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Chapter or Story 
Chapter or Story
Under The Surface
Part 4
„Whop-ti-doo! You should have told me that we have family-picnic! I would have brought food!” Jarod just rolled his eyes. The people in the room just stared at them unmoving, shocked by her sudden appearence.
„Well, it certainly going to be more *fun* than yours!” In the same minute, Sydney stepped inside. The shock was evident on his face as he caught sight of Jarod’s family.
He was surprised to see them there but guessed that Jarod had a good reason for it. But he wasn’t sure that Miss.Parker had the same opinion. Jarod stepped forward to face her and he saw the storm coming. Slowly crossing her arms in front of her chest, her expression darkened as she raised her eyes to meet his gaze.
„I’m not on your side, Jarod, I’m on Broots’ side!” She began slowly. „This is just a fortune that in this case those are the same! Don’t play me or you get burnt.” She growled in a low voice.
„Parker, listen to me...” Jarod started angrily but she cut him off.
„No! *You* listen to me!” She said, this time almost shouting, pointing at him with one finger! „I’m risking my ass because I’m here *with* you and not *after* you as I would suppose to be! No one asked you to help but you interfered just like always! And now you bring your family here?! What the hell are they doing here?!” She asked finally what Jarod was waiting for.
„I had to bring them to somewhere safe!” He bit back! „And right now, this is the safest place for them because you wouldn’t call the Centre! Or would you, Parker?” He asked, the anger evident in his voice. She didn’t reply but Jarod saw that she was more than angry and he had to admit that it may be really too much. It was enough for her to keep it secret that she was with him and now his family.
„Parker, listen! They are going to stay as long as I’m here! After we found Broots, I disappear and they are coming with me. And they won’t return here... and you won’t have to lie to the Centre.”
„Oh, you’re so generous!” She said sarcastically. „And who said that after that I’m going to let you go?”. Jarod ignored her statement and replied.
„I never lied to you and you know that!” He said, looking into her eyes.
„Are you sure this was a good idea?” Sydney murmured as he stepped up to them, facing Jarod.
„I wanted Ethan to help and they wanted to come too because we haven’t seen each other for weeks!” Sydney just nodded in understanding and Parker couldn’t belive that he didn’t have anything against it.
„I need something!” Both men turned to her, thinking that she may have felt sick. Their expressions gave her the impression that they were worried but she wasn’t sure. Jarod’s intentions were... clearer for her but Sydney always hid his feelings and she wasn’t sure about him. Not hundred percent. Watching their faces, she added. „Something, possibly alcohol!”
„That’s not good for your ulcer!” They said all at once.
„Now that’s too weird!” She said in disbelief as she shook her head and walked out.
Jarod let out a sigh and turned to the people in the room. Ethan was still sitting with Debbie on the couch, while Major Charles stood at the window. He glanced at his sister, who was sitting on the other sofa with JJ and Zoe and suddenly he realised that they were all staring at him, they probably watched the whole scene. He noticed that they visibly found the situation awkward however this was just a ’light quarrel’ between them.
„Uhm... don’t worry she’s not always like that!” Jarod said with an uneasy smile.
„Yeah! She’s usually worse!” Sydney stated but Jarod was grateful that he was the only one who heared it.
„Are you sure it’s safe here, son?” The Major asked as he stepped forward with a worried look on his face.
„Yes! She’s like a snake, you know! The danger is always there around her but she sticks her poison-fang into you only in... self-defence.” He said tho he didn’t seem convinced either. „She won’t call the Centre!”
„I’m going to help her take out our suitcases from the car!” Sydney, who was standing there silently, murmured to Jarod before he turned around to leave.
„Wait! I help!” He said before he turned back to his father. „Dad, it’s going to be okey! I will handle the situation!” He said before he caught a ’really?’ look from his mentor.
Ben’s Inn
Outside
15.45 pm
Sydney and Jarod was just about to step outside when the Pretender felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around he noticed Ethan’s uncertain expression.
„Hey, big bro! Can I... before you...”
„Oh yeah, sure!” Jarod said as he realized what his younger brother was asking. „You’re probably one of the rare people here who can have normal conversation with her!”
