Chapter 19: Fun & Games
After a fun day hanging out with Jessica around D.C. they both go their separate ways to get ready for tonight. Everyone arrives at Breakers Billiards & Sports Bar on time. They are all in good spirits. Jack is wearing a navy sport shirt and navy khakis. Jack introduces Jessica to Bobby, Sue, Levi, Dimitrius, Myles, Tara, Lucy, Darcy, Donna, Patrick O’Reilly, Wes, Garrett, and Stanley. Myles told the group that Nora couldn’t make it tonight she is out of town on business. Just my luck he said. Everyone laughs. They order baby back spare ribs, jumbo Buffalo wings, baked clams casino, and long neck bottles all around. Jessica talked to Sonny and the other ladies while the men talk shop, cars, sports, and other manly things.
Bobby: Don’t forget Jack is treating us all to this meal. So order whatever you want to, this opportunity won’t last very long. (laughing)
Jack: Hey, I agreed to treat you all to dinner because I owe 2 of you for helping me out in my predicament. And I promise to buy Sonny dinner for helping with the case.
Sue: What did you say Bobby?
Bobby: Jack got caught by Chloe, she was unhappy. She had a Glock trained on Jack’s chest. But Wes and I got there in time to save him from the jaws of Chloe Johnson.
Jack: Thank you for telling everyone that story yet again, Crash. (laughs)
Bobby: You know me, never a dull moment when I’m around. (Laughs)
Darcy: Yes. I agree. It seems Bobby is up for almost anything. Did you know he does a good impression of Elvis the King?
Lucy: Can we hear your Elvis impersonation?
Bobby: Sorry, Lucy. Elvis is just for my sheila to hear. (laughs) Whispering to Darcy; that was supposed to be our little secret and then he playfully pokes her in the ribs.
Wes: I have news to share also. Patrick offered me a job working at CTA with him. And I’ve decided to take it. So it looks like I’m going back to L.A. with Patrick tomorrow morning. I wanted you all to know before I leave D.C.
Patrick O’Reilly: Yes. Wes and I will be working together at CTA. You all are welcome to visit anytime you are in L.A. This is the beginning of a great partnership.
Wes: I couldn’t agree more. Put it there, partner.
Jack: That is great news, Wes. I’m so happy for you. At the same time, I’m going to miss you whole a lot. (Jack hugs Wes)
Bobby: Yeah. I’m going to miss you too. You taught me and Jack everything we know, and I hope that we have made you proud.
Wes: My boys, Ben and Jerry; you two are the best protégés in the world. You guys keep doing what you are doing to keep the world safe. Without a doubt you both have made me very proud.
Lucy: Hey, how about a picture of the “3 Musketeers”, Wes, Bobby, and Jack?
Sue: That is a great idea. We should take some pictures of Patrick, Jessica, Sonny, Darcy, Donna, Stanley, Garrett and the whole team together.
Jack: Sounds good to me. Who’s got a camera with them?
Tara: Do you have to ask, Jack? (Laughs)
After they take 4 rolls of film, Bobby says it is time for the real fun to begin. Who wants to shoot pool? I say, the ladies enjoy a game of dartboard while the men shoot pool.
Darcy: Are you suggesting we ladies can’t shoot pool with you men?
Bobby: Not at all, darling. It’s just that billiards is a man’s sport.
Lucy: You’ve done it this time, Bobby. Ladies, what do you say we make a wager?
Donna: Yeah. I bet we can beat you men at billiards, hands down.
Wes: Are you sure about that? We wouldn’t want to take your money, ladies?
Darcy: I say put your money where your mouth is. And Bobby, you are going to regret making me mad, darling. (Laughs)
Bobby: We’ll see. And if I get in trouble with you my dear, I can live with that. (Laughs) Dimitrius you are with us. We split up into two teams; men vs. women. That makes 2 women against 2 men at one time. Sound fair? We play 3 games each against the other team. Winner takes all. And we know who that will be. They all chant-Men rules!
Darcy: You’re on. Just don’t cry later, honey bun. (Everyone laughs)
On the other side, the women are talking about how to beat the men at shooting pool. Just as Jack walks by and hears his name being mentioned. He has the deer in the headlights kind-of-look for a minute there. He shakes his head, shares a private look with Sue, and goes to confer with the men.
Tara: Um, Sue you should know that Jack is really very good at this game.
Sue: No problem. When it’s my turn, I have a trick up my sleeve if I need to use it.
Tara: Yes, Sue told us how you like to pick up women in bars. (laughing)
Lucy: Yeah, we heard you have some smooth pick up lines for the ladies. (laughs)
Darcy: What are you talking about?
Sue: I’m sure I can distract Jack for as long as it takes to shoot the ball into the pocket. (laughs)
Darcy: Good idea, Sue. I’m going to try it on Bobby. A little distraction wouldn’t hurt him or us one bit. We might even get ahead of the men in the game.
Donna: Great idea. I’ll use my charm on my husband when it is our turn as well.
Jessica: I’m good at shooting pool. I think I will be able to beat Myles hands down.
