I knew what I wanted for this chapter but it took a while to piece it together. I apologize for the delay, but I sure hope that the extra length in this chapter will make up for it! Please enjoy!


"Well, we're not accomplishing anything just standing around here." Steve sighed. "I need to get back to the precinct, and update them on what we've got so far."

"You mind if I go with you, Lt. Sloan?" Jack asked.

"I guess not." Steve shrugged. "What? You want to see what us Metro PD are made of and compare skills?"

"No." Jack shook his head.

"I'll come with ya, Jack." Bobby added.

"You know, you guys keep this up and I'll have to start charging you taxi fare." Steve said sarcastically. "I'm not a bus service."

"Well, I guess we'll head back to the hotel and see what we can come up with by the time you get back." Lucy stated, then squinted at Myles. "And tend to our poor invalid." Myles made a face and tried to rise to his feet.

"Would you like a wheelchair, Agent Leland?" Jessie cheerfully offered. Myles stared at him unamused. The shorty here with a degree was making him quite irritable.

"I can assure all of you pathetic do-gooders and pillow fluffers that the Lelands are not prone to molly-coddling." Myles huffed cockily. "If we're fit, if we can shoot a gun straight, if we can hold up our respected reputations in society, then there is no need for frivolous exaggeration in wondering about our health."

"Oh, please." Lucy cringed, waving him off. "Enough of the editorial." Mark just raised is eyebrows and grinned.

"Pillow fluffers?" Amanda asked with furrowed brows.

"I'm perfectly able to take care of myself." Myles smirked smugly then stepped forward and slipped.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy there, tiger." Dimitrius smiled widely, helping him up.

"I'm all right, I'm all right." Myles protested.

"Ahem." Sue cleared her throat. "Jack? Let us know if anything comes up."

"Same goes for you." Jack responded.

"Hey, why don't you all come over to my place in Malibu tonight, and we could discuss the case more thoroughly?" Mark offered with a smile.

"I'm not gonna argue, not with a chance to see the beach up close and personal." Bobby said.

"That sounds like a good idea, Dr. Sloan." Sue smiled. "Jack? Dimitrius? What do you think?"

"I'd say let's go for it." D responded.

"Yep, me too." Jack nodded.

"Good. Then it's settled. Can we go now?" Steve asked impatiently. "I'll see you later, Dad."

"Bye, Steve." Mark grinned.

"Hey, uh...Steve? You, uh...need any help?" Jessie asked eagerly with puppy dog eyes.

"You stay here, Jess," Steve squinted suspiciously, "and tend to your patients. You can visit later. You too." He pointed at Amanda. She just shrugged.

"Steve, you can trust me." She said smoothly.

"Yeah, I know I can." Steve said skeptically and he walked out with Jack and Bobby.

"Well, I'll walk you out." Mark said, and Sue, Lucy, Dimitrius, Levi, Tara, Amanda, Jessie, and Myles, who absolutely refused to ride in a wheelchair, hobbled along after Mark.

"So, you two actually help Dr. Sloan and his son solve crimes?" Tara asked Amanda and Jessie.

"You bet!" Jessie piped up. "We're almost like undercover detectives."

"Unofficially, of course." Lucy remarked.

"Well, as the assistant county medical examiner, I do autopsies on many of the murder victims that Steve investigates." Amanda said.

"Sounds like your work is vital to his assistance." Dimitrius said.

"Yeah." Amanda nodded.

"I still don't see where he fits into the picture." Myles groaned, pointing at Jessie who rolled his eyes.

"Hey!" Jessie sputtered defensively. "I'm smarter than I look. I've become like Steve's trusty side-kick, haven't I, Mark?"

Mark covered his mouth, trying not to laugh. "Jessie has been helpful." He grinned.

"Thank you!" Jessie smiled triumphantly.

"Though I think Steve would consider him to be more of a tag-along." Mark added. Jessie frowned.

"Well, tag-a longs are not field agents." Myles said in a patronizing voice. "They don't make it to Quantico, so don't go getting any wild ideas." He squinted at Jessie.

"Pfft. I can find my way around obstacles." Jessie retorted back. "However, if you don't appreciate my help, you'll just have to suffer."

"I'd rather endure the pain and suffering than be made a spectacle of." Myles answered. Dimitrius snorted in laughter, along with Tara.

He's parading himself and he doesn't want to be made a spectacle of? Mark thought in amusement.

"Cut it out, you two." Amanda and Lucy said together in annoyance.

"He started it." Jessie pointed with his index finger.

"All right, all right." Dimitrius spoke up. "That's enough, boys. Dr. Travis, if you do find any information you think might help us, we'd appreciate it. I'm sure you want to see this killer caught as much as we do."

"You have no idea." Jessie agreed. They all walked together to the main entrance where Mark, Amanda, and Jessie halted.

"Well, Dr. Sloan, we'll look forward to working with you and your son, tonight." Dimitrius said.

"So will we." Mark said.

"I've always wanted to visit Malibu, California." Tara stated casually. "I guess this serial killer chase can bring us many unexpected, convenient opportunities."

"Yeah, just think of it." Jessie agreed with a grin. "If it wasn't for Jeff White, we might never have met."

"Too bad it wasn't under more pleasant circumstances." Sue remarked.

"You're so right, Miss Thomas." Mark added.

