Choices & Hasty Decisions (Sue Thomas FBEye)

Chapter Six

It was midmorning by the time Bobby and Tara showed up to work. Jack immediately asked Bobby to join him in the conference room.

"Bobby, I am sorry I troubled you with Tara, but you were the closest one to her apartment. How is she? I learned this morning that the driver was caught inside the burning van and he didn't make it."

"I know, mate. Tara heard him scream. It shook her pretty badly," he told his friend. "She had nightmares last night. We talked a lot. I will keep an eye on her."

It was one of those occasions Jack was glad Sue was deaf. Jack knew his wife's nightmares weren't over but at least she couldn't hear the driver while she was awake the way Tara probably could.

"Counselling?"

"I suggested it," Bobby told him.

Once they rested comfortably in each other's arms, their overheated bodies still intertwined, they'd talked some more. He mentioned counselling but she firmly opposed it. He promised not to push the issue as long as she kept talking to him. She agreed to that compromise, and didn't argue when he said he would also be monitoring the frequency of her nightmares personally. It amazed him that she blushed profusely at the idea of spending many more nights with him, considering they just made love together. They would be very discreet, they promised themselves, willing to give their new relationship a fighting chance.

Jack didn't know what to make of the conflicting emotions crossing Bobby's features or of the grin that threatened to emerge.

"And?"

Bobby stared at him in confusion. "And what?"

"Tara? Counselling?"

"Oh, yah. Well..." He frowned. "She wasn't too receptive, but at the first sign of trouble, I will drag her in there. Trust me, Jack."

Jack knew he couldn't force Tara's hand unless it interfered with her work. He nodded to Bobby, he would let him handle her.

***

The hearing took place the last week of September and anyone was welcome to contribute to the discussion.

Unfortunately for Miller and Cox, all the testimonies, besides their own, were in favour of the rule. Jack and Bobby knew of many unofficial couples, but no one wanted to be caught, so they remained silent. Bobby considered testifying, but he couldn't bring any new arguments not mentioned earlier by Cox or Miller. And truth to be told, Bobby was afraid to jeopardize the team or his relationship to Tara. As the procedures were winding down, Jack asked to be allowed to speak. He needed to give it a chance, because from the look on the panel member's faces, Cox and Miller were losing, and that decision equally affected him and Sue.

When it became known that Agent Jack Hudson would take the stand, the room filled with agents from all over the building, including the entire bullpen. Speculations and rumours about his relationship to Thomas were flying high and strong, and everyone was curious.

"Agent Hudson, have a seat," offered assistant director Melville, mildly surprised. He never considered Hudson to be a man who could hang himself, but then again if Agent Hudson wanted to save him the trouble, Melville was all for it. "We are listening." Attentively, he added silently.

Jack cleared his throat. He had it rehearsed, but the words were not as forthcoming as he hoped they would be. Sue was nervously watching him with Bobby by her side. Jack had his eyes fixed on his team. He was so proud of all of them. Last thing he wanted was to break it, but he knew it was only a matter of time before it became obvious he and Sue were an item. Or at least that Sue was an item with someone, and he didn't want to hide that it was him. He was too proud of their little secret.