This chapter was soo hard to piece together, but I hope you really like it, especially since Sue and the team are heading back home very soon. This chapter gives references to STFBEYE episodes The Signing, Greed, Cold Case, and Elvis is in the Building, and DM episode Trapped in Paradise. I've been looking forward to sharing this chapter with you guys almost from the beginning of the story!
Jack and his team had four days left before they were to fly back home to DC, so they were busy trying to get ready, as well as making the most of the rest of their trip. Mark and the others still had their jobs to do, but they made efforts to try to spend time with their new found friends before they departed. As a matter of fact, Captain Newman ordered Steve to take some vacation, after all his hard work in capturing Jeffrey White. Cheryl had also been granted a break from work.
Lucy was still subconsciously edgy, especially if she had to sit still for an extended period of time. The longest she would stay in a chair was fifteen minutes, then she would just have to get up and walk around. Sue was anxious about this, and hoped that Lucy would recover soon, especially when they got back on the job. She asked Mark about it and he told her that Lucy might be more relaxed once they were back home, in a familiar, safe environment. Sue hoped that he was right. Nevertheless, Lucy was still Lucy Dotson, and she made that very clear every time she decided to have a little fun at the guys' expense!
Jack was still not totally back in shape yet, but still, Mark and Jessie were impressed by how quickly he was returning to normal health. Mark, Amanda, and Delores sensed that it was more than just the pretty beach and outdoors that was nursing his spirit: it was a certain someone, someone a while ago Jack had thought he'd lost forever. His cheerfulness and constant smile wasn't lost by his team either. They spoke in whispers about it and everyone waited with baited breath for Jack to make an announcement.
Steve and Mark couldn't believe how mentally and emotionally rested they felt now that Jeffrey White was in custody. They hadn't realized just how much it had been taking up their energy. And the headlines took into consideration how many women felt safe to venture out on the street again.
Though they were grateful he hadn't been hurt worse, everyone couldn't help teasing Bobby about how he'd ended up twice in the ER already during this trip, both times for his hand. Jessie said that his left hand was unlucky.
The team was eating lunch at BBQ Bob's, Steve's treat. They had to admit, they couldn't seem to get enough of those incredible ribs, or at least that was Levi's opinion. "Hey, you ever come to our side of the ocean we'll take you to Slappy Joe's. They've got the best French fries you could ever ask for." Jack stated.
"I'll keep that in mind." Steve said. "So, I've been really curious, how do you and the DEA work together? You see them as friends or foes?"
"All depends on the circumstances." Dimitrius answered.
"Honey, don't forget. You're taking me shopping after lunch. You promised!" Donna reminded.
"Don't worry, honey. I did not forget!" Dimitrius answered in amused but genuine timidity.
"They say we're all one the same side," Myles remarked, "but most of the time it's so hard to tell who's side they're really on."
"Uh-huh. And how would you know, coach?" Bobby teased. "When you assigned us to carry back the victory from our unworthy opponents, you didn't even stick around for the finish."
Myles stared at him. "I beg your pardon." He retorted. "It was thanks to my brilliant strategy in using Thomas as our secret weapon that we rescued Myrtle's girdle from those pathetic G-man wannabes from the DEA!"
"Yeah, how could you miss it, from the back of your eyelids?" Jack grinned.
"Hey, I saw the winning move!" Myles argued. "But still, if I hadn't recruited her to read the lips of those DEA ne'er-do-wells, she never would've made that great save!"
"Ha! If my memory is correct, you were the one who told her stay in the Gatorade brigade so she'd be out of the way." Lucy rolled her eyes. Steve was completely lost and felt invisible. All he'd done was ask a question. He'd had no intention of starting a private war, though he had to admit it was very entertaining.
"Uh, guys…" He chuckled, trying to divert their attention, but they didn't hear him. Only Sue and Levi looked at him. "Will someone please explain what's going on?!" Steve bellowed, acting like a sports coach.
"We were just talking about the time we had a football game against the DEA." Jack said. "Myles used Sue to read the lips of the opponents, and she blocked their winning throw, that's how we won the game!"
"Mmm." Steve raised his eyebrows. "Nice work, Thomas."
"Myles was so busy worrying about where the ball was going that he didn't keep his eyes on where his feet were running." Bobby grinned evilly. "He ran smack dab into one of the poles and collapsed just before the winning shot was called."
"Ooo. That's not very supportive of you, Leland." Steve joked. Myles glared.
"Once again my cocky support staff has misinformed you, Lt. Which shouldn't come as a surprise since they are notoriously famous for stretching the truth..." Myles boasted.
"Blah, blah, blah…." Lucy rolled her eyes.
"I did run into a post, but I did not drop until I saw that we outdid those DEA reprobates, brilliantly, strategically, and if I may say-not to brag-, most efficiently. Thanks to the mastermind behind the stratagem." Myles smirked.
"Yeah, well..." Jack shrugged. "Just make sure that the IRS doesn't count this excursion against you when they go over your tax records next time." He eyed Myles sneakily.
"Hee, hee, hee!" Bobby squeaked cheekily.
"Okay, what am I missing?" Steve asked, sitting back in his chair.
"You wanna tell him that, Myles?" Lucy smiled, the smile that cut Myles to the quick.
"Ahem, if you'll excuse me." Myles grunted, rising from his seat and leaving the room.
"Did the IRS get him good, or something?" Steve asked, leaning in closer after Myles departed.
"Ohhhh, yes." Lucy giggled.
"In fact, the guy just walked right into our office and confronted Myles at his own desk." Dimitrius smiled.
"He said Myles was being audited, four years' worth of receipts and paperwork to be submitted on demand, on the spot!" Lucy cheered, clearly enjoying herself. "The guy said Myles had missed the three notices they'd sent him in the mail. Myles was furious, and so dumbfounded."