"Please, you can all me Sue. And I'm really sorry about the trouble Levi caused earlier. I'll certainly try to make sure he doesn't sabotage your house, Dr. Sloan."

"Ah, ha, ha, that's all right." Mark chuckled. "And please, call me Mark. Dr. Sloan sounds so formal."

"Deal." Sue smiled, signing with her fingers.

"Well, looking forward to see you tonight." Lucy nodded. "We'd better shuffle off."

"See you later, Doc...er, Mark." Tara grinned, shaking his hand. "Dr. Livingston, Dr. Travis, it was good to meet both of you. I'm sure we'll be seeing you around." She waved happily.

"The name's Jessie." Jessie smiled widely. "And it's Amanda." Tara nodded.

"Well, let's go. We'll be in touch." Dimitrius said. They all started to walk out.

"Oh, Miss, uh...Sue!" Mark called. Levi jumped up on Sue with his front paws and turned his head back to the good doctor.

"Oh, yes? Did you say something to me?" Sue asked.

"Yes. If you should need anything while you all are here, here's my number." Mark said, handing her his business card.

"Oh, thanks. You too." And she pulled out her little notebook, quickly scribbling her phone number on it, then handed it to him.


"And you have yet to come up with an address?" Captain Newman asked Steve, wishing they had more to go on.

"Yes, sir." Steve grunted. "Unfortunately, we have no leads yet as to where this Jeff White fellow is hiding out. But I assure you, we're working on it."

"You see, Captain, the thing is, there are no traces of hotel rooms, motels, cell phone calls, or such on any of White's credit card records." Jack said quietly. "We know this much, he does have a computer."

"Unfortunately, we can't trace its signal." Bobby added.

"However, we detected that he's adding black trash bags to his usual list of items for the week." Jack stated. "And that's new. Because, so far his list has been straight clothes, gloves, and fast-food. We believe this is a new development." Captain Newman didn't seem impressed.

"Can't you come up with something better than that, Detective Sloan?" He muttered.

"Agent Hudson pointed out that the latest victim was dumped an a pattern irregular to White's normal killing ritual." Steve explained. "Which gives us reason to believe that he is becoming more expository about his dirty work."

"So, you're saying that he's not being so secretive anymore?" Captain Newman raised his eyebrows.

"It's a guess at best," Bobby replied, "but yes, that's what we believe is going on."

Captain Newman sighed heavily. "Okay. You gentlemen keep working on it. But I want something more concrete than this...as soon as possible! Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir." Steve, Jack, and Bobby all nodded together. "Oh, uh, say, Captain? Do you recognize this guy?" Bobby asked and pulled out a blown-up surveillance photo of the John Doe who'd met with White. Captain Newman's eyes widened.

"Why do you ask?" He asked suspiciously.

"He's been spotted more than once meeting with White at lunch time in different food joints," Jack explained. "Including after Missy Frazier's murder this morning."

"We're thinking he could be White's partner, who's getting him the chloroform for the killings." Bobby said. "But there are no pharmacy purchases on White's credit records."

"Which means this John Doe could be illegally providing him with the drugs." Steve finished.

"I can't give you anything definite at the moment," Newman said, "but I have to admit, this guy does look familiar. Let me run his face through the database and see what I can find. I'll get back with you as soon as I do. You're dismissed." And he rose to his feet.

"Thanks, Captain." Jack sighed. "We'll keep you informed too."

"And we need to flush out this guy, before he abducts and kills someone else!" Captain Newman growled. "I'm sure you all realize that."

"We're doing everything we can, sir, to validate that." Jack nodded. Then they exited the office and Steve shut the door, then they walked down the hall together. "Well, we might have caught a break." Jack said light-heartedly.

"Maybe." Steve huffed. "Even if we've got something on John Doe, what we need is a location! We get that, it solves a whole load of problems."

"Yeah, well, it isn't the first time we've had a clueless time-table on our hands, at the cost of others' expense." Bobby remarked. "We've been through rougher spots than this, and still came out on top."

"Yeah, me too." Steve sighed as they continued to walk on. "But how many more victims is it gonna take for us to figure out where this creep is?"

"Maybe John Doe will tell us." Jack chimed in.

"Hey, sorry if we made you look bad in front of your supervisor." Bobby said.

"Eh, we just gave him the facts, the evidence we have." Steve shook his head. "That's what we're supposed to do."

"He didn't seem too thrilled about the progress we have made in such a short time." Jack stated. "Of course, I don't feel too rested about it myself."

"Me neither." Bobby shook his head.

"He feels responsible." Steve said simply.

"Mmm-hmm. Who doesn't?" Bobby responded. "The worst part of the job when dealing with a serial killer who enjoys playing hide-and-seek: you know he's out there on the loose, you know it's your responsibility to stop him, but you have absolutely no idea where to look or who will be next on his list. And you want to protect all the citizens out there, realizing you can't."

"Yep. Well, being depressed about it won't get us very far." Steve huffed.

"Hey, we're gonna find this guy, okay?" Jack halted, reaching his hand up on Steve's shoulder. "Now, he may seem to have the upper hand right now, but with the dark side he's on, he's gotta go down eventually." Steve nodded silently.

"And, hey, we might never have been able to find out that he was really here, if it hadn't been for your dad." Bobby added, smiling. Steve started to smile. "He seems like a bright old bird, and with his intelligent reasoning, you have no idea how glad we are that he's with us on this case."

