Prologue: TreasureHunt

Law school days, 12 years ago

Jack is in his third year of law school at University of Wisconsin. He shares a two bedroom apartment with three other guys, Trent Mitchell, Mark Hawkins, and Bruce Buchanan. Mark went home to attend his sister’s wedding. Bruce went home to see his folks and his girlfriend. On a clear cool October fall evening, Jack stretched out on his bed in his room when Trent, opens the door and ask Jack for a buddy-in-a-pinch favor. Trent met a “hot” girl, Claudia Owens that morning, but Claudia said she would only go out with him if he brought along a date for her roommate. “So I need your help. All you have to do is go out with her tonight”; he pleaded with Jack.

Jack looked at Trent, like he has two heads and asked “You want me to go out on a blind date so you can score points with Claudia Owens?” Trent replied, yes, and her name is Renee Becky Cabot. It’s been two months since Jack and Ally broke up and he hasn’t felt like dating anyone else. Jack has never been on a blind date. Okay, Trent, “I’ll run interference for you, just this once. But you owe me big time.” So Trent and Jack drive over to Claudia’s place. They exchange introductions and Renee Cabot walks out.

She has green eyes, long wavy red hair, olive skin, and a lovely figure. The four of them went out to dinner and dancing at Silver Eagle Bar and Grill. Jack and Renee hit it off really well. They said goodnight and drove the girls back to Claudia’s place. The next day, Jack called Renee to ask her out again. They started seeing each other frequently and Jack really like what he saw in Renee. She had an adventurous spirit about her. Renee told Jack she wanted to become a news anchor. She loved everything about journalism.

Renee asked Jack; “Do you remember Mrs. Hanson?” Jack is perplexed, he says to himself; how does she know my favorite high school English teacher sophomore year? He asked Renee; “You know Mrs. Hanson?” Renee tells Jack she remembers a petite, gray haired woman with a kind voice. “I was in Mrs. Hanson’s class for three months, I sat right behind you. You were in the 4^th row, sitting in the center aisle seat”. Jack blurts out, “But I don’t remember you”. Renee says, “I wouldn’t expect you to, because at the time you were going out with Ally Wainwright”. And besides, “I was the new girl in school, I was also slightly overweight and at the time a very insecure, gawky teenager. You could say I was a very late bloomer”.

My mother died of cancer when I was ten years old. My father took it really hard; he loved my mom so much. He became a different person, instead of making an honest living; he became a whiz at conning people out of their money. Charlotte, my twin sister is younger than me by 4 minutes. Charlotte told my father off and ran away with a guy she met on the road. The last I heard from her was that she moved to L.A. to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. I lost touch with her after that and later I parted ways with my dad. I gave him an ultimatum to stop being a con artist, we argued and he split town.

Times were tough but I managed somehow to get through it. So here I am back in Wisconsin. I’ve been working part-time at the local newspaper. But, I never thought I would see you again. What I recall most about being in high school, was your smile and your kindness. You were the only person who was nice to me despite what I look like back in high school. When other kids would tease and were mean to me, you always stood up to them. I admired you so much for that reason. Of course, it didn’t hurt that you were popular with everyone and you played sports too. And I thought to myself, I would be the luckiest girl if ever I got a chance to go out with you. And the thing is; now my wish has come true. I still don’t know how that happened but I’m glad it did.

Jack and Renee went steady for seven months. Jack took the bar exam and passed with flying colors. Jack also received an internship letter which stated that he would be working and getting hands-on experience from Judge Harvey Kendall in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Renee had news of her own to share. She got a summer internship to go to Europe working as a copywriter, with no pay but she thought exploring Europe would be a tremendous experience for her. Well, it looks like Jack and Renee have different plans for their own future. What happens to their relationship is still unclear at this point? Perhaps they will try the long-distance deal. Only time will tell.

A week before Jack had to leave to go to D.C.; his friends threw Jack a small farewell party. At the airport, Jack and Renee said goodbyes and went their separate ways. Renee went off to Europe; Jack went to D.C. and a year later started his FBI career. And the rest they say is history. Five years later, Mark Hawkins followed Jack to D.C. and is now an Associate Attorney General.

Bullpen meeting

Garrett: One final thing. Jack dust off your tux, you are going to the Fire & Ice Gala at the Italy Embassy at the Monticello Hotel, 8pm don’t be late.