Sydney watched silently as Jarod patted him at the arm before Ethan stepped outside, closing the transparent door behind him. Sydney was glad for Jarod because he seemed to be comfortable around his family in spite of those long lost years. It was a strange feeling for him to see him call Major Charles his father but somehow he didn’t feel jealousy at all. He knew that it meant a lot to him and that was what mattered and he could only see the positive affects on his protege, however it was obvious that with this reunion he had to be more careful because he was risking much more.
Ethan walked down the stairs and stopped at Miss.Parker’s car. He didn’t see her there and for a moment he considered to go back inside to find her when he spotted her. There was a glade not too far away from the porch and she was there, on a bench. He slowly walked to the glade and sat down silently. The sun wasn’t shining but the air was fresh and he enjoyed the peace and silence.
”Hi!” He said.
„Hi!” She replied, gently.
„The last time we talked, I didn’t think we were going to meet so soon.” A smile appeared on her face as she turned to him. „No, I mean...!”
„I know what you mean!” She reassured him as she saw the paniced look on his face when he thought he said something wrong. They were getting along fine but Ethan was still half as easy-going with people as she was. She at least had two type of feelings: love and hate. But her brother’s feelings weren’t so simple, however she was sure in one thing; Ethan considered her as his sister and loved her as his sister. And moreover he was the only one relative that hasn’t disappointed or hurt her and –what brought the twist into her entirely life- that she wasn’t surprised at all that she felt closer to him than to her twin, Lyle.
„The... uhm circumstances aren’t perfect now either but it’s... nice to be here... with you, you know! At least it isn’t so... urgent than the last time! I mean that the Centre can’t find us here!”
„I hope so!” She said as she smiled. She found it amusing to see him talk to her so honestly and couldn’t hold back a smile. Ethan finally looked at her.
„You should smile more often! You are more similar to her that way!” Suddenly her expression changed into a sad smile and she stood up.
„C’mon little brother! Help me bring up the suitcases!” Ethan couldn’t stop wondering about her. In one minute she was the Ice Queen and in the next one he saw a gentle, caring side of her that she managed to hide so well from everyone else.
„Okey, sis!”
„Awwe, let us stick to ’Parker’!”
„Oh, yeah Lyle, right?”
„How do you know it?” Ethan just shrugged and looked at her. He opened his mouth to speak but she was faster. „Ah never mind!” She waved with her hand and rolled her eyes. A small smile appeared on Ethan’s face as he stood up and reached out his elbow for her.
Ben’s Inn
Inside
15.50 pm
Walking into the kitchen both Jarod and Sydney spotted Ben as he was pouring tea into a lot of mugs. The whole room smelled wonderful from it and it reminded Jarod that he was thirsty.
„Mhm it smells wonderful, Ben!”
„Jarod! Sydney! Oh I was planning to bring these mugs into the living room but it seems I need help! Could you...”
„Yeah sure!” Jarod said as he stepped up to the table and picked up one tray.
„I’ll be back!” Sydney said before he disappeared.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs
15.55 pm
Sydney walked through the corridors, trying to find Miss.Parker. He found the car trunk emtpy so he guessed that Ethan must have helped her to bring up the suitcases but he didn’t know which was his room and he wanted to talk to her anyways. He spotted an open door at the end of the corridor on the left side. He heared voices flood out of it and guessed that she was there.
„Is it okey?” Ethan asked as he placed one suitcase on the bed.
„Yeah sure! But I told you, I could have handle it on my own!” Parker said, raising an eyebrow. They didn’t notice but Sydney stood silently at the doorway.
„I know!” Ethan said with a smile on his lips. „So... this room is speacial for you, isn’t it?” He asked uneasily, looking around.
„Yeah!” She said silently. „This room was... my...” He looked up at her. „...I mean our mother’s room!”
„Oh! It’s nice!”
„Yeah, Ben kept everything at it’s place! That’s how I found it... some years ago.”
„He must have been in love with her!”
„Well, it seems! But...”
„But?” Ethan raised his head.
„I don’t know! I always had that impression that... they were more of friends than lovers!” She said. „I never asked him but I just have that feeling!”
Sydney decided not to wait any longer and he gently knocked on the doorframe.
„I’m sorry for interrupting...”
„Oh Syd!” Parker turned to her, quickly regaining her usual façade.
„I’m just looking for my room and my suitcase!”
„It’s the one opposite mine!” She said.
„Oh and here’s your baggage!” Ethan said and bent down to pick up the suitcase that was standing next to his leg.
„Syd! You already know Ethan...”
