Mac queried, and grinned when Sue blushed. "Oh, boy, this is definitely a new development!"
"We… er, that is… last Sunday, after you dropped us off… Jack didn't go home… that night."
"He didn't? Sue, that's great! Oh, I'm so happy for the two of you! And you've been together since then; I think it's wonderful!"
"Actually, no, we haven't… I mean, we're together as a couple, but we haven't… been together… since Sunday. It's been hectic at work, and then Jack had a night surveillance…" Sue murmured. "Tara thinks we've had an argument because the tension in the office was getting to her and the others. Unfortunately we couldn't tell them that it was repressed hormones and not a disagreement!"
Mac laughed at that. "I can sympathise. Repressed hormones in the work place can cause big-time tension!"
Sue nodded, and continued. "So, today in the office, she had the idea of getting us together to work things out."
"And?" Mac waited, albeit impatiently. "There's more, I can tell!"
"Well her idea worked partially, we did get together, in the conference room. And we did work out that Jack would come pick me up from here, and take me to his place."
"Sue!" Mac practically squealed with delight, and Sue laughed softly.
"That was after we 'resolved' our differences for the sake of Tara and the others, with a kiss… or three."
Mac tilted her head and looked at Sue with an admiring expression.
"You have hidden talents, Miss Thomas. So, the tension is because you haven't spent any more time together since Sunday?"
"Partially, and because Sunday was… well, this may seem strange… it was my first time… "
"And so you're wondering what tonight will be like?"
"… with any man, Sarah."
Sue stated baldly, and Mac almost spilled the water she was pouring into the kettle.
"Whoa, back up. Sunday was your first time, ever?" Mac was cautious not to upset Sue as she spoke, and she realised her friend was awfully quiet since she had revealed so much. Probably more than she had intended.
"Yes," Sue spoke quietly.
"Oh. Well, in that case, I can see where the tension is really coming from. You're wondering how this evening will go on two counts. As it's on Jack's territory, and as it's the second time…"
"Yes, to the territorial issue… and more like the third time…" Sue added, smiling again, and Mac burst out laughing.
"You're a wanton woman, Sue Thomas!" she laughed, and turned back to making the coffee as Sue rang Jack.
"Jack, it's me. I'm ready."
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To be continued
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV – and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you.
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw; jtbwriter; beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4 and carol for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
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FBI HEADQUARTERS
J EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC
1400 HOURS LOCAL – WEDNESDAY
Sue turned the pages of the report over as she read the details of the suspected drug-trafficking taking place in at least three schools in the District of Columbia Education Division. The job of the FBI on this occasion was to find out who was selling the drugs, who were the main buyers, and who in the school was the contact.
"How is it going?" Jack asked, running his chair over to the other side of Sue's desk and sitting down opposite her.
"We could go visit the three schools we have definite queries on. Something from those may lead to others."
"How do we get in? If we turn up as FBI, we may as well throw the investigation before we start."
"I was thinking we could come in as counsellors. It would be feasible for me to be working with you as a liaison for hearing-impaired students."
"Good idea. I like it," Jack grinned, and then changed the subject, as there was no-one within hearing distance of them. "What time are you through at Mac's tonight?"
"I'm not sure, but I don't think it will be too late. Mattie's on a school night, after all, and we're all working tomorrow."
"I thought Harm and Mattie had a deal about weeknights?"
"No problem. We're getting together at Harm's, so Mattie's just across the hall. As Harm's away, Sarah thought it would be good to spend time with Mattie. I think it's as much for her as well, though. She's missing Harm."
"Why? Where is he?" Jack sat back in his chair, looking puzzled. Sue grinned.
"You look like you're missing your playpal, Jack. Harm had to go out to the Gulf. Sarah didn't say much on the telephone. I'll ask her tonight."
"When you see Mac, tell her I said 'hi'."
"Of course," Sue nodded, smiling as she continued. "Back to your question, I would imagine we'll be done before midnight."
"Want a ride home?"
"Your place or mine?" Sue signed.
"Mine." Jack signed back.
"Yes, please," said Sue, her smile widening.
HARM'S APARTMENT
NORTH OF UNION STATION
2030 HOURS LOCAL – WEDNESDAY
The debris of 'animal' food littered the dining table, and bottles of ginger, cola, and orange sat opened and empty in the center. Mac and Sue sat on the sofa, Harriet sat on the nearby chair, and both Mattie and Jennifer sat on oversized cushions they had dragged over from their own apartment. The film they had rented – Miss Congeniality - sat in the DVD player, ready to roll, and fresh glasses of soda sat waiting for the five of them, along with an extra large bowl of popcorn. Sue had laughed out loud at the choice of movie. It was one of her favorites, given that it was about a female FBI agent given a makeover to enter a beauty pageant. (It was incidental that the two main characters fell for each other as well!) The other four promised they wouldn't compare her to Sandra Bullock's character; at least, not much! With an agreed nod all round, Mac started the DVD player and they settled down to watch the film.
Just after 2215, with the film finished and the debris cleared from the table, Mac shooed Mattie and Jennifer back to their apartment with sleepy hugs all round and a promise to drop in for breakfast in the morning from Mac to the girls.
Once the younger generation had left the apartment, Mac, Sue and Harriet settled in with a coffee for a more personal chat. Bud had rung already to say he was on his way over, and Harriet had more than enough time to finish her coffee. Looking at Sue, Harriet offered her a ride home.