"Yeah, especially when the guy started to remove his shoes!" Jack snickered, shaking with laughter.
"Whoa." Steve raised his eyebrows. "That doesn't sound good. But can someone tell me how he's still an FBI agent after that mess? Was someone hacking into his financial life and fixed up a discrepancy?" Everybody snorted with laughter. "What? What am I missing?" Steve furrowed, the apparent joke still not clicking. All the FBI members looked directly at Sue, who smiled sheepishly. "Wait a minute..." Steve looked up at the ceiling. "You had a hand in it, didn't you?" Sue shrugged.
"The IRS deputy was really an employee from the Department of Transportation." Dimitrius said. "Sue set the whole thing up as a payback to Myles." Steve couldn't help laughing.
"Oh, you should've been there." Lucy chimed in. "The look on his face when he realized how much he'd been taken..."
"Another moment I will regret forever that I did not have on video." Bobby mock pouted.
"Well, I'll say one thing: that's one for the books, Thomas." Steve commented. Sue just smiled back.
Since they only had a few days left before heading back home, part of the team decided to pay another visit to Community General with Steve. It had become their 'tourists' bullpen' while in LA. They walked into the lounge and made themselves comfortable. "I'm gonna kind of miss this cozy little place when we leave." Bobby commented, acting like he was seeing the room for the first time. "It's become kind of like a home away from home to me."
"Catching, isn't it?" Steve smiled.
"Oh, hi." Mark and Amanda said in surprise as they came in.
"Hey." Steve replied.
"Glad to see you here, Jack...er, not as a patient." Amanda said.
"Yeah, me too." Jack smiled. "And you'll be receiving a payment for my hospital stay soon, Mark."
"Oh, don't worry about that." Mark shook his head.
Amanda sat down. "By the way, has anyone been able to decipher how Jeffrey White picked out his victims? I still haven't been able to wrap my head around that one." She commented as she took a sip of coffee.
"Well, from what we all observed, and the full confession that White mouthed off, he just chose them at random." Steve said in disgust.
"Yeah, when he lurked around at the press releases of the crime scenes where he left his victims," Tara explained, "he was looking around for any young, attractive, impressionable women in the crowd. Once he saw one, he followed her."
"Found out where she lived, her daily route, and waited for the right moment." Bobby snarled.
"And I'm guessing if she had a hooked boyfriend, her criteria qualified just what White wanted to see." Amanda grumbled.
"That about sums it up." Steve glared.
"He was trying to send out a message that all women are back-stabbers." Mark sighed.
"Well, I wouldn't quite go to such drastic measures as he did," Myles spoke up sarcastically, "but-I'm only speaking from personal experience-some women have been known to..."
"Don't you even say it!" Lucy snapped. "And if I daresay, they usually have a provocative to drive them to spurning."
"You know, I'm actually gonna miss you guys dropping by here when you leave." Amanda said wistfully.
"Well, thank you, ma'am." Bobby smiled. "Thank you very much." Tara grinned widely.
"I'm gonna miss it too." She said. Just then, the overhead intercom was calling for Amanda.
"Oh, excuse me. I'm needed in pathology." Amanda sighed.
"Anyone we know?" Myles quipped.
"Arrghh. You are so warped." Jack cringed.
"I'll catch you guys in a bit." Amanda said.
"Okay." Sue nodded. Myles followed Amanda to her path lab.
"He's graduated from Myles the Merciless to Myles the Morbid." Dimitrius commented.
"Must be that blue-blood PHD ancestry on his father's side." Bobby said.
"Amanda's right." Mark said. "Personally, I'm gonna miss you guys hanging around too." Levi covered his nose with his paw.
"Levi says that you're not the only one." Sue murmured. "We've enjoyed working with you too. If it hadn't been for you, we might never have found White."
"It was our pleasure." Steve smiled. "Well, I mean...you know what I mean."
"I'm trying to." Jack said cautiously, again feeling a hot flash when he saw Steve smile at Sue the same way he had when they'd first met.
"It's good to see you all again, but I'm afraid I've got some patients to see." Mark said. "But I'll catch you before you leave."
"Sure thing." Tara nodded.
"I wanted to assure you that we weren't pawning off on your generosity." Jack said. "You will be getting paid for all the excellent care you gave me."
"Don't worry about it." Mark said as he walked out. "Whoops! Sorry, Jessie."
"Aw, think nothing of it." Jessie shrugged as he made a rapid turnaround and twirled into the lounge. "Hey, look who's here! Hey, guys. What's up? Got another case?" His eyes lit up.
"Not this time, Jess. So you can wipe that hungry smile off your face." Steve said. Jessie frowned at him. Levi wagged his tail and cheerfully trotted to the young ER doctor. Jessie laughed and knelt down to pet him.
"Aw, hi there, buddy." Jessie smiled. "You know, things are gonna be so dull around here when you leave. I'll miss you." Levi covered his nose again.
"I think Levi's found a new pen-pal." Sue smiled.
"Really? Can I?" Jessie asked.
"Sure." Sue said. "Here. Just send me a message and I'll send you our address." She handed him her business card.
"Thanks a lot." Jessie beamed. "So, what brings you all here?"
"Just hanging around." Tara remarked, cocking her head.
"Well, you're welcome any time."
"Thanks." Tara grinned. Norman Briggs, Mark, and Delores all entered the lounge at the same time as Lucy left to fetch Myles.
"Ah-ha." Norman smiled. "Lt. Sloan, Dr. Travis. Just the people I want to see."
"I swear I didn't do it!" Jessie raised his hands in surrender.
"Didn't do what, Dr. Travis?" Norman asked suspiciously.