„I’m glad to meet you again! But most of all, away from the Centre!” Sydney added as he reached out a hand for him.
„Yeah!” Ethan said and let out a chuckle at his remark! „You must be Sydney! I... I’ve heared from you!”
„Yeah it’s quite hard to avoid the mention of me if you hear about Jarod’s past!”
„Yeah but it wasn’t only Jarod that...” Suddenly Ethan caught a glimpse of Parker and suddenly changed his mind but it didn’t remain unnoticed by Sydney. „Yeah *Jarod* told about you a lot!” Sydney didn’t show but he was surprised. It was already the second time when he found out that Parker... talked about him to people that surely were important for her but most of all didn’t seem to say anything wrong about him, however they did have pretty ugly fights.
„Can I come in?” They heared a small voice coming from the door. Turning toward the voice they all noticed Debbie standing there, uncertain whether she should come in or not.
„Sure! The boys were just... leaving!” Parker said, glaring at Sydney and then Ethan.
„Yeah, sure!” Ethan said before he gave Debbie a smile and walked out while Sydney glanced at Parker before he followed him. Parker closed the door behind them and turned to Debbie as a small smile appeared on her face.
Ben’s Inn
Living Room
16.15 pm
Jarod opened his lap top and connected it to the outlet on the wall because the battery was already almost out. He started the type and after several seconds the Centre Mainframe appeared on the screen. A strange thought ran through his head; it would have been easier if Broots had been there because he was the one who knew the system but that was when he realised that he was accessing secret datas *because* of him. He wrote a new program that was going to help him to break the code but the problem was that it was going to take a while. Pushing the enter button, he started the program and leant back in his seat. Broots’ new security system was kind of a challenge even for him but it was just a matter of time. He just hoped that it won’t take long because Broots didn’t have too much time if the Centre was after him.
„You seem lost in thoughts!” Emily said as she watched her brother from the opposite seat. Jarod quickly raised his head, confused.
„Oh... sorry I was just...”
„Your brother can often remind you of a lost child!” Zoe said, making Emily giggle and Jarod just smiled at them as response. Suddenly the door opened up and Ethan and Sydney appeared in the room.
„Anything on Broots?” Sydney asked as he stopped next to Jarod, staring at the screen.
„Nothing yet! But I’ve prepared for the search. Where’s Parker, I need your help!”
„She’s upstairs! With Debbie!” Zoe just glanced at Emily with a worried look on her face.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs
Same time
„Sit down, Deb!” Parker said as she turned around and leant against the closed door. She watched as the young girl slowly walked to the bed and sat down. She seemed fine but Parker saw what the others –exept Jarod- didn’t see; the sadness in her eyes.
„That’s a nice room!” She stated, looking around.
„Yeah it belonged to my mother!”
„But now it’s yours, isn’t it?” Debbie asked, finally looking at her.
„Uhm... yes but I don’t often come here!”
„Why?”
„You know because of my work!”
„Oh, yeah! It’s nice here! I wish Daddy was here to see it!” Parker stepped away from the door and walked to the bed before she sat down next to her.
„Don’t worry honey! You’re going to see him soon!” The girl nodded and a small smile appeared on her face.
Ben’s Inn
Living Room
16.20 pm
„Hey Jarod! You know I support you in everything but don’t you think it’s too dangerous to have a Centre operative here?” Zoe said, reffering to Miss Parker. „Okey two but you don’t seem to mean any harm!” She added as she looked at Sydney. His brows furrowed as he glanced at Jarod.
„First of all, she has more rights to be here than we! Second, she won’t call the Centre because we have to find Broots! You don’t know him but... he doesn’t deserve that fate! Everything will be alright! Trust me!” He said, letting out a sigh.
„I trust you! But I don’t trust *her*!”
„We need her for the search, that we should begin by the way! Broots doesn’t have time!” Jarod said as he glanced at the screen to make sure everything was fine.
„That’s right!” Miss Parker announced as she stepped inside. „So!” She stopped in front of him, her arms crossed. „What does Boywonder say?” Jarod just smiled and his typical ’gotcha’ grin appeared on his face as he raised his head to look at her.
„I need to know what did he do the last time you saw him or...” Major Charles stepped inside the room, immediately noticing them. He walked in silently and watched them as Jarod rose from his seat to look into her eyes. With this move he was taller than her again, trying to equalize the dominance.
„Or?”