"Oh, Harriet, thank you, but no. Rosslynn is in the opposite direction. I'll take a cab shortly. I use a friend's service (well, it was sort of true – Jack was a friend, and he'd offered his services as a chauffeur!) so I'll be okay, really." Sue politely declined Harriet's offer.
"No problem. There'll be another time, I hope."
"I'm sure. I've really enjoyed this evening. Mattie and Jen are such good company, and you two… I feel as though I've known you both forever."
"That's a good thing," Harriet spoke up, grinning.
"How come?" Mac just had to ask, and Harriet caught the question and worked it.
"Well, this way, Sue feels close enough to us to tell how well she's got to know Jack recently!"
"Harriet!" Sue protested loudly, but couldn't hide the blush on her cheeks.
"Sue, you have to know by now that Harriet is the romantic at JAG. You've only got to hand someone a cup of coffee the right way and you're practically married!" Mac spoke up, and Harriet sat back, laughing loudly.
"I do not do that, Mac… well, at least not as often!"
"You're trying with Jack and I though, aren't you?" Sue asked, and Harriet had the grace to look guilty, but only for a fleeting second, and then she reared up and pointed a finger at Mac. "This is your fault, you know, Colonel? If it wasn't for trying to get you and Harm together for years, I wouldn't be so well tuned to romance."
"You were born a matchmaker, Harriet; it's in your blood," Mac retorted.
"Harriet, you have a distinct advantage over Sarah and I. You're married. We aren't," Sue pointed out
"Not yet, anyway," muttered Harriet under her breath, but Sue caught what she had said by reading her lips and grinned.
Mac spoke up then. "Sue, you mentioned a secret earlier today. Care to share now? Considering it's just the three of us, and Harriet would soon find out anyway… ?"
Sue was just about to speak when the doorbell rang, and she exhaled heavily. "Saved by the bell – again!" she said, grinning at Harriet. "I believe your ride is here, Mrs Roberts."
"Not fair, Sue. Oh, well, you can tell me later," Harriet feigned a pout at missing the rest of the gossip, but quickly replaced it with her usual sunny smile as she kissed and hugged both Mac and Sue and went to open the door. Bud stood in the doorway, grinning at the three women in front of him.
"Did the girls have as much fun as the boys did this evening?" he asked, referring to his night in with his two sons.
"Oh, honey, I'm sure your night was much more fun! Burpee Bear (not the same since the CIA's surgical intervention!) and another repeat of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'! Did you guys have popcorn too?" Harriet asked conversationally, and both Sue and Mac laughed at Bud's pained expression.
"Time to go, Harriet. Ma'am, Sue, goodnight."
"Goodnight Bud, Harriet. See you tomorrow." Mac held the door as Harriet walked through and then both she and Sue waved as the couple walked across the corridor to the elevator. Closing the door after Bud and Harriet had gone, Mac turned back to Sue.
"Another coffee before you go? I can call a cab for you after."
"I'll take another coffee, but I have a ride booked already, thanks."
"You do?" Mac asked over her shoulder as she walked to the kitchen, and then she stopped and turned round to face Sue. "You do!" she repeated, smiling. "Jack!" she added, and Sue nodded.
"He offered me a ride home. I've just got to give him a call when I'm ready to go. I'll have time for a coffee while he gets here."
"Oh, tell me more, Miss Thomas!" This is a new development?" Mac queried, and grinned when Sue blushed. "Oh, boy, this is definitely a new development!"
"We… er, that is… last Sunday, after you dropped us off… Jack didn't go home… that night."
"He didn't? Sue, that's great! Oh, I'm so happy for the two of you! And you've been together since then; I think it's wonderful!"
"Actually, no, we haven't… I mean, we're together as a couple, but we haven't… been together… since Sunday. It's been hectic at work, and then Jack had a night surveillance…" Sue murmured. "Tara thinks we've had an argument because the tension in the office was getting to her and the others. Unfortunately we couldn't tell them that it was repressed hormones and not a disagreement!"
Mac laughed at that. "I can sympathise. Repressed hormones in the work place can cause big-time tension!"
Sue nodded, and continued. "So, today in the office, she had the idea of getting us together to work things out."
"And?" Mac waited, albeit impatiently. "There's more, I can tell!"
"Well her idea worked partially, we did get together, in the conference room. And we did work out that Jack would come pick me up from here, and take me to his place."
"Sue!" Mac practically squealed with delight, and Sue laughed softly.
"That was after we 'resolved' our differences for the sake of Tara and the others, with a kiss… or three."
Mac tilted her head and looked at Sue with an admiring expression.
"You have hidden talents, Miss Thomas. So, the tension is because you haven't spent any more time together since Sunday?"
"Partially, and because Sunday was… well, this may seem strange… it was my first time… "
"And so you're wondering what tonight will be like?"
"… with any man, Sarah."
Sue stated baldly, and Mac almost spilled the water she was pouring into the kettle.
"Whoa, back up. Sunday was your first time, ever?" Mac was cautious not to upset Sue as she spoke, and she realised her friend was awfully quiet since she had revealed so much. Probably more than she had intended.
"Yes," Sue spoke quietly.
"Oh. Well, in that case, I can see where the tension is really coming from. You're wondering how this evening will go on two counts. As it's on Jack's territory, and as it's the second time…"
"Yes, to the territorial issue… and more like the third time…" Sue added, smiling again, and Mac burst out laughing.
"You're a wanton woman, Sue Thomas!" she laughed, and turned back to making the coffee as Sue rang Jack.
"Jack, it's me. I'm ready."
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To be continued