What it takes....

Chapter 1 -

Every time she smiled his stomach did about ten back-flips. And the way her brow furrowed as she bit her lip when she was thinking hard was so cute! The way the sunshine would pour in through the windows and reflect off her dazzling golden hair could put him in a trance. He leaded back in his chair and pulled the file he was reading closer to his face. He really should work, but he couldn't seem to concentrate. He slowly peeked out the side of the file to glace at her desk.

Just one little peek and then I can work, he thought.

But she wasn't there! He started to panic, thinking about the time she was kidnapped. The pain shot through him and ...

"Jack?"

He looked up in surprise. Sue was standing in front of his desk looking confused and concerned.

"Sue!" Jack sighed in relief. "You startled me."

Guilt flashed in her eyes. "I'm sorry." she said.

"No, no." Jack said. She is so sweet and caring. "It's not your fault. I was distracted, I'm sorry."

She gave him a grin that could brighten the darkest his of days.

"What were you doing?" she asked him.

Oops, she must have seen me staring at her, he thought.

"Oh, I was...reading. That's all." he said nervously.

"With the file so close to your face? Maybe you should get your eyes checked." she teased innocently.

"Yes, heh heh, well anyways." he said sheepishly. "So, what did you want me for?"

"Oh yeah, I just got a call from Ronny Beggs. Do you remember him?" she asked.

"Isn't he the kid that tipped us off on the drug running case a few months ago?"

"Yes," she nodded, "his step-father is one of the guys that was involved."

"Yeah, I remember now, he seemed like a good kid. It certainly would have taken longer to bust them if he hadn't helped us."

"Well, he said that he really needed to talk. He said it was important."

"Did he say when and where?" he asked.

"Midnight, behind the Dawn's Edge Café. I think he works there."

"Hmm, that's not exactly the best side of town, especially at night" Jack said. "Bobby and I will take it this time."

"What?" she exclaimed, obviously annoyed.

"I said "Bobby and I ..."

She cut him short. "I know what you said. I'm just wondering what you thinking! Jack, it was my case and Ronny called me. I should be the one to go."

"I know, it's just not safe area to be in at night." Jack said. "I would feel better if Bobby and I went."

"Fine, you can come with me, but I do the talking." With that she spun around and walked back to her desk before he could answer.

He was about to follow her, but decided that it wouldn't do any good. Her mind was set. Even if he got the entire Bureau to try and keep her away she would still get through. That's one of the things he liked...no, loved about her.

Yes, he could admit it to himself now. Before Sue's kidnapping he knew and could admit he liked her. But that experience made him realize just how much she meant to him. He sat back in his chair remembering the fear and helplessness he had felt. I had been difficult to control the urge to tear the city to pieces until he found her. He looked out the window letting his memory take him back.....