„I need to know what did you ask him to find this time!” She raised an eyebrow and in that moment Sydney couldn’t see how did Jarod imagine the ’common’ work with her. She was always the boss and he was the only one who’s advices she listened at all.
„Nothing!” Sydney replied instead of her. „Parker brought me home but Broots said that he still had something to do!”
„So something must have happened after you left!”
„Oh now I see there’s a reason why they call you genius!”
„Thank you Miss.Parker! I take that as a compliment!” Jarod replied, his smile never leaving his face. Parker just gave him a fake smile that didn’t last longer than one second. „I have to access the... ” he took a deep breath while he considered whether he should tell it to them while Parker was there but he decided to go ahead. She has changed and no matter how she tried to hide it he knew that she oftend turned a blind eye to things regarding him since their return from Cathris. „... the security records!”
Parker just turned around and walked to the mini-bar that she spotted when she entered. Taking out a glass, she spotted a bottle on the shelf and a small smile appeared on her face. Sydney watched as Jarod typed in something but nothing changed.
„The program hasn’t broken the code yet. We have to wait!” He said as he looked up at Sydney. Jarod saw the worried look on his face and knew that he was concerned for Broots. Letting out a sigh, he turned his head to look at his father who hadn’t said a word since he stepped in.
„Who’s this guy?” The Major asked.
„He’s a tech in the Centre! He’s a member of the pursuit-team!” He saw his father’s confused expression and added. „He had no idea what the Centre was doing when he joined them. It was too late when he realized what he had to do. So he’s... working with my huntress!” He added in a teasing tone as he turned his head toward her. She just raised her glass at him before she drank it. She immediately caught sight of Sydney’s disapproving look and said:
„It’s just scotch!” She said in a frustrated tone.
„So you want to find him? Together?” Jarod’s father interrupted. Unlikely Zoe and his daughter he didn’t feel himself in danger because of Miss Parker’s presence.
„Yes! Unity is a power that’s able to move mountains!” Jarod replied, looking into the Major’s eyes but it was obvious that he was talking to someone else.
„Mostly if at least the half pushes it to the same direction!” Parker added in her usual tone as she raised her glass to take another sip.
Jarod just blinked slowly as he turned his head toward her. In that moment the Major decided not to say anything more and try and stay out of their case. Seeing his face, Ethan couldn’t hold back the smile. All of a sudden Miss.Parker’s phone rang but it didn’t really bothered them. Reaching to her back, she took out her cell.
„What?” She growled. It did get the attention of Sydney however and he watched as her expression changed. „Mr.Raines!” At the mention of the name everyone froze in place, even Parker was visibly shocked. „[__] What the hell do you want?” She growled in a deep voice. „I’m on my way to catch Jarod! [__] Why do my phone work on a plane? Have you ever heared of *changing* plane? [__] In Chicago! I’m waiting for Sydney! [__]” Her expression suddenly turned into a frown and it was obvious that she was surprised! „Why? [__] Sure! *Sir*!” She added in an annoyed tone before she shut her cell. „Now that was what I needed!” She murmured under her breath before she drank the whole content of her glass.
„What did he want?” Sydney asked, tho he obviously wasn’t the only one who wanted to know.
„Personal!” She said sternly, gazing into his eyes. She was cold and her blue eyes reminded him of the ice. Sydney knew that he wasn’t going to get out anything of her so he decided to try and find it out later.
„Does he suspect anything?” Jarod asked as he kept his attention on the screen.
„No! He’s sitting on a platform and runs his circus!”
„Can they trace the line?” Sydney asked.
„No!” Jarod replied before Parker could have said anything. „I could manage to ’clear the line’ but that was all that I could do! They can still trace who calls you!” He said as he turned to her.
„Now this is the point when I should say thank you?” She asked. Jarod just threw an angry look at her before he turned his attention back to the screen!
„What do we do now?” Ethan asked his brother.
„We wait!” Jarod said. Parker put her glass down to the table of the mini-bar and took out her cell. On her way out of the room, she opened it and they caught a sentence before she exited.
„Sam! I want you to...!” And with that she left. Jarod just glanced at Sydney for a second and knew that they were thinking the same. Parker was in ’action’ again and they both knew, when she’s in action, it takes more than a man to stop her.
To be continued...