"You're wrong, Manning. I do know." Steve corrected him.

"Hey, we mean that!" Jack declared fervently, looking Steve square in the eyes. Steve was still slightly guarded about these federal agents. Many times in the past, the ones he'd worked with seemed to walk all over them when he and Mark tried to help, either that or they'd flatter them for their assistance then leave them in the dust when it came down to the real take-downs. Yet, he had to admit, these guys seemed different. Jack and Bobby were pretty good men from what Steve could see, and that they truly cared about what they were doing, like the cause they believed in and fought for was more important to them than their public egos. And so far, they'd been extremely knowledgeable and helpful in possibly stalling that cockroach Jeff White. Their warmth and seemingly honest manners made Steve feel that he could fully trust them.

"We're gonna get him, Steve." Jack said reassuringly, not sure what had not prevented him from calling the lieutenant by his first name. Maybe he felt the same way about this guy as Steve was thinking of them.

"Hey, if we stick together, how can we lose, huh?" Bobby grinned. Steve's spirits were lifting back up, and so was his determination.

"Thanks, guys." He smiled warmly as they resumed their walk. "And you're right: we are gonna get him!"

"So, do you always have fun when you try to get information from the bad guys?" Jack asked curiously, trying to change the subject.

"Not always. But sometimes I enjoy playing hard ball." Steve answered. Bobby put his arm around Steve's shoulder.

"Aw, now are you telling me that a detective as charming and intelligent as your witty self can't use friendlier tactics?" Bobby asked sarcastically. Steve pursed his lips.

"Such as?" He rose his eyebrows.

"Like the time we interrogated that ATM robber, and Bobby scared him into talking." Jack grinned widely.

"Oh, I can assure you we know how to do that." Steve said. "Very effectively."

"Yeah, well, this fellow was armed with a water pistol and pretty timid too." Jack remarked.

"But I did get an arrest, and a confession out of him." Bobby announced proudly.

"That you did." Jack agreed.

"Okay, okay, Koala boy, how'd you do it?" Steve asked, grinning.

"So, anyway, I tell this drongo that we have surveillance videos of him robbing an ATM," Bobby explained, clearly enjoying himself. "He said he heard that the robber was wearing a ski mask." Steve raised his eyebrows.

"So, super fed here told the dimwit that we had him," Jack smiled widely. "Because the lab could optically peel the mask off the picture."

"W-what?" Steve asked, smiling.

"Oh, he told the guy that the lab could peel the mask off the picture, revealing his face." Jack grinned.

"Yeah, and he believed me!" Bobby exclaimed. "This little bloke caved in right there!" Steve shook his head, laughing.

"Sounds like one of my dad's stunts." He snickered. "Like the sweat DNA."

"Sweat DNA? Hmm. I don't believe I've ever heard of that one before." Bobby remarked curiously.

"Probably because it doesn't exist." Jack replied.

"That's true," Steve responded, with a less heavier spirit at the moment, "however, it was enough to scare a gang member killer into sweating like crazy and running from the police. My dad had walked into that place cool as a cucumber, like he was bullet proof. He has a bad habit of doing that."

"But, hey, it worked didn't it?" Jack asked. Steve glared at him.

"Oh, please." He rolled his eyes. "That's what he always says."


Steve informed Cheryl of all their latest developments, and she said she'd get back with him as soon as they had info on John Doe. Steve started walking outside with Bobby and Jack again. "So, Sloan, you married?" Jack asked curiously.

"Unfortunately, no." Steve shook his head with a small grin. "Not yet."

"Aw, are you saying that a fine detective specimen such as yourself doesn't have the women fighting over him?" Bobby teased.

"A lot of the women I wanted to go out with couldn't stand me being a cop, and others I ended up having to arrest." Steve hung his head for a moment. "So, how about you two fellows? Either of you married yet?"

"Nope." Bobby answered casually. "But I have a neat girl in my life. Actually, she's the first real girlfriend I've ever had. And she's amazing!"

"I'm sure she is." Steve nodded. "What does she do?"

"Investigative journalist, so she sometimes helps us out in cases."

"What about you...Sparky?" Steve asked with an evil grin. Jack's eyes widened.

"W-what about me?" Jack asked nervously.

"You married?"

"Not yet." Jack said quickly, hoping the snickering detective wouldn't pursue the origin of his nickname.

"You got a girl?"

"Mmm...no." Jack kept his eyes on the ceiling.

"I thought for sure that you and Agent Thomas..."

"We...uh…." Jack was getting tongue-tied. "Sue and I...work good together. Eh...not to brag, but...we're really good partners. We make a really good team." Steve glanced skeptically to Bobby, who grinned and shook his head. He patted his chest and scrunched up his nose.

"She seems like a really nice girl." Steve smirked.

"Yeah. She is." Jack said wistfully, smiling but walked quicker ahead of them. Behind Jack's back, Steve pointed at him curiously and Bobby nodded wide-eyed, indicating that Jack and Sue were more than friends. Steve squinted in satisfaction and grinned.


"Hard to believe we've only been here for almost eight hours and how much progress we have made." Bobby remarked as they reached Steve's car.

"Oh, yeah, that's right." Steve agreed. "This is still only your first day here."

"Well, we have about eight more before it's over, and personally I'd like to end the day with something more concrete to go on than mere guesses." Jack stated.