"Uh, err...well, nothing I guess." Jessie bit his lip.
"What can we do for you, Norman?" Steve asked with his arms folded.
"You two gentlemen are to be dressed in tuxedos on Wednesday night, the night of our charity fundraiser for the children's wing here at the hospital." Norman said.
"Oh, now look, Norman." Steve began to protest. "I know what a worthwhile cause it is, but..."
"No buts. You're going." Norman said.
"I'll have to check my schedule..." Jessie added.
"I've already done that." Norman cut him off. "You are both going to be there. You don't have a choice."
"Dad," Steve whined, looking to Mark for a rescue.
"Steve, it's all for a good cause." Mark smiled. Delores burst out laughing. Jack and the others just sat there watching with interest and confusion.
"You two handsome boys are gonna be prize prospects in our Eligible Bachelor Auction Gala to raise money for the children's wing." Delores smiled smugly, putting her hands on their shoulders. Jack and the others laughed and clapped their hands. Steve's and Jessie's jaws dropped.
"We're what?!" Steve growled in horror.
"Really?" Jessie raised his eyebrows.
"Congratulations, mates." Bobby cheered, though he could see it was only ticking Steve off more. "Welcome to society."
"Hey, you're not alone. You'll survive." Jack said.
"I am NOT doing any such ludicrous thing!" Steve argued.
"Yes you are, Steve. We've already recruited you." Norman said dryly. "The auction bids from the lovely ladies have already been pouring in, the polls are still open, and all our tickets have completely sold out."
Steve rubbed his temples with his hand. "Someone got an Excedrin handy?" He groaned pitifully. "I think I feel a migraine coming on."
"Quit squawking, you'll live." Jack said.
"Easy for you to say." Steve pursed his lips.
"Well, I am already spoken for," Jessie stated.
"There, you see?" Steve piped up.
"But on the other hand, Steve. It's not the end of the world." Jessie grinned. Steve rolled his eyes.
"So I have to dress up in a monkey suit, choking and roasting the whole time, and on top of that, I'm to be paraded around like a prize hog or a museum piece to the highest bidder." Steve snarled.
"I wish you wouldn't take on such a morbid viewpoint, Lt. Sloan." Norman muttered. "Community General, the good of our children is depending on it! I think you could show some more cooperation! I will expect no less." He huffed. "And by the way, the cameraman is here waiting for you." He turned to leave.
"What cameraman?" Steve hollered with his arms spread out in frustration.
"The man who is to present your planned date for the lucky lady." Delores announced, smiling.
"Sounds cool." Jessie smiled.
"I am NOT doing this!" Steve declared, hands on hips, and putting on his best, fiercest cold cop stare. However, Norman, Delores, Jessie, and Mark all remained undeterred.
"Aw, come on, mate." Bobby said casually. "Where's your generosity? Where's your civic duty?"
"You stay out of this." Steve glared.
"Come on, Steve. It's only one night." Mark chuckled.
"Dad, I'm not gonna do it." Steve said stubbornly.
"Come on, for the sake of the children."
"No." Steve persisted, already developing that sinking feeling that no matter how intimidating he tried to be, he was losing this battle, especially when he looked at his jovial father, who at times was impossible to say no to.
"Discussion's over." Norman said flatly and walked out of the lounge.
"Why don't I just shoot you, Norman?" Steve barked after him.
"Ooo. Steve." Mark cringed, shaking his head.
"You can't!" Norman hollered. "It's not tax exempt!"
"Whew." Jessie blew out a breath. "I think you offended him." He said to Steve.
"An Eligible Bachelor Auction, and a gala." Tara mentioned thoughtfully. "Sounds exciting." She gave her friends a knowing look and they all returned it with glee.
"Oh, don't tell me you're actually looking forward to this, Jess!" Steve groaned.
"Think about it. Might be fun." Jessie shrugged. "A chance to be the sole philanthropist of the whole affair. And, the patients-the kids-are the ones who benefit from it more than anyone else!"
"I'm not convinced." Steve muttered. "If you ever quit the medical profession, Jess, don't try to become a salesman. It's a dead end."
"I couldn't agree more." Myles said cockily as he appeared. "Well spoken, Sloan. I couldn't have said it better myself."
"What's this?" Jessie gaped innocently. "Who asked him to butt in?"
"Relax, baby." Delores chuckled. "It will all be over before you know it."
"Uh-huh." Steve said skeptically.
"Steve, calm down. It won't hurt a bit." Mark smiled warmly.
"Sure, Dad. Sure."
"Now I think I know who is the brains behind this." Dimitrius whispered to Sue and she smiled.
"Brilliant idea, don't you think?" Delores asked Mark.
"I think it is." Bobby nodded, enjoying watching Steve's face turn all colors.
"And who is the feather brained idiot that came up with that idea?" Steve grumbled.
"Ahem! I believe she's right here, Lt. Sloan." Lucy said dangerously as she came around from behind him. Steve just froze, wide-eyed and felt his face grow hot with incredible embarrassment.
"Oh, I...I, uh..." He stammered. "I...I wasn't talking about you! I...I was…I mean...I thought..." Lucy smirked at him, squinting.
"Oh, it's okay. Really! No harm, no foul." Lucy said casually, yet her tone didn't put Steve at ease at all. Her smile was too bright, staring him in the face too hard, triggering the uneasy feeling that he wasn't off the hook. "So, they know now?"
"Know what?" Amanda asked curiously. The gloating faces from her elder friends, and Steve's peeved expression answered her question. "Oh!" She exclaimed. "So, they know!"
"Have you talked to Susan about this?" Jessie whispered to Amanda.
"Who? Me?" She feigned innocence.