Myles: What is taking you ladies so long? It’s called billiards for a reason. This is not a sorority house. Let’s start the game.
Lucy: Myles, you better watch out. Jessica tells us she can beat you at shooting pool. I think I can make Wes feel sorry for me, enough to beat him at shooting pool.
Sonny: I have no problem taking on Patrick O’Reilly; he doesn’t look like a billiards kind-of-guy.
Patrick O’Reilly: I heard that. By the way, Sonny if I’m not a billiards kind-of-guy, what kind-of-guy do you think I am?
Sonny: I’ll have to think about it and get back to you. (smiles at Patrick)
Tara: Well, I don’t have to worry because Stanley and I are both bad at shooting pool.
Stanley: What Tara means is that we won’t be able to help either team win. (They Laugh)
Jack: Sue, do you know how to shoot pool?
Sue: Not really. Would you mind giving me a few pointers or would that be against the rules?
Jack: Well, since you asked very nicely, I think I can make an exception. Bobby, you guys start the game. Sue and I will join in a few minutes.
Bobby: Don’t let Sue put you under her spell, you hear me, Sparky? (Laughing)
Jack: I’m not under anyone’s spell, and don’t worry about me. You’ve got your own trouble with Darcy if you win or lose the game tonight, Crash.
Bobby: Fine. Have it your way. You better shoot well, when your turn comes up, Sparky.
Jack: Sure thing, mate.
Jack and Sue move to another pool table.
Jack: Do you know how to hold a cue stick?
Sue: Like this (she is holding it the wrong way).
Jack: No. (Laughs) This is the proper way. You hold the cue stick this way to shoot, the other end of the stick stays in your hand like so.
Sue: Show me again?
Jack: Alright. Just watch me. He stands behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He closed one hand over hers, then moved her other hand to hold the stick in place. You use this hand to guide the stick and this one to propel it. Try sliding the cue stick back and forth between your thumb and the side of your hand. Like this. Understand?
Sue: Oh yeah. I think I got it now. Anything else I need to learn?
Jack: Yeah. You want to aim for the pocket using the white ball also called the cue ball in the center as a guide. You keep shooting until you miss. Then it will be the other team’s turn.
Sue: Okay. Sounds easy.
Jack: Here’s how you break. Jack puts all the balls in the center, racked them up in the triangular box like this. First rule, don’t scatter all the balls, you will lose the game for sure. Second rule; you want to consider which balls you want to sink. Third rule; you also want to leave as few openings as possible for your opponent. That way you will be able to win the game. It’s like chasing after the bad guys. Only in this case, you want to outwit your opponent, in other words; me tonight; if Bobby has anything to say about it. (Laughs)
Sue: Would you mind if we practice one game, please?
Jack: Anything for you. I’ll break first to show you how it’s done. Jack drove the cue ball into the others, sending all of the balls flying. Jack banks a shot, as the cue ball hits the 2-ball, which then bounces off the wall and continues into a side pocket. Jack drove the cue ball into the 5-ball on purpose which in turn hits the 1-ball, this is called a combination. The next shot Jack took, he deliberately missed so Sue could practice her shot. Now it’s your turn. You want to shoot the striped balls; because I am shooting the solid balls.
Sue: Okay. You’re the teacher. Here goes. And she drove the ball into the pocket. Wow! Look at me. I did that.
Jack: Good job. You are a fast learner. Now the idea is to just keep shooting the ball until the table is empty and then you can beat Bobby. (Smile and a wink at Sue)
Sue: Thanks for the pointers, Jack. I’m ready to play with the “big boys” now.
Jack: Are you sure? Because I’ve got to tell you that I’m extremely good at shooting pool.
Sue: Oh. Tara told me. I can hold my own with the guys, after all I learned from the best. Just from watching you. (smiling at Jack)
Jack: Alright then. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Let’s join the others and see how the game is going.
Bobby: Good you’re back. Sue and you are up next. Don’t disappoint me, Sparky.
Jack: Thanks, Crash. No pressure. (Laughs) Who’s winning?
Wes: We are. That’s why Bobby wants to keep the momentum rolling. No helping the ladies win, Jack.
Jack: Who me? I’ve got it in the bag. Just sit back and watch the master at work. (Smiles at the guys and then looks at Sue)
Lucy: Sue, are you ready to play against Jack?
Sue: Yes. Don’t worry I won’t let you down.
Garrett stays quietly in the background watching the game unfold. He is learning more about his co-workers and keeping mental notes of everyone.
Jack and Sue shoot pool while everyone else is watching
Jack: Do you want to break first or should I?
Sue: You go first.
Jack: Okay. Watch and learn. Jack makes a good break and drives the 4-ball into the side pocket. He shoots and sinks the 3-ball into the other pocket. He shoots again and sinks the 6-ball into the right side pocket. Jack hits the cue ball at an angle, cuts to the left, sinks the 7-ball. After that, Jack intentionally missed the pocket because he wants to give Sue a chance to shoot. Oops, now it is your turn. Let’s see what you can do.