"And something to eat." Bobby nodded.

"I think we can fix that. I know where we can get some fine Chinese food on the way." Steve said. "Of course, I'll have to check with Dad first."

"Steve! Steve!" Cheryl Banks shouted, rushing up to him in the parking lot. The three guys turned toward her. "Not so fast, Sherlock. You'd better take a look at this." She panted, handing Steve a file.

"What do you got?" Jack asked curiously, coming around from the other side of the car as he, Bobby, and Steve both read the papers in front of them.

"Gentlemen," Cheryl grinned satisfactorily with her arms crossed over her chest, "I introduce you to Mr. Howard Lance."

"Whew. That was fast!" Bobby exclaimed, wide-eyed.

"Yes, it was." Cheryl agreed, moving her hands to her hips.

"Wow. Looks like our Mr. Lance has a nice rap sheet going for him." Jack stated.

"Uh-huh." Steve grunted. "Fired from 4 different pharmacies in 4 different states, for stealing and illegally distributing narcotics out on the street."

"Sounds like you bloodhounds are right on track!" Cheryl smirked. "Sounds like your theory of Mr. Lance being White's partner and narcotic delivery wagon is open shut."

"Well, I'd say our lucky day just got even luckier." Bobby stated.

"I suppose you wouldn't have been lucky enough to come up with an address?" Jack asked halfheartedly.

"Negative." Cheryl muttered. "He has been on the state police watch list but they haven't been able to nail him. He just vanished."

"And as we already know, the little yobbo pays with cash instead of the lousy credit card." Bobby sighed.

"Well, this is better than nothing." Steve mentioned. "At least now we know who we're dealing with. That's two main pieces of the puzzle solved."

Jack pulled out his cell phone. "Lucy? Jack here. I need you to get a hold of all the pharmacies in the state and tell them to notify us immediately if they get a guy seeking employment answering White's partner's description. Yeah, his name is Howard Lance, uh...hang on." Jack moved the phone away from his ear, "Detective Banks, could you forward the info you got to Agent Williams? Here's her address." Jack handed Cheryl Tara's card.

"Sure thing." Cheryl nodded.

"Lucy, we're sending the info on our John Doe. Oh, yeah it's him all right. No, we don't have an address. Show the information to Dr. Sloan when you get to his house. We'll meet you there. Oh, and uh...see if you can pull up any non-legit pharmacy companies too. If he's paranoid, he might go to them. Okay. Thanks." Jack hung up.

"Cheryl, you mind if I take this?" Steve asked, holding up the file.

"Go on, take it. We've got copies inside." Cheryl shrugged.

"Thanks. Well, we'd better get going."

"Hey, good work." Jack smiled to Cheryl, signing with his hands. Bobby gave her a thumb's up.

"Appreciate it." He said.

"No problem." Cheryl grinned and returned inside the station.

"Well, fellows? Let's go get something to eat!" Steve declared hungrily.


"You certainly have a beautiful place here, Dr. Sloan." Lucy smiled widely after receiving a tour of the beach house.

"Thank you." Mark replied. "I think so too."

"How much does it take to keep a place like this up?" Dimitrius asked.

Mark scrunched up his nose. "Ooo, I'd rather not say." He shook his head.

"I like your Sherlock Holmes collection." Sue remarked. "It's very unique. Especially the ivory scalpel."

"My wife gave that to me for a birthday present."

"Arthur Conan Doyle." Tara read the inscription on the figurine. "Mph. You seem to be quite the mastermind enthusiast, doctor." She grinned.

"Oh, ho, ho, but I'm afraid I'm not capable of half the remarkable, complicated things you do, Miss Williams." Mark shook his head. Tara just shrugged.


Steve pulled in the driveway. "Well, here we are." He stated, turning off the ignition.

"Bly me!" Bobby exclaimed in fascination at the fancy house, hard to believe he was actually here. "She's a beauty, ain't she?"

"Well, looks like Sue and them are already here." Jack noted the rental car in the driveway. "So, Steve? You got a place of your own yet?"

"I used to," Steve answered. "It was just a little apartment, not much to brag about. Of course, that was before I moved here."

"You mean you're the owner of this beach house?" Jack sputtered incredulously. How could the guy possibly afford to live in Malibu, in a mansion like this, on a cop's salary?

"No." Steve corrected him. "Dad owns it. I just sort of hang around, and live off of his cooking." He grinned.

"Whoa! You never told us that this was your house too!" Jack exclaimed.

"Didn't I?" Steve asked proudly. "Well, now you know. I have my own apartment downstairs in the basement. It's not much to look at, but it works."

"So, I guess you and your dad get a long pretty good." Bobby said quietly.

"Sure." Steve shrugged. "Sometimes I feel like I'm the one playing the role of the father, but he keeps life from getting dull."

"So, have you and your dad always gotten along so good?" Bobby asked glumly, feeling a slight painful lump in his stomach.

"I guess so." Steve responded. "Sure, we've had our difficult moments, and our disagreements, but I guess we've both worked at resolving our differences." Bobby smiled sadly, then walked on ahead of them. "I take it he doesn't get along with his father?" Steve asked Jack thoughtfully.

Jack stared back at Steve thoughtfully. "Well, you can't blame him after how things turned out." Jack answered in a hushed tone.

"What happened?" Steve asked in concern, staring at Jack.