"Looks like I'm out numbered." Steve groaned. "If I'm gonna make a fool of myself, I guess I better do it right."
"Look, take it easy." Jack spoke up.
"Well, I would've expected some sympathy from at least you!" Steve huffed with his hands on his hips.
"There's nothing to it, mate." Bobby said casually. "Take it from those who know, it's no worse than having a tooth pulled." He and Jack knew exactly how Steve felt, but they were taking the opportunity to poke fun because this time they weren't the ones who had to go through it.
"How would you know?" Steve snapped.
"It just so happens that our three eligible FBI bachelor boys fell victim to the same con game a few years ago." Sue explained. The others raised their eyebrows.
"What?" Steve sputtered.
"No." Jessie smiled.
"Oh, yes!" Jack exclaimed. "It was humiliating."
"For you, very interesting for me." Bobby said.
"How about you, Myles?" Mark patted him on the shoulder.
"Uh...uh, ahem. If you'd like some tips on how to really draw in the money, I'd be happy to advise you, Lt." Myles said quickly, changing the subject. All of his FBI members laughed heartily and Levi barked.
"Ooo. Someone's got you good." Jessie squinted at Myles.
"It was all Lucy's idea." Delores said, wrapping her arm around her.
"You should've seen the look on Norman's face when she told him." Amanda smirked.
"The minute she gave the details of your all's gala turned out, Mr. Briggs ate it right up!" Delores continued. "And I am looking forward to it myself."
"Oh, me too!" Amanda grinned.
"Total black tie." Tara grinned. Steve cringed. He hated dressing up, especially for ritzy affairs as the said gala.
"Dad, you knew about this didn't you?" Steve accused him.
"Mph." Mark nodded.
"How am I ever gonna live this down?" Steve moaned pathetically.
"You won't." Bobby smiled.
"Oh, ho, ho. Don't think you're gonna get off Scott Free." Lucy looked directly at him. Bobby froze.
"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked worriedly.
"Oh, nothing." Lucy said sneakily. She, Delores, and Amanda all left the room, laughing like school girls, satsified that their plot had turned out so good.
"Those three are ruthless." Jessie pointed out.
"I'll say!" Mark agreed.
"Oh, now you're on my side." Steve shook his head, then looked at his FBI friends. "You all are going to be there with me!" He threatened. "You are not letting me down this one, or I might take you out." Bobby just smiled and looked down at Levi.
"Moral support does wonders." Tara stated.
"Hey, buck up, mate." Bobby grinned. "After all, it's for a good cause."
"Remember, it's all for the children." Sue smiled.
The night of the bachelor auction gala arrived too quickly for Steve. The FBI guys were gleefully sitting back on the side lines, thankful that they were not the contestants. Steve grumbled the whole time, though he looked especially dapper all dressed up. Jessie was being a good sport, though he was very curious if Susan was gonna turn out to be his lucky lady, and dreading what would happen if she wasn't! Sue and Jack sat next to each other at the finely decorated table. He thought she looked extra beautiful tonight in her royal blue dress. Steve constantly tugged at his bow tie, fidgeting. "You all right, Steve?" Mark asked him.
"Noo." Steve growled, squirming. "I'm choking to death." Everyone chuckled. "And sweating to death."
"You sure you're not feverish?" Jessie teased, feeling his forehead. Steve smacked his hand away.
"Would you just..." he huffed. "I wish I was. It'd be more pleasant than this. I'd rather chase a gang down a dark alley than sit around looking pretty in this monkey suit."
"Would you just relax?" Amanda scolded with a smile. "You're more fussy than CJ when I have to brush his teeth."
"At least CJ can get away with tantrum throwing." Steve rolled his eyes.
"Aw, come on now. Don't be a spoil sport." Bobby grinned his cheesy smile.
"Yeah, Levi seems to be enjoying the festivities." Dimitrius pointed out and they all looked at the happy Golden, licking clean his plate of catered food.
"Well, yeah, at least when you throw in rubber chicken and powder potatoes," Jack said.
"Let's just hope he doesn't have indigestion in the middle of the night." Mark chuckled.
"Oh, he's had more elaborate food than this before." Sue shrugged.
"Well, Mr. Briggs seems to be having a good time." Lucy pointed out. Norman was greeting people at tables, a big smile on his face.
"Figures that he'd fall for a con game like this." Steve muttered.
"Anyone got any duct tape handy?" Susan Hilliard asked, everyone laughed...except Steve.
"I feel like a jerk. I'm gonna look so stupid." Steve complained.
"Why don't we just switch channels and pretend like he's not here." Jessie suggested.
Tara leaned over close to Steve. "Hey, stay calm. Personally, I think you look great." She whispered with a smile. That seemed to slightly penetrate through Steve's left-brained bluntness.
"You're just trying to butter me up." He slightly smiled.
"No, I mean really. You look...very...handsome." She cocked her head. Steve stared at her and smiled warmly.
"Well, thank you." He said smugly. Then he eyed her new black evening dress she'd purchased for the occasion-thanks to a shopping trip and advice from Amanda, Lucy, and Sue-. "You, uh...you don't look so bad tonight yourself." Steve said, then inwardly he kicked himself. Don't look so bad? Sloan, you dumbbell! She looks fabulous! What kind of idiot are you to say something that unflattering?!
"Oh. Thanks." Tara replied casually, but with that witty smile of hers.
"You know, we may have a hard time prying her away." Sue whispered to Jack. "I kind of hate to drag her home."
"She'll get over it." Jack said casually.
"You have no romance, you know that?" Sue teased.