Jack: Not that I don’t enjoy free dinner and hobnobbing with celebrities but why me? (curious smile)

Bobby: Yeah. How come I don’t get easy assignments like this one? (laughs)

Garrett: They need an FBI agent, for security detail just for tonight. Prince Domenici is here to visit our nation’s capital. He will be making a few speeches and meeting with the President tomorrow morning. Your presence was requested for tonight’s gala.

Jack: Okay. I’ll go home and get ready for the gala. See you all tomorrow. (megawatt smile)

Bobby: Have fun. Keep an eye out for any beautiful and single ladies for me, Sparky? (smile and laughs)

Jack: What would Darcy do to you if she heard you ask me that? Crash, I’ll do my best. (laughs)

U.S. Italy Embassy 8pm Gala underway

Everyone seems to be having a good time. Prince Domenici has arrived and is making his way around the room. Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. Jack is standing guard, near the North entrance, he looks mighty fine in his black tuxedo.

A short time later, a woman with short auburn hair comes up behind Jack and taps him on the shoulder. She is wearing a black sequin gown and diamond earrings. He turns around and she says, “Special Agent Hudson. Good to see you again. It’s been a long time”. Jack is surprised, takes a minute to collect his thoughts. He stares at her and says; “Hello Renee Cabot. What are you doing here?”

Renee: It’s nice to know that you still remember me after all this time. To answer your question, I work as an attaché information officer for the embassy. You still look good, in fact you haven’t changed a bit since I last saw you, and that was 12 years ago. (smile)

Jack: Thanks, Renee. You look great. How long have you worked at the embassy? Why didn’t you bother to look me up? (smile)

Renee: I have lived in D.C. and worked for the embassy for 18 months. I have kept up with your success, mostly through reading articles about you in the newspaper. As for looking you up…I thought about calling you a million times. I would get up the nerve to dial your number but then at the last minute I chicken out. I am afraid of who might answer the phone on the other line. I mean what if you’re not alone?

Jack: Well, that’s one explanation. What happened to your journalism career?

Renee: I did that for 4 years. I became successful and I decided I wanted to try something new. So here I am. What about you? Why aren’t you a federal prosecutor? You always talked about opening your own law firm. I remember you telling me that. Those were the best days of my life just being with you. (smile)

Jack: After I started working with Judge Kendall, he made me realize I wanted to make more of a difference in this world. I wanted to serve my country the best way I know how. To have a valuable job, one where I know I am doing something good and honorable means so much to me. I love my job and enjoy waking up everyday to start the process all over again. Protecting our country from terrorism is what keeps me going, keeps me motivated all year long. Besides, this is what I always dreamed of doing anyway. You know, I can always go back to being an attorney for Department of Justice after I retire from the FBI. I might even open my own law firm with my old chums from law school. (smile)

Renee: That’s great news. I am so happy for you. I’m glad the country is in good hands. Do you still keep in touch with your friends from law school? (smile)

Jack: Yeah. Every few months we call each other up and talk about life, work, family, love, and finding happiness. Mark lives in D.C. so I get to see him fairly often. Trent and Bruce still live in Wisconsin. When I go back home to visit my parents, I stop by to visit them and always hang out together. (smile)

Renee: Great. Since you don’t have a ring on your finger, I assume that you are still single? I figured by now, someone would have snatched you up already. I mean, you’re still reasonably good-looking and charming as ever. What gives? (teases Jack)

Jack: Well, I don’t know whether I should be insulted or complimented by your statement. I don’t know, timing could be a factor, or maybe I choose not to be available at this time. To be honest, I do have a girlfriend. She is an amazing and wonderful person. What about you? (megawatt smile)

Renee: As for me, I like being single and lead a very busy life. That does not leave much time for romance. Besides men are more trouble than they are worth anyway. To be honest, I don’t really believe in love anymore. I think love can only happen in fairy-tales. And I’m just too old to believe in make-believe stories.

Jack: Sounds cynical. What happened to the free-spirited, ready to conquer the world, pretty girl I met twelve years ago?

Renee: Life happened, things changed, and I grew up. I am not the same person I was back then. Well, it was great seeing you again. But I have to talk to my co-workers about preparations for this week. We want Prince Domenici to have a splendid visit here in our nation’s capital. Call me sometime. I’ll make you dinner so we can catch up with each other. (smile)

Jack: Okay. I’ll do that. It was great seeing you tonight. Bye, Renee. (smile)