"His dad-well, biological dad-walked out on Bobby and his mom on his sixth birthday party." Jack explained sadly. Steve's brows furrowed in sympathy and anger. "The next day, he showed up, packed his bags and left. No apology, no kiss good-bye, nothing." Steve suddenly felt really bad for the friendly Australian. He couldn't imagine the pain, anger, and confusion he'd be put through if Mark had ever left him! Of course, Mark would never do that! But, on the other hand, that's probably what Bobby thought too that morning on his sixth birthday. Then just like a dropped bomb, he'd been abandoned by the man he respected, the man who should've shown him how to be a good, decent person. Steve couldn't help feeling a flash of anger at Bobby's father, Mac for abandoning his loved ones. How could any man do such a thing? It was beyond Steve's understanding, actually something he didn't even want to try to understand, and he couldn't help feeling a stronger respect, admiration, and thankfulness for his own father, whom he worshiped, and whom others including Jessie envied Steve for.

"Did they ever make up?" Steve asked hopefully. "Has he ever seen him since then?"

"Not 'til Bobby was working for the FBI." Jack replied. "They ran into each other and tried to make amends, and it seemed to be working, but then Mac got into legal trouble. His own fault though. Then, a few years ago, he showed up again, in jail. He tried to act friendly but Bobby would have none of it. However, Mac did help us capture a fugitive from justice that we'd been after for a very long time: Simon Hoffman."

"I heard about him." Steve said. "But, how are things between Bobby and his dad now?"

"They're working on it." Jack sighed. "At least now Bobby will talk to him of his own free will, but the past still hurts. But at least they're both making efforts."

"Yeah." Steve sighed. Then they entered through the front door. "Hey, Dad! We're here!" He called out. They were greeted by the barks of a dog and Levi came pattering excitedly up to Jack and Bobby, which cut Steve off guard for a minute, not used to having a dog around.

"Hey, buddy." Jack smiled, rubbing Levi's ears.

"Aw, did ya miss us, mate? Huh? Did you think we got lost?" Bobby asked cheerily, kneeling down and running his fingers through the dog's fur. "I beg your pardon. What? You saying we don't know our way around? I'm crushed at your lack of confidence in us." Bobby stood up. "Yeah, come on, mate." And he left the foyer, heading to the kitchen with Jack and Steve following.

"Oh, there you are, Levi!" Sue sighed heavily in relief. "He didn't break anything, did he?" She asked anxiously, dreading a repeat scenario from the hospital earlier.

"Nah." Bobby shook his head.

"Good." Sue declared, wide-eyed. "You've got to watch that tail-wagging. It can be a problem. Come here, boy. Sit." Levi obeyed.

"Anybody hungry?" Mark asked.

"Bring it on, doc. I'm starved!" Bobby exclaimed, slapping his hands together. "What do you have available?"

"Hope you like roast chicken and potato wedges with string beans." Lucy answered. "Cause that's what's on the menu." Bobby's eyes lit up.

"I'm so hungry I'm ready to eat my badge." Jack joked. Steve rolled his eyes with a grin.

"Well, everything's ready." Mark announced. After asking, Sue blessed the food and prayed for guidance for all of them. Everyone was in the sitting room, eating away and discussing the new information that the guys had found at the police station. Unfortunately, Lucy and Tara hadn't been so lucky when they went back to the hotel. They had nothing new to report. They were enjoying their delicious meal when Levi paced back and forth at the French patio doors and started barking.

"Will someone please tell that mutt to not speak unless spoken to?" Myles muttered.

"What is it, Levi?" Sue asked.

"I think he hears something." Jack remarked, standing up. He slowly opened the door. "Steve? Bobby?" He spoke in hushed tones. "I hear footsteps, and they're on your property! Very slow footsteps too." Steve immediately rose to his feet and pulled out his gun. He came behind Jack.

"Ganz? Leland? You take the front and make your way towards the patio down the walkway." Steve ordered. "Manning, you cover the downstairs." Bobby nodded, and also pulled out his gun, along with Myles and Dimitrius.

"I'll cover from here." Tara stated, touching her holster. Sue pulled Levi back toward her.

"Right." Steve agreed. "Jack and I will make our way from here. Let's go, Jack." The two men crept out onto the patio and down the stairs. "You hear that?"

"Yep." Jack nodded. They'd just reached the awning at the bottom of the driveway when they saw two figures in the vines' and leaves' shadows. Steve and Jack aimed their guns.

"Police! Freeze!" Steve barked.

"FBI! Freeze!" Myles and Dimitrius yelled from behind the suspects, also aiming their firearms.

"Get your hands up where I can see them." Steve growled. The sound of plastic bags collapsing down on the concrete reached their ears. "Come out of there." The two intruders stepped forward into the evening sunlight.

"What?" Jack sputtered with furrowed brows when he recognized the identities of the 'prowlers'.

Steve huffed heavily, lowering his gun. "Jess, Amanda!" He sighed in exasperation. "What are you doing here?"

"We thought we'd join the party." Jessie answered casually.

"And offer our services." Amanda added.

"I told you guys later. Not tonight." Steve protested, slipping his gun back into the holster.

"This is later." Amanda said. She'd been around Steve too long to be intimidated by his cold cop manner, which she knew she could worm her way around.

"Do they always drop in on you unannounced like this?" Jack asked, putting his gun back too.