"Hey! I've got plenty of romance!" Jack said defensively...a bit louder than he intended, earning him too many curious, stunned, eager faces around the table. Jack suddenly felt very flushed. Lucy smirked deliciously, and rested her chin on her hands. Jack loudly cleared his throat and gulped down some water. "Uh...thirsty." He pretended to pant. "Is...is it just me, or is it hot in here?"
"I thought I was the only one." Steve sighed.
"Oh, yeah. It's plenty hot in here." Bobby squinted evilly at his best friend. Jack glared and gulped some more water.
"You dehydrated, Jack?" Mark asked, feigning concern. He knew exactly what was giving the dashing agent hot flashes, and he wasn't the only one either.
"I'm fine." Jack gulped, then leaned in toward Sue. "All I'm saying, is just think of poor Stanley's feelings." Sue just smiled and slipped her hand into his underneath the white linen tablecloth.
"Oh, oops! I, uh...I dropped my fork." Jessie grinned sheepishly, pretending to be innocent. "I'll, uh...I'll just pick it up." He leaned down to try and see if Sue and Jack were holding hands.
"You know...whoops!" Bobby's jaw dropped. "What do you know? My spoon fell down! How could I be so clumsy?"
"Catching, isn't it?" Susan muttered sarcastically.
Bobby shook his head. "Mph. Bad manners, especially at a fancy dinner." Then he bent down to peeper also.
"Very bad manners." Steve added.
"Now, now, I think that's enough utensil slipping." Mark announced. "What if Norman catches you? He'll be dangerously offended."
"And with good reason." Myles added as he appeared.
"Myles, why are you always late?" Lucy scolded.
"Well, I did have to make sure I was attired and groomed appropriately." Myles cocked his head casually.
"Just remember, Lelandini, it's not you on the food shelf this time!" Jack rolled his eyes.
"Lelandini?" Mark, Jessie, Steve, and Amanda raised their eyebrows.
"It's all in the past." Myles said.
"Oh, he knows exactly what we're talking about!" Dimitrius laughed, gazing at Donna who gave him a knowing look.
"Mmm-hmm." Lucy nodded emphatically.
"What are you guys getting at?" Jessie asked. But before they could delightfully answer, Delores walked up to their table.
"Hey. Everyone having a good time?" She asked. She was dressed in a sparkly, sequined, deep purple evening gown with a white corsage and a very long, very large pearl necklace.
"Oh, we're having a very good time." Bobby answered ominously.
"Delores, you look beautiful tonight!" Mark exclaimed.
"Yes." Amanda agreed.
"The purple really suits you." Sue smiled.
"Thanks, honey." Delores smiled back. "Well, so far it's been a fabulous success. Bidding just closed, so now we get to count and find out who the lucky ladies are."
"Well, this is going to be interesting." Sue whispered to Jack.
"If they don't call your name," Jessie said to Susan, "then, Mark? You'd better be prepared to give me CPR!"
"And I'll help!" Steve responded.
"Calm down you guys." Mark laughed. "I don't think it'll come to that."
"So, Lelandini, huh?" Jessie raised his eyebrows, hoping to get some sweet revenge on Myles after all his picking on him.
"Yeah. What's that about?" Amanda asked. Before anyone could answer, Norman had reached the podium and was tapping the microphone to grab everyone's attention. He greeted everyone with a formal smile. The names of the bachelors and their dates were gradually exposed. Steve patted his face with a napkin the closer to the end of his speech Norman came.
"Are you okay, Steve?" Sue asked.
"Hey, it could be worse." Jack teased him, and Steve glared.
"How do you figure that?" Steve growled.
"He's saying at least you don't have a prowling lioness up there ready to eat you." Lucy smirked, glancing to Tara.
"Steve, you need to be calm and cool...like me." Jessie cocked his head proudly.
"I can go either way, depending heavily on what Mr. Briggs says about you." Susan warned Jessie. He gulped.
"And at last, we've come to our handsome, eligible, most generous, secret philanthropists from Community General Hospital." Norman announced.
"Oh, here it comes." Steve cringed.
"If you'd like to take a step outside and get a breath of fresh air, I'd be more than happy to take you." Myles said to him.
"Steve, just sit back and enjoy yourself." Mark said. Steve tugged nervously on his tie, looking and acting too much like a ten-year-old.
"First, our most bade for, vulnerable, sharp bachelor is..." Norman spoke. Steve squeezed his eyes shut, and grew tense, waiting for his doom. "Lt. Steven Sloan of the LAPD." The crowd cheered, and Levi barked cheerily, but Steve froze.
"You guys are gonna have to pry me from this chair." He snarled.
"Lt. Sloan? Would you please stand?" Norman asked.
"Steve, stand up." Mark smiled warmly.
"No." Steve back-talked.
"Steve," Mark gave him the tone and the look to indicate that he had no choice. Begrudgingly, Steve rose to his feet and barely managed a pasted smile. The crowd cheered louder and some whistled as they watched him. Steve gave a small nod, then attempted to sit back down, but they all shoved him back on his feet.
"And the lucky woman who donated the winning bid goes to..." Norman grinned. Steve gulped hard and waited. "Miss Tara Williams of the DC federal investigation bureau." All her friends stared at her in surprise and delight. Mark couldn't smile any wider. He'd been watching Steve's subtle but undeniable moves and glances he'd been giving the attractive girl. Steve was dumbfounded as he stared at her, wide-eyed. Tara just gave that sheepish, casual smile he'd grown accustomed to seeing and looking forward to. Lucy rolled her eyes. It reminded her so much of the time they had been in this situation, and Jack had stared at Sue when her name came up as the winning bid for him. Steve finally sat back down. He kept looking at Tara with a warm smile. He'd put up so much fuss and tantrum throwing over this whole affair that it had never dawned on him that that amazing girl might become his date! He'd get to dance with her tonight, something he hadn't even considered. He was beginning to feel ashamed at what he would've missed out on had he backed out of this tonight! Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all, maybe it would be an enjoyable evening!