Yeah well, Im *ALWAYS* happy to get feedbacks. Good or bad… dont care just drop me a line! *winks*
Part 4
„Whop-ti-doo! You should have told me that we have family-picnic! I would have brought food!” Jarod just rolled his eyes. The people in the room just stared at them unmoving, shocked by her sudden appearence.
„Well, it certainly going to be more *fun* than yours!” In the same minute, Sydney stepped inside. The shock was evident on his face as he caught sight of Jarod’s family.
He was surprised to see them there but guessed that Jarod had a good reason for it. But he wasn’t sure that Miss.Parker had the same opinion. Jarod stepped forward to face her and he saw the storm coming. Slowly crossing her arms in front of her chest, her expression darkened as she raised her eyes to meet his gaze.
„I’m not on your side, Jarod, I’m on Broots’ side!” She began slowly. „This is just a fortune that in this case those are the same! Don’t play me or you get burnt.” She growled in a low voice.
„Parker, listen to me...” Jarod started angrily but she cut him off.
„No! *You* listen to me!” She said, this time almost shouting, pointing at him with one finger! „I’m risking my ass because I’m here *with* you and not *after* you as I would suppose to be! No one asked you to help but you interfered just like always! And now you bring your family here?! What the hell are they doing here?!” She asked finally what Jarod was waiting for.
„I had to bring them to somewhere safe!” He bit back! „And right now, this is the safest place for them because you wouldn’t call the Centre! Or would you, Parker?” He asked, the anger evident in his voice. She didn’t reply but Jarod saw that she was more than angry and he had to admit that it may be really too much. It was enough for her to keep it secret that she was with him and now his family.
„Parker, listen! They are going to stay as long as I’m here! After we found Broots, I disappear and they are coming with me. And they won’t return here... and you won’t have to lie to the Centre.”
„Oh, you’re so generous!” She said sarcastically. „And who said that after that I’m going to let you go?”. Jarod ignored her statement and replied.
„I never lied to you and you know that!” He said, looking into her eyes.
„Are you sure this was a good idea?” Sydney murmured as he stepped up to them, facing Jarod.
„I wanted Ethan to help and they wanted to come too because we haven’t seen each other for weeks!” Sydney just nodded in understanding and Parker couldn’t belive that he didn’t have anything against it.
„I need something!” Both men turned to her, thinking that she may have felt sick. Their expressions gave her the impression that they were worried but she wasn’t sure. Jarod’s intentions were... clearer for her but Sydney always hid his feelings and she wasn’t sure about him. Not hundred percent. Watching their faces, she added. „Something, possibly alcohol!”
„That’s not good for your ulcer!” They said all at once.
„Now that’s too weird!” She said in disbelief as she shook her head and walked out.
Jarod let out a sigh and turned to the people in the room. Ethan was still sitting with Debbie on the couch, while Major Charles stood at the window. He glanced at his sister, who was sitting on the other sofa with JJ and Zoe and suddenly he realised that they were all staring at him, they probably watched the whole scene. He noticed that they visibly found the situation awkward however this was just a ’light quarrel’ between them.
„Uhm... don’t worry she’s not always like that!” Jarod said with an uneasy smile.
„Yeah! She’s usually worse!” Sydney stated but Jarod was grateful that he was the only one who heared it.
„Are you sure it’s safe here, son?” The Major asked as he stepped forward with a worried look on his face.
„Yes! She’s like a snake, you know! The danger is always there around her but she sticks her poison-fang into you only in... self-defence.” He said tho he didn’t seem convinced either. „She won’t call the Centre!”
„I’m going to help her take out our suitcases from the car!” Sydney, who was standing there silently, murmured to Jarod before he turned around to leave.
„Wait! I help!” He said before he turned back to his father. „Dad, it’s going to be okey! I will handle the situation!” He said before he caught a ’really?’ look from his mentor.
Ben’s Inn
Outside
15.45 pm
Sydney and Jarod was just about to step outside when the Pretender felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around he noticed Ethan’s uncertain expression.
„Hey, big bro! Can I... before you...”
„Oh yeah, sure!” Jarod said as he realized what his younger brother was asking. „You’re probably one of the rare people here who can have normal conversation with her!”
Sydney watched silently as Jarod patted him at the arm before Ethan stepped outside, closing the transparent door behind him. Sydney was glad for Jarod because he seemed to be comfortable around his family in spite of those long lost years. It was a strange feeling for him to see him call Major Charles his father but somehow he didn’t feel jealousy at all. He knew that it meant a lot to him and that was what mattered and he could only see the positive affects on his protege, however it was obvious that with this reunion he had to be more careful because he was risking much more.
