8

It Had To Be You

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Chapter 6

"Jack! Bobby!" D called out as he strode into the bullpen.

"What's up?" asked Jack.

"You know that Murchison case you're working on?"

"It's been on hold since the bloke disappeared in Buffalo," Bobby remarked.

"We have a bench warrant for his arrest when he surfaces," Jack added.

"Well, it seems he resurfaced in Chicago and is in FBI custody as we speak," D shared.

"I love it when that happens," smirked Jack.

"When's he coming?" asked Bobby.

"He's not," D stated. At their startled glances, he clarified, "I mean, the Chicago office is short-handed right now so we have to send someone to escort the guy back. I don't care who goes but one of you better be on a plane to Chicago first thing tomorrow morning."

Chicago! thought Bobby trying to contain his excitement. Maybe…maybe if he went, he could just "happen" to drop by the hotel and see Sue. It was three months since she'd sent that second batch of chocolate chip cookies and another short note for the flowers. Despite hints from the team for more cookies and his own desire to see her, he resisted contacting her again. Her note had requested he give her time and he had respected her wish. He understood she needed some time.

"Uh…if you don't want to go, Sparky, I could go," offered Bobby diffidently. "It doesn't matter to me."

Sure it doesn't, thought a smirking Jack. That's why you just volunteered to do escort duty which you hate. This has something to do with the chocolate chip cookie baker. Weren't those packages from Chicago?

"Nah, you go. I have some reports I have to finish and there is that meeting with Marty Pavone tomorrow afternoon."

"Sure now? I could do the meeting," Bobby offered half-heartedly.

"No, you go ahead."

"Okay," responded Bobby with barely concealed eagerness. "I'll just go check on the flights for tomorrow," he said as he headed for his computer.

Jack was about to resume working on one of those reports when out of the corner of his eye he saw Lucy gesturing to him.

"Me?" he mouthed.

She discreetly jerked her head towards the door as she stood up. Curious, Jack followed her out the door.

Before he could say a word, Lucy grabbed his arm.

"Was I hearing things or did Bobby just volunteer to go pick up a suspect in Chicago?" she asked skeptically. She knew how much he disliked flying coach. After every flight he always complained sitting in economy was good training in becoming a contortionist. His six three frame did not fit in one of those seats comfortably.

"You were not having auditory hallucinations," Jack assured her.

"This has something to do with that woman, doesn't it?"

"You mean the cookie baker?"

She nodded.

"I'd bet my share of the next batch of cookies it does."

"Do we even know her name?"

"Nope. Whoever this mystery woman is, he's definitely smitten…which is a good thing when you think about it," said Jack philosophically, "because…well, you know how he was after Darcy dumped him."

Lucy thought for a moment. "Do we know anything about her other than the fact she makes chocolate chip cookies to die for?"

Jack shook his head regretfully. "I do know he hasn't heard from her since that last batch."

"Why not?" asked a worried Lucy. "You think she's married?"

"Bobby would never get involved with a married woman!" Jack protested.

"Well, I know that," retorted Lucy. "But maybe he didn't know she was married. That happens."

"Once he knew, do you think Bobby would still be attracted to someone who hides a little fact like a husband at home?"

"It's just…if she's available and he's available, why aren't they together?"

Jack shrugged. "I have no idea," he stated. "But there must be a pretty darn good reason."

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Bobby leaned back in the taxi on his way to the FBI headquarters in Chicago. First, he planned, he'd check in at the office to see what time the prisoner would be ready for transport to DC. If he was lucky, it might not be until the afternoon. Then he could try to see Sue either at the hotel or her apartment.

Sue, he sighed. Had she forgotten him? He certainly hadn't forgotten her. Try as he might, he couldn't. It astonished him the depth of his reaction to the handful of hours they'd known each other. Thoughts of Sue had frequently drifted through his mind since their farewells. Was she all right?

He knew Jack and Lucy suspected something was up but neither one had said a word or asked any questions which, come to think of it, was pretty darn unusual for Lucy. Usually her nose for news outshone them all.

"FBI building," announced the cab driver.

Bobby opened the door and stepped out. Paying the driver, he headed into the building.

"Hey, Bobby!' greeted Max Tyner. "Long time no see!"

"Where were you?" Bobby asked as they shook hands. "I thought I'd see you at the conference leading the probies two by two! I'm strictly a paper pusher now."

"Paper pusher?" Bobby repeated in astonishment. "What happened to that take-charge I'm-never-going-to-retire field agent?"

"Reality, age…and a brand spanking new grandson!" beamed the veteran agent.

"Grandson? You're a granddad?"

"Yup! And proud of it!"

