CHAPTER 15

Thanks for all the reviews! I love them, keep them coming!

I still don't own anything… wish I could say I did!

One last note…

I don't skate and don't know what is actually possible. When I was thinking about this story, this is what I saw Jack & Sue doing. If either routine isn't possible, please forgive and consider it creative licensing.

ENJOY!

Jamie had come around with the lineup for the competition. She explained to everyone again that this was for charity, and for fun. She explained the "rules" and said, no one would be disqualified, but hoped everyone one would follow the guidelines. She also reminded everyone that any props being used needed to be picked up by a member of their team before the next team started their routine. Sue and Jack were third for "Just A Kiss" by Lady Antebellum. The first two couples took their shot at the "gold" by going all out. They were exhausted when they skated off the ice. Sue knew neither couple skated competitively, and their routines, although good, it showed. Jack looked worried.

"Don't scrunch your nose like that, you look scared." Sue joked with Jack.

"I AM scared!" He said only half joking.

"Don't be. Once we get out there, you'll be ok." She reassured.

"Easy for you to say, you've been through this." He said, as his smile faded. Sue leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, squeezing his hand.

"You know these routines; you're going to do just fine. You're right; I have been through this, so I know what I'm talking about." The second routine was nearly over, they needed to get up and take their place 'on deck'. Jack stretched, trying more to get the nervousness out of his system than to loosen his muscles. The judges had given the first couple a solid 8.3. They gave the second an 8.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the team from the Washington office of the FBI, Sue Thomas and Jack Hudson." The voice came over the loud speaker. Sue stepped out onto the ice, taking Jack's hand and they skated across the ice to center ice. Both waved, then took position. Sue looked at him and whispered to him.

"Breathe… don't forget to breathe." Jack smiled at her; they waved to the crowd and skated to opposite ends of the rink. The lights dimmed, and the music began to play. As the beginning of the song starts, they skate toward each other, spinning, skating backwards at each other and spin again.

The spin ends with the couple in each other's arms. They look longingly into each other's eyes, and then push off together into a waltz. They spin, double axel around the outer edges of the rink. Sue spins while skating in front of Jack. As they reach the center ice, Jack picks up Sue, she lays back, stretched out into a pose move and he lets her down.

As Jack releases Sue, she spins. Jack skates to catch up with Sue, holding her tight around the waist, skating like that the line "hard to hold back" then Sue turns to face him, she lays back, and they skate into the center of the ice. Back up to a double spin facing each other. They stop and stare into each other's eyes. Jack pushes her off; she skates backwards on one leg, her arms out toward him, then right into a jump back to him. Jack spins her around by standing and holding her out and going in a circle, then pulls her up into his arms. They dance off in a waltz again, slowly, sweetly. They skate around the rink together, still waltzing, and changing back and forth as to who's skating backwards. As the music increases with emotion, Jack lifts her and holds her by the hands turning once in center ice. He lets her down and they spin with him, holding her leg. They skate apart to opposite ends, doing jumps and spins in unison. At the heavy drums of the song, they head back to each other and meet at center ice holding hands, spinning together pulling away from each other, leaning back. As music subsides to soft, Jack pulls Sue to him, they begin to skate around rink again. Jack picks her up and throws her for a small spin, they skate together around. Jack picks her up again, skating slowly toward center ice as music comes to an end, he lets her down slowly, pulling her close. They skate away from each other with their backs to each other in a circle. As the music ends they came together at center ice. Jack takes her hands, pulling her close. At the very last "Kiss goodnight" Jack kisses her on the cheek. Both have heaving chests, out of breath and tired from their routine. The crowd goes crazy cheering. The loudest 'hoots', cheers, and cat calls are coming from where the bull pen agents are seated. Sue and Jack break apart, holding hands; they wave to the crowd and exit the ice. Lucy meets them at the waiting area with water and congratulations. The judges were impressed, and give the couple an 8.9. Sue and Jack are happy with their score, but Lucy thought they should have gotten a better score.

Two other couples went, both getting descent scores, but both under the first three. At last it was Randy and Randi's turn.

"Put your hands together for the second team from the FBI right here in Washington, Randy Squared!" The voice said. Lucy looked horrified at the stolen name they were using. The oddball couple skated out onto the ice. Randi stood 4 inches taller than Randy was, and it was especially noticeable at center ice. As their song began, it was obvious they were good. It was also obvious, they were going all out, first round. The routine was flawless. Jack looked at Sue, worried. She held his hand and told him, it was ok. She was sure Randy Squared had scored better than they had, but she was OK with that. Sure enough, their score for their first dance was a 9.2.

Four more couples went, and then they took a break so the ice could be resurfaced. The rest of the team made their way backstage to congratulate them. Bobby and Myles began getting ready for their parts in the show. Jack gathered his props and sat back down for some much needed rest.

Randy strolled by the team and smugly snubbed them. Lucy was about to spout off and tell Randy exactly what she thought of him and his skating prowess, but Sue and Tara held her back.