Virtual Reality (Sue Thomas FBEye / Murdoch Mysteries)

Virtual Reality - Chapter Nine

Sue turned her blackberry off. "What if we missed it, Jack?"

"Tara thinks Murdochfan and Blackwire might be the same person." Tara had told him while he'd set the blackberry. "If we missed the clues in Forensic's post, one of the other pseudonyms will reply, and then we'll really scramble for answers. If there was no clue in the post, another post from Forensic should follow shortly, and we'll try to decipher it."

A long sigh escaped her lips. "I guess so."

She didn't look convinced, unless something else bothered her. He pulled her into his arms. That she didn't resist somewhat lessened his worries.

"What is it, Twinkle Star?"

She leaned her head against his shoulder and he wondered how much of his lips she could still see.

"Jack, I'm... I'm not sure I understand why Forensic is following this storyline."

Because he's devious? "Explain, please." He needed to glimpse into her head... into her heart.

"Why the pregnancy line? I mean... if Jenna Thorp is somehow involved... and I think she might be Forensic... something about the writing that screams female insights..."

He was willing to concede the possibility. "Let's assume you're right. I'm listening."

"If Jenna is taking revenge because she might not be her father's daughter, why Julia? Jenna would already have made her point when she killed Jen who was pregnant. So why Julia and Murdoch?"

"Maybe Forensic is Custer, and he's making another point."

Her breath tickled his chest.

"But which one? Jack..." Another hesitation, and with this one, her eyes peeked over his chest. "Would you mind if I don't go straight to the Bureau? You could call me if something happens."

This time, he lifted her chin and waited for her to make eye contact. "Your clothes are in the dryer, ready to wear. Where do you want to go?"

"Church." Her silky voice caressed his ears. "It's Sunday. I may not go every day like Murdoch, but this morning I need to go, just to make sense of... of everything."

'Everything' seemed to include them. "Sounds good. I'm going with you."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You are?"

He caressed her hair, liking how they fell in unruly waves over his skin.

"I'm not going to let you leave my bed alone every Sunday morning. If it's important for you to go, it's important for me to go with you."

Stars twinkled in her eyes as a mischievous smile crossed her lips. "And what makes you think I'll be here every Sunday morning?"

"We could always spend the night at your place, but I doubt Lucy would let me hear the end of it, so..."

Her head shook, but she didn't verbally articulate any objections.

"By the way, I intend to call your dad today. I'd like his permission to marry his only daughter."

"To marry... Why?"

"Why?" Laughter bubbled inside his chest. "Because I love you. Because last night was a prelude to the rest of our life together. Because I want our children to know they were a blessing. Because—"

A delicate finger on his lips stopped his rambling. "Kiss me, Jackson."

Did she just agree to marry him? Later, he'd find out. "If I kiss you, we may be late for church."