Ethan walked down the stairs and stopped at Miss.Parker’s car. He didn’t see her there and for a moment he considered to go back inside to find her when he spotted her. There was a glade not too far away from the porch and she was there, on a bench. He slowly walked to the glade and sat down silently. The sun wasn’t shining but the air was fresh and he enjoyed the peace and silence.
”Hi!” He said.
„Hi!” She replied, gently.
„The last time we talked, I didn’t think we were going to meet so soon.” A smile appeared on her face as she turned to him. „No, I mean...!”
„I know what you mean!” She reassured him as she saw the paniced look on his face when he thought he said something wrong. They were getting along fine but Ethan was still half as easy-going with people as she was. She at least had two type of feelings: love and hate. But her brother’s feelings weren’t so simple, however she was sure in one thing; Ethan considered her as his sister and loved her as his sister. And moreover he was the only one relative that hasn’t disappointed or hurt her and –what brought the twist into her entirely life- that she wasn’t surprised at all that she felt closer to him than to her twin, Lyle.
„The... uhm circumstances aren’t perfect now either but it’s... nice to be here... with you, you know! At least it isn’t so... urgent than the last time! I mean that the Centre can’t find us here!”
„I hope so!” She said as she smiled. She found it amusing to see him talk to her so honestly and couldn’t hold back a smile. Ethan finally looked at her.
„You should smile more often! You are more similar to her that way!” Suddenly her expression changed into a sad smile and she stood up.
„C’mon little brother! Help me bring up the suitcases!” Ethan couldn’t stop wondering about her. In one minute she was the Ice Queen and in the next one he saw a gentle, caring side of her that she managed to hide so well from everyone else.
„Okey, sis!”
„Awwe, let us stick to ’Parker’!”
„Oh, yeah Lyle, right?”
„How do you know it?” Ethan just shrugged and looked at her. He opened his mouth to speak but she was faster. „Ah never mind!” She waved with her hand and rolled her eyes. A small smile appeared on Ethan’s face as he stood up and reached out his elbow for her.
Ben’s Inn
Inside
15.50 pm
Walking into the kitchen both Jarod and Sydney spotted Ben as he was pouring tea into a lot of mugs. The whole room smelled wonderful from it and it reminded Jarod that he was thirsty.
„Mhm it smells wonderful, Ben!”
„Jarod! Sydney! Oh I was planning to bring these mugs into the living room but it seems I need help! Could you...”
„Yeah sure!” Jarod said as he stepped up to the table and picked up one tray.
„I’ll be back!” Sydney said before he disappeared.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs
15.55 pm
Sydney walked through the corridors, trying to find Miss.Parker. He found the car trunk emtpy so he guessed that Ethan must have helped her to bring up the suitcases but he didn’t know which was his room and he wanted to talk to her anyways. He spotted an open door at the end of the corridor on the left side. He heared voices flood out of it and guessed that she was there.
„Is it okey?” Ethan asked as he placed one suitcase on the bed.
„Yeah sure! But I told you, I could have handle it on my own!” Parker said, raising an eyebrow. They didn’t notice but Sydney stood silently at the doorway.
„I know!” Ethan said with a smile on his lips. „So... this room is speacial for you, isn’t it?” He asked uneasily, looking around.
„Yeah!” She said silently. „This room was... my...” He looked up at her. „...I mean our mother’s room!”
„Oh! It’s nice!”
„Yeah, Ben kept everything at it’s place! That’s how I found it... some years ago.”
„He must have been in love with her!”
„Well, it seems! But...”
„But?” Ethan raised his head.
„I don’t know! I always had that impression that... they were more of friends than lovers!” She said. „I never asked him but I just have that feeling!”
Sydney decided not to wait any longer and he gently knocked on the doorframe.
„I’m sorry for interrupting...”
„Oh Syd!” Parker turned to her, quickly regaining her usual façade.
„I’m just looking for my room and my suitcase!”
„It’s the one opposite mine!” She said.
„Oh and here’s your baggage!” Ethan said and bent down to pick up the suitcase that was standing next to his leg.
„Syd! You already know Ethan...”
„I’m glad to meet you again! But most of all, away from the Centre!” Sydney added as he reached out a hand for him.