"Congratulations, Miss Williams." Norman continued. "Ahem. The next available fellow in line is a skilled surgeon and competent, yet exceedingly young resident at Community General...Dr. Jessie Travis." Jessie's eyes lit up and he quickly stood and waved to everybody. His friends at the table laughed and shook their heads. "And the lovely female to run the highest bid for Dr. Travis was..." Jessie bit his lip and waited anxiously. "Mrs. Genevieve Lander." Jessie's eyes bugged out as the elderly lady five tables away was just as astonished. Jessie gave a big smile and waved to her before sitting back down.
"Well, looks like you rolled the dice and lost, darling." Bobby teased Susan. "You could be history."
"Very funny, Agent Manning." Susan chuckled in a smooth voice, "I'm satisfied to know he'll be in the arms of someone who can keep him in line for me." She glanced at her boyfriend out of the corner of her eye.
"Better watch your step, Travis." Myles warned. "She may grow on you."
"Or sue you if you step on her toes." Mark giggled.
"Nah." Jessie smiled. "You're still my best girl, right?" He asked Susan.
"I wouldn't count on it." She teased. Jessie frowned, hoping she was only teasing.
"And to our incredible satisfaction, the bachelor who brought the very highest bid of all," Norman spoke out again, "is the highly intelligent, dedicated, handsome, talented, big-hearted, none other than yours truly..." Norman's chest was puffing out when Delores handed him an official looking piece of paper and his wide smile instantly dropped.
"Well, who is it?" Lucy asked. "Don't tell me it's him!"
"Nah, he wouldn't look like he had indigestion if he was leading the pack." Mark shook his head. Everyone watched with baited breath. Delores and Norman were whispering back and forth to each other in not so friendly tones. Finally, he cleared his throat very loudly to make the announcement.
"As...ahem! As I was saying..." He stammered. "The bachelor who brought the highest bid of all to our charity dance tonight is...is...Dr. Mark Sloan." He mumbled.
"Who did he say?" Amanda leaned in closer.
"How should I know?" Jessie muttered. "He's speaking in a foreign language." Levi groaned, looking up at Mark and Myles. Sue looked closely up at Norman and smiled widely as she read his lips.
"Speak up!" Delores smacked Norman's arm. "You've got a tongue, haven't you?"
"Pardon me." Norman coughed. "The bachelor who brought in the most money was...Dr. Mark Sloan! Excuse me!" Norman rambled then quickly left the podium. Everybody whistled and cheered. Everybody at the Sloan table was dumbfounded, but none the less happy. But no one was more surprised than Mark himself. He smiled, embarrassed, flattered, but shocked and shook his head.
"B-but...but I didn't participate!" Mark
"Hey, that's fantastic!" Jessie smiled.
"That's...that's just..." Amanda sputtered.
"Well, uh...a very gripping twist in the mystery." Myles said.
"Hey, hey, hey! Go ahead, doc. Take a bow!" Bobby grinned. Levi barked loudly. Mark stood up and shrugged.
"You'll all have to excuse Mr. Briggs." Delores said as she took the mic. "Congratulations, Dr. Sloan. And...the moment we've all been waiting for! The lucky lady who won the bid on Dr. Sloan is...Anonymous." Everyone furrowed their brows. "Well," Delores chuckled, "No hard feelings from the losers or the winners, huh?" She laughed. Mark blew out a breath of relief. He had no clue who would buy him, and though curious, he had been afraid to find out.
As the couples took to the dance floor, Jessie's date was interrogating him about what a fine young man she hoped he was from his promo video. Susan couldn't help smirking and shaking her head as she watched him. Sue was relaying to her Jessie and Genevieve's conversation, and chuckled at how many times he said, "Yes, ma'am." Amanda and Delores were taking shifts dancing with Mark and right now it was Amanda's turn. Steve's eyes never left Tara as they smoothly waltzed to the gentle, romantic music. Tara was telling him stories about the fun of being an FBI agent, stories to which he nodded and grunted but didn't really hear half of. He just smiled at her, still finding it hard to believe that she was dancing in his arms.
"Am I talking too much?" Tara squinted uneasily at him when she realized he'd hardly said a word.
"Noo." Steve shook his head. "Not at all."
"Well, anyway. So, how about you?" Tara asked.
"What about me?"
"Let's talk about you for a change."
"I can sum that up in one sentence: I'm a miserable, lonely, unhappy guy." Steve pouted.
"Eh-eh." Tara scrunched up her nose. "You're putting me on. I can see more than that."
"You can?" Steve sputtered. They only had a few days left before Tara left back for DC, and boy, was he going to miss her, but for now, he put aside those gloomy thoughts and just relished in the moment.
"Well, looks like Tara might have found a new permanent transfer." Myles remarked.
"Well, we can't forget Stanley." Lucy sighed. Mark and Amanda returned to the table.
"Is Mr. Briggs going to survive the night?" Dimitrius asked as they sat down.
"Aw, he'll live." Amanda shook her head.
"So, what was all that fuss when he announced Doc Sloan as the bread winner?" Bobby inquired.
"Turns out that poor Norman thought he was gonna be the prize bachelor of the night." Mark said.
"You're kidding!" Jack laughed. "Him?"
"Did he say Mr. Briggs thought he was going to..." Sue asked Lucy.
"Uh-huh." Lucy snickered. None of them could help laughing.