"More often than I'd like." Steve said sarcastically. Jessie and Amanda retrieved the bags. Myles clicked his gun.

"Hey!" Jack called.

Dimitrius rolled his eyes and gripped the muzzle of Myles' gun. "Myles, what are you doing?" He asked in annoyance and amusement. "Put that thing away." Myles pursed his lips. "What's the matter with you anyway?"

"Well, don't look at me." Myles shrugged, as they walked along. "I mean look at him: that stature. With his back turned to us and when I heard prowling footsteps, I thought my worst nightmare had come true and Howie had actually followed us here!" Jack snickered, shaking his head and so did Dimitrius.

"Hey, take it easy, Agent Leland." Jessie said. "We brought dinner."


So, the group grew and feasted on a good home cooked meal and fast food takeout. Mark filled Jessie and Amanda in on Howard Lance. "Mmm! So we're getting close!" Jessie exclaimed.

"Not quite." Dimitrius calmly interjected. "Yes, we have two main pieces of the puzzle in place, but we still don't know where they're striking from or and why White is developing more vigor."

"Well, it may not lead us to an address exactly," Tara spoke up, "but I'm keeping a sharp eye on White's credit card record. Mr. Westhoff gave me permission to access it."

"You mean hack it?" Jessie asked in surprise.

"Well, it's not really hacking if you've got permission." Tara answered. "Now I can see each and every move Mr. White makes with his handy little pocket side-kick. If anything peculiar comes up, we will be the first to know."

"Very efficient of you, Miss Williams." Steve remarked.

"You're good." Amanda added.

"Thanks." Tara cocked her head.


Sue and Levi stole away quietly after a while and just enjoyed the magnificent view of the ocean while standing out on the patio. The sun was setting and it was a beautiful sight, and one that Sue was enjoying immensely. She'd never been this far west and she decided to soak up every minute of this serenity. Jack showed up to her side. "What do you think?" He asked.

"Oh," Sue sighed deeply, "it's...it's beautiful. You know I'm happy in Washington, but a moment like this is something I'm not likely to see more than once in a lifetime."

"Yeah." Jack smiled, revealing his perfect white teeth. But he found himself gazing more at the woman in front of him than the massive body of water in his peripheral vision. Her blonde hair tousled in the wind and her soft brown eyes held a peaceful, other world look. Jack wished they weren't on such a spur of the moment tranquility or he might...just might've gathered enough courage to say what was on his mind. His heart burned at the moment the more he thought on what a remarkable, caring person Sue was and how much he...how much he wanted to be an important part of her life: not as just a good friend, but more...much more!

Sue strongly felt Jack's presence, unlike any she'd ever had with any other human being. She always felt that way when he was near, even when they bickered. There was no doubt he was dashingly good-looking, and very good at his job, but there was so much more to him than that. Jack was a Godly, caring, sincere man, and a great guy. His career was more than a job to him, it was part of who he was and he demonstrated that by the way he treated people, and the way...yes, the way he'd treated her since that fateful day when she'd mistakenly walked into his office. Sometimes they had been rude or strongly in disagreement with each other, but the point was that Jack was humble and admitted when he was wrong, and he wasn't often wrong about much. He was just so...so sincere, so full of integrity, a deep earnestness Sue could read and feel, especially when she looked deeply into his dark eyes. Her heart longed passionately at the moment the more she reflected on what a neat, wonderful guy Jack was and how much she...how much she wanted to be an important part of his life: not just as a good listener, but more...much more!

"I doubt we'll get a chance like this again." Jack stated when she looked back at him, after he'd shaken himself out of his trance.

"Well, it you're right, then that will make this all the more special, don't you think?" Sue smiled.

"Mmm." Jack nodded. He was unaware that two pairs of dark, beautiful, but overly curious eyes were watching his and Sue's exchange from the window.


Lucy and Amanda had hit it right off. They were almost like twins, especially in their caring, but very witty, no-nonsense, self-assured mannerisms. At this moment, Lucy had stolen away from the group and was watching her favorite 'couple' gazing out at the sea. She was smiling in satisfaction when a fairly new but welcome voice spoke behind her. "So," Amanda asked slyly, "what's the scoop on those two?" Lucy turned to her new friend and grinned widely.

"Ah, couldn't be better." Lucy answered in delight.

"So, are Jack and Sue dating?"

"No, well-yes, no-ah! They insist on following the bureau's policy of not dating a member of your own unit, but...they always manage to end up together anyway."

"So...they really do like each other?" Amanda asked smugly.

"Mmm!" Lucy nodded.

"Have they told each other that?"

"Oh, gracious, no! They deny it, they evade it, they act casual about it, but I know what's going on!"

"I can see they definitely have a thing."

"Take another look, girlfriend," Lucy playfully corrected her. "That's way more than a thing...that's love!"

"They certainly look like they're meant for each other." Amanda said wistfully.

"I knew that the first time I saw them together. But they seem to have the hardest time just coming out and admitting their feelings. I feel like I'm always the one having to take the lead and give them a push because they won't do anything about it."

"Maybe being in all this irresistible California beauty will change that." Amanda remarked.

"That's what I'm counting on!" Lucy exclaimed.


"Well, I think I'd better go back in and make sure Myles hasn't put Dr. Travis in a straight jacket." Jack chuckled. Sue grinned.