„Yeah!” Ethan said and let out a chuckle at his remark! „You must be Sydney! I... I’ve heared from you!”
„Yeah it’s quite hard to avoid the mention of me if you hear about Jarod’s past!”
„Yeah but it wasn’t only Jarod that...” Suddenly Ethan caught a glimpse of Parker and suddenly changed his mind but it didn’t remain unnoticed by Sydney. „Yeah *Jarod* told about you a lot!” Sydney didn’t show but he was surprised. It was already the second time when he found out that Parker... talked about him to people that surely were important for her but most of all didn’t seem to say anything wrong about him, however they did have pretty ugly fights.
„Can I come in?” They heared a small voice coming from the door. Turning toward the voice they all noticed Debbie standing there, uncertain whether she should come in or not.
„Sure! The boys were just... leaving!” Parker said, glaring at Sydney and then Ethan.
„Yeah, sure!” Ethan said before he gave Debbie a smile and walked out while Sydney glanced at Parker before he followed him. Parker closed the door behind them and turned to Debbie as a small smile appeared on her face.
Ben’s Inn
Living Room
16.15 pm
Jarod opened his lap top and connected it to the outlet on the wall because the battery was already almost out. He started the type and after several seconds the Centre Mainframe appeared on the screen. A strange thought ran through his head; it would have been easier if Broots had been there because he was the one who knew the system but that was when he realised that he was accessing secret datas *because* of him. He wrote a new program that was going to help him to break the code but the problem was that it was going to take a while. Pushing the enter button, he started the program and leant back in his seat. Broots’ new security system was kind of a challenge even for him but it was just a matter of time. He just hoped that it won’t take long because Broots didn’t have too much time if the Centre was after him.
„You seem lost in thoughts!” Emily said as she watched her brother from the opposite seat. Jarod quickly raised his head, confused.
„Oh... sorry I was just...”
„Your brother can often remind you of a lost child!” Zoe said, making Emily giggle and Jarod just smiled at them as response. Suddenly the door opened up and Ethan and Sydney appeared in the room.
„Anything on Broots?” Sydney asked as he stopped next to Jarod, staring at the screen.
„Nothing yet! But I’ve prepared for the search. Where’s Parker, I need your help!”
„She’s upstairs! With Debbie!” Zoe just glanced at Emily with a worried look on her face.
Ben’s Inn
Upstairs
Same time
„Sit down, Deb!” Parker said as she turned around and leant against the closed door. She watched as the young girl slowly walked to the bed and sat down. She seemed fine but Parker saw what the others –exept Jarod- didn’t see; the sadness in her eyes.
„That’s a nice room!” She stated, looking around.
„Yeah it belonged to my mother!”
„But now it’s yours, isn’t it?” Debbie asked, finally looking at her.
„Uhm... yes but I don’t often come here!”
„Why?”
„You know because of my work!”
„Oh, yeah! It’s nice here! I wish Daddy was here to see it!” Parker stepped away from the door and walked to the bed before she sat down next to her.
„Don’t worry honey! You’re going to see him soon!” The girl nodded and a small smile appeared on her face.
Ben’s Inn
Living Room
16.20 pm
„Hey Jarod! You know I support you in everything but don’t you think it’s too dangerous to have a Centre operative here?” Zoe said, reffering to Miss Parker. „Okey two but you don’t seem to mean any harm!” She added as she looked at Sydney. His brows furrowed as he glanced at Jarod.
„First of all, she has more rights to be here than we! Second, she won’t call the Centre because we have to find Broots! You don’t know him but... he doesn’t deserve that fate! Everything will be alright! Trust me!” He said, letting out a sigh.
„I trust you! But I don’t trust *her*!”
„We need her for the search, that we should begin by the way! Broots doesn’t have time!” Jarod said as he glanced at the screen to make sure everything was fine.
„That’s right!” Miss Parker announced as she stepped inside. „So!” She stopped in front of him, her arms crossed. „What does Boywonder say?” Jarod just smiled and his typical ’gotcha’ grin appeared on his face as he raised his head to look at her.
„I need to know what did he do the last time you saw him or...” Major Charles stepped inside the room, immediately noticing them. He walked in silently and watched them as Jarod rose from his seat to look into her eyes. With this move he was taller than her again, trying to equalize the dominance.
„Or?”
