Chapter 1: A Convincing Cover

Inside a rather large house located in a wealthy suburb of Washington D.C., two couples sat in a living room eating appetizers and drinking iced tea. A casual observer likely wouldn't have guessed that one of those couples was actually a pair working undercover for the FBI.

"So, how long have you two been married?" Mary Ryan asked the young couple sitting on the couch across from her. They smiled at each other, his hand reaching for hers. It was a question they had anticipated, so the answer came without hesitation.

"Just under three years," Sue Thomas replied. The truth was, they'd known each other for nearly three years. This was their second undercover assignment as a married couple.

"Hard to believe that it's been that long, it's gone by so fast," Jack Hudson commented.

"They still act like newlyweds!" Mary's husband Sam exclaimed. "Remember when we were like them, young and in love? It's been almost twenty years; it's getting harder to remember back that far," he said with a laugh. Mary nudged him, shaking her head.

"You act like we're old and grey, Sam. Okay, so there are a few grey hairs," Mary said with a chuckle. "However, forty-something and in love is even better than being newlyweds was...don't you agree, my love?" Mary looked into her husband's eyes and gave his hand a squeeze. Watching the two, Sue almost felt like she was intruding on a very private moment between them.

"Hopefully Sue and I will be just as happy as the two of you when we've been married twenty years. Right now it's hard to imagine what things will be like years down the road," Jack said.

"It's definitely hard to imagine. It actually still feels like we're on our honeymoon," Sue commented. Then, realizing how that must have come across, her face reddened.

Seeing the expressions on the faces of the couple across from them she realized that only Jack knew what she was really saying. "I mean, it just doesn't feel like three years have passed. It seems like just yesterday that we got married. I didn't mean--"

"Sweetie it's okay. It still feels like a honeymoon for me too." Jack winked at her, and Sue felt her blush deepen. She flashed him a look that warned him not to go too far, and he grinned at her. Of course, Sam and Mary had no idea that Jack and Sue really were "newly married".

"You two are so cute together!" Mary exclaimed. "I'm sure you'll be very happy. Hopefully you'll be blessed with a beautiful family just like we were." Jack saw Sue's eyes widen briefly at the comment but she recovered well, turning to gaze lovingly into his eyes for a moment. If he didn't know better he would have thought the look was genuine.

"We're working on it but we haven't been successful," Jack said quietly. "We're sure having fun trying though," he added with a grin at the blonde sitting beside him.

"Jack!" Sue squealed, looking mortified. He actually had to resist the urge to wince at the punch she delivered to his shoulder. He reminded himself that she did grow up with three older brothers; she was one tough lady. Their expressions turned serious as they looked at each other. This was the opening they'd been waiting for, and neither of them had expected it to come so soon.

"Truth be told, we're actually starting to get a little worried. We've been trying for a couple of years now," Jack said. "We've been to several specialists, but we've had no success in getting pregnant. Money is no object, but we can only take so much disappointment." Sue's eyes were full of tears when they met his, and he put an arm around her. She really was doing a great job, and Jack had to wonder if she'd ever taken acting classes.

"I'm so sorry," Mary said. "Having children came so easily to us, I can't imagine what you must be going through." The Ryans had two sons, the youngest of which had just gone away to college. On the surface, they really seemed like the all-American family.

"We've thought about adopting, but we've been told it could take years," Sue said tearfully. Jack knew that if his suspicions were correct these two would show their hand any moment now. The Ryans glanced at each other and Sue observed Mary nod slightly.

"That's true. Unfortunately it could take awhile," Sam agreed. "But if you're really serious about wanting to adopt we may be able to help speed up the process."

"We would love that," Jack said, squeezing Sue's hand. "But how is it possible?"

"We've got some friends who work for an adoption agency, they may be able to give you some pointers," Mary told them.

Sue flashed Jack a hopeful smile. Mary and Sam no doubt saw a childless woman given a new glimmer of hope that her dreams may finally come true. Jack knew that her look of hope meant something completely different. Hopefully this was the lead they'd been waiting for on a case the FBI had been following for months.

"We'll get in touch with our friends as soon as we can. They should be able to help. Who knows, you could be parents by the end of the year!" Mary said.

"Oh, thank-you!" Sue gasped, using ASL as she spoke. A tear escaped, and she sniffled. "I'm sorry, please excuse me." She dashed out of the room, and Jack looked at the other couple apologetically. Sue's hearing dog Levi, who had been sleeping peacefully beside the couch, jumped to his feet and followed Sue out of the room.

"I should go with her. This is such an emotional subject for us--" Jack started to explain.

"Of course, we understand. Go be with her," Mary insisted, waving him away.