"He is pretty energetic, isn't he?" She laughed, thinking of the very friendly, zealous ER doctor they'd met only this afternoon. Jack showed his shiny teeth.

"You coming?"

"Just give me a few."

"Sure." Jack nodded, understanding that she wanted to enjoy a little longer sentimental view of the ocean. He walked back inside where Myles and Bobby were arguing over the precise details about a past case, which was amusing entertainment for Dimitrius-who personally knew the real story-Jessie, and Steve.

"What do you think, boy?" Sue looked down at Levi who barked, then raised his front paws up on the railing. "Yeah. I agree!" Sue nodded with a smile and hugged her companion. She didn't realize that Mark was beside her, also leaning on the rail.

"You ever been to the beach before?" He asked. Levi nudged her arm towards Mark's direction, and she faced him.

"Oh, Doct...er, Mark. Hi." She smiled, wide-eyed in surprise. "I didn't even know you were here."

"Hope I didn't scare you." Mark smiled back.

"Startled me a little." Sue nodded.

"So, I asked if you've ever been to the beach before?"

"No, this is my very first time. I've always wanted to though. Never imagined it would be through these circumstances."

"Oh, tell me about it!" Mark agreed. "You know, it seems like in life that we meet the most remarkable people through the most unexpected, sometimes bizarre situations." Sue nodded.

"Some of them, outcasts even, or some others thought were crazy have actually turned out to be helpful in our investigations-in ways we didn't realize at first-, and have much more potential than most people would believe at first sight." Sue gazed thoughtfully at the older man with twinkling eyes. She understood perfectly what he was talking about. Oh, how well she understood it. She'd been through it herself, and that's what made her so easily able to notice it in other people. She wasn't sure why this doctor whom she'd first met almost twelve hours ago was bringing up this particular subject, but she already felt a deep respect for him.

"I know." Sue murmured softly. "I know. I've met some people like that." She was thinking of Howie Fines, and how badly the guys had wanted to pull him from the team as an FBI snitch because they were fed up with his over zealous nature to gain acceptance; she thought of Troy, all the twists and possibilities of doubt over his cooperation when he'd been pulled into the team to help them catch Vince Toma; her heart went out to Brian Guthrie, a strange, withdrawn guy who'd been framed and arrested for murdering Liz Bradley the well-known investigative journalist; she was thankful she'd obeyed her own individual instincts in the case of Carol Collins, her deaf friend who was suspected of murdering her husband for abusing her; and Sue would always remember amnesia-stricken Jonathan Hammond, the questionable anonymous informant who'd let Sue and the team know about a plot against the country but because of his mental injury had almost been totally put away for committing the treacherous crime!

All of those people were at least no longer in those unpleasant situations...thanks to Sue. She'd given them a chance to prove the truth and had taken a long shot call in believing them, which to her credit had ended up in the team's favor. Most of the said individuals would've easily been tossed aside, and some even in jail for things they hadn't done, because they appeared either not worth the time of day or just clear open shut. But since Sue had understood completely what it was like to be treated inferior and not listened to properly, it had filled her with compassion to look beyond these souls' outward and possibly conclusive appearances and explore their inner characters more in depth.

Sue started telling Mark about her friends who'd been outcasts and how working with the FBI had helped improve their lives. Of course, she didn't give herself much credit, but she didn't really have to. There was something about this young woman, a strong compassion and sense of justice that Mark could sense through his brilliant intellect. The way she described the unfortunate situations with such sympathy for those people, Mark could tell that she was responsible in a large part for helping them improve their situations. Sue finally went silent.

"And how about you?" Mark asked.

"Excuse me?" Sue furrowed her brows.

"How about you?" Mark repeated himself. "I'm sure you've had your share of being treated and looked on as 'different'."

Sue stared intently at him. "You're very insightful, Dr. Sloan." She sighed heavily. "Yes. Not everyone has always treated people like me as nicely as you have. As decently as my friends have. I can't imagine where I'd be right now without them."

"How did you end up working for the FBI...Sue?" Mark asked directly.

"My parents decided not to let my disability control my life." Sue explained. "They wanted me to have as normal a life as possible. Even now, that's not really possible. To some people, I may seem normal enough but it's not as easy as it looks."

"I have to admit, you make it look like it's nothing." Mark stated. "But that's because I'm not in your shoes." Sue chuckled and shook her head.

"Well, my parents did put me through school and college, and all of us, including myself, wanted me to make my own way in the world. Wanted me to do something important with my life. We heard that the FBI needed new people to help with cases, so I applied. Turned out they wanted people with disabilities, people like me, in the 'special project' system."

"Special project?" Mark inquired.

"A lower class token position for people who are different." Sue rolled her eyes. "Now my parents and I have not always seen eye to eye on things in life, but I knew they'd feel deeply insulted, and so did I after all the hard work we put into trying to make me 'normal' in the hearing world. So I asked for a transfer."

"And they gave it to you, just like that as an investigative analyst FBI agent?" Mark raised his eyebrows.

"No," Sue answered slyly. "Jack did."

"Jack? Agent Hudson?"

"Mmm-hmm." Sue nodded with wide smile, and her face glowed as she said it. Being trained and instinctive in observation, Mark grinned when he noticed the gleam in her eyes. "I met Jack, and he chose to look beyond the surface and gave me a chance to prove myself. God's helped me a lot. It hasn't been an easy road. Jack's been the best coach I've ever had, and I guess he knew what he was doing, 'cause I'm still at the FBI!"