Sue: Okay. First shot, Sue drove the ball into the pocket.
Jack: Not bad, for a beginner. Of course I taught you a few pointers. (gives Sue a wink)
Sue: It’s still my turn. Sue is shooting pool now like her life depended on it. She begins to make shot after shot without a single miss. Now she is only one ball left on the table.
Jack: Wow! I am a good teacher. What can I say; you learn from the best! (Shrugging his shoulders and winks at Sue)
Sue: Watch and prepare to be amazed, Jack. She banks it off the left side, and sinks it in the left pocket. And the ladies win the game.
Jack: So you beat me. I know that you know I would win the game if I really wanted to. And I could have hit the 8-ball into the right corner pocket to win the game before you did.
Sue: Are you implying that you let me win?
Jack: Yes. I mean no. You know that I’m better at shooting pool than you are. (Laughs and a wink)
Sue: We’ll see about that. I’ll show you a trick and see what you have to say afterwards.
Jack: Am I in trouble? (Gives Sue the look)
Sue: Maybe. Just watch this. Sue set a ball in the middle of the table and picked up two pool cue sticks and the cue ball in hand. She then walked to another pool table. Holding one stick in each hand she balance the cue ball between them and launched it so perfectly it flew from one table to the other. And rolled directly towards the waiting ball, and sent it sinking into the right side pocket.
Jack: Whoa! Impressive, Thomas. Can you do that every time? And where did you learn that trick in the first place? I thought you didn’t know how to shoot pool.
Sue: You assumed I didn’t know how to shoot pool. All I did was ask you to give me a few minor pointers to refresh my memory. By the way, my dad taught me that neat trick. And growing up with 3 brothers I needed all the help I could get. And yes, I can do that almost every time. (Laughs)
Jack: That is some trick. But I don’t mind you winning the game. (smiles)
Sue: Thanks. I’m glad you said that. You should be worried about Bobby’s wrath. (Laughs)
Jack: Bobby, who? (laughs) Have I ever told you that you are a constant wonder, somehow you always manage to surprise me, Sue?
Sue: Do I? I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.
Jack: I meant it as a compliment. (Smiles at Sue)
Bobby: I should have known our Sue would have a trick up her sleeve. Not bad at all. Of course, I could do that in my sleep. (Everyone laughs because they know Bobby can’t)
Wes: Great game. The men still won by a landslide, even if Jack helped the other team, mainly Sue win that particular game.
Garrett: Yes, great job, Thomas. I don’t think anyone has ever done that trick before.
Patrick O’Reilly: Great game, everyone. I had a blast tonight. And thanks to Jack for buying us all dinner. When you guys come out to L.A. for a visit, I will return the favor.
Wes: Let’s make a toast. Patrick and I have to get going soon. We have an early flight back to L.A. tomorrow. And I need my beauty sleep. (Everyone laughs)
Everyone raises their long neck bottles and Garrett makes a speech. We learn a valuable lesson tonight, and no it’s not how good Sue is at shooting pool. We learn that we can all work together to accomplish our goals and defeat the enemy so long as we have cooperation from everyone who cares and is willing to help. We also learn that we can work well together with other government agencies and provide support and relevant information when it is needed without butting heads. Excellent job, everybody. You should be very proud of what you accomplished during the mission. Who knows, the President might ask for more inter-agency projects between the FBI and CTA because everything turned out so well. Thank you all. Now I’m heading home. I’ll see the team at the bullpen bright and early tomorrow.
Jack and Bobby hug Wes goodbye. Jack and Patrick hug and shake hands. They also promise to keep in touch with each other. Wes tells Sue to take care of “Ben and Jerry” for him, those two need someone like you to keep them in line. Wes and Patrick leave after saying their goodbyes to everyone. Then Darcy and Bobby say goodnight. Stanley and Tara leave next. D and Donna leave to go pick up their kids at the babysitter. Myles says goodnight fellow agents, see you at work tomorrow. Then Sonny and Jessica say goodnight as well. Lucy tells Sue she and Levi will wait in the car for her.
Now, Jack and Sue are the only two people left.
Jack: I had a lot fun tonight.
Sue: Me too. I really enjoy beating you at pool.
Jack: One time you beat me, and you are letting it go to your head. I think we’re going to have to have a rematch billiard game pretty soon.
Sue: Yeah. You want to do something about it?
Jack: Oh yeah. I do. Would you mind if I ask you right now?
Sue: I thought you would never ask. (smiles)
Jack: That sounds like a Yes to me. (smiles)
Jack pulls Sue into his arms and gives her a lingering kiss. With effort, he pulled back from their embrace. He says; something for you to think about tonight while you are sleeping. Sue says; thank you. You have my lipstick on you, she wipes it away. (laughs) I have to go now. Lucy is waiting for me.
Jack: I know. I’ll walk you out to the car.
Sue: Thanks. Goodnight, Jack. See you around. Bye.
Jack: Goodnight, Sue. Sweet dreams. See you around. Bye.
He waits until Lucy and Sue drive off before getting into his car and drive home thinking about Sue.
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