"Congratulations! What's his name?"

"John Max Winger…after his grandpa."

"Couldn't have picked a better person to be named after," Bobby agreed.

"That's what my son said. So, I decided it was time to come in from the field. I want to watch my grandson grow up."

"Sounds like a grand plan," Bobby smiled.

"You said it," he agreed affably. "Now, how can I help you? I know you're not here on a social visit."

"I wish it was. D got a call from this office to pick up Frank Murchison."

"You got stuck with escort duty?"

"Jack had a meeting so that left me."

"Let me check if everything's in order. Then I can start the paperwork to release him to your custody," informed Max as he moved to his computer station. He quickly typed in the name. He frowned when he looked at the screen.

"You say we called your office?"

"That's right."

"Well, according to the computer records, the paperwork hasn't even been processed yet."

"How long is it going to take? A couple of hours? Three?"

Max sniggered. "That's called wishful thinking. I'd say plan on staying overnight because we'll have to get a judge's signature on the release form." He looked up at his fellow agent. "Sorry, Bobby. However, there are worst places to be than Chicago."

"True."

"You got a place to stay?"

"No. Why?"

"There's a convention this week…a big convention. The attendees are starting to trickle in. Might be kind of tough to get a room. I'd ask you to bunk with me but Darlene's redoing the place and it's a mess."

"If worse comes to worse, I can always stay with Don Webber or sleep here in the lounge. One thing you learn as a field agent, sleep wherever and whenever you can."

"That's for sure," agreed Max remembering some of the cases he'd had. "Call me tomorrow morning at eight and I'll let you know if everything's ready."

"Thanks, mate," said Bobby. "Talk to you later."

In the hallway, Bobby stopped to inform the DC office of the change in plans.

"If you don't want to stay there overnight, you can always come home and then fly back tomorrow," commented D.

Bobby grimaced at the thought of sitting in the cramped seat three more times in the space of two days. "I think I'll just find a room."

"Now why did I think you'd decide that?" smirked D.

"That's why you're the supervisor and I'm not," grinned Bobby.

"I don't know if that's a compliment or not."

"Oh, it is," Bobby assured him.

"Yeah yeah. How's the weather there?"

"It's a beautiful spring day."

"Then I suggest you make the most of it," ordered D.

"Thanks," smiled Bobby. Now, if could only find Sue, the day would be perfect.

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"Did I just hear you give Bobby a day off?" Tara queried.

"Paperwork's not in order," explained D. "He has to wait until tomorrow at the earliest before they can release Murchison."

Lucy and Jack exchanged glances. Would he look for that woman?

"I wonder what he's gonna do?" Tara commented.

"I know what I'd do," Lucy remarked.

"I don't even have to be conscious to answer that one," Myles said sarcastically.

"Can I help it I like to shop?"

"Like?" repeated Myles incredulously. "I think it's more like an addiction."

"For your information, it's people like me that drive the economy."

"Remember you said that when your credit card bill comes next month."

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"I'm looking for Sue Thomas," explained Bobby in the catering department. "The concierge told me I might be able to find her here."

Terry happened to overhear the conversation as he passed by. "Who wants to know?" he growled. "Don't you have something to do?" he barked to Jesse.

"Yeah, sure," Jesse said before he scampered off.

"Um…I'm looking for Sue. I'm a friend of hers," Bobby shared.

"Who's asking?" demanded Terry.

"Bobby…Bobby Manning." He stuck out his hand.

"She's not here," replied Terry ignoring the extended hand and eyed the tall Aussie.

"She's not?" Disappointment dripped in those two words.

"You the guy that sent the flowers?"

Was he referring to the bouquet he'd sent some months ago? "I think so."

"Why'd you send the bouquet?"

"Look here…"

"Answer my question and I just might help you."

"To thank her for a box of chocolate chip cookies."

With that answer, Bobby could see the change in the man's fiercely protective demeanor. He must have passed the test of Sue's personal security guard, he thought.

"Terry Hughes," the man introduced himself this time holding out his hand. Bobby took it. "I'm her boss…and friend," he said meaningfully.

Bobby got the message.

"She took a few days off for her cousin's wedding. She supposed to be back today." Terry frowned. "She better be back today because I need her here tomorrow." His eyes connected with Bobby. "You gonna try and see her?"

"That was my intention. I have the day off and thought some company would be nice."

"Know where she lives?"

"I do."

Terry stared at Bobby for a moment. Bobby braced himself for the onslaught of stern words of why he couldn't see Sue. Instead, her boss surprised him.

"Don't keep her out too late," Terry said ordered. "She starts at six tomorrow."

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