"Well, I can tell you from personal observation, he did know what he was doing!" Mark smiled widely.

"You're very flattering, Mark." Sue chided.

"It's not flattery," Mark retorted. "I mean it. Take my word, I'm a doctor, and I don't pinpoint talent unless I see it." He touched Sue's shoulder. "Sue, you're bright, you care about the people you help, you're sincere, and you care about what's right. Those are decent qualities that a place like the FBI could use. You have an amazing ability, honey, a gift to read lips, and look at how many lives you've helped save through your deafness. You know, God has surely turned your adversity into something good! Heck, I don't know how we would've solved this case this far if it wasn't for you!"

Sue smiled. "You mean it wasn't for us." She corrected him. "We're a team, Mark. And I was just going to say the same about you: if it wasn't for your keen instincts in pointing out White in those crowds, we might've never knew for sure that he was here. You've helped us in solving this case in ways we never even expected! You've helped us gain more insight that we didn't realize we had. God had you at the right place, at exactly the right time when we didn't even know how much we were going to need your help personally. I don't believe coincidences like that are left to mere chance."

"Neither do I." Mark smiled warmly. They were both silent for a few moments then Sue spoke up.

"It must be hard on you." She remarked.

"What?" Mark stared at her confused.

"Is it scary, knowing your son is a police officer and knowing what a dangerous job he has?" Sue asked. Mark drew in a breath. Oh, how it was scary for him...terrifying really, of all the possible ways Steve could die on the job and at times almost had! He tried not to let that fear consume him, especially every morning when he watched his son walk out the door off to work, but he couldn't help meditating on it often and trying to prepare himself in case something did happen. Yet he was never fully prepared whenever he received a call that Steve was hurt.

"Oohh," Mark sighed, "is it ever. I try not to dwell on it, and just enjoy every good day we have together. But...sometimes I can't shake off the feeling of dread." Sue stared sympathetically at the elder gentleman.

"I've found that saying a prayer can usually help with that." She commented.

"I have too. But the feeling still creeps up on me at times." Mark said.

"I'm sure it does." Sue remarked. "But it must make you feel extra blessed the way you're able to work so closely together in your jobs." Mark smiled fondly.

"Yes, more than you know."

"Well, I guess we should go back in?" Sue suggested.

"Sure." Mark replied and they both entered the beach house. They were catching the end of a very lively conversation.

"I'm just innovated." Bobby shrugged, and walked away to get some more soda.

"Innovating?" Jack blurted out, with a sneaky look in his eyes. "Is that what you call it...Crash?"

"Crash?" Jessie and Steve asked together.

"Did he just call him Crash?" Mark repeated.

"Nobody told you? That's his nickname." Dimitrius chuckled.

"Eh-huh." Jack smirked. "Earned every letter of it."

"Sounds kind of drastic to me." Jessie stated.

"It's not what you think, Dr. Travis." Lucy said. Jack stood up, proud to be the spokesperson.

"He was fresh from Quantico, just received his first bureau issued car." Jack began.

"It was a nice car too." Bobby shook his head with an embarrassed grin.

"And within forty-five minutes...he totaled it!" Jack finished. Steve rolled his eyes while Jessie and Mark cringed.

"To the top of the bureau record I'd say." Myles spoke up.

"I've heard enough." Jessie said pitifully.

"Yeah, well, don't forget about your own top embarrassing moment...Sparky." Sue said smugly at Jack.

"Oh, yeah, I want to hear that one." Steve grinned.

"Not today!" Jack protested, making everyone laugh.

"Please, if it involves a car I can't take anymore." Jessie begged.

"Thank you!" Jack sputtered.


That night, at the hotel and the beach house, the entire crime-solving crews couldn't help feeling blessed. This was more than just partnering with joint career members to accomplish a mission: they couldn't help feeling that they'd made some new, dear friends. There was just something about the warmth, the friendly teasing, the openness of their true characters-flaws and all-, the obvious pulling together of these people that made it impossible to believe they could be anything but genuine. Steve felt so much less uptight about working with the FBI agents, especially Jack and Bobby-though they hadn't reached any real drama yet-. Somehow he just knew that he could trust them. Lucy had found an obvious new friend and conspirator in Amanda, and everyone hoped that Jessie's vibrant personality might grow on Myles' pompous manner. Sue noticed that they'd all treated her respectfully, and just as openly and lovingly as her closest friends on the team. Sue felt a deep admiration and respect growing for Mark. His genuine curiosity, his powerful, soulful human insight, and desire to help people shone in the way he treated everyone he met, and she couldn't help feeling that she'd just discovered another golden nugget friend to add to her collection and she made up her mind to stay in contact with the good doctor even after this was all over. The way they'd all enjoyed themselves tonight at Mark and Steve's house, it was as if they'd all known each other for years. In fact, it was hard to believe that they hadn't.

I have a feeling these are the beginnings of some beautiful friendships, Mark thought to himself.


This is before Troy Story in Sue Thomas FBEye when Darcy left for Los Angeles and Bobby became more open about his feelings for Tara. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I just couldn't wait any longer to get the whole gang to the beach house and seal their friendship!

Hey, don't worry. The drama is coming!