„I need to know what did you ask him to find this time!” She raised an eyebrow and in that moment Sydney couldn’t see how did Jarod imagine the ’common’ work with her. She was always the boss and he was the only one who’s advices she listened at all.
„Nothing!” Sydney replied instead of her. „Parker brought me home but Broots said that he still had something to do!”
„So something must have happened after you left!”
„Oh now I see there’s a reason why they call you genius!”
„Thank you Miss.Parker! I take that as a compliment!” Jarod replied, his smile never leaving his face. Parker just gave him a fake smile that didn’t last longer than one second. „I have to access the... ” he took a deep breath while he considered whether he should tell it to them while Parker was there but he decided to go ahead. She has changed and no matter how she tried to hide it he knew that she oftend turned a blind eye to things regarding him since their return from Cathris. „... the security records!”
Parker just turned around and walked to the mini-bar that she spotted when she entered. Taking out a glass, she spotted a bottle on the shelf and a small smile appeared on her face. Sydney watched as Jarod typed in something but nothing changed.
„The program hasn’t broken the code yet. We have to wait!” He said as he looked up at Sydney. Jarod saw the worried look on his face and knew that he was concerned for Broots. Letting out a sigh, he turned his head to look at his father who hadn’t said a word since he stepped in.
„Who’s this guy?” The Major asked.
„He’s a tech in the Centre! He’s a member of the pursuit-team!” He saw his father’s confused expression and added. „He had no idea what the Centre was doing when he joined them. It was too late when he realized what he had to do. So he’s... working with my huntress!” He added in a teasing tone as he turned his head toward her. She just raised her glass at him before she drank it. She immediately caught sight of Sydney’s disapproving look and said:
„It’s just scotch!” She said in a frustrated tone.
„So you want to find him? Together?” Jarod’s father interrupted. Unlikely Zoe and his daughter he didn’t feel himself in danger because of Miss Parker’s presence.
„Yes! Unity is a power that’s able to move mountains!” Jarod replied, looking into the Major’s eyes but it was obvious that he was talking to someone else.
„Mostly if at least the half pushes it to the same direction!” Parker added in her usual tone as she raised her glass to take another sip.
Jarod just blinked slowly as he turned his head toward her. In that moment the Major decided not to say anything more and try and stay out of their case. Seeing his face, Ethan couldn’t hold back the smile. All of a sudden Miss.Parker’s phone rang but it didn’t really bothered them. Reaching to her back, she took out her cell.
„What?” She growled. It did get the attention of Sydney however and he watched as her expression changed. „Mr.Raines!” At the mention of the name everyone froze in place, even Parker was visibly shocked. „[__] What the hell do you want?” She growled in a deep voice. „I’m on my way to catch Jarod! [__] Why do my phone work on a plane? Have you ever heared of *changing* plane? [__] In Chicago! I’m waiting for Sydney! [__]” Her expression suddenly turned into a frown and it was obvious that she was surprised! „Why? [__] Sure! *Sir*!” She added in an annoyed tone before she shut her cell. „Now that was what I needed!” She murmured under her breath before she drank the whole content of her glass.
„What did he want?” Sydney asked, tho he obviously wasn’t the only one who wanted to know.
„Personal!” She said sternly, gazing into his eyes. She was cold and her blue eyes reminded him of the ice. Sydney knew that he wasn’t going to get out anything of her so he decided to try and find it out later.
„Does he suspect anything?” Jarod asked as he kept his attention on the screen.
„No! He’s sitting on a platform and runs his circus!”
„Can they trace the line?” Sydney asked.
„No!” Jarod replied before Parker could have said anything. „I could manage to ’clear the line’ but that was all that I could do! They can still trace who calls you!” He said as he turned to her.
„Now this is the point when I should say thank you?” She asked. Jarod just threw an angry look at her before he turned his attention back to the screen!
„What do we do now?” Ethan asked his brother.
„We wait!” Jarod said. Parker put her glass down to the table of the mini-bar and took out her cell. On her way out of the room, she opened it and they caught a sentence before she exited.
„Sam! I want you to...!” And with that she left. Jarod just glanced at Sydney for a second and knew that they were thinking the same. Parker was in ’action’ again and they both knew, when she’s in action, it takes more than a man to stop her.
To be continued...
Yeah well, Im *ALWAYS* happy to get feedbacks. Good or bad… dont care just drop me a line! *winks*