"He wouldn't mention it while he was up there, but he only reached the results as one of the middle eligible bachelors." Amanda explained. "Look at him." Norman was dancing with a trim, middle-aged, but attractive woman dressed in a ritzy gown. He was frowning as they waltzed, but then the lady turned his face back towards her and he started smiling as she rambled on. "Miss Willer bought him." Amanda continued. "At first, she was upset when she found him and lectured him that being seen with her was nothing to be ashamed of. Then she dragged him out there to dance."
"What would make him think he was such a prize?" Myles muttered. His friends gaped at him.
"Turns out that Norman embellished his profile a bit to impress the vulnerable ladies out there." Mark shrugged. "He didn't lie about being an administrator, he just made himself out to be more adventurous than he is."
"And more clever, obviously." Dimitrius grinned. Donna stood up, taking his hand.
"Come on, dear." She smiled. "Let's dance." Dimitrius smiled and followed her.
"Well, look at it this way." Bobby sat back in his chair. "At least he didn't stoop so low as Lelandini did." Everyone looked at Myles. Just then, Steve and Tara briefly came back to the table.
"Just who is Lelandini?" Steve asked.
"You wanna tell them, Myles?" Lucy asked sneakily. Myles rolled his eyes.
"You know? I don't have to sit around here and let myself become undignified to the butt of some childish joke." Myles huffed, leaving the table and leaving the room.
"What...what lit his fuse?" Mark chuckled.
"Myles was so determined to be the prize bachelor when he was losing to Jack and Bobby that he went to extreme measures to win." Sue said.
"What did he do?" Steve asked hungrily.
"He had the cameraman make a video of him on the beach." Jack giggled at the memory. "And...and as if that wasn't enough, he...he promised the lucky lady an all expenses paid trip...to Italy!"
"Oh, he didn't!" Mark laughed.
"Oh, yes he did." Lucy said.
"Mph. With a deal like that, I wouldn't have minded bidding on him." Amanda said.
"Me either." Added Susan.
"Did he even realize what kind of disaster he was setting himself up for?" Steve interjected, shocked that Myles would go to such lengths. "Norman's such a penny-pincher, even he wouldn't go that far to win!"
"Oh, that was nothing...compared to what he did next." Bobby said sheepishly.
"What could be more crazy than promising a trip to Italy?"
"The night of the auction, his date was anonymous." Tara said casually.
Mark concentrated for a moment, then his eyes widened. "Don't tell me he bought himself!"
"You got it." Jack laughed.
"He what?" Amanda's, Susan's, and Steve's jaws dropped. They shook with laughter.
"Which brings to mind, how did I become prize bachelor of the year?" Mark asked. Lucy, Susan, and Amanda all glanced at each other with knowing looks.
"Ohhh." Steve cringed. "You three conspirators had a hand in it, didn't you?"
"Of course." The three of them said together. "Of course with a little help from Delores..."
"Ohhh," Steve covered his face with his hands.
"We couldn't let our two boys get their ego stroked," Susan referred to Steve and Jessie.
"Or be at each other's throats in the years to come," Amanda added. "So..."
"So I was your fallback." Mark finished.
"Oh no, Mark!" Amanda said, touching his hand. "We wanted the people here to get to know what fine person you are."
"Thanks, honey. But I still feel a little out of place."
"Join the club." Sue remarked. Mark stood up at walked to her seat.
"Miss Thomas, may I have this dance? If Jack doesn't mind, that is." Mark said, offering his hand. Sue and Jack both raised their eyebrows in surprise.
"I'm still a miss, you know." Sue said. "I'd love to." She took Mark's hand and followed his smooth lead. Jack just sat there, smiling, and secretly, anxiously awaiting his turn. Steve and Tara decided to return to the dance floor just as Jessie returned.
"So, have you enjoyed your stay?" Mark asked Sue, making sure to keep his lips in her eyesight.
"The safe parts, yes." Sue nodded. "We're going to miss you all when we go home. We never expected to make such good friends on this trip."
"It was something that surprised us too." Mark said. "Do us a favor?"
"What's that?" Sue asked curiously.
"Promise to keep in touch with us once in a while when you get back home." Mark wore a pleading look. Sue chuckled.
"Only if you promise to do the same, then I promise." She said.
"Oh, scout's honor." Mark giggled. "So? How are things between you and Jack?"
"Fine." Sue said. "It's all good."
"So?" Mark prodded further. "Has he said anything?"
"Not really." Sue shook her head, glancing out of the corner of her eye at the man she loved. "But, it's okay. Ever since his...his time in the hospital, it's almost like he doesn't really have to say anything. But then, he's always been like that since I first met him."
"Read each other's thoughts?"
"It sure seems that way." Sue nodded.
"That's wonderful, Sue. And I'm glad you have someone like that for you." Mark said seriously. "It's like that for Steve and me. But, honey, even with a relationship like that, there are times when the words need to be spoken." Sue gazed up thoughtfully at the kind, older man. He had a real God-given gift of reading into people's souls, and after meeting someone like him, he'd be impossible to forget.
"Thank you." Sue smiled sweetly. Once they returned to the table, Jack lovingly took her hand and walked her back to the dance floor. They smiled endlessly, gazing into each other's eyes as Jack led her to the beautiful music she couldn't hear.
Delores finally stepped up to the mic with Norman. "Ladies and gentlemen?" Norman spoke up. "We'd like to thank you all for your time, money, and support. You have been most generous. And I assure you the children's wing at Community General is a worthwhile cause."
Delores chimed in. "We've calculated the donations from tonight's event. We've checked and triple checked. It is my pleasure to announce that we have a grand total of...seventy-five thousand dollars!" The whole crowd cheered loudly and applauded. "And all the money will go the children's wing."
"So, Steve? Was it still not worth it?" Mark asked. Everyone looked at Steve.
"What are you talking about? It was so worth it...just like I told you it would be." Steve cocked his head smiling, looking at Tara who gave his arm a playful smack. Mark just shook his head.
"Oh, and I'd also like to announce," Delores continued, "that tomorrow night at 6 P.M., we will have the pleasure of a young, talented man from the DC FBI who will be performing as Elvis Presley at BBQ Bob's." Lucy and Jessie grinned at each other while everyone else gaped. Tonight had had way too many surprises! "Stand up, Bobby boy!" Delores said. "Well, come on." Bobby smiled shyly as he stood so everyone could see him. "This is the man." Delores rambled. "Remember, tomorrow night, six o'clock, at BBQ Bob's. That's all."
"No way!" Steve stated skeptically.
"Can you really do Elvis?" Amanda asked eagerly, she and Susan staring up wide-eyed at Bobby.
"Listen, if he can't, there is no other Elvis impersonator." Jack said.
"Well, I for one will certainly look forward to that!" Amanda said.
"Well, thank you, ma'am. Thank you very much." Bobby said, bringing up his Elvis imitation voice. "Priscilla, honey?" He looked at Lucy and stepped toward her. "You busy, baby? Yeah, well you just drop them revokable plans, come keep me company. I was thinking of a sunset stroll along the beach." Everyone laughed.
Bobby's performance at BBQ Bob's was a fabulous success, so much so that people had to stand in line to get inside! The place was crazily packed, with still more customers pouring in! Mark, Steve, Amanda, and Jessie were incredibly impressed with the Aussie's authentic imitation. It hadn't been difficult to rent the perfect costume either once the manager was informed that Bobby was one of the heroes who had captured Jeffrey White. Ben Hacker's meal at the rib joint was on the house, after all the helpful info he'd given them in solving this case. Steve was absolutely blown away at Bobby's talent, especially when he did "Heartbreak Hotel". "All I can say is, this guy is good!" Steve commented.
"He's very good!" Mark agreed.
"I'm gonna get his autograph and maybe even an eight by ten glossy!" Amanda announced.
"So am I." Susan Hilliard added.
"Now, if we can just convince him to leave the bureau and become an actor out here, we could have a show here maybe twice a week!" Jessie rambled on. Mark, Amanda, Steve, and Susan shook their heads at him.
"I don't really think that would fit into our schedules, Jess." Mark said.
Jack and the team hung around after hours, partly because Bobby was extremely famished and was granted the house special, no charge. However, Dimitrius and Donna decided to steal away and get a beautiful moonlight ocean view while they still had a chance. Amanda also decided it was time to take CJ home as it was way passed his bed time. "Hey, you were sensational tonight." Jessie praised Bobby.
"Well, thank you, sir. Thank you very much." Bobby smiled. "Whoo, but I think I'm all in for the night. I never did that many songs in one night when I was at the Black Dragon."
"You know, Jack? You guys are the most interesting and the best FBI agents I've ever worked with." Steve said softly when he'd pulled him aside.
"Oh," Jack smiled sheepishly.
"Hey! I'm not just saying that!" Steve argued. "Take it from me, you're the most reasonable that have ever come across my path."
"Well, thank you." Jack said.
"He's not kidding!" Jessie's energetic voice broke into their conversation. "Hey, guys. You've got to hear this."
"Jess..." Steve rolled his eyes.
"The FBI around here can be pretty sloppy. They were in charge of security at the Hillridge Estates, a gated community. Fancy too." Jessie explained. "One of their residents was shot at the gate. But they didn't move in and do anything about it, so Steve decided to."
"I figured undercover would be most effective, so I went in as the victim's brother." Steve said.
"And?" Jessie pressed.
"And?" Steve stared at him.
"And, tell them the rest. They're gonna love it!" Jessie prodded further.
"What?" Jack grinned.
"He decided to to go in as a physician!" Jessie teased. "He thought he could pull off his disguise as a doctor!" Lucy threw her head back and howled, clapping her hands.
"What did he say?" Sue asked Mark.
"Steve went in as a doctor." Jack smirked. Lucy was still giggling and Bobby snorted.
"Something funny?" Steve grumbled at them.
"Oh, sorry." Lucy snickered. "A doctor? Seriously? I can't picture him walking around in a white lab coat." She shook with laughter.
"Yeah, I can just see it now." Myles piped up. "Instead of, "Sir, please say, 'ahhh,'" he walks up and says 'Sir, you're under arrest, hands behind your back, before I shoot you down with truth serum'!" Everybody exploded in laughter, except Steve.
"I've got a grill to clean." Steve grumbled and walked back into the kitchen.
"Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho!" Jessie exclaimed. "Ooo, I think someone lit a fuse." He warned.
"Did he really work undercover as doctor?" Sue asked. "He seems more of the rugged type to me."
"Did he really expect to pull that off?" Jack added.
"Well," Mark shrugged and told them the story.
"Well, Dad? Maybe next time Bobby could serenade us with music of the time and you could give us one of your tap-dancing routines, only somehow make it fit into his performance." Steve remarked as they all left the restaurant. Mark chuckled, shaking his head.
"Oh, I don't think so, son." He said.
"Did you say, tap-dancing?" Sue asked Steve.
"Aw, yeah. You didn't know?" Jessie replied.
"First amateur sleuthing, singing, roller-skating, piano playing, a genius, and now tap-dancing?" Jack gaped. "How many more hidden talents have you got?" Mark just smiled, shrugging.
A bachelor auction! Did any of you readers pick up on that earlier in the story when Lucy excused herself to talk to Norman Briggs? Did anyone see that coming? Ha, ha, ha! Hope you enjoyed that! Did anyone suspect or figure that one out beforehand? If you didn't, how I wish I could've seen the looks on your faces when you read this chapter!
Just so you know, this story has only two chapters left.
