Bloodline (Sue Thomas FBEye)

Bloodline - Chapter Five

On Friday morning, Jack got up early, packed Sue's clothes with his own in his duffel bag. Unless new developments occurred, he wouldn't be coming back to D.C. until late Sunday night. He'd already requested the day off, so technically, he could leave as soon as he talked to Myles and Bobby.

In the bullpen, luck smiled at Jack. Myles was at his desk, his gaze locked on two paintings.

"I can't say I'd hang the subway station on my wall, Myles, but I like the winter landscape at sunset."

Myles held Jack's favourite. "I bought it last night at the new gallery. My mother loves landscapes, and she's been complaining of an empty space on the wall in the study."

The temptation to ask how much Myles paid burned Jack's lips.

"She'll love it. What about the other—"

The entrance of Assistant-director Turner stunned Jack. "Good morning, gentlemen. What brings you here bright and early agent Hudson and Leland?"

"Paintings." The ease with which Myles dealt with the unexpected never ceased to impress Jack. "I bought these two last night. I wanted the landscape for my mother as a Christmas gift, but the owner wouldn't let me have it unless I also bought the other one. I was hoping Jack would have an idea to whom I could give it."

"Do your friends a favour, agent Leland, and burn it."

Under the circumstances, Jack hated to side with Turner, but the painting was ugly. "Maybe you could give to a charitable organisation, and they could auction it?"

"Excellent suggestion, agent Hudson. I'm sure your colleagues would agree if they were here." Turner's gaze travelled around the bullpen. "I heard agent Williams and Manning took a few days off."

"Yes, sir. They flew to Las Vegas for the weekend. I think they wanted to catch a few shows."

A brow arched over Turner's eye. "More concerts? Is that another team bonding activity? Did you take today off so you could join them?"

Was the assistant-director keeping track of the whereabouts of his team?

"No. I'm going to spend the weekend in the mountains with Sue."

From the corner of his eye, Jack saw Myles' mouth open... and close.

"I see team bonding is another recurrent theme around here."

Jack had the uncanny impression he was missing the punch line. "We're a very close-knit team."

Turner didn't look impress. "My wife doesn't knit sweater that tight, Hudson. When is Thomas coming back?"

"A few more weeks. She's worked lots of overtime and the emotional aspect of some of the cases has taken it toll." It wasn't a total lie from his part. "She needed a few weeks off to recharge her batteries."

"I see, and I suppose you're the charger?"

Not appreciating the allusion, Jack took a deep breath to stop himself from saying something he might later regret.

"Was there anything we could help you with this morning, sir?"

"You're playing a dangerous game, Hudson. If I were you, I'd be careful. Have a nice day." As Turner exited, he bumped into Lucy. "Sorry, Miss Dotson."

Surprised, Lucy sat at her desk and looked over her shoulder. "Why was he here again?"

Turner had come into the bullpen for a reason. What it was remained to be determined.

"We're not sure, Luce." Jack stood up. "Myles, come with me."

The taller agent tucked the ugly painting under his arm. "Please keep an eye on my mother's painting, Lucy."