Night on the Town--Chapter Two

A/N: All sign is done in standard English syntax for ease in typing and grammar. All mistakes are mine. Please remember that while Sue is deaf, James is not. He cannot speak and has used sign for 15 years as his means of communication. Again, all mistakes are mine and gentle correction is gratefully accepted.

The silent man was tired. It always seemed like the bad guys never slept and he knew that was an overstatement but he was just tired. He had passes to go off base and was planning on taking Shana to dinner and a movie. They hadn't seen each other in two weeks and he was looking forward to some alone time with his fiancée. But crisis after crisis had arisen and they were now in separate parts of the country.

He pressed the button on the phone to replay her voicemail message. "…Hey…" He could hear how tired she was. "…I know I am supposed to be there but you know how it goes…" The bad guys never rest. "…The bad guys never rest…" He smiled inwardly. "…Go to town and just walk around for awhile. Get away from the guys and find some quiet, okay…" He found himself nodding at her suggestion. "…I love you, see you soon…" He sighed and shook his head.

After a shower and short nap, he felt better. He checked his email and saw a new one from Shana.

Love,

This place comes highly recommended. Go and have some quiet time.

Miss you.

Shana

Attached were directions and a map.

He decided to go on into town. On the way to the motor pool, he stopped by the common room to see who was still around. It was dark except for the movie over by the couches. He listened for minute.

"You sure you don't have a brass bikini? Not that you don't look great now…" There was a pause.

"Ow, woman! What is it with the poking?" Must be I'Lee.

"Keep your mind out of the gutter." Yes, it was her.

"Where would you like me to focus it?" The silent man shook his head.

Wreck was getting better if he was actually trying to be charming and not be killed while doing it.

towntown

Out at the motor pool he zipped his leather jacket and donned his helmet. The black motorcycle cut through the night stopping only to flash his pass at the gate. He took his time getting to town, enjoying the night time feel of the cool air. Too often he was in a hurry to get the mission accomplished and missed the world turning slowly. As he reached the outskirts of town, he lessened his speed and navigated the traffic easily. Two wheels were good for that. In a safe area, he parked his bike and checked his directions. He would go to this place Shana mentioned but first he wanted to visit an old friend.

The marble felt cool and inviting underneath his hands. The columns never failed to give him comfort in their inherent strength and stability. Step by step, he approached the old man, one who had seen so much more than he and yet still stood for what he believed in the face of overwhelming odds. At the top step, the silent man halted and raised a hand in salute to the old man he so admired.

What did you do when you were tired? Who was there to help you, old man? He sighed and looked into the eyes of his mentor. Their dark depths held him still while he listened to the night air, answers to his questions lying on the breeze. Faith, hope, love, these carried me when nothing else could…

As many times before, he studied the old man's hands. The long fingers that held tight to ideals and would not be shaken. The palm that could hold a child's tender hand or an iron will to be immovable. He looked at his own and wondered if he was worthy. The old man sat in his chair, observed the younger man and said nothing. He would have to find and understand his own way.

Once more, the silent man looked up to face the old man. He nodded. Yes, hope was there in the words, faith in humanity and love, love for country. He saluted and turned sharply, exiting as quietly as he came, one step at a time. A mantle of grace seemed to settle on him as he left the grounds of the Lincoln Memorial.

He looked ahead to see a couple coming his direction. The man was listening to the woman's animated conversation with interest. She was speaking and doing limited signing with the words so he watched. It took him a minute to recognize the man as one of his own team members. His companion laughed a lovely sound in the night air. The silent man gave a small two-fingered salute as the pair passed by.

He heard her ask, "Who was that?" and the answering "Just being polite, Lucy."

Continuing on, he headed toward downtown, to the middling area. He stopped under a light to check his directions and found the little 'café' he was looking for squeezed in between two brownstones. It seemed to be a very busy place and he wasn't sure this was where Shana would send him for quiet time. Curiosity got the better of him and he ventured inside. The decided lack of ambient noise shocked him. He shook his head as if to check his hearing but no…it was quiet with slight murmurs here and there.

A hand tapped him on the arm. He turned to face a stranger.

'Are you lost?'

'I'm not sure.'

'Well, welcome to The Loud Spot. Can I get you a coffee or water?'

He shook his head 'No' as he looked around. Everyone was signing. Some slow and steady, others fast and furious. But it was quiet. He sighed.

Another tap on the arm caused him to turn another direction.

'Are you looking for someone?' The young man waited for an answer.

'I just…'

'I know who you must be looking for…'

The silent man was pulled toward the back of the café. He was careful not to bump any of the conversations. They finally stopped in front of an empty table.

Another tap.

'Well, they were here a minute ago.'

'It's okay, I'm not...'

He was dragged off again. It would be so easy to pull loose but he just rode it out. All the time he spent running, this was a breeze to handle. The young man seemed to be looking for someone but he couldn't find him or her. The pair stopped and the guide sighed.

'They were just here. Wait, I'll ask Amanda.' Off he went.

The silent man stood calmly enjoying the atmosphere of the little place. He decided to order a coffee and signaled a waitress. Black beverage in hand, he found a wall table and sat just watching the activity around him. He was careful not to read private conversations or give indication that he was eavesdropping on anyone.

The young man returned.

'I am sorry for bothering you, sir.'

'No problem. It was…different.'

And then he was alone again. He took of his ever-present shades and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Leaning his head against the wall, he closed his eyes for just a moment.

towntown

"James?" A voice sounded in the distance. "James, wake up. They want to close the café." He cracked his eye. Someone was talking to him. His eyelids were too heavy. Darkness called.

'I'm sorry. Let me make a call to a friend and we'll take him home.'

'Is he drunk?'

'No, just tired, I think. How long has he been here?'

'Since about nine. He was so quiet and still, we didn't realize he'd fallen asleep. And we couldn't wake him.'

'How did you come to call me?'

A PDA-style phone was handed over. 'Your number is in the most recent called list. Since I know you, I figured…'

'Thanks. Can you wait a few minutes for my friend to arrive?'

'Sure. Take your time.'

Sue Thomas took out her blackberry and hit speed-dial seven.

Over at Jack Hudson's apartment, Bobby Manning's phone rang. He looked at the caller id and frowned. Excusing himself from watching the game, he walked to the kitchen. "Hello?"

Sue waited for the operator to type in the greeting. "Bobby, I need your help. I'm at The Loud Spot. Can you come now?"

Looking at the guys, he replied, "Sure thing. Give me five minutes and I'll be over. You okay?"

"Yes, but I can't explain right now."

"Right-o. In five."

Closing the connection, the Aussie ran a hand through his hair in frustration. How to get away without attracting attention. He decided on the straightforward approach. Walking back into the living area, he grabbed his jacket.

"Crash?"

"Sorry, Spark. I gotta run. A friend needs help with a problem. You know how that goes." He grinned at D and Peter as he backed out the door. "Let me know who wins. I have twenty riding on this game…just kidding, Sparky." Closing the door behind him, he leaned against it for minute. Through the wood he heard the men yell as their team scored a point. His grin faded and he knit his brow. If Sue couldn't talk about it on the phone, then it must be important.

Five minutes later, he walked up to a dark café. He tried the door and found it to be open. Walking in, Bobby called out. Levi came trotting up.

"Hey boy! Where's Sue?" The golden lab returned to his mistress and the Aussie followed to find her standing with two other people. Hands were flying. He tapped the blonde woman on the shoulder. "Sue? What do you need my help with…" He trailed off as she moved aside, revealing James. "Oh."

He pulled her aside. "What is going on here, sheila?"

"I don't know. They called me because my number is in his blackberry and they know me." She shrugged. "I can't get him to wake up."

Bobby looked at the sleeping man. This could be easy or not. "Does he have keys?"

Sue raised her eyebrows at him. The Aussie motioned to her to check his jacket pockets. "You know about waking up agents, right? What if he…"

"He won't. Trust me. If it were me, yes. You, no."

Someone was digging in his jacket. He needed to stop them but his arms felt like lead. Cracking an eye, he could barely make out a face. Terry? The silent man pitched face first onto the table.

Sue jumped as James moved suddenly. She barely caught his head before it hit the tabletop. Looking over to the tall agent, she met his blue eyes with worried hazel ones. Between the two of them they managed to get the silent man into Bobby's car. Levi jumped in with him and Sue frowned.

"Tell you what, take care of these folks. I'll wait. You follow me to my place and you can call Luce."

"She's on a date."

"No kidding. Any one we know?"

"Bert from White Collar Crime. He seems nice." She turned and re-entered the café. 'My friend and I will take care of him. Thank you for calling me.'

'No biggie. I hope your brother gets better. Are you twins?' At Sue's puzzled look, the owner went on. 'My son, Greg, thought he was looking for you earlier. I guess he just missed you.'

'Oh, okay.' The blonde woman nodded. 'Thank you again for your patience. Good night.'

towntown

Once back at the Aussie's apartment, they placed the silent man on the long couch. Sue helped Bobby remove the leather jacket and they covered him with a blanket. Grabbing a chair, she sat next to James while looking at his phone. It was set up similar to her blackberry. A tap on the shoulder interrupted her observation.

'You okay?'

She nodded. "I can't figure out why he's here."

"Maybe he just had leave and came in to town." The tall man shrugged.

Sue turned to look at the sleeper. A faint sheen of sweat was on his brow. "He's beginning to run a fever." Resting her hand on his chest, she was surprised to feel a faint rumbling. "Bobby? I…I think he's trying to talk…"

He was moved and didn't know where he was. Eyes burned and wouldn't open. He couldn't get sick. He had to return to base. So tired. Voices sounded nearby. He struggled to speak but no words came. Mom? Dad? What's wrong with me? Terry? Terry? I know you're there. How come I can't … He managed to get his eyes open for a few seconds, long enough to recognize his sister. His head fell back against the cushion.

"He looked at me. Like I was someone else."

Bobby furrowed his brow. "Can't be good if he doesn't recognize you, sheila."

"It's not that. I think he thinks I'm someone else."

"How do you mean?"

"Remember when Thomas Arashikage was around?"

The Aussie blanched as he nodded.

"He called me 'Terry.' And he told James he had found his hope."

"Yeah, I remember. He called you 'sister of my brother.' I thought it was weird at first. But I've seen some things that don't add up when it comes to the two of you." He motioned her to wait while he went to the bedroom. Returning, he handed her a mirror. "Look, sheila, you two are almost identical."

Sue looked at herself and then at James. Frowning, she looked again. "That's the second time tonight I've heard that. At the café, the owner though he was my brother. He even asked if we were twins."

"Sounds about right. Heavy stuff there, sheila. You up to it?" Bobby fixed her with a hard stare.

"Wait, I don't understand." She blinked at him. "Do you know something I don't?"

His serious look caused her to pause. "He has a story to tell and right now a fever. I don't expect anything but the unexpected with you two." He stood and motioned for her to follow. Stopping at the door to his bedroom, he said, "You get some sleep for now. I'll watch sleeping beauty. When he wakes up, and he will, you need to be ready."

"Bobby, how'd you get so smart?" He turned to see a smile playing about her lips.

"I had a good teacher." He grinned as Levi came bounding after Sue. Closing the door, he went to crash on his recliner. Right now time was on his side but soon it wouldn't be.

towntown

When he woke up, it was in a room he didn't recognize. He looked around slowly, getting his bearings. Terry is here. I know she is. He tried to call for her but no sound would come. Swallowing hard, he tried to clear his voice. Nothing. What is wrong with me? Why can't I talk? He tried to sit upright but his head began to pound. Uggh. Why do I feel so bad? Terry? Can't you hear me? Closing his eyes against the pain, he didn't see the figure across from him stir.

Bobby woke up to find James struggling. The blonde-headed man was sitting with his head in his hands. Suddenly, he looked up and made eye contact with the Aussie. Sheer terror blazed in the hazel.

"Oh, crap." The tall man moved across the living area to the closed door. Knocking to warn Levi he was coming in, he turned the knob only to be met by the excited dog. The Lab made a beeline for the couch, pushing his head into the silent man's hands.

In the bedroom he shook Sue's foot to wake her. She mumbled about Levi taking the covers and he moved towards her head. He switched on a lamp and tapped her shoulder. Her eyes fluttered. "Is he awake?"

"Yeah. And he's lost."

Sue frowned as she didn't quite understand his meaning but followed him out to the living room.

The silent man sat holding the dog. He stood abruptly when she came in and gathered her in a crushing hug. Instinctively, the blonde woman returned the embrace, pouring herself into it. Minutes passed before he let up and had to sit down. Sweat was pouring down his face, making him uncomfortable. He looked at the woman in front of him through fever-glazed eyes. Terry?

Sue took a hard look at the man in front of her. He was burning up and trying to focus. "James?"

The silent man shook his head 'no'. He gave her a look that she couldn't quite interpret.

Bobby waved for her attention. "Not his real name. Remember?"

Nodding in the affirmative, she took James' hands in hers. They were cold. "I know you are not feeling well right now. You are running a fever and I'm guessing you haven't sleep in a while. Can you rest for me?"

He shook his head. Terry? Don't you know me? Who is James? He cringed and put a hand to his throat as he tried to swallow. The skin felt strange to him and he stilled as his fingers felt the scar tissue across his larynx and collar bone. Closing his eyes, he tried to think. Terry…sister. She's here. No, Sue…Sue is here.

She watched as he began to recognize her. "James?" It came out tentatively.

A slow nod. 'Safe?'

"Yeah, you're at my place." The Aussie wore a concerned expression.

'Ill?'

Sue shook her head 'yes'.

He signed 'Thirsty and tired, very tired.'

"I'll say, mate. How long have you been pulling twenty-four/seven?"

Five fingers were held up.

The Aussie whistled. "No wonder you look so good."

"Bobby!"

Sue went to the kitchen and returned with a damp cloth. James had slowly leaned over and was resting his head on the arm of the couch, apparently asleep. She laid the cool rag on his forehead and he touched her hand.

'Will you sit with me? Terry always sat with me when I was sick.'

Cutting a glance to the tall agent who gave an imperceptible nod, she took her place on the couch and accepted the hand he held out.

'Thank you.'

She squeezed his hand lightly. "Rest. We can talk soon. You owe me a story."

Her small smile was the last thing he remembered before going back to sleep.

towntown

It was quite early when Sue felt the couch shift. Someone was moving and it wasn't her. She opened her eyes to see James awake and standing. He stepped over to an open space and began to do a series of stretches to work the kinks out. She sat and watched amazed at how limber the tall man was. He stopped when he realized he was being observed.

'Wow. Wish I could do that.'

'Years of training. I could teach you.' He came and knelt at the backside of the couch. He locked his gaze with hers and Sue thought back to an earlier conversation, one that seemed a lifetime ago.

"You can't block me out, James. I've seen the burden you carry. It's one you can't carry alone…"

'NOT alone.'

She reached for his face and turned it to her. Gesturing around her she said "Not here. Here." She touched his heart. "Promise me one day you'll tell me."

'Hurts too much.'

"Promise me."

He closed his eyes.

"Promise me."

'Promise me.' She reached out two fingers to touch his heart.

James' eyes widened fractionally.

'Long story. Tell later. Promised to tell.' He looked at Sue. 'Not related here.' He touched her wrist. 'Or here.' A spot above her heart. 'But here.'

He returned the touch to the space between her temple and cheek. 'Promise.'

Across from the two blondes, the tall Aussie watched through shuttered eyes. He could almost see the bond between them coalesce as they connected. Shifting in his recliner, he rolled to face the wall, to give them privacy. If Sue needed him, he'd know. Bobby faded back to sleep with a sense of peace.

James took Sue's hand and led her around to his spot behind the couch. They could talk there in private and yet be in earshot of the tall agent if need be. He grabbed the blankets and made sure she was comfortable. It would take awhile.

The blonde woman watched the silent man as he prepared to tell his tale. He reached into his vest and removed a small wallet of sorts. It held pictures and a piece of paper. One by one he laid the pictures on the floor. There were five. Sue recognized the last photo right away. It was the one from Hector's room. A team picture. Seeing her looking, he waved to get her attention. 'Wait, okay?' He managed to look exasperated without moving his face.

'Sorry.' She closed her eyes and prayed quietly. Peace seemed to sit in her mind, telling her to listen and be who she needed to be. A tap on her leg brought her out of her reverie.

He held up a picture of a couple. 'Parents.' He turned the photo so he could look at it. Long fingers touched the pair with reverence. 'My father was a soldier. He thought I was too quiet to be one but I just think a lot. He was very proud when I made E-4. My mother was a teacher. She knew I could do anything I wanted. She taught us to be self-sufficient. Miss them very much.'

She reached for the picture. A tall man with brown hair and blue eyes. A medium tall woman with blonde hair and hazel eyes. A handsome pair. Sue place it carefully between them on the wallet.

He held up a second picture. Another couple. He handed it to her. It was two teenagers, both smiling. Mirror images of the other. His eyes were piercing as she met his gaze. 'Sister. Twin. She always knew when I was in trouble or sick. She was the talker, not me. We balanced each other.'

Sue bit her lip. 'You both had such nice smiles.'

He blinked. Shaking his head, he handed her a third picture. She took the picture and stared at it. It could have been a picture of her in high school. Eyes wide, she met his. He looked down at his hands, clenching them into fists before continuing. 'When I enlisted, I took this picture with me. It was my…good luck charm. I got out of all kinds of scrapes. I could always feel her in the back of my mind. It was a comfort, knowing someone was thinking of me. She wrote all the time. She would include notes for my unit. All the guys wanted to meet her. She even wrote my friend Tommy. He was…interested.'

He held up a picture of himself and another man. Thomas Arashikage. Her eyes widened. 'This is Tommy. We were in the same unit. There is a long history from our time deployed.'

He paused, closing his eyes for a moment to gather his thoughts. 'I never was hurt or injured while I was deployed. I was coming home on leave. Dad and Mom were coming to pick me up. Terry was supposed to be at school but insisted on coming with them. It happened so fast. The plane was landing when the drunk driver hit the car and caused it to flip. My parents were killed instantly. Terry held on for a few minutes. I could feel her slipping away and I couldn't do anything to help except…hold her in my mind.' His jaw tightened and he swallowed. 'I didn't want to let go. I knew she would hold on for me. The more tightly I held on, the harder it became. A great light was overtaking her and I had to let go. But it was okay. There was a peace for a moment that I haven't felt in a long time.'

He looked at the woman across from him. 'There is something about you that calls to me, here.' He put a hand over his heart. 'You have that same peace.'

Sue inhaled slowly, thinking, praying. She reached to touch the place between his temple and cheek. 'I've seen your burden. It is one you have chosen to bear. Do you know why?'

He shook his head.

'The light that called your sister called you, too. It's what drives you. It gives you something to hold on to, to hope for. Only it has taken you a long time to recognize it.' She picked up the picture of Thomas Arashikage.

"You see, I wish to know what has drawn my brother out in to the open."

'Even he recognized it…and I think you do to.'

"I understand now. You already have your heart. Now after so many years, you have found your hope." He bowed his head in acknowledgment. "This honor debt, I owe you, brother."

'He is my blood/sword brother. We trained under the same Master in martial arts. There is a deep honor in him.'

"I will hold you to it, brother. If you fail…"

Sue nodded as she too remembered the words. 'He is a bit scary.'

'He will never hurt you.'

"It is…all right. I know what he said." Thomas bowed to Sue as well. "My apologies, sister of my brother."

'I know. But it doesn't make it easy to forgive what he did.'

"I see you didn't quite receive my 'gift', Agent Manning. Very well. It wasn't personal."

'He has lost his way right now.'

Sue considered this as James began to gather his pictures. Once more she looked at the picture of the silent man and his 'brother.' Cocking her head to the side, she narrowed her eyes and tried to see what the man in front of her saw in his friend. A fleeting glimpse of the two flashed across her mind and she nodded. 'He will find his way soon.' She placed the picture in his outstretched palm.

'So where does that leave us?' They locked gazes.

Uncharacteristically, James looked away first. Sue felt some of his inherent quietness coming to the surface. The peace within welled again, telling her to be what she needed to be. She touched his face. 'I…I would be honored to be…a sister to you.'

'Do you know what you are offering?' He framed her face and pulled her close, eyes inches apart. For the longest time, two world weary souls looked at each other, seeing all the joys and pain of the other in the spiraling hazel.

Finally, Sue had to break away. When she could control the trembling of her hands, she spoke again. 'Yes, I think I do now. I'm not Terry. I don't know Terry's brother. But I know you. To me, Sue, you will always be James.' Tears threatened to spill. 'I will be part of your family.'

James bowed his head and his shoulders shook at the magnitude of her gift of love. Soft hands pulled him to her and he cried silent tears until no more came. Years of emotional loneliness washed away, leaving behind something small but precious. A pearl of great value. Inside his mind, he smiled.

Sue shifted and he straightened so he could see her clearly. 'Someone once told me it goes both ways. Do you know what you are offering me?' At his raised eyebrow, a look of shock, she continued. 'You understand me with out judging. You just see me and I thank you for that.'

'Who could not see you?' He wondered. 'You are blinding.' She blushed but he was serious. 'I see a lot and have to know what I'm looking at without a doubt. You are like…refined power. I am the same but opposite.'

She raised a delicate brow of her own. 'Raw power?' His face remained impassive but his ears flushed bright red. 'I can see that. Especially here.' She touched the side of his head. 'You'll have to tell me another story some day. Promise me?'

'Promise.'

towntown

That afternoon, the silent man returned to the base, a great weight lifted from his shoulders. He was still tired but it wasn't as pressing as it had been. He parked his bike in the motor pool and walked to his quarters only to be met halfway by his wolf. Timber was followed by the last person he expected to see.

Her face lit up. "Hey, how was your night on the town?"

He narrowed his eyes at her. 'Did you set me up?'

"What do you mean?"

'The café in mid-town…'

"Oh, that. Well, I did some research and found a site where certain places meet a certain criteria. And that one had a four-star rating by one lady who shall remain nameless. Why?" Shana smiled at him.

He rolled his eyes. 'I feel asleep.'

"No, you didn't."

'Oh yes, I did. And the owner got into my phone.'

The redhead widened her eyes. "You had the locks on, right?"

'It was okay. He found the list of recent calls and called Sue. She and Crash came and got me.'

"I am so sorry, I shouldn't have pressed you to go…"

He stopped her with a finger to her lips. 'I talked to her and told her.'

Shana looked into her fiancé's eyes and saw the peace there. "Come on then, let's grab a bite and you can tell me all about it."

Inside his mind, the silent man smiled.

A/N: For an awesome pic of The Old Man go to the following (after removing the spaces...)

www .nps .gov /nacc /pphtml